Grounding your electrical systems is critical to protect both building occupants and equipment from the danger of high voltage. When a conductive surface, like metal, is not grounded and becomes electrically energized, it can carry sufficient 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 Electrical Grounding?
Imagine that an electrical issue occurs, like a lightning strike or a power surge, 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 the current with a path 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 connectionfrom existing between them
- A zero-voltage reference point is established and maintained
The Benefits of Proper Grounding
Though grounding gets little attention, it is one of the most significant 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 voltage
- Prevents electrical fires
- Reduces equipment repair cost and downtime
- Lowers levels of electrical noise (fluctuations in an electrical signal)
Trust only a certified electrician to perform grounding for your facility. If you have questions about grounding see if this service is offered in your area. Our professionals can provide you with a detailed site certification report to help make you aware of any potential issues before an electrical failure occurs.
ConServ Building Services, LLC provides excellent commercial HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, and general construction services to businesses across the Southeastern United States. To learn more about ConServ, visit www.conservonline.com.