Grounding system - Revision history

Alex at 15:41, 15 February 2021

2021-02-15T15:41:06Z

Alex: Marked this version for translation

2021-02-15T14:33:38Z

Marked this version for translation

Show changes

Alex at 14:33, 15 February 2021

2021-02-15T14:33:18Z

Alex at 15:37, 19 January 2021

2021-01-19T15:37:44Z

Alex: /* Ungrounded system */

2021-01-02T19:42:13Z

Ungrounded system

Alex: Text replacement - "[[Busbars" to "[[Busbar"

2021-01-01T21:56:55Z

Text replacement - "[[Busbars" to "[[Busbar"

Alex at 21:25, 29 December 2020

2020-12-29T21:25:36Z

Alex: /* Grounding terminology */

2020-12-03T15:26:59Z

Grounding terminology

Alex at 15:18, 3 December 2020

2020-12-03T15:18:59Z

Alex at 15:06, 3 December 2020

2020-12-03T15:06:01Z

@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 <translate>
 <!--T:1-->
-A grounding system creates a low-resistance connection between system equipment and/or a system conductor (wire) - called a neutral or grounded conductor - to the earth by using a grounding electrode. A grounding system is not necessary for an electrical system to function, the electrical distribution systems in some countries lack any type of grounding and others have complex grounding systems with additional measurement devices to protect users. It is common for many small-scale off-grid to lack a grounding system as it significantly increases costs and installation time and may not yield significant benefits. As system size, voltage, and cost increase the benefits of a grounding system grow. The [[Special:MyLanguage/Electrical codes|electrical code]] for every country will contain information about the requirements and appropriate equipment for that location.<ref name="cahiertechnique"> Cahiers Techniques 173: Earthing Systems Worldwide and Evolutions https://www.mikeholt.com/documents/mojofiles/electricalearthingworldwide.pdf</ref>
+A grounding system creates a low-resistance connection between system equipment and/or a system conductor (wire) - called a neutral or grounded conductor - to the earth by using a grounding electrode. A grounding system is not necessary for an electrical system to function, the electrical distribution systems in some countries lack any type of grounding and others have complex grounding systems with additional measurement devices to protect users. It is common for many small-scale off-grid systems to lack a grounding system as it significantly increases costs and installation time and may not yield significant benefits. As system size, voltage, and cost increase the benefits of a grounding system grow. The [[Special:MyLanguage/Electrical codes|electrical code]] for every country will contain information about the requirements and appropriate equipment for that location.<ref name="cahiertechnique"> Cahiers Techniques 173: Earthing Systems Worldwide and Evolutions https://www.mikeholt.com/documents/mojofiles/electricalearthingworldwide.pdf</ref>
 <!--T:2-->
-Additionally, it is necessary to consult the manual for any [[Special:MyLanguage/Charge controller|Charge controller]] or [[Special:MyLanguage/Inverter|Inverter]] before deciding upon a grounding scheme as they may have different requirements for grounding. There are a few cases that are worth noting here:
+Additionally, it is necessary to consult the manual for any [[Special:MyLanguage/Charge controller|charge controller]] or [[Special:MyLanguage/Inverter|inverter]] before deciding upon a grounding scheme as they may have different requirements for grounding. There are a few cases that are worth noting here:
 *There are some small inverters - [[Special:MyLanguage/Inverter|modified sine wave]] and [[Special:MyLanguage/Inverter|square wave]] - that will be destroyed if they are connected in a system that has both an AC and a DC system ground as they do not properly isolate their DC input from the AC output.
 *There are some charge controllers that are intended for specific applications, like remote telecommunications installations, that are positively grounded.
@@ Line 16: / Line 16: @@
 <!--T:5-->
-Most off-grid equipment can be used in a variety of different grounding configurations - there is no universal configuration. The focus here will be on a TN-S grounding configuration, which is commonly used for off-grid PV installations. This configuration has a grounded conductor (neutral) and a separate equipment ground that is run with each circuit to bond together non-current carrying metal parts of the system (enclosures or major system components).<ref name="smagrounding"> SMA Grounding in Off-grid Systems: Design of TN and TT Off-Grid  https://files.sma.de/downloads/SI-OffGrid-Grounding-TI-en-11.pdf</ref> The term conductor is used commonly in the electrical field as it encompasses all wires and cables that may be used to create a circuit. A TN-S grounding configuration has two major functions that work together:
+Most off-grid equipment can be used in a variety of different grounding configurations - there is no universal configuration. The focus here will be on a TN-S grounding configuration, which is commonly used for off-grid PV installations. This configuration has a system ground that creates a grounded conductor (neutral). There is a separate equipment ground that is run with each circuit to bond together non-current carrying metal parts of the system (enclosures, junction boxes, major system components etc.).<ref name="smagrounding"> SMA Grounding in Off-grid Systems: Design of TN and TT Off-Grid  https://files.sma.de/downloads/SI-OffGrid-Grounding-TI-en-11.pdf</ref> A TN-S grounding configuration has two major functions that work together:
 <!--T:6-->
@@ Line 31: / Line 31: @@
 |-
 |(1) Grounding electrode
-|The connection point between the earth and the electrical system. It is important that a grounding electrode have sufficient surface area in contact with the earth in order to establish a good connection. There are many different types of [[Special:MyLanguage/Grounding system design|grounding electrodes]] - copper rods, steel rods, copper plates, the metallic pipes of a building, or a proper connection to the rebar used in the foundation of a building. The appropriate grounding electrode will vary based upon the [[Special:MyLanguage/Electrical codes|electrical code]], building and soil type.
+|The connection point between the earth and the electrical system. It is important that a grounding electrode have sufficient surface area in contact with the earth in order to establish a good connection. There are many different types of [[Special:MyLanguage/Grounding system sizing and selection|grounding electrodes]] - copper rods, steel rods, copper plates, the metallic pipes of a building, or a proper connection to the rebar used in the foundation of a building. The appropriate grounding electrode will vary based upon the [[Special:MyLanguage/Electrical codes|electrical code]], building and soil type.
 |-
 |(2) Grounding electrode conductor (GEC)
@@ Line 43: / Line 43: @@
 |-
 |(5) AC system ground
-|The connection between an AC current carrying conductor in an electrical system and the grounding electrode conductor - typically made immediately after the inverter output at a busbar used for the inverter output circuit or in the main distribution panel. The connection is made from the main grounding busbar to the busbar of the grounded conductor. There are some inverters that come with a pre-established internal system ground, for example any that come with an integrated [[Special:MyLanguage/Ground fault protection device|ground fault protection device (GFPD)]]. A second system ground should not be created.
+|The connection between an AC current carrying conductor in an electrical system and the grounding electrode conductor - typically made immediately after the inverter output at a busbar used for the inverter output circuit or in the main distribution panel. The connection is made from the main grounding busbar to the busbar of the grounded conductor. There are some inverters that come with a pre-established internal system ground, for example any that come with an integrated [[Special:MyLanguage/Ground fault protection device|ground fault protection device (GFPD)]]. A second system ground should not be created; if there is more than one the grounding system will not function  properly.
 |}
@@ Line 55: / Line 55: @@
 |-
 |Non-current carrying conductor
-|A conductor that is not intended to regularly carry current as a part of the normal functioning of an electrical system. All grounding conductors fit into this category.
+|A conductor that is not intended to regularly carry current as a part of the normal functioning of an electrical system. All grounding system wiring fit into this category.
 |-
 |Current carrying conductor
@@ Line 61: / Line 61: @@
 |-
 |Grounded system
-|A system that has an AC or DC system ground. The system may be a DC grounded system, an AC grounded system, or an AC/DC grounded system. There is at least one grounded current carrying conductor in the system.
+|A system that has an AC or DC system ground. The system may be a DC grounded system, an AC grounded system, or an AC and DC grounded system. There is at least one grounded current carrying conductor in the system.
 |-
 |Ungrounded  system
@@ Line 88: / Line 88: @@
 <!--T:15-->
 #A ground fault occurs between a grounded piece of equipment and an ungrounded conductor (wire).
-#The equipment grounding conductor has a connection - due to the system ground - to the grounded conductor. The current follows it because it is a low resistance path to the grounded conductor, which completes the circuit.
+#The equipment grounding conductor has a connection - due to the system ground - to the grounded conductor of the circuit. The current follows it because it is a low resistance path to the grounded conductor, which completes the circuit.
 #The current reaches the grounded conductor and this effectively creates a [[Special:MyLanguage/Electricity and energy#Circuits|short-circuit]] which causes the inverter to supply large a amount of current to the newly created low-resistasnce circuit.
 #This high current flow will be identified by the inverter electronics, residual current device (RCD) or an overcurrent protection device (OCPD) as a fault, which will cause the one of them to trip and [[Special:MyLanguage/Electricity and energy#Circuits|open]] (disconnect) the circuit. A RCD or inverter electronics will react quicker than an OCPD.
@@ Line 99: / Line 99: @@
 ====Ungrounded system==== <!--T:18-->
-An ungrounded conductor in an ungrounded system will only have a voltage relative to the other ungrounded conductors in the system, but will not have a voltage relative to ground. For a [[#Ground faults|ground fault]] to pass current and trip a [[Special:MyLanguage/Overcurrent protection device|overcurrent protection devices]] or a [[Special:MyLanguage/Residual current device|residual current device]], two seperate ground faults will be required. This means that a person could touch the [[Special:MyLanguage/Busbar|busbar]] of either conductor independently at be safe as long as there is no fault.
+An ungrounded conductor in an ungrounded system will only have a voltage relative to the other ungrounded conductors in the system, but will not have a voltage relative to ground. For a [[#Ground faults|ground fault]] to pass current and trip a [[Special:MyLanguage/Overcurrent protection device|overcurrent protection devices]] or a [[Special:MyLanguage/Residual current device|residual current device]], two seperate ground faults will be required. This means that a person could touch the [[Special:MyLanguage/Busbar|busbar]] of either conductor independently and be safe as long as there is no fault.
 <!--T:19-->
@@ Line 120: / Line 120: @@
 ====Grounded system==== <!--T:21-->
-An ungrounded conductor in a grounded system will have a voltage relative to the grounded conductor and the ground. For a [[#Ground fault]] to pass current and trip a [[Special:MyLanguage/Overcurrent protection device|overcurrent protection devices]] or a [[Special:MyLanguage/Residual current device|residual current device]], only one ground faults - between the ungrounded conductor and the ground - will be required. This means in this system that a person could touch the [[Special:MyLanguage/Busbar|busbar]] of either the grounded conductor or ground and be safe as long as there is no fault.
+An ungrounded conductor in a grounded system will have a voltage relative to the grounded conductor and the ground. For a [[#Ground fault]] to pass current and trip a [[Special:MyLanguage/Overcurrent protection device|overcurrent protection devices]] or a [[Special:MyLanguage/Residual current device|residual current device]], only one ground fault is required: between the ungrounded conductor and the ground. This means in this system that a person could touch the [[Special:MyLanguage/Busbar|busbar]] of either the grounded conductor or ground and be safe as long as there is no fault, but not the ungrounded conductor.
 <!--T:22-->

