Why Good Electrical Grounding Is Important?
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THE IMPORTANCE OF ELECTRICAL GROUNDING
Good electrical grounding for your electrical systems is critical to protect both persons and equipment from the danger of high voltage and electrical shock. When a conductive surface, like metal, is not grounded and becomes an electrical energizer that can carry enough voltage to administer a fatal shock.
The National Electrical Code defines ground as a “conducting connection, whether intentional or accidental between an electrical circuit or equipment and earth or some conducting body that serves in place of the earth.” The NEC also states that “the earth shall not be used as the sole equipment-grounding conductor.”
Why Have Good Electrical Grounding?
Imagine that lightning strikes or a power surge happens, where no grounding exists. The metal components then act as a conductive surface, becoming electrically energized. When a person accidentally touches these components, their body provides a pathway for the current to the earth, shocking them in the process.
A proper grounding system ensures that:
- Circuits have an effective return path, from the equipment to the power source
- Low resistance is provided in order to trip or short circuit a breaker in the event of an electrical fault
- Metallic components are electrically connected to prevent a voltage connection from existing between them
- A zero-voltage reference point is established and maintained
The Benefits of Proper Grounding
It is one of the most needed facets of building safety and equipment maintenance today. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) states that “better than 80% of all electronic system failures that are attributed to power anomalies are actually the result of electrical wiring or grounding errors or are generated by other loads within the customer’s facility.”
Advantages of proper grounding include:
- Eliminates shock hazard
- Protects equipment from damages from voltage
- Prevents electrical fires
- Reduces equipment repair cost and downtime
- Lowers levels of electrical noise (fluctuations in an electrical signal)
