Power Sources

DOE-HDBK-1092-2004

10.8.1 POWER SOURCES

10.8.1.1 HAZARDS

1. Internal component failure can cause excessive voltages. Internal component open-circuit

failure in capacitor banks and Marx generators can result in full voltages across components

that may not be appropriately discharged in the usual manner.

2. Internal component shorts in capacitor banks and Marx generators can result in excessive

fault current, causing extreme heat, overpressurization of capacitor enclosures, and rupture.

3. Overloading or improper cooling of power supplies can cause excessive temperature rise.

4. Output circuits and components can remain energized after input power is interrupted.

5. Auxiliary and control power circuits can remain energized after the main power circuit is

interrupted.

6. When power supplies serve more than one experiment, errors made when switching

between experiments may create hazards to personnel.

7. R&D electrical apparatus may contain large amounts of stored energy, requiring fault

analysis.

8. Liquid coolant leaking from R&D electrical equipment may pose an electrical hazard to

personnel.

10.8.1.2 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

In design and construction of R&D equipment, it is important to remember the following

cautions:

1. Install only components essential to the power supply within the power-supply enclosure.

2. Provide appropriate separation between high-voltage components and low-voltage supply

and/or control circuits.

3. Provide to personnel a visible indicator that the power supply is energized.

4. Minimize the number of control stations and provide an emergency shutdown switch where

needed.

5. Where possible, avoid multiple-input power sources.

6. Apply a label containing emergency shutdown instructions to equipment that is remotely

controlled or unattended while energized.

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