Maadoitusjännite

Maadoitusjännite refers to the electrical potential difference that exists between a point on the Earth's surface and a remote, essentially infinite reference point, or between two points on the Earth's surface that are not at the same potential. This voltage is typically generated during ground faults in electrical systems, lightning strikes, or as a result of telluric currents.

When a fault occurs where a live conductor comes into contact with the ground, a current flows into the earth. This current causes the ground to become energized, and the potential rises relative to distant points. The maadoitusjännite is the voltage that a person or animal might experience if they were to touch an object at that elevated potential while standing on the ground.

The magnitude of maadoitusjännite depends on several factors, including the magnitude of the fault current, the resistivity of the soil, and the grounding electrode configuration. In high-voltage systems, measures are taken to limit maadoitusjännite to safe levels, such as installing grounding grids and using protective devices. Understanding and mitigating maadoitusjännite is crucial for electrical safety, preventing electric shock and damage to equipment. The term is most commonly used in Finnish electrical engineering contexts.