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 [[Category:Grounding]]
-A grounding system creates a low-resistance connection between system equipment and/or a system conductor (wire) - called a neutral or grounded conductor - to the earth by using a grounding electrode. A grounding system is not necessary for an electrical system to function, the electrical distribution systems in some countries lack any type of grounding and others have complex grounding systems with additional measurement devices to protect users. It is common for many small-scale off-grid to lack a grounding system as it significantly increases costs and installation time and may not yield significant benefits. As system size, voltage, and cost increase the benefits of a grounding system grow. The [[Electrical codes|electrical code]] for every country will contain information about the requirements and appropriate equipment for that location.<ref name="cahiertechnique"> Cahiers Techniques 173: Earthing Systems Worldwide and Evolutions https://www.mikeholt.com/documents/mojofiles/electricalearthingworldwide.pdf</ref>
+<languages />
-Additionally, it is necessary to consult the manual for any [[charge controller]] or [[inverter]] before deciding upon a grounding scheme as they may have different requirements for grounding. There are a few cases that are worth noting here:
+Additionally, it is necessary to consult the manual for any [[Special:MyLanguage/Charge controller|Charge controller]] or [[Special:MyLanguage/Inverter|Inverter]] before deciding upon a grounding scheme as they may have different requirements for grounding. There are a few cases that are worth noting here:
-*There are some small inverters - [[inverter|modified sine wave]] and [[inverter|square wave]] - that will be destroyed if they are connected in a system that has both an AC and a DC system ground as they do not properly isolate their DC input from the AC output.
+*There are some small inverters - [[Special:MyLanguage/Inverter|modified sine wave]] and [[Special:MyLanguage/Inverter|square wave]] - that will be destroyed if they are connected in a system that has both an AC and a DC system ground as they do not properly isolate their DC input from the AC output.
 *There are some charge controllers that are intended for specific applications, like remote telecommunications installations, that are positively grounded.
 ==Grounding terminology==
 [[File:Groundinglabed201201.png|thumb|right|Wiring diagram of a stand-alone PV system with a charge controller with DC lighting control and an inverter for AC loads. The system is designed using a TN-S grounding configuration.]]
 Most off-grid equipment can be used in a variety of different grounding configurations - there is no universal configuration. The focus here will be on a TN-S grounding configuration, which is commonly used for off-grid PV installations. This configuration has a grounded conductor (neutral) and a separate equipment ground that is run with each circuit to bond together non-current carrying metal parts of the system (enclosures or major system components).<ref name="smagrounding"> SMA Grounding in Off-grid Systems: Design of TN and TT Off-Grid  https://files.sma.de/downloads/SI-OffGrid-Grounding-TI-en-11.pdf</ref> The term conductor is used commonly in the electrical field as it encompasses all wires and cables that may be used to create a circuit. A TN-S grounding configuration has two major functions that work together:
 *'''System grounding''' - System grounding is created by connecting one current-carrying conductor of an electrical system to ground. A proper system ground provides a means to dissipate excess static electricity created by friction or lightning. This helps to ensure a stable voltage and protect system equipment from damage.
 *'''Equipment grounding''' - Equipment grounding is created by connecting all non-current carrying metallic components of a system to ground. This creates a path for any current created by a fault - due to failure of insulation or a loose connection - to return through the equipment grounding or the earth to the grounded conductor.
@@ Line 19: / Line 24: @@
 |-
 |(1) Grounding electrode
-|The connection point between the earth and the electrical system. It is important that a grounding electrode have sufficient surface area in contact with the earth in order to establish a good connection. There are many different types of [[Grounding system design|grounding electrodes]] - copper rods, steel rods, copper plates, the metallic pipes of a building, or a proper connection to the rebar used in the foundation of a building. The appropriate grounding electrode will vary based upon the [[Electrical codes|electrical code]], building and soil type.
+|The connection point between the earth and the electrical system. It is important that a grounding electrode have sufficient surface area in contact with the earth in order to establish a good connection. There are many different types of [[Special:MyLanguage/Grounding system design|grounding electrodes]] - copper rods, steel rods, copper plates, the metallic pipes of a building, or a proper connection to the rebar used in the foundation of a building. The appropriate grounding electrode will vary based upon the [[Special:MyLanguage/Electrical codes|electrical code]], building and soil type.
 |-
 |(2) Grounding electrode conductor (GEC)
@@ Line 28: / Line 33: @@
 |-
 |(4) DC system ground
-|The connection between a DC current carrying conductor in an electrical system and the grounding electrode conductor - commonly made through a [[Ground fault protection device|ground fault protection device]].
+|The connection between a DC current carrying conductor in an electrical system and the grounding electrode conductor - commonly made through a [[Special:MyLanguage/Ground fault protection device|ground fault protection device]].
 |-
 |(5) AC system ground
-|The connection between an AC current carrying conductor in an electrical system and the grounding electrode conductor - typically made immediately after the inverter output at a busbar used for the inverter output circuit or in the main distribution panel. The connection is made from the main grounding busbar to the busbar of the grounded conductor. There are some inverters that come with a pre-established internal system ground, for example any that come with an integrated [[Ground fault protection device|ground fault protection device (GFPD)]]. A second system ground should not be created.
+|The connection between an AC current carrying conductor in an electrical system and the grounding electrode conductor - typically made immediately after the inverter output at a busbar used for the inverter output circuit or in the main distribution panel. The connection is made from the main grounding busbar to the busbar of the grounded conductor. There are some inverters that come with a pre-established internal system ground, for example any that come with an integrated [[Special:MyLanguage/Ground fault protection device|ground fault protection device (GFPD)]]. A second system ground should not be created.
 |}
