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Introduction of Grounding System
In Malaysia, lightning strikes happen often and can be very dangerous for both people and buildings. So, it’s really important for businesses, no matter how big or small, to have a good system in place to protect against lightning.
One important part of this protection is the grounding system. Solid grounding systems keep electrical systems safe and steady.
This blog post is for directors and managers who care about keeping their businesses running smoothly. It talks about why grounding systems are so important in lightning protection. If you understand how they work, how they help, and how much they cost, you can make smart choices to keep your business safe and running well.
There are tons of studies that prove how important a grounding system is in any industry. One of them is the International Journal Of Engineering Research In Africa.
The Importance of Grounding System
Grounding systems play a fundamental role in LPS by safely channeling lightning current from the point of strike to the earth. This prevents devastating consequences like structural damage, electrical equipment failures, and even fire outbreaks. Poor grounding raises the chances and seriousness of lightning damage, showing how important it is for lightning safety.
Safety
Grounding system protects people, electrical power systems, and equipment. They do this by guiding fault currents safely into the ground. This stops electric shocks and fires from happening.
Equipment Protection
Proper grounding protects electrical equipment from damage caused by excess electrical charges. It reduces the risk of costly repairs or replacements.
Lightning Protection
Grounding systems dissipate lightning strikes into the earth, safeguarding structures and equipment from damage due to electrical surges.
Grounding Systems are just part of the whole world of lightning protection solutions. Even a solar system needs protection from lightning damage. TAKO provides a complete lightning solution that includes Lightning Arrester for Solar Systems.
Technical Aspects and Benefits of Grounding System
Grounding systems consist of various components, including air terminals, nonconductors, and earthing electrodes. Air terminals, strategically placed on exposed parts of a structure, intercept the lightning strike. Non-conductive cables transfer electricity safely to earthing electrodes buried underground. These electrodes disperse the current into the earth.
Grounding Techniques:
Beyond the standard rod and buried electrode system, several grounding techniques cater to diverse installation requirements:
- Grounding strips bury flat conductors along foundations, providing a larger surface area for current dispersion.
- Mesh grounding lays a network of connected conductors beneath the structure, creating a comprehensive grounding plane.
- Earthing rods drive deep into the ground in areas with limited space for horizontal electrodes.
The selection of the most suitable technique depends on factors like soil resistance, structure type, and available space.
Benefits of a Properly Installed Grounding System
Minimizes structural damage
Redirecting lightning safely away from buildings significantly reduces the chance of structural damage like cracks, fires, or collapses.
Protects electrical equipment
We protect sensitive equipment such as computers, communication systems, and production machinery from lightning strikes. This prevents downtime and equipment failure by shielding them from voltage surges.
Ensures safety
Grounding properly reduces the chance of electrical dangers from lightning for people working inside the building.
Compliance with regulations
Many Malaysian rules, such as MS IEC 60364-7-712:2020 and MS IEC 62305, require buildings and facilities to have good grounding systems for safety. These systems protect people and property.
Common Issues with Grounding Systems
Several common issues may affect the performance of grounding systems:
Corrosion
Corrosion of grounding electrodes and conductors can increase resistance, reducing the effectiveness of the grounding system.
Improper Installation
Improper installation, like not bonding well or burying ground rods too shallow, can weaken the grounding system.
Ground Loops
Ground loops happen when there are many grounding points, causing unwanted paths for fault currents. This can lead to radio frequency interference and damage to equipment.
TAKO Astatic Technology: Your Partner in Total Lightning Protection
Founded in 1979, TAKO Astatic Technology has established itself as a leading provider of comprehensive lightning protection solutions. Their commitment to safety and innovation goes beyond simply offering individual components. TAKO understands the complexities of LPS and provides a holistic approach to safeguarding your assets.
TAKO Astatic Technology, a Malaysian company established in 1979, is a leading provider of comprehensive lightning protection solutions. They offer expert consultation, design, installation, and maintenance services for grounding systems and other LPS components. By teaming up with TAKO, you can make sure your buildings have top-notch lightning protection. This lowers risks and keeps your business and staff safe for the long haul.
Here’s what sets TAKO apart:
Expert Consultation
Our skilled and certified professionals can assess your facility’s risks thoroughly. They analyze factors such as building structure, surrounding environment, and potential lightning threats.
Based on this assessment, we will recommend a Lightning Protection System (LPS) design that fits your needs. This design complies with Malaysian regulations.
