Grounding Essentials

An equipment ground is the physical connection to earth of non-current carrying metal parts. This type grounding is done so that all metal parts of equipment that personnel can come into contact with are always at or near zero (0) volts with respect to ground. All metal parts must be interconnected and grounded by a conductor in such away as to ensure a path of lowest impedance for flow of ground fault current. Grounding for electronic equipment is a special case in which the equipment ground and the system ground are combined and applied in unity. Electronic equipment grounding systems must not only provide a means of stabilizing input voltage levels, but also act as the zero (0) voltage reference point. Grounding systems for the modern electronics installation must be able to provide effective grounding and bonding functions well into the high frequency megahertz range.

The primary goal of the grounding system throughout any facility is SAFETY. Secondary are effective lightning protection, diminishing electromagnetic coupling (EMC), and the protection against electromagnetic pulses (EMP). Grounding is implemented to ensure and to prevent hazardous voltage that can cause fires and personnel injuries.