Hello,
I am providing advice to a manufacturer of a vehicle carrying explosive items, along with related electrical equipment. Normally, the equipment is powered by the engine alternator, but a 120 volt connection to a portable generator is possible for longer-term use. I have advised the manufacturer that installing a ground rod at the vehicle is a violation of the NEC, because cord-and-plug connected equipment may only be grounded through the grounding conductor in the extension cord. Improper grounding could affect the ability of the circuit breaker to trip when certain types of faults occur. One of several reasons for grounding, according to the NEC, is to facilitate the operation of a circuit protective devices under ground-fault conditions. However, a static discharge ground wire may be attached to the vehicle, because this is common practice in explosives safety. The instructions to the people operating the equipment are unclear at this time, they simply warn to "properly ground the equipment". What is the proper method of grounding a vehicle at the far end of an exension cord, and what is prohibited?
Thank you.
I am providing advice to a manufacturer of a vehicle carrying explosive items, along with related electrical equipment. Normally, the equipment is powered by the engine alternator, but a 120 volt connection to a portable generator is possible for longer-term use. I have advised the manufacturer that installing a ground rod at the vehicle is a violation of the NEC, because cord-and-plug connected equipment may only be grounded through the grounding conductor in the extension cord. Improper grounding could affect the ability of the circuit breaker to trip when certain types of faults occur. One of several reasons for grounding, according to the NEC, is to facilitate the operation of a circuit protective devices under ground-fault conditions. However, a static discharge ground wire may be attached to the vehicle, because this is common practice in explosives safety. The instructions to the people operating the equipment are unclear at this time, they simply warn to "properly ground the equipment". What is the proper method of grounding a vehicle at the far end of an exension cord, and what is prohibited?
Thank you.