It is easy to become complacent and forget that we handle nothing less than “bottled lightning.” Grounding, bonding, and the creation of an effective ground fault current path is the backbone of electrical safety and shock prevention in portal power distribution systems. Where the characteristic impedance of generators is significantly higher than that of grid transformers, Portal Power Distribution Technicians must know how to manipulate ground impedance to ensure a safe set. Through case studies, demonstrations, and “hands-on” class exercises, this introductory workshop will teach you how to keep the lightning in the bottle and make it safe to work with hundreds of thousands of watts of power.

• What is a Ground Fault

• Overview: 5 Ways of guarding against electrical hazards

  • Isolation

  • Insulation

  • Overcurrent Protection Devices

  • Grounding & Bonding

  • Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)

• What determines the severity of a shock

• Reducing the severity of a shock (PPE) and best practices

• Overcurrent Protection Devices

• Earth not an effective fault current path

• Impedance of a fault current path.

• Safe metering practices

• What is Bonding

• Effective Ground Fault Current Path

• Calculating Short Circuit Current

• Available Short Circuit Current (ASCC) 

• Equipment Short Circuit Current Ratings (SCCR)

• NEC Article 110.10, Circuit Impedance, Short Circuit Current Ratings, and Other Characteristics

• Compromised Equipment Grounding Conductors (EGC)

• Portable Power vs. Temporary Power

• Ohm’s Law and the Science of Bonding

• Sources of Impedance

• Isolating Ground Faults

• Isolating Resistance in Energized Circuits

• Isolating Resistance in Unenergized Circuits

• Checking for sufficient Available Short Circuit Current (ASCC)

Details

Language: English

Format: In-person, Virtual

Length: 16 hours

Trainer

Guy Holt, IATSE Local 481

Location: Boston, MA

Guy Holt is a 28-year veteran of IATSE Local 481 and author of over twenty articles for Protocol magazine on power generation, quality, and distribution in motion picture production. Guy has served as Gaffer, Rigging Gaffer, and Generator Operator on numerous film and television productions.