Grounding Part I

Electrical Engineering Training Module 13

Fluor Calgary
Instructor: Allan Bozek, P.Eng
Safety Moment
Ground Fault Circuit Breakers

Q Designed to prevent severe or fatal electric

shocks
Q Constantly monitors the flow of electricity
and interrupts the circuit if it senses an
interruption in flow
Q Should be tested once a month
76-016 Receptacles
15 A and 20 A receptacles installed to provide
power for buildings or projects under
construction or demolition shall be protected
by ground fault circuit interrupters of the
Class A type.

2
Learning Objectives

To provide you with the ability to design a industrial

plant ground system that will:
1. Provide an overview of the basic concepts associated
with grounding
2. Understand the differences between the various types of
grounding
3. Introduce the design principles used in establishing a
grounding system for an industrial facility

3
Agenda Overview

1. System grounding
2. Equipment grounding
3. Lightning Protection
4. Static Protection
5. Ground Grid Systems Design
6. Grounding of instrumentation systems
7. Substation grounding

4
History of Grounding
Edison’s Pearl Street Generation Station

Q Pearl Street Generation

station was initially
constructed in 1882 to provide
DC current for lighting
systems in New York's
financial district

6
 Edison’s Floating Approach to DC Systems

Q Original design used an

earth ground for DC
Current Flow lighting systems
Q Several incidents
+
associated with “stray
G L L currents” forced Edison
Intended
- Return to revise his plan
Path • One dead horse
• Workers nearby the
generating station could
Unintended feel the current
Return Path – Believed the there was a
“devil in the wire”

7
 Human Sensitivity to Electricity

Q Physiological Reaction to Electric

Current
• Range from minor muscular
contraction to ventricular fibrillation
– Function of body weight
– Current magnitude
– Current duration

Human body can be considered a 1000Ω resistor

8
Human Sensitivity to Electricity

Direct Current Alternating Current

(ma) (ma)
Human Response
Men Women Men Women

Slight Sensation on 1 0.6 0.4 0.3

Hand
“Let Go” Threshold 6.2 3.5 1.1 0.7

Shock – Not Painful 9 6 1.8 1.2

Painful Shock – 62 41 9 6
Muscular Control Loss
Severe Shock – 90 60 23 15
Breathing Difficult

9
Edison's’ Isolated 3 Wire System

Q Edison later adopted a 3-wire

system that did not rely on a Positive
earth path for return
• Allowed two circuits to be run +
with three wires
100V G1 L L
• Circuit was isolated from
ground - Neutral
• All currents within the circuit 200V
could be measured and
accounted for
+
100V G2 L L
-
Negative

10
 Shock Current Path

Q A shock current path requires Single point of

two points contact
• One point for the current to
enter and the second to exit
• Voltage difference is required
for current to flow
Q An isolated system under normal G1 L
operating conditions insures a
single point of contact Neutral

Isolated Ground
System
No Shock Current Exists

11
 Shock Current Path

Q Under fault conditions, an isolated Single point of

system ground creates a shock contact
hazard Accidental
Ground
Q An isolated system cannot detect
the presence of a ground fault

G1 L
Neutral
Fuse

G1 L
Neutral Alternate circuit path
leads to shock hazard

12
The Intentional Grounding of Circuits

Q Elihu Thompson advocated AC systems should be

intentionally earthed
• Proposed as a safeguard against a breakdown in insulation of
a primary circuit conductor
• Proposal created a large amount of controversy
Q Practice of earthing the secondary (neutral) conductor was
banned by the New York Board of Fire Underwriters
• Speculate Thomas Edison was behind the scenes with his
patented 3 wire un-grounded circuit
• Most DC power systems at the time were earthed at some
point
– This fact was unknown to most at the time

13
History of Grounding - Continued

Q Later resolved that grounding the secondary circuit was the only
way of absolutely insuring the safety of the circuit
• The debate continued from 1903 – 1913 when it was passed into law
– Secondaries of all circuits 550V or less must be grounded
– Recommended that all circuits 300V or less be grounded

Q Debate rages on even to this day

• Canada and US use solidly grounded system
– Potential for stray currents exist
• Some European and Latin American countries ground only at the
source
– Systems require higher voltage ratings and equipment for ground fault
detection
Q Grounding in the telecommunications industry followed a different
path.
• Solid DC reference ground required for early telegraph and telephone
systems