@@ Line 65: / Line 70: @@
 In a properly grounded system, the most common ground fault scenario is a ground fault between an ungrounded current-carrying conductor (black wire) and a grounded piece of equipment. A ground fault can occur with a grounded conductor but it will not typically be apparent until there is a second ground fault involving the ungrounded conductor (black wire).
-System grounding and equipment grounding work with [[Overcurrent protection device|overcurrent protection devices]], [[Ground fault protection device|ground fault protection devices]], [[Residual current device|residual current devices]] and [[Inverter|inverter electronics]] to identify faults and disable them as quickly as possible by [[Electricity and energy#Circuits|opening (disconnecting)]] the circuit. This system functions because a fault to an equipment grounding conductor will create a [[Electricity and energy#Circuits|short circuit]] if there is low enough resistance, which will activate these devices and cause them to [[Electricity and energy#Circuits|open]] (disconnect) the circuit.
+System grounding and equipment grounding work with [[Special:MyLanguage/Overcurrent protection device|overcurrent protection devices]], [[Special:MyLanguage/Ground fault protection device|ground fault protection devices]], [[Special:MyLanguage/Residual current device|residual current devices]] and [[Special:MyLanguage/Inverter|inverter electronics]] to identify faults and disable them as quickly as possible by [[Special:MyLanguage/Electricity and energy#Circuits|opening (disconnecting)]] the circuit. This system functions because a fault to an equipment grounding conductor will create a [[Special:MyLanguage/Electricity and energy#Circuits|short circuit]] if there is low enough resistance, which will activate these devices and cause them to [[Special:MyLanguage/Electricity and energy#Circuits|open]] (disconnect) the circuit.
 An AC ground fault involving an ungrounded conductor typically occurs as follows:
@@ Line 71: / Line 76: @@
 #A ground fault occurs between a grounded piece of equipment and an ungrounded conductor (wire).
 #The equipment grounding conductor has a connection - due to the system ground - to the grounded conductor. The current follows it because it is a low resistance path to the grounded conductor, which completes the circuit.
-#The current reaches the grounded conductor and this effectively creates a [[Electricity and energy#Circuits|short-circuit]] which causes the inverter to supply large a amount of current to the newly created low-resistasnce circuit.
+#The current reaches the grounded conductor and this effectively creates a [[Special:MyLanguage/Electricity and energy#Circuits|short-circuit]] which causes the inverter to supply large a amount of current to the newly created low-resistasnce circuit.
-#This high current flow will be identified by the inverter electronics, residual current device (RCD) or an overcurrent protection device (OCPD) as a fault, which will cause the one of them to trip and [[Electricity and energy#Circuits|open]] (disconnect) the circuit. A RCD or inverter electronics will react quicker than an OCPD.
+#This high current flow will be identified by the inverter electronics, residual current device (RCD) or an overcurrent protection device (OCPD) as a fault, which will cause the one of them to trip and [[Special:MyLanguage/Electricity and energy#Circuits|open]] (disconnect) the circuit. A RCD or inverter electronics will react quicker than an OCPD.
-These devices only temporarily remove the hazard, thus after a ground fault occurs it is necessary to carefully [[Troubleshooting|troubleshoot]] the system to locate the fault and fix it.
+These devices only temporarily remove the hazard, thus after a ground fault occurs it is necessary to carefully [[Special:MyLanguage/Troubleshooting|troubleshoot]] the system to locate the fault and fix it.
 ==Grounded and ungrounded systems in practice==
@@ Line 80: / Line 85: @@
 ====Ungrounded system====
-An ungrounded conductor in an ungrounded system will only have a voltage relative to the other ungrounded conductors in the system, but will not have a voltage relative to ground. For a [[#Ground faults|ground fault]] to pass current and trip a [[Overcurrent protection device|overcurrent protection devices]] or a [[Residual current device|residual current device]], two seperate ground faults will be required. This means that a person could touch the [[Busbar|busbar]] of either conductor independently at be safe as long as there is no fault.
+An ungrounded conductor in an ungrounded system will only have a voltage relative to the other ungrounded conductors in the system, but will not have a voltage relative to ground. For a [[#Ground faults|ground fault]] to pass current and trip a [[Special:MyLanguage/Overcurrent protection device|overcurrent protection devices]] or a [[Special:MyLanguage/Residual current device|residual current device]], two seperate ground faults will be required. This means that a person could touch the [[Special:MyLanguage/Busbar|busbar]] of either conductor independently at be safe as long as there is no fault.
 Ungrounded systems do not readily identify single ground faults, which represents a significant safety hazard as a user or technician may not discover that a fault exists until contact is made with a conductor that would have had no voltage to ground had it not been for the fault. They can also create other additional double-fault scenarios that do not exist in grounded systems that require an overcurrent protection device on all positive and negative wires in a circuit to be properly mitigated.
@@ Line 99: / Line 104: @@
 ====Grounded system====
-An ungrounded conductor in a grounded system will have a voltage relative to the grounded conductor and the ground. For a [[#Ground fault]] to pass current and trip a [[Overcurrent protection device|overcurrent protection devices]] or a [[Residual current device|residual current device]], only one ground faults - between the ungrounded conductor and the ground - will be required. This means in this system that a person could touch the [[Busbar|busbar]] of either the grounded conductor or ground and be safe as long as there is no fault.
+An ungrounded conductor in a grounded system will have a voltage relative to the grounded conductor and the ground. For a [[#Ground fault]] to pass current and trip a [[Special:MyLanguage/Overcurrent protection device|overcurrent protection devices]] or a [[Special:MyLanguage/Residual current device|residual current device]], only one ground faults - between the ungrounded conductor and the ground - will be required. This means in this system that a person could touch the [[Special:MyLanguage/Busbar|busbar]] of either the grounded conductor or ground and be safe as long as there is no fault.
 Grounded systems are better at readily identifying single ground faults and making users or technicians aware that there is an issue. They also avoid the double-fault scenarios that can be an issue for ungrounded systems.
@@ Line 119: / Line 124: @@
 ==Notes/references==
 <references/>

