potenzialausgleich

Potenzialausgleich, often translated as equipotential bonding, is an electrical safety measure designed to connect all exposed conductive parts of an electrical installation to the earth. This process aims to equalize the electrical potential between these conductive parts, preventing dangerous voltage differences from arising during fault conditions. In a properly bonded system, if a live conductor accidentally touches a conductive casing, the fault current is safely directed to the ground via the equipotential bonding conductor, rather than flowing through a person who might touch the casing.

The primary purpose of Potenzialausgleich is to protect individuals from electric shock. By ensuring that all conductive surfaces are at the same electrical potential, the risk of a hazardous voltage difference appearing across the human body is significantly reduced. This is particularly important in areas where water is present, such as bathrooms and kitchens, as water can greatly increase the conductivity of the human body.

The system typically involves connecting metallic pipes, structural steel, appliance casings, and other conductive elements to the main earthing terminal of the electrical installation. Specialized conductors, known as equipotential bonding conductors, are used for this purpose. The effectiveness of the Potenzialausgleich depends on the integrity of the connections and the resistance of the bonding conductors. Regular inspection and testing are crucial to ensure the system remains effective throughout the life of the installation.