What is the effect of grounding on one phase of a Delta connected feeder?

When one phase of a Delta connected feeder is grounded, the correct interpretation is that nothing occurs in terms of the overall behavior of the feeder. In a Delta configuration, each phase is connected in a closed loop, and grounding one phase does not create an immediate impact on the operational integrity of the other phases. The balanced nature of the Delta system allows it to maintain functionality even when one phase is grounded, meaning that the system can still operate with the remaining two phases.

This characteristic is crucial in understanding the nature of Delta connections in power distribution, where ungrounded or grounded systems behave differently compared to a star (or wye) configuration. In certain conditions, grounding could lead to other issues such as equipment failure or voltage surges; however, grounding one phase of a Delta system does not automatically result in these outcomes. Therefore, recognizing that grounding one phase does not disrupt the entire circuit is essential to understanding how Delta systems manage faults and maintain stability.