Grounding systems are a crucially important component of any power supply system, because they directly impact public and employee safety, supply system reliability, power quality and life expectancy of power equipment. In spite of their crucial role in safe, reliable, and economic operation of power supply systems, grounding systems do not receive the same level of preventative maintenance as other infrastructure assets.

While utilities have generally adopted state-of-the-art risk-based maintenance practices for other important assets, very little work has been undertaken in improving and modernizing the maintenance practices for grounding systems. A newly published “Grounding System Maintenance Guide” commissioned by CEATI International’s Grounding and Lightning Interest Group, provides information that can help utilities modernize the maintenance practices for their grounding systems.