Why is their a current flow to the Earth Electrode, from the Neutral of a Transformer ?

Question

I have connected a 3 mt. Earthing Electrode to the Neutral of the distribution transformer of my factory. But I saw to my shock that already a current of 10 Amp. is already continuously flowing from the neutral toward the earth electrode !!! There is an old earthing also, and there the current is 28 Amps !!!
What is happening here ? Normally there is no such current flow into the earth electrode from the neutral I suppose. So is the neutral faulty ? Where is the fault ? Is the transformer faulty ? Or is there some other problem ? How to eliminate this current ? ( Otherwise only "fault" current arising from short circuit or lightning etc is supposed to flow into the earth pit.)
Can someone tell me what's the problem and how to rectify it ?

All I want to know is WHY IS CURRENT CONSTANTLY FLOWING INTO THE EARTH ELECTRODE, from the Neutral ?

Answer 1

A ground fault need not necessarily be a short circuit. You have one or more "high resistance" ground faults somewhere that do not draw sufficient current to trip any protective devices. Without a ground fault detection system, tracking these down can be a real headache, especially in an operating factory. You need to shut off branch circuits one at a time until you isolate the problem(s). Starting with your main switchgear (if possible) can help narrow down your search.

Answer 2

Yes u want to make sure that there is no current in your safety ground. The problem is that u have the safety ground connection to the neutral at several places and places the neutral and safety ground in parrell with each other. To have this work successful the safety ground and neutral should only connect at the transformer,and no other place. This is the technique that NASA used on their equipment. With it the way u present if u get a lightening strike it will wipe out a lot of equipment. Good luck.

Answer 3

I am more inclined to believe the neutral is carrying the unbalanced load.