Erdungskabel

Erdungskabel, also known as grounding wires or earth wires, are essential components in electrical systems designed to ensure safety. Their primary function is to provide a low-resistance path for electrical current to flow to the earth in the event of a fault. This connection to the earth, or ground, is crucial for preventing electric shock and protecting equipment from damage.

In a typical electrical installation, an earth conductor runs from the main earthing terminal of the installation to an earth electrode, which is typically buried in the ground. This conductor is usually colored green and yellow for easy identification. All metallic parts of electrical equipment that are not intended to be live, such as the casing of appliances, are connected to this earthing system.

If a live conductor accidentally touches a metal casing, a fault current will flow through the casing to the earth wire. This large current will trip a protective device, such as a circuit breaker or fuse, disconnecting the power supply before anyone can touch the faulty appliance and receive a shock. Without an effective earth connection, the metal casing would become live, posing a significant safety hazard.

The effectiveness of an earth connection depends on the resistance of the earth electrode and the integrity of the earthing conductor. Regular testing and maintenance of the earthing system are therefore important to ensure its continued reliability and safety.