14
Grounding - Today

Q Mandated in both the CEC and NEC that all two wire DC
power systems 300V or less and all three wire DC power
systems are grounded
Q All AC power systems 150V or less to ground or those
incorporating a neutral conductor be grounded
Q All ungrounded systems must incorporate ground fault
protection

15
References
Canadian Electrical Code - Part 1
CSA C22.1-06

Q Minimum safety standards for

installation and maintenance of
electrical equipment
• Compliance will ensure a safe
installation
Q Applies to all electrical installations
with the exception of:
• Electric and communication utilities
• Electric railway facilities
• Aircraft
• Marine vessels
Q Section 10 deals specifically with
grounding and bonding
• Significant re-write in 2006

17
Canadian Electrical Code - Part 1
CSA C22.1-06

Q Scope and object: Rules 10-000 and Rule 10-002

• Protect life from the danger of shock
• Limit the voltage on a circuit
• Facilitate operation of protective devices
Q System and circuit grounding: Rules 10-100 to 10-116
• All circuits must be grounded with the exception of:
– Electric Arc furnaces
– Cranes installed in Class III locations
– Isolated systems in patient care areas
– Circuits less than 50V
Q Grounding connections for systems and circuits: Rules 10-200 to
10-210
• Grounding conductors and connections are designed to handle fault
(abnormal) current conditions
• No current should flow under normal operating conditions
• Specifies what conductor should be grounded

18
Canadian Electrical Code - Part 1
CSA C22.1-06

Q Conductor enclosure bonding: Rules 10-300 to 10-304

• Raceways, cable armour and sheaths are grounded wherever
possible
– Exceptions: situations where circulating currents may arise
Q Equipment bonding: Rules 10-400 to 10-414
• Non current carrying parts of metal enclosed equipment
supplied by an electric circuit shall be bonded
– Few exceptions
– Bonding of non-electrical equipment situation is also addressed
Q Methods of grounding: Rules 10-500 to 10-504
• Outlines the basic requirements for a path to ground
– Conductors must be permanent and continuous
– Conductors must be large enough to conduct the fault current
– The impedance of the path to ground must be low enough that a
dangerous voltage cannot appear

19
Canadian Electrical Code - Part 1
CSA C22.1-06

Q Bonding methods: Rules 10-600 to 0-626

• Discusses the acceptable wiring methods that assure a good
conductive path to ground
– Corrosion
– Connection integrity

Q Grounding electrodes: Rules 10-700 to 10-706

• Design of the electrode system
– Manufactured electrodes
– Field assembled grounding electrodes
– In-situ grounding electrodes

Q Grounding and bonding conductors: Rules 10-800 to 10-820

• Continuity
• Material
• Sizing of grounding and bonding conductors

20
Canadian Electrical Code - Part 1
CSA C22.1-06

Q Grounding and bonding conductor connections: Rules 10-

900 to 10-908
• Concerned with the integrity of ground connection
Q Lightning arresters: Rules 10-1000 and 10-1002
• Ensure that the voltage surge of a lightning strike can be
handled by the grounding system to avoid building and
equipment damage
Q Installation of neutral grounding devices: Rules 10-1100 to
10-1108
• Addresses the situations where a neutral grounding device is
used as part of the systems ground

21
CEC Handbook

Q Provides background information and

commentary on the Rules of the
Canadian Electrical Code, Part I
Q Intended to provide a clearer
understanding of the safety requirements
of the Code
Q Does not form a code of mandatory
requirements and must not be used in
place of the CE Code itself
Q Incorporates information on:
• Rational
• Intent
• Field Considerations

22
IEEE Color Book Series

Q Series of 13 Books each focused on a different aspect of

power systems design
• Electric Power Production
• Power distribution
• Power utilization
Q Applicable to industrial, commercial and institutional facilities
Q Recommended practices
• Provide a framework for good design

23
IEEE Standard 142
(Green Book)

Q Recommended practices and

methods associated with
grounding
• Systems grounding
• Equipment grounding and bonding
• Static and lightning protection
• Grounding electrode design
• Grounding of electronic equipment
Q Applies to industrial and
commercial power systems
• Utility grounding methods are not
covered

