Potenzialausgleichsleiter

Potenzialausgleichsleiter, often translated as equipotential bonding conductor, is a crucial component in electrical installations for ensuring safety. Its primary function is to connect all exposed conductive parts of electrical equipment and extraneous conductive parts to the main earthing terminal. This process creates an equipotential zone, meaning that all connected conductive surfaces are at the same electrical potential.

The purpose of establishing an equipotential zone is to prevent dangerous voltage differences from arising between conductive surfaces during fault conditions. If a fault occurs, such as a live conductor touching a metal casing, the casing would normally become live. Without an equipotential bonding conductor, anyone touching this casing and simultaneously another earthed object could receive a dangerous electric shock. However, with the equipotential bonding conductor in place, the fault current is safely directed to earth, and the voltage on the casing is kept at a safe level relative to other accessible conductive parts.

Potenzialausgleichsleiter are typically made of copper and are sized according to specific electrical regulations, depending on the cross-sectional area of the protective conductors in the installation. They are distinct from functional earthing conductors, which are used for operational purposes rather than safety. The correct installation and connection of potenzialausgleichsleiter are paramount for the effective functioning of protective measures against electric shock in any electrical system.