Earthing and Bonding
Earthing of electrical networks and installations is important to ensure correct operation. It also serves a vital safety role. Earthing of electrical installations is primarily concerned with ensuring safety. The earthing system is normally designed to provide two safety functions :
• Bonding - Any exposed conductive metalwork which can be touched is connected together via bonding conductors.
• Earth Faults - The earthing installation must ensure that in the event of an earth fault, any fault current can return to its source in a controlled manner such that damage to equipment or injury to people does not occur.
The earthing system is also used as a means of achieving safe working conditions during certain maintenance or construction procedures.