jordningens

Jordningens is the Swedish term for grounding or earthing in electrical systems. It encompasses the practice of connecting metallic parts of electrical installations to the earth to create a reference potential and provide a safe path for fault currents. The concept is fundamental to electrical safety and system reliability.

By providing a low-impedance path to the earth, jordningens keeps exposed metalwork near earth potential, helps trip protective devices rapidly during faults, and reduces the risk of electric shock. It also stabilizes voltages with respect to the earth for sensitive equipment and reduces electromagnetic interference.

Implementation involves conductive pathways such as earth conductors, connection points, and earth electrodes (rods, plates, or mesh). Key elements include a main earth terminal or earth bar, bonding connections to structural steel and metal services, and electrode resistance typically governed by local standards. Systems may include protective earthing (PE) for fault currents and functional earthing (FE) to stabilize signal or equipment reference without carrying significant fault current.

Jordningens practices are described in national and international standards such as the IEC 60364 family and related regional harmonized standards. Compliance includes calculating earth resistance, verifying continuity, and ensuring fault-clearing times meet requirements.

Typical applications include buildings, industrial plants, and electrical grids. Soil resistivity, moisture, and installation geometry influence effectiveness; poor earth can compromise safety and protection. Ongoing maintenance is required to sustain reliable earth continuity over time.