Understanding Electrical vs. Power Earthing: Safety Essentials for Facility Managers
For facility managers, understanding the nuances of building safety systems is crucial. Yet one area that often creates confusion is the distinction between electrical earthing and power earthing systems. Both are vital for safety, but they serve different purposes and require different maintenance approaches.
“One of the most common misconceptions we encounter is that all earthing systems are the same,” explains Jacob Duggleby, Technical Director at PTSG. “In reality, understanding the difference between electrical and power earthing is crucial for proper building maintenance and safety compliance.”
Understanding the Difference
Electrical earthing typically involves above-ground systems, including circuit protective conductors and equipotential bonding. In contrast, power earthing (also known as grounding) specifically relates to connecting electrical systems to grounding electrodes buried in the earth.
“Think of electrical earthing as your building’s internal safety net, while power earthing is your connection to the earth itself,” Jacob continues. “Both are essential, but they serve different functions in your overall safety system.”
Compliance Requirements
Power earthing systems must meet stringent regulatory standards, including:
- BS 7430:2015 for Protective Earthing of Electrical Installations
- BS EN 50522:2022 for Earthing of Power Installations Exceeding 1kV AC
- ENA Technical Specification 41-24 for substation earthing systems
- 3 Applicable Guidance Documents and National / International Standards
- BS EN 50522: 2022 Earthing of power installations exceeding 1kV a.c.
- BS EN IEC 61936-1: 2021 Power Installations Exceeding 1kV a.c. – Part 1.
- Energy Networks Association Technical Specification 41/24: Guidelines for the Design, Installation, Testing and Maintenance of Main Earthing Systems in Substations.
- Energy Networks Association Engineering Recommendation S34: A Guideline for Assessing the Rise of Earth Potential at Substation Sites.
- BS 7430:2011+A1:2015 Code of practice for protective earthing of electrical installations.
- BS 7671: 2018 Requirements for Electrical Installations (IET Wiring Regulations).
- BS 13601:2013 Copper and copper alloys – copper rod, bar and wire for general electrical purposes.
- ES308 High Voltage Equipment and Installations version 2
- EDS 06-0012 Earthing Design Criteria, Data & Calculations Version 5.0
- Engineering Specification EE SPEC: 89/2
- The International Telecommunications Union (ITU).
- CDEGS (Current Distribution Electromagnetic Interference Grounding and Soil Structure Analysis) Software Suite, version 16 (industry-leading software used in the majority of projects and frequently specified as a compulsory requisite for RFQs)
Critical Inspection Schedules
“Maintaining compliance isn’t optional,” Jacob emphasises. “The law requires regular inspections and testing, and there’s a good reason for that – these systems are your last line of defense against potentially catastrophic electrical faults.”
Required maintenance activities include:
- Annual visual inspections to identify obvious wear or damage.
- Comprehensive system testing every five years, performed by qualified engineers.
All work must be carried out by certified power earthing professionals to ensure accuracy and compliance in accordance with the following:
- SFG20 Building Maintenance Standard for healthcare premises
- Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) 06-03 Appx 1 Protective, test and earthing equipment (page 69)
- Health Technical Memorandum 06-01 Electrical services supply and distribution Chapter 13 Earthing
- Welsh Health Technical Memorandum 06-03 A1 Protective, test and earthing equipment part 42 Substation Earthing (page 97)
- Welsh Health Technical Memorandum 06-01 Electrical services supply and distribution Chapter 13 Earthing
- Welsh Health Technical Memorandum 06-02 A1 Protective, test and earthing equipment Appendix 1 Protective, test and earthing equipment
The Cost of Neglect
The consequences of a failed power earthing system can be severe:
“We’ve seen cases where inadequate earthing has led to equipment failures costing hundreds of thousands of pounds,” says Jacob. “But the human cost is what’s most concerning. When power earthing fails, lives are at risk.”
Potential consequences include:
- Electrocution hazards from insufficient earthing.
- Fire risks caused by electrical arcs or sparks.
