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FOUNDATIONs EARTHING

Discover the principle of electrical protection of the foundations for new buildings or structures

Buildings and structures protection

Introduction

Permanent earthing of foundations on new buildings, structures and engineering works

For both existing and new buildings, a functional earthing system is a prerequisite to protect people and electrical systems from dangerous electrical voltages in buildings.

An earthing system must ensure the continuity of the following items:

  • Electrical and electronic systems
  • Functional equipotential bonding
  • Lightning protection systems
  • Surge protection
  • Electromagnetic Compatibility

The objectives of permanent foundation earthing

Foundation earthing is a method to reduce the risk of electrocution and damage to electrical equipment. It consists of connecting the foundations of a building or structure to an  earthing electrodes system.

The purpose of this connection is to allow static electricity and electrical charges to flow to earth rather than accumulate in the structure. Foundations are often in direct contact with the ground, which ensures a good connection to the earth circuit.

Foundation earthing is particularly important in large buildings and structures, where the accumulation of electrical charges can be consequential. If these charges are not dissipated properly, they can cause damage to electrical equipment, or worse, serious injuries.

Foundation earthing can be accomplished in various ways, such as by using cable or flat conductor, connected to  earth rods or by surrounding the foundation with conductor that enters the foundation through an earth terminal. Grounding standards, such as IEEE 80 Standard, provide guidelines for the design and installation of earthing systems, including those for foundations.

Implementation

DIscover its implementation

Drawing of a permanent foundation grounding system

Below you can see a drawing of a foundation earthing system with the different connectors that can be used to build it. It is essential to properly connect your earth conductor to the reinforcing bars in order to guarantee the flow of electrical currents from the building to the earth. To do this you must carefully consider the type and diameter of the conductors, the effective diameter of the rebar, and the capacity of the connectors.

Connectors cast in concrete have the advantage that they are not subject to galvanic corrosion since they are not exposed to oxygen.

We also offer foundation earthing solutions using exothermic welding. This solution is required in particular for substations.

Conductors connection using Square Clamps

Go to our Square Clamps Category

Continuity by Flat Conductors

Go to our Flat Conductors Category

Conductor to rebar clamps

Earthing point outside of foundations

Go to our earth terminals Category

Continuity by Earthing Cables

Go to our Earthing Cables Category

Connection by Conductors Welding

Go to our Exothermic Welding Category

Some examples of solutions to connect your earth to rebar.

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