De-energized does not always mean safe.

Electrical conductors, bus sections, cables or equipment can be isolated and locked out, but still become hazardous because of accidental re-energization, backfeed, induced voltage, stored energy, lightning, switching error or contact with another energized source.

That is why personal protective grounding and bonding, often shortened to PPG/B, is so important.

Personal protective grounding and bonding uses temporary grounding and bonding equipment to reduce dangerous voltage differences in the worker’s area if the equipment becomes energized unexpectedly. The source JM Test article defines PPG/B as cable connected to de-energized lines and equipment by jumpers and clamps to limit voltage difference between accessible points at a worksite if lines or equipment are accidentally re-energized.

For Canadian utilities, electrical contractors, industrial facilities, mines, power plants, renewable-energy sites, substations and maintenance teams, the message is simple:

If the task requires personal protective grounding, the worker must understand not only how to install grounds, but why they are being installed, where they belong and what hazard they are controlling.

What Is Personal Protective Grounding and Bonding?

Personal protective grounding and bonding is a temporary safety method used during electrical work on de-energized conductors or equipment.

It usually involves:

• Grounding cables
• Grounding clamps
• Cluster bars
• Ferrules
• Bonding jumpers
• Hot sticks
• Rated connection points
• Temporary protective grounding assemblies
• Inspection and test records
• A site-approved grounding procedure

The purpose is not just to “send current to ground.” The purpose is to help create a controlled path for fault current and reduce dangerous voltage differences across the worker’s body.

ASTM F855 covers temporary protective grounding systems using copper cables and includes specifications for clamps, ferrules, cables and complete temporary protective ground assemblies.

Grounding vs Bonding

Grounding and bonding are related, but they are not the same thing.

Grounding

Grounding connects equipment, conductors or temporary grounding sets to a grounding point or grounding system.

In temporary protective grounding, grounding helps provide a path for fault current if the de-energized equipment becomes energized.

Bonding

Bonding connects conductive parts together so they remain at the same or nearly the same electrical potential.

Bonding is important because a worker can be injured by voltage difference between two objects that appear to be “grounded” but are actually at different potentials.

CCOHS explains bonding in the static electricity context as making an electrical connection between metal objects, while grounding connects an object to earth through a conductive path; the same distinction is useful when explaining why bonding and grounding are different safety concepts.

For PPG/B, bonding is what helps create a safer work area by reducing touch potential between objects the worker may contact.

What Is an Equipotential Zone?

An equipotential zone is a work zone where conductive objects in the worker’s immediate area are bonded together so voltage differences between accessible points are reduced.

The original JM Test article defines an equipotential zone as a work zone where the worker is protected from electric shock caused by differences in electric potential between objects in the work area. Those voltage differences may be caused by induced voltage, line re-energization or lightning.

An equipotential zone matters because a worker is not injured simply because “voltage exists somewhere.” The danger comes when voltage difference causes current to pass through the worker.

A properly planned grounding and bonding arrangement reduces that difference across the worker.

Why Personal Protective Grounding Matters

1. Accidental Re-Energization Can Happen

A line, cable, bus or piece of equipment may be accidentally re-energized because of:

• Switching error
• Miscommunication
• Incorrect drawings
• Backfeed from another source
• Generator connection
• UPS system
• Battery system
• Solar PV or energy storage source
• Control wiring error
• Automatic transfer switch operation
• Utility reconfiguration
• Induced voltage
• Lightning
• Equipment failure

Personal protective grounding provides a planned response if this happens.

It should create a low-impedance path for fault current and help protective devices operate while reducing dangerous voltage difference in the work area.

2. Backfeed Is Often Overlooked

Backfeed can come from sources that workers may not expect.

Examples include:

• Standby generators
• Portable generators
• UPS systems
• Capacitor banks
• VFDs
• Solar PV inverters
• Battery energy storage systems
• Control transformers
• Tie breakers
• Alternate utility feeds
• Temporary construction power
• Customer-owned generation

This is one reason the job briefing and one-line diagram review matter.

The source article correctly notes that drawings, schematics and diagrams are essential because workers need to understand the system before choosing where and how to ground.

3. Induced Voltage Can Be Dangerous

A de-energized conductor can still develop voltage through induction from nearby energized conductors.

This can happen in:

• Transmission corridors
• Distribution lines
• Parallel cable runs
• Substations
• Industrial switchyards
• Long cable trays
• Utility tunnels
• Mine electrical systems
• Renewable-energy collector systems

Induced voltage may not be enough to trip protective equipment, but it can still shock or injure a worker.

Personal protective bonding helps reduce voltage difference between the worker, conductor, structure and other conductive parts in the work area.

