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Earthing wire gauge question

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  • 16-01-2011 11:10am
    #1
    10-10-20
    Registered Users Posts: 7,162 ✭✭✭


    We're doing a small data-centre/lab refit.
    The previous racks had PDU's (C13) which included a earthing strap, but the newer and fancier PDU's do not have this facility. The run back to the panel will be completed by the in-house electrician, but I have to couple the racks together tomorrow and buy the earth cable today (Sunday) before we refit the servers, so my question is:

    Each rack has a 16A single-phase feed with a common earth at the panel, fitted with RCD's. I will couple each of the racks with suitable fittings, but I need to know whether the earthing needs to have the same current carrying capacity as the feed, ie 16A or can I use wiring suitable for ~13A?

    As the lab has open access, it's inherently unsafe, so I need to be sure that the protection is operational so I'll ask them for an earth bonding test once I'm finished.


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    #2
    beanie10
    Closed Accounts Posts: 466 ✭✭beanie10


    No the earth does not need to be the same size as earth is not classed as a current carrying conductor. In all t&e cables the earth is a fraction the size of live and neutral. You should be using a 10sq clean earth to earth the cabinet.


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    #3
    10-10-20
    Registered Users Posts: 7,162 ✭✭✭10-10-20


    Thanks Beanie. Facilities confirmed the same today. I'll buy 2.5 sq.


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