Joel, et al, Many great comments have been made in this discussion so far; thanx to the PSNet folks experience being shared here. From an operational point of view equipment either depends upon earthing (the second level of protection after the basic insulation) or double insulation for protection from electric shock. We have come to learn from our lengthy discussions in developing the new Hazard Based standard that there are conditions which are outside the control of the equipment manufacturer and, when they occur, are abnormal situations. The availability of earth is one of these; it may not be properly connected in some situations or it may not be provided (such as in Japan or Netherlands or Norway) because of the local electrical system codes and practice. In either case our standards limit the current in the earthing conductor to prevent hazardous electric shock. The connection within the equipment must be robust and not accidentally defeated during maintenance or repair. The use of a single earthing connection for the principle ground is appropriate here. The use of lockwahsers and double nuts is another good practice for additional connections where they cannot be independently done. Further, standards keep moving to a performance based set of requirements rather than a construction based set. This makes it difficult to pass good practice along in our business. So we need to listen to the experienced practitioners and carry these good practices along. This is not as satisfying as being able to point out the specific wording in your standard, but it makes good sense solutions for many cases.
:>) br, Pete Peter E Perkins, PO Box 23427 Tigard, ORe 97281-3427 503/452-1201 fone/fax p.perk...@ieee.org - ---------------------------------------------------------------- This message is from the IEEE Product Safety Engineering Society emc-pstc discussion list. Website: http://www.ieee-pses.org/ To post a message to the list, send your e-mail to emc-p...@ieee.org Instructions: http://listserv.ieee.org/request/user-guide.html List rules: http://www.ieee-pses.org/listrules.html For help, send mail to the list administrators: Scott Douglas emcp...@ptcnh.net Mike Cantwell mcantw...@ieee.org For policy questions, send mail to: Jim Bacher: j.bac...@ieee.org David Heald: emc-p...@daveheald.com All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at: http://www.ieeecommunities.org/emc-pstc