The IET is carrying out some important updates between 17-30 April and all of our websites will be view only. For more information, read this Announcement

Rules and Guidelines
Want to participate in the discussions? Please read our Community Rules and Guidelines. Need some help? Visit Support and Answers.

  • State Not Answered
  • Locked Locked
  • Replies 15 replies
  • Subscribers 31 subscribers
  • Views 2892 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
You may also be interested in
This discussion is locked.
You cannot post a reply to this discussion. If you have a question start a new discussion

Connecting two earthing systems - PME on both - any implications of this?

Former Community Member
Former Community Member
Question out of theorotical interest, can you connect the earthing systems of two PME supplies to achieve equipotential bonding between the two electrical supoplies or devices they power?


What are the pro's and con's of this? I understand the implications of PEN faults which might make the earth have touch voltage but if there is equipotential bonding between two earth systems would the earth fault current (earth which now carries live voltage from neutral) not flow through to the earth of the other PME supply?


Appreciate your thoughts.
Parents
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    What if a multi core SWA (all cores of a 10 mm) was used to link the earth bars of the two PME systems? Would that be equipotential bonding?

    Are there any risks due to PEN fault between either of the supplies as long as the SWA used for equipotential bonding was able to carry the load?


    If it exceeds 100A on the phase the mains incoming or service fuse should blow anyway hence preventing any risk to people?


    Just interesting to see if this will be a good idea to protect a backup earth fault protection at either premise and form a better path for fault currents (E.g. PEN faults) than the individual.


    Does RCBO provide protection at fault time against Open PEN fault? I believe not but I was told that you would be protected.....
Reply
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    What if a multi core SWA (all cores of a 10 mm) was used to link the earth bars of the two PME systems? Would that be equipotential bonding?

    Are there any risks due to PEN fault between either of the supplies as long as the SWA used for equipotential bonding was able to carry the load?


    If it exceeds 100A on the phase the mains incoming or service fuse should blow anyway hence preventing any risk to people?


    Just interesting to see if this will be a good idea to protect a backup earth fault protection at either premise and form a better path for fault currents (E.g. PEN faults) than the individual.


    Does RCBO provide protection at fault time against Open PEN fault? I believe not but I was told that you would be protected.....
Children
No Data

Join us to get the best from IET EngX.

Joining EngX lets you personalise your experience so you stay up to date on the topics that interest you, plus you’ll be able to make connections who are looking to collaborate, exchange ideas and more.

Join us Not now

Community Rules & Guidelines