Grounding Safety, Design and Testing of AC and DC Electrical Systems

After participating in this course, you will be able to:

• Identify and mitigate safety hazards for personnel interacting with electrical systems.
• Prevent equipment failures and malfunctions using advanced grounding techniques.
• Interpret and apply industry codes and standards related to grounding and bonding.
• Ensure the reliable operation of communication, computer, and control systems through effective grounding and bonding practices.
• Implement comprehensive lightning protection strategies in your projects.

Description
Grounding and bonding systems play a critical role in ensuring the safety and reliability of electrical systems. These systems protect against electric shock and fires by controlling the voltage imposed by lightning, line surges, or accidental contact with high-voltage lines. Proper grounding and bonding also help prevent equipment malfunctions and ensure the longevity of electrical components. Understanding these principles is vital for preventing ground faults and ensuring operational efficiency and power quality.

An integrated approach combining theory and practical applications will provide a solid grounding and bonding foundation. You'll gain essential knowledge to tackle design and construction projects confidently and address any issues in your electrical system. Case studies will enhance your understanding by demonstrating real-world applications in industrial and substation environments.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the expertise to handle grounding and bonding challenges across various scenarios, ensuring safety and compliance with industry standards. You'll leave with the confidence and skills to apply advanced grounding and bonding techniques to your projects, safeguarding personnel and equipment.

Who Should Attend
This course is designed for a broad range of professionals involved in electrical systems. Electrical Engineers, Design Engineers, Managers, and Project Managers will find it particularly beneficial. Power Quality Specialists and Maintenance Managers will also gain valuable insights into preventing equipment malfunctions and ensuring system reliability.

Consultants, Electronics & Controls personnel, and Traffic Signal Designers & Operators will benefit from understanding the intricacies of grounding and bonding. Additionally, Technologists and anyone involved in electrical system design, installation, or maintenance will find this course invaluable.

This course suits Facility Managers, Safety Engineers, Construction Supervisors, and anyone responsible for implementing or overseeing electrical safety measures. Whether new to the field or looking to deepen your expertise, this course will enhance your skills and knowledge.

Day I

Welcome, Introduction, Workshop Preview, Learning Outcomes and the Assessment Method

Introduction

• Definitions
• Electrical code objectives
• Ground currents
• Resistance and resistivity
• Electrical shock hazards

What Is Grounding?

• Grounding methods
• Electrical code requirements
• System grounding – single and multiple services
• Unwanted current flow
• Grounding electrodes and grounding methods
• Effects of emergency generators

Electrical Safety Grounding

• Common electrical hazards
• Rules for working around live electrical equipment
• Electrical safety grounding
• Electrical code clearances

What Is Bonding?

• Grounding and bonding – the differences
• Body resistance and electric shock
• Bonding definition and purposes
• Electrical code requirements
• Methods of bonding and what must be bonded
• Single point bonding

Other Important Information

• Ground faults – impedance effects and effective fault paths
• Earth resistance vs. resistivity
• Ground fault protection
• Single conductor cables - circulating and eddy currents

Questions and Answers

Adjournment

Day II

Substation Grounding

• Permissible body currents
• Step and touch potentials
• Grounding resistance and resistivity
• Substation ground electrodes
• ANSI/IEEE grounding standard (IEEE 80, 81 and 142)

Electronic Equipment

• Frequency and power quality
• Frequency response of conductors
• Isolation grounding
• Minimizing electrical interference
• Shielding methods

Lightning Protection

• The nature of lightning
• Lightning protection principles and methods
• Protection equipment and grounding methods
• Surge protection and insulation coordination

Day III

Data Center Grounding

• Bus Bars types
• Grounding Design Consideration
• Wires Selections

Measurement Techniques

• Ground resistance and resistivity
• Effects of moisture and temperature
• Measurement methods
• Step and Touch Potential
• Crushed Stones resistivity

Hazardous Area Classifications (HAC)

• Relation to Static Electricity
• Grounding and Bonding relations to HAC

Case Study I – Retrofitting an Existing Installation

Case Study II – Surge Protection

Questions and Answers and Feedback to Participants on Achievement of Learning Outcomes

Final Adjournment