The transformer production market is speculated to increase year upon year, with a current growth rate of 4% as of the end of 2021. This demand has led to the installation of many more transformers across the country. But, are you aware of how to install them correctly, including using proper grounding?
The following article will help you understand what transformer grounding is. You will also discover why it is one of the most important steps in the design of power systems. Read on to expand your knowledge of electrical systems in a way that is helpful to your career or interest moving forward.
What Is a Grounding Transformer?
A ground isolation transformer, or an earthing transformer, creates a path for current to flow into the ground when needed. This can be useful when using three-phase systems if you want to allow for phase-to-neutral voltage.
Grounding the current creates a low-resistance path for any current to discharge into the ground. This helps to prevent any electrical system from suffering from overvoltage, such as in the case of various issues that may occur in a system.
On top of this, a high-voltage system might sometimes demand the use of a ground transformer if certain types of transformer feed into the system. This prevents other issues that may crop up.
Finally, an electrical system might suffer from failures where the current flows straight into the ground when it should not. In these cases, you can use components such as an arc suppression coil. These will prevent too much electricity from flowing into the ground and causing harm.
Requirements to Ground a Transformer
When grounding a transformer, you must ensure that you take the following steps. By doing so, you will make sure that the process occurs safely.
First of all, you should ensure that all electrical systems related to the transformer are also grounded. You must also make sure that all connections that should occur in a system are stable and not prone to disruption. This includes all circuits, supports, and all equipment involved with the process.
You can then use a conductor to ground this equipment. Make sure that any conductor that you use is an appropriate material and width to carry such a current with minimal resistance. On top of this, make sure that the electrodes of this conductor have no non-conductive coatings that might prevent electrical flow.
Last, make sure that you put down enough conductors. You should have one grounding electrode every six feet on the ground.
More on Transformer Grounding
Now that you have read the above article, you should have a much better idea of what transformer grounding is. You should also understand why it is important to a transformer’s process. If you still have questions about electrical systems, though, we are happy to help.