Jordledninger

Jordledninger, also known as grounding wires or earth wires, are a critical component in electrical safety systems. Their primary function is to provide a low-resistance path for electrical current to flow to the earth in the event of a fault or short circuit. This prevents dangerous voltages from accumulating on metal surfaces of electrical equipment, such as appliance casings or metal conduits.

When an appliance malfunctions and a live wire accidentally touches its metal casing, the casing becomes energized. Without a proper jordledning, anyone touching the appliance would create a path for the current to flow through their body to the ground, resulting in an electric shock. However, if the appliance is connected to a jordledning, the fault current has a much easier path to travel through the wire directly to the earth. This large current flow trips a circuit breaker or blows a fuse, disconnecting the power supply and making the situation safe.

Jordledninger are typically colored green or green and yellow in many countries, serving as a visual indicator of their purpose. They are connected from the metal chassis of electrical devices to the earth connection in the electrical outlet or to a dedicated grounding rod driven into the ground. Ensuring the integrity and proper connection of jordledninger is essential for preventing electrical fires and protecting individuals from severe injury or death due to electrical faults. Regular inspection and maintenance of grounding systems are therefore recommended.