Vessel grounding
Vessel grounding
(OP)
Is there a standard that discusses vessel or tank grounding in industrial plants? I am aware that the NEC requires a 25 ohm or less ground path to the grounding electrod. I am trying to convince our MI group that what we have designed is sufficient






RE: Vessel grounding
This is to create a equipotential field to avoid shock hazard, ground for saftey and minimize risk of fire or shock by electrostatic discharge.
I do not think seprate ground rop to individual equipment is the answer, unless this a lone equipment in a remote place.
RE: Vessel grounding
RE: Vessel grounding
NFPA 77 - Static Electricity
NFPA 780 - Lighting
API 2033
RE: Vessel grounding
RE: Vessel grounding
Fault current (and sometimes lightning) is usually the main concern, if there's electrical devices on board. Assuming your ground is sized per NEC or local code, you're probably OK. For lightning, check NFPA 780.
Ground straps to building steel or similar are often provided for tanks for additional safety or to ensure static dissipation. #8 copper is often specified, due more to mechanical strength properties than electrical properties. Bigger conductors might be selected in accordance with NEC 250.122 if large electrical devices are mounted to the vessel.
RE: Vessel grounding
RE: Vessel grounding
Although not a chiseled-in-stone ANSI standard or “Code,” chapters 10 and 16 of IAEI/Soares’ Book on Grounding partly deal with non-electrical-equipment grounding and are worth close review.
It pays to be careful that cathodic-protection components are not installed in such a way the metallic-vessel connection to grounding electrode(s) is compromised.