ABSTRACT
The National Electrical Code (NEC) defines "ground" as a conducting connection, whether intentional or accidental, between an electrical circuit or equipment and the earth or to some conducting body that serves in place of the earth. The NEC indirectly defines a neutral conductor as a "grounded circuit conductor." Ground loops are the possibly adverse consequence of an electrical installation that is grounded at more than one point. The fundamental purpose of grounding is to both protect personnel as well as property. Grounding for lightning protection of buildings and facilities is necessary for several reasons. A facility lacking adequate lightning protection could be vulnerable to powerful lightning strikes that could cause damage in a number of ways. There are various types of three-phase grounds. Utilities have one set of grounding needs, whereas customers have a different set of requirements. In consequence, the grounding practices of these two different groups tend to have a different appearance.
