Hello, I'm currently involved in the commissioning process, and I’ve discovered that not all details were clarified before I arrived on site. My equipment is equipped with a 3P + N + Earth connector, while the site only has a 3P + Earth configuration. They have claimed that the neutral and earth wires are combined. Given this situation, can we modify the connecting cable to our unit by bridging the earth and neutral cores within the female contact at our end? This way, my cabinet will maintain its original connector with five terminals, while the site will utilize the existing setup with four terminals. Thank you for your assistance!
Personally, I wouldn't take that approach. However, it's important to note that these components will be linked on the authority's end. If the "N" connection isn't necessary for your project, simply switch your connector. If you do require it, you will need to find someone to provide that specific connection. Rest assured, you're not the first to encounter this situation, and you certainly won't be the last!
Thank you for your assistance. We require the neutral wire (N) since we operate multiple internal devices, each on a separate phase. What potential risks do you anticipate with this setup?
User spaderkung stated: "Thank you! We require the neutral wire (N) because we operate multiple internal devices, each on its own phase. What potential risks do you perceive? Click to expand..." It's important to note that the ground conductor connecting the service to your equipment may be carrying current, which is highly inadvisable.
As mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to avoid intentional current flow through the Protective Earth (PE) conductor—unless you’re a Grid Operator utilizing a PEN system, which is not applicable in this context. What are the risks involved? Three-phase (3W) cables combined with PE are not engineered to handle continuous maximum current through the PE line, and doing so is strictly prohibited. Additionally, is a third-party electrical inspector scheduled to evaluate the installation of the new equipment? This is typically a standard procedure within the power and process industries, especially in Sweden.
This is primarily a question related to installation procedures rather than Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). For more precise answers, consider consulting an installation forum. The system you're referring to is a well-known and legitimate configuration known as TN-C. As pointed out by OkiePC, the combined Neutral and Earth conductors can indeed carry current. While I don't possess enough expertise to determine if this setup is beneficial or detrimental, it's important to note that it is a recognized and legitimate system. For more information, check out the detailed explanation on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthing_system.
It's great that you're digging into the details of the commissioning process! However, I would advise caution about bridging the neutral and earth wires. It's generally not considered safe practice to combine these two, as it can lead to a host of electrical issues and potential safety hazards. Best to consult a qualified electrician or engineer who can assess the site conditions and possibly find a safer solution, like installing a neutral connection or evaluating the site's entire electrical setup. Your safety and compliance should always come first!
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