From the EC&M e-books library

A compilation of technical
articles from EC&M

THE BASICS
OF BONDING
& GROUNDING
Applying these seemingly straightforward
concepts in the field and interpreting why
they’re so often misunderstood
© Phadventure | Dreamstime.com
 PAGE 2
EDITOR’S NOTE Editor’s Note

PUTTING GROUNDING & BONDING

PAGES 3-8
10 Sure Ways to
Tell the Difference
Between Bonding

PRINCIPLES INTO PRACTICE & Grounding

PAGES 9-10
Proper grounding and bonding not only ensures high-quality installations, Why Is the
Transformer
but it can also protect people from electrical-related death and injury. Neutral Grounded?

By Ellie Coggins, Senior Associate Editor, EC&M PAGES 11-13

Qualifying
Permanent Ground
Connections

I
t’s no secret that grounding and bonding content continues to resonate with EC&M readers. PAGE 14
Bond, Just Bond
From NEC Consultant Mike Holt’s recent 12-part series on the differences between bonding
and grounding to Electrical Training Consultant Randy Barnett’s webinar and Tech Talk on the PAGES 15-16
NEC: Don’t Ground
subject, our readers can’t seem to get enough of this important topic. So, we wanted to compile on the Load Side
several of our best articles into this e-book, giving readers an accessible, practical guide to some
PAGES 17-22
of the most important lessons related to grounding and bonding. Monsters of the
Midway
This e-book is essential reading for anyone looking to gain a basic, yet thorough understand-
ing of this important topic. Some articles take deep dives into NEC requirements, such as the 10 PAGES 23-24
The Case of the
Parts of Art. 250. NEC consultant Russ LeBlanc examines where confusion exists between what CNC Meltdown
the Code literally says and how users may interpret it. Another piece discusses IEEE 837, which
Ellie Coggins, covers substation grounding – one of the more challenging types of grounding installations.
Senior Associate Editor, EC&M
We also included case studies showing why grounding and bonding is so important. Former Power
Quality Consultant Bryan Glenn explains the importance of examining the “why” behind NEC requirements – and what happens
when those rules for grounding and bonding are ignored. The final selection in this e-book (also by Glenn) is another case study
highlighting a CNC failure from an isolated ground installation.
While grounding and bonding may seem like basic knowledge for any electrical professional, this curated selection of articles
From the EC&M
demonstrates why it’s also one of the most important tasks performed by electrical professionals – so staying up-to-date on the e-books library

standards and safety procedures in this arena is mandatory. As “Monsters of the Midway” shows, proper grounding and bonding A compilation of
can mean a matter of life or death – not only for electrical professionals, but also for anyone encountering the electrical instal- technical articles
from EC&M
lations they work on.
I know this free e-book (accessible via our Member’s Only portal) provides a valuable reminder of the importance of proper 2
grounding and bonding as well as offers some useful, practical tips you can start applying today.

www.ecmweb.com
 10 SURE WAYS TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE
PAGE 2
Editor’s Note

PAGES 3-8

BETWEEN BONDING & GROUNDING 10 Sure Ways to

Tell the Difference
Between Bonding
& Grounding
An in-depth look at how to apply all 10 Parts of NEC Art. 250 in the field
PAGES 9-10
By Randy Barnett, NTT Training Why Is the
Transformer
Neutral Grounded?

Based on the 2020 NEC. PAGES 11-13

Qualifying

A
Permanent Ground
Connections
rticle 250 of the National Electrical
Code (NEC) focuses on grounding and PAGE 14
Bond, Just Bond
bonding. This Code Article is divided
into 10 separate Parts — each identified by a PAGES 15-16
NEC: Don’t Ground
Roman numeral. Because of the terminology on the Load Side
and extensive Code rules (along with their
PAGES 17-22
many exceptions), Art. 250 is often considered Monsters of the
Midway
difficult to understand and apply.
This piece offers an overview of the content PAGES 23-24
The Case of the
of each one of those 10 Parts. Applying the CNC Meltdown
rules for grounding and bonding requires
in-depth study and familiarity by electrical
workers with the rules, their exceptions,
the associated tables, their notes, and the
The grounded conductor (white) is terminated in the panelboard on the grounded busbar. The green
use of informational notes. Referral should screw is the main bonding jumper connecting the grounded busbar to the enclosure. A threaded hub
(upper right) provides secure bonding to metal enclosures. The smaller bare copper conductor on the
always be made to Art. 100 [Definitions], left is the equipment grounding conductor providing bonding. The larger bare copper on the right is the
as needed, when reading Art. 250. See the grounding electrode conductor that connects the grounded busbar to the grounding electrode system
(i.e., the ground rod held in the upper left). From the EC&M
Photo (at right) for typical grounding and e-books library

bonding system components.
PART I [GENERAL]
Part I details what must be accomplished
through proper grounding and bonding. It
is unusual for an NEC Article to provide
such performance requirements. However,
Sec. 250.4 does just that. The remainder
of this Article tells us how to meet those
requirements.
Part I provides two important visual A compilation of
items. Table 250.3 provides a list of an technical articles
from EC&M
additional 37 Code Articles containing
specific equipment and locations for 3
grounding and bonding requirements

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found elsewhere in the NEC. Figure 250.1 PAGE 2
Part I. General Editor’s Note
(see Flowchart) provides a much-needed
overview of the layout of grounding and PAGES 3-8
10 Sure Ways to
bonding requirements. Note the grouping Tell the Difference
Part II. System Grounding Between Bonding
of the various parts into a logical format. & Grounding
To help understand the performance require- Part VIII. Direct-Current Systems
PAGES 9-10
ments for grounded distribution systems, Part X. Grounding of Systems Why Is the
pay attention to the general requirements Transformer
& Circuits of Over 1,000 Volts Neutral Grounded?
found in Sec. 250.4(A). Electrical systems
Part V. Bonding
are grounded for two reasons: PAGES 11-13
Part III. Grounding Electrode System Qualifying
1) Limiting voltages imposed by light- Permanent Ground
& Grounding Electrode Conductor Connections
ning strikes, line surges, or unintentional
contact with overhead lines, and PAGE 14
Part IV. Enclosure, Raceway & Service Bond, Just Bond
2) For stabilizing the voltage to earth Cable Connections
during normal operation. PAGES 15-16
NEC: Don’t Ground
Thus, improper grounding could result Part VI. Equipment Grounding Part IX. Instruments, on the Load Side
in equipment damage and fire — and the & Equipment Grounding Meters & Relays PAGES 17-22
voltage-to-ground would be unstable and Monsters of the
Midway
not usable.
Part VII. Methods of Equipment
The 250.4 subsections on the bonding of PAGES 23-24
Grounding Conductor Connections The Case of the
electrical equipment and effective ground- CNC Meltdown
fault current paths help you understand This graphic shows the layout of Art. 250 [Grounding and Bonding]. This Article is divided into 10 Parts.
The color coding and arrows help you understand the interrelationships between parts.
the purpose of bonding. Bonding joins
non-current metal parts of the system
together to provide a low-impedance path connecting equipment and conductors for PART II [SYSTEM GROUNDING]
for current to flow from these metal com- grounding and bonding purposes. Examples T h i s p a r t i d e n t i f i e s w h a t sys t e m s a re
ponents back to the source should they include listed pressure connectors, exo- required to be grounded, systems that may
become energized during a ground fault. thermic welding, machine screws, and be grounded but are not required to do so,
From the EC&M
This path allows the overcurrent protective thread-forming screws that meet specific and systems that must be grounded. Though e-books library

device (fuse or circuit breaker) to operate
and clear the fault.
Sec. 250.8 [Connection of Grounding
and Bonding Equipment] identifies seven
specific methods that must be used for
installation requirements. An eighth item
uses a common term found throughout
the Code: “other listed means.” The UL
White Book is one resource to find these
additional methods.
this may sound confusing, it is simple to A compilation of
identify the applicable Code section by technical articles
from EC&M
voltage and type system — and then apply
the rules. If the electric utility provides a 4
grounded service, which will be the general

