Possible Causes of Heating

Insufficient contact between the grounding conductor and the gland plate Corrosion or oxidation of the contact surfaces High current density in the grounding conductor Material mismatch between the gland (aluminum) and grounding conductor (copper)

Actions to Reduce Heating



1. Ensure Proper Contact

Verify that the grounding conductor is securely connected to the gland plate and ensure there is no loose connection. Remove any corrosion or oxidation from the contact surfaces using a wire brush or emery cloth.

2. Reduce Current Density

If the current density in the grounding conductor is high (above 3 amps/mm²), consider increasing the cross-sectional area of the conductor. Replace the 16 sq. mm grounding conductor with a larger one, such as 25 sq. mm.

3. Material Compatibility

Aluminum and copper are not compatible materials for grounding connections due to galvanic corrosion. Replace the aluminum gland with a brass or stainless steel gland to prevent corrosion.

4. Heat Dissipation

Provide a means to dissipate heat from the grounding conductor. Consider using a thermal compound between the conductor and the gland plate to improve heat transfer.

5. Current Splitting

If possible, split the current between multiple grounding conductors to reduce the current density in each individual conductor.

6. Additional Considerations: Check the torque of the gland bolts to ensure proper compression of the cable. Perform periodic thermography inspections to monitor the condition of the grounding conductor and identify any potential problems.* Ensure that the gland is properly sized for the cable and that the cable is not pinched or damaged. Flag for review