Grounding Electronic Enclosures

Power distribution electrical enclosures are designed to supply power to electrical equipment, to start or stop the flow of power to electrical equipment and to monitor and detect the operation of electrical equipment. Power distribution cabinets protect the internal components from the surrounding environment and protects operators from electric shock. They come in many different shapes, sizes and materials. The power distribution enclosure will have holes made for pulling cables inside for incoming electric current and cables leaving for power distribution. Having the proper connectors are essential for maintaining the NEMA rating of the enclosure.

Enclosure grounding is an essential safety measure that must be installed in order to clear any electrical faults and to protect equipment from damage and operators from electric shock. Ungrounded or poorly grounded enclosures will not clear the electrical fault and can remain operating and energized. The ground path resistance from the enclosure back to the source ground must be very low, resulting in the fault current traveling quickly to ground. Grounding kits, bonding straps, grounding bars and insulated brackets are available to help facilitate proper enclosure grounding.