What does the term "step potential" help you to avoid?

The term "step potential" refers to the voltage difference that an individual may experience when standing on the ground in the vicinity of a grounded object, especially during a fault condition where the electrical system is compromised. This phenomenon occurs when an electrical fault creates a voltage gradient in the soil, leading to a situation where different points on the ground have different potentials.

Understanding step potential is crucial for linemen and other workers in the electrical field because it directly relates to safety around electrical installations and equipment. It helps in recognizing the risk of electrocution, especially when a person is near grounded objects. For example, if a fault occurs, a person stepping from one potential to another (such as stepping away from a grounded object to a higher potential area) can experience a hazardous voltage that may lead to electrocution.

By being trained to recognize and mitigate step potential, linemen can implement safety measures, such as maintaining safe distances or wearing appropriate footwear, to protect themselves from dangerous electrical currents that might flow through their bodies due to these potential differences. Therefore, this term is specifically tied to understanding and avoiding the risks associated with electrocution in work environments where grounded objects are present.