Electrically Grounding Powder-Coated Parts
Electrically Grounding Powder-Coated Parts
(OP)
I'm trying to find an elegant way of reliably grounding a sheet metal housing that's been powder-coated, without masking off the hole where the grounding lug attaches. If I do it that way, I'll have to make the part out of aluminum instead of steel to prevent corrosion. That's doable, but I feel as though there must be some standard hardware that does this.
I've been thinking of something like a pronged washer under a nut (e.g. square-neck bolt washers) to bite into the material, but they seem relatively uncommon, and only really exist in larger sizes. Kepps nuts don't have enough bite to reliably get through the powdercoat.
Any ideas?
I've been thinking of something like a pronged washer under a nut (e.g. square-neck bolt washers) to bite into the material, but they seem relatively uncommon, and only really exist in larger sizes. Kepps nuts don't have enough bite to reliably get through the powdercoat.
Any ideas?
"Engineers like to solve problems. If there are no problems handily available, they will create their own problems." -Scott Adams





RE: Electrically Grounding Powder-Coated Parts
Mask it during powdercoating.
Or use a PEM stud, pressed in after powdercoating.
( Proper hole prep involves a milling machine to cut away the powdercoat. )
PEM also makes blind studs.
They install from/on the hidden side, and have good retention, but they may not fit your application. Check the catalog.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Electrically Grounding Powder-Coated Parts
RE: Electrically Grounding Powder-Coated Parts
RE: Electrically Grounding Powder-Coated Parts
Magnetic pads on steel parts have also worked well, provided the connection is subsequently sealed (painted)
RE: Electrically Grounding Powder-Coated Parts
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RE: Electrically Grounding Powder-Coated Parts
1. For RFI/EMI control.
2. Because UL (or similar) requires it.
The ground stud and braid strap that is sufficient for electrical safety as in (2) is not sufficient for (1) if the frequencies of interest include MHz and above. For MHz suppression, the ground connection has to be essentially continuous around any and all seams.
This appears to be an instance of (2).
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Electrically Grounding Powder-Coated Parts
Thanks for the suggestions, guys. I'm all ears if there are any more ideas out there.
"Engineers like to solve problems. If there are no problems handily available, they will create their own problems." -Scott Adams
RE: Electrically Grounding Powder-Coated Parts
I also do not believe the UL or CE allow self taping fasteners for the main ground.
Some people use star washers but they would still create a corrosion problem IF they actually cut deep enough through the powder coat but not ground.
RE: Electrically Grounding Powder-Coated Parts
Best to you,
Goober Dave
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RE: Electrically Grounding Powder-Coated Parts
"Engineers like to solve problems. If there are no problems handily available, they will create their own problems." -Scott Adams