24
IEEE Standard 1100
(Emerald Book)

Q Recommended engineering principles

and practices for power and grounding
sensitive electronic equipment
• Provides consensus in an area where
conflicting information has prevailed
• Excellent reference that describes the
many challenges associated with
grounding electronic equipment
– Power related noise control
– Signal related noise control

25
IEEE Standard 80

Q IEEE Standard 80
• IEEE Guide for Safety in AC
Substation Grounding
– Defines the safe limits for
touch and step potentials
– Provides guidance on the
design of ground systems for
outdoor substations
– Primarily used by utilities for
grounding on high voltage
substations

26
IEEE Standard 81

Q Describe the techniques used to

measure ground resistance and
impedance
• Factors that impact earth
resistivity
• choice of instruments and
techniques
• purpose of the measurement
• accuracy required
• Potential sources of error

27
API RP 2003

Q Provides guidance on how to

protect against hydrocarbon
ignition from static, lightning and
stray current discharges
Q Discusses how static charges are
accumulated and how they can be
safely dissipated
Q Lightning protection for metallic
tanks equipment and structures
Q Identification and mitigation of
stray currents resulting from fault
currents and cathodic protection
applications

28
NFPA 780

Q Installation standard for

lightning protection systems
for building structures and
facilities handling flammable
vapors gases and liquids
Q Does not apply to electric
generating, transmission and
distribution systems

29
NFPA 77

Q Applies to the identification,

assessment, and control of
static electricity for purposes of
preventing fires and explosions
Q Provides guidelines for
controlling static electricity in
selected industrial applications

30
Definitions
Definitions

Q Earth – conducting body of varying resistance

• Earthing – A connection to earth
– Interchangeable with the term ground
Q Ground – A conducting connection by which an electrical
circuit is connected to earth
• Grounding Electrode – a conductor buried in earth and used
for collecting or dissipating ground current to earth
• Grounding Conductor – conductor used to connect the
service equipment to a ground electrode
Q Bonding – low impedance path created by joining all non-
current-carrying metal parts to ensure electrical continuity
• Bonding Conductor – conductor that connects the non-
current carrying parts of electrical equipment, raceways or
enclosures

32
Definitions

Q Neutral Point – The point of a symmetrical system which

is normally at zero voltage
• Common point of a Y connection
• Neutral Conductor – a system conductor, other than a phase
conductor that provides a return path for current to the source
Q Stray Current – The uncontrolled flow of current over and
through the earth
Q Ground Fault Current – ground current resulting from any
phase-conductor-to-earth fault
• Normal – brief flow of current that occurs until the protective
device opens
• Abnormal – continuous flow of current from a phase conductor
to ground

33
Definitions

Q Neutral grounding devices include grounding resistors,

grounding transformers, ground-fault neutralizers, reactors,
capacitors, or a combination of these components
Q Effective Grounding - a path to ground from circuits,
equipment, or conductor enclosures that is permanent and
continuous and has carrying capacity ample to conduct
safely any currents liable to be imposed upon it
• CEC Rule 10-500 in Appendix B states that the complete fault
path of the circuit conductor, together with the bonding return,
should have an impedance that allows at least five times the
current setting of the overcurrent device to flow when a fault of
negligible impedance occurs

34
 Definitions

Neutral Point Neutral Conductor

Metallic
Enclosure
Neutral Ground
Device
Bonding Conductor
Grounding Stray Current
Conductor

Grounding
Electrode Earth

35
 Definitions

Q Systems Ground Systems

Ground 1
• A grounding system
consists of all Y Systems
Ground 2
interconnected grounding
connections in a specific
power system and is Y
isolated from adjacent; Systems Y Y
Ground 3
grounding systems through
a high impedance M Y M M

Systems
PP Ground 4

36
Systems Grounding
Purpose of a Systems Ground

“System grounding, or the intentional connection of a phase or

neutral conductor to earth, is for the purpose of controlling the
voltage to earth, or ground, within predictable limits”
IEEE 142 Green Book

Q A systems ground will:

• control the voltage to ground to prevent stressing equipment
insulation
• allow the operation of ground fault detection protection devices
• reduce the risk of fire and shock hazard to persons who might come
in contact with live conductors
• In some cases provide service continuity
– Allow the ground fault to be isolated and repaired at a convenient time

