Both commercial and residential premises now have valuable electrical assets such as electrical systems, appliances, gadgets, machinery, etc. Protecting from lightning strikes and power surges becomes mandatory. People living or working on a premise will also need protection from the sudden burst of electricity due to a lightning strike. Hence, a ground rod attached and installed to the electrical system is crucial.

The mode of operation of modern Ground Rods protects industrial machinery, commercial electrical assets and home appliances from power surges and lightning strikes. These rods are deeply embedded in the ground and get connected to the electrical system of a building. These rods are generally 1.5 inches in diameter and 8 – 10 feet in length. They reduce the standard modes of disturbances outside an LV installation, such as transformer breakdown or lightning strikes.

Benefits of installing grounds rods

Considering the characteristic features of a ground rod, here are the benefits an electrical system of a residential or commercial premise enjoys.

1.                  Proper dissipation of excess electric energy

The electrical systems of a building get connected to an electrical energy source or a transformer outside. The transformer transmitted a higher amount of electrical energy than required. The sudden spike in the electric potential will push a gust of electrical power through the system and fry the gadgets, appliances and machinery connected to it. A person operating those items may also get electrocuted.

These unprecedented events need all-time protection and prevention of damage. Earth rods are installed and connected to an electrical system. An earth rod provides a continuous way of dissipating the excess energy flowing in an electrical system, thus diverting it from the appliances and operators.

2.                  Lightning strike protection

During stormy weather, lightning strikes tall buildings and lone buildings. Towers, power distribution applications and high-voltage substations also get struck by lightning. The internal electrical system gets fried and destroyed due to the overflow of electrical energy. A ground rod installed and connected to an electrical system provides a safer path to dissipate the energy introduced by a lightning strike to the ground without harming anything or anyone.

3.                  Fault in the internal electric system or appliances

An electric appliance may malfunction, causing an improper flow of electricity. An undefined flow of electricity in other parts of an electric device will have no limiter to control the energy flow. Hence, an operator of the machine or appliance will get electrocuted if he uses the faulty appliance. The grounding system will provide a safer path to redirect the excess energy flow in the malfunctioning unit and keep the user safe.

Verdict

These are the prime benefits of Ground Rods installed in residences and commercial complexes. These days, earth rods are designed per current specifications to meet the grounding needs of high-rise buildings for better protection. 

A grounding system installed and attached to an electrical system of a premise is a mandatory part of ensuring the protection of electrical assets and operators. This system is installed under the ground to offer a safe dissipation path of a higher amount of electrical energy flowing in an electrical system due to voltage spikes and lightning strikes.

Components of a grounding system

In this aspect, a ground rod is installed deep underneath the soil, a little closer to a premise. This ground is connected to an electrical system using thick copper cables and ground rod clamps.

The arrangement required for creating a grounding system has the following components:

1.                  Inspection chamber or an earth pit– It is a protective enclosure installed on a ground rod to protect it from environmental conditions and external factors.

2.                  Ground rod clamp– A clamp connects a ground rod with the cable and secures the rod to the inspection chamber or earth pit. It is made of conducting materials such as copper, alloys, etc.

3.                  Earth-enhancing compounds– Compounds used to enhance or improve the conductivity of soil used in the earth pit are called earth-enhancing compounds. They get used for better connectivity.

4.                  Ground rod– A ground rod is the prime element of the grounding system. It gets connected to the electrical system of a building with a clamp and cable.

Importance of a ground rod clamp

Now that we know the components of a grounding system of a premise or electrical system, it is clear how strong a ground rod clamp is. Here is a list of points that perfectly describes the importance of this component.

1.                  Proper connectivity of the grounding system

A grounding system gets connected to the electrical system of a premise. The ground rod of this system gets installed in an earth pit. As mentioned earlier, it is a chamber where the ground rod gets installed.

Hence, the prime function of Ground rod clamps is to properly keep the ground rods in their respective positions so that the efficiency of a grounding system is maintained throughout its lifespan.

2.                  Electrical conductivity

A ground rod clamp is made of copper and other alloys that can conduct electricity without hindrance. The prime function of a grounding system is to run the excess electrical energy flowing in an electrical system. As the dissipation route comes through the clamps, these components must have good electrical conductivity features.

3.                  Strength

The clamps resist external weather and soil corrosive factors to maintain the grounding system's integrity without compromising its conductivity.

The functions explain the importance of ground rod clamps in an electrical grounding system. Modern ground rods and clamps get manufactured, tested and certified to meet industry standards. Hence, clamps should get chosen based on quality and certification.