Design and Engineering
TAKO hires skilled engineers. They use advanced software and expertise to design an LPS. This system seamlessly fits with your current infrastructure. This ensures optimal protection while considering aesthetic concerns and minimizing disruption to your operations.
Quality Products and Installation
TAKO sources and utilizes high-quality, certified materials for all LPS components, including grounding systems, air terminals, downconductors, and surge protection devices. Our skilled and insured technicians follow strict installation guidelines and best practices. They ensure that your LPS installation is safe and reliable.
Comprehensive Maintenance
TAKO offers regular maintenance and inspection services to ensure your LPS remains in peak condition throughout its lifespan. This involves visual checking, testing if electricity flows well, and measuring the connection to the ground. It helps us quickly find and fix any possible issues before they become big problems.
The TAKO Advantage:
- Peace of mind: Experts designed and installed a reliable and compliant LPS to protect your facility.
- Reduced downtime: Proactive maintenance minimizes the risk of lightning-related disruptions to your operations.
- Cost savings: Preventing potential damage from lightning strikes saves you from costly repairs, equipment replacements, and production delays.
- Enhanced safety: A well-maintained LPS ensures the safety of your personnel and visitors within your facility.
Conclusion
Investing in a well-designed and properly installed grounding system is a smart and cost-effective way to reduce the risks of lightning strikes. Understanding its importance and getting expert advice and the right solutions will help protect your assets and staff safety. Remember, focusing on lightning protection today can prevent significant losses and disruptions tomorrow.
Click the button above and WhatsApp us to claim RM380 value of a free site visit to your building, and we will take care of the rest.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the earthing system?
Safely channeling lightning current: It guides the lightning current away from the structure and equipment, safeguarding them from damage.
Preventing electrical hazards: It stops electrical shocks by creating a resistance path for currents into the earth.
What are the three types of grounding?
In general electrical applications, there are three main types of grounding systems:
Functional Grounding is grounding electrical systems so that it operate safely. It provides a pathway for fault currents to flow into the ground safely. It protects both equipment and personnel from electric shocks and helps maintain steady voltages.
Equipment grounding links metal parts of electrical equipment, like enclosures and frames, to the ground. This ensures safety by preventing electrical shock hazards. This prevents electric shock hazards by providing a safe path for fault currents to flow into the ground.
System Grounding means connecting one part of the electrical system. Usually, the neutral conductor in single-phase systems or one-phase conductor in three-phase systems goes to the ground. This stabilizes voltage levels, enhances system performance, and serves as a reference point for voltage measurements.
What is grounding and how does it work?
Grounding refers to a system that safely channels electrical current, specifically lightning strikes, into the earth.
Here’s how it works:
Lightning Strike: When lightning strikes a structure equipped with a grounding system, the current travels through the air terminal. The terminal is usually at the highest point of the structure.
Downconductor: The current then flows down a downconductor, which is a conductive cable, to the earthing electrode.
What is the difference between grounding and earthing?
Grounding:
Generally refers to connecting a part of an electrical circuit to the earth, typically the neutral conductor.
This focuses on electrical safety. It creates a way for fault currents to flow safely to the ground. This prevents harm to equipment and people.
More commonly used in North American terms.
Earthing:
Often, it refers to connecting the non-current-carrying metallic parts of an electrical system to the earth.
Primarily focuses on lightning protection by redirecting lightning current away from the structure and into the ground.
More prevalent in European and Asian terms.
What are 3 benefits of grounding?
Grounding systems decrease structural damage by diverting lightning current away from buildings. This lowers the chances of cracks, fires, and collapses.
They also shield sensitive equipment, such as computers and machinery, from voltage surges during lightning strikes. This reduces downtime and equipment failures.
Moreover, proper grounding enhances safety for personnel inside protected structures, minimizing the risk of electrical hazards.
Does earthing work on concrete?
Earthing on concrete can potentially work, but it depends on several factors:
Moisture content: Dry concrete doesn’t conduct electricity well. So, damp or wet concrete is better for earthing.
Sealing: Concrete sealed with a non-conductive material like paint or epoxy won’t conduct electricity effectively. This makes it unsuitable for earthing.
Grounding system design: The design and installation of the grounding system determines how well earthing works on concrete. To make sure earthing on concrete is right for your situation, consult a qualified electrician or lightning protection expert. They can ensure it’s suitable and done correctly.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this blog is for informational and marketing purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Our focus is on providing comprehensive LPS total solution services. This service encompasses a wide range of solutions to design, install, and maintain a complete lightning protection system tailored to your specific needs. For any questions or to discuss your specific lightning protection needs, please contact us directly.
