There are some differences between grounding and zeroing that every specialist who deals with servicing electrical installations should know. Zeroing and grounding are two methods of protection in electrical installations in the event of a fire. At the moment, in modern installations there is no need to use outdated zeroing procedures - properly performed grounding is sufficient. So how do you perform the zeroing and grounding procedure in the case of electrical installations? See the guide and find out what you need.
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What is zeroing in electrical circuits?
In practice, neutralization involves connecting conductive elements, e.g. the metal casing of a device, in which there is a protective or neutral-protective conductor. When the insulation of the cables is damaged, neutralization with a protective conductor will cause automatic power cut-off.
Specially, zeroing is called a short-circuit loop and is used in installations where the operating voltage exceeds 500 V and, of course, in standard TN network systems.
Such marking is key information for the installer who is responsible for preparing protective measures against destruction of the installation or electric shock.
The TN designation is divided into two parts:
- T – is a direct connection of a network system point with the ground.
- N – direct connection (metallic) of the parts to be protected with the grounded point of the network system.
From the installer's point of view, protective conductors in an electrical installation are the basis for the safety of the entire structure. If you want to be sure that zeroing has been done correctly, you will need an electrical meter . At Onninen you can order a professional multifunction meter MPI-520 . This equipment was created to perform impedance measurements of the so-called short circuit loop, resistance, as well as grounding and many other parameters.
What is grounding in an electrical installation?
Earthing is the connection of the electrical installation directly to the ground (lightning rod). In short, it is an additional wire led out from each electrical socket in the building. Right next to the phase and neutral wires, earthing is connected at one point - in the electrical switchboard.
From the switchboard we run one wire to the so-called earthing, i.e. the place providing the largest contact surface with the ground, e.g. bare earth or a concrete foundation.
When preparing the electrical installation in a building, a voltage meter and a grounding resistance meter are necessary. With the use of such devices, you can easily check whether the grounding in the power supply system is correct.
The equipment you can buy right away at Onninen includes the Benning IT100 insulation resistance and voltage meter for measuring insulation and low resistances, as well as the FLUKE 1630-2 FC clamp earth resistance and leakage current meter . This device, used in the hands of a professional, will allow you to accurately determine the resistance value of the prepared earthing after connecting to the electrical installation.
What is the difference between grounding and zeroing?
Grounding differs from neutralization primarily in the way it provides protection against electrical surges. The grounding design combines several protective conductors that are led out through the switchboard directly to the ground.
Zeroing involves building a reference point that has zero electrical potential and allows for the proper functioning of devices that draw power from the electrical installation. Both procedures are important from the point of view of the safety of electrical installations and devices - these are basic activities related to fire protection, as well as human health and life.