In an industrial context, grounding provides a safe and efficient path for excess electricity to flow fromindustrial equipment back to the ground, usually via an electrical panel. It serves as a backup route that only comes into play when there are faults in the wiring system.
In an industrial wiring system, current is an electron flow in metal wires. It's polarized, with negative ("hot") and positive charges. The "hot" current is carried by specific wires per standards. Wires enter via main supply, pass through the service panel, and reach circuits for machinery.
Electricity aims to return electrons to the ground for equilibrium, usually via neutral wires. But with faults like breakdowns or short circuits, the "hot" current may divert through nearby conductive materials, leading to hazards like fires and shocks forworkers.
To avoid risks, industrial electrical systems incorporate a comprehensive backup plan. A network of grounding wires runs parallel to the hot and neutral wires, providing an alternative path for the electrical current to follow in case of any disruptions, loose connections,or damage.
The grounding path is constructed using bare copper or other suitable conductive wires that are connected to every industrial device, control panel, and metal enclosure. In industrial cable assemblies, these grounding wires are an integral part of the overall cable setup. The grounding wires terminate at a grounding bar within the main service panel, which is then connected to a grounding coduit buried deep underground outside the industrial facility. In most industrial wiring installations, evidence of the grounding system can be seenat various connection points and outlets.
Grounding bushings, for instance, are used in a variety of industrial equipment and installations. They are designed to provide insulation and a reliable path for grounding in areas where conductors pass through enclosures or barriers. In electrical transformers, grounding bushings help to ensure that any stray electrical charges are safely directed to the ground. They prevent the build-upof static electricity and protect the integrity of the equipment by maintaining a proper ground connection. This is especially important as transformers deal with high voltages, and any electrical fault could have severe consequences.
Grounding liquid tight connectors are essential in industrial settings where there is a need to maintain a secureand protected grounding connection in wet or harsh environments. These connectors are designed to provide a watertight and dust-tight seal while also ensuring excellent electrical conductivity for grounding purposes. Inindustrial plants where there may be exposure to moisture, chemicals, ordebris, such as in food processing facilities or chemical manufacturing plants, grounding liquid tight connectors prevent the ingress of contaminants that could affect the grounding performance. They keep the grounding path intact andreliable, allowing for the safe dissipation of fault currents even in challenging conditions.
Lay-in lugs play a significant role in establishing a solid connection between grounding conductors and other elements of the grounding system, such as bus bars or equipment terminals. They are engineered to provide a high-quality, low-resistance connection. In industrial installations where multiple grounding conductors need to be connected or where a reliable connection to a larger grounding in frastructure is required, lay-in lugs ensure that the electrical current can flow smoothly and without interruption. This is crucial for the effective operation of the grounding system, as any resistance in the connection could lead to voltage drops and potentially compromise the safety ofthe system.
Q: Can industrial electrical circuits begrounded by in-house maintenance staff?
A: It's not advisable. Industrial main service panels and wiring systems are complex and risky. Professional industrial electricians with expertise and knowledge should be hired to ensure correct grounding in line with regulations and safety standards.
Q: What's the difference between earthingand grounding in an industrial circuit?
A: Grounding provides a backup path for excess electricity through neutral and grounding wires in case of wiring issues. Earthing physically links a circuitto the earth via an underground conductor conduit, reducing shock risk and establishing a stable electrical reference for the facility.
Q: How does an industrial electricianground a circuit?
A: They connect ground and neutral wires to bus bars in the main electrical panel and run copper or suitable grounding wires to outlets, switches, control panels and fixtures. Excess current goes from bus bar to the grounding conduit outside via a conductor wire for system and personnel safety.
