Toward a New Understanding of Frequency- and Impedance-Related Failures in Grounding Systems

The importance of grounding (also referred to as ?earthing?) has been known for well over two centuries.?However, critical characteristics of damage-causing fault currents that reach a contemporary grounding system – often triggering equipment failure – are generally not sufficiently explored by engineers involved with design and installation of protective grounding.?This paper discusses the significant deficiencies in common grounding systems which occur due to the following:
– Inadequate mitigation of broadband fault current frequencies (especially in the?>60MHz range – which are very common in lightning)
– Existence of impedance ?walls? created by inefficient ground-rod-to-soil interfaces.?

An examination of the dynamics of high frequency faults, and impedance mismatches in grounding systems is presented, demonstrating why these systems fail in spite of their adherence to commonly accepted design standards.?Developing a higher level of grounding protection within the Broadcast Industry?- which is increasingly necessary given equipment expense and sensitivity – therefore requires a deeper analysis and understanding of fault current components, characteristics, and events.

Thomas LaBarge | GroundLinx Technologies | Blue Ridge, Georgia, USA
Nancy Swartz | GroundLinx Technologies | Blue Ridge, Georgia, USA
Gordon Wysong | GroundLinx Technologies | Blue Ridge, Georgia, USA
John Broccoli | GroundLinx Technologies | Blue Ridge, Georgia, USA
John?H.? Belk | GroundLinx Technologies | Blue Ridge, Georgia, USA