Q Most system faults are ground fault related

38
System Grounding Classifications

Ungrounded Solid Ground

Resistance Ground Reactance Ground

39
Ungrounded

Q Historically was used on power systems where a high level

of process continuity was required
• Exists in many process facilities designed prior to 1980

Q Advantages
• Single ground fault does not does not allow current to flow
– Allowed for a controlled shutdown for fault repairs

Q Disadvantages
• On a ground faults, the voltage to ground for the remaining phases is
elevated by 73%
– Higher insulation rating required for system components
• Transient overvoltages can be a problem
– Voltages up to 6X system voltage stresses insulation eventually leading to
a second ground fault and subsequently a phase to phase fault
• Locating a ground fault can be difficult

40
Ground Fault Voltage Shift

Normal Operating Conditions A

A VAG
IA IA IB
N VCG VBG
IC
B C B
IB
C
IC
A
CA CB CC VCN VAN
N
VAG
VCA VAB
G VCG
N G
VBN
VBG

If CA = CB = CC then IA+ IB + IC = 0 C VBC B

41
Ground Fault Voltage Shift

Ground Fault Phase C A

IG
VAG
A
IB
IA
IA
B
N C G VCG=0 VBG
B
IB VAN
C VBN N
A
IG CA CB

VCN VCA
VAB
VAG
G IA + IB = IG N

VCG=0
C VBC B
G VBG
42
Intermittent Ground Faults

Q Intermittent or restriking type Ground faults on isolated

grounded systems can cause severe system overvoltages
• Up to 6 or 8 times line to line voltage
• Will eventually lead to an insulation failure resulting in a phase
to phase fault
• Must be detected and corrected ASAP
A
IA

N
B
IB
C Breakdown in insulation
IG CA CB
results in phase to phase
fault IG = ISC

G
43
 Ungrounded System
Ground Fault Detection Scheme
10-106 Alternating-current systems (see Appendix B)
(2) Wiring systems supplied by an ungrounded supply shall
be equipped with a suitable ground detection
device to indicate the presence of a ground fault.

Ground
Fault Light Dims
L L L 0V
Or
Extinguishes

Ground fault Detection Scheme

44
Solid Ground

Q A solid grounded system is one in which the neutral points have

been intentionally connected to earth ground with a conductor
having no intentional impedance
• Often referred to as effective grounding
Q Two types of solid grounds
• Uniground – Used in Industrial Installations
• Multiground – Used by Utilities

Uniground System Multiground System

45
 Solid Ground

Q Advantages
• Partially reduces the problem of transient over-voltages
– Reduced insulation level required
• Ground faults do not shift the system neutral
• Simple ground relay schemes provide for circuit protection
Q Disadvantages
• Damage at the fault may be excessive
• Arc flash hazard due to high ground fault current levels
• Arcing ground faults may not be of sufficient energy to clear the fault resulting in
equipment damage

N
B
O/C fuse may not C
clear arcing ground fault IG VAN
VBN N
VCN

G 46
High Resistance Ground

Q System is grounded through a high-impedance resistor

• high-impedance grounding typically limits ground fault current to 25 A
or less
• Typically used on low voltage (600V or less) systems under 3000
Amps
Q Advantages
• Allows system to operate under a ground fault condition
• Reduces arc flash energy associated with a ground fault
• Insures a ground fault of a known magnitude
– Aids in protective relay coordination and limiting equipment damage
• Reduces transient ground fault overvoltages
• Allows easy identification and isolation of the ground fault location
Q Disadvantages
• Neutral shift on ground fault

47
 High Resistance Ground Scheme

51G AL
1000 KVA Xfmr
25kV – 600V
Y 2 Amp 5.75% Z
NGR
NGR Pulsing Resistor
2A

13 MCP
Pulsing reading Clamp
on phase indicates On CT 45kVA 75kVA
14

ground fault Starter

M M M X2
U/H

LP X2 HTP
150HP 75HP 25HP
Cooling Recycle Injection
Ground Fan Lighting 30kW Heat Trace Pump Pump
Panel Unit
Fault Heater
Panel

48
Low Resistance Ground

Q System is grounded through a low-impedance resistor

• low-resistance grounding typically limits ground fault current to
400A or less for a short period of time (10 sec)
• Typically used on medium and high voltage power distribution
systems
Q Advantages
• Allows protective relay devices to quickly clear a ground fault
• Limits damage to equipment and reduces overheating and
mechanical stress on conductors
Q Disadvantages
• Neutral voltage shift of limited duration

