Enterprise Data Center Design and Methodology

Grounding and Bonding

Grounding is the creation of a path to an electrically conductive body, such as the earth, which maintains a zero potential (not positively or negatively charged) for connecting to an electrical circuit. This is usually done by connecting the data center equipment at the power source to an earth-grounding electrode subsystem which is a network of interconnected rods, plates, mats, or grids installed to establish a low-resistance contact with the earth. The purpose of the earth connection is to provide safety from shock to personnel and to protect the data center equipment from voltage gradients which could cause failures or fires. All metallic objects at the site that enclose electrical conductors or that are likely to be ...