Otis Singleton
Grounding is an essential safety feature in electrical systems, providing a low-resistance path for excess electrical current to flow to the earth, protecting people and equipment from electrical shocks, fires, and other hazards. To ensure proper grounding, it is crucial to identify the electric ground conductor accurately. This identification process involves verifying the conductor's colour, as per regulations, and testing for ground continuity using specialised equipment like a multimeter. This paragraph will explore the key considerations for identifying the electric ground conductor, a fundamental aspect of maintaining a safe electrical system.
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What You'll Learn
Grounded vs grounding conductors
Grounded and grounding conductors are both, in fact, grounded. However, they have different functions. A grounded conductor is a current-carrying conductor and is usually identified by the colour white or, sometimes, grey. It achieves continuity with the ground through its connection with the service neutral conductor in the main panel. The service neutral conductor is then connected to the metal enclosure of the main panel, which is then connected by a wire (grounding electrode conductor) to the earth.
A grounding conductor, also known as an equipment grounding conductor (EGC), is not considered a current-carrying conductor. It is used for the safety ground and is typically identified by the colours green, bare, or green with a yellow stripe. It is used to connect the system-grounded ("neutral") conductor or equipment to a grounding electrode or a point on the grounding electrode system.
It is important to note that the terms "grounded conductor" and "grounding conductor" should not be confused. Using the wrong term can lead to potentially lethal mistakes. For example, one should never use the bare wire as a "grounded conductor" or the white wire as the "grounding conductor", even though they are connected together in the panel.
In electrical engineering, the term "ground" or "earth" refers to a reference point in an electrical circuit from which voltages are measured, a common return path for electric current, or a direct physical connection to the Earth. Electrical circuits may be connected to the ground to protect users from electrical shock hazards and limit voltage surges caused by lightning events or contact with higher-voltage lines.
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Grounding conductor specifications
Grounding conductors, also known as ground conductors or case grounds, are wires or conductors that are intentionally connected to the earth. They serve as a safe path for fault currents, preventing electrical hazards by diverting current away from people and equipment. They are commonly used in electrical power distribution systems to limit the voltage that can appear on distribution circuits.
According to various international standards, grounding conductors are typically identified by their colour, which is either green or green with yellow stripes. In Brazil, India, and Canada, only the colour green is used for grounding conductors. When sizing a grounding conductor, it is important to ensure that it is at least 25% of the phase conductor's capacity for safety reasons.
Grounding conductors are different from grounded conductors, also known as grounded neutral conductors. Grounded conductors are system or circuit conductors that are intentionally grounded. They serve as the return path for electrical current in a branch circuit. A grounded conductor is usually identified by the colour white, although it can also be grey.
Equipment bonding conductors (EBC) or equipment ground conductors (EGC) are types of grounding conductors that provide a low-impedance path between normally non-current-carrying metallic parts of equipment and one of the conductors of that electrical system's source. This helps to prevent electrical shocks by ensuring that all exposed metal parts are at the same voltage potential.
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Grounding electrode conductor
A grounding electrode conductor (GEC) is used to connect the system grounded ("neutral") conductor or equipment to a grounding electrode or a point on the grounding electrode system. This process is called "system grounding", and most electrical systems are required to be grounded. The purpose of connecting an electrical system to the physical ground (earth) is to limit the voltage imposed by lightning strikes and contact with higher-voltage lines.
In the past, water supply pipes were used as grounding electrodes, but due to the increased use of plastic pipes, which are poor conductors, a specific grounding electrode is often required by regulating authorities. The grounding electrode used to make a reliable connection with the earth can be a copper water pipe, a ground ring, a concrete-encased electrode, or a driven ground such as a copper-coated 8-foot ground rod, or a combination of these.
The installation of grounding electrode conductors must adhere to specific guidelines for service points, buildings, and separately derived systems. Conductors made of aluminium or copper-clad aluminium have particular requirements, including restrictions on installation in corrosive environments and proximity to the earth. Protection against physical damage is crucial, with different standards for exposed and non-exposed conductors.
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Testing ground with a multimeter
Firstly, it is important to understand the purpose of grounding. In electrical systems, grounding is used to limit voltage and protect against electrical shocks. A grounding electrode conductor (GEC) is used to connect the system-grounded ("neutral") conductor or equipment to a grounding electrode or a point on the grounding electrode system. This is known as "system grounding", and it is required for most electrical systems.
Now, to test the ground with a multimeter:
- Set up the multimeter: Place the multimeter in resistance test mode. This is usually done by turning the dial to the Ohm (Ω) symbol.
- Connect the multimeter to the ground: Place one lead of the multimeter on the coax ground device or bond wire, and the other lead on the house ground system or actual ground. It doesn't matter which lead goes on which system.
- Interpret the results: If the resistance reading is less than 25 Ohms, the ground is properly grounded. If the resistance is higher, it indicates a problem with the grounding connection, and you may need to clean or adjust the bonding points.
It is important to note that you should not attempt to test the house grounding system itself, as this can be dangerous and is legally the responsibility of a licensed electrician.
Additionally, when identifying the electric ground conductor, it is important to distinguish between a Grounded Conductor and a Grounding Conductor (also known as an Equipment Grounding Conductor or EGC). According to Article 100 of the NEC, a Grounded Conductor is a system or circuit conductor that is intentionally grounded, while a Grounding Conductor is also grounded but serves as a return path for electrical current without carrying the current itself. A Grounded Conductor is usually identified by the colour white or grey, whereas an EGC is bare or green-coloured.
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Grounding as a safety feature
Grounding is an important safety feature in any electrical system. It is a protective measure that ensures electrical circuits are connected to a common reference point, usually the Earth. This connection provides a low-impedance path for electrical current to flow in the event of a fault or short circuit, safeguarding people and property from electrical shocks and damage.
The process of grounding involves bonding all exposed non-current carrying metal objects together, as well as to other metal objects like pipes or structural steel. This helps maintain a similar voltage potential across these objects, reducing the risk of electric shock. In bathrooms, for instance, individuals may come into contact with multiple metallic systems, such as supply and drain pipes, and appliance frames, making grounding especially critical.
Grounding conductors, also known as equipment grounding conductors (EGCs), are an essential component of the grounding process. These conductors provide a path of least resistance for electrical current to return to the ground, protecting individuals from electric shock. EGCs are typically made of copper, aluminium, or copper-clad aluminium. They can be identified by their colour, which is either bare or green for grounding conductors, and white or grey for grounded conductors.
It is important to test for proper grounding in electrical systems to ensure safety. This can be done using a multimeter, a tool that helps identify the presence of an electric current in a wire or outlet. Testing for grounding involves touching the black probe of the multimeter to a known ground, such as the metal chassis of the equipment, and the red probe to the wire being tested. A low resistance reading indicates proper grounding, while a high reading suggests improper grounding.
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Frequently asked questions
Electrical grounding is the process of connecting a conductor or an electrical device to the earth, providing a safe and stable path for excess electricity to escape.
Electrical grounding is important for safety reasons. Grounding helps protect the system from electrical shock, fires, and other hazards. It also improves the performance and reliability of the system by reducing noise and interference from surrounding electrical sources.
According to NEC 250.119(A)(2), equipment grounding conductors can be identified by their green colour or green with one or more yellow stripes. If the conductor is 4 AWG or larger and not green for its entire length, it can be identified by stripping the insulation and colouring the termination green, or by marking it with green tape or adhesive labels.