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 PAGE 2
Size of Largest Ungrounded Conductor or Size of Grounding Editor’s Note
Equivalent Area for Parallel Conductors Electrode Conductor
PAGES 3-8
(AWG/kcmil) (AWG/kcmil) 10 Sure Ways to
Tell the Difference
Aluminum or Copper-Clad Aluminum or Copper-Clad Between Bonding
Copper Aluminum Copper Aluminum & Grounding
2 or smaller 1/0 or smaller 8 6 PAGES 9-10
1 or 1/0 2/0 or 3/0 6 4 Why Is the
Transformer
2/0 or 3/0 4/0 or 250 4 2 Neutral Grounded?
Over 3/0 through 350 Over 250 through 500 2 1/0
PAGES 11-13
Over 350 through 600 Over 500 through 900 1/0 3/0 Qualifying
Permanent Ground
Over 600 through 1,100 Over 900 through 1,750 2/0 4/0 Connections
Over 1,100 Over 1,750 3/0 250
PAGE 14
Table 1. NEC Table 250.66 is used for sizing the grounding electrode conductor based on the size of the largest ungrounded conductor. Bond, Just Bond

PAGES 15-16
NEC: Don’t Ground
rule, then the premises’ wiring system must also be grounded. service, Table 250.102(C)(1) is supplied in Part V Bonding. Using on the Load Side
Rules for main bonding jumpers, system bonding jumpers, and this example, it’s easy to see why the use of Art. 250 requires
PAGES 17-22
grounding electrode conductors (GECs) begin to appear in Part II. study and practice. Monsters of the
Midway
Of special interest are the grounding requirements for sepa-
rately derived AC systems. The key to understanding whether PART III [GROUNDING ELECTRODE SYSTEM AND PAGES 23-24
The Case of the
systems are separately derived is to determine if the grounded GROUNDING ELECTRODE CONDUCTOR] CNC Meltdown
conductor of the separate source remains connected to the The grounding electrode system resides under the earth, and
grounded conductor of the service system grounded conductor. the GEC connects that system to the supply source (transformer
For example, if a standby generator supplies loads through an or generator windings, for example).
automatic transfer switch, is the grounded conductor switched in There are eight items permitted to perform grounding as part
the transfer switch? If so, then the standby generator becomes a of the grounding electrode system, each of which has its own
separate source of supply, and the rules found in this Part must specific requirements, including its installation. For example,
be applied. This separately derived system will use a system copper rods fall under rod and pipe electrodes. These rods must
From the EC&M
bonding jumper anywhere between the generator and the first be at least 2.44 m (8 ft) in length and be 15.87 mm (⁵⁄ ₈ in.) in e-books library

disconnecting means. This system bonding jumper performs
the same function as a main bonding jumper at the service.
However, in a separately derived system, this jumper is defined
as the “system bonding jumper.” For sizing the system bonding
jumper at the generator and the main bonding jumper at the
diameter unless listed. A subsequent section provides details A compilation of
on installation; rods need to be in contact with the earth for 8 technical articles
from EC&M
ft, and they must be below the permanent moisture level (if
practicable). Installation details are even provided for what must 5
be done if rock bottom is encountered when driving the rod.

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 PAGE 2
Size of Largest Ungrounded Conductor or Size of Grounding Conductor Editor’s Note
Equivalent Area for Parallel Conductors or Bonding Jumper
PAGES 3-8
(AWG/kcmil) (AWG/kcmil) 10 Sure Ways to
Tell the Difference
Aluminum or Copper-Clad Aluminum or Copper-Clad Between Bonding
Copper Aluminum Copper Aluminum & Grounding
2 or smaller 1/0 or smaller 8 6 PAGES 9-10
1 or 1/0 2/0 or 3/0 6 4 Why Is the
Transformer
2/0 or 3/0 4/0 or 250 4 2 Neutral Grounded?
Over 3/0 through 350 Over 250 through 500 2 1/0
PAGES 11-13
Over 350 through 600 Over 500 through 900 1/0 3/0 Qualifying
Permanent Ground
Over 600 through 1,100 Over 900 through 1,750 2/0 4/0 Connections
Over 1,100 Over 1,750 See Notes 1 and 2.
PAGE 14
Table 2. Use Table 250.102(C)(1) for sizing grounded conductors, main bonding jumper, system bonding jumper, and supply-side bonding jumper for AC systems Bond, Just Bond
based on the size of the largest ungrounded conductor. Notice the requirement to use the notes found at the bottom of the table if ungrounded conductors are
over 1,100 kcmil. This is different than the table in Fig. 2 for sizing the grounding electrode conductor. PAGES 15-16
NEC: Don’t Ground
on the Load Side
The size of the GEC is based upon the size of the ungrounded are examples of topics. Rules for bonding piping systems and
PAGES 17-22
conductors (or equivalent area if parallel ungrounded conductors exposed structural metal are extensive. Of particular importance Monsters of the
Midway
are installed), as shown in Table 1 on page 5. Connection require- is Table 250.102(C)(1) for sizing grounded conductors, the main
ments for the grounding and bonding connections to electrodes bonding jumper, the system bonding jumper, and the supply-side PAGES 23-24
The Case of the
are addressed as well as the need for bonding jumpers around bonding jumper for AC systems (Table 2). CNC Meltdown
insulated joints in metal piping systems.
PART VI [EQUIPMENT GROUNDING CONDUCTOR]
PART IV [ENCLOSURE, RACEWAY, The equipment grounding conductor’s (EGC’s) purpose is to
AND SERVICE CABLE CONNECTIONS] provide an effective ground-fault current path (low impedance)
Part IV contains only three sections. These address service from the non-current-carrying metal components of the sys-
raceways and enclosures for grounded systems, underground tem back to the source of supply and to the ground as well. As
service cable, and other conductor enclosures and raceways mentioned previously, this fault current path must allow for suf-
From the EC&M
that are not part of the service. ficient current flow such that the overcurrent protective device e-books library

will operate and clear the fault. Part VI begins by identifying A compilation of
PART V [BONDING] rules for some specific equipment. For example, Sec. 250.112 technical articles
from EC&M
Given the obvious importance of proper bonding, Part V contains requires that motor frames, switchgear and switchboard frames,
10 different sections with many subsections. Bonding services, elevators and cranes, electric signs, and luminaires have their 6
communication systems, and bonding of systems over 250V metal frames connected to an EGC.

