Energy and Power
6 Factors Influencing Requirements for a Good Grounding System
In an industrial plant or other facility that requires a grounding system, one or more of the following must be carefully considered (refer to Figure 1 below): Limiting to definite values the voltage to earth of the entire electrical system…. Read more
Jun 06, 2014 | By Edvard Csanyi
Energy and Power
Which type of residual current device (RCD) to use and when?
We know how (very) important the total earth loop impedance Zs is in the reduction of shock risk. However, in TT systems where the mass of earth is part of the fault path, the maximum values of Zs given in… Read more
Apr 09, 2014 | By Edvard Csanyi
Energy and Power
Erection of earthing arrangements (TNC, TN-S, TNC-S, TT)
The earthing arrangements (TNC, TN-S, TNC-S, TT) of low voltage networks is largely determined by the Low Voltage Supplies. However, if the incoming supplies are at 11kV and the transformers are in the ownership of the user, the LV supplies… Read more
Apr 07, 2014 | By Edvard Csanyi
Energy and Power
Practical calculations of lightning strikes frequency
We distinguish between the following frequencies of lightning strikes which can be relevant for a building or structure: ND – Frequency of direct lightning strikes to the building or structure;· NM – Frequency of close lightning strikes with electromagnetic effects;… Read more
Nov 04, 2013 | By Edvard Csanyi
Energy and Power
What’s Really Important When You’re Designing The Low Voltage Switchgear?
Here what’s important when you’re designing the low voltage switchgear: Device Application in the Supply Circuit Short-circuit strength Release (Trip Unit) Device Application in Supply Circuits (Coupling) Device Application in the Distribution Circuit Device Application in the Final Circuit The… Read more
Oct 07, 2013 | By Edvard Csanyi
Electrical Lectures
What Is a Good Ground Resistance Value?
The goal in ground resistance (or earth resistance) is to achieve the lowest ground resistance value possible, that makes sense economically and physically, when contacting the earth, also known as the soil/ground rod interface. Ideally, a ground should be zero… Read more
Oct 02, 2013 | By Edvard Csanyi
Energy and Power
Comparison Of Neutral Earthing Methods
Neutral earthing systems are very similar to circuit breakers in that they do nothing until something in the system goes wrong! There are several methods for system earthing which can be generally divided into three main categories: Insulated earthing, Solid… Read more
Sep 16, 2013 | By Edvard Csanyi
Energy and Power
Lightning And Surge Protection For Cable Networks And Antennas For TV (Part 2)
Continued from part one: Lightning And Surge Protection For Cable Networks And Antennas For TV (Part 1) If an antenna is protected by isolated air-termination systems it means: – That in the area of flat roofs an air-termination rod will be… Read more
Sep 13, 2013 | By Edvard Csanyi
Energy and Power
Lightning And Surge Protection For Cable Networks And Antennas For TV (Part 1)
IEC 60728-11 complies with the state of the art and offers easy, standardized and effective protective mechanisms against the effects of lightning strikes into antennas. Antennas installed according to this standard do not increase the probability of lightnings to strike… Read more
Sep 09, 2013 | By Edvard Csanyi
Power Substation
Total Losses in Power Distribution and Transmission Lines
This technical article discusses two types of transmission and distribution losses, technical losses and non-technical losses (or commercial losses). Power generated in power stations pass through large and complex networks like transformers, overhead lines, cables and other equipment and reaches… Read more
Aug 19, 2013 | By Jignesh Parmar
Energy and Power
National Fire Alarm Code Defined By NFPA 72
NFPA 72 is the National Fire Alarm Code. The importance of installing smoke and fire alarms in homes is supported by results from exhaustive investigations of home fires indicating that measurable quantities of smoke come before detectable quantities of heat…. Read more
Aug 16, 2013 | By Edvard Csanyi
Energy and Power
Equipotential Bonding For Metal Installations
The electrical low voltage consumer’s installation requiring certain earthing resistances (disconnection conditions of the protective elements) and the foundation earth electrode providing good earthing resistances at cost-effective installation, the foundation earth electrode is an optimal and effective complement of the… Read more
Jul 26, 2013 | By Edvard Csanyi
Energy and Power
Surge protective categories defined by ANSI/IEEE C62.41
Three different surge protective classes or zones have been defined by ANSI/IEEE C62.41, Recommended Practice on Surge Voltages in Low Voltage Power Circuits. These classes are illustrated in the pictorial diagram Fig. 12-1. Category C (outdoors) is the region outside the… Read more
Jun 28, 2013 | By Edvard Csanyi
Energy and Power
Overvoltages Caused by Lightning
Overvoltages of atmospheric origin arise from uncontrollable sources and their severity for the load depends on many parameters that are determined according to where the lightning strikes and the structure of the electrical network. The impact of lightning on a… Read more
Apr 26, 2013 | By Edvard Csanyi
Energy and Power
An overview of GFCI – Ground-fault circuit interrupter
The NEC requires that Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) be installed in many different rooms and locations in both public and private buildings. They are now required in bathrooms, kitchens, appliance rooms or spaces, and garages. In addition, they are required… Read more
Apr 10, 2013 | By Edvard Csanyi