4. Fault Current Must Have a Suitable Path

Temporary protective grounding equipment must be capable of carrying the maximum available fault current long enough for the protective device to clear the fault.

The source JM Test article states that protective grounds should be sized to carry the maximum available fault current at the worksite.

ASTM F855 is one of the key standards used for temporary protective grounding assemblies, covering clamps, ferrules, cables and complete assemblies.

This means grounding sets cannot be chosen by appearance, cable size alone or habit. They must be suitable for the available fault current, clearing time, connection method and worksite conditions.

Canadian Safety and Regulatory Context

CSA Z462

CSA Z462 is the main Canadian workplace electrical safety standard.

The 2024 edition added a definition for temporary protective grounding equipment, reorganized requirements related to establishing an electrically safe work condition, and added that absence of voltage must be verified at each point of work.

For the Canadian article, CSA Z462 should be the main workplace electrical safety reference, not OSHA or NFPA-first language.

Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations

For federally regulated workplaces, the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations include requirements related to safety grounding.

One section states that if a safety ground is required after connections are made, it must be connected to the common grounding network. Another section states that isolated conductors, neutral conductors and non-insulated surfaces of electrical equipment must be short-circuited, electrically bonded together and attached by a safety ground in a way that establishes equal voltage on all surfaces that can be touched by workers.

Not every Canadian workplace is federally regulated, so the article should not present these rules as the only Canadian requirement. Provincial, territorial, utility, mining, industrial and employer-specific rules may also apply.

ASTM F855

ASTM F855 provides specifications for temporary protective grounds used on de-energized electric power lines and equipment, including clamps, ferrules, cables and complete grounding assemblies.

Use ASTM F855 as a technical equipment reference, not as a replacement for Canadian workplace procedures.

IEEE 1048

IEEE 1048 provides guidance for temporary protective grounding of AC overhead and underground transmission and distribution lines, cables and equipment to help protect workers from voltages and currents that may develop at a de-energized worksite.

For the Canadian page, IEEE 1048 can be mentioned as a technical guide where applicable, especially for utility and power-line work.

Where PPG/B Is Commonly Used

Personal protective grounding and bonding is common in:

• Transmission work
• Distribution work
• Substations
• Switchyards
• Industrial switchgear
• Motor control centres
• Transformers
• Bus work
• Overhead lines
• Underground cables
• Cable terminations
• Utility vaults
• Mine electrical systems
• Renewable-energy collector systems
• Power plants
• Large industrial facilities

The original article notes that PPG/B is common in generation, transmission and distribution work but can be forgotten in some industrial environments.

For the Canadian version, this is an important point. Industrial electricians may work around switchgear, MCC buckets, bus sections, large transformers, standby generation and complex feeders where grounding and bonding should be considered during the job hazard assessment.

When Grounding and Bonding Should Be Considered

PPG/B should be considered when working on de-energized electrical equipment that could become energized or develop hazardous voltage.

Examples include:

• Racking breakers
• Working on switchgear bus
• Working on MCC buckets
• Maintaining feeder breakers
• Testing de-energized cables
• Working on overhead conductors
• Working in substations
• Working on transformers
• Working around parallel energized conductors
• Working near customer generation
• Working where induction is possible
• Working where backfeed is possible
• Working after switching or isolation changes
• Working during storm restoration
• Working where lightning exposure is a concern

The source article specifically says grounding should always be considered when working on switchgear bus, racking breakers, working on MCC buckets or feeder breakers, and that it should be addressed during job briefings and job hazard analysis.

Qualified Workers Are Required

Personal protective grounding is not a casual task.

The person installing, inspecting or removing temporary grounds must understand:

• The electrical system
• Available fault current
• Protective device clearing time
• Grounding locations
• Bonding requirements
• Equipment ratings
• Induced voltage hazards
• Backfeed hazards
• Hot stick use
• Grounding cable inspection
• Clamp condition
• Worksite boundaries
• Safe approach distances
• Shock and arc-flash risk
• Applicable procedure

CSA Z462 uses qualified-worker concepts across workplace electrical safety, and the 2024 edition includes updates related to qualified persons and energized electrical work practices.

The source article also stresses that only qualified personnel should perform this function and that training should be documented.

What Must Be Checked Before Installing Temporary Grounds

Before installing personal protective grounds, confirm:

• The correct equipment has been identified.
• Isolation has been completed according to procedure.
• Lockout has been applied where required.
• Absence of voltage has been verified at each point of work.
• Backfeed sources have been identified.
• Induced voltage risk has been considered.
• Available fault current is known or assessed.
• Protective device clearing time is understood.
• The grounding assembly is rated for the duty.
• The clamps match the conductor or bus connection point.
• The cable, ferrules and clamps are undamaged.
• The hot stick is appropriate and in test date.
• The ground point is suitable.
• The equipotential zone has been planned.
• The worker is qualified for the task.
• The sequence of application and removal follows the employer’s approved procedure.

