All electrical equipment must comply with the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations and The Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations. Also, electric wiring associated with the heating system must conform with BS7671 (IEE Wiring Regulations), notifications of which works must comply with Part P of The Building Regulations.
Earthing and bonding are critical factors when it comes to minimising electrocution and possible death. So, just what are these critical factors known as earth-bonding? After all, none us – whether homeowners, landlords, landladies or other – want to face the possible consequences simply because of ignorance.
EARTHING
Metal parts of an electrical installation or appliance may become electrically charged if there is a fault. The purpose of earthing is to minimise this risk of electric shock or possible death if a person should touch those metal parts when a fault is unknowingly present. This is achieved by providing a path for any faulty current to flow safely to earth, which will also cause the protective device to immediately disconnect the circuit, and therefore remove any danger of electrocution.
For example, if a cooker develops a hidden fault, the fault current will only flow to the ‘safe’ earth through the protective (earthing) conductor. This will then cause the protective device in the consumer unit (the fuse or circuit breaker) to immediately disconnect (‘trip’) the supply to the cooker – and instantly remove any risk to any one who touches it.
BONDING
The purpose of bonding is to minimise this