Grounding is an important part of every electrical installation. Proper grounding primarily ensures, among other things, that users of appliances are safe from electrocution. This applies to domestic appliances including washing machines, driers, electric stoves, dishwashers, fridges and water heaters.
Metal parts (water pipes, gas pipes, steel beams and other conductive components) can also be safely secured, provided that the grounding strictly adheres to specific installation requirements. If this is not properly adhered to, then this has an adverse effect making these components even more dangerous.
Grounding and equipotential bonding also prevents uncontrolled discharges of static electricity. High loads of static electricity may be caused by friction between certain substances. For example, when offloading flammable liquids from trucks, it is important that electrostatic loads are fed to the ground to prevent explosions.
The introduction of sensitive electronics in all kinds of equipment makes good ground wiring more important than ever. Ideally, all grounding systems should be fully integrated on all voltage levels, including that of cable television and telecommunication networks.
When it comes to electricity, humans risk suffering harmful injuries in the event of an accident if a large amount of current is allowed to pass through the body. Usually, materials with insulating properties ensure that one cannot (directly or indirectly) come into contact with electricity, resulting in a safe situation. However if insulation is damaged, by ageing or otherwise, dangerous situations can arise. For some of these dangerous situations, grounding protection is the solution.
There are three different types of grounding available:
- Ground plate
- Foundation grounding
- Clean grounding
Get in contact with CECC today, to discuss how we can help you with any Grounding and Equipotential Bonding issues you might have.