MTS Landmark Testing Systems - Manual (Page 10)

Landmark Test System Site Prep Guide 10 Facility Preparation
Grounding Requirements
Each system has its own internal grounding system, which is common grounded
through the green or green/yellow wire in the power cable and must also return to
earth ground, through the conduit of the electrical distribution system. Note that
the green or green/yellow wire must not be a current-carrying conductor or a
neutral conductor. A ground strap is provided to tie the load unit assembly
directly to the console cabinet.
Where electrical power is of poor quality (noise spikes, poorly regulated, and so
forth) or the ground system in the facility contains electrical noise, attach a 4
AWG wire directly to a good earth ground point such as a 6 ft (2 m) copper
grounding rod driven at least 6 ft (2 m) into the ground. Grounding must conform
to local electrical codes.
Console Control Power
Electrical power to the system controls should be filtered from outside RF
interference and line regulated to provide 105-130 Vac or 200-240 Vac, 50-60
Hz. An isolated power source or uninterruptible power supply is recommended if
it is desirable to maintain control power for longer than the delay built into the
control electronics (approximately one second). Make sure that the service to the
Landmark System is not on a line that can be accidentally shut off. Power
supplied to the Landmark System should be on an isolated circuit, or on its own
transformer from the main power box.
Radiated Emissions
Operation of the Landmark System can be affected by sources of electromagnetic
interference (EMI) that are near the system controls, computer, instrumentation
cables, and related peripheral equipment. Common sources of EMI are electric
motors, broadcast systems, high-voltage power lines, power tools, mobile
communications, radar, vehicle ignition systems, static electricity, induction
heaters, fluorescent lights, and lightning. The effects of EMI are unpredictable,
additional grounding and shielding might be necessary. Techniques such as using
screen cages or other metal surfaces around the system, along with good
grounding practices and proper storage of magnetic memory medium, are
recommended.
Fixture and Specimen Handling Considerations
Movement of specimens in and out of the test system must be considered early in
the planning of the site layout. With smaller specimens, the use of a rolling work
cart with lift-off storage drawers is often recommended to facilitate the handling
of specimens and to minimize the chance of damage to the specimens prior to
and after the test. As specimen size and fixturing increase beyond the typical
lifting capacity of laboratory personnel, use of an overhead crane, lifting straps,
or a forklift might be necessary to handle specimens or fixtures.
If the load unit does not have hydraulic lifts and locks, an overhead crane or other
suitable lifting device can be used to change the crosshead position to
accommodate specimen or fixture length.