Talking modest power levels <1kW AC input here: PC mounted IEC inlets have been available for some time with excellent strength and isolation performance. We like the PC mount arrangement because it avoids the prep and assembly work required for discrete wire termination of the L and N connections.
The inlet we use (Schurter, no connection) has a short spur on the E terminal to which we DO attach a discrete wire which then terminates on the approved protective ground mechanical terminal. At the same time E is also distributed along with L and N to the power supply input circuit. We are required to ensure that the earth wire is secured to the E terminal using a mechanically secure attachment prior to solder. We could also use 'Fastons' 'spade lugs but some European labs, VDE I think, require crimp construction that grips both the conductor and the insulation. In our case a mechanically secure solder joint has been preferred. Primary protection is provided by PCB mounted 20 x 5 mm fuse. PCB traces are 1oz copper plated to 2oz. So far we have run into no testing problems with UL6500 for safety. Ground fault current issues have not been raised. This is pretty elementary stuff, but you did ask ;-) Best Regards Ted Rook, Console Engineering, ext 4659 Please note our new location and phone numbers: Crest Audio Inc, 16-00 Pollitt Drive Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 USA 201 475 4600 telephone receptionist, 8.30 - 5 pm EST. 201 475 4659 direct line w/voice mail, 24 hrs. 201 475 4677 fax, 24 hrs. This message is from the IEEE EMC Society Product Safety Technical Committee emc-pstc discussion list. Visit our web site at: http://www.ewh.ieee.org/soc/emcs/pstc/ To cancel your subscription, send mail to: [email protected] with the single line: unsubscribe emc-pstc For help, send mail to the list administrators: Ron Pickard: [email protected] Dave Heald: [email protected] For policy questions, send mail to: Richard Nute: [email protected] Jim Bacher: [email protected] Archive is being moved, we will announce when it is back on-line. All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at: http://www.ieeecommunities.org/emc-pstc
