jordingsbanen

Jordingsbanen is a term used in electrical engineering to describe the grounding system or earthing path in facilities, with particular relevance in Scandinavian contexts. It refers to the network of conductors, electrodes, and bonding connections that provide a low-impedance path to earth for fault currents and that establish a stable reference potential for electrical installations.

The jordingsbanen serves several safety and operational roles. By directing fault currents to the earth, it enables protective devices to operate promptly, reducing the risk of electric shock and fire. It also stabilizes voltage levels within equipment enclosures and minimizes potential differences between metal parts that could be touched by people. In addition, a well-designed jordingsbanen helps control electromagnetic interference and ensures reliable operation of signaling and control systems in rail and industrial environments.

Implementation varies by application but commonly includes earth electrodes (such as rods, plates, or mesh), a distributed earth conductor network, and equipotential bonding that ties together metal structures, enclosures, and exposed conductive parts. In railway and utility settings, the grounding system may double as a return path or interface with track circuits, underscoring the need for careful bonding and impedance control.

Standards and testing play a central role. Design and installation follow national and international codes (for example, IEC 60364 and local electrical regulations), and include measurement of earth resistance, continuity checks, and periodic inspection to account for soil conditions, corrosion, and changes in the installation.