49
Low Resistance Ground Scheme

Trip Upstream Breaker

Trip setting ~ 20%
51 of NGR rating
NGR Y
400A Trip Downstream Breaker
400A NGR
13.8kV

Y
2A NGR 600V

M M

50
NGR Sizing Criteria

VLL
RNGR =
√3IG
XCO
RNGR ≤
3
51
IG ≥ 3ICO
NGR
IG WNGR = IG2RNGR

RNGR = Resistor Size (Ohms)

IG = Maximum Ground Current (Amps)
ICO = System Charging Current (Amps)
WNGR = Resistor Size (Watts)

51
Neutral Grounding Transformers

Q Used as an alternate to Low

Resistance NGRs on medium
to high voltage grounding 51
schemes
Q Primary voltage may be 15kV XFMR SGR
(Secondary Ground
Resistor)
Q Secondary voltage is typically
Alternate Arrangement
240V

52
NGR Sizing Criteria
Secondary Ground Resistor
RNGR
RSGR =
N2
VLN(Pri)
51 N=
VLN(Sec)
XFMR SGR
ISGR = NIG

KVA = PNGR = IGVLN(Pri)

RNGR = Equivalent Primary Resistance (Ohms)
RNGR = Equivalent Primary Resistance (Ohms)
IG = Maximum Ground Current (Amps)
ISGR = Maximum Ground Current (Amps)
N = Turns ratio
PNGR = Resistor Power Rating (Watts)
53
Charging Current - Estimation

Q Resistor must be sized to ensure that the ground fault

current limit is greater than the system's total capacitance-
to-ground charging current

System Charging Current (3ICO) Amps per

Voltage 1000 kVA of System Capacity
480 0.1 – 2.0
600 0.1 – 2.0
2400 2.0 – 5.0
4160 2.0 – 5.0
13800 5.0 – 10.0

Typical Charging Currents based on Voltage Level

54
 Charging Current – More Detailed Analysis
System Component Type Typical Charging
Voltage Current
600V Cable 3/C - 250 – 500MCM 0.15A/1000ft
3/C - #1 – 4/0AWG 0.02A/1000ft
Transformers 0.02A/MVA
Motors 0.01A/1000HP
4160V Cable 3/C - 500–1000MCM Shielded 0.58A/1000ft
3/C – 1/0 – 350MCM Shielded 0.23/1000ft
Non Shielded 0.1A/1000ft
Transformers 0.05A/MVA
Surge Suppressor. 1.35A per Set
Motors 0.1A/1000HP
13800V Cable 3/C - 600–1000MCM Shielded 0.65A/1000ft
3/C – 250 – 350MCM Shielded 0.75/1000ft
3/C - #1 – 4/0AWG Shielded 0.65A/1000ft
Transformers 0.05A/MVA
Surge Suppressor 2.25A per Set

Motors 0.15A/1000HP

55
 Charging Current Test Procedure

Q Connect an ammeter to
A ground through a
resistance, switch and a
IA
fuse
N
B
Q Increase the resistance to
IB maximum level and close
C the disconnect
IC A Ammeter
CA CB CC 0-10A Q Slowly reduce the
resistance to zero
• Ammeter will indication
charging current (3ICO)
G
Q All three phases should be
measured and the average
used as the system
charging current

56
NGR Ratings

Q Based on the criteria defined in IEEE 32 - Standard

Requirements, Terminology, and Test Procedure for
Neutral Grounding Devices
• Current
– Current through the device during a ground fault condition
• Voltage
– V = IR at 25ºC
– May need to be de-rated at elevations above 1000m
• Frequency
– Based on Fundamental Frequency
• Circuit Voltage of System
• Service
– NEMA Type 1 for Indoor Applications
– NEMA Type 3 for Outdoor Applications

57
NGR Ratings

Q Basic Impulse Insulation Level

System Insulation Class

Class BIL

1.2kV 45
2.5kV 60
5kV 75
8.7kV 95
15kV 100
23kV 150

58
NGR Ratings

Q Time Rating and Permissible Temperature Rise under fault

conditions
Time Rating Permissible Temperature Rise
(Rise Above 30ºC Ambient)
Ten Seconds (Short Time) 760ºC
(NGRs used with Protective Relay)
One Minute (Short Time) 760ºC

