How does earthing system work

What is the earthing system?

An earthing system is a connection of the electrical system with the ground or earth. In case any electrical fault occurs in the electrical circuit the fault current or surge current pass through the earthing connection to the ground without harming or damaging the whole electrical system. There are mainly two different types of earthing systems, they are

1. Conventional earthing system and
2. Advanced earthing system

1. Conventional earthing system

This type of earthing system has been used since the early age. This is the most easy and cost-efficient way of earthing arrangement. Iron rod, charcoal and salt are the main components that are being used here. A big hole is dug in the ground. Then the iron rod is placed inside the whole and a specific ratio of salt and charcoal is used to fill up the hole along with mud and water. A wire from the main electrical supply is connected with the iron rod. This whole arrangement costs really less. Due to its corrosive property iron rod does not last longer and this earthing system demands time to time maintenance and also does not offer too much accuracy. After that GI Rod or galvanised iron rod and GI Pipe also being used, which last more as it is made of galvanised iron and has less corrosive property.

Here, we realize the need of an upgraded earthing system and advanced earthing system takes the place. 

2. Advanced earthing system

The basic arrangement is the same here. In place of iron rod, gi rod or gi pipe, copper rode, copper bonded rod, copper electrode, pre welded copper bonded rod are being used. Copper is an excellent carrier or electricity also it has almost no corrosion property, which makes it a great earthing product. In order to pass the surge current properly to the ground, the resistivity of the soil also plays a huge role. In order to decrease the resistivity there are several earth enhancing compounds available in the market, such as BFC or back Fill Compound, Carbogem, Conductive Gel. Depending on the type of soil and its resistivity different kinds of chemical compound is used in order to enhance the resistivity of the soil and it also increases the efficiency of the whole earthing system. 

How does it work?

If any electrical fault occurs, the fault current flows to the ground through the earthing rod. The conventional earthing system requires more maintenance where the advanced lightning system need less maintenance and the work efficiency is more.