What exposure risk is present if someone is in contact with a crane grounded to the system neutral and makes contact with an energized line?

The situation described involves an individual making contact with an energized line while in contact with a crane that is grounded to the system neutral. This scenario presents a situation where full fault potential can occur. When a crane is grounded to the system neutral, it serves to minimize the risk of shock under normal operating conditions. However, if the individual comes into contact with an energized line, the grounding can create a complete path for fault current.

Full fault potential indicates that there is a significant risk of current flowing through the contact point, which can lead to severe electric shock or even electrocution. The condition of being grounded offers an alternate pathway for the fault current, increasing the danger level significantly in this context. Proper grounding is intended to protect equipment and personnel from faults; however, if grounding is compromised or if there is a fault in the system leading to an energized line, the individual at fault exposure can experience full fault potential. This underscores the importance of ensuring all equipment and personnel are adequately protected and that safety protocols are adhered to in environments where cranes and energized lines are present.