If equipotential grounding is not attainable, what is the next acceptable method of grounding?

The method of dual grounding is recognized as an acceptable alternative when equipotential grounding cannot be achieved. This approach allows for a reliable grounding system by establishing multiple paths for electrical current to flow safely to the ground, reducing the risk of voltage differences that could cause dangerous shocks or equipment failures.

In situations where equipotential grounding is not feasible due to site conditions or other limitations, dual grounding effectively enhances safety by connecting the system to ground at two or more points. This configuration can help to mitigate issues such as ground potential rise during fault conditions, ensuring a more reliable connection to the earth for fault currents.

Other grounding methods, while they have their own applications, do not provide the same level of safety assurance when addressing the challenges posed by not having equipotential grounding. For example, ground rod grounding typically involves a single point of contact with the ground, which may not suffice in scenarios where equal voltage potential is critical. Chassis grounding refers to grounding the metal enclosure of electrical equipment, which again may not address the need for balanced grounding in certain environments. Isolated grounding aims to separate the grounding system from the general earth ground, however, it may not enhance fault current dissipation effectively.

In summary, dual grounding is deemed the next acceptable method due to its ability to