www.ecmweb.com
 Three important sections of this part are: PAGE 2
Rating or Setting of Automatic Size (AWG or kcmil) Editor’s Note
• Sec. 250.118, which lists what can Overcurrent Device in Circuit Ahead
be used as an EGC. PAGES 3-8
of Equipment, Conduit, Etc., Not Aluminum or 10 Sure Ways to
• Sec. 250.119, which explains how to Exceeding (Amperes) Copper Copper-Clad Aluminum Tell the Difference
Between Bonding
identify the EGC. 15 14 12 & Grounding
• Sec. 250.122, which provides a table 20 12 10 PAGES 9-10
for sizing the EGC.
60 10 8 Why Is the
Items that can be used as the EGC include Transformer
100 8 6 Neutral Grounded?
copper, copper-clad aluminum, or alumi-
200 6 4 PAGES 11-13
num wire type or busbar. In dwelling unit
Qualifying
applications when using Type NMC cable, a
300 4 2 Permanent Ground

bare copper conductor serves as the EGC. 400 3 1 Connections

In commercial and industrial applications, 500 2 1/0 PAGE 14

Bond, Just Bond
a copper conductor with green insulation 600 1 2/0
is typical. In addition, rigid and interme- 800 1/0 3/0 PAGES 15-16
NEC: Don’t Ground
diate metal conduit, electrical metallic 1,000 2/0 4/0 on the Load Side
tubing, listed flexible and liquidtight metal 1,200 3/0 250 PAGES 17-22
conduits, and Type MC cable are common Monsters of the
1,600 4/0 350 Midway
examples of different EGCs.
2,000 250 400
Since the purpose of the EGC is to carry PAGES 23-24
2,500 350 600 The Case of the
the ground-fault current back to the source CNC Meltdown
3,000 400 600
to allow the fuse or circuit breaker to open,
the size of the EGC is based on the rating 4,000 500 750
or setting of the overcurrent protective 5,000 700 1,250
ahead of the equipment (see Table 3 as 6,000 800 1,250
an example). Table 3. NEC Table 250.122 provides the minimum size for equipment grounding conductors based on the
rating or setting of the overcurrent device ahead of the equipment in the system.

PART VII [METHODS OF

From the EC&M
EQUIPMENT GROUNDING connections made at the service equip- screw located in the grounded conductor e-books library

CONDUCTOR CONNECTIONS]
Part VII is the “how-to” for connecting
EGCs. Since connections for separately
d e r i ve d sys t e m s we re cove re d i n Pa r t
II, Sec. 250.130 of this Part addresses
ment. For grounded systems, bonding the
EGC to the grounded service conductor
and the GEC is required. The main bond-
ing jumper is used to accomplish this. In
panelboard systems, this is often a green
busbar, which must be tightened down A compilation of
to make good contact with the enclosure. technical articles
from EC&M
Section 250.146 is a commonly used section
of this Part. It requires a bonding jumper 7
to connect the grounding terminal of a

www.ecmweb.com
receptacle (green screw) to the metal box — with the metal box Instrument transformers, meters, and relays operating at 1,000V PAGE 2
Editor’s Note
then connected to the system EGC. However, the additional sub- or less are connected to the EGC. For these systems operating at
sections point out that meeting certain provisions is not required. more than 1,000V, they are not connected to the EGC but must PAGES 3-8
10 Sure Ways to
For example, if using a metal surface-mounted box where one be isolated by elevation and other means. As always, read the Tell the Difference
Between Bonding
of the insulating washers is removed such that the yoke of the exception if you are applying such rules. & Grounding
receptacle makes metal-to-metal contact with the box, a bonding
PAGES 9-10
jumper is not required. Other provisions exist for self-grounding PART X [GROUNDING OF SYSTEMS Why Is the
type receptacles, floor boxes, and isolated ground receptacles. AND CIRCUITS OF OVER 1,000V] Transformer
Neutral Grounded?
All previous rules apply if grounding systems are over 1,000V.
PART VIII [DIRECT CURRENT SYSTEMS] Quite often, these systems are connected to ground through an PAGES 11-13
Qualifying
Direct-current (DC) systems must comply with this Part as well impedance. Solidly grounded systems (no intentional resistance Permanent Ground
Connections
as the remainder of Art. 250 that is not specifically intended for or impedance to ground) — unlike lower voltage systems — can
AC systems. In general, 2-wire DC systems operating at greater be either single-point ground or multipoint grounded. Multipoint PAGE 14
Bond, Just Bond
than 60V, but not more than 300V used to supply premises wiring grounding involves the neutral being grounded at more than
systems, must be grounded. If a 3-wire DC system is supplying one point. PAGES 15-16
NEC: Don’t Ground
premises wiring, the neutral must be grounded. Also in this Part are rules for grounding service-supplied AC on the Load Side
The GEC for DC systems is sized differently than for AC systems. systems, including impedance grounded systems. The grounding
PAGES 17-22
Where the AC systems utilize a table to size these conductors (Table impedance must be inserted between the grounding electrode Monsters of the
Midway
250.66), Sec. 250.166 provides the rules for the DC system with itself and the neutral point of the supply. It must be insulated
no table available. Just as in AC ungrounded systems, ground-fault for 57.7% of the phase-to-phase voltage. PAGES 23-24
The Case of the
detection is required in ungrounded DC systems. With an ungrounded CNC Meltdown
system, a single ground fault will not be recognized by the upstream SUMMARY
protective device as insufficient fault current will flow back to the Grounding and bonding continue to be one of the more difficult
source. The breaker will not trip! Should there be a ground fault on topics in the NEC. Remember this article is only an overview.
the opposite polarity conductor, a positive-to-negative fault occurs. Use Part I to understand why we ground and bond. Refer to the
definitions in Art. 100. All 10 Parts of Art. 250 work together to
PART IX [INSTRUMENT METERS AND RELAYS] define the requirements for grounding and bonding. As proper
Part IX addresses the grounding and bonding requirements for grounding and bonding is necessary to protect people and prop-
From the EC&M
current/potential transformers and relays used for protection erty from the hazards of electricity, make sure you understand e-books library

typically found in switchgear. Secondary circuits of voltage the rules and apply them correctly. A compilation of
and current instrument transformers must be grounded if the technical articles
from EC&M
primary voltage is 300V. However, if these instrument circuits Randy Barnett is the electrical codes and safety program manager for NTT Training
in Centennial, Colo. A certified electrical safety compliance professional (CESCP),
are mounted in switchgear or switchboards (as is typically the 8
he can be reached at electricrb@yahoo.com.
case), they must be grounded no matter the voltage.

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 WHY IS THE
PAGE 2
Editor’s Note

PAGES 3-8

TRANSFORMER
10 Sure Ways to
Tell the Difference
Between Bonding
& Grounding

NEUTRAL PAGES 9-10

Why Is the

GROUNDED?
Transformer
Neutral Grounded?

