What are the best practices for grounding and bonding electrical systems?

There are several best practices for grounding and bonding electrical appliances, including: - Ensuring that all electrical appliances are properly grounded and bonded to the building's electrical system. - Using approved grounding and bonding equipment, such as ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and bonding jumpers. - Regularly inspecting and testing all grounding and bonding equipment to ensure proper functionality. - Maintaining proper separation between equipment and structures that are not properly grounded or bonded. By following these best practices, you can help ensure the safety of your electrical system and minimize the risk of electrical hazards.

For data centers in this region, the below codes and standards are commonly referred:- 1. BS7671 - For earthing system 2. IEC 60364 - Electrical Installation earthing and bonding 3. IEEE 1100 for data hall earthing 4. TIA-607 for earthing backbone

The article mentions reasons for grounding but not much about bonding. Also, The function of telecommunications systems is greatly affected by grounding and bonding. I’d say if your knowledge of the topic is linked to code which only cares about life safety then you may want to research the topic more before being the designer or person responsible for grounding and bonding systems. Advanced training such as with the NJATC is a great start as with today’s systems it’s not possible to navigate the topic without an understanding of the physics behind grounding and bonding.

Most famous standard code are : IEEE 1100 NFPA 780 NEC 250.146 Meanwhile please take not that NEC prefers the term isolated ground but IEEE prefers the term insulated ground.

Specifically, development of background knowledge from the IEEE green book and common grounding terms, such as knowing what an equipment grounding conductor is vs a grounding electrode conductor is fundamental.

One way is to Include a ground ring with multiple grounding electrode which is considered a best practice to ensure low resistance. Also, specifications should also require ground resistance measurements to be taken after grounding electrode system is installed to determine if additional electrodes are required

Another aspect to consider must include: Assess Environment: Evaluate your facility type (residential, commercial, industrial) and specific needs. Prioritize Safety: Ensure the chosen system guards against electrical faults, lightning, and surges. Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain the grounding system for ongoing effectiveness. Document: Keep records of design, installation, and maintenance for future reference.

Use EIT (Earthing Integrity Tester) System to ensure grounding bonding done or not during material charging activity or other related activities.

Grounding systems as per the National Electrical Code (NEC) serve distinct purposes in domestic and industrial settings. In residential environments, grounding electrodes like ground rods or metal water pipes establish connections to the Earth for safety. This involves grounding the service entrance and equipment, adhering to sizing guidelines for grounding conductors, and implementing ground fault protection mechanisms like GFCIs and AFCIs.In industrial facilities, various grounding electrodes create low-resistance paths to Earth, with NEC detailing service entrance and separately derived system grounding, conductor sizing, equipment grounding, and potential references to lightning protection standards like NFPA 780.

Actually, the grounding arrangements should be selected/chosen based on three main factors: - Allowable and tolerable amplitude of earth fault current. - Sensitivity of protection devices - Plant of facility Availability and downtimes as well as loss productions consequently costs and expenses.

Grounding and bonding are crucial aspects of electrical systems to ensure safety and proper operation. Grounding and bonding are crucial aspects of electrical systems to ensure safety and proper operation. Bonding ensures all conductive parts are at the same electrical potential to prevent electrical shock hazards and reduce the risk of fire. Follow local codes and standards, use proper material, lightning protection, proper labeling, maintenance, periodical inspections will ensure good practices.

It's of good practice to separate between earth electrodes and Wells of lightning protections, neutral points grounding and earth bonding systems.

Proper grounding electrodes is a matter of rigorous calculation based on the required grounding resistance and the soil resistivity of the grounding location. Copper or aluminum or steel rod anything can be used but is subjected to the calculations of fault clearing time and allowed earth current during the fault. The transient response of the electrode is also important to consider.

The ANSI IDD Guide for Safety in AC Substation Grounding ANSI/IEEE Std 80-1986 Rated Voltage V- Short Circuit Curr. I S/S Cond Grid length * a -S/S Cond Grid width * b No. of parallel Conductors Lengthwise (assumed) Na No. of parallel Conductors Breathwise (assumed) Nb Depth of burial h Soil resistivity seen by gnd grid (Max) ro1 Soil resistivity seen by gnd rods (Max) ro2 Ground rod datas No. of ground rod buried (assumed) n Diameter of ground rods d2 Diameter of grid conductor d1 Total length of the ground conductor l1 Length of each ground rod l2 Thickness of top layer gravel hs Gravel resistance rs Time duration of shock ts Standard weight of a person Wt Ground Fault current Ig = Sf x If

Grounding conductors is also important to carry the fault current as per the design consideration into the ground. this should be based on the calculations: 1. Transient resistance characteristics of the conductor. 2. Temperature coefficient of the conductor resistance, 3. Firmness of the joint and minimal resistance of the joint less than 0.01ohms is allowed per joint.

phase to ground fault current causes a dangerous ground potential rise at substation Mike studied the least cost way to reduce the danger. Mike evaluated substation grounding, assisted in Four-Point (Wenner) Resistivity measurements, and ground rod resistance measurements. Mike Moodie computerized the finding of the parameters for a two-layer earth model, ground mat resistance with a two-layer earth, and the ground rod resistance. Mike used the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), Chapter 9, and IEEE standards 81, 80, 367, and 487. Using the two-layer earth model, the estimated ground rod resistances were an average 12% deviance from measured ground rod resistances. Mike evaluated the grounding design for adequacy and safety.