Ten Minutes (Short Time) 610ºC

(seldom specified)
Extended Time 610ºC
(GF allowed to persist > 10min)
Steady State (Continuous) 385ºC*

*CSA permissible rise is 375ºC over 40ºC Ambient

59
 Ground Fault Sensing

Q Ground Return
• Ground fault current is
measured in the neutral to
ground connection Phase A
• Applicable only at a source
transformer or generator Neutral

• Often used for ground fault Phase B

alarm sensing on LV 51G Phase C
distribution systems

60
 Ground Fault Sensing

Q Zero Sequence Relay

• Measures zero sequence or
ground currents by sensing the
magnetic fields surrounding the Phase A
phase and neutral conductors
– Should cancel under normal Neutral
conditions Phase B
• Often used in motor protection Phase C
and feeder breaker relays

51G

61
 Ground Fault Sensing

Q Differential
• Phase current and neutral current
values are measured and ground
fault current is calculated as the
difference Phase A

• Used in applications where current Neutral

transformers are required for phase
overcurrent relays Phase B
Phase C
• High accuracy in detecting ground
faults
51G

62
Ground Fault Relay Settings

Q Alarm only on continuous rated ground resistor applications

• Alarm setting at 80% of maximum current level allowed by
ground resistor
– Above system charging current level

Q Trip on short time duty ground resistor applications

• High resistance ground applications
– Trip at 80% of maximum current level allowed by resistor
• Low resistance ground applications
– Trip at 20% of maximum current level allowed by ground resistor

63
CEC Code Requirements

10-1102 – Installation of Neutral Grounding Devices

1) Neutral grounding devices can only be installed on systems
where line to neutral loads are not served
No single phase loads from a resistance grounded system

2) Systems with voltages > 5kV shall be de-energized on

detection of a ground fault
a) Electrical systems operating at 5 kV or less are permitted to remain
energized if the ground fault current is controlled at 10A or less
i. Audible alarm is required

64
CEC Code Requirements

3) Where line-to-neutral loads are served, the system must be de-

energized on occurrence of a:
3) Ground fault
4) Grounded neutral on the load side of the NGR
5) Break in the continuity of the conductor connecting the NGR to
ground

Apparent conflict between subsection 1) and subsection 3)

65
 NGR with Isolated System Neutral

A
Trip main breaker HT
Ckt
HT
Ckt
HT
Ckt
N
HT HT HT HT
Ckt Ckt Ckt Ckt

51 B
C
NGR
Rule 10-1102 requires the system to
IG be de-energized on detection of
ground current

66
CEC Code Requirements

Q NGRs shall be located where the heat dissipated under

fault conditions will effect the operation of the device
• 600V or less are typically installed indoors on the switchgear
• 5kV typically mounted outdoors on the transformer
Q Warning signs are required
• System is impedance grounded
• Maximum voltage to ground

67
CEC Code Requirements

Q Sizing of Neutral Ground

Conductors
• Based on ampacity of largest
service conductor

68
 CEC Code Requirements

Q Sizing of NGR conductors

• Minimum #8 AWG
• Insulated for the line to line system voltage
• Identified white or grey from the neutral point of the transformer to the
NGR
• Identified green from the NGR to ground

69
Cable Insulation Ratings on Resistance
Grounded Systems

Q Low Voltage Systems (≤ 600V)

• 100% insulation rating acceptable for all applications
• Refer to Standata CEC 12
Q Medium Voltage Systems (IEEE Recommendations)
• 100% insulation level required where clearing time will not
exceed one minute
• 133% insulation level required where clearing time will not
exceed one hour
• 173% insulation level required where clearing time exceeds
one hour

70
Grounding System Comparison

Condition Un- Solid Low High

grounded Ground Resistance Resistance
Immunity to transient
Worst Good Good Best
overvoltages
Arc Fault Damage
Worst Poor Better Best
Protection
Safety to Personnel Worst Better Good Best
Service Reliability Worst Good Better Best
Continued operation
Better Poor Poor Best
after initial ground fault
Continued operation
Worst Good Better Best
after initial ground fault
Ground fault locating Not
Good Better Best
Possible

71
Equipment Bonding
System Grounding

Q Grounding and bonding have distinct meanings within the

context of the CEC
Q Grounding refers to a conductive path direct to the
grounding electrode
• Low impedance path to ground
• Conductors are sized to carry the expected fault current
• Insure the operation of protective devices in the circuit should
a fault occur

