Aardingselectrodes

Aardingselectrodes, also known as earth grounding electrodes, are conductive elements that are embedded in the soil and connected to an electrical installation to establish a physical path to Earth. Their primary purpose is to reference the electrical system to the earth, provide a low-impedance path for fault currents, and help stabilize voltage levels during transients, thereby improving personal safety and equipment protection.

Common forms of aardingselectrodes include driven rods or pipes made of copper or copper-clad steel, ground plates or conductors buried in the soil, and continuous ground rings or mats around a building. In some installations a concrete-encased electrode, often called a Ufer grounding electrode, is used where moisture in concrete aids conductivity. Other options include earth electrodes formed by buried conductors or meshes.

Materials are chosen for corrosion resistance and durability; copper and copper-clad steel are typical for long life, while galvanized steel is common in some regions. The electrode system is connected to the building's grounding bus and bonded to the main service equipment and other metallic elements to guarantee a single reference potential.

Design and installation considerations include adequate depth and contact with moist soil, proper sizing of the grounding conductor, and avoiding dissimilar metals that can form galvanic corrosion. Standards and codes—national and international—specify requirements for measurement of earth resistance and the integration of electrodes into the overall grounding system. Regular inspection and testing are recommended to ensure continuity and performance.