TN-C

TN-C is a type of electrical grounding system, commonly used in some older electrical
installations. It stands for "Terre Neutre-Combiné" in French, which translates to "Combined
Neutral and Earth" in English. In a TN-C grounding system:

1. Terre (Earth): The earth connection and the neutral conductor are combined into a
single conductor for both grounding and carrying the return current from the electrical
loads. This means that the same wire is used for both grounding and providing the
current path back to the source (typically a transformer or generator).
2. Neutral (N): The neutral conductor is connected to the earth at multiple points
throughout the electrical distribution system. This helps in stabilizing the system voltage
and provides a path for fault currents to safely dissipate into the ground.

It's important to note that while TN-C was used in the past, it has some safety and performance
limitations, especially in large electrical distribution systems. One major concern is that if the
combined neutral and ground conductor were to break or become disconnected, it could lead
to dangerous conditions, including the possibility of electrical shock.

Modern electrical codes and standards often favor other grounding systems like TN-S (Terre-
Neutre-Separé) or TT (Terre-Terre), which provide separate conductors for neutral and ground,
reducing the risk associated with a break in the neutral conductor. These systems are
considered safer and more reliable in many applications. It's essential to follow local electrical
codes and regulations when designing and installing electrical grounding systems to ensure
safety and compliance.