Help us improve your experience.

Let us know what you think.

Do you have time for a two-minute survey?

 
 

DC Power Electrical Safety Guidelines

  • A DC-powered device is equipped with a DC terminal block that is rated for the power requirements of a maximally configured device.

  • For permanently connected equipment, a readily accessible disconnect device shall be incorporated external to the equipment.

  • For pluggable equipment, the socket-outlet shall be installed near the equipment and shall be easily accessible.

  • Be sure to connect the ground wire or conduit to a solid central office earth ground.

  • A closed loop ring is recommended for terminating the ground conductor at the ground stud.

  • Run two wires from the circuit breaker box to a source of 48 VDC.

  • A DC-powered device that is equipped with a DC terminal block is intended only for installation in a restricted-access location. In the United States, a restricted-access area is one in accordance with Articles 110-16, 110-17, and 110-18 of the National Electrical Code ANSI/NFPA 70.

    Note:

    Primary overcurrent protection is provided by the building circuit breaker. This breaker must protect against excess currents, short circuits, and earth grounding faults in accordance with NEC ANSI/NFPA 70.

  • Ensure that the polarity of the DC input wiring is correct. Under certain conditions, connections with reversed polarity might trip the primary circuit breaker or damage the equipment.

  • The marked input voltage of –48 VDC for a DC-powered device is the nominal voltage associated with the battery circuit, and any higher voltages are only to be associated with float voltages for the charging function.

  • Because the device is a positive ground system, you must connect the positive lead to the terminal labeled RTN, the negative lead to the terminal labeled –48 VDC, and the earth ground to the device grounding points.