What happens to the fault current when a grounding connection is not properly secured?

When a grounding connection is not properly secured, the fault current may decrease due to the inadequate path for the electrical fault to flow safely to the ground. This can result in an increased resistance in the grounding system, which limits the amount of current that can travel through it during a fault condition.

The decrease in fault current means that the overcurrent protective device (OCPD), which is designed to trip and disconnect the circuit under fault conditions, may not detect the fault as quickly. Typically, OCPDs rely on a certain minimum fault current level to function effectively. When the fault current is reduced, the OCPD may take longer to trip, leaving circuits and equipment vulnerable to damage or fire hazards for an extended period before disconnecting the electrical flow.

Consequently, ensuring that grounding connections are secure and properly installed is crucial to maintaining an effective fault current path, thus allowing OCPDs to respond promptly and protect the system effectively.