jordingsforbindelse

Jordingsforbindelse is a conductive path from an electrical installation to the earth, intended to establish a reference potential and to provide a low-impedance path for fault currents. By connecting exposed metal parts and the system earth to the general earth, it helps keep touch voltages within safe limits and enables protective devices to operate reliably during faults. It also stabilizes voltages during transient events.

A jordingsforbindelse typically consists of an earth electrode (jordelektrode) driven into the ground, an earth conductor (jordkabel) linking the electrode to the installation, and bonding to building metalwork. Central concepts include protective earth (PE), which is focused on safety, and functional earth (FE), used mainly for reducing interference. Equipotential bonding connects extraneous conductive parts to prevent dangerous potential differences.

In buildings, the earth connection is usually established at the service entrance and distributed to safety paths throughout the installation. The PE conductor is connected to exposed conductive parts and to protective devices to ensure fault currents are safely returned to the source.

Design and installation follow local standards and soil conditions. Soil moisture, temperature and composition affect earth resistance, influencing electrode choice and depth. Regular testing and maintenance of the earth path help maintain safety, while poor grounding can create shock risks or nuisance fault conditions. Standards such as IEC 60364 and national electrical codes regulate grounding requirements.