In any private home, grounding is essential to maintaining efficiency and safety. It can be empowering and economical to install grounding yourself, whether you’re a do-it-yourself enthusiast or just want to learn more about your home’s electrical system. We’ll walk you through the process of creating grounding in your own home with this guide, offering step-by-step instructions and helpful hints.
Let’s first define what grounding is in actuality. In essence, it’s a safety precaution that allows electrical current to enter the ground safely in the case of a surge or fault. Electrical systems and appliances can present significant risks, such as electric shocks and fires, if they are not properly grounded. You can prevent possible harm to your property and its occupants by installing a dependable grounding system.
Let’s now discuss the how-to of establishing grounding in your own home. The first important step in the process is to locate your main electrical panel. The grounding electrode conductor, which is usually a copper wire that connects the panel to the ground outside your house, is connected to this panel. Making sure this connection complies with local building codes and is secure is essential.
The next step is to choose an appropriate grounding electrode. Grounding plates are large metal plates buried underground, or grounding rods, which are long metal rods driven into the ground near your home. The decision is influenced by various elements, including local laws and the makeup of the soil. To effectively dissipate electrical currents, it must be installed correctly, regardless of the type.
The last step is to use the grounding electrode conductor to connect the grounding electrode to your main electrical panel after you’ve chosen and installed it. To guarantee a trustworthy bond, this connection needs to be made firmly using the appropriate clamps or connectors. Furthermore, because a malfunctioning grounding system can jeopardize safety, it’s critical to routinely examine your grounding system for any indications of deterioration or damage.
Through adherence to these guidelines and a thorough comprehension of grounding principles, you can proficiently establish a dependable and secure electrical system within your individual residence. Remember that it’s always best to seek advice from a qualified electrician if you have any questions at all about any aspect of the process. You can live with confidence knowing that your house is safe from electrical hazards if you have the necessary information and take the appropriate safety measures.
Step | Description |
Gather Materials | Collect copper grounding rods, grounding wire, clamps, and a sledgehammer. |
Locate Grounding Spot | Choose a spot near your house away from water pipes and power lines. |
Drive Rods | Use the sledgehammer to drive the copper rods into the ground. |
Connect Rods | Connect the rods with grounding wire using clamps. |
Attach to House | Connect the grounding wire to your house"s electrical system, usually at the breaker box. |
- Why grounding is necessary
- What types are available
- Difference of earthing for 220V and 380V network
- Types
- How to make a grounding circuit for a private house with your own hands
- Calculation of earthing device
- Choosing a place for installation
- Video on the topic
- How to make earthing in a private house with your own hands?
- Grounding circuit in a private house with your own hands. With a triangle of angles. Measuring resistance.
- Earthing in a private house, with your own hands. I show how I did it in my house.
Why grounding is necessary
Based on fundamental physical principles, grounding in the electric grid serves as a universal safeguard against electric shock to humans and prevents insulation failure in electrical equipment used for any purpose. Electrical networks that are not earthed run the risk of catching fire. setting up a personal grounding circuit in your house, which is necessary for using any electrical appliances or gadgets safely.
Protective earthing is required by the rules for electrical installations (henceforth referred to as PUE), which are applicable to all kinds of electrical installations.
1.7.56. To prevent electric shock in the event of insulation damage, the following protection measures should be used alone or in combination in the event of indirect contact:
Grounding for protection (1.7.63, 1.7.65, 1.7.66);
– automatic power supply disconnections (1.7.61, 1.7.63);
Equipped state bonding (1.7.78);
– Insulated equipment classified as Class II or equivalent (1.7.86, 1.7.87);
Circuits should be electrically separated for protection (1.7.86, 1.7.88);
– Isolating spaces, locations, and rooms that aren’t conducting (1.7.86, 1.7.89);
– ultra-low (low) voltage systems (1.7.68–1.7.70) such as BSLVN, LSLVN, and FSLVN;
Equalization potential (1.7.65, 1.7.66).
PUE-2009
According to the PUE, the following terms must be understood for an objective understanding:
- Direct contact – electrical contact of people or animals with live live parts that are energized, or approaching them at a dangerous distance.
- Indirect contact – Electrical contact of persons or animals with an exposed conductive part that has become energized as a result of insulation damage.
