
Discover
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
Go to our Conductor to rebar Clamps Category
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.
Product range
Discover the MALTEP product range
A complete range for your foundations
MALTEP offers a complete range of solutions for the earthing of your foundations.

Stranded bare copper conductors

Hot dip galvanized steel conductors

Flat and tape conductors

Wedge clamp

Concrete installation earth point

Tape to rebar clamps

Square Clamps

Heavy duty square clamps

Conductor to rebar clamps

Conductor to rebar clamps

Conductor to rebar clamps

Copper bonded steel earth rods

Galvanized earth rod to cable clamp

Earth rod to tape clamps

Pre-equipped earth grids
