Power system

Ungrounded systems

An electrical system that is not intentionally connected to the ground is known as an ungrounded system. Even though the system is not connected to the ground, there exists a connection to the ground due to the presence of capacitances between the live conductors and the ground. Therefore the so-called ungrounded system is actually a … Read more

Neutral-to-Earth/ground Voltage- Causes, effects, and solution

Ideally, the voltage measured across the neutral and the earth/ground must be zero. But sometimes there exists some measure of potential difference between them. Here, in this article let us analyze the causes of neutral to earth/ground voltage, its effect, and how to mitigate it. Note: If you are an electrician troubleshooting your wiring or … Read more

Types of grounding

This article discusses several types of grounding methods. The intention of providing the proper ground is to control the voltage with respect to the ground and provide a low resistance path for the leakage charges to pass to the ground. In addition, the ground is used to detect unwanted connections between the phase and the … Read more

Electric current collectors

What are current collectors? Current collectors are components fitted to an electric equipment in motion to collect electric current required for its operation from a stationary busbar. They can be found in electric locomotives, cranes, trams, overhead conveyors, travelling cranes etc. Another place where you may see them is in those bumper cars in amusement … Read more

Instrument transformers – Definition, types and connection

What is an instrument transformer? Instrument transformers are current and voltage transformation devices that are used to step down the transmission and distribution line voltages and currents to levels that can safely operate measuring instruments, protection devices and control relays by isolating it from the supply voltages. The above diagram shows the basic usage of … Read more

Difference between single-phase and three-phase power AC supplies

Anyone who uses electricity and have heard of terms: single-phase and three Phase, maybe trying to understand the difference between them. This article narrates the differences between a single-phase power supply and a three-phase power supply. What is meant by phase? Before getting into our topic, it is essential to understand the term phase. The … Read more

Why is electricity transmitted at high voltages?

You might have noticed huge towers supporting the high voltage transmission lines in your locality. These high voltage lines transmit electric power generated at power stations which are situated at remote locations. Power stations are built away from the cities where natural resources are available and are transmitted to the load centres. Electricity is transmitted … Read more

Difference between Short circuit and overload

Short Circuit A short circuit occurs when two or more current-carrying conductors of different phases or different voltage levels or different terminal (in DC circuits) come in contact with each other or with the ground. It is an abnormal condition during which current shoots up several times the permissible limits. Read about short circuits in … Read more

Power Factor – Definition, Importance, Calculation and Correction techniques

In an AC power system, the power factor is a very important parameter that defines how efficiently electrical power is being utilized by the load. It is a rational number between -1 and 1 but has no unit. The p.f of a system depends on the type of load present, whether resistive, inductive, or capacitive. … Read more

What is ammeter selector switch?

Ammeter selector switch is basically a normal three position switch. In large Electrical distribution panels, an ammeter is used to monitor the current through each line.