Hi Ryan:
I want to make several points.
First. In Europe, a circle around a symbol means the symbol is an
imperative; it must (or is permitted to) be done. (A diagonal line through
the circle is a negative imperative; it must not be done.) For example, a
letter "P" in a circle means parking is permitted, while a diagonal line
through the same symbol means parking is not permitted. A terminal with
adjacent earth symbol in a circle means this terminal must be connected to
earth. Commonly, an IEC 60320 appliance coupler has the mark adjacent to
the protective earthing conductor terminal. The connection to earth is
through the power cord protective earthing conductor. However, the marking
(which is on the inside of the appliance coupler) is not accessible
(visible) to the end user of the equipment; he simply connects the power
cord with protective earthing conductor to the equipment via the appliance
coupler without knowledge of the imperative marking.
Second. The protective bonding circuit must be connected to the protective
earthing terminal. Though not stated explicitly, sub-clause 5.6.2.1 and
5.4.2.3.3 (first dashed paragraph) imply this requirement.
Third. Note that the standard implies that the equipment can have more than
one protective earthing terminal. See 3.3.11.12 and 5.4.2.3.3 ". main
protective earthing terminal." 5.6.5.1 ".the earthing terminal in the
appliance inlet is regarded as the main protective earthing terminal."
5.7.8 ". a terminal for the protective earthing conductor." Many other
places in the standard use the phrase "a main protective earthing terminal."
All protective earthing terminals must include the protective earthing
symbol marking.
Fourth. F.3.6.1.2: ". a terminal for bonding wiring from the appliance
inlet already marked with the symbol , IEC 60417-5019 (2006-08), is
acceptable as identification of a protective bonding conductor terminal."
I'm not sure what this means. Maybe you can use it.
Fifth. These are all internal markings. As such, they are only useful to
someone who has access to the inside of the equipment and is servicing the
protective conductor system. Regardless of internal markings, the equipment
is safe for the end user even though non-compliance with the standard.
Sixth. Protective earthing conductors and protective bonding conductors
have the same insulation color - green-yellow (5.6.2.2). This means that
either end of a green-yellow conductor is (or can be) a protective earthing
terminal. An unmarked terminal (of a green-yellow conductor) is a
protective bonding terminal, and a marked terminal is a protective earthing
terminal. (Presumably, a conductor of any other color connected to either a
protective bonding terminal or to a protective earthing terminal is a
functional earthing conductor.)
I hope you find these comments useful in formulating an argument with your
certification houses. Good luck.
Best regards,
Rich
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