Wiring and grounding to prevent power quality problems with industrial equipment

Actual case histories where inadequate wiring or grounding on low voltage (less than 600 V) industrial power distribution systems caused equipment operational problems and/or failures are examined, and the solution to each of these problems is discussed. The cases concern a malfunctioning peanut sorter, equipment damage at a wrecker service, personal computer malfunction at a city hall, disruption of a microprocessor-controlled quilting machine by an air compressor and electronic scale malfunction. Some of the case histories involve relatively rare grounding problems while others pertain to very common problems. Several of the most common wiring and grounding shortcomings found in low-voltage industrial power distribution systems are identified. Proper wiring and grounding techniques for equipment with electronic controls and application of these techniques in industrial facilities are discussed