Isolated Power Panel

What is an isolated power panel?

An isolated power panel is an electrical distribution panel that uses an isolation transformer to create an ungrounded secondary power system. A line isolation monitor continuously evaluates the system’s potential hazard current and alerts staff when it exceeds a specified threshold.

Why are isolated power panels used in healthcare?

Isolated power panels provide early warning of an insulation failure or ground-fault condition without automatically interrupting power after the first fault. This helps healthcare facilities maintain power to critical equipment while qualified personnel investigate and correct the condition.

Healthcare facilities may use isolated power systems in wet procedure locations, operating rooms, and other critical-care areas where continuity of power and early fault detection are important. Specific requirements depend on the facility risk assessment, adopted standards such as NFPA 99 or CSA Z32, applicable electrical codes, and the local authority having jurisdiction.

What’s inside an isolated power panel?

A typical isolated power panel includes a backbox and front trim, an isolation transformer, a line isolation monitor, a primary circuit breaker, and branch circuit breakers. Depending on the application, the panel may also include transformer load monitoring, automatic ground-fault location, branch circuit current monitoring, a touchscreen interface, or an integrated web server.

Does an isolated power panel shut down after the first ground fault?

No. An isolated power system is designed to provide an alarm when the first insulation failure or ground-fault condition develops without automatically disconnecting the circuit. This allows critical equipment to remain operational while qualified personnel locate and correct the fault.

What is the difference between an isolated power panel and a standard electrical panel?

A standard electrical panel distributes power through a grounded electrical system and typically relies on protective devices to disconnect a faulted circuit. An isolated power panel supplies an ungrounded secondary system through an isolation transformer and uses a line isolation monitor to provide early warning of a developing fault.

Related Bender solutions

Bender supports healthcare isolated power systems with complete solutions for new installations, renovations, and system upgrades. These include Isolated Power Panels (IPP) for operating rooms and critical-care areas, line isolation monitors for continuous system monitoring and alarm indication, and optional ground-fault location systems that help identify the affected branch circuit while power remains available.

Use the IPP Configurator to plan an isolated power panel for your application. Bender Field Services can also provide installation support, system testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and ongoing maintenance.

Protect your facility

Isolated power panels help maintain continuity of power in critical care areas by providing early warning of insulation or ground-fault conditions before they escalate. Contact us today to discuss isolated power panel configurations, monitoring options, and lead times for your facility’s needs.

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