Practical guide to electrical grounding systems and applications

Why ground?

There are several important reasons why a grounding system should be installed. But the most important reason is to protect people! Secondary reasons include protection of structures and equipment from unintentional contact with energized electrical lines.

The grounding system must ensure maximum safety from electrical system faults and lightning.

A good grounding system must receive periodic inspection and maintenance, if needed, to retain its effectiveness!

Continued or periodic maintenance is aided through adequate design, choice of materials and proper installation techniques to ensure that the grounding system resists deterioration or inadvertent destruction. Therefore, minimal repair is needed to retain effectiveness throughout the life of the structure.

Installing grounding systems

This book is designed for the contractor who finds that installing grounding systems, which are in compliance with all relevant codes and standards, is a complex and somewhat mystifying assignment!

While in larger facilities, the design of a proper grounding system is certainly complex and should be left to a qualified engineer, the everyday grounding installations and applications covered in this text are well within the scope of the qualified contractor.

It is for the electrical contractor who intends to be in business next week, next year, and in the years to come.

Design and installation of electrical grounding systems is one of the most important aspects of any electrical distribution system, yet it is all too often misunderstood and subsequently installed improperly.

Some detailed knowledge of the facility is needed, and the contractor who intends to do the job correctly must make the investment in time and tools – or hire someone to do these things for him. Guesswork won’t do!!! The subject is too serious and complex for that kind of approach. We hope you find our recommended approaches helpful and cost-effective.