Iso Ground

[stevo]

Can anyone tell me how to run an iso ground exactly?

[Jacksnap]

Need lots of info on this one. Resi or commercial? What type of wiring/conductors being used? What size conductors and max. amperage of circuit? Plastic or metal boxes? What is being used for raceway, if any? Application?

[stevo]

Residential bedroom computer outlets 15 amp plastic boxes romex. Can I group all together in 4 brs 15 amp? Just for the computers

[suemarkp]

Frankly, I wouldn't bother, as I believe IG requirements for computers are way overrated in most installations. If you're using NM cable, an isolated ground doesn't really buy you much as its already effectively isolated from everything except other loads directly connected to the circuit. If you want to minimize interference between equipment, then just run a dedicated circuit for each computer. But in a bedroom this will cost you, because it must be AFCI protected.

[Jacksnap]

The very best protection would come from a UPS, aka; uninterruptible power supply. These not only offer great protection from surges, but also keep the computer up and running for a few (and more) minutes in the event of power outage. This serves 2 purposes by giving you a chance to save your work and letting you shut down your equipment normally, instead of shocking it. A good UPS should be capable in handling all devices, wattage wise, in each system (printers, monitor, etc). You'll need one for each computer.
Most UPS come with a manufacturer's insurance policy to reimburse you for full cost of equipment destroyed due to UPS failure to protect. UPS are handled by most computer sales stores.

[suemarkp]

Be aware that there are two flavors of UPSs -- ones that continuously generate the signal from a DC source, and those that just bypass until the power quits and then switch to a generated signal from a DC source. There are names for these two types, but I forget what they are.

The second type are what you'll find at most home and office stores and most UPS's in the 1000 VA and under class. These don't help much if at all with surges. But they should ride your computer through a short term power failure.

The first type are great as a clean signal is being generated al of the time, but cost much more and are usually available only in the larger sizes (2KVA and up). They tyipcally cost about $1 per VA. I'm not sure they are worth the cost any more though, as computers seem better able to survive power hits. The UPS costs you continually in wasted power dissipation and periodic battery replacements. If its important that a computer stay up, then a UPS and a generator are about all you can do.