Does the type of conductor used within an isolated power system (IPS) make any difference?
Issue:
Installation/setup
Product Line:
Hospital Isolated Power Systems
Environment:
NFPA99, NEC517.160
Cause:
Using the proper wire for an isolated power system is important: 1) in order to comply with NEC insulation color requirements, as well as 2) to have a functioning system with minimal hazard current.
Resolution:
Yes, the type of conductor used in an isolated power system (IPS) matters. The NEC mandates special coloration for the insulating jacket of the conductor. We also recommend a specific wire type for its insulating characteristics. Please note the following two details:
1. Special color: NEC 517.160 (A) (5) Conductor Identification.
The isolated circuit conductors shall be identified as follows:
(1) Isolated Conductor No. 1 — Orange with at least one distinctive colored stripe other than white, green, or gray along the entire length of the conductor
(2) Isolated Conductor No. 2 — Brown with at least one distinctive colored stripe other than white, green, or gray along the entire length of the conductor
2. Schneider Electric recommends using cross-linked, polyethylene wire with a dielectric constant of 3.5 or less The mostly widely available wire for this application is low-leakage wire type XHHW or XHHW-2.
Installation/setup
Product Line:
Hospital Isolated Power Systems
Environment:
NFPA99, NEC517.160
Cause:
Using the proper wire for an isolated power system is important: 1) in order to comply with NEC insulation color requirements, as well as 2) to have a functioning system with minimal hazard current.
Resolution:
Yes, the type of conductor used in an isolated power system (IPS) matters. The NEC mandates special coloration for the insulating jacket of the conductor. We also recommend a specific wire type for its insulating characteristics. Please note the following two details:
1. Special color: NEC 517.160 (A) (5) Conductor Identification.
The isolated circuit conductors shall be identified as follows:
(1) Isolated Conductor No. 1 — Orange with at least one distinctive colored stripe other than white, green, or gray along the entire length of the conductor
(2) Isolated Conductor No. 2 — Brown with at least one distinctive colored stripe other than white, green, or gray along the entire length of the conductor
2. Schneider Electric recommends using cross-linked, polyethylene wire with a dielectric constant of 3.5 or less The mostly widely available wire for this application is low-leakage wire type XHHW or XHHW-2.
Released for: Schneider Electric USA
