2.6 Grounding and equipotential bonding

Effective grounding and equipotential bonding are very important for the interference immunity of PROFIBUS networks. Grounding and bonding is thus primarily to ensure correct functioning of PROFIBUS, and not for safety reasons. Proper grounding of the cable shield ensures that electrostatic interference is reduced, so minimizing pickup. Equipotential bonding ensures that the ground or earth potential is the same across the network. This, in turn, prevents ground currents flowing through the PROFIBUS cable shield. The following information provides general guidance for the installation of grounding and equipotential bonding.