PAGES 11-13
The reason behind NEC requirements is Qualifying
Permanent Ground
often never explained to electricians. Connections

By Bryan Glenn PAGE 14

Bond, Just Bond

M
PAGES 15-16
NEC: Don’t Ground
ost electricians understand that bonding and grounding on the Load Side
is a priority when it comes to the safety of building
PAGES 17-22
wiring systems. They’re taught early on in their careers Monsters of the
Midway
to fulfill the requirements of the National Electrical Code (NEC)
when installing electrical equipment. However, many times the PAGES 23-24
The Case of the
“why” behind the rules was never explained to these individ- CNC Meltdown
uals. When it comes to bonding and grounding, it’s important requirement, then any design changes need to go beyond the NEC,
to understand the why behind the NEC requirements in order not less than. Nevertheless, installations continue to be found
to provide the best installations possible. Note: The NEC is the where the electrician followed the manufacturers’ requirements
minimum requirement for safety and is not intended to be the and left the equipment unsafe and the electrical system in peril.
best installation for all operational circumstances (Sec. 90.1). In the Photo above, there is a major problem with the grounding
Specifically, let’s look at the reason for grounding a sepa- of the transformer. See if you can spot it.
rately derived system — in this case, a transformer. The NEC The neutral (XO) bus has not been properly grounded and
From the EC&M
requires these systems to be grounded, and most electricians bonded to earth through the GES of the building. The manufac- e-books library

adhere to this rule.
What happens when the manufacturer of a sensitive piece of
equipment directs the electrician to not connect the equipment
to the building’s grounding electrode system (GES)? This should
raise a giant red flag to the electrician. If the NEC is the minimum
turer of the sensitive equipment directed the electrician not to A compilation of
connect the neutral to the building’s GES. This misunderstanding technical articles
from EC&M
of grounding by manufacturers has led to mischaracterizing
all grounding systems and the proper connections required. 9
G ro u n d i n g i s b l a m e d fo r m i s o p e r a t i o n s a n d d a m a g e t o t h e

www.ecmweb.com
equipment when it is not the root cause. Unfortunately, more current return if anything were to happen downstream of the PAGE 2
Editor’s Note
damage is caused by not abiding by the minimum requirements transformer secondary.
of the NEC. Always maintain the minimum requirements of the NEC for PAGES 3-8
10 Sure Ways to
In the case of this transformer, it was serving a sensitive safety and operability. Consult IEEE standards when additional Tell the Difference
Between Bonding
machine that was damaged when an electric utility’s underground design considerations are required. Also, explore the reason why & Grounding
cable failed nearby. Due to the proximity of the building to the you are constructing per the NEC. If you discover the reasons,
PAGES 9-10
faulted cable, the potential in the earth was elevated for a few then you will be able to spot the misinformation in the industry Why Is the
cycles until the cable fault was cleared. This was long enough and avoid installations like this. Transformer
Neutral Grounded?
to change the voltage potential between the transformer and
the sensitive machine, lowering the voltage significantly and PAGES 11-13
Bryan Glenn is a certified power quality (CPQ) professional who works for Qualifying
melting down contactors and relays from the higher current Southern California Edison. He is also a former power quality consultant for EC&M. Permanent Ground
In addition to being a member of several IEEE Power & Energy Society working Connections
draw. Since the neutral was not grounded properly and the
groups, he’s also an Adjunct Professor of Industrial Electricity for Chaffey College,
machine was not connected to the GES, the voltage became holds a California Electrical Contractors License (C-10), and is a former commercial
PAGE 14
Bond, Just Bond
unstable. In addition, there is no low-impedance path for fault and industrial inside wireman.
PAGES 15-16
NEC: Don’t Ground
on the Load Side

PAGES 17-22
Monsters of the
Midway

PAGES 23-24
The Case of the
CNC Meltdown

From the EC&M

e-books library

A compilation of
technical articles
from EC&M

10

www.ecmweb.com
 PAGE 2
Editor’s Note

PAGES 3-8
10 Sure Ways to
Tell the Difference
Between Bonding
& Grounding

PAGES 9-10
Why Is the
Transformer
Neutral Grounded?

PAGES 11-13
Qualifying
Permanent Ground
Connections

PAGE 14
Bond, Just Bond

PAGES 15-16
NEC: Don’t Ground
on the Load Side

PAGES 17-22

QUALIFYING To confirm the reliability of permanent grounding connections,

IEEE 837, Qualifying Permanent Connections Used in Substation
Monsters of the
Midway

PERMANENT GROUND
Grounding, is the most rigorous and highly regarded grounding PAGES 23-24
The Case of the
connection testing standard in the world. Specifically developed CNC Meltdown
for substation grounding, this standard is considered state of

CONNECTIONS
An inside look at the IEEE 837 Standard
By Kristen Semersheim, nVent ERICO
the art for anyone concerned about the safety and reliability of
grounding. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers,
Inc. (IEEE) is the world’s largest technical professional organi-
zation, boasting nearly 1,300 standards that are either under
development or in use.

W
So how can engineers, owners, and installers ensure permanent
From the EC&M
hen electrical professionals install grounding sys- grounding connections meet Standard IEEE 837 and will remain e-books library

tems, they need to have confidence that the design dependable throughout the grounding system’s life? A compilation of
and installation will assure protection reliably for the technical articles
from EC&M
expected life of the system. Grounding connections are the most WHAT IS IN IEEE 837?
susceptible link in the grounding system to corrosion because Last updated in 2014, IEEE 837 provides direction and meth- 11
they are buried in the soil. ods for qualifying permanent connections used for substation

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 grounding connections. Upon passing the test, users can be PAGE 2
Editor’s Note
confident that the qualified permanent grounding connection is
capable of performing reliably over the lifetime of the installation. PAGES 3-8
10 Sure Ways to
Tell the Difference
Between Bonding
IEEE 837 TEST OVERVIEW & Grounding
The tests are intended to ensure the reliability of grounding
PAGES 9-10
connections to withstand mechanical stress and heat during Why Is the
the electromagnetic force (EMF) test and accelerated corrosion Transformer
Neutral Grounded?
or sequential test. What must be tested?
• Each style or family of connection. For example, crimped lug PAGES 11-13
Qualifying
connections and lugs using bolted pressure plates to secure Permanent Ground
Connections
the cable are considered different styles. Therefore, both
connectors are required to be tested to qualify the styles. PAGE 14
Bond, Just Bond
• A connector’s broadest combination range. When a connector
Fig. 1. Sample waveform for 4/0 conductor subjected to an EMF test. PAGES 15-16
design allows for a range of conductors, each of the tests
NEC: Don’t Ground
must be performed on the “largest to largest” combination on the Load Side
grounding. It’s one of the most difficult standards to pass for as well as the “largest to smallest” combination.
PAGES 17-22
grounding connections. In particular, Standard IEEE 837 addresses: • Individually and sequentially. Each style, combination, and Monsters of the
Midway
• Connections used within the grid system. sample must be tested separately to ensure a fair and
• Connections used to join ground leads to the grid system. uninfluenced test. PAGES 23-24
The Case of the
• Connections used to join the ground leads to equipment • Connectors with all relevant materials. For example, if a con- CNC Meltdown
and structures. nector can be used on copper and copper-bonded steel, then
The standard applies to testing connections joining copper, it must be tested with both conductor types.
steel, copper-bonded steel, copper-clad steel, galvanized steel, Each of these requirements makes the test more rigorous —
and stainless steel. and thus more reliable — in its field applications.
The purpose of IEEE 837 is to:
• Assure users that connections will perform reliably over TYPES OF TESTS
the lifetime of the installation. Two categories of tests must be performed to assess the con-
From the EC&M
• Test the connections for heat and mechanical forces using nection: mechanical tests and sequential tests. e-books library

an electromagnetic force test. Mechanical tests — The mechanical test, or EMF test, is con- A compilation of
• Satisfy connection criteria outlined in IEEE Standard 80, ducted to determine if electromagnetic forces would damage the technical articles
from EC&M
Guide for Safety in AC Substation Grounding. connection during a fault. During the test (Fig.1), four samples
This standard defines a repeatable test program that enables (each tested separately) are subjected to 15 cycles of a severe 12
connection manufacturers to qualify their products as permanent current twice.

