System Installation Guidelines

Wiring Connections

Expansion and contraction rates vary among different metals. Therefore, the integrity of an electrical connection depends on the restraining force applied. Connections that are too tight compress or deform the hardware and cause it to weaken. This usually leads to high impedance preventing circuit breakers from tripping when needed or can contribute to a buildup of high frequency noise.

	CAUTION: Connections that are too loose or too tight can have a high impedance that cause serious problems, such as erratic equipment operation. A high impedance connection overheats and sometimes causes fire or high temperatures that can destroy hard-to-replace components such as distribution panels or system bus bars.

Wiring connections must be properly torqued. Many equipment manufacturers specify the proper connection torque values for their hardware.

Ground connections must only be made on a conductive, nonpainted surface. When equipment vibration is present, lockwashers must be used on all connections to prevent connection hardware from working loose.

Data Communications Cables

Power transformers create high-energy fields in the form of electromagnetic interference (EMI). Heavy foot traffic can create electrostatic discharge (ESD) that can damage electronic components. Route data communications cables away from these areas. Use shielded data communications cables that meet approved industry standards to reduce the effects of external fields.