Földelvezeték

Földelvezeték, often translated as "earth wire" or "ground wire," is a crucial component in electrical safety systems. Its primary function is to provide a low-resistance path for electrical current to flow to the earth in the event of a fault. This prevents dangerous voltages from accumulating on metal casings of appliances and equipment, which could otherwise lead to electric shock if a person touches them.

The földelvezeték is typically colored green and yellow in many countries, or simply green in others, serving as a visual indicator of its purpose. It connects the metal parts of electrical devices, such as the chassis of a washing machine or the metal housing of a lamp, to the earth terminal in the electrical outlet. This terminal is, in turn, connected to the earth electrode buried in the ground.

When an electrical fault occurs, such as a live wire accidentally touching the metal casing of an appliance, the földelvezeték allows a large amount of current to flow to the earth. This surge of current is detected by the circuit breaker or fuse, which then trips or blows, interrupting the power supply and making the circuit safe. Without a properly installed and functioning földelvezeték, the metal casing would become live, posing a severe risk of electrocution. It is a fundamental element in ensuring the safety of electrical installations in homes and workplaces.