@@ Line 9: / Line 9: @@
 [[File:Groundinglabed201201.png|thumb|right|Wiring diagram of a stand-alone PV system with a charge controller with DC lighting control and an inverter for AC loads. The system is designed using a TN-S grounding configuration.]]
 Most off-grid equipment can be used in a variety of different grounding configurations - there is no universal configuration. The focus here will be on a TN-S grounding configuration, which is commonly used for off-grid PV installations. This configuration has a grounded conductor (neutral) and a separate equipment ground that is run with each circuit to bond together non-current carrying metal parts of the system (enclosures or major system components).<ref name="smagrounding"> SMA Grounding in Off-grid Systems: Design of TN and TT Off-Grid  https://files.sma.de/downloads/SI-OffGrid-Grounding-TI-en-11.pdf</ref> The term conductor is used commonly in the electrical field as it encompasses all wires and cables that may be used to create a circuit. A TN-S grounding configuration has two major functions that work together:
-*'''System grounding''' - System grounding is created by connecting one current-carrying conductor of an electrical system to ground. A proper system ground provides a means to dissipate excess static electricity created by friction or lightning. This helps to create a stable system voltage and protect system equipment from damage.
+*'''System grounding''' - System grounding is created by connecting one current-carrying conductor of an electrical system to ground. A proper system ground provides a means to dissipate excess static electricity created by friction or lightning. This helps to ensure a stable voltage and protect system equipment from damage.
 *'''Equipment grounding''' - Equipment grounding is created by connecting all non-current carrying metallic components of a system to ground. This creates a path for any current created by a fault - due to failure of insulation or a loose connection - to return through the equipment grounding or the earth to the grounded conductor.

