Earthing or grounding is the process of transferring the immediate discharge of electricity directly to the earth plate, by means of low resistance electrical cables or wires. Earthing really is one of the most important aspects of electric networks, since it makes the most readily available and dangerous source of power much safer to use.

In case of a short circuit due to leakages arising from weak insulation or damage, the grounding wire safely removes excess electricity and passes it on to the ground where it lies dormant. All this happens without excessive complications, simply through ingenious and cheap construction, design and set-up!

Why Do You Need an Earthing System in an Electrical Network?

Some people have second thoughts about the need for grounding installation and extra construction electrical material, especially in large-scale residential or commercial projects. If you already use top quality equipment and perform constant maintenance, why would you need earthing?

The answer lies in the fact that life is unpredictable, and you should always prepare for the unexpected. The safety an earthing or grounding system provides comes simply, making your building and electric boxes shock-free at a very low cost.

Benefits of earthing or grounding in an electrical system

  1. Overload Protection – In scenarios where excessive power surge occurs, a grounded system helps immensely. This simple form of surge protection can instantly save your electrical appliances and devices from getting fried by excessive electrical power, saving your data as well as equipment.
  2. Voltage Stabilization – When it comes to calculating the right amount of power to be distributed between voltage sources, the earth provides that universal standard point of reference. Earthing takes the guesswork out of voltage stabilization, helping to ensure that no circuits overload or blow up.
  3. Damage, Injury & Death Prevention – Blown fuses or a tripped circuit breakers are far more welcome than electrical fires or shocks, which can pose serious safety hazards to people and property. Essentially, grounding protects against equipment, property and data loss, as well as injuries and fatalities!

Common Types of Earthing Used in Electric Construction Projects

  1. Plate Type – In a plate earthing system, components such as electrical wires, rods, pipes, plates and conductors are made of copper, cast iron or galvanized iron.A copper or iron plate that’s 2 feet square and .25 inch thick is buried in an earth pit, with bolts placed vertically and layers of salt and charcoal up to a certain level from the bottom of the pit. The depth at which the plate needs to be buried is usually around 8-10 feet from ground level.
  2. Pipe Type – Because of its reliability, durability and easy of handling, pipe type earthing is often used in home and office electrical installations, transmission lines, etc. Also known as earthing electrode pipes, this is the most common and preferred earthing system type used in typical earth and moisture conditions.This kind of earthing also uses copper pipes, the length of which depends on the soil type and moisture content as well as current to be carried. The diameter of the pipe is usually 1.5 inches while the length can vary from 2.75 feet for rocky and dry soil to 15.5 feet. in moisture-rich soil.

For almost 30 years, D&F Liquidators have been working to provide the best and soundest services, with affordable prices for quality construction electrical material. We believe in safe electricity, and you can believe in us. Don’t wait for an electrical emergency, contact us for any queries and set up an earthing system today!