Jordings

Jordings, in electrical engineering, refers to the practice of connecting electrical equipment and systems to the earth. The primary purpose is safety: to establish a low-impedance path for fault currents, to reduce touch and step voltages during faults, and to enable protective devices like fuses and circuit breakers to operate reliably.

Key components include an earth electrode or electrode system (such as rods or plates driven into the ground), earth conductors that connect equipment to the electrode, and bonding conductors that connect exposed metalwork to the grounding network. In European practice, several grounding system configurations are used, commonly described by TN, TT and IT typologies. Protective earth (PE) conductors provide fault return paths for safety, while functional earth (FE) conductors may be used for equipment with non-safety functions.

Standards and regulation: Jordings are governed by national and international standards. In the Netherlands and much of Europe, the relevant framework is the NEN-EN 60364 family, with national adaptations such as NEN 1010 for installation practice. Standards specify requirements for earth electrode resistance, conductor sizing, bonding, and verification through measurements.

Testing and maintenance: Regular testing of earth resistance and earth fault loop impedance is performed to verify that the grounding system remains effective. Poor soil conditions, corrosion, or moisture changes can alter performance, requiring inspection or remediation such as adding electrode extensions or improving bonding.

Importance: A robust jordings system enhances electrical safety, supports the reliable operation of protection devices, and helps limit damage during voltage surges or lightning events.