@@ Line 80: / Line 80: @@
 ====Ungrounded system====
-An ungrounded conductor in an ungrounded system will only have a voltage relative to the other ungrounded conductors in the system, but will not have a voltage relative to ground. For a [[#Ground fault]] to pass current and trip a [[Overcurrent protection device|overcurrent protection devices]] or a [[Residual current device|residual current device]], two seperate ground faults will be required. This means that a person could touch the [[Busbar|busbar]] of either conductor independently at be safe as long as there is no fault.
+An ungrounded conductor in an ungrounded system will only have a voltage relative to the other ungrounded conductors in the system, but will not have a voltage relative to ground. For a [[#Ground faults|ground fault]] to pass current and trip a [[Overcurrent protection device|overcurrent protection devices]] or a [[Residual current device|residual current device]], two seperate ground faults will be required. This means that a person could touch the [[Busbar|busbar]] of either conductor independently at be safe as long as there is no fault.
 Ungrounded systems do not readily identify single ground faults, which represents a significant safety hazard as a user or technician may not discover that a fault exists until contact is made with a conductor that would have had no voltage to ground had it not been for the fault. They can also create other additional double-fault scenarios that do not exist in grounded systems that require an overcurrent protection device on all positive and negative wires in a circuit to be properly mitigated.

@@ Line 80: / Line 80: @@
 ====Ungrounded system====
-An ungrounded conductor in an ungrounded system will only have a voltage relative to the other ungrounded conductors in the system, but will not have a voltage relative to ground. For a [[#Ground fault]] to pass current and trip a [[Overcurrent protection device|overcurrent protection devices]] or a [[Residual current device|residual current device]], two seperate ground faults will be required. This means that a person could touch the [[Busbars|busbar]] of either conductor independently at be safe as long as there is no fault.
+An ungrounded conductor in an ungrounded system will only have a voltage relative to the other ungrounded conductors in the system, but will not have a voltage relative to ground. For a [[#Ground fault]] to pass current and trip a [[Overcurrent protection device|overcurrent protection devices]] or a [[Residual current device|residual current device]], two seperate ground faults will be required. This means that a person could touch the [[Busbar|busbar]] of either conductor independently at be safe as long as there is no fault.
 Ungrounded systems do not readily identify single ground faults, which represents a significant safety hazard as a user or technician may not discover that a fault exists until contact is made with a conductor that would have had no voltage to ground had it not been for the fault. They can also create other additional double-fault scenarios that do not exist in grounded systems that require an overcurrent protection device on all positive and negative wires in a circuit to be properly mitigated.
@@ Line 99: / Line 99: @@
 ====Grounded system====
-An ungrounded conductor in a grounded system will have a voltage relative to the grounded conductor and the ground. For a [[#Ground fault]] to pass current and trip a [[Overcurrent protection device|overcurrent protection devices]] or a [[Residual current device|residual current device]], only one ground faults - between the ungrounded conductor and the ground - will be required. This means in this system that a person could touch the [[Busbars|busbar]] of either the grounded conductor or ground and be safe as long as there is no fault.
+An ungrounded conductor in a grounded system will have a voltage relative to the grounded conductor and the ground. For a [[#Ground fault]] to pass current and trip a [[Overcurrent protection device|overcurrent protection devices]] or a [[Residual current device|residual current device]], only one ground faults - between the ungrounded conductor and the ground - will be required. This means in this system that a person could touch the [[Busbar|busbar]] of either the grounded conductor or ground and be safe as long as there is no fault.
 Grounded systems are better at readily identifying single ground faults and making users or technicians aware that there is an issue. They also avoid the double-fault scenarios that can be an issue for ungrounded systems.

