Question

1. Discuss 3 ways that grounding systems for a circuit reference can be configured.

2. Provide answers for the following:
a) What is the difference between Earthing and Grounding in the context of EMC?
b) What is the primary EMC function of a ground system?

Answer 1

1-(Solution):-

In an electrical installation, an grounding system connects specific parts of that installation with the Earth's conductive surface for safety and functional purposes.One of the most important reasons for grounding electrical currents is that it protects your appliances, your home and everyone in it from surges in electricity.

Here 3 ways of grounding are listed as-

(i) Reactance Grounding

(ii) Resistance Grounding

(iii) Peterson Coil Grounding

2-(SOLUTION)-->>

(a) Grounding is a process which is generally used in three phase systems for connecting the neutral of the system to ground. This is done in order to avoid arcing faults which happen when LG fault occurs in a system with ungrounded neutral. In that case the phase voltage magnitude becomes equal to line voltage which can cause Insulator Flashover or Puncture in Insulator. Hence neutral system must be grounded in order to avoid such situations.

Earthing is a process in which outer body of the device is connected to ground so as to provide a path to ground for the surface charge. This is done for the safety of operator so that he does not get a shock while using the device.

(b)-: EMC (ElectroMagnetic Compatibility) testing exists to ensure that your electronic or electrical device doesn't emit a large amount of electromagnetic interference (known as radiated and conducted emissions) and that your device continues to function as intended in the presence of several electromagnetic phenomenon.

The proper EMC improvement in the installation of automation and control systems ensures a significant reduction of the risks and costs associated with failure of equipment, whose consequences can be disastrous, thus justifying a systematic approach for the grounding system as it is not effective to elect a few “rules of thumb” to solve all would be scenarios.