www.ecmweb.com
 reliability, and performance. There are four sequential tests as PAGE 2
Editor’s Note
part of IEEE 837.
• Current-temperature cycling. When fluctuating currents PAGES 3-8
10 Sure Ways to
cause temperature changes, does the connection continue Tell the Difference
Between Bonding
to conform to resistance criteria? & Grounding
• Freeze-thaw test. When subjected to repeated cycles of
PAGES 9-10
freezing and thawing in water, is connection resistance Why Is the
maintained? Transformer
Neutral Grounded?
• Corrosion tests. Two tests are designed to evaluate the
corrosion resistance of the connections. PAGES 11-13
Qualifying
• Salt spray (for above-ground applications). Measures Permanent Ground
Fig. 2. When performing mechanical tests on connectors, conductor slippage (X) Connections
shall not exceed 10 mm of slippage or the outside diameter of the conductor. the corrosive effect of salt spray (i.e., sodium chloride)
on the connections. PAGE 14
Bond, Just Bond
The pass/fail criterion is based on the movement of the con- • Nitric acid (for direct burial applications). Measures
ductor. The connector must not fail (i.e., overheat, or allow cable the effects of acid attack, specifically nitric acid (HNO3), PAGES 15-16
NEC: Don’t Ground
slippage) and shall not exceed either 10 mm of slippage or the on connections. on the Load Side
outer diameter of the conductor, whichever is less. The edge of • Fault-current tests. Test to determine if connections subjected
PAGES 17-22
the connection is marked before testing (Fig. 2), then measured to the previous tests will withstand fault-current surges. Monsters of the
Midway
to the connector following the tests.
Kristen Semersheim is the global product director for nVent ERICO. The
Sequential tests — These tests, performed in sequence on the company can be reached at https://www.nvent.com/en-us/products/cadweld/
PAGES 23-24
The Case of the
same samples, monitor accelerated corrosion, the connection’s cadweld-contact-us. CNC Meltdown

From the EC&M

e-books library

A compilation of
technical articles
from EC&M

13

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 BOND, JUST BOND
PAGE 2
Editor’s Note

PAGES 3-8
Which piping systems need to be bonded to 10 Sure Ways to
Tell the Difference
this common grounding electrode conductor? Between Bonding
& Grounding
By Russ LeBlanc, NEC Consultant
PAGES 9-10
Why Is the
Transformer
Based on the 2020 NEC. Neutral Grounded?

I
t is quite common for me to see multiple separately derived PAGES 11-13
Qualifying
systems, such as several transformers in an electrical room, Permanent Ground
Connections
connected to a common grounding electrode conductor (GEC)
using taps as specified in Sec. 250.30(A)(6), rather than seeing an PAGE 14
Bond, Just Bond
individual GEC run for each transformer. This is a very common
type of installation because it can be quicker, easier, and less PAGES 15-16
NEC: Don’t Ground
expensive than installing an individual GEC for each transformer. on the Load Side
However, I think some clarification is needed on exactly which
PAGES 17-22
piping systems need to be bonded to this common GEC. Monsters of the
Midway
The present wording in Sec. 250.104(D)(3) requires all interior
metal piping in the area served by the separately derived system PAGES 23-24
The Case of the
to be bonded to the common GEC — what type of metal piping CNC Meltdown
it is and regardless of whether the metal piping is considered
“likely to becoming energized” or not. And yet, several other “likely to become energized” or not. The text in Sec. 250.104(D)
Sections in the Code [including Sec. 250.104(A)(1), (2), and (3), and the exception in Sec. 250.104(D)(3) may provide some clues
and Sec. 250.104(D)(1)] require only the water piping to be that the intent of Sec. 250.104(D)(3) may be to require only metal
bonded regardless of whether it is “likely to become energized” water piping to be bonded to the common GEC, since they both
or not. Section 250.104(B) requires other metal piping systems use the words “water piping” while Sec. 250.104(D)(3) does not.
to be bonded only if the piping is “likely to become energized.” I believe this may be a simple error of omission that has
From the EC&M
Yet, for some reason, the present wording in Sec. 250.104(D)(3) been overlooked for quite some time. I really can’t imagine any e-books library

requires bonding of ALL metal piping including water piping,
gas piping, compressed air piping, piping for oxygen systems,
nitrogen systems, nitrous oxide systems, vacuum lines, medical
air piping, exhaust pipes, drain pipes, sewer pipes, oil pipes, fuel
pipes, and so on, regardless of whether these piping systems are
good reason to require bonding of drain pipes, sewer pipes, or A compilation of
any other metal pipes that are not likely to become energized. technical articles
from EC&M
Perhaps the 2023 Code will provide some clarification on these
bonding requirements. For now, I suggest having a conversation 14
with your AHJ to try and decipher these rules.

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 NEC: DON’T
PAGE 2
Editor’s Note

© Anastasiia Averina | Dreamstime.com

PAGES 3-8

GROUND ON
10 Sure Ways to
Tell the Difference
Between Bonding
& Grounding

THE LOAD PAGES 9-10

Why Is the

SIDE
Transformer
Neutral Grounded?

PAGES 11-13
What is grounding, and Qualifying
Permanent Ground
why should you use it? Connections

By Mark Lamendola, Electrical Consultant PAGE 14

Bond, Just Bond

PAGES 15-16
NEC: Don’t Ground
Based on the 2020 NEC. 1,000 feet of earth to that of 1,000 feet does behind a dam. If you ground instead on the Load Side

I
f you work in plant maintenance, you
probably don’t need to be concerned
about grounding. Does that sound a
bit inane? If so, let’s start by seeing what
grounding is and why you use it.
If you read the Art. 100 definition, you see
it’s a connection to the earth — literally, to the
dirt. Because that’s what it is, it also cannot
be a return path to the source. Remember
the definition of a circuit: Electricity flows
from the source, to the load, and back to
the source. Any simple circuit diagram, such
of 4 AWG copper wire, you see a giant of bond, you set the stage for voltage
PAGES 17-22
difference. flashovers and other hazardous events. Monsters of the
Midway
Now, recall Kirchhoff’s Law of paral - Since the ground is not a return path for
lel circuits. Electricity flows in inverse undesirable current, what is the purpose PAGES 23-24
The Case of the
proportion to the impedances presented of having a ground (connection to earth)? CNC Meltdown
to it. A low impedance path such as that B a s i c a l l y, l i g h t n i n g p ro t e c t i o n . T h a t ’s
copper wire is going to carry practically why we have system grounding, which is
all the undesirable current back to the covered in Part III, Part VIII, and Part X of
source. But a high impedance path such Art. 250. And those connections are made
a s e a r t h i s g o i n g t o c a r r y a re l a t i ve l y at the supply (e.g., transformer).
s m a l l p o r t i o n o f t h e u n d e s i r a b l e c u r-
rent back to the source. Most will flow CONNECTING TO THE
From the EC&M
through equipment, metallic objects, GROUNDING CONDUCTOR e-books library

as the classic battery powering a light, is a
clear example of this.
Grounding (connection to earth) isn’t
bonding (forming a low impedance path).
If you compare the impedance of, say,
and people.
And if you apply Ohm’s Law, you under-
stand that a higher impedance means a
higher voltage across that impedance.
That is, the voltage builds up just as water
We don’t really “ground” equipment, even A compilation of
though equipment grounding is covered by technical articles
from EC&M
Part VI and VII of Art. 250. What is meant
here is a connection to the equipment 15
grounding conductor, which is really an

