Earthing system
Amongst many significance, very important purpose of a proper Earthing system is to protect human being from an electric shock. An effective earthing system should provide a proper dissipation path (a protective conductor) for the fault current and lightning current to dissipate to earth safely and shortly.
Need for an Earthing system:
- Personal safety – to protect people
- Equipment protection – to save from unintentional contact
- Electrical noise reduction
- Limitation of EMC(Electro Magnetic Compatibility)
- Provides low Impedance path for fault current
- To ensure good quality power
OBO Bettermann, a pioneer in the field of Earthing, Lightning and Surge Protection systems, has developed Earthing and Lightning protection system components which are standard-compliant and are Industry leaders for more than 100 years.
An earthing system can be constructed from one of the three arrangements depending on the requirement – Deep driven earth electrodes, Ring earthing, Foundation earthing.
There are two types of earthing system – Type A and Type B. The difference between Type A and Type B earthing system are that; Type A earth electrodes are vertical earth electrodes (earth rods) whereas Type B earth electrodes are laid around the surface such as ring earthing, foundation earthing etc. IEC 62305-3 demands lightning protection should be equipotential bonded with other individual earthing systems as well to reduce LEMP (Lightning Electromagnetic Impulses).
Requirements of Good Earthing System:
The following aspects are very important to understand and consider while designing an effective earthing system,
- Purpose of system
- Design life of system
- Soil resistivity
- Corrosive nature of soil
- Shape and available area
- Seasonal variation
We at OBO offer an eco-friendly earthing solution for Industrial and domestic applications. OBO Earthing solution offers fullest protection from shock, easy to install & are suitable for any type of terrain. The earthing solution that we provide are tested and complied as per the requirement of IEC 62561 standards.
OBO Construct for earthing system also offers digital support in the planning of earthing systems.
Test Requirements as per IEC 62561 (Lightning Protection System Components):
Part 1 : Requirements for Connection components
Part 2: Requirements for Conductors & earth electrodes
Part 3: Requirements for Isolating Spark Gaps
Part 4: Requirements for conductor fasteners
Part 5: Requirements for Earth electrode inspection housings & seals
Part 6: Requirements for Lightning Strike Counters
Part 7: Requirements for Earth Enhancing Compounds
References:
- IEC 60364: Low Voltage Electrical Installations-Part 5-54: Selection & Erection of Electrical equipment- Earthing arrangement & protective conductors.
- IEC 62561: Lightning Protection system Components.
- IS/IEC 62305: Protection Against Lightning –Part 3: Protection of structures & life Hazards
- UL 467: Grounding and Bonding Equipments
- UL96: Lightning Protection System – Components
- IS 3043: Code of practice for earthing.
