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What is the purpose of grounding? 11
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Can grounding issues cause ignition or shock?
Where is a ground or return path used?
What is the difference between ground,
bond, & neutral?
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Bonding Vd
Without bond –
Potential difference exists between metals
Potential difference causes
current flow
Neutral
Current carrying conductor
Controlled return path for 1Φ & DC
Single point connection to ground
If multiple points –
current flows through grounding system
If poor connection –
Transformer Entrance Load
circuit current can flow Power H Power H
Power H Ground
Ground
Water &
Utility Service Other
Ground Ground Metal
Stray Current
Unintentional current flow through earth
Three causes
Neutral grounded at multiple points
Fault of “hot” wire to ground
Difference in potential of ground connections
Multi grounded neutral allows ~60% return
current in earth
Allows V between metals and
between metal and earth
Multi Point Neutral
Portion of In flows through earth
Disturbances cause I flow in alternate
routes
Risk of shock or equipment damage
In
Transients
Short duration disturbances
Should be shunted to ground
Causes
Lightning
Utility Operations
Every On/Off of electrical circuit
Transients - Lightning
Lightning is natural phenomena
Uncontrolled – damage
Can be controlled
Industry standards and practices
Controlled – no or limited damage
Energization Issues
Three issues
Energized Ground
Floating Neutral
Energized Neutral
Energized Ground
I from another circuit
Caused by poor cnxns and poor ground Z
Melted insulation on ground wire or jacket
Energization Issues
Floating Neutral
Poor N connection
Allows return current on alternate path
Uncontrolled V levels
Energized Neutral
I returns on gnd (water pipe, etc.)
Melted neutral or ground insulation
Uncontrolled I flow
Faults
Three forms
Loss of Insulation
High Impedance Connection
Breaking faults
Loss of Insulation
V breakdown of dielectric
Heat, ejecta, loss of material
Easily recognized
Faults
High Z connection
Most common fault
Misaligned contacts
Poor connections
Partially damaged insulation
Not recognized by standard breakers
Heat exceeds ignition
Faults
Breaking Faults
Switching
Pulling apart cable
High frequency component
Sudden increase in voltage
Causes damage to insulation particularly at
high inductance points (bends)
Why Fail Now?
A failure may not result in immediate
catastrophe
Catastrophic failures are the result of multiple
improper conditions.