www.ecmweb.com
equipment bonding conductor that eventually is connected at rod? To answer that question, think how the undesired current PAGE 2
Editor’s Note
the ground connection to the power supply. is going to get back to the source through that high impedance
It may be tempting to think of the dividing line as inside the connection. The answer is it won’t help; it will waste money. PAGES 3-8
10 Sure Ways to
building versus outside the building, but that is not the case. Now, picture a plant with a dozen motors, and each motor Tell the Difference
Between Bonding
For example, you can have a separately derived system inside has a ground rod but there’s no bonding connection between & Grounding
the building. The dividing line is the line between the supply those rods or between any motor and the equipment grounding
PAGES 9-10
side and the load side of the source. (bonding) conductor. What is the impedance from one ground Why Is the
This means that on the supply side of the service, you’ll have rod to the next, with dirt as the bonding conductor? Pretty high. Transformer
Neutral Grounded?
a connection to the grounding electrode system [Part III of Art. This means you have significant differences of potential between
250]. Or on the primary side of a transformer (separately derived various nodes of motor equipment and between each one and PAGES 11-13
Qualifying
source), you’ll have a ground connection — but not on the sec- any other equipment. Permanent Ground
Connections
ondary side. For generators, the ground connection decision is Simply replacing those ground connections with bonding jumpers
a bit more complicated; be sure to review Art. 445 carefully. will put all that equipment at the same potential. This will likely PAGE 14
Bond, Just Bond
What if you ground on the load side? Wouldn’t it help with solve “mysterious” power-quality problems and downtime gremlins.
noise reduction and shock potential to tie each motor to a ground It will definitely make the plant safer for those who work there. PAGES 15-16
NEC: Don’t Ground
on the Load Side

PAGES 17-22
Monsters of the
Midway

PAGES 23-24
The Case of the
CNC Meltdown

From the EC&M

e-books library

A compilation of
technical articles
from EC&M

16

www.ecmweb.com
 PAGE 2

Ingram Publishing/Thinkstock
Editor’s Note

PAGES 3-8
10 Sure Ways to
Tell the Difference
Between Bonding
& Grounding

PAGES 9-10
Why Is the
Transformer
Neutral Grounded?

PAGES 11-13
Qualifying
Permanent Ground
Connections

PAGE 14
Bond, Just Bond

PAGES 15-16
NEC: Don’t Ground
on the Load Side

MONSTERS OF fence that surrounded the attraction. As she gripped the barrier,
though, her eyes widened and her body went rigid. Mere seconds
passed before her father was able to pull her free of the elec-
PAGES 17-22
Monsters of the
Midway

THE MIDWAY
The electrocution of a toddler at a Kansas
carnival offers a sobering reminder of
the importance of proper bonding and
grounding at outdoor installations.
By Matthew Halverson, Freelance Writer
Based on the 2014 NEC.
trified fence — which investigators would later determine had
come into contact with an uninsulated but energized portable
PAGES 23-24
The Case of the
CNC Meltdown
light pole — but it was too late. Though Bartonek was revived
at the scene, she died six days later.
The Wichita Police Department declared Bartonek’s death accidental
and declined to open a criminal investigation. But her electrocution
bears a strong resemblance to what happened to a young boy 14
years earlier in Painesville, Ohio. Both incidents offer a sobering
reminder of the importance of safe wiring practices and thorough
From the EC&M
inspections at carnivals and other transitory installations. e-books library

J
A compilation of
ust 15 months old, Pressley Bartonek was too small to play A PARENT’S WORST NIGHTMARE technical articles
from EC&M
in the inflatable bounce house at the Evans United Carnival At about 10 p.m. on Aug. 13, 2003, the crowds at the Lake County
in Wichita, Kan., on May 12, 2017. So while her mother and Fair were thinning out. Among those still at this annual event 17
older sister jumped inside, the toddler watched from behind a 30 minutes northeast of Cleveland were eight-year-old Greyson

www.ecmweb.com
 PAGE 2

© Cristi111 | Dreamstime.com
Editor’s Note

PAGES 3-8
10 Sure Ways to
Tell the Difference
Between Bonding
& Grounding

PAGES 9-10
Why Is the
Transformer
Neutral Grounded?

PAGES 11-13
Qualifying
Permanent Ground
Connections

PAGE 14
Bond, Just Bond

PAGES 15-16
NEC: Don’t Ground
on the Load Side

Yoe and his father, who’d spent the last three hours together
bouncing from attraction to attraction. On their way out of the
midway, the boy insisted on taking a spin on a bumper car ride
called the Scooter. The elder Yoe relented. It was supposed
to be a fun capper to the night, but within seconds of joining
the children queued up alongside a metal handrail outside the
attraction, Yoe called for help and slumped to his knees.
By the time paramedics arrived, the boy was unresponsive.
Although they were able to revive him after 25 minutes of resus-
citation efforts, he never regained consciousness and died three
weeks later. The cause of death: electrocution.
While the Wichita Police Department took less than one month
PAGES 17-22
Board for most of his adult life — despite the fact he wasn’t a Monsters of the
Midway
certified electrician.
Chief among Rock’s responsibilities for the fair was hooking PAGES 23-24
The Case of the
up the rides. Most of the attractions used temporary power, but CNC Meltdown
the bumper cars were near an animal paddock full of livestock
that could be agitated by a generator’s exhaust and noise. At
the instruction of the representatives of the ride, Rock climbed
into a bucket truck and tied the Scooter’s power cable directly
into the 3-wire distribution system at the top of a nearby utility
pole. (Even a Lake County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant charged
with investigating the incident recognized the problem while
From the EC&M
standing on the ground below.) With the ride representatives’ e-books library

to rule out criminal negligence in the Pressley Bartonek case,
the Lake County Sheriff’s Office took a much more deliberate
approach to unraveling how Yoe died. And from the start, the
investigation centered on Nicholas Rock. Eighty years old at the
time, Rock had done electrical work for the Lake County Fair
assurance that the Scooter was independently grounded via an A compilation of
8-foot copper rod that ran through its frame — and his mistaken technical articles
from EC&M
belief the neutral line would carry any fault to the fuses on a
nearby transformer — Rock left the cable’s green ground wire 18
disconnected at the top of the pole.

www.ecmweb.com
 Not only that, in violation of NEC Sec. 525.21(A), Rock failed respond to multiple requests from EC&M to discuss the case.) PAGE 2
Editor’s Note
to provide a main power disconnect for the ride. Four boxes As noted in court documents, Dolence stated that if Rock
were affixed to the base of the utility pole in question, but each would have connected the “free-hanging” green ground wire at PAGES 3-8
10 Sure Ways to
was sized for a 100A fuse. According to court documents, the the top of the pole to the ground rod at the base of the utility Tell the Difference
Between Bonding
Scooter “required 157A,” so because he couldn’t replace these pole, it would have provided grounding, but not in compliance & Grounding
100A fuses with a 200A fuse, he decided it wasn’t feasible or with standards. Or, barring that, he could have installed a new
PAGES 9-10
necessary to install a new disconnect box. disconnect box capable of holding the appropriate-sized fuse. Why Is the
Ralph Dolence was on-site within 24 hours of Yoe’s electrocu- Finding the origin of the fault current, though, would require Transformer
Neutral Grounded?
tion and was one of the first to review Rock’s work. With nearly a little more detective work.
20 years of forensic investigation experience under his belt at PAGES 11-13
Qualifying
the time, he didn’t need long to find the electrician’s mistakes. SAFETY FIRST Permanent Ground
Connections
“Anyone qualified to be a licensed electrician or licensed elec- When Bryan Creason hears about an accident at a carnival, he
trical inspector takes one look at that setup and sees a variety asks himself a few questions before passing judgment on the PAGE 14
Bond, Just Bond
of Code violations,” Dolence told The Cleveland News-Herald in operators: “Were they doing everything they could to prevent
2008. “It was an accident waiting to happen.” (Dolence did not this?” he says. “Was this a freak accident? Or was this something PAGES 15-16
NEC: Don’t Ground
that had to do with a lack of maintenance?” As the electrician for on the Load Side
© Lisa Cora Reed | Dreamstime.com

