[BC] Transmitter Safety

[DHultsman5 at aol.com]

In a message dated 4/29/2008 10:12:52 PM Central Daylight Time,  
RichardBJohnson at comcast.net writes:

Do you  know that broadcast transmitters are not required to
even be UL complaint?  Now, they don't even have to be type-
accepted. It is only because  broadcast equipment designers
are careful, that there are even any  interlocks on transmitters!



**************************
 
In some markets the UL Approval is poping up with some electrical  
inspectors.  "Look for the UL Label"
 
Most transmitter exceed the requirements for safety.  Also the "UL"  label is 
mainly for consumer protection.
 
After market UL Certification has in my opinion become a "personal  
enforcement" by inspectors of certain areas of the country.
 
Several areas where our transmitters have had to be modified as required by  
local inspectors were simple, some complex.
 
1.)  In one case involving a main/alternate  2.5 kW/ FM  Installation we 
simply had to install a "range type" plug-in type AC primary  cord on each 
transmitter in place of direct wiring of the AC in conduit. Same  had to be done with 
the AC to the rack cabinets.  (Use twist lock AC plugs  to keep the plugged 
in).
 
2.)  In another case the Customer was require to install one of those  
air-conditioner compressor disable switches on the wall near to the transmitter  to 
be pulled out incase of emergency for safety.
 
3.)  In another case the local inspector required certification by  using and 
outside company which he recommenmded.  Sounded fishy??????
 
4.)  In another market, after one go around on a transmitter  installation, 
the brilliant young CE decide on his next installation to try to  find out who 
would be the inspector.  He cleverly scheduled the electrical  inspection when 
the UL Picky inspector was on vacation.
 
At the present time manufacturers have done any thing they can to meet the  
complaints of various UL related questions.  But as far as I know no  
transmitter manufacturer is fully Underwriters Laboratories approved as their  service 
& rules don't directly apply to fixed  location industrial equipment.
 
Dave Hultsman
CEC



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