MD Electrical Integration offers grounding and bonding in Atlanta. Bonding is the process of connecting non-current-carrying conductive components, such as enclosures and structures, to one another. The connection of bound systems to the soil is known as grounding. Both are required to protect persons and property from electrical dangers.
The two most common types of grounding are “ indirect ” and “ direct ”. Indirect grounding systems are conductive pathways that connect one piece of equipment to another by way of a non-current-carrying medium such as air or a sturdy network cable. The second type of grounding, direct, is a connection between a system and the earth itself. This is often done by installing a grounding rod or wire at the building’s foundation or by burying a grounding cable below the ground level.
Grounding and Bonding in Atlanta - Grounding
Electrical grounding, sometimes called earthing, is the process of connecting electrical equipment to the ground. In the case of lightning strikes, unintentional contacts, static charges, or surges, the purpose is to establish a conductive conduit for electricity to flow. Discharges in grounded equipment will flow into the soil instead than sensitive equipment, fragile electronics, or persons in the case of a disaster.
Grounding rods, cables, and clamps are used in grounding systems, including those for residences. According to Section 250 of the National Electrical Code® (NEC), rods must be at least 8 feet long and 3/8 inch in diameter for ordinary use.
In drier areas with less conductive soil, longer or numerous rods are frequently required. 10-foot rods and grounding clamps that connect and extend rods are available for this purpose.
Decorative grounding rods are also available, typically installed horizontally to ground one or more sides of a building. A grounding system may also be installed in the ground outside a building. In some cases, a grounding system in the ground can be problematic. It may be difficult to access and connect all parts of the system. It may not protect against lightning, and it may not be aesthetically pleasing.
In homes, grounding systems typically include one or more of the following:
A grounding system may also include one or more of any of the following:
In addition to the use of grounding rods, grounding wires, and grounding clamps, there are other methods for grounding a home. Some of these are:
Grounding is not required for all residential electrical systems. Most residential electrical systems are ungrounded, because most residential electrical systems are not required to be grounded. Only special applications such as hospitals, schools, and other similar facilities are required to be grounded.
In some instances, it may be unsafe or impractical to directly attach the electrical system to the ground. In this case, an indirect connection is made. This can be done by using a lightning rod, or by using a system of grounding rods and clamps.
Grounding and Bonding in Atlanta - Bonding
Electrical bonding is the process of joining together various conductive components that aren’t meant to convey electricity. This establishes a conductive channel between the equipment, housing, panels, metal components, and other structures. Electricity will flow through the bonded components in the case of an electrical fault or surge, lightning strikes, or accidental connections. It’s also a good idea to ground bonded systems to make them as safe as possible.
To guarantee that all components are on a ground-fault route, bonding and grounding function together. This safeguards systems and workers, as well as ensuring the appropriate operation of circuit breakers and ground-fault detectors. Floating systems are bonded but not grounded, and thus do not provide the same amount of protection.
Electrical bonding is a fast and economical method of ensuring your electrical system is safe and functional. For most systems, it is recommended that bonding be done at every new building/renovation site, or when significant work is done to existing systems.
Basic NEC Grounding & Bonding Requirements
Both grounding and bonding are necessary components of a healthy electrical system. The NEC 2020 standards modified the grounding and bonding criteria.
NEC Article 250 describes what systems require grounding, grounding locations, kinds and sizes of grounding and bonding rods, and numerous grounding and bonding procedures to satisfy the wide range of demands across diverse industries. The broad approach used by the NEC is required for widespread application, although it does give space for interpretation.
The NEC allows both grounded and unground systems. Article 250 forbids the use of isolated grounds as a sole means of protection. If more than one grounding rod is available, all of them must be used in the system.
If a system supplies 120 volts or a line to neutral loads, it must be grounded.
If a system does not supply 120 volts or a line to neutral loads, it does not need to be grounded.
There are situations where a system may be required to be bonded if it supplies a line to a load that requires a different voltage.
There are also situations where a system may need to be bonded if it supplies a line to a load that requires a different voltage, but it cannot be grounded because the system does not supply a line to a load that requires a different voltage.
