The choice of the best electrical earthing system depends on various factors such as the specific application & soil conditions. Each type of electrical earthing system has its advantages and disadvantages.
4 types of Earthing systems used in India
It is considered the world’s best earthing system. Marconite is a conductive material that provides low resistance, stable and permanent solutions to engineers in a variety of difficult ground conditions. Marconite earthing is the best earthing system as compared to chemical or any other type of earthing system in the world.
Marconite is a premium conductive material that is utilized as a backfill for increasing the effects of earth electrodes. Marconite is specifically manufactured for the requirements of electrical earthing. Electrical engineers prefer Marconite as it can easily tackle any soil and offer a satisfactory earthing installation across any soil condition such as rocky terrain, deserts, saline soil, acidic soil, or any other soil type across the world.
Benefits of Marconite Earthing System
Stable Resistance: Permanent & consistent low resistance of 0.001 ωm
Corrosion Free: Does not corrode hence gives consistent resistance values
Sustainable Solution: Maintenance-Free for 50 Years. Does not require water & charcoal to replenish earthing pit as in the case of chemical earthing.
Versatile Applications: Industrial, Commercial Building, Residential Buildings, Lightening Protection, etc.
Best Performance: Engineered Substance – works most effectively in the Toughest Soil Conditions.
Zero Leaching: Does not pollute groundwater table.
High Strength: Becomes compact in a few hours once installed.
Lowest Life Cycle Cost: Marconite Earthing has lowest life cycle cost when compared to Chemical Earthing.
Pipe Earthing:
Pipe earthing involves running a metal rod into the ground, usually at least 3 meters deep, and connecting it to your electrical system with an electrical conductor. Although pipe earthing is quite commonly used earthing system, it has many disadvantages.
Corrosion Leads to Poor Electrical Conductivity: One of the most serious concern in this type of earthing system is that the pipes can corrode over time, leading to a decrease in their electrical conductivity. This can result in problems ranging from erratic circuit operation to an increased risk of electric shock hazards.
Stray Current: In addition, depending on the surface and soil surrounding the pipe, there may be an increased risk of stray current contamination. In cold weather climates, ice can block the pipe, which reduces its effectiveness and can potentially lead to system failures.
Maintenance: Lastly, pipe earthing may require frequent maintenance due to displacement caused by seasonal changes in ground levels which could increase costs over time.
Plate Earthing:
Plate earthing is an earthing system where a metallic plate usually made of copper or galvanized steel is distanced at 3 meters from the earth and horizontally placed in the ground pit.The scale is connected to the earth electrode of the electrical installation. While plate earthing is a popular choice for grounding systems, it has many disadvantages.
Limited Effectiveness: Plate earthing may not be effective in areas with high soil resistivity. In such cases, a deep-earth grounding system may be required to provide a low-impedance path to Earth.
Large Surface Area: Plate earthing requires excavating a large soil surface area to install the metal plate. This can be problematic in urban areas where space is limited.
Environmental Impact: The excavation of soil for plate earthing can have a negative impact on the environment, as it disturbs the natural vegetation and can cause erosion.
Maintenance: While plate earthing requires minimal maintenance, it can become ineffective if the metal plate becomes corrupted or damaged. Regular inspection of the grounding system is required to ensure it is functioning properly.
Chemical earthing is a method of grounding electrical systems using chemical compounds that have the ability to conduct electricity. The chemical compounds, which are usually in liquid form, are poured into the ground around the grounding system to create a low-resistance connection to the earth. This method is typically used in areas where the soil is not conductive enough to provide the necessary grounding for electrical systems.
The chemical earthing system has several disadvantages which one must consider before opting for it.
Environmental impact: The chemicals used in chemical earthing, such as copper sulfate, are potentially harmful to the environment. These chemicals leech into the soil causing pollution to soil and underwater bodies.
Maintenance cost: Chemical earthing requires periodic maintenance to ensure its effectiveness. The cost of maintenance can add up over time and can be a major disadvantage compared to other types of earthing systems that require zero maintenance.
Soil conditions: Chemical earthing is less effective in certain types of soil, such as rocky or sandy soil, which may make it unsuitable for some locations.
Corrosion: Chemical earthing may lead to corrosion of the earthing system and the associated infrastructure over time due to the chemical reactions that occur.
Conclusion:
The best electrical earthing system to use will depend on the specific requirements of your electrical installation, soil conditions at the site, budget constraints, and any local regulations or standards that need to be followed.
It is recommended to consult with a qualified electrical engineer or an earthing expert to assess your specific needs and determine the most suitable earthing system for your application.
