What is Electrical Earthing

The term “earthing” consists of several functions which only have “utilizing the earth” in common. Before describing the system earthing, it can be of interest to know a bit about the different types of earthing. Protective earthing is applicable mainly in electronic equipment to prevent damage or errors at the components.

How system earthing keeps you and the network safe

Example of protective earthing is when a screened cable is earthed, or when an incoming signal conductor is connected to earth through a capacitor or a filter.

Protective earthing can be described as a way of protecting man from dangerous voltages. Example of protective earthing is, when the casing of e.g. a washing machine is connected to earth (green/yellow conductor) or when a row of switchgear cubicles are connected to an earth conductor, which connects the cover of the cubicle to earth.

Lightning protection can also be a part of system earthing. System earthing concern the kind of deliberate measures that connects a normally live system to earth. It is normally the zero point of the system that is connected to earth but other solutions can occur.