Proper electrical earthing is crucial for the safety and performance of electrical systems, says wiring specialist and manufacturer South Ocean Electric Wire Company. Here are some common mistakes made with electrical earthing and why it is so important to correct them before there is a problem.
Corrosion and erosion
Choosing materials that are susceptible to corrosion or erosion can compromise the integrity of the grounding system over time. This not only means you will need to conduct more routine inspections than with a properly grounded system, more maintenance and repairs will need to be done over time, increasing the financial burden.
Failure to bond metallic systems
All metallic systems, such as pipes and structures, should be bonded together to prevent potential differences that could result in hazardous conditions. By connecting these systems, the installed grounding circuit will operate correctly and efficiently, providing the desired protection.
Failure to consider soil conditions
Soil resistivity can vary significantly based on location (even on a single property) and environmental factors. Ignoring these variations can lead to improper grounding design, so it is imperative that a proper assessment on the soil is done before a grounding system is designed and installed.
Failure to implement safety measures
Neglecting safety measures during the installation and maintenance of grounding systems can lead to accidents and injuries. Safety wear such as helmets, gloves and other gear, as well as correct, functioning tools, equipment and materials should always be used during the installation and maintenance processes.
Improper separation
Grounding for power systems and communication systems should be separated to avoid interference. Failure to do so can lead to issues such as signal distortion or equipment damage, which compromises the grounding system.
Improper sizing
Incorrectly sizing grounding conductors and electrodes can lead to ineffective grounding and your system will not provide the protection that you are demanding of it.
Insufficient grounding electrodes
Using too few or inadequate grounding electrodes can result in high ground resistance. This in turn means that your system will not be grounded correctly, and a surge will result in damage to the property and equipment that is connected to the power supply.
Lack of lightning protection
In areas prone to lightning, especially South Africa’s highveld region, failure to provide adequate lightning protection can result in damage to equipment and pose safety risks. A lightning expert should be hired to conduct tests on your property to ensure an existing protection system is adequate or in need of upgrades or develop an entirely new installation to safeguard the assets.
Lack of regular testing
Grounding systems should be regularly tested to measure and ensure their effectiveness. Failure to do so can result in undetected faults developing, which will then result in the system not providing proper protection.
Loose or poor connections
Loose connections at grounding points can increase resistance, reducing the effectiveness of the grounding system. Poor connections include inadequate burial depth, where the grounding electrodes are not buried at sufficient depth to ensure good contact with the soil.
Neglecting Maintenance
Over time, environmental factors, corrosion and other issues can degrade the grounding system. Regular maintenance is necessary to address these issues before they become far greater issues and compromise the system entirely.
Non-compliance to legislation, standards and regulations
Failure to adhere to local regulations and industry standards for grounding can result in unsafe installations. There are further consequences such as fines, insurance being cancelled and being open to litigation should a person be injured due to non-compliance of your system.
To ensure a safe and effective grounding system, it is essential to consult with professionals, adhere to relevant standards, conduct regular testing and maintenance, and consider specific site conditions.
Enquiries: www.soew.co.za