- Protection against direct contact – protection, preventing electric shock in the absence of damage to the insulation of conductors.
- Protection against indirect contact – Protection to prevent electric shock in the event of a single fault.
- Earthing electrode – a conductive part (conductor) or a set of interconnected conductive parts (conductors) that are in electrical contact with earth directly or through an intermediate conductive medium such as concrete.
- Earthing conductor – A conductor connecting an earth electrode to a specific point in a system or electrical installation or equipment.
- Earthing device – a set of electrically connected earthing and grounding conductors, including elements of their connection.
- Grounding – making an electrical connection between a specific point of a system or installation or equipment and local earth. Note. Connection to local earth can be intentional, unintentional and accidental, as well as permanent or temporary.
Once the necessity of earthing has been established, one can begin to contemplate the matter of independently outfitting a private residence with an earthing circuit.
What types are available
Prior to anything else, it’s important to comprehend why grounding is installed. The voltage class (220 V or 380 V) in the private residence will be the deciding factor.
There are two types of earthing: protective and working, depending on its intended use.
Operating: It keeps household appliances’ voltage from rising suddenly. An insulation fault in the transformer windings may be the cause of this. Additionally, electrical appliances protected by this kind of grounding are shielded from lightning strikes to the building structure. The entire charge in this instance sinks to the earth.
Protective earthing: This is achieved by forcing the appliance’s housing to connect to earth via a conductor.
The following home appliances require a protective earth to be installed:
- washing machine – Its case has a relatively large electrical capacitance due to operation in conditions of high humidity.
- microwave oven – The main working element of the oven is the magnetron. It has a high capacity. If the grounding contact in the socket is poor, the level of magnetic emissions may increase. Many manufacturers of microwave ovens equip a grounding terminal on the back side of the oven.
Modern outlets come with earthing contacts to facilitate contact between the electrical appliance and the earthing conductor in the network.
The home electrical system’s earthing
To guarantee earthing, there are six earthing systems. Individual building structures, especially residential buildings, use one of two basic earthing systems.
The TN-S-C system is one that has recently been suggested for adoption. This kind of plan is put into practice at the substation with a deaf-earthed neutral. In this instance, the equipment is in direct contact with the earth. The consumer is connected to the neutral/zero (N) and earth (PE) conductors (PEN). Such a conductor is split into two separate conductors at the entrance to a private home’s electrical network.
A residual current device (RCD) does not need to be installed in order to use this system. Circuit breakers provide protection.
One drawback of this kind of system is that phase voltage will show at the house grounding busbar if the PEN conductor along the substation/home section is burned out or damaged. Nothing can break the connection between these voltages. Because of this, the PUE controls tight specifications for this kind of line: periodic local earthing at the transmission line poles and mechanical protection for the PEN conductor are both required.
Many power lines don’t meet the aforementioned requirements, particularly in rural areas. In this instance, the CT system—an additional grounding system—is advised.
An independent conductor that runs from the earthing circuit to the building’s input panel—rather than from the transformer substation—is used to implement this earthing system. Although an RCD must be installed, this system is more resilient to damage to the protective conductor. There is no defense against electric shock if the system is not outfitted with these devices. As a result, the PUE only suggests this system as an addition to the TN-S-C system. (If the line doesn’t satisfy the TN-S-C system’s requirements).
Difference of earthing for 220V and 380V network
There are negligible differences between private homes’ grounding systems when operating at 220 or 380 volts. An earthing circuit is built in both situations. The method by which the circuit is linked to the household electrical network makes a difference.
The single-phase voltage in a 220V network. This example uses sockets with three contacts (phase, zero, and earth electrode) and a three-wire conductor.
Three phases make up the voltage in a 380 V network. Use five-wire conductors in this situation, along with five-contact sockets (phase – three pieces, zero, earth electrode).
In summary, the article "How to Make Grounding in a Private House with Your Own Hands" aims to assist homeowners in developing a grounding system that works well for their home. For electrical safety, shock prevention, and appliance safety, grounding is essential. The article emphasizes safety measures, provides detailed instructions for do-it-yourself installation, and discusses the significance of grounding. Readers can ensure proper grounding of their private residences and protect themselves from electrical hazards by adhering to these guidelines.
