Hi there, I was hoping someone could help me as i deal with alot of ground faults on fire panels. Now someone had told me there are devices that can automatically detect a gf on a circuit leg and you can keep opening the circuit till you find whats causing the ground fault. is there such a thing? the only reason i am asking as i need to be more time efficient with gf and plus of course it makes your life easier. any information would be great! thanks!
Ground Fault
- Thread starter paulfito
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Julius Right
Senior Member
- Occupation
- Electrical Engineer Power Station Physical Design Retired
I think you mean the ground selective fault detection. See [for instance]:
GE Ground Fault Protection Solidly Grounded L.V. System.
http://apps.geindustrial.com/publib...A?TNR=Application and Technical|GET-6533A|PDF
GE Ground Fault Protection Solidly Grounded L.V. System.
http://apps.geindustrial.com/publib...A?TNR=Application and Technical|GET-6533A|PDF
JoeStillman
Senior Member
- Location
- West Chester, PA
- Occupation
- Electrical PE
I don't think GE means the same thing as the OP when they say "Low Voltage".
Here's what you need; http://www.amprobe.com/amprobe/usen...ed-wire-tracers/amp-at-7030-kit.htm?PID=79195
It's not cheap but it could pay for itself if you need to use it a lot.
Here's what you need; http://www.amprobe.com/amprobe/usen...ed-wire-tracers/amp-at-7030-kit.htm?PID=79195
It's not cheap but it could pay for itself if you need to use it a lot.
Another post that asked an ambiguous question. As one of the previous respondents said what is the voltage? But, the OP has also no defined what his definition of GF is. As an example what is the GF current that is reqired to be detected and when detected what is required to happen? Is there coordination that is required?
- Location
- Massachusetts
For those of us that work on Fire Alarm systems we know exactly what the OP means by ground fault.
The fire alarm circuits are typically 24 VDC power limited and ungrounded. If a conductor develops a ground fault the fire panel goes into a trouble condition indicating it needs service.
With only one ground fault the system will work normally but of course you must locate this fault and fix it to restore the panel to normal.
Finding a ground fault in a circuit that can literally run through every space of a large building can be time consuming. I typically use an ohm meter and try to trace it based on restance readings. Lower resistance means I am getting closer.
The fire alarm circuits are typically 24 VDC power limited and ungrounded. If a conductor develops a ground fault the fire panel goes into a trouble condition indicating it needs service.
With only one ground fault the system will work normally but of course you must locate this fault and fix it to restore the panel to normal.
Finding a ground fault in a circuit that can literally run through every space of a large building can be time consuming. I typically use an ohm meter and try to trace it based on restance readings. Lower resistance means I am getting closer.
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