[Buckeye88]

Working on so equipment lately, found some equipment where neutral or common side is connected to equipment ground. I have more specifically have seen this specifically on some transformers. Just a little confused with this, not understand how this is different from something shorting to ground or how the equipment wouldn’t get a current. I am no means an electrical expert so forgive me if this is a little basic, and wasn’t sure really where to post this.

 

[71CHOPS]

Are you talking high voltage (120v), or low voltage (24v)...or both?

and are you referring to control transformers, which have thier common side connected to the equipment chassis? I.e. 480v to 120v and 120v to 24v.

 

[Buckeye88]

Well the unit I am referencing has a 480 to 120 transformer where the secondary is controlling a digital controller. I guess it would have to be a control transformer than. I honestly haven’t heard that term before.

 

[R600a]

On the output of a transformer the only thing that makes one leg the "neutral" is the fact that it is bonded to ground.
For example on a 240 volt transformer with a center tap (like the one feeding your house) the center tap is bonded to ground therefore we often refer to it as the neutral.

 

[Buckeye88]

So in the situation I described how is the circuit being completed with the second leg of a transformer secondary going to ground?

 

[R600a]

So in the situation I described how is the circuit being completed with the second leg of a transformer secondary going to ground?

Like this correct?

 

[hvacker]

Mike Holt's forum has a ton of stuff on this question of grounding & bonding.
Give a look.

 

[JayMan7]

Well the unit I am referencing has a 480 to 120 transformer where the secondary is controlling a digital controller. I guess it would have to be a control transformer than. I honestly haven’t heard that term before.

Well in the case of high voltage (ie a 120v secondary) you’d want to establish ground so that there is the safety advantages the ground provides.

The reason it’s not a short to bond 1 leg is because there is no potential to ground from either leg when neither one is bonded to ground (this is the principle behind an isolation transformer). By bonding one, you establish the ground/neutral. Now the bonded wire, metal frame, your body, earth ground and everything else is part of one enormous electrical conductor which has no potential to anything else EXCEPT the other wire, which is why that wire is called the hot wire.

 

[71CHOPS]

Well in the case of high voltage (ie a 120v secondary) you’d want to establish ground so that there is the safety advantages the ground provides.

The reason it’s not a short to bond 1 leg is because there is no potential to ground from either leg when neither one is bonded to ground (this is the principle behind an isolation transformer). By bonding one, you establish the ground/neutral. Now the bonded wire, metal frame, your body, earth ground and everything else is part of one enormous electrical conductor which has no potential to anything else EXCEPT the other wire, which is why that wire is called the hot wire.

Well said, sir....a very good explanation.

A question I often ask our new guy is this:

"What is the ONE and ONLY thing our volt meters show us?"

 

[R600a]

Well said, sir....a very good explanation.

A question I often ask our new guy is this:

"What is the ONE and ONLY thing our volt meters show us?"

It's a dual port electron manometer. It tells voltage difference.

 

[JayMan7]

Well said, sir....a very good explanation.

A question I often ask our new guy is this:

"What is the ONE and ONLY thing our volt meters show us?"

YES excellent question! Recently taught an electrical class at the company and kept emphasizing POTENTIAL, POTENTIAL, POTENTIAL. Will definitely have that question on a power point slide when I teach the class again!

 

[JayMan7]

It's a dual port electron manometer. It tells voltage difference.

that’s great lol. And unlike a traditional manometer, it’ll blow up in your hand if connected incorrectly!!!

It’s important to emphasize how dangerous it is so all the new apprentices get the shakes when taking measurements. Gotta get em arc flashed to break em in hahaha.

 

[Gary Warren Jr]

Hate to be a debbie downer but it reads potential but it shows us potential difference.

 

[Gary Warren Jr]

Voltage = potential difference
So...
voltage difference= potential difference difference?

 

[MS Mr Subcool]

Potential

 

[TinnerMan265]

Potentially you will see potential 🍺

 

[Snapperhead]

Well in the case of high voltage (ie a 120v secondary) you’d want to establish ground so that there is the safety advantages the ground provides.

The reason it’s not a short to bond 1 leg is because there is no potential to ground from either leg when neither one is bonded to ground (this is the principle behind an isolation transformer). By bonding one, you establish the ground/neutral. Now the bonded wire, metal frame, your body, earth ground and everything else is part of one enormous electrical conductor which has no potential to anything else EXCEPT the other wire, which is why that wire is called the hot wire.

So ... with 1 leg bonded , you leaning against the cabinet , and grab onto the Hot wire , you get shocked by the whole 120v

What if you Dont bond that 1 leg to the cabinet , and you grab either of those legs independently ?

 

[VTP99]

What type of shoes 🤔

 

[Snapperhead]

What type of shoes ��

I wear flip flops

I love the sound they make

 

[VTP99]

Then I suggest you wait 30 minutes after showering off from the beach 😉