Building Power Distribution

Systems

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 Objectives
Upon completion of this module, you will be able to
understand the basics of a power system.

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 Building Power System Description
This system starts at the service entrance and continues to the outlet
supplying the electronic equipment. Refer to the ilustration on Page 4-6.

The majority of power quality problems affecting customer´s electronic

equipment originate within the building.

 Improver wiring and grounding of the circuits

Disturbance causing loads ( air conditioners) on the same circuit as electronic

equipment.

 Operation of portable radio transmitters near electronic equipment

Electro – static discharge

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 Defining the Building Power System
This system consists of the power wiring and grounding from the
point of connection of the electric utility service drop at the building
service entrance to the receptacle where the electronic equipment is
operated. This system falls under the juridiction of the applicable
Nacional, State or local Electrical Codes and is defined as the “
Premises Wiring System”. Altrough the building power system may
meet all the safety requeriments of the electrical codes, this same
system may not be adequate to meet the needs of modern electronic
equipment.

The basic components of a building power distribution system are

illustrated below.

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 Typical Power Distribution System
Components of a Building Power Distribution System

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 Neutral - Ground “ Short” Condition
Neutral and ground are improperly bonded in sub panel. Assume both
the neutral and ground are 1 ohm impedance between the sub panel and
the main. Assume the total load current on the sub panel is 50 A.

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 Service Equipment
The service equipment contains the primary cutoff of the electric sypply (main fuse or
breaker). At this point in the power system, the grounded conductor ( neutral) is
connected to the equipment grounding conductor ( green wire safety ground) and to
earth through the grounding electrode conductor and the grounding electrode
system.
It should be noted that for this power system, this is the only point where neutral and
ground are connected together. “A grounding connection shall not be made to any
grounded circuit conductor on the load side of the service disconnecting means….”
Multiple neutral - ground connections on the some electrical system area a direct
violation of this NEC requeriment yet they tend to be a commonly found problem in
building power distribution syustems .
Set the illustration on Page 4 -8 for improper neutral – ground bonding
Refer to your local code.

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 Neutral Ground “ Short Condition

The return load current on the branch circuit neutrals to the sub panel
will divide at the neutral - ground short. Half of the current ( 25 A )
will return to the main panel on the neutral and half will return on the
equipment ground.
The voltage rise on the equipment ground will be I GND x ZGND.

I GND = 25 A Z GND = 1ohm E GND = 25 V

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 Separately Derived Systems
A premises wiring system where power is derived from a transformer, generator or
inverter and there is no direct connection (including a neutral) to supply conductors
originating in another system. Grounding of Separately Derived Systems requires
the installation of a bonding jumper between neutral and ground on the secondary
side of the separately derived system.

Generally speaking, a step down or isolation transformer meets the above definition
of a Separatelly Derived System; homever, a UPS may not meet this definition. In this
case, a neutral – ground bond must be installed on the secondary of the transformer
but no neutral – ground bond can be installed on the output of the UPS !

Unfortunately, the revese is sometimes what happens – transformers get

installed with no neutral – ground bond and UPS are installed with improper
Neutral – ground bond.

Refer to your local code.

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 Installation & Verification
Installation of the Premises Wiring System is performed by
licensed/ certified electrical personnel. Approval of the installation is
obtained from the authority having jurisdiction who is the local
electrical inspector. The inspector certifies that the installation is in
compliance with the applicable Electrical Codes.

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