Maintenance free- Earthing System
The earthing system has a vital and critical function in the lightning protection system. It must be capable of discharging huge value of electricity into the earth, during lightning strikes. The down conductors efficiently conduct lightning current to the earth electrode. An effective, low-impedance path is the key element of a perfect earthing system. It is most important for human safety, as well as protection for vital equipment.
Characteristics of good Earthing system
✓ Excellent electrical conductivity
✓ Maximising the surface contact between the soil and electrodes
✓ Low resistance and electrical impedance
✓ Conductors with standing high fault currents.
✓ High corrosion resistance
✓ Mechanically robust and reliable.
✓ Should be Maintenance free.
Importance of Soil Resistivity
Soil Resistivity has a big role in the overall impedance of an earthing system.The major factors influencing soil resistivity are soil composition, moisture content, seasonal weather, mineral content and possible contaminants etc. Soil resistivity may vary from different geographical locations.
✓ Dark soils - good conductors
✓ Sandy soils- Higher impedance.
✓ Rocky ground - Very high impedance
Soil resistivity Test
Soil resistivity testing at site
The earth resistance is the resistance of soil to the passage of electric current. The soil is a relatively poor conductor than copper. However, the effective area of the current path is large. Therefore resistance can be quite low and the earth can be a good conductor. The earth resistivity of the site must be calculated before effective earthing systems can be designed. The size and number of earth electrodes are calculated based on the soil resistivity value at each location.
Earth Enhancement Compound
Features
In the instance where soil resistivity value is very high, earth enhancement compound is the solution. Adding a sufficient quantity of these materials to the earth pit, it is possible to increase the efficiency of the earthing system considerably. Earth enhancement compound can lower the contact resistance of the earth electrode. It became low impedance path and easily discharge the transient current. It performs in most soil conditions even during dry weather. It will not depend on the continuous presence of water. The earth enhancement compound can require no maintenance. It does not adversely affect soil or groundwater
Conventional Earthing System
Corrosion of conventional Earth Electrode
The conventional Earth Electrodes get easily rusted and corroded due to oxidation process under the soil. Once rusting and corrosion process starts its resistance increased. This will affects the entire protective system.
Conventional Earthing is different than chemical earthing, as it requires pouring of water and regular maintenance. Designed as per industry compliance, these are ideal to serve various purposes and available in different configurations.
Disadvantages of Conventional Earthing System
✓ Highly corrosive
✓ High Resistance
✓ More space requirement
✓ Low thermal capacity
✓ Affects climatic conditions
✓ Higher water requirement
✓ Low current capacity
✓ High maintenance cost
✓ High overall cost
✓ Low life
Copper Maintanence free- Earthing System
"The Best Earthing Solution for
Lightning Protection System"
The huge amount of electricity generated during a lightning strike does not spread to the equipment but flows to the ground. Therefore special maintenance-free earthing system a required for dissipating the high value of current in a short duration.
Advantages
Maintenance -free
High current capacity
Corrosion less
Low electrode resistance
High thermal capacity
Environment friendly
Less space requirement
High conductivity copper
Low overall cost
Life span - more than 25 years