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DC Ground Fault
DC Ground Fault
DC Ground Fault
Isolation on Ungrounded DC
Systems
Jose´ A. Marrero
Southern Company
DC SME
General Comments
Steady
– comes in and stay in at the same level
(can ⇑ or ⇓)
Intermittent
– Comes in & out, increasing or decreasing
levels, but with ‘Long’ durations(>>15min.)
Transients
– Pluses
– Spikes
Types of DC Ground Faults(GFs)
DC System monitoring
– Local and Remote Point(s)
Charger(s)
Inverter(s)
UPS
Load(s) Control System like Mark V & VI
Plant DAS
Battery Monitors
Detection Scheme
Voltage Divider System
– Numerous variations to this scheme
Resistor can be replaced with relay coil to annunciate
Fault
+ 1
Load
2
- PN
What Information Is Needed?
What type of indication do you have?
– Ex. Lighting, amp meter, alarm circuit
Always check light bulb and fuses prior to
continuing
What is the alarm trigger point?
What are the limitations and what
information can be obtained?
– What side is it on?
– What is the magnitude?
– Is it a constant or transient ground fault?
What Information Is Needed?
Important parameters to know on your system
(especially on multi-feeder distribution system)
Power Bus
Site Ground
Continuous
Pulsed
Event Analysis
This involves the use of multiple event
recorders (with voltage & current inputs)
placed/positioned around your distribution
network in a methodical manner then
waiting for events
Time & Date stamp all units used(to the
same ref)
Give or request equipment start/stop logs to
operators
Event Analysis
Look for events occurring at the ~same
time(slope & amplitude)
Particular circuit in question can be isolated
by the use of an external power supply &
opening the associated breaker to the
suspected circuit
Monitor upstream points for transient
reoccurrence(at least one period)
Caution