Re: CLASS 11(DOUBLE INSULATED) 2/3-CORE CABLE

2001-11-13 Thread John Woodgate

I read in !emc-pstc that Rich Nute ri...@sdd.hp.com wrote (in
20022357.paa03...@epgc196.sdd.hp.com) about 'CLASS 11(DOUBLE
INSULATED)  2/3-CORE CABLE', on Mon, 12 Nov 2001:



Hi John:


   No; France and Norway have 'IT' systems, in which grounding is only to
   prevent static charge build-up; the neutral is grounded through an
   impedance at the sub-station. AIUI, this is used in mountainous
   districts where ground paths are long and of low conductivity. There are
   significant differences between the French and Norwegian systems.

Can you please explain what those differences are?


I don't know at present, but I may be able to find out next week. The
explanation I have seen was said by some people in EDF to be wrong, and
they should know!
-- 
Regards, John Woodgate, OOO - Own Opinions Only. http://www.jmwa.demon.co.uk 
Eat mink and be dreary!

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Re: CLASS 11(DOUBLE INSULATED) 2/3-CORE CABLE

2001-11-13 Thread Rich Nute




Hi John:


   No; France and Norway have 'IT' systems, in which grounding is only to
   prevent static charge build-up; the neutral is grounded through an
   impedance at the sub-station. AIUI, this is used in mountainous
   districts where ground paths are long and of low conductivity. There are
   significant differences between the French and Norwegian systems.

Can you please explain what those differences are?


Thanks, and best regards,
Rich


Richard Nute
Hewlett-Packard Company
San Diego






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Re: CLASS 11(DOUBLE INSULATED) 2/3-CORE CABLE

2001-11-06 Thread John Woodgate

I read in !emc-pstc that Ted Rook t...@crestaudio.com wrote (in
sbe6c255@peavey.com) about 'CLASS 11(DOUBLE INSULATED)  2/3-CORE
CABLE', on Mon, 5 Nov 2001:
Could the grounding safety issues we are confronted by have been avoided if 
the 
incoming AC supply had remained 'balanced' that is, not referenced to local 
ground anywhere?

No; France and Norway have 'IT' systems, in which grounding is only to
prevent static charge build-up; the neutral is grounded through an
impedance at the sub-station. AIUI, this is used in mountainous
districts where ground paths are long and of low conductivity. There are
significant differences between the French and Norwegian systems.

Or to put it another way. 

Some where along the way it was decided to ground the neutral at the premises 
entrance. Why?

This applies in the US and many European countries, but not to UK or
France.

What is the advantage? and to whom?

 Several advantages, to the user and to the utility.

I feel I should already know the answer, but I don't.

Any offers?

- Multiple grounding reduces 'ground lift' with high-current faults;

- Reduced ground return impedance ensures that protective devices
operate on live to ground faults;

- Protection against open-neutral faults, capable of frying cables and
installations.

(which reminds me of the fact that it was the catalog of an American parts 
supplier which taught me why we have fused domestic plugs in the UK and not 
elsewhere; because the UK domestic wiring uses ring distribution through the 
house. The ring has a single thirty amp rated fuse and so can supply over 
twice 
the current rating of an individual outlet. Primary protection takes place 
inside the appliance outlet plug which has 13A fuse rating. The resettable 
magnetic breakers that are so familiar to everyone in 120V territory are 
unknown 
in the UK.) 

Not so; the rings in my house have 32 A miniature breakers, not fuses.
The lighting circuits have 6 A breakers. The water heater has a 16 A
breaker.
-- 
Regards, John Woodgate, OOO - Own Opinions Only. http://www.jmwa.demon.co.uk 
Eat mink and be dreary!

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RE: CLASS 11(DOUBLE INSULATED) 2/3-CORE CABLE

2001-11-05 Thread Ted Rook

Could the grounding safety issues we are confronted by have been avoided if the 
incoming AC supply had remained 'balanced' that is, not referenced to local 
ground anywhere?

Or to put it another way. 

Some where along the way it was decided to ground the neutral at the premises 
entrance. Why?

What is the advantage? and to whom?

I feel I should already know the answer, but I don't.

Any offers?

(which reminds me of the fact that it was the catalog of an American parts 
supplier which taught me why we have fused domestic plugs in the UK and not 
elsewhere; because the UK domestic wiring uses ring distribution through the 
house. The ring has a single thirty amp rated fuse and so can supply over twice 
the current rating of an individual outlet. Primary protection takes place 
inside the appliance outlet plug which has 13A fuse rating. The resettable 
magnetic breakers that are so familiar to everyone in 120V territory are 
unknown in the UK.) 

