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Earth Current is Part of the Physics of Grounded Circuits |
| Q.
Are power currents in the earth necessary; can they be eliminated completely? |
| A.
Some power current does end up flowing in the earth; it depends on the power system design, the earth conductivity, safety considerations, and many other incidental factors. Grounded circuits are the safest and most likely to have associated ground currents. While well-designed power systems minimize the current in the earth, it not reasonable to expect a zero current in the earth from power systems.
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Electric circuits obey physical laws. The electromagnetic laws in physical science work similarly to the physical laws dictating sag in suspended cables, the U-shape taken by a chain or cable suspended in air between two points. One can minimize the sag by pulling on the chain until it appears to make a straight line. It will never be a straight line, however, unless gravity is removed. Similarly, the currents diverted to or induced into the earth by electric power systems can be minimized but never completely eliminated.
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