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 mp !ircuit
"efore# $% Recommended# % to &
'eutrals "efore# (ull si)e or downsi)ed neutral
*on %+phase systems,
Recommended# -se double si)e
neutral *!".M, or larger
"efore# One neutral shared among
equipment *on $+phase branch,
Recommended# /eparate neutrals or
upsi)ed neutral bac0 to panel
1hase !onductors "efore# /tandard phase conductor
si)ing per code
Recommended# -se upsi)ed phase
conductors to minimi)e heating for
harmonics
!ircuits "efore# !an shared among many
outlets and uses
Recommended# -se separate circuits
for harmonic+sensitive loads
2rounding "efore# !an use metal conduit as
grounding conductor
Recommended# -se separate
insulated wire as grounding conductor
"efore# 3ownsi)ed grounding
conductor
Recommended# -se full si)e or over
si)e grounding conductor
"efore# *!ommercial45ndustrial, Must
use metal water pipe and a concrete+
encased electrode *if available,
Recommended# -se a copper ground
ring and multiple interconnected
ground rods
"efore# -se a second ground rod if first
is over 26 ohms *no resistance
measurement required,
Recommended# -se multiple rods or
ring and measure to ensure very low
resistance to ground
"efore# ccess floor for equipotential
grid in computer mainframe room
Recommended# -se copper system for
equipotential grid
"efore# 'o lightning or surge protection Recommended# -se lightning and
surge protection
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