How to Identify Earth Fault (Ground Fault)

Introduction of earth fault

A Ground Fault condition exists when the Earth wire touches the ground wire (bare copper) or the side of a metal outlet box (because the metal box is connected to the ground wire. The ground fault is a type of short circuit. This ensures that all exposed conductive surfaces are at the same electrical potential as the surface of the Earth, to avoid the risk of electrical shock if a person touches a device in which an insulation fault has occurred. It ensures that in the case of an insulation fault a very high current flows, which will trigger an over current protection device (fuse, circuit breaker) that disconnects the power supply.

How to Identify Earth Fault

Same as Short Circuit you have to also check that supply is not touching the side of the metal outlet box or the ground wire.

Necessity of Earthing

•    To provide safety to personnel and equipment.
•    To maintain a voltage in healthy phases in the event of a fault in one phase.
•    To protect equipment and buildings from lightning.
•    To serve as a return conductor in communication and traction works