Ray Cammack Shows (RCS), he takes the industry’s reputation

PAGES 17-22
seriously. And while he’d prefer the general public not jump to Monsters of the
Midway
conclusions about carnival safety based on one unfortunate
incident, he’s not about to give shady owners a pass either. PAGES 23-24
The Case of the
RCS puts on just nine shows per year — from the Houston CNC Meltdown
Livestock Show & Rodeo to the Coachella Valley Music and Arts
Festival in Indio, Calif. — but each is huge and most run for upward
of a month. At times, Creason will tap into the local utility power
distribution system, but, for the most part, he relies on temporary
power — a lot of temporary power. In Houston, where attendance
topped in 2017 at 2.6 million, he routinely deploys a fleet of 17
generators, ranging in size from 220kW to 465kW.
From the EC&M
So it should come as no surprise that grounding is his big- e-books library

gest safety concern each time RCS’s massive caravan of RVs A compilation of
and flatbeds rolls into a city. (He’s also an instructor for the technical articles
from EC&M
Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers and teaches
a class on the subject.) “I won’t put anything online until it’s 19
properly grounded,” he says. That entails the NEC requirement

www.ecmweb.com
 Dean Hunter has a different perspective on the amusement-ride PAGE 2
© Joaquin Corbalan | Dreamstime.com

Editor’s Note
i n s p e c t i o n d e b a t e . H e ’s t h e A s s i s t a n t C h i e f f o r E l e c t r i c a l
Inspections in Minnesota’s Department of Labor and Industry, PAGES 3-8
10 Sure Ways to
which oversees both permanent and traveling amusement rides Tell the Difference
Between Bonding
that operate in the state. And where Creason sees the potential & Grounding
for maddeningly different interpretations of the same rules at
PAGES 9-10
each stop, Hunter sees the possibility for new violations. “One Why Is the
operation had rolled through 38 towns over the course of a Transformer
Neutral Grounded?
winter and early summer by the time it reached us last year,”
he says. “Every time you set this equipment up, a cord could get PAGES 11-13
Qualifying
pinched, or something could break loose.” Permanent Ground
Connections
Not surprisingly, inspection rules for amusement rides can
vary significantly from state to state. Some, like Arizona, have PAGE 14
Bond, Just Bond
no requirements. Colorado conducts annual inspections, and
for driving two 10-foot ground rods per generator, 8 feet into Minnesota sends a contract inspector to every carnival that PAGES 15-16
NEC: Don’t Ground
the ground and 6 feet apart, tying them together, and then operates in the state, each time it sets up — though the initial on the Load Side
bonding them to the generator. Then, at the source, he bonds inspection is more thorough than subsequent ones.
PAGES 17-22
the neutral and ground. What are Minnesota’s inspectors looking for? Primarily that Monsters of the
Midway
What he won’t do — though it’s been asked of him multiple the installations comply with Art. 525 of the NEC. “I don’t care
times in the past — is ground every ride. “We run a 5-wire if it’s a bouncy house, a Ferris wheel, or a Tilt-a-Whirl, we look PAGES 23-24
The Case of the
system,” Creason says. “As far as I’m concerned, it’s dangerous at lights, disconnect means, and grounding electrodes,” Hunter CNC Meltdown
to have a ground on every ride. You’re defeating the purpose of says. “We walk the cords and inspect their generator distribu-
the central ground.” tion system.”
His thoughts on that topic in particular offer a window into With four inspectors working a midway, he says a thorough
the most challenging dynamic a carnival electrician can face: review can be finished before noon. And then it’s up to the
interacting with the local inspector. The industry’s transitory operator to address any major issues before a final walkthrough.
nature means that while the equipment doesn’t change, the “We’ll allow them to fix minor things on their own, like a cord
people signing off on it do. “I once played a fair and had to rewire that’s pulled out of a cord cap,” he says. “But if it’s anything
From the EC&M
a ride to meet that city’s code,” Creason says. “When we moved egregious, like the replacement of ground-fault receptacles, e-books library

to the next city, which was 60 miles away but in the same state,
we had to rewire it back to way it was before to meet that city’s
code.” That’s not to say he won’t respect the ruling of the AHJ,
but he doesn’t hesitate to voice his frustration either. “Everything
changes from state to state and municipality to municipality.”
they have to have a licensed electrical contractor do that work.” A compilation of
There is a limit to what inspectors can do, however. These technical articles
from EC&M
are installations where, in many cases, equipment is exposed
to the elements and people. Wires get nicked; generators get 20
damaged. And while proper bonding and grounding practices

www.ecmweb.com
should conceivably take care of electrical issues that come up PAGE 2

© Nonmim | Dreamstime.com
Editor’s Note
in the course of a carnival’s stay in one municipality, problems
can still arise. And although Minnesota doesn’t require spot PAGES 3-8
10 Sure Ways to
inspections at an already-reviewed carnival, Hunter’s team Tell the Difference
Between Bonding
occasionally gets an assist from kindred spirits. “We’ll get calls & Grounding
from electrical contractors who say, ‘I’m here at the carnival
PAGES 9-10
and noticed that some cables were ripped up,’” he says. “Our Why Is the
industry really helps us out in a lot of ways.” Transformer
Neutral Grounded?

FAULT LINES PAGES 11-13

Qualifying
Without question, the corners Nick Rock cut in wiring the bumper Permanent Ground
Connections
car ride at the Lake County Fair led to Greyson Yoe’s death. In July
2004, less than a year after the accident, he was found guilty of PAGE 14
Bond, Just Bond
reckless homicide and involuntary manslaughter. (The involun-
tary manslaughter conviction was later overturned on appeal.) PAGES 15-16
NEC: Don’t Ground
He wa s n’ t t h e o n l y o n e t o m a ke m i s t a ke s , h oweve r. Two on the Load Side
inspectors for the Ohio Department of Agriculture — one of award was nullified because the family had already reached a
PAGES 17-22
whom had been on the job just six months and had no training nearly $2 million settlement with the ride’s owner. Monsters of the
Midway
or experience conducting electrical inspections — examined the So where did the fault current that flowed through Greyson
Scooter. Although they identified an issue with a light panel, they Yoe originate? After arriving at the Lake County Fairgrounds the PAGES 23-24
The Case of the
failed to note the lack of a proper ground connection. In fact, day after the boy’s death, Ralph Dolence requested that the CNC Meltdown
one of the inspectors later admitted he assumed the ride was ride’s power cable be disconnected from the utility pole. The
powered by a properly grounded generator he’d seen elsewhere cable was then connected to a portable generator, which was
on the fairgrounds, but he didn’t follow the Scooter’s power connected to a ground rod. When Dolence connected one test
cords to confirm the connection. lead of his multimeter to the ride’s chassis and the other to the
Perhaps even more surprising, the other inspector was aware ground rod, he got a reading of 12.7V. Upon further investigation,
that the ride was running on utility power but told investigators he found two circuits improperly connected to a 20A breaker.
that he didn’t check the wiring because in such cases it was his When he removed one of the current-carrying conductors, the
From the EC&M
policy to defer to the electrician. In a civil suit brought by Yoe’s voltage reading disappeared. With the help of a ride owner’s e-books library

