Prevent Ground Faults in Solar Power Arrays

Ground fault protection is an important consideration in the design of industrial distribution and utilization systems. Many of the problems associated with ungrounded and solidly grounded systems are overcome with resistance grounding. Resistance grounding limits point-of-fault damage, eliminates transient overvoltages, and provides adequate tripping levels for selective ground fault detection and coordination. Fortunately, resistance grounding is beginning to get the attention it deserves.

This is evidenced by the addition of requirements for neutral-grounding devices in the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I. Unfortunately, misconceptions regarding ground fault protection continue to flourish. This is evidenced by requests for protection systems that are not practical with today’s technology, misapplications of state-of-the-art technology, and attempts to introduce products that are somewhat less than state-of-the-art.