mikehaugen
Well-known member
The power plant also has a huge grounding rod I believe.
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Need neutral explanation for dummies
- Thread starter catfish500 mark
- Start date
23 CHIEF
Well-known member
Electrical Fundamentals - Protection against elec…:
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
So....
I've always been curious about what "ground" and not Neutral, actually refers to here. To me, the fact that "ground" is a rod driven into the ground is coincidental. You're using this rod as a connection to what? Another rod (through the rock and soil) at the transformer pole that has a connection to the source? Power is always trying to return to its source correct? Is just doesn't go randomly into the earth when there's a fault.
People are always confused about grounding/EGCs and grounding electrodes/rods/ufer, etc....i think this is because they share a common name....
Grounds/EGCs are for grounding the metal chasssis of equipment in case of an ungrounded hot leg short to the chassis and they provide a low impedance fault path so breakers can clear the fault.
Grounding electrodes on the other hand are for grounding lightning, providing a reference to ground and to help limit voltage potential because of contact with higher voltage lines or surges!
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
... and this really goes back the very early days of home electrification.Grounds/EGCs are for grounding the metal chasssis of equipment in case of an ungrounded hot leg short to the chassis and they provide a low impedance fault path ...
From the 1900s through 1950-60ish, homes only had hot and neutral AND most household appliance had metal cases. A short from hot to the case could seriously hurt/kill someone if they became the path to ground.
10-20 years after ground wire became common in household wiring, many (most?) handheld/countertop appliances started using plastic cases/housing. Then there was the invention of "double insulation" (Class II) appliances which do not require a ground.
I always get a chuckle when I look at a plastic housed DC computer power supplies that have a 3 wire cord and plug !
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
... and this really goes back the very early days of home electrification.
From the 1900s through 1950-60ish, homes only had hot and neutral AND most household appliance had metal cases. A short from hot to the case could seriously hurt/kill someone if they became the path to ground.
10-20 years after ground wire became common in household wiring, many (most?) handheld/countertop appliances started using plastic cases/housing. Then there was the invention of "double insulation" (Class II) appliances which do not require a ground.
I always get a chuckle when I look at a plastic housed DC computer power supplies that have a 3 wire cord and plug !
Yeah i dont know why manu. do that...must have some importance, like surge suppression maybe?