What exactly is ground fault protection ckt. When and how do one decide to incorporate it in the design? I'm developing an ECU for automatic HVAC system, would I need it?
In most of the ECUs i've not seen ground fault protection neither people add in their requirement, in this case how would you decide if you actually need it. Is there any parameter or factor that i should be lookingIn an electrical system, a ground fault is an unintended contact between a supply and common/chassis/ground that could cause a fire or result in electrocution of personnel. Ground fault protection is a tripping mechanism that would clear the fault and render it safe. It is a mandatory safety requirement, for any electrical system, that could be met using fuses, circuit breakers, residual current devices etc.
- Nandu.
I was wondering the same thing. ECU to me means Engine Control Unit, as used in car engines. It could also mean Electronic Control Unit. How is the TS (Thread Starter) using the term ECU?[HOW] are you using the term ECU?
Automotive domain, yes even i have not seen ground protection in any ECUs till now, let's say i'm sinking from a load inside my board not 60V, lower voltage, would i need it then?Just to make it clear, what environment are you using the term ECU? In the accepted automotive sense?
Or some other definition.
Max.
yes, you're right generally I work with BCM, currently I'm working on Climate Control Module.I was wondering the same thing. ECU to me means Engine Control Unit, as used in car engines. It could also mean Electronic Control Unit. How is the TS (Thread Starter) using the term ECU?
Other terms
PCM Power Control Module
ATC Automatic Transmission Control
BCM Body Control Module
GFCI Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
AFCB Arc Fault Circuit Breaker
ICU Intensive Care Unit (where a person who's received a near lethal shocking may end up)
To get a good answer the TS needs to give a definitive explanation of what he/she is doing.
Pretty difficult to do when the 'GND' (frame) is also a main conductor.Automotive domain, yes even i have not seen ground protection in any ECUs till now, let's say i'm sinking from a load inside my board not 60V, lower voltage, would i need it then?
The OP has already declared it is the automotive domain!If it is a control computer package for a typical home HVAC system then....
OK, It is mentioned somewhat in post #10, and slightly more in post #11.The OP has already declared it is the automotive domain!
Ground fault protection typically applies to the differential sensing of the current flowing between the two conductors intended for the load. This would be the "hot" and neutral in US systems, but could be used in other situations as well. Deviations as small as 30 or 40 milliamps from the 15 or 20 amp circuit will trip the GFI. The term has also been used in isolated systems such as hospital operating rooms where both conductors are "floating" from ground and any connection beyond small capacitive leakage currents will trigger alarms or even shut-down. Certainly could apply to the case where alarm systems are supposed to be "floating" but somehow are now connected to ground as well; indicating either a fault or tampering.OK, It is mentioned somewhat in post #10, and slightly more in post #11.
GFCI is not an automotive thing. I am not even sure why the question arose.
NowEV batteries at 600 or more volts will be a serious shock hazard but for thosea GFCI will not be useful.
See TP #10. redacting my original.What exactly is ground fault protection ckt. When and how do one decide to incorporate it in the design? I'm developing an ECU for automatic HVAC system, would I need it?
I don't know why all this talk of AC * Mains systems, the OP has already declared an automotive application back in post #10!Automotive domain, yes even i have not seen ground protection in any ECUs till now,
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