Grounding, Bonding and Surge Supprression

For now I'm going to put this paper up as is. Eventually, I'll add page numbers for explanation of common questions that appear here. Some examples are:

1. Why are additional ground rods such as those at a sub panel a bad idea? See page 5

2. What is a ground loop?

3. Why is a neutral/ground swap dangerous? How do you detect it?

4. Whole house, equipment surge protectors or both?

5. The paper addresses ungrounded systems, transient suppression and noise. Useful for those wanting to understand the importance of ground for equipment a house wired without one. It answers the question: What effect does surge suppressors have on such a system.

ExactPower(tm) - Home of the Residential Power Integrity System

The above company, has a different marketing angle, but the company below is marketing a similar product without much of an explanation. Chloride - Power Conditioners

I saw a demo about 30 years ago where ONEAC used actual oscilloscope monitoring and showed you what the product can do. It's not magic. The CA CB series is meant for local use, 1000 VA or so. In terms of connected equipment reliability, it wins hands down when blackouts are not part of the problem to be eliminated. 12 years on a single computer and 5 on the one prior and who knows how long on the replacement.

This sticky is not about the companies, but rather technology adapting. Exactpower's paper is not hype. Their explanation on all fronts makes sense from an engineering perspective.

Independent/isolated ground receptacles (orange ones in an industrial environment) is yet another adaptation of technology.

Keeping dirty and clean power loads separate makes sense when you have a "Home theater" system and not a stereo and a TV.

Initial post: 8/13/2009; updated 8/13/09