The grounding strip (or equipotential rail) is another important element that affects the safety of the electrical installation. The grounding rail connects parts of the lightning protection system. It is an indispensable element of fire protection. Properly made grounding provides surge protection - it allows to minimize switching and lightning surges in the lightning protection system. In order to effectively protect buildings and household appliances from destruction, and above all, the health and life of household members, it is worth considering carefully which grounding strip to choose.
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Which grounding strip will be best for the switchboard?
First, a bit of theory. In protection against electric shock, the equipotential bonding is carried out by equipotential rails. Equipotential bonding is the basis for effective protection of electrical installations – not only against overvoltage, but also against electric shock and lightning. There are no significant voltages between conductive elements, and the electrical installation, together with conductive parts, is adapted to environmental conditions.
Equipotential bars are divided into main and local (local). The main equipotential bar, also known as the main grounding bar, provides an equipotential connection between an external device acting as a lightning rod (e.g. grounding) and screens, pipes, reinforcements, structural elements of the building or other external conductive parts. Therefore, the main equipotential bar is usually located on the lowest floor of the building, and special low-impedance cables are necessary to make the connections. A local equipotential bar is located at the boundary of subsequent zones of the lightning protection system. All earthing from the switchboard meets in the equipotential bar.
The grounding rail is a complementary element of the switchboard. To ensure effective grounding, it is very important to select a strip with the right parameters. It should be a product intended for electrical switchboards, made of high-quality materials, durable and reliable, meeting safety standards. When selecting a strip, pay attention to the material of manufacture, dimensions, and the height and width of the busbars. Standardly, grounding rails for switchboards are made of steel and copper. Copper arcs dominate. Steel and copper components demonstrate excellent resistance to high temperatures in the event of a short circuit or when other emergency situations occur.
What should you consider when choosing a grounding strip for a rail?
When selecting a grounding strip for a rail, you should pay attention to such parameters as:
- materials and coatings,
- mounting method (rail type),
- maximum number of cables,
- number of grounding clamps,
- dimensions (length, width, depth).
The advantages of the grounding strip include: large contact surface, made of galvanized steel (galvanic or electrolytic galvanizing), resistance to vibrations and mechanical damage, and ease of installation.
It is best to consult the choice of grounding strip and other safety elements with an electrician or other specialist who will look at the grounding and electrical installation as a whole and then select the strip for specific conditions. Remember that good grounding protects us and our devices.
Grounding strips at the Onninen wholesaler
In the Onninen electrical wholesaler you will find many reliable, modern solutions in the field of surge protection. We offer grounding strips in various sizes and configurations, adapted to various needs and projects. We only supply components from proven, renowned suppliers, e.g. the Eriflex brand.