Applying earthing involves connecting an electrical appliance to a dedicated earthing system or electrode installed near or below the ground level to ensure safety.
The Process of Applying Earthing (Based on Reference)
To ensure electrical safety, earthing is a crucial step. According to the provided information, earthing can be done by connecting the electrical appliance to earthing systems or electrodes placed near the soil or below the ground level. This connection provides a safe path for fault current to flow into the earth, preventing electric shock.
The essential components and steps for applying earthing, as described, include:
- Connection: The electrical appliance is connected to the earthing system. This typically involves a dedicated wire (often green or green-and-yellow) from the appliance connecting to the earthing terminal in the electrical system.
- Earthing System/Electrode: The other end of this connection leads to the earthing system, which includes components like electrodes or an earthing mat.
- Placement: These electrodes or earthing systems are placed near the soil or below the ground level.
- Installation: Specifically, the electrode or earthing mat, often equipped with a flat iron riser, is installed under the ground level. This underground component is the direct connection point to the earth itself.
This setup effectively links the metal casing of an appliance (which could become live during a fault) directly to the earth, ensuring that if a fault occurs, the current bypasses a person and flows safely into the ground, typically tripping a protective device like a circuit breaker or fuse.
Let's visualize the key components mentioned:
| Component | Description | Location/Role |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Appliance | The device requiring protection | Connected to the earthing system |
| Earthing Systems | The overall network for grounding | Connected to appliance and electrodes/mat |
| Electrodes | Conductive rods or plates inserted into the ground | Placed near/below ground, installed under ground |
| Earthing Mat | A grid of conductors buried underground | Placed near/below ground, installed under ground |
| Flat Iron Riser | Part of the electrode/mat assembly | Equips the electrode/mat installed under ground |
By following this principle of creating a low-resistance path from the appliance to the earth via an installed ground electrode or mat, the risk of dangerous voltage build-up on appliance surfaces during faults is significantly reduced, enhancing safety.
