Electrical current will always take the path of least resistance if given a choice. When the connection involves a human being, there can be a severe shock resulting in injury or even death. When caused by poor design or equipment failure, the cost is reflected in destroyed systems and a greater chance of liability for associated injuries. Ground fault system certification helps ensure the highest levels of inspection and safety compliance.
Even though it is assumed that any modern building or equipment containing electrical systems will be grounded properly, each situation has its own unique requirements. In cases where maintenance has been delayed or if mistakes were made in the original circuit design, there may be the potential for an arcing, low-level ground fault. This phenomenon produces effects similar to arc welding, and can destroy switching gear.
The International Electrical Testing Association, or NETA, cites figures showing that nearly fifteen percent of all installations that are tested have problem areas capable of producing injuries or damages. Protection against that possibility are mandated by the National Electrical Code in the United States, and includes installing specialized sensors able to discover and clear improper grounding within milliseconds.
They accomplish that by constantly checking whether current is both leaving and returning correctly. If a normal path is out of phase, the current may automatically take an alternate route to ground that is less resistant. That route may include the steel building framework, interior pipes, or heating and cooling conduits. Devices use monitors that are able to detect deviations, and relay logic devices to measure the value and timing of tripping current.
Most safety setups also have mechanisms that activate a circuit breaker or switch if trouble is found, and many also include test panels intended to simulate an event and the resulting emergency response. Although these tests are useful, they do not always comply with the standards required by the National Electrical Code and other safety standards, making manual inspections the preferred method.
Certified and trained technicians make judgments based on the latest technological assessments that are currently associated with building safety and electrical system designs, and their testing equipment conforms to uniform standards in all locations. They can provide recorded documentation of any issues that may be discovered, and retain information from the evaluations that have already been performed.
The certification provided by NETA is intended to ensure competent testing, including the use of all required safety procedures, and an awareness of all potentially hazardous possibilities. They are required to maintain the minimum industrial standards necessary, and have the minimum amount of on-the-job experience accompanied by regular training updates. They must also be impartial and independent in their assessments.
Most insurers recommend system testing on a yearly basis. The expenses involve can vary depending on the timing of the event, the type of equipment to be inspected, and even the geographical location of the site. It may be necessary for the testing personnel to coordinate this activity with the local utility. Systems kept in optimal working condition can detect and prevent problems immediately, saving money in the long run.
Even though it is assumed that any modern building or equipment containing electrical systems will be grounded properly, each situation has its own unique requirements. In cases where maintenance has been delayed or if mistakes were made in the original circuit design, there may be the potential for an arcing, low-level ground fault. This phenomenon produces effects similar to arc welding, and can destroy switching gear.
The International Electrical Testing Association, or NETA, cites figures showing that nearly fifteen percent of all installations that are tested have problem areas capable of producing injuries or damages. Protection against that possibility are mandated by the National Electrical Code in the United States, and includes installing specialized sensors able to discover and clear improper grounding within milliseconds.
They accomplish that by constantly checking whether current is both leaving and returning correctly. If a normal path is out of phase, the current may automatically take an alternate route to ground that is less resistant. That route may include the steel building framework, interior pipes, or heating and cooling conduits. Devices use monitors that are able to detect deviations, and relay logic devices to measure the value and timing of tripping current.
Most safety setups also have mechanisms that activate a circuit breaker or switch if trouble is found, and many also include test panels intended to simulate an event and the resulting emergency response. Although these tests are useful, they do not always comply with the standards required by the National Electrical Code and other safety standards, making manual inspections the preferred method.
Certified and trained technicians make judgments based on the latest technological assessments that are currently associated with building safety and electrical system designs, and their testing equipment conforms to uniform standards in all locations. They can provide recorded documentation of any issues that may be discovered, and retain information from the evaluations that have already been performed.
The certification provided by NETA is intended to ensure competent testing, including the use of all required safety procedures, and an awareness of all potentially hazardous possibilities. They are required to maintain the minimum industrial standards necessary, and have the minimum amount of on-the-job experience accompanied by regular training updates. They must also be impartial and independent in their assessments.
Most insurers recommend system testing on a yearly basis. The expenses involve can vary depending on the timing of the event, the type of equipment to be inspected, and even the geographical location of the site. It may be necessary for the testing personnel to coordinate this activity with the local utility. Systems kept in optimal working condition can detect and prevent problems immediately, saving money in the long run.
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