Jordkoppling

Jordkoppling, also known as earthing or grounding, is a fundamental electrical safety practice. It involves connecting an electrical system or appliance to the earth, typically through a grounding conductor. The primary purpose of jordkoppling is to provide a safe path for electrical current to flow in the event of a fault, such as a short circuit or insulation failure. Without proper jordkoppling, a fault could energize the metal casing of an appliance, creating a shock hazard for anyone who touches it.

In a properly grounded system, if a live wire accidentally comes into contact with the appliance's metal casing, the current will flow through the grounding conductor to the earth. This large current flow usually triggers a protective device, such as a fuse or circuit breaker, to disconnect the power supply, thereby preventing electric shock. The earth itself acts as a massive conductor, capable of safely dissipating the fault current.

Jordkoppling is essential in virtually all electrical installations, from residential homes to industrial facilities. It significantly reduces the risk of electrical accidents, fires, and damage to electrical equipment. The grounding conductor is typically colored green or green and yellow to distinguish it from other electrical wires. Ensuring that all electrical appliances and systems are correctly connected to earth is a critical aspect of electrical safety and is often mandated by electrical codes and regulations.