CSA Z462:24 added that absence of voltage must be verified at each point of work, which is especially important before grounding decisions are made.

This is not a complete procedure. It is a planning checklist. The actual work must follow the site-approved method.

Inspecting Grounding Equipment

Temporary protective grounding equipment should be inspected before use.

Check:

• Cable jacket cuts
• Exposed conductor
• Broken strands
• Damaged ferrules
• Loose ferrules
• Corrosion
• Burn marks
• Kinks
• Crushed cable
• Damaged clamps
• Loose clamp hardware
• Contaminated contact surfaces
• Missing labels
• Missing rating information
• Signs of overheating
• Incorrect clamp type
• Incorrect cable size
• Failed or overdue electrical test records

The source JM Test temporary grounding article notes that personal protective ground cable sets should be inspected for cuts in the protective sheath and damage to conductors.

If a grounding set is damaged or questionable, remove it from service.

Grounding Cable and Clamp Selection

Grounding cables, clamps and ferrules must be treated as a complete system.

Do not select them separately without confirming compatibility.

Important factors include:

• Available fault current
• Clearing time
• Cable size
• Cable length
• Clamp rating
• Ferrule rating
• Connection surface
• Conductor size
• Bus shape
• Environmental condition
• Physical movement during a fault
• Whether the assembly meets the applicable standard
• Whether the assembly is tested and documented

ASTM F855 covers the complete temporary protective grounding assembly, including clamps, ferrules and cables.

A large cable with an underrated clamp is not acceptable. A rated clamp with a damaged ferrule is not acceptable. The weakest part of the assembly matters.

Why Location Matters

Grounds must be installed where they actually protect the worker.

A grounding set installed far away from the work location may not create the intended equipotential zone. A ground installed at the wrong point may not control the voltage difference the worker is exposed to.

The original JM Test article asks practical questions that should be kept in the Canadian version:

• Why are we grounding it?
• Is this the correct location?
• When was the ground tested?
• When was the hot stick tested?
• Has the worker been trained?
• What does the procedure require?

These questions belong in the job briefing before the work starts.

Personal Protective Grounding Is Not the Same as Permanent Grounding

Permanent grounding and bonding systems are part of the electrical installation.

Personal protective grounding is temporary worksite protection.

Do not confuse:

• Building grounding electrode system
• Equipment bonding conductor
• System grounding conductor
• Neutral bonding
• Ground grid
• Temporary protective grounding
• Personal protective grounding
• Static bonding
• Instrument signal grounding

Each has a different purpose.

Temporary protective grounding is installed for a specific task, at a specific work location, under a specific procedure and then removed when the job is complete.

Common Hazards PPG/B Helps Control

Accidental Re-Energization

If a conductor is accidentally energized, properly rated grounds help create a fault path so protective devices can operate.

Induced Voltage

Parallel energized lines or cables can induce voltage onto de-energized conductors.

Backfeed

Power can return through alternate feeds, generators, transformers, control circuits, UPS systems, inverters or customer-owned sources.

Lightning

Outdoor line work can be affected by lightning-related voltage rise.

Static Charge

Long conductors or cables can accumulate charge under some conditions.

Stored Energy

Capacitors, long cables, DC systems and power electronics may retain energy after isolation.

CSA Z462:24 also added new safety-related requirements and guidance for capacitor stored energy and related hazards, showing why stored-energy control must be treated seriously.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Treating “De-Energized” as “Dead”

A circuit can be de-energized and still hazardous.

Use the safer field principle:

If it is required to be grounded, treat it as not safe until it is isolated, tested, grounded, bonded and controlled under the approved procedure.

Installing Grounds Without Knowing Fault Current

Grounding assemblies must be rated for the available fault current and clearing time.

Installing Grounds Too Far From the Work Area

Grounding must protect the worker’s actual work location.

Forgetting Bonding

Grounding without proper bonding may still leave dangerous voltage differences between objects the worker can touch.

Using Damaged Ground Sets

Cuts, broken strands, loose ferrules, damaged clamps or missing ratings are serious issues.

Using the Wrong Clamp

The clamp must match the conductor, bus, ground point and fault-current duty.

Skipping Hot Stick Inspection

Hot sticks used for grounding must be suitable, inspected and tested according to the applicable procedure.

