Inflection Point Engineering Electrical Engineering Curriculum

Grounding

Module from the Electrical Engineering Curriculum curriculum.

Module 7 - Grounding and Bonding · Learning Objectives · 1. Apply IEEE Std 142 Green Book for plant grounding system · 2. Design grid for 1 ohm or less resistance to earth · 3. Select solidly grounded, high-resistance grounded (HRG), or ungrounded · 4. Size neutral grounding resistor (NGR) per IEEE 142 for <10 A ground fault · 5. Apply static bonding for tank loading and high-flow transfers · System Grounding Methods

Method Ground Fault Current Pros Cons Typical Use Notes
Solidly grounded Full fault current Simple, lowest cost Arc-flash high, trip on fault LV (<600V) systems Most common
Low-resistance grounded 200-1000A Limit damage Still trips fault MV industrial Heavy pumping stations
High-resistance grounded <10A Run on first fault, alarm Needs detection scheme 4.16kV continuous process Most refineries MV
Resonant (Peterson coil) Very low Self-extinguish arcs Complex tuning Rare Long overhead lines
Ungrounded Capacitive only (few A) Run on fault Transient overvoltage risk Legacy only Avoid

Source: Electrical_Engineering_Curriculum_v1.xlsx · Sheet: Grounding