@@ Line 7: / Line 7: @@
 ==Grounding terminology==
-[[File:Groundinglabed201201.png|thumb|right|Wiring diagram of a stand alone PV system with a charge controller with DC lighting control and an inverter for AC loads. The system is designed using a TN-S grounding configuration.]]
+[[File:Groundinglabed201201.png|thumb|right|Wiring diagram of a stand-alone PV system with a charge controller with DC lighting control and an inverter for AC loads. The system is designed using a TN-S grounding configuration.]]
-Most off-grid equipment can be used in a variety of different grounding configurations - there is no universal configuration. The focus here will be on a TN-S grounding configuration, which is commonly used for off-grid PV installations. This configuration has a grounded conductor (neutral) and a seperate equipment ground that is run with each circuit to bond together non-current carrying metal parts of the system (enclosures or major system components).<ref name="smagrounding"> SMA Grounding in Off-grid Systems: Design of TN and TT Off-Grid  https://files.sma.de/downloads/SI-OffGrid-Grounding-TI-en-11.pdf</ref> The term conductor is used commonly in the electrical field as it encompasses all wires and cables that may be used to create a circuit. A TN-S grounding configuration has has two major functions that work together:
+Most off-grid equipment can be used in a variety of different grounding configurations - there is no universal configuration. The focus here will be on a TN-S grounding configuration, which is commonly used for off-grid PV installations. This configuration has a grounded conductor (neutral) and a separate equipment ground that is run with each circuit to bond together non-current carrying metal parts of the system (enclosures or major system components).<ref name="smagrounding"> SMA Grounding in Off-grid Systems: Design of TN and TT Off-Grid  https://files.sma.de/downloads/SI-OffGrid-Grounding-TI-en-11.pdf</ref> The term conductor is used commonly in the electrical field as it encompasses all wires and cables that may be used to create a circuit. A TN-S grounding configuration has two major functions that work together:
-*'''System grounding''' - System grounding is created by connecing one current-carrying conductor of an electrical system to ground. A proper system ground provides a means to dissipate excess static electricity created by friction or lightning. This helps to create a stable system voltage and protect system equipment from damage.
+*'''System grounding''' - System grounding is created by connecting one current-carrying conductor of an electrical system to ground. A proper system ground provides a means to dissipate excess static electricity created by friction or lightning. This helps to create a stable system voltage and protect system equipment from damage.
-*'''Equipment grounding''' - Equipment grounding is created by connecting all non-current carrying metallic components of a system to ground. Thise creates a path for any current created by a fault - due to failure of insulation or a loose connection - to return through the equipment grounding or the earth to the grounded conductor.
+*'''Equipment grounding''' - Equipment grounding is created by connecting all non-current carrying metallic components of a system to ground. This creates a path for any current created by a fault - due to failure of insulation or a loose connection - to return through the equipment grounding or the earth to the grounded conductor.
 A proper grounding system requires various different components that are connected together in order for the system to work effectively and safely.
@@ Line 19: / Line 19: @@
 |-
 |(1) Grounding electrode
-|The connection point between the earth and the electrical system. It is important that a grounding electrode have sufficient surface area in contact with the earth in order to eablish a good connection. There are many different types of [[Grounding system design|grounding electrodes]] - copper rods, steel rods, copper plates, the metallic pipes of a building, or a proper connection to the rebar used in the foundation of a building. The appropriate grounding electrode will vary based upon the [[Electrical codes|electrical code]], building and soil type.
+|The connection point between the earth and the electrical system. It is important that a grounding electrode have sufficient surface area in contact with the earth in order to establish a good connection. There are many different types of [[Grounding system design|grounding electrodes]] - copper rods, steel rods, copper plates, the metallic pipes of a building, or a proper connection to the rebar used in the foundation of a building. The appropriate grounding electrode will vary based upon the [[Electrical codes|electrical code]], building and soil type.
 |-
 |(2) Grounding electrode conductor (GEC)
@@ Line 60: / Line 60: @@
 ==Ground faults==
-[[File:Groundfaultlabeled.png|thumb|right|Wiring diagram of a stand alone PV system with a charge controller with DC lighting control and an inverter for AC loads. This system is experiencing an AC ground fault.]]
+[[File:Groundfaultlabeled.png|thumb|right|Wiring diagram of a stand-alone PV system with a charge controller with DC lighting control and an inverter for AC loads. This system is experiencing an AC ground fault.]]
-A ground fault occurs when a current carrying conductor of an electrical system has an insulation failure or comes loose from a connection and makes contact with somethat that has a connection to ground. Ground faults can be very dangerous because they can lead to electrocutions and fires, therefore it is important to identify them as quickly as possible and disable them. When there is a ground fault, current escapes the wires of a circuit and seeks other paths to be able to complete the circuit. A person who grabs something that has been energized by a fault to ground can become a path to complete the circuit and be electrocuted.
+A ground fault occurs when a current carrying conductor of an electrical system has an insulation failure or comes loose from a connection and makes contact with something that has a connection to ground. Ground faults can be very dangerous because they can lead to electrocutions and fires, therefore it is important to identify them as quickly as possible and disable them. When there is a ground fault, current escapes the wires of a circuit and seeks other paths to be able to complete the circuit. A person who grabs something that has been energized by a fault to ground can become a path to complete the circuit and be electrocuted.
-In a properly grounded system the most common ground fault scenario is a ground fault between an ungrounded current-carrying conductor (black wire) and a grounded piece of equipment. A ground fault can occur with a grounded conductor  but it will not typically be apparent until there is a second ground fault involving the ungrounded conductor (black wire).
+In a properly grounded system, the most common ground fault scenario is a ground fault between an ungrounded current-carrying conductor (black wire) and a grounded piece of equipment. A ground fault can occur with a grounded conductor but it will not typically be apparent until there is a second ground fault involving the ungrounded conductor (black wire).
 System grounding and equipment grounding work with [[Overcurrent protection device|overcurrent protection devices]], [[Ground fault protection device|ground fault protection devices]], [[Residual current device|residual current devices]] and [[Inverter|inverter electronics]] to identify faults and disable them as quickly as possible by [[Electricity and energy#Circuits|opening (disconnecting)]] the circuit. This system functions because a fault to an equipment grounding conductor will create a [[Electricity and energy#Circuits|short circuit]] if there is low enough resistance, which will activate these devices and cause them to [[Electricity and energy#Circuits|open]] (disconnect) the circuit.
@@ Line 74: / Line 74: @@
 #This high current flow will be identified by the inverter electronics, residual current device (RCD) or an overcurrent protection device (OCPD) as a fault, which will cause the one of them to trip and [[Electricity and energy#Circuits|open]] (disconnect) the circuit. A RCD or inverter electronics will react quicker than an OCPD.
-These devices only temporarily remove the hazard, thus after a ground fault occurs its is necessary to carefully [[Troubleshooting|troubleshoot]] the system to locate the fault and fix it.
+These devices only temporarily remove the hazard, thus after a ground fault occurs it is necessary to carefully [[Troubleshooting|troubleshoot]] the system to locate the fault and fix it.
 ==Grounded and ungrounded systems in practice==
@@ Line 80: / Line 80: @@
 ====Ungrounded system====
-An ungrounded conductor in an ungrounded system will only have a voltage relative to the other ungrounded conductors in the system, but will not have a voltage relative to ground. For a [[#Ground fault]] to pass current and trip a [[Overcurrent protection device|overcurrent protection devices]] or a [[Residual current device|residual current device]], two seperate ground faults will be required. This means that a person could touch the [[Busbars|busbar]] of either conductor independently at be safe as long as their is no fault.
+An ungrounded conductor in an ungrounded system will only have a voltage relative to the other ungrounded conductors in the system, but will not have a voltage relative to ground. For a [[#Ground fault]] to pass current and trip a [[Overcurrent protection device|overcurrent protection devices]] or a [[Residual current device|residual current device]], two seperate ground faults will be required. This means that a person could touch the [[Busbars|busbar]] of either conductor independently at be safe as long as there is no fault.
-Ungrounded systems do not readily identify single ground faults, which represents a significant safety hazard as a user or technician may not discover that a fault exists until they make contact with a conductor that would have had no voltage to ground had it not been for the fault. They can also create other additional double-fault scenarios that do not exist in grounded systems that require an overcurrent protection device on all positive and negative wires in a circuit to be properly mitigated.
+Ungrounded systems do not readily identify single ground faults, which represents a significant safety hazard as a user or technician may not discover that a fault exists until contact is made with a conductor that would have had no voltage to ground had it not been for the fault. They can also create other additional double-fault scenarios that do not exist in grounded systems that require an overcurrent protection device on all positive and negative wires in a circuit to be properly mitigated.
 {| class="wikitable" border=1 style="width: 74%;"