Types
Establishing a direct electrical connection with the ground is the earth electrode’s primary function. An earth electrode and every conductor that is connected to it make up the earthing device, also known as the earthing circuit. incorporating some of their relationships.
There are two kinds of earthing devices:
- natural – metal structures located at a sufficient depth in the ground or reinforced concrete foundations of the building;
- artificial – independently installed in the ground metal structure of direct purpose;
The constructional features set artificial earth electrodes apart.
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horizontal earth electrode. It is made of strip (not less than 4 mm thick) or round steel and is laid in the ground parallel to the ground surface.
Earthing circuit
A triangle-shaped earthing electrode
Mounting plan
The most efficient method of installing a grounding device (circuit) is a combined scheme. Such a circuit will be dependable and long-lasting when installation is carried out in accordance with the relevant regulations.
How to make a grounding circuit for a private house with your own hands
The triangle scheme is currently the most widely used design for the protective circuit device. It is constructed by joining three ground-level pins with a metal strip. A feature of this scheme is its increased reliability. The contact on the other side ensures that the circuit will still work even if the steel connecting strip on one side breaks or is damaged.
The grounding circuit will require the following supplies and equipment to be manufactured and installed:
Resources:
- steel angle 50-70mm, h=4mm, 3 pcs. length of one angle not less than 2 meters;
- steel strip 50-70 mm, h=4 mm, 4 m. for connecting pins made of angle steel;
- steel strip 30 mm, h=4 mm. for the electrical connection of the earthing circuit and the building"s input panel. Length depends on local conditions;
- 3 mm electrodes.
Instruments:
- shovel, crowbar, earth drill for making holes in the ground;
- bolgarka for cutting metal blanks;
- Locksmith tools (hammer, sledgehammer, file, screwdriver, clamp) for processing and mounting of workpieces;
- welding machine;
- Measuring tools (tape measure, angle gauge) for marking the workpieces;
The grounding circuit blanks’ points of connection should only be welded. The guidelines set forth in the Electrical Installation Code govern this. This kind of connection offers the best electrical contact and has the highest corrosion resistance.
Wear the appropriate safety gear when using power tools, such as goggles and protective clothes. First and foremost, safety.
It is preferable to cut one end at an acute angle when working on the angle. It will be simpler to hammer into the ground at this angle.
The ground loop’s grounding pins
Let’s take a step-by-step look at the grounding circuit installation procedure.
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Fastening of metal pins and strips, according to the necessary dimensions.
Ready ends to be driven into the earth
Ready-made hole
Setting up the grounding circuit
Method of welding
The building was reached by steel strip.
The installation of the grounding circuit is now complete. The procedure of connecting it to a private home’s power supply network then comes next.
It is essential to test the circuit’s functionality after connecting it to the electrical network’s PE conductor. For this, specialized electrical measuring equipment is employed. Such machinery comes at a high cost. As a result, an easier method of evaluating the circuit’s performance is employed.
This technique is implemented by connecting a 100 W incandescent light bulb to the network in the following manner: the neutral wire is connected directly to the circuit construction, and the phase wire is positioned on the socket’s phase contact. It’s important to monitor the lamp’s operation intensity at the same time. When there is a bright light, the circuit is functioning properly. dull, on low-quality contact at the connections between the circuit’s metal components. In this instance, an extra welding seam should be added to strengthen the connections.
Using an incandescent lightbulb
It is important to keep in mind that the protective grounding of the circuit should not have a resistance greater than 4 Ohm when measuring the resistance using a specialized tool. A higher value could suggest that the circuit is not making good contact with the ground. You can solve this issue by injecting water into the ground where the pins are driven in. Compaction of the soil will result in an increase in the contact area.
Calculation of earthing device
Determine the grounding device’s requirements based on the protective grounding circuit’s maximum resistance value. which ought to be limited to 4 Ohm. The ideal choice is an artificial earthing device with a resistance value of no more than 1 Ohm.
