Ground potential rise

Ground Potential Rise (GPR) refers to the increase in electrical potential between the ground and a point of reference when a fault occurs on a power system. It is caused by lightning or high voltage ground faults. Under these conditions the potential of the soil surrounding the point of ground fault increases to dangerous levels. … Read more

Differences between GTO and SCR

Gate turn-off thyristors (GTO) and Silicon controlled rectifiers (SCR) are semiconductor switching devices used in converters, rectifiers, charging circuits, etc. in order to control the current flow. This article illustrates the key differences between GTO and SCR. What is an SCR? An SCR is a unidirectional semiconductor device that can be triggered into conduction by … Read more

Factors influencing requirements for a good grounding system

Grounding systems are required not only to ensure the safety of the personnel and the safe operation of equipment but also to protect the system from lightning and ensure accurate measurement of electrical parameters. Here are a few factors that influence the requirements for a good grounding system. The following are the major factors influencing … Read more

Gate turn-Off thyristor (GTO)

A gate turn-off thyristor (GTO) is three terminal semiconductor device – made up of four layers of alternating P-type and N-type material. Just like a conventional thyristor, it is also a current controlled, minority carrier device. The gate turn-off thyristor was invented with the purpose to address the difficulties in the turn OFF mechanism of … Read more

What is a motor control center (MCC)?

A Motor control center or MCC is a group of combination motor starters, branch feeder devices, and lighting panelboards, each mounted in an individual isolated compartment with its own cover. It is a free-standing structure, consisting of a common busbar arrangement to distribute power to each compartment and a network of wireways to accommodate outgoing … Read more

Methods of Ground/ Earth resistance measurements on existing systems

It is vital to maintain good ground in a system. In order to ensure that, ground resistance measurements and tests are conducted on existing earth electrodes at periodic intervals after their installation. This ensures the resistance in the ground is at an acceptable level and is maintained. Here are the different methods of ground/ earth … Read more

Soil resistivity measurement methods

One of the key elements affecting ground resistance is soil resistivity. Soil resistivity measurements are conducted before setting up an earthing system, in order to ensure an effective earthing. Good soil models are the basis of all grounding designs and they are developed from accurate soil resistivity testing. The ground/earth resistance measurements are conducted to … Read more

Power consumption and energy usage of humidifiers

Humidifiers are used to increase the humidity in a confined space. They can be used to humidify living rooms and ventilators can be used to treat dryness. A typical household humidifier consumes a power of 25Watts. The energy usage of humidifiers can be calculated below: Enter the wattage, hours of usage, and cost per kWh. … Read more

Power consumption and energy usage of exhaust fans

A typical household exhaust fan consumes 40 watts of power. The energy usage of an exhaust fan purely depends on how many hours they spin. The energy usage of exhaust fans can be calculated here. Enter the wattage, hours of usage, and cost per kWh. The energy usage calculator for fans gives you the total … Read more