UPS and IPS....

[whazza22]

Hi there,

I know that a UPS is an Uninterruptable Power Supply and is a battery backup for a mains failure, but what is the difference between UPS and IPS?

I have seen IPS being referred to as Isolated Power Suppy, Instant Power Supply, Integrated Power Supply and Isolated Power Supply. Which one should it be referred to???

Finally, how does IPS work? I was dealing with a fault on a circuit being monitored by an IPS system and was showing an "Insulation Fault" and "Earth Fault" on the local panel. I discovered it was due to a soaking wet extension lead. How did this not trip the circuit breaker in the panel as there was a short circuit on the extension lead?

Thanks

 

[spark 68]

Is this an IT system ?

 

[whazza22]

Yes, its in an hospital as well

 

[spark 68]

Then IPS could mean several things, Insulation Protection System ? or Integrated Protection System ? or as you say Isolated ???

There is an excellent article posted on here:
http://www.electriciansforums.net/i...-installations/35297-system-testing-info.html
somewhere about IT systems, this is probably why it did not trip aswell (first fault tolerant)

I have had nothing to do with this system myself, only read bits and pieces, but Iam sure some of the more experienced members on here will know a lot more than me on this interesting subject.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Is this the "non conducting location" thing spark?.........

 

[spark 68]

Is this the "non conducting location" thing spark?.........​

Not sure to be honest, as I said I have had nothing to do with this system.

There are several classes AFAIK, this system is fault tolerant (on first fault), which is partly why it's use is restricted, it is also monitored and AFAIK under supervision, I think it's used in hospitals and the like where loss of supply is deemed more serious (life support ?) than a first fault, as far as I can make out anyway.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Its just the hospitals thing as they contain "non conducting locations" such as operating theatres etc but maybe i am wrong and just being dizzy int head..lol....

 

[spark 68]

Its just the hospitals thing as they contain "non conducting locations" such as operating theatres etc

Probably a combination of things, I suppose unless you are used to working with this system, as it is a very specialised branch of this trade and not your usual install.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Probably a combination of things, I suppose unless you are used to working with this system, as it is a very specialised branch of this trade and not your usual install.

Yeah mate we`v been told that the chances of coming across an IT system and/or non conducting locations are very few and far between in fact.... they said that we probably never come across an IT system in our working lives..............

 

[spark 68]

I have come across non-conducting locations before (TV/white goods repair workshops etc.) with rubber mats, isolation transformers and earth free locations, but never an IT system.

It is a very interesting system though, I wonder where you get trained to work with this system ?

 

[Engineer54]

Not sure about UK hospital operating theatres and the like, where such an IT earthing system would certainly be employed. But the German system, which is basically the standard most classify as the international standard, the floor is Always purposely made ''Conductive'' and tested regulary to ensure it remains conductive. Usually a vinyl type flooring with a high carbon content, laid on a matrix grid of a thin copper tape, that is connected to the PA earthing system. I'm pretty sure that the new Reg's covering Medical rooms will be employing the German standard DIN/VDE 007 (i think that's the number)


Sorry, i should explain there are two earth systems in a class 2A/B medical room, one that connects all electrical earths (PE) and the other that connects all other earths (PA) ...both come back to star point earth bars in the OP electrical panel, that are connected together by a removable 16mm link conductor.

 

[Engineer54]

I have come across non-conducting locations before (TV/white goods repair workshops etc.) with rubber mats, isolation transformers and earth free locations, but never an IT system.

It is a very interesting system though, I wonder where you get trained to work with this system ?

The system here, has a lot to do with trying to eliminate static enhanced situations that can do untold damage to many types of different IT chips and other sensitive electronic components. Not so much in the way of enhanced safety electrical protection to persons...

 

[Knobhead]

I was always under the impression that conductive flooring was to prevent the poor sod on the table getting static shocks. As an apprentice we had a lad at collage with us that worked in a hospital, he had to test the conductivity of the theatre staffs footwear!

 

[Engineer54]

I was always under the impression that conductive flooring was to prevent the poor sod on the table getting static shocks. As an apprentice we had a lad at collage with us that worked in a hospital, he had to test the conductivity of the theatre staffs footwear!

The operating table is also purposely earthed normally to a multiple earthing point on the Operating theatre wall, via an earthing conductor Plug and socket connection. I think they are normally a 6 point earthing outlet plate, that take purpose made banana type plugs... Usually there are 2 such points in a standard Operating theatre...

 

[Oruka Iruka]

I've had an iPS related trouble too. A long beep every 3 seconds with LED "communication indicator" is RED. It seems battery is missing. How can I do to solve this problem?