Appendix A: Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
Spirit II User’s Manual
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A-2
Assessment of Area
Before installing plasma cutting equipment, the user shall make an assessment of
potential electromagnetic problems in the surrounding area. The following shall be
taken into account:
a) other supply cables, control cables, signaling and telephone cables; above, below
and adjacent to the plasma cutting equipment;
b) radio and television transmitters and receivers;
c) computer and other control equipment;
d) safety critical equipment, e.g. guarding of industrial equipment;
e) the health of the people around, e.g. the use of pacemakers and hearing aids;
f) equipment used for calibration or measurement;
g) the immunity of other equipment in the environment; the user shall ensure that other
equipment being used in the environment is compatible; this may require additional
protection measures;
h) the time of day that plasma cutting or other activities are to be carried out.
The size of the surrounding area to be considered will depend on the structure of the
building and other activities that are taking place. The surrounding area may extend
beyond the boundaries of the premises.
Methods of Reducing Emissions
Mains Supply
Plasma cutting equipment should be connected to the mains supply according to the
manufacturer’s recommendations. If interference occurs, it may be necessary to take
additional precautions such as filtering of the mains supply. Consideration should be
given to shielding the supply cable of permanently installed plasma cutting equipment in
metallic conduit or equivalent. Shielding should be electrically continuous throughout its
length. The shielding should be connected to the plasma power source so that good
electrical contact is maintained between the conduit and the plasma power source
enclosure.
Maintenance of the Plasma Cutting Equipment
The plasma cutting equipment should be routinely maintained according to the
manufacturer’s recommendations. All access and service doors and covers should be
closed and properly fastened when the plasma cutting equipment is in operation. The
plasma cutting equipment should not be modified in any way except for those changes
and adjustments covered in the manufacturer’s instructions. In particular, the spark
gaps (if the system includes ACS with RHF) and stabilizing devices should be adjusted
and maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Plasma Cutting Cables
The plasma cutting cables should be kept as short as possible and should be positioned
close together, running at or close to the floor level.
