Hospital Isolated Power Panels
Hospital Isolated Power Panels
(OP)
Hi, I am new to this forum and hope someone can lead me in the right direction.
I have been a service technician at a local hospital for years providing power quality monitoring, infrared inspections, energized and de-energized equipment maintenance, and troubleshooting on many aspects of the hospital systems.
Recently I have been asked to put together a preventitive maintenance program on the Isolated Power Panel boards located in a section of the hospital. The panel boards are Square D 100A 240/120V IPP type with IsoGuard Line Monitors, some older Series A and a few Series D.
I am somewhat familiar with NFPA 99 and NEC 517-160 requirements and was wondering if someone could help me locate recommended PM's and/or testing procedures (preferbly energized) to prove the LIM's operation.
Thanks for any help!
I have been a service technician at a local hospital for years providing power quality monitoring, infrared inspections, energized and de-energized equipment maintenance, and troubleshooting on many aspects of the hospital systems.
Recently I have been asked to put together a preventitive maintenance program on the Isolated Power Panel boards located in a section of the hospital. The panel boards are Square D 100A 240/120V IPP type with IsoGuard Line Monitors, some older Series A and a few Series D.
I am somewhat familiar with NFPA 99 and NEC 517-160 requirements and was wondering if someone could help me locate recommended PM's and/or testing procedures (preferbly energized) to prove the LIM's operation.
Thanks for any help!






RE: Hospital Isolated Power Panels
Mike
RE: Hospital Isolated Power Panels
They do not want to offer their procedures they just want to perform them. :)
RE: Hospital Isolated Power Panels
RE: Hospital Isolated Power Panels
The main concern is adequate grounding and correct initial installation, and regular testing of the alarms.
Check to verify that all wiring is correct. I have found some of these units wired incorrectly with the main breaker wired in the wrong place in the circuit. Check the manufacturer's diagram, but I believe the Main C/B is supposed to be connected on the primary of the transformer instead of just ahead of the feeder C/Bs.
Once the grounds to each protected circuit are tested, usually by a ground test set from each device ground lug to the appropriate ground point, a test is made at each device to provide a resistance between each line connection and ground which would cause the set amperage (typically 5mA) to flow. This will cause the alarm to sound.
A plug-in GFI tester can be used for this purpose, but the best method is to use it in conjunction with a Hospital-rated testset (such as a BioTek) so that you can reverse polarity and test both sides of the circuit to ground(there is no real 'hot' wire in this system).
You could also perform a zero-out adjustment of the analog meter, exercise the C/Bs, and check the panel test button for correct operation.
Unfortunately, to perform most of these procedures correctly, you will have to be allowed to de-energize the system at some points.
RE: Hospital Isolated Power Panels
By using cord and male cap I would allow current to flow from (normally) hot side to ground, you think I should dupicate test from neutral side to ground as well?
I will be allowed to de-energize the system on a room by room vacancy basis.
Thanks!
RE: Hospital Isolated Power Panels
RE: Hospital Isolated Power Panels