scope:

(This Foreword is not a part of IEEE Std 142-1991, IEEE Recommended Practice for Grounding of Industrial and Commercial Power Systems.)

This book is a revision of IEEE Std 142-1982. This recommended practice has served electrical engineers seeking electrical system grounding information since the first edition in 1956. It reflects the experience and sound judgment of a working group made up of engineers active in the design and operation of electrical systems for industrial and commercial power systems.

The working group owes a debt of gratiîude to the authors of previous editions. The members of the working group for the original 1956 edition were: D. L. Beeman (Chairman), D. M. Allison, H. H. Angel, J. E. Arberry, K. M. Bausch, A. J. Bisson, L. J. Carpenter, M. A. Leland, F. R. Longley, C. C. Saunders, J. M. Schmidt, H. E. Springer, H. M. Stewart, T. O. Sweatt, H. B. Thacler, and B. F. Thomas, Jr. Others who worked on the interim editions that were not on the present working group are: Thad Brown, W. H. Cook, L. S. Corey, J. W. Couter, D. C. Grant, C. A. Hatstat, T. L. Haymes, C. F. Hedlund, R. H. Kaufmann, R. Loewe, B. K. Mathur, E. S. Raila, and F. J. Shields.

We consider this a major revision of the text. Much new material has become available since the 1982 edition. Chapter 1, System Grounding, has been expanded and revised throughout. Chapter 2, Equipment Grounding, has been carefully reviewed and revised in the light of experience. Chapter 3, Static and Lightning Protection Grounding, has important new material on grounding of high-rise structures. Chapter 4, Connection to Earth, required the fewest changes but has important updating, such as the caution in using stainless steel ground rods. Chapter 5, Sensitive Electronic Equipment Grounding, is completely new. It includes methods of grounding that include noise control and are consistent with the National Electrical Code.