1. What is an NGR?

An NGR is a device that limits the current flow from the generator
neutral to the ground during a ground fault. A ground fault occurs
when an energized conductor comes in contact with the ground or a
grounded object. This creates a low-resistance path for the current to
flow, which can damage the generator, the cables, and the loads. An
NGR reduces the fault current by introducing a resistance in series
with the neutral-ground connection. This resistance is usually
adjustable and can be set to a value that allows the protective relays
to detect and isolate the fault, but prevents excessive heating and
arcing in the generator windings.

## Neutral Grounding resistor are connected to the neutral of the

generator winding or the neutral of the power transformer. There are
many forms of grounding (High impedance and Low impedance
grounding) results in the reduction in Ground Fault current to the
desired values to mitigate the destruction of the stator core and winding
for the generator and the winding and the core for the transformer 2.
High impedance grounding the reduced fault current ranges from 1A-
25A and for low impedance grounding the reduced fault current is up to
400A (mostly for industrial generators and transformers). The drawback
is casual over-voltages can result.
 2. How does an NGR work?
An NGR consists of a resistor, a contactor, and a control unit. The
resistor is connected between the generator neutral and the ground.
The contactor is a switch that can open or close the resistor circuit. The
control unit monitors the voltage and current in the neutral-ground
connection and operates the contactor accordingly. When the
generator is running normally, the contactor is open and the resistor is
out of the circuit. This means that the generator is effectively isolated
from the ground, except for a small capacitive leakage current. When a
ground fault occurs, the control unit senses the increase in voltage
and current in the neutral-ground connection and closes the
contactor. This inserts the resistor in the circuit and limits the fault
current to a safe level. The control unit also sends a signal to the
protective relays, which trip the circuit breakers and isolate the faulted
generator
 3. When is an NGR recommended or
required?
An NGR is recommended or required for generator protection in
several situations, such as when the generator is connected to a
distribution system with multiple sources of power, a high-impedance
grounded system, is subject to frequent or severe transient over
voltages, or is required to comply with certain codes or standards. An
NGR prevents the generator from contributing to high fault currents
that can damage the system components and cause instability,
provides a low-impedance path for the fault current to flow and allows
protective relays to operate faster and more selectively, reduces stress
on the generator insulation and prevents flashovers and insulation
breakdown, and may be specified as a mandatory or optional method
of grounding and bonding for generators.
 4. What are the benefits of using an
NGR?
Using an NGR for generator protection presents several advantages. It
can enhance the safety of personnel and equipment by limiting fault
current and voltage, as well as improve the reliability and availability of
the generator by reducing the risk of damage. In addition, it increases
fault detection and isolation capability by providing a measurable and
controllable current that can be sensed by protective relays. Lastly, it
reduces interference and harmonics in the system by minimizing zero-
sequence currents and voltages to improve power quality and
communication signals.
 5. What are the risks of using an NGR?
Using an NGR for generator protection can present some risks, such as
introducing a single point of failure in the system, increasing
complexity and cost, creating a potential fire hazard, and affecting
generator performance and efficiency. This is due to the reliance on a
mechanical contactor that can malfunction or fail to operate, the
requirement of additional components, wiring, and maintenance, the
generation of heat in the resistor that can ignite nearby combustible
materials or cause thermal expansion and contraction of the resistor
elements, as well as the addition of resistance in the neutral-ground
connection that can cause voltage drop and power loss.