Ignoring Backfeed Sources

Generators, UPS systems, inverters, PV systems and alternate feeds can create unexpected energization.

Treating Grounding as a Routine Habit

Grounding decisions should come from the hazard assessment and procedure, not habit alone.

Canadian Safety Considerations

For Canadian teams, the article should include these core reminders:

• Follow CSA Z462-informed electrical safety practices.
• Follow the applicable federal, provincial or territorial requirements.
• Follow the employer’s electrical safety programme.
• Follow the utility, mine or site-specific grounding procedure.
• Verify absence of voltage at each point of work where required.
• Use qualified workers only.
• Perform shock and arc-flash risk assessments.
• Confirm available fault current and clearing time.
• Use grounding assemblies rated for the duty.
• Inspect grounding equipment before use.
• Confirm hot stick test status.
• Create an equipotential zone where required.
• Document training and procedures.

CSA Z462:24 is built around workplace electrical safety practices and includes updates related to electrically safe work condition, absence-of-voltage verification and temporary protective grounding equipment.

Personal Protective Grounding in Industrial Facilities

Industrial facilities sometimes treat PPG/B as a utility-only practice.

That can be a mistake.

Industrial environments may include:

• Switchgear
• MCCs
• Large motors
• Transformers
• Generator systems
• Tie breakers
• UPS systems
• VFDs
• Capacitor banks
• Solar or battery systems
• Long cable runs
• Medium-voltage feeders
• Process-critical distribution equipment

The original source article specifically warns that PPG/B is common in generation, transmission and distribution work but sometimes forgotten in industrial environments.

For a Canadian industrial article, this is one of the strongest points to keep.

Personal Protective Grounding in Utility Work

Utility work often involves higher exposure to:

• Induced voltage
• Lightning
• Adjacent energized lines
• Backfeed
• Switching changes
• Long conductor runs
• Distribution reconfiguration
• Storm restoration conditions

IEEE 1048 provides guidance for temporary protective grounding of AC overhead and underground transmission and distribution lines, cables and equipment to help protect workers from voltages and currents that may develop at a de-energized worksite.

Utility grounding procedures should be specific, documented and performed by trained workers.

What to Ask During the Job Briefing

Before beginning work, ask:

• What equipment are we working on?
• What is the isolation point?
• What sources can backfeed this equipment?
• Is induction possible?
• Is lightning or weather a concern?
• Has absence of voltage been verified at each point of work?
• Is personal protective grounding required?
• Where will the equipotential zone be created?
• What available fault current must the grounds withstand?
• What is the protective device clearing time?
• Are the ground sets rated for this job?
• Are the clamps correct for the connection points?
• Are the cables and ferrules inspected?
• Is the hot stick inspected and in test date?
• Who is qualified to install and remove the grounds?
• What is the approved sequence?
• What changes would require stopping and reassessing?

The source article stresses the importance of job briefings, job hazard analysis, drawings and knowing the procedure before grounding.

What Equipment May Be Needed

Depending on the task, teams may need:

• Grounding cables
• Grounding clusters
• C-clamps
• Duckbill clamps
• Bus clamps
• Ferrules
• Grounding jumpers
• Cluster bars
• Hot sticks
• Voltage detectors
• Insulating gloves
• Arc-rated PPE
• Protective covers
• Grounding mats or grids where required
• Test records
• Work procedure
• One-line drawings
• Fault-current information

The exact equipment must be selected by qualified personnel for the specific task.

Practical Takeaway

Personal protective grounding and bonding is not just a utility formality.

It is a worker-protection method that helps reduce dangerous voltage differences if de-energized equipment becomes energized because of backfeed, induced voltage, lightning, switching error or accidental re-energization.

A good PPG/B process should:

• Be performed by qualified workers
• Start with system understanding
• Use drawings and job briefing
• Verify absence of voltage at each point of work
• Identify backfeed and induction hazards
• Create an equipotential zone where required
• Use grounding equipment rated for available fault current and clearing time
• Use the correct clamps, ferrules and cables
• Inspect grounding equipment and hot sticks before use
• Follow the employer’s approved application and removal sequence
• Be documented and reinforced through training

The original source article ends with a strong reminder: if it is not grounded, do not assume it is dead.

For Canada, use a safer version:

If the work requires personal protective grounding, the equipment should not be treated as safe until it is isolated, tested, grounded, bonded and controlled under the approved Canadian workplace procedure.

JM Test Systems Canada can support electrical teams with grounding cables, grounding clusters, clamps, hot sticks, voltage detectors, electrical safety PPE, rentals and testing support where available. Confirm Canadian inventory, equipment ratings, test documentation, rental options and service scope before publishing firm claims.