73
Equipment Bonding

Q Refers to the interconnection and connection to earth of all

normally non-current carrying metal parts
Q Insures that all metal parts remain a ground potential

74
Bonding – CEC Requirements

Q All exposed non-current carrying metal parts of fixed

equipment
• Supplied by a conduit wiring system
• Supplied by a wiring system that contains a bonding conductor
• In a hazardous location
– Includes portable equipment
• Operates at more than 150V to ground
Q Examples
• Motor and generator frames
• Lighting fixtures housings
• Interior metal gas piping systems
• Raised flooring systems

75
Bonding Conductors

Q Bonding conductors may be:

• Be copper or other corrosion resistant material
– Aluminium conductors not allowed
– May be insulated or bare
– Insulated bonding conductors shall be coloured green

Q Bonding straps must be 19mm in width and 1.2mm

thickness

76
Bonding Conductors
Service Raceways

• For service raceways

– Sized in accordance with CEC table 41
– Based on the ampacity of the largest service conductor

77
Bonding Conductors
Equipment and Raceways

Q Must be sized to carry the maximum fault current expected

without heating or causing an explosion hazard
• For equipment and equipment raceways
– Sized in accordance with CEC table 16

78
Bonding Considerations

Q Bonding connections require a clean surface

• Paint must be removed from connection points
Q Connections between dissimilar metals should be avoided
• Potential for deterioration of the connection due to galvanic
action
Q Connections should be made tight
• Compression or thermite weld (Cadweld) connection methods
most often used
Q Mechanical strength may often determine the size of
conductor
Q Electrical continuity of expansion joints
• Cable tray connections

79 Cadweld Connection
Bonding of Conduit Enclosing a Grounding
or Bonding Conductor
Q Magnetic effect of metal conduit can increase the impedance of
the grounding circuit by a factor of 40!
• Not an issue with PVC or aluminium conduits
Q Problem can be mitigated by bonding the grounding conductor to
the metal conduit at both ends
• Allow the metal conduit to carry a portion of the ground current
• New CEC rule 10-806 makes this mandatory

80
Grounding of Portable Equipment

Q Non-current carrying metal parts of portable equipment

must be bonded when:
• Equipment is used in a hazardous location
• Equipment is used in wet or damp locations
• Equipment operates at more than 150V to ground
• When the equipment is provided with a grounding means
– Three prong plug with ground

Q Exceptions apply to double insulated equipment products

• Additional insulation barrier added to the electrical device
• Will be marked with a double insulated symbol
Q Ground may omitted if a Class A ground fault circuit
interrupter is used

81
GFCI Schematic

Q Designed to provide protection against electric shock from

leakage current flowing to ground
Q Provide supplementary protection but are not a substitute
for insulation and grounding protection

82
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

Q GFCI Class A
• Primarily used for personnel protection
• Typically trip at 5ma
• Time to trip based on the formula
1.43
20 T in seconds
T= I I fault current between 4mA and 260 mA

Q GFCI Class B (Ground Fault Equipment Protectors)

• Used for equipment protection
– Heat trace circuits in hazardous locations
• 30ma trip level
Q AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters)
• Designed to detect an arc fault in a circuits and de-energize
the circuit

83
GFCI – Where Required

Q Outdoor receptacles
Q Wet locations
Q Health care facilities
Q Panels supplying power for buildings or projects under
construction
Q Heat trace systems

84
Summary
Summary

Q Grounding and bonding are very important aspect of a safe

electrical installation
• Protect life from the danger of shock
• Limit the voltage on a circuit
• Facilitate operation of protective devices
Q Grounding refers to a conductive path direct to the
grounding electrode
Q Refers to the interconnection and connection to earth of all
normally non-current carrying metal parts
Q CEC defines the minimum requirements
• Difficult section to understand
– Conflicting information

86
Summary

Q Systems Grounding options

• Ungrounded
– Used in older industrial facilities
• Solid ground
– Required where a line to neutral loads are served
• High resistance grounded
– Used on low and medium voltage systems up to 5kV
– Provides continuity of service
• Low resistance grounded
– Used on medium voltage systems
– Allow for selective ground coordination
– Limits damage on ground faults

87