@@ Line 36: / Line 36: @@
 There are several terms that are used when discussing off-grid PV systems and grounding that are important to understand:
-{| class="wikitable" border=1
+{| class="wikitable" border=1 style="width: 74%;"
 !Term
 !Definition
@@ Line 51: / Line 51: @@
 |Ungrounded  system
 |A system that does not have any system ground. There is no grounded current carrying conductor in the system.
 |Grounded conductor
 |A current carrying conductor that has a connection established to ground by an AC or DC system ground.
@@ Line 58: / Line 59: @@
 |}
-==Grounded and ungrounded conductors in practice==
+==Ground faults==
 The current carrying conductors in a circuit will behave differently depending upon whether they are grounded or not. Grounded and ungrounded systems each carry different advantages and disadvantages.
-====Ungrounded system===
+====Ungrounded system====
-An ungrounded conductor in an ungrounded system will only have a voltage relative to the other ungrounded conductors in the system, but will not have a voltage relative to ground. For a [[#Ground fault]] to pass current and trip a [[Overcurrent protection device|overcurrent protection devices]] or a [[Residual current device|residual current device]], two seperate ground faults will be required. This means that a person could touch either single conductor of the system - as long as there was no connection to ground at any point - and be safe.
+An ungrounded conductor in an ungrounded system will only have a voltage relative to the other ungrounded conductors in the system, but will not have a voltage relative to ground. For a [[#Ground fault]] to pass current and trip a [[Overcurrent protection device|overcurrent protection devices]] or a [[Residual current device|residual current device]], two seperate ground faults will be required. This means that a person could touch the [[Busbars|busbar]] of either conductor independently at be safe as long as their is no fault.
 Ungrounded systems do not readily identify single ground faults, which represents a significant safety hazard as a user or technician may not discover that a fault exists until they make contact with a conductor that would have had no voltage to ground had it not been for the fault. They can also create other additional double-fault scenarios that do not exist in grounded systems that require an overcurrent protection device on all positive and negative wires in a circuit to be properly mitigated.
-{| class="wikitable" border=1
+{| class="wikitable" border=1 style="width: 74%;"
-!Component
+!Conductor
 !Voltage relative to other conductors
 |-
@@ Line 81: / Line 99: @@
 ====Grounded system====
-{| class="wikitable" border=1
+An ungrounded conductor in a grounded system will have a voltage relative to the grounded conductor and the ground. For a [[#Ground fault]] to pass current and trip a [[Overcurrent protection device|overcurrent protection devices]] or a [[Residual current device|residual current device]], only one ground faults - between the ungrounded conductor and the ground - will be required. This means in this system that a person could touch the [[Busbars|busbar]] of either the grounded conductor or ground and be safe as long as there is no fault.
-!Component
 !Voltage relative to other conductors
 |-
-|Ungrounded conductor 1
+|Ungrounded conductor
 |Will have full circuit voltage relative to the grounded conductor, ground, and any grounded equipment.
 |-
@@ Line 94: / Line 116: @@
 |Will have full circuit voltage relative to the ungrounded conductor. Will have no voltage relative to the grounded conductor.
 |}
 ==Notes/references==
 <references/>

