potentiaalintasaus

Potentiaalintasaus, also known as equipotentialization, is an electrical safety measure designed to prevent dangerous voltage differences between conductive objects. It ensures that all conductive parts within a system are at the same electrical potential, effectively eliminating the risk of electric shock if a fault occurs. This is achieved by interconnecting all exposed conductive parts, such as metal casings of appliances, metal pipes, and structural steel, with equipotential bonding conductors.

In a typical installation, the main equipotential bonding connects the main earthing terminal to the incoming metallic water and gas pipes, and sometimes to other metallic services. Supplementary equipotential bonding can then be implemented in specific areas, like bathrooms, to connect the exposed conductive parts of sanitary fittings and electrical equipment. This creates a network that equalizes potentials, so if a live conductor accidentally touches a metal casing, the fault current is safely directed to earth through the bonding system, rather than through a person who might touch both the faulty appliance and another earthed object.

The primary goal of potentiaalintasaus is to limit touch voltages to a safe level, even in the event of a single fault. It is a crucial component of electrical safety regulations in most countries and is implemented in a wide range of settings, from residential buildings to industrial facilities. Proper installation and maintenance of equipotential bonding are essential for its effectiveness.