There are several different types of medium voltage earthing systems. These systems can be differentiated by using the neutral point connection method. They are different in the way that they operate and each of them has its own pros and cons. These earthing systems in medium voltage include the likes of:

The functioning of each differs from the other. They also have various applications. Let’s have a look at each system at a time:

In this one, there is no electrical connection between the earth and the neutral point except for the devices that are used for measurement or protection. There is high impedance inserted between the earth and the neutral point. There is no switching on occurrence of the first insulation fault. It is therefore important to carry out permanent insulation monitoring, show the first insulation fault and locate and clear the first insulation fault.

Pros and cons: The advantage of using this one is that it provides services by tripping only when the second fault occurs which is subject to the capacity of the network not leading to a high earth fault current which would be dangerous for people when the first fault occurs. It has its demerits. There is the risk of high internal over-voltages. Insulation monitoring is also compulsory as well as the presence of maintenance personnel who will be monitoring and locating the first fault during use.

It is also known as direct earthing. It has a connection between the earth and the neutral point. Upon first insulation fault occurrence compulsory switching must be done. It is significantly different from the above mentioned unearthed neutral.

Pros and cons: This system reduces risk of over-voltage occurring and also authorizes the use of equipment with a normal phase to earth insulating level. On the other hand, there is mandatory tripping upon occurrence of the first fault. The touch voltages developed are very high and this poses a high risk for the personnel while the fault lasts. Differential protection devices must be used so that the clearance time of the fault is as short as possible.

This system requires a resistor to be inserted between the neutral point and the earth. It is also known as limiting resistance earthing. Their operating technique is quite straightforward. Switching must be done upon the occurrence of the first fault.

While Nokesville and the surrounding areas don’t usually receive significant snowfall during the winter, it’s still important to prepare for the worst. Depending on the severity of a storm, snowfall can be accompanied with heavy winds, icing, freezing rain, and sleet. In the next few weeks, we’re supposed to have inclement weather; make sure you’re ready! We’ve put together some tips to help you power through a winter storm so that you can have peace of mind.

If severe weather is headed your way, pay attention to your local news stations. They will keep you in the know on everything, from the current weather conditions to which roads and highways are closed, as well as areas experiencing power outages.

Preparedness is key. When you have the necessary tools and plans to get through a winter storm, you won’t feel as stressed or that you’re without. Of course, when it comes to natural disasters, there are some things that are simply out of your control; however, it is better to be proactive so that when it comes time to be reactive, you’re ready.

By Clarissa Allison | December 24th, 2015

Wow, now this is pretty impressive. The Tracy Light Show is a yearly and free Holiday Light Show put on by a local music director in Tracy, CA. This spectacular Star Wars production is sequenced to the film’s iconic musical score with over 70,000 lights, 14,000 channels, and special effects. Be sure to check out the rest of his amazing videos online.

It may not officially be winter yet, however temperatures have declined to the point that we can no longer deny it is on its way. Over the years, we’ve seen the news about homes and families—even locally—who have been stranded for days with no heat or power because of a widespread outage in relation to winter storms.

Crews work as fast as they can when these scenarios occur to get your home back on track. However, they can only work so quickly, and many times the weather doesn’t cooperate as we hope it will so they can get the power back up quickly. Therefore, homeowners are sometimes left without heat, refrigeration, or the use of any important appliances. That is, at least, if they don’t have an effective and efficient whole-house generator.

Have you ever been stuck in the middle of winter with no working heater? Hopefully, the answer to this is no, and also hopefully you’ll never have to deal with this. A generator is the leading way to reduce the risk of this happening. Remember, a power outage can very easily take out your heating system, leaving you will chilly weather and no defense against it.

Do any members of your household rely on electrically-powered devices for medical conditions? Perhaps it’s an oxygen breather or some other type of machinery. If so, then a generator can literally be a life-saver for them. There’s no reason to wait on a generator installation if you rely on medical equipment.

As intangible a benefit as this is, it’s still an important advantage. Even if you never face a significant power outage this winter or next, you’ll know that you are well-prepared in case one does happen.