Stay Grounded: The Key to VFD Reliability and Safety

Getting grounding and bonding right isn’t just about meeting electrical code — it’s about protecting your equipment, preventing EMI, and keeping your VFDs running the way they should. In this episode of VFD Vibes, host Greg Weichman welcomes back application engineer Joe Pottebaum to break down what proper grounding and bonding really mean.



Joe explains the difference between system ground, equipment ground, and protective earth — and why confusing these terms can lead to nuisance trips, premature failures, or even dangerous conditions. You’ll also hear best practices for grounding VFDs and motors, insights on shielded cable vs. conduit wiring, and a real-world look at problems like ground loops, noise, and EMI.



With decades of field experience, Joe shares practical advice for installers, engineers, and troubleshooters alike — showing how good grounding and bonding choices can prevent costly downtime and extend the life of your drives.



02:07 Defining Grounding and Bonding

06:55 Best Practices for Grounding VFDs

15:14 Cables, Conduits, and EMI 

21:33 Troubleshooting and Real-World Examples

28:03 Protecting Your Investment

31:52 How to learn more or get help



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