Electrical

Wiring for Power Quality

The table below illustrates some of the new wiring practices recommended to achieve a high level of power quality. Many of the "before" practices are still reflected in building codes today.

Receptacle Outlets per 20 Amp Circuit	Before: 13	Recommended: 3 to 6
Neutrals	Before: Full size or downsized neutral (on 3-phase systems)	Recommended: Use double size neutral (CBEMA) or larger
Neutrals	Before: One neutral shared among equipment (on 1-phase branch)	Recommended: Separate neutrals or upsized neutral back to panel
Phase Conductors	Before: Standard phase conductor sizing per code	Recommended: Use upsized phase conductors to minimize heating for harmonics
Circuits	Before: Can shared among many outlets and uses	Recommended: Use separate circuits for harmonic-sensitive loads
Grounding	Before: Can use metal conduit as grounding conductor	Recommended: Use separate insulated wire as grounding conductor
	Before: Downsized grounding conductor	Recommended: Use full size or over size grounding conductor
	Before: (Commercial/Industrial) Must use metal water pipe and a concrete-encased electrode (if available)	Recommended: Use a copper ground ring and multiple interconnected ground rods
	Before: Use a second ground rod if first is over 25 ohms (no resistance measurement required)	Recommended: Use multiple rods or ring and measure to ensure very low resistance to ground
	Before: Access floor for equipotential grid in computer mainframe room	Recommended: Use copper system for equipotential grid
	Before: No lightning or surge protection	Recommended: Use lightning and surge protection

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