The Role of Earthing Plates in Lightning Protection Systems

 Lightning is one of the most influential and unpredictable forces of nature. It is no wonder that lightning poses a threat to buildings and people. Moreover, a large number of modern energy contraptions, from computers to mobile phones, have turned out to be prone to electromagnetic disturbance. Planning a lightning protection system is a cost-efficient measure to ensure that even a massive lightning strike would not impair a building or injure a single person. A comprehensive lightning protection system includes a variety of elements, from protection strips on PC boards to earthing plates on the ground.

 

Below, we will discuss the functioning and implications of earthing plates in lightning protection systems and explore their role in protecting industrial and residential constructions.

Earthing Plates

Earthing plates are indispensable elements of lightning protection systems. They are buried underground, and their function is to absorb the electrical charge from a lightning strike and disperse it to the earth. It is resistant to the current and presents a low-resistance route for the electrical discharges. The aim is to direct the harmful effect of lightning strikes away from the building and its inhabitants. The efficiency of the earthing plate depends on its material, with copper earth strips and copper-bonded plates being the most conductive and resistant to corrosion.

The importance of earthing plates is evident in their ability to disperse the currents caused by lightning strikes. The advantages they present are an efficient dispersal of electrical surges.

Corrosion Resistance: Since earthing plates are buried into the ground for an extended period, they must resist corrosion. For instance, copper-bonded earthing plates are more appropriate for this particular application as they have been proven to be durable and remain just as conductive even after they are used on-site for years. The earthing rod price will usually depend on the choice of material, but copper-bonded ones are usually very affordable.

The Importance of Proper Earthing in Lightning Protection Systems

Earthing is a very important aspect of a lightning protection system and if it is not properly done, it can cause severe voltage surges that would damage electronic devices connected to the entire power supply system and injure or kill people at the property.

Earthing will usually involve the following:

Earthing Rods: The rods will create a low-resistance path for the electrical lightning charge to follow. The choice of earthing rods usually depends on cost, size, and the material bolted onto the earth's surface. It is common for many developers to use copper-bonded rods, as they are much more conductive than all other types of earthing rods. 

Earthing Plates: These are used to improve a property's earthing system. They become appropriate if the earthing rods are not large enough or if the soil resistivity is high. This is also recommended in cities and built-up localities. 

Copper Earth Strips: These connect the rods and plates and should always remain level with the earth to provide a stable path for electrical charges to pass.

There are three types of earthing methods:

1. Plate earthing: In this type of earthing, a large metal plate is buried in the ground to connect the earthing rod systems across the building. A copper earth strip is connected to the system to reduce the resistance to electrical shock. This type of earthing plate is used in areas where there is no sufficient space to install the longer rod earthing.

2. Rod earthing: A long rod is forced on the earth to resist the low resistance of the electrical shock. The price of this type of earthing rod depends upon the material used in the rod. Earthing rods are used in high lightning-risk areas. Copper-bonded rods are most popular because of their high efficiency.

3. Strip and wire earthing: In this type of earthing plate, copper strips and unshielded copper connect the earthing system to the outer lightning protection components. The strips ensure that the electrical current has to flow through the highly resistive path Conclusion.

Lightning can destroy buildings with just a straightforward spark. That's why high-quality earthing plates and rods influence the electric current's direction into the earth. Proper earthing of the house can prevent electrical and fire issues.

 

Contact our experts at Axis to get more information regarding earthing plate prices and earthing rod prices.