How is "Effectively Grounded" defined?

The definition of "Effectively Grounded" refers to a situation where a system or equipment is intentionally connected to the earth in such a manner that it allows for safe dissipation of fault currents and potential hazardous voltages. This intentional connection is made with low impedance and is designed to handle the expected current capacity that may result from electrical faults.

By having a low impedance connection, any fault currents can flow to ground efficiently, minimizing shock hazards and ensuring that protective devices, like circuit breakers, can operate promptly to disconnect the faulty circuit. It is critical that the grounding system is designed to ensure safety and reliability, thus the emphasis on both low impedance and sufficient current capacity is essential in the definition.

This concept is crucial for ensuring that electrical systems are safe for use and minimizes risks associated with electrical faults. Thus, the focus on an intentional, robust grounding system directly aligns with the requirements for effectively grounded installations.