- Equipment damage from voltage surges.
- Loss of mission-critical data due to power disruptions.
- Substantial repair and replacement costs.
- Increased safety risks from uncontrolled electrical faults.
To minimise these risks, PTSG recommends a comprehensive approach to power earthing maintenance:
- Regular professional inspections using advanced diagnostic tools.
- Detailed system assessments with thorough documentation.
- Proactive maintenance to identify and address potential issues before they escalate.
- Immediate attention to any problems identified during inspections.
- Compliance verification with all relevant standards.
“The key is to be proactive rather than reactive,” Jacob advises. “A proper maintenance schedule is far less costly than dealing with the aftermath of a system failure.”
Investing in Safety
Maintaining power earthing systems requires investment, but the benefits far outweigh the costs:
- Enhanced safety for personnel and visitors.
- Protection of equipment and infrastructure from damage.
- Regulatory compliance to avoid penalties.
- Reduced risk of unexpected failures and associated downtime.
- Peace of mind for facility managers and stakeholders.
“When you consider what’s at stake – lives, expensive equipment, and your organisation’s reputation – appropriate, regular power earthing maintenance isn’t really an option it’s an essential investment,” Jacob concludes.
Expert Support Across the UK & Globally
For facility managers looking to ensure their power earthing systems are compliant and effective, working with qualified professionals is essential. Specialists can provide comprehensive services including surveys, testing, design, and installation, ensuring your systems meet all current standards and provide the protection your facility needs.
Global Expertise in Power Earthing Projects Aligned with UK Standards
PTSG specialise in designing and implementing power earthing systems for projects worldwide, focusing on countries that use the same electricity wiring standards as the UK – including:
- Northern Europe & Scandinavia (Norway; Sweden; Denmark; Finland; Iceland; Ireland; Lithuania; Latvia; Estonia)
- Western Europe (Austria; Belgium; France; Germany; Liechtenstein; Luxembourg; Monaco; Netherlands; Switzerland; Cyprus)
- Eastern Europe & Balkans (Belarus; Bulgaria; Czech Republic; Hungary; Poland; Moldova; Romania; Slovakia; Belarus; Albania)
- The Middle East (Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey)
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- All British Overseas Territories
- UK & US Military Bases & Installations
Their expertise ensures that earthing systems are safe, reliable, and fully compliant with international and local standards.
Why Choose PTSG for Global Power Earthing Projects?
- Deep Knowledge of UK Wiring Standards:
The team is well-versed in UK regulations, including BS 7671 and BS 7430, ensuring that earthing solutions meet the stringent requirements for safety and performance. - Global Reach with Local Adaptability:
They work in countries where electrical systems align with the UK standard ensuring smooth integration and adherence to best practices. - Comprehensive Earthing Solutions:
From design to installation, they handle all aspects of power earthing, including:- Soil resistivity testing
- Power earthing system analysis and design
- Power earthing system installation
- Lightning protection integration
- Ongoing maintenance and inspections
- Proven Track Record Across the Globe:
Their design teams successful projects span diverse regions, including Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, providing adaptable earthing systems for various climates and soil conditions.
Benefits of PTSG’s Power Earthing Services
- Enhanced Safety: Protect people, equipment, and infrastructure by ensuring proper fault current dissipation.
- Regulatory Compliance: All systems are designed to meet international and local standards, avoiding delays and penalties.
- Tailored Designs: Customised earthing solutions based on your site’s specific requirements, soil conditions, and operational needs.
- Efficient Execution: Our experienced team ensures timely delivery and cost-effective solutions for projects of any scale.
Your Trusted Partner for Global Power Earthing Projects
Wherever your project is located, if the electrical systems align with UK wiring standards, PTSG are equipped to provide world-class power earthing solutions. Trust them to deliver safety, reliability, and compliance in every project.
For more information about power earthing systems or to schedule an inspection, contact PTSG’s Power Earthing team at [email protected] or call +44 (0)115 975 8835.
