Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults

Module 4: Ground Faults & Arc Faults

Training Module #4 — Ground Faults & Arc Faults

Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults

What are Ground Faults?

An unintended path to ground can damage equipment and harm people who touch energized items.

Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults

EGC carries ground-fault current and bonds metal parts; GEC connects the system to the grounding electrode.

Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults

GFP devices have a 'blind spot' below about 1 amp; a second fault can melt insulation and start a fire.

Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults

A breaker trips before current overheats the wire; tripping on high current can signal a short circuit or ground fault.

Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults

Common causes: damaged insulation, poor installation, pinched wires, and water.

Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults

Pinched wires weaken insulation and allow power leakage.

Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults

Exposed conductors can overheat, melt insulation, and cause a fire.

Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults

Water is a conductor and carries current to grounded parts.

Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults

An exposed conductor touching metal can arc and cause a fire.

Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults

Cross polarity: positive connected to negative, or negative to positive.

Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults

Wires must be seated correctly in terminals to prevent arcing.

Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults

A ground fault is current leaking to ground through a damaged conductor.

Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults

An arc can exceed 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit and ignite nearby materials.

Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults

Measure resistance, continuity, and voltage to find ground faults; this needs training.

Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults

Thanks! Questions? Email asenia@jazzsolar.com or jon@jazzsolar.com.