Electrical earthing is the process of transferring energy from the wiring directly to Earth. The concept differs from a regular grounding in that the electrical earthing involves a low-resistance wire instead of an equivalent circuit with high-resistance properties.

Electrical earthing connects the non-current carrying part of the equipment or the neutral side of the supply system to the ground.

There is a leakage current, i.e., the current that escapes from the device if there is any fault in the insulation. In this case, the short circuit current (current that follows the path of least resistance) of the equipment will pass to Earth, which has zero potential, thus, protecting the system and equipment from damage.

Why are Earthing and Grounding necessary?

At least three main reasons all electric devices need to be connected to the ground.

Safety of the People

A properly grounded device will prevent electric current from leaking out and harming humans. This is vital for any devices that are dangerous to humans—ones that may contain faults or malfunctions, for example, the dangers of an unearthed device.

Safety of Electrical Equipment

Earthing involves passing a ground wire through electric lines to provide stability. This prevents over-current or excessive voltage from affecting appliances, which can lead to the device spontaneously combusting due to overheating. So technically, earthing is also a fire prevention measure.

Protection of Buildings from Lightning

Apart from electrical appliances, large structures such as skyscrapers also employ earthing devices. Lightning arrestors are the type of earthing device that is placed at the highest point of the building. They conduct charges of lightning to prevent any damage to the structure or harm to its occupants.

In addition, as is to be expected, in scenarios when lightning strikes a building, the copper lightning arrestors draw in the bolts of lightning and transfer that massive amount of energy to the ground, which prevents any damage or harm to either occupants or the structure.

How Earthing Became a Common Practice?

As far as we know, the first use of electricity in our homes occurred in the 19th century. At that time, people didn’t realize how dangerous it was for current to come into contact with their bodies.

In 1923, France imposed new rules for electrical wiring, which included insulated cabinets or cases and proper earthing of electric circuits. Before the new regulations, people had been exposed to many atrocities generated by faulty power outlets.

The addition of these electrical standards heralded a new era in which the risks of electrocution would fade into the past.

Types of Earthing methods

The types of earthing systems include;

Plate earthing

When plate earthing, the Earth is used to create a ground loop by burying a copper or galvanized iron rod in an earth pit. The rods are buried vertically and then alternated with food, coal, and salt to create a ground loop.

Pipe earthing

When installing electrical wiring for your home, a galvanized steel pipe is typically inserted into the soil. The hole in the pipe provides an easy way to connect wires and avoid accidental contact with the soil. The length and diameter of the pipe depend on the type of soil you have.

One of the most popular earthing methods, pipe earthing, also employs salt and charcoal. It’s similar to plate earthing.

Rod earthing

This is the same thing as what’s called a “pipe earthing.” That requires burying an electrode made from copper or galvanized iron. The electrodes are installed in the soil, which lowers the Earth’s resistance like you need it to be.

Water main method

This method uses galvanized steel pipes, which are buried in the Earth. A plastic or copper strip about 3 millimeters thick connects wires from one pole to another, minimizing resistance.

Applications of Electrical Earthing

1. With an effective grounding, the low-voltage system consumes less electricity. This type of electrical equipment is for domestic users with a stable grounding.
2. Voltage fluctuations can cause a surge of energy that damages electronics. To protect your devices, make sure they are properly grounded.
3. In a high voltage system (>1kV), the primary goal should be to keep the power supply reliability. The most common type of fault is an L-G fault, in which closed loops in the power supply are opened during a fault. This can be mitigated by ensuring that the earthing system is established correctly.

Quite simply, it’s a way to protect your workers and yourself from electric shocks. This article will introduce the safety measures that must be undertaken when connecting any equipment with a conductive surface to the Earth. It will also discuss why Earthing is necessary, different types of earthing and how they compare, and their applications.

What is the Difference Between Earthing And Grounding?

Earthing is primarily used to avoid electric shocks. Grounding, on the other hand, is used mainly for unbalancing when the electric system overloads. Earthing lines are found under the earth pit, between the equipment body and underground. They are located next to the neutral of the equipment being used and near the ground.

Our Available Models

Furse

Taking account of all the potential risks from a direct lightning strike, the Furse Total Solution incorporates all the elements necessary to deliver complete and effective external lightning protection. This includes structural lightning protection, earth termination, and equipotential bonding of metallic parts.

All of their products are compatible with IEC/BS EN 62305, meaning that a combined lightning protection solution, including structural and electronic systems, will be required.

The Furse Earthing components offer low resistance to Earth and excellent corrosion resistance for long-term usage.

Lytech

Lightning and surge protection for electronic devices is critically important. Lytech offers a complete solution, from earthing the systems to protecting your equipment from lightning strikes.

Being a company with a contracting background, we have the ability to understand the needs of our clients. We also generate viable and economic rectification proposals for our clients that help them save money and get adequate protection.