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Supply-Side and Utilization-Side Gradients Together |
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Whenever an electric appliance at the farm is turned on (e.g. electric motor, electric heater,
etc.), two currents are set in motion, one on the high-voltage supply side and another
on the low-voltage utilization side of the transformer. As we have learned, each of these
currents will split according to the resistance of its respective return path.
Some current from each circuit will flow through the earth.
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We have seen that these earth
currents cause voltage gradients in and on the surface of the earth
on their respective sides of the transformer.
Because the supply and the utilization currents are tied together physically
and exist as a set, the resulting gradients in the earth also exist as a set
and are always present in the earth at the same time.
The figure below illustrates all of these currents and the resulting earth gradients
for the single light bulb example.
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Supply-side and utilization-side gradients are always present when electrical load is operated,
even when farm wiring complies with all electrical codes.
Although the two separate gradients operate as a pair,
their bond is not a rigid one in terms of magnitude and effect,
as we shall see later. |
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