Grounding Failure
Case Study
Verifying Absence of Voltage

CASE STUDY

More Meaningful Connections

Electrical Enclosure withIncoming 3-Phase 480V AC PowerSituation

Ground leads are
not connected

Worker approaches the enclosure and thedisconnect switch for the 480V power source
is in the OFF position. The disconnect
switch has failed with one phase (L1) in theclosed position (L2, L3 are open). The groundleads of the devices are NOT connected toground because of an improper installationor termination failure.
The worker applies a lock. Following safety
procedures, the worker performs an absenceof voltage test with the electrical enclosure
closed using a permanently mounted device.

Permanently
Mounted Device

FailureModePotential
Cause

L1 L2 L3

Test
PortalFront ofDoor

VeriSafeTM Absenceof Voltage Tester

SystemState

Absence ofVoltage
Tester (AVT)

Test
PortalDetection

Failure EffectIncident
Consequence

YES

AVT will detect
open groundlead(s) andcommunicate
installation is
the reason theabsence of voltage
test cannot be
confirmed

None - Incident
AvoidedThe AVT will detect
open ground (orphase) lead(s)and communicate
the installation ofsensor leads is notverified

Ground lead(s)are NOT
connected toground

Improperinstallation ortermination
failureDisconnect isin the OPEN/OFF position
with L1
energizedNOVoltage
measurement
results in zerovoltage whenvoltage is present

NOVoltage
TestStation

2

CASE STUDY– Grounding Failure

Red wired areenergized at 480V

The L1 LED
for the voltage
indicator will not
be illuminatedand measurement
results in zerovoltage whenvoltage is present

Worker opens
equipment whileenergized
Worker erroneously
considers electricalenclosure as
deenergized• Probable shockor arc flash event• Equipment
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