Mounting and connecting   
3.3 Connecting the HMI device 
  Basic Panels 2nd Generation 
28  Operating Instructions, 10/2016, A5E33293231-AB 
 
Connecting the equipotential bonding circuit 
Differences in electrical potential  
Differences in electrical potential can develop between spatially separated system 
components. Such electrical potential differences can lead to high equalizing currents on the 
data cables and therefore to the destruction of their interfaces. Equalizing currents can 
develop if the cable shielding is terminated at both ends and grounded to different system 
parts.  
Differences in potential may develop when a system is connected to different mains 
supplies. 
General requirements for equipotential bonding  
Differences in potential must be reduced by means of equipotential bonding conductors to 
ensure trouble-free operation of the relevant components of the electronic system. The 
following must therefore be observed when installing the equipotential bonding circuit: 
●  The effectiveness of equipotential bonding increases as the impedance of the 
equipotential bonding conductor decreases or as its cross-section increases. 
●  If two system parts are interconnected by means of shielded data cables and their 
shielding is bonded at both ends to the grounding/protective conductor, the impedance of 
the additionally installed equipotential bonding conductor must not exceed 10% of the 
shielding impedance. 
●  The cross-section of an equipotential bonding conductor must be capable of handling the 
maximum equalizing current. The best practical results for equipotential bonding between 
two cabinets have been achieved with a minimum conductor cross-section of 16 mm². 
●  Use equipotential bonding conductors made of copper or galvanized steel. Establish a 
large surface contact between the equipotential bonding conductors and the 
grounding/protective conductor and protect them from corrosion. 
●  Clamp the shielding of the data cable from the HMI device flush at the equipotential rail 
using suitable cable clamps. The equipotential rail should be very close to the HMI 
device. 
●  Route the equipotential bonding conductor and data cables in parallel and with minimum 
clearance between them. 
 
Note 
Equipotential bonding conductor  
Cable shielding is not suitable for equipotential bonding. Always use the prescribed 
equipotential bonding conductors. The cross
-section of the equipotential bonding conductor 
 mm². Always use cables with an adequate cross-section when 
installing MPI and PROFIBUS DP networks. The interface modules may otherwise be 
damaged or destroyed.