GROUNDING BASIC CONCEPTS FROM THE NEC (ON-LINE TUTORIAL), COMPILE BY JAVIER MENDOZA.

GROUNDING PART 1
Introduction In order to properly apply NEC requirements, it is imperative that the terms within the code and their definitions, are clearly understood. Because of their similarities in appearance and in their application, your ability to properly design, install or inspect electrical systems requires precise understanding of these terms. This short tutorial will give you an opportunity to see how well you know the official definitions of some of the terms related to grounding. The terms are grouped into the following categories: System Grounding Grounded Grounding Electrode Grounding Electrode System Grounded Conductor Grounding Electrode Conductor Equipment Grounding Grounding Electrode Grounding Electrode Conductor Bonded Bonding Jumper Bonding

Equipment Grounding Conductor Main Bonding Jumper Equipment Bonding Jumper Effective Grounding Path Solidly Grounded Impedance Grounded

The "Self-Assessment" section presents a series of unscored review questions designed to help you see how well you understand the NEC definitions. The self-assessment is not scored. This is the end of the Introduction. Make another selection from the menu, or click Next to begin reviewing the terms related to System Grounding. Terminology: System Grounding System Grounding is a key area of importance in establishing and maintaining a safe electrical system. According to the NEC, electrical systems that are required to be grounded shall be connected to earth (or some other conducting body) in a manner that will limit the voltage on the premises electrical system imposed by o lightning o line surges, or o unintentional contact with higher voltage lines, and stabilize the voltage to ground during normal operation. Grounded: Connected to earth or some conducting body that serves in the place of earth.

GROUNDING BASIC CONCEPTS FROM THE NEC (ON-LINE TUTORIAL), COMPILE BY JAVIER MENDOZA.
Grounding is the creation of an intentional connection between an electrical system or equipment and the earth, or a conducting body that serves in place of earth. The diagram below shows a typical grounded system that is connected to earth by means of a grounding electrode.

Grounded Conductor: A conductor of a system or circuit that is intentionally electrically connected to ground. Grounding Electrode Conductor: The conductor used to connect the grounding electrode or grounding electrode system to the grounded conductor as well as the equipment grounding conductor at either the service equipment, or source of a separately derived system. In this drawing, the grounding electrode conductor connects the grounding electrode (water pipe) to the grounded conductor at the service equipment. Grounding Electrode: A conductive medium in direct contact with or providing a low impedance path to earth (or other conducting body) and used for maintaining ground potential on conductors connected to it, or for dissipating any current conducted to it. A grounding electrode is one of the various components of the grounding electrode system such as a: metal underground water pipe steel structure of building that is effectively grounded concrete encased electrode ground ring, or other made electrodes such as rods, pipes or plates. In this drawing, the grounding electrode is the water pipe. Grounding Electrode System: One or more grounding electrodes bonded together and serving as a complete system. In this diagram, a grounding connection is made to the water piping that is electrically continuous and in direct earth contact for ten feet or more. Water pipe electrodes are required to be supplemented by at least one other electrode. Any of the electrodes recognized by the NEC can be used to supplement the water pipe electrode. The water pipe electrode plus the supplemental electrode form the grounding electrode system. The diagram on the following page provides an example of multiple electrodes bonded together to form a grounding electrode system