Understanding Step Potential and Touch Potential: Why It Matters in Electrical Safety
In high-voltage substations and transmission systems, step potential and touch potential are critical safety concerns.
Step Potential is the voltage difference a person can experience between their feet when standing on the ground during a fault condition. If there is a ground fault, dangerous voltage gradients can develop across the ground surface and just taking a step could expose someone to severe electric shock.
Touch Potential refers to the voltage difference between a grounded object (like a structure or fenceing ) and the ground itself. When a person touches a conductive object during a fault, their body can become part of the path for fault current — leading to dangerous outcomes.
Mitigation techniques include:
• Proper grounding and grid design
• Gravel surfacing to increase ground resistance
• Maintaining safe approach distances
In the world of electrical maintenance and operation, understanding these potentials is not just technical — it’s about protecting lives.
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