Why Grounding Matters
Proper grounding protects people from electric shock, equipment from lightning and surge damage, and ensures fault currents have a safe path to earth. It is legally required by all electrical codes worldwide.
System Grounding vs Equipment Grounding
System Grounding: Connecting one conductor (usually negative for DC, neutral for AC) to earth. Provides voltage reference and fault clearing path.
Equipment Grounding: Bonding all non-current-carrying metal parts (frames, rails, enclosures) to earth. Prevents touch voltage during faults.
Surge Protection (SPD)
Type 1 SPD at service entrance, Type 2 at distribution panels, Type 3 at sensitive equipment. For PV systems: DC SPD at combiner box, AC SPD at inverter output.
Grounding Electrode System
Minimum: One 8-ft ground rod. Better: Two rods 6+ ft apart, bonded together. Best: Copper ground ring encircling the array, bonded to building ground.