[chewy]

When I do a network upgrade of a school, there has to be a dual data and 2x dual power outlets for every computer position. Normally there are existing data and power so I just replace the cat5 with cat6 leave the power and add another power beside it. When adding the power I run a new circuit and that circuit feeds 2 classrooms which equals 6 dual outlets, theyre labelled what phase they come off and the breaker number. I do this so the Certificate of Compliance only covers the work we do and we arent held responsible for other peoples work which is usually of a low standard in the schools and its quicker than identifying and the existing circuits which I would then have to do a earth loop impedence test on and have to label every outlet.

The inspector from the PM company not electrical inspector but an electrician said we had created a hazard because there was now 415 volts potential between 2 outlets 50mm apart. I said if it was that much of an issue then outlets wouldnt be put within reach of children in schools in any case.

What are your guys thoughts on this? Is there a code reference from the NEC that addresses this not that it is applicable to me Im just interested.

 

[FrunkSlammer]

damn 415 volts and kids will be stickin paper clips in there?

 

[chewy]

damn 415 volts and kids will be stickin paper clips in there?

Its kind of a darwinian thing in my opinion. A paper clip wouldnt reach.

 

[FrunkSlammer]

I dunno... like you said, some kid will win that Darwin Award.

Beef up the insurance policy.

 

[chewy]

I dunno... like you said, some kid will win that Darwin Award.

Beef up the insurance policy.

You know whats sad though? Even at just the 230v possible shock from a kid sticking scissors in an outlet and leaning on a steel bench or whatever. We label the cover plates "ICT use only - Not RCD protected" and apparently that will stop a 5yo sticking something in there.

 

[macmikeman]

The nominal voltages used every day in countries outside North America would keel them sissies on the CMP panels for the NEC right the frunk over.

 

[chewy]

The nominal voltages used every day in countries outside North America would keel them sissies on the CMP panels for the NEC right the frunk over.

You guys have higher amperages to compensate though no? All household appliances can be run off of 10amp outlets. Except for oven and rangehob all in ones which are 20amp.

 

[macmikeman]

Wiring for you guys must be like running the tv cables is for us.....

Couple hours and a bell hanger bit.

 

[chewy]

Wiring for you guys must be like running the tv cables is for us.....

Couple hours and a bell hanger bit.

For resi its all romex and only has to be clipped with 600mm of a manhole. Its pretty bad, I dont like it. Commercial we put grids of coated fencing wire up and zip tie the cables to them with a main arterial route of cable tray. Tray work here can get as anal as you guys with pipe and theres some great work out there.

 

[FrunkSlammer]

What size of copper do you run for 10amp outlets? And how many outlets do you put on a circuit? (generally speaking)

Out here running at 120V to ground.. we wind up with A LOT of circuits for a modest sized house.

 

[chewy]

What size of copper do you run for 10amp outlets? And how many outlets do you put on a circuit? (generally speaking)

Out here running at 120V to ground.. we wind up with A LOT of circuits for a modest sized house.

2.5mm2 romex and maximum of 10 outlets iirc. I havent started my code and theory classes yet.

 

[macmikeman]

There goes some more of that mmmmmmmmm mmmmmmmm mmmmm chit...

 

[TOOL_5150]

You know whats sad though? Even at just the 230v possible shock from a kid sticking scissors in an outlet and leaning on a steel bench or whatever. We label the cover plates "ICT use only - Not RCD protected" and apparently that will stop a 5yo sticking something in there.

natural selection.

 

[Ultrafault]

How is this 415 volts acheived?

 

[FrunkSlammer]

2.5mm^2 googles to basically #14awg.. same as we use.

 

[chewy]

How is this 415 volts acheived?

The difference between 2 phases. Ie - one outlet on red phase and the one next to it on white phase is what he mentioned.

 

[99cents]

How is this 415 volts acheived?

I think it's a 240/415 Wye. The inspector is saying that two receptacles on different phases 2" apart are dangerous. If a kid stuck a pair of scissors between the two receptacles it would create a 415V accident.

I don't know, he might have a point. Two receptacles side by side on the same phase would certainly be safer. I have never heard of it, though.

chewy, do you use white to identify a phase? What colour do you use for neutral?

 

[chewy]

I think it's a 240/415 Wye. The inspector is saying that two receptacles on different phases 2" apart are dangerous. If a kid stuck a pair of scissors between the two receptacles it would create a 415V accident.

I don't know, he might have a point. Two receptacles side by side on the same phase would certainly be safer. I have never heard of it, though.

chewy, do you use white to identify a phase? What colour do you use for neutral?

Red White and Blue for phases, Black for Neutral and Green Green/Yellow for earth.

 

[99cents]

I think your inspector's concerns have some validity. Even if it isn't in the code book, if he works for facilities management, you have to go by his rules anyway. Your potential phase to phase is 415V and from phase to same phase is zero. Of course, you still have the potential of a phase to neutral/ground accident of 240V but he is trying to minimize the risk.

 

[bobelectric]

Black for Neutral

Hey, We invented electric up here and you got it all upside down.