parents, a judge determined that while the inspectors failed to
perform an adequate inspection of the ride, neither was liable
for the boy’s death. The judge did, however, rule that the Ohio
Department of Agriculture was negligent and awarded Yoe’s
family a little over $1 million. Yet in another odd twist, that
representative, he traced that wire to a junction box on top of A compilation of
the ride. The wire inside this metal box had broken free from technical articles
from EC&M
its connection. Further testing revealed that during operation,
the cars’ movement would jostle the black wire, causing it to 21
periodically make contact with the metal box. This created the

www.ecmweb.com
situation that resulted in Greyson Yoe’s death. Other carnival if inspectors detect anything greater than 1mA, the source of the PAGE 2
Editor’s Note
attendees — and even the ride’s operator — complained of problem has to be identified and fixed by a licensed electrical
being shocked during the first two days of the Lake County contractor. Not only that, operators must also conduct — and PAGES 3-8
10 Sure Ways to
Fair, though none was seriously injured. Greyson Yoe, it seems, document — their own daily inspections before opening for Tell the Difference
Between Bonding
touched that handrail at just the wrong time. business. “They will be fined if they can’t produce those logs,” & Grounding
Much has changed in the Buckeye State since the early 2000s. Vartorella says. “That’s a priority for this office.”
PAGES 9-10
Though the eight inspectors in the Department of Agriculture’s Those changes to Ohio’s inspection protocol came too late Why Is the
Amusement Ride Safety Division aren’t required to have elec- to save Greyson Yoe, but they’ve likely reduced the chances of Transformer
Neutral Grounded?
trical training, Chief Inspector Mike Vartorella says they test something similar happening again. As Dolence pointed out in
every electrified attraction at every touring carnival for “stray interviews after the investigation, the boy didn’t die in vain. PAGES 11-13
Qualifying
voltage.” (At a bare minimum, those tests are conducted at a Permanent Ground
Connections
carnival’s first stop in the state, but there’s nothing that says Halverson is a freelance writer based in Seattle. He can be reached at matt.
follow-up inspections won’t be made at subsequent stops.) And halverson@gmail.com. PAGE 14
Bond, Just Bond

PAGES 15-16
NEC: Don’t Ground
on the Load Side

PAGES 17-22
Monsters of the
Midway

PAGES 23-24
The Case of the
CNC Meltdown

From the EC&M

e-books library

A compilation of
technical articles
from EC&M

22

www.ecmweb.com
 THE CASE OF THE
PAGE 2

© Monkey Business Images | Dreamstime.com

Editor’s Note

PAGES 3-8

CNC MELTDOWN 10 Sure Ways to

Tell the Difference
Between Bonding
& Grounding
This case study highlights a CNC failure
PAGES 9-10
from an isolated ground installation, Why Is the
but with an additional twist. Transformer
Neutral Grounded?
By Bryan Glenn
PAGES 11-13
Qualifying
Permanent Ground
Connections
Based on the 2020 NEC.

C
PAGE 14
Bond, Just Bond
omputer numerically controlled (CNC) machines have been
used increasingly over the last 20 years. The ability to PAGES 15-16
NEC: Don’t Ground
machine parts with consistency and accuracy, coupled on the Load Side
with faster production, make CNC machines popular among large
PAGES 17-22
and small machine shops. Along with these benefits comes the Monsters of the
Midway
challenge of operating a sophisticated and sensitive machine. When investigating any CNC misoperations or damage, always
In the early 2000s, the power quality industry was fighting look for the isolated ground rod installation. PAGES 23-24
The Case of the
an uphill battle with CNC manufacturers’ improper installation Let’s review a quick case study that highlights a failure from CNC Meltdown
requirements. It was common to find the manufacturer rec- an isolated ground installation, but with an additional twist.
ommended the installation of an isolated ground rod at the U p o n i n s p e c t i n g ye t a n ot h e r d a m a g e d C N C m a c h i n e , t h e
CNC machine and advised to not connect to the “dirty” building motor contactors and servo drive units were found melted
grounding electrode system. However, these requirements violated down. The isolated ground rod was found, but wasn’t totally
National Electrical Code (NEC) rules in many ways, specifically to blame for this type of damage. After investigating the date
in proper bonding and grounding of the equipment. and time of the damage, it correlated with an electric utility
The misunderstanding came from improper installations in c a b l e f a i l u re n e a r t h e c u s t o m e r s i t e . T h i s c a b l e f a i l u re , i n
From the EC&M
which the manufacturers thought that isolating the machine, turn, caused a rise in ground potential for the surrounding e-books library

its electronics, servo motors, and the computer would some- area. If the facility was properly bonded and grounded, there A compilation of
how protect it. This was not the case, as it actually caused would be no change in the internal electrical system voltage technical articles
from EC&M
more damage. — either between earthed (grounded) points or reference to
This has since been rectified by most mainstream CNC manu- neutral. With this damaged CNC machine, something else had 23
facturers; however, those old installations are still in use today. to be miswired.

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 A more specific problem was identified at the transformer PAGE 2
Editor’s Note
(480V/120-208V 3-phase) that served the CNC machine. Look
closely at the picture of the transformer. Get a pen and notepad PAGES 3-8
10 Sure Ways to
and start listing the many NEC grounding and bonding violations. Tell the Difference
Between Bonding
The main cause of the component meltdown was the lack of a & Grounding
system bond jumper, connection to the earth, and the grounding
PAGES 9-10
electrode system (NEC Sec. 250.30). The contactors had melted Why Is the
down due to erratic voltage, most likely low phase-to-phase and Transformer
Neutral Grounded?
phase-to-neutral voltage. When the voltage dropped erratically,
the current rise overheated the component and lead to the failure. PAGES 11-13
Qualifying
The transformer neutral (XO) terminal must be bonded and Permanent Ground
Connections
earthed to ensure the voltage is stable when the ground potential
rise occurs by outside influences. Grounding violations like this PAGE 14
Bond, Just Bond
are much worse than the isolated ground rod alone. The myth of
“dirty” grounds within a facility is typically caused by improper PAGES 15-16
NEC: Don’t Ground
grounding and bonding at other locations. Systems installed on the Load Side
per the NEC, and, in some cases, IEEE 1100, will provide proper
PAGES 17-22
operation of sensitive electronic equipment without violating Monsters of the
Midway
the standards.
PAGES 23-24
Bryan Glenn is a certified power quality (CPQ) professional who works for Southern California Edison. He is also a former power quality consultant for EC&M. In addition The Case of the
to being a member of several IEEE Power & Energy Society working groups, he’s also an Adjunct Professor of Industrial Electricity for Chaffey College, holds a California CNC Meltdown
Electrical Contractors License (C-10), and is a former commercial and industrial inside wireman.

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A compilation of
technical articles
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24

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