Utilities and industrial facilities have been faced with grounding issues for years. And mainly this is due to not taking the proper steps to implement proper grounding in the first place. Why? Because they do not test at all and/or use inadequate testing methods. In the United States, our engineers mainly use Smart Ground Testing, however, across the pond, we also employ CDEGS through our partner Ian Griffiths, and GreyMatters. It is imperative that companies test properly first or the consequences could be dire.
Risks of inefficient grounding can cost a company millions depending on the facility, equipment, and personnel that is impacted.
• General personnel safety/Loss of life
• Lightning and surge protection systems damage
• Inability of clearing ground faults quickly
• Ability to protect critical and expensive electronic systems and equipment
When properly designed and maintained, a grounding system establishes electrical connections with the earth, provides a common ground reference, and minimizes ground potential rise. This reduction in ground potential rise prevents many electrical anomalies.
(Source: LightningProtection.com)