Without specialized knowledge and technical literature, calculating the earthing device thoroughly at home is nearly impossible. Due to the fact that it allows for the experimental determination of the soil’s specific resistance while accounting for factors such as soil freezing and drying. the calculation of the dissipation resistance value. Compute the contour resistance element by element using the soil’s moisture content, lagging depth, and geometric dimensions. Utilization rate of vertical earthing apparatuses. natural earth electrodes are present. and additional.
It is preferable that this be handled by specialized organizations that provide a protocol regarding the grounding circuit’s suitability and the conformity of its features with legal documents.
There is a streamlined process.
Calculation of the earthing device simplified:
Use the following formula for the earth electrode’s vertical electrode (single):
R1=0,84*p/L in the following case:
R1: Ohm of grounding resistance;
P, the ground’s specific resistance, expressed as Ohm*m;
L denotes the earthing electrode’s length (depth);
Regarding multiple vertical electrode grounding pins:
R=R1/0,9*n In which case:
R is one electrode’s resistance in ohms;
N is the total number of electrodes in the circuit for grounding;
Therefore, the resistance of one electrode (R1) can be determined using the first formula if the resistivity of the ground (p) is known. Substituting the obtained value into the second formula yields the number of electrodes (n) at a given length (L).
If the soil’s precise strength is unknown, the following reference table may be used:
Values for typical soil types
Use the test immersion of the electrode method if, in reality, it was not possible to determine or measure the resistivity of the soil at the location where the circuit was to be installed. The electrode is submerged in the ground and its resistance is periodically measured. Once the resistance values have stopped dropping, stop hitting the electrode. This indicates that the electrode has descended to the point where the ground’s resistivity becomes constant. This electrode has to be wired up to the other components of the circuit in the future using a metal strip.
Choosing a place for installation
The proper placement of the circuit installation is critical to its effective and secure functioning. For this, there are various suggestions:
- Do not place the grounding circuit in a place where people or animals are constantly or frequently present. At the moment of insulation breakdown and voltage dissipation into the ground, a person or an animal in the immediate vicinity can suffer. It is better to take measures to fence such an area.
- Some specialists recommend that the circuit should be located on the north side of the building. This is due to the more humid damp in such an area.
- If the soil is too wet and there is a high probability of corrosion of the metal of the circuit, it is better to make it of large section steel. And also the construction of the circuit can be covered with special conductive materials, which will protect against corrosion, but will not worsen the electrical contact with the ground.
- It is not necessary to locate the grounding circuit close to the heat utilities. Over-dried soil negatively affects the resistance of the circuit.
- It is forbidden to locate the circuit in close proximity to a gas pipeline running in the ground.
- The depth of the circuit should be below the freezing level of the ground, but not less than 0.5 meters.
By following these suggestions, you can be certain that the earthing switch will operate dependably and that the location you chose was accurate.
In order to guarantee the effectiveness and safety of electrical systems in private homes, grounding is essential. You can prevent electrical shock, fires, and equipment damage for your family, yourself, and your property by grounding your house properly. With the thorough instructions provided in this article, homeowners can now ground their private residence and take on this crucial task on their own.
Comprehending the fundamentals of grounding is the initial move towards an effective installation. To safely divert excess electrical current, grounding entails connecting electrical systems to the earth or a grounding electrode. By doing this, possible risks like electric shock and equipment malfunction are avoided. Homeowners can understand the value of appropriate grounding in their properties by understanding these fundamentals.
Follow safety precautions and local electrical codes before beginning any grounding project. When handling electricity, safety should always come first. This entails donning the proper safety gear, shutting off the power source, and obtaining expert help if you have any questions about any part of the installation. Homeowners can reduce the risks involved with electrical work by putting safety first.
DIY enthusiasts who take on grounding projects on their own may find satisfaction and financial savings. In their own homes, homeowners can successfully implement grounding with the correct equipment, supplies, and advice. But it’s important to understand the limitations of do-it-yourself projects and when to call a pro. Electrical work can be complicated, so if there are any safety concerns or for more complex installations, you might need to hire a licensed electrician.
To sum up, grounding is an essential component of electrical efficiency and safety in private homes. Homeowners can safely install grounding themselves by following the instructions provided in this article. But safety should always come first, and if help is required, it should be obtained from a professional. Homeowners can rest easy knowing their electrical systems are dependable and safe when proper grounding is in place.