Grounding and bonding provide a pathway that allows fault current and transient voltages to return to their source. Technically, grounding and bonding mean different things. Grounding is a process meant to protect people against a possible fault in the electrical system. Bonding electrically ties all specified metallic elements together to minimize the differences in voltage.
Why do it?
- Improves the reliability of the physical infrastructure by minimizing harmful effects of transient voltages and electrical surges
- Required (by National Electrical Code)
- Provides safety for staff
- Protects equipment from damage
- Prevents potential fire hazards
- Maximizes uptime
How does it work?
Electricity always travels on the path of least resistance. Proper grounding provides this path, carrying the surge away from your equipment via a high capacity wire through a series of low resistance links and bus bars down to the source (usually earth). Any metallic equipment that is part of your infrastructure must be properly connected to the grounding and bonding system.
Common Mistakes?
- Improper surface preparation
- Incorrect wire gauge or type
- Not all pieces of equipment are connected to the grounding and bonding system
- Bus bar not properly sized or grounded to main bus bar or earth ground
- Overall poor design
Mirapath conducts site surveys to ensure your data center and engineering lab is properly grounded. We also provide the materials and full installation of a grounding and bonding system. For more information, please give us a call at 1.877.647.2728 or email us at solutions@mirapath.com.