Summary

This white paper (Part 2 of 3) explains practical grounding practices for electrical equipment, focusing on protective earth and how ground-fault devices operate. Readers will learn the limits of GFCIs and actionable steps to reduce shock hazards and EMI caused by improper grounding.

Key Takeaways

• Identify the difference between protective earth (PE) and signal/reference grounds and when each should be used
• Explain how ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs/RCDs) detect faults and the scenarios where they do not provide protection
• Apply grounding and bonding best practices to minimize shock risk and reduce EMI/ground-loop problems
• Measure and verify ground integrity and leakage using appropriate test techniques and instrumentation

Who Should Read This

Embedded hardware engineers, lab technicians, and IoT/embedded systems developers who design or test equipment with mains power and want practical, safety-focused grounding guidance.

TimelessIntermediate

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