Checking the earth resistivity on the site is important. Before earthing system is connected, the distance is calculated according to IEEE standards between each electrode. Also, measuring the required depth of earthing rods is crucial step. Resistivity meter is used to ensure required resistance between two electrodes. The reading should be less than 1 Ohm according to British standards. Sometimes adding water or charcoal is required for electrodes’ resistance. For example, if the soil type is drought, charcoal or water are used. Earthing system is crucial for protecting other electrical system and devices. For instance, the lighting and protection system is connected with the earthing system network to discharge the lighting shock.

I believe that Verification Process should consider three looking aspects, such as : - earth electrode resistance and condition(No sign of corrosion or mechanical degradation, conductivity and resistivity within acceptable limits and Values) - earthing connection systems, wiring , cables, fittings, ...etc (No signs of corrosion, mechanical degradation, properly sized and terminated, conductivity with earth electrodes...etc) - earth fault protection devices (their response time and tripping Values are within designed Values, properly terminated, no loss connections, no corrosion....etc. )

I am adding the ways through which we can measure the grounding or earth resistance. One of them is earth rod method while other is earth clamp tester. There is traditional method through which we use to place two earth rods at different distance from the equipment or pit which is being tested. We connected two clips to respective rods and one clip to the equipment being tested. The meter will give the resistance value. Second method is to use earth clamp test meter, through which we use to measure earth loop resistance by simple clamping along earth wire. If result is less than 5 ohms for LV systems, then it is satisfactory otherwise need to rectify earthing systems.

Grounding resistance to be measured from the panel / substation main earthing bar to the ground for the electrical equipment's. For the electrodes it should measured by earthing Meter at 25-0-25 feet spacing. Meter range should be more than 0-6ohms

Maintaining the grounding system is essential for ensuring electrical safety and system effectiveness. Here are some other key steps for proper maintenance: Regular Inspections: Conduct routine visual inspections to check for physical damage, loose connections, or signs of wear. Measure Resistance: Periodically measure ground resistance using specialized equipment to ensure it meets safety standards. This helps identify deteriorating connections or soil conditions. Test Continuity: Verify continuity between all grounding points and conductors to confirm a continuous path to ground. Emergency Response: Establish protocols for responding to electrical faults or lightning strikes.

Actually, Maintaining the earth/ground systems should involve Verification activities as well as repairing, when required. The most important thing is the maintaining activities frequency and intervals. I think for green-fields, should start with high frequencies (for example in monthly bases), after that and base on Maintaining activities findings, those intervals could be changed(increased if found in good condition, or decreased if found in bad conditions).

A good grounding system should provide the maximum safety from contact, electrical system faults and lightening. For a grounding system to perform efficiently over long periods of time, it should be designed and installed using reliable materials and proven techniques. Grounding is important for 3 main reasons: Safety to people Protection of equipment and building which may come into contact with the live wires or systems Electrical noise reductionThe effectiveness of the grounding system depends on the individual components. Some of the factors to consider include:The grounding conductors: that connects noncurrent carrying metal parts to raceways, enclosures, etc Grounding electrodes Grounding Connectors Type of the soil and environment

Grounding and bonding are crucial for electrical safety. Follow local codes, install grounding electrodes, size conductors properly, and bond metal structures. Maintain and inspect systems regularly, use high-quality materials, and educate personnel. Grounding protects against electrical shocks, while bonding ensures equipment and structures share the same potential, reducing electrical hazards. Once, I encountered a facility with inadequate grounding. Frequent power surges and equipment failures posed safety risks. By upgrading grounding and bonding, we enhanced system reliability, reduced downtime, and mitigated potential hazards, emphasizing the importance of these practices.

For Extra Low Voltage systems (ELV), the earthing network will be separated from the whole network. For example, all server rooms and IDFs will be connected in a network inside the building. Furthermore, one earthing electrode will be allocated for (ELV) systems only and it is called “ Clean Earth”. According to British Standards, Lighting and protection systems should not be connected to the Clean earth electrode. Also, the earthing system for other electrical devices like generators should not be connected too.

Best grounding and bonding practices ensure electrical safety and system reliability. Here's a concise summary: Compliance: Adhere to local electrical codes and regulations. Proper System Selection: Choose the right grounding system Regular Maintenance: Routinely inspect and maintain the grounding system Measurement: Periodically measure ground resistance and continuity. Connection Tightness: Keep all grounding connections secure and corrosion-free. Electrode Inspection: Inspect grounding electrodes for corrosion and replace when necessary. Documentation: Maintain comprehensive records of system design. Emergency Response: Establish protocols for responding to electrical faults or lightning strikes safely.

There is a joke: a “cold” connection is always hot, and a “hot” connection is always cold. I would prefer to use a "hot" connection: this is soldering and welding. This is the most reliable way to ensure continuity of the ground loop and its low ohmic resistance.

One of the major steps to be taken in order to keep safe from electric shock, fire & equipment damage is that a routine check of resistance of a grounding network.