@@ Line 8: / Line 8: @@
 ==Grounding terminology==
 [[File:Groundinglabed201201.png|thumb|right|Wiring diagram of a stand alone PV system with a charge controller with DC lighting control and an inverter for AC loads. The system is designed using a TN-S grounding scheme.]]
-Most off-grid systems are designed for use with a TN-S grounding scheme, although they can be used in a variety of configurations. This scheme has a grounded conductor (neutral) and a seperate equipment ground that is run with each circuit to bond together non-current carrying metal parts of the system (enclosures or major system components).<ref name="smagrounding"> SMA Grounding in Off-grid Systems: Design of TN and TT Off-Grid  https://files.sma.de/downloads/SI-OffGrid-Grounding-TI-en-11.pdf</ref> A TN-S grounding scheme has has two major functions that work together:
+Most off-grid systems are designed for use with a TN-S grounding scheme, although they can be used in a variety of configurations. This scheme has a grounded conductor (neutral) and a seperate equipment ground that is run with each circuit to bond together non-current carrying metal parts of the system (enclosures or major system components).<ref name="smagrounding"> SMA Grounding in Off-grid Systems: Design of TN and TT Off-Grid  https://files.sma.de/downloads/SI-OffGrid-Grounding-TI-en-11.pdf</ref> The term conductor is used commonly in the electrical field as it encompasses all wires and cables that may be used to create a circuit. A TN-S grounding scheme has has two major functions that work together:
 *'''System grounding''' - System grounding is created by connecing one current-carrying conductor of an electrical system to ground. A proper system ground provides a means to dissipate excess static electricity created by friction or lightning. This helps to create a stable system voltage and protect system equipment from damage.
 *'''Equipment grounding''' - Equipment grounding is created by connecting all non-current carrying metallic components of a system to ground. Thise creates a path for any current created by a fault - due to failure of insulation or a loose connection - to return through the equipment grounding or the earth to the grounded conductor.
@@ Line 16: / Line 16: @@
 {| class="wikitable" border=1
 !Component
+!Function
 |-
 |(1) Grounding electrode
@@ Line 34: / Line 34: @@
 |}
-==Conductor terminology==
+There are several terms that are used when discussing off-grid PV systems and grounding that are important to understand:
 {| class="wikitable" border=1
 !Term
-!Meaning
+!Definition
 |-
 |Non-current carrying conductor
@@ Line 47: / Line 46: @@
 |A conductor that is intended to regularly carry current as part of the normal functioning of an electrical system. All circuits related to the power generation, energy storage, and distribution to loads fit into this category.
 |-
 |Grounded conductor
 |A current carrying conductor that has a connection established to ground by an AC or DC system ground.
@@ Line 54: / Line 58: @@
 |}
-If a system has no AC or DC system ground, then there will be no grounded current-carrying conductor in the system.
+Ungrounded systems do not readily identify single ground faults, which represents a significant safety hazard as a user or technician may not discover that a fault exists until they make contact with a conductor that would have had no voltage to ground had it not been for the fault. They can also create other additional double-fault scenarios that do not exist in grounded systems that require an overcurrent protection device on all positive and negative wires in a circuit to be properly mitigated.
 {| class="wikitable" border=1
@@ Line 62: / Line 71: @@
 |-
 |Ungrounded conductor 1
-|Will have a voltage relative to ungrounded conductor 2. Will have no voltage relative to ground.
+|Will have full circuit voltage relative to the other ungrounded conductor. Will have no voltage relative to ground.
 |-
 |Ungrounded conductor 2
-|Will have a voltage relative to ungrounded conductor 1. Will have no voltage relative to ground.
+|Will have full circuit voltage relative to the other ungrounded conductor. Will have no voltage relative to ground.
 |-
 |Grounding conductors
 |Will have no voltage relative to either ungrounded conductor 1 or ungrounded conductor 2.
 |}
 When a DC or AC system ground is created,  a ''grounded'' current-carrying conductor is created. A grounded conductor that has a solid connection to ground should maintain a voltage of 0 V relative to ground. This means that coming into contact with a grounded conductor or a [[#Ground fault]] does not represent the same hazard that it does if the conductor were ungrounded. Grounded conductors are still hazardous though as they are carrying current in a circuit. The grounded conductor in a system will have the full circuit voltage relative to the ''ungrounded'' conductor in the circuit.