Hello members, I tried to search my EMC-PSTC archives (to no avail) regarding a debate of using either ground bond (let's assume 25A for this discussion) or ground continuity (resistance measured < 0.1 ohm for this discussion) testing *during production*.
Therefore, I would like to bring the topic up (again?) and get your professional opinion on these tests. (Side note: Omnia has put out a brochure recently promoting the use of ground bond test in addition to ground continuity during production, but I am a little skeptical.) I am a proponent for the ground continuity test during production for several reasons: 1. It’s safe to conduct, especially for production staff 2. Less harmful to the equipment 3. Intent is to verify the ground path is ‘secure’. And I am an opponent to the ground bond test during production for several reasons: 1. Dangerous to conduct. Need astute production personnel that know what they are doing. 2. I consider this a type test and ‘somewhat’ damaging/stressful….(Yes, can be debated)… Yes, the ground bond test is useful and a good indicator for determining the ampacity integrity of cables/connectors but, in my opinion, it should be reserved for type testing only. *I feel that there is no reason to do the ground bond test during production if the manufacture controls their components in purchasing/design via an ECO process, etc., thus the ground continuity test is thereby sufficient*. If one have no component control process, then, yes, GB is a good idea. Note that IEC 61010-1 Annex F (Routine tests) also specifies the ground continuity test (and not a ground bond test)....... but also take note that it does say the value for current is not specified. *F.2 Protective earth* *A continuity test is made between the earth pin of the appliance inlet or the **MAINS **plug of plug-connected equipment, or the **PROTECTIVE CONDUCTOR TERMINAL **of **PERMANENTLY CONNECTED EQUIPMENT **on the one side, and all **ACCESSIBLE **conductive parts which are required by 6.5.2 to be connected to the **PROTECTIVE CONDUCTOR TERMINAL **on the other side.* *NOTE No value is specified for the test current.* Your reply is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Regan Arndt - ---------------------------------------------------------------- This message is from the IEEE Product Safety Engineering Society emc-pstc discussion list. To post a message to the list, send your e-mail to <[email protected]> All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at: http://www.ieee-pses.org/emc-pstc.html Attachments are not permitted but the IEEE PSES Online Communities site at http://product-compliance.oc.ieee.org/ can be used for graphics (in well-used formats), large files, etc. Website: http://www.ieee-pses.org/ Instructions: http://www.ieee-pses.org/list.html (including how to unsubscribe) List rules: http://www.ieee-pses.org/listrules.html For help, send mail to the list administrators: Scott Douglas <[email protected]> Mike Cantwell <[email protected]> For policy questions, send mail to: Jim Bacher: <[email protected]> David Heald: <[email protected]>
