EARTHING

The function of the earthing system is two-fold.

To provide a low enough impedance path, via the earth conductors, back to the supply source so that in the event of a failure to earth of a live conductor, sufficient current will flow safely along a predetermined route to enable the circuit protective device to operate.

To limit the potential rise on all metalwork to which persons and animals normally have access, to a safe value under normal and abnormal circuit conditions. The bonding together of all normally exposed metalwork, such as gas, water, central-heating pipe work etc., and the connection of that bond to the earth terminal, will prevent the possibility of a dangerous potential difference arising between adjoining pipe work under both normal and abnormal conditions.

The main objectives of earthing are as follows -

To ensure safety of life and property from hazards of electric shock and electric fires.

To ensure that system voltages on healthy lines remain within reasonable limits under fault Conditions thereby preventing insulation breakdowns.

To provide a low impedance path to facilitate the satisfactory operation of protective devices under fault conditions.

To minimize arcing burn downs as in an earthed system arcing fault would produce a current in ground path thereby providing an easy means of detecting and tripping against phase to earth arcing fault breakdowns.

To provide an equipotential platform on which electronic equipments can operate.

To provide an alternative path for induced current and minimize the electrical noise in cables.