The field problem
Sensitive Mobile/Fixed Equipment
A restricted facility required rapid, repeatable grounding/bonding for sensitive fixed and mobile equipment without degrading signal performance.
why the obvious answer can be misleading
Temporary deployment creates uncertainty in connection quality, discharge paths and reference potential. A portable system must therefore be engineered as a repeatable interface rather than an improvised rod and cable.
Why it failed
Temporary deployment creates uncertainty in connection quality, discharge paths and reference potential.
A portable system must therefore be engineered as a repeatable interface rather than an improvised rod and cable.
Follow the engineering
Switch between the field condition and the engineering concept. Trace the path and examine what changes.
Inspect the engineering detail
What changes
Develop a modular portable grounding/bonding kit with defined connection interfaces, controlled reference electrode, surge-diversion path, mechanically robust connections and EMC-aware topology.
Correction & verification
Develop a modular portable grounding/bonding kit with defined connection interfaces, controlled reference electrode, surge-diversion path, mechanically robust connections and EMC-aware topology.
Verification recorded in the case
- Use a deployment checklist and continuity verification each time the equipment is installed.
- Record as-built topology and connection points.
- Repeat the measurement or functional test under a defined condition.
- Confirm continuity and mechanical integrity of the corrected path.
- Document instrument/setup, environmental condition and test method.
- Close the NCR/case only when evidence supports the conclusion.
References & project context
References are reproduced from the PIS casebook. Select the governing edition and project acceptance criteria before using them for a design. The diagrams explain the concept, rather than define construction dimensions.
Application-specific earthing, bonding and EMC requirements. Public documentation remains anonymised.
PIS reviewed field handbook · PIS-CS-030
View the original social cardThe engineering lesson
Portable does not mean temporary engineering.
Take the lesson into your next design review.