A novel approach to the electrical safety of low-voltage installations: the TN-Island grounding system

TN-Island grounding system is an effective way to both protect persons from shock hazard in installations with limited demand load and greatly limit electrical interferences among systems. This distribution system, which utilizes separation transformers, grounded on the secondary sides, allows one to supply loads broken into “islands” as independent electrical areas. TN-Island fits best the supply of electrical installations in particular locations like moored pleasure crafts in marinas, fish farms, fish tanks, refrigerated containers in seaports, data centers, and construction sites. Additionally, by introducing the TN-Island to provide power to dwelling units, regardless of their existing electrical distribution system, we can improve electrical safety and, at the same time, increase reliability since the “islands” are not electrically interfering with each other. Last but not least, the TN-Island system, allows one to develop “hybrid” systems just for restricted electrical areas, for example, dwelling units, and can lead to a free choice of systems and standards (i.e., NEC-USA and IEC-UE). This would eliminate technical obstacles and discourage market barriers. Such a process is as crucial as it is inevitable, as a consequence of the current world globalization. This could promote electrical safety, better functionality, and lower costs.