Newbie here. Brit working in US.


Best Regards

Ted Rook
Crest Audio
201 909 8700 ext 213

 geor...@lexmark.com 05-Nov-01 1:46:15 PM 



Several years ago I had the need to explain this same issue.
Similarly most of the inquiries came from the U.K.  Here are
some exerpts from a white paper done to address this issue:

***

This document addresses the nature and safety of two-wire
ITE products.

The international safety standard for ITE is IEC 60950. The
referenced sections of IEC 60950 below are generally the same
in unique country standards.

SHOCK PROTECTION

A major aspect of product safety for ITE is protection against
electric shock.  There are three equally acceptable methods of
achieving this protection (section 1.2.4).   Class I equipment
employs only basic insulation, but ties all accessible
conductive parts to a ground pin to protect the user in the
event of a failure of the basic insulation.  Such equipment requires
a three-wire line cord and a reliable path to earth ground.
Class II equipment uses double or reinforced insulation
between primary voltage and accessible conductive parts to protect
against electric shock.  Such equipment uses a two-wire line cord,
is not dependent on the integrity of the building's grounding system,
and typically displays the square within a square symbol denoting
double insulation.  ITE products which contain no hazardous voltages
(e.g. less than 42.4Vpk/60Vdc) are approved as Class III devices.

NATURE OF CLASS II

There is one aspect of Class II equipment that can confuse end users.
Because no earth ground path is required or available, accessible
conductive parts will float to some voltage less than the applied
mains voltage.  Typically this may be one-half of the mains voltage.
This voltage is not considered a hazard under the standards as the
available current cannot exceed the 250uA specified in Table 17 of
section 5.2.2.  Some individuals may be able to feel a slight tingle
or shock at this low current level, although no electric shock
injury should result.

FINAL COMMENTS

If a user is aware of a voltage on an accessible part, and suspects a hazardous
condition, some simple tests can be performed to eliminate this concern.


George Alspaugh



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RE: CLASS 11(DOUBLE INSULATED) 2/3-CORE CABLE

2001-11-05 Thread Gregg Kervill

REMEMBER THE EMC FILTER!

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Re: CLASS 11(DOUBLE INSULATED) 2/3-CORE CABLE

2001-11-05 Thread John Woodgate

I read in !emc-pstc that geor...@lexmark.com wrote (in 200111051917.OAA
13...@interlock2.lexmark.com) about 'CLASS 11(DOUBLE INSULATED) 
2/3-CORE CABLE', on Mon, 5 Nov 2001:
A word of history on Class I vs. Class II, as I understand it.

In the beginning there was no such thing as earth grounding in
homes and offices for the needed electrical appliances.  The
equivalent of our present double insulation was required to prevent
against electric shock.

No, those old products were 'Class 0' - basic insulation only. Class 0
is banned in most countries now. Looking inside one of those old
products makes you shudder now. 
-- 
Regards, John Woodgate, OOO - Own Opinions Only. http://www.jmwa.demon.co.uk 
Eat mink and be dreary!

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Re: CLASS 11(DOUBLE INSULATED) 2/3-CORE CABLE

2001-11-05 Thread John Woodgate

I read in !emc-pstc that Andrew Wood andrew.w...@landinst.com wrote
(in e49d8b319a2fd5119e2808002bc33c591c8...@landuk1.landinst.com) about
'CLASS 11(DOUBLE INSULATED)  2/3-CORE CABLE', on Mon, 5 Nov 2001:

All
I have a piece of equipment falling under the scope of EN6010.

Is that a typo or do you really think that is the number?

 To set the scene 
it is a low volume product, approx 0.5m cube, stainless steel enclosure and 
will 
sit on a bench in food cold storage areas. Mains lead connects via IP68 
connector.
It incorporates a SMPS  for universal mains operation ( current draw approx 
0.3A).

Because of problems ensuring  a reliable earth in some locations for its 
predecessor, I have specifically designed it to be Class2 (double insulated). 
Therefore safe for all markets.

Now, ironically, I am encountering some unease with the UK sales dept. After 
all everyone KNOWS that a metal box should be earthed. (I don't dismiss this 
attitude lightly because it is no doubt shared by some of the customer base.)  
Technically there is no problem with providing a 3-core cable and connecting 
up 
the earth conductor. And after all if 2 levels of protection is good, 3 levels 
is better.

Option 1 is obviously to stick with the design as is and educate 
sales/customers 
where necessary.

If you provide the product with a moulded-on mains plug, they'll never
know it's Class 2 unless they read the rating label!

Are you sure that the capacitance between the internals and the metal
case is low enough for there to be no detectable 'touch current' if
someone touches earth with one hand and your box with the other? Such a
detectable current is not hazardous but is extremely aversive - people
won't like working with the product if it 'bites', even gently.

Assume that all the internals are at half mains voltage to true earth,
i.e. 115 V in UK. Now you need to get the touch current down to 0.5 mA
at most, preferably 0.3 mA. 115 V and 0.3 mA means 8.3 nF maximum
capacitance. Possible, with care.

Will your SMPS meet the conducted emission limits with no earth
connection?

Option 2 is to provide a 3core product for the some markets and a 2core 
product 
for others. This goes against the original intention to have a universal 
product.

Yes. not convenient at all.

Is there an option 3? ie provide 3core cable and explain in the manual that 
product is designed to be safe without an earth but the earth may be fitted if 
desired. What about the square in square symbol?

If you provide a 3-core cable, you MUST NOT refer to the product as
'Class 2' or put the double-square symbol on it. But you can explain in
the instructions book, if you want to.


-- 
Regards, John Woodgate, OOO - Own Opinions Only. http://www.jmwa.demon.co.uk 
Eat mink and be dreary!

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Re: CLASS 11(DOUBLE INSULATED) 2/3-CORE CABLE

2001-11-05 Thread georgea



A word of history on Class I vs. Class II, as I understand it.

In the beginning there was no such thing as earth grounding in
homes and offices for the needed electrical appliances.  The
equivalent of our present double insulation was required to prevent
against electric shock.

When structures began to include earth grounded outlets, this
method of protection required only basic insulation, i.e. cheaper
for the average appliance cost of materials, hence a rapid use
of Class I designs.

However, given what I know about each, I prefer Class II devices
for home appliances and tools, as there is no dependence on the
ground path, which may be compromised in the device, the cord,
extension cords, house wiring, and so on.

Just my personal opinion.

George Alspaugh



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RE: CLASS 11(DOUBLE INSULATED) 2/3-CORE CABLE

2001-11-05 Thread georgea



Several years ago I had the need to explain this same issue.
Similarly most of the inquiries came from the U.K.  Here are
some exerpts from a white paper done to address this issue:

***

This document addresses the nature and safety of two-wire
ITE products.

The international safety standard for ITE is IEC 60950. The
referenced sections of IEC 60950 below are generally the same
in unique country standards.

SHOCK PROTECTION

A major aspect of product safety for ITE is protection against
electric shock.  There are three equally acceptable methods of
achieving this protection (section 1.2.4).   Class I equipment
employs only basic insulation, but ties all accessible
conductive parts to a ground pin to protect the user in the
event of a failure of the basic insulation.  Such equipment requires
a three-wire line cord and a reliable path to earth ground.
Class II equipment uses double or reinforced insulation
between primary voltage and accessible conductive parts to protect
against electric shock.  Such equipment uses a two-wire line cord,
is not dependent on the integrity of the building's grounding system,
and typically displays the square within a square symbol denoting
double insulation.  ITE products which contain no hazardous voltages
(e.g. less than 42.4Vpk/60Vdc) are approved as Class III devices.

NATURE OF CLASS II

There is one aspect of Class II equipment that can confuse end users.
Because no earth ground path is required or available, accessible
conductive parts will float to some voltage less than the applied
mains voltage.  Typically this may be one-half of the mains voltage.
This voltage is not considered a hazard under the standards as the
available current cannot exceed the 250uA specified in Table 17 of
section 5.2.2.  Some individuals may be able to feel a slight tingle
or shock at this low current level, although no electric shock
injury should result.

FINAL COMMENTS

If a user is aware of a voltage on an accessible part, and suspects a hazardous
condition, some simple tests can be performed to eliminate this concern.


George Alspaugh



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Re: CLASS 11(DOUBLE INSULATED) 2/3-CORE CABLE

2001-11-05 Thread Andrew Carson

At home my video recorder, hi-fi and Satellite box, have  metal outer 
enclosure. But are supplied by a two pin IEC320 C8 connector, running back to a 
UK three pin plug. The earth core is simply not present in the power cord. 
Products are marked
with the Square within a Square and the manuals state they are double 
insulated, not reliant on a protective earth. So your option three and pretty 
standard practice for such domestic goods.

If you decide to run an earth to the chassis, or follow the product may be 
earthed if so desired route. Then I advise you look in EN60950  sec 2.6.2 for 
the requirements on Functional Earthing to ensure you are still meeting all the 
spacing and
insulation requirements for a double insulation and SELV circuits.


As usual my opinion, not that of my employers.


Andrew Wood wrote:

 All
 I have a piece of equipment falling under the scope of EN6010. To set the 
 scene it is a low volume product, approx 0.5m cube, stainless steel enclosure 
 and will sit on a bench in food cold storage areas. Mains lead connects via 
 IP68 connector.
 It incorporates a SMPS  for universal mains operation ( current draw approx 
 0.3A).

 Because of problems ensuring  a reliable earth in some locations for its 
 predecessor, I have specifically designed it to be Class2 (double insulated). 
 Therefore safe for all markets.

 Now, ironically, I am encountering some unease with the UK sales dept. 
 After all everyone KNOWS that a metal box should be earthed. (I don't dismiss 
 this attitude lightly because it is no doubt shared by some of the customer 
 base.)
 Technically there is no problem with providing a 3-core cable and connecting 
 up the earth conductor. And after all if 2 levels of protection is good, 3 
 levels is better.

 Option 1 is obviously to stick with the design as is and educate 
 sales/customers where necessary.

 Option 2 is to provide a 3core product for the some markets and a 2core 
 product for others. This goes against the original intention to have a 
 universal product.

 Is there an option 3? ie provide 3core cable and explain in the manual that 
 product is designed to be safe without an earth but the earth may be fitted 
 if desired. What about the square in square symbol?

 I'm sure that I'm not the first to be looking at these questions. Any and all 
 thoughts would be appreciated.
 Best regards, Andy.

 Andrew Wood
 Engineer (Specials)

 Land Instruments International
 England

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RE: CLASS 11(DOUBLE INSULATED) 2/3-CORE CABLE

2001-11-05 Thread Allen, John

Andrew 

Don't try to explain that double insulation and earthing are both acceptable
alternatives - only 1 persion in 10 will understand and the public won't
care!

Option 1 
- I think knowledgeable technical people in most countries would actually
prefer this for the reasons you mention in your 2nd paragraph - but there
are very few of these technical people.

Option 2 
- Messy  open to continued confusion for everybody - including your own
staff.

Option 3
- Provided there is double insulation between the hazardous parts and the
metal case, remove the double-insulation mark )not allowed on a Class II
product) and provide installation instructions as for a normal earthed
product (i.e. MUST be earthed). Then if someone does not earth it the
product should still be safe. (This is the way Rich Nute often explains
the use of double-insulation in many of HP's earthed products.)


My preference is Option 3 - almost the least effort and probably the least
customer and marketing hostile reactions (but it will cost a little more
for the cable and strain relief). #

Additionally it might (or might not?) help with any static control problems
- which can get quite nasty in cold areas where the humidity is very low -
and with any equipotentialisation problems which could occur because
cold-stores are metal walled.

Regards

John Allen

-Original Message-
From: Andrew Wood [mailto:andrew.w...@landinst.com]
Sent: 05 November 2001 14:27
To: 'emc-pstc'
Subject: CLASS 11(DOUBLE INSULATED)  2/3-CORE CABLE



All
I have a piece of equipment falling under the scope of EN6010. To set the
scene it is a low volume product, approx 0.5m cube, stainless steel
enclosure and will sit on a bench in food cold storage areas. Mains lead
connects via IP68 connector.
It incorporates a SMPS  for universal mains operation ( current draw approx
0.3A).

Because of problems ensuring  a reliable earth in some locations for its
predecessor, I have specifically designed it to be Class2 (double
insulated). Therefore safe for all markets.

Now, ironically, I am encountering some unease with the UK sales dept.
After all everyone KNOWS that a metal box should be earthed. (I don't
dismiss this attitude lightly because it is no doubt shared by some of the
customer base.)  
Technically there is no problem with providing a 3-core cable and connecting
up the earth conductor. And after all if 2 levels of protection is good, 3
levels is better.

Option 1 is obviously to stick with the design as is and educate
sales/customers where necessary.

Option 2 is to provide a 3core product for the some markets and a 2core
product for others. This goes against the original intention to have a
universal product.

Is there an option 3? ie provide 3core cable and explain in the manual that
product is designed to be safe without an earth but the earth may be fitted
if desired. What about the square in square symbol?


I'm sure that I'm not the first to be looking at these questions. Any and
all thoughts would be appreciated.
Best regards, Andy.

Andrew Wood
Engineer (Specials)

Land Instruments International
England





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