EGC

[domnic]

In European countries do they use the grounded conductor as a EGC ?

 

[GoldDigger]

Generally no.
And instead of EGC they call it PE for Protective Earth.
They care a lot about having a low impedance local GES too, because at 240V and up it can be a usable fault clearing path. Unlike our 25 ohm GES which at 120V can't even trip a 15A breaker.

 

[MMT77002]

EGC on IEC Systems

EGC on IEC Systems

Generally no.
And instead of EGC they call it PE for Protective Earth.
They care a lot about having a low impedance local GES too, because at 240V and up it can be a usable fault clearing path. Unlike our 25 ohm GES which at 120V can't even trip a 15A breaker.

I worked a lot with IEC systems in the past - Sorry to say the answer depends on the country where the installation occurs - local utilities will typically the requirements. There are three basic systems (and alternatives) - TN, TT and IT. Without going into some long winded explanation this is a graphical representation:

http://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/Earthing_schemes_(_full_page_)

Remember the voltages can be 415Y/240v (British) or 380Y/220v (Continental Europe) The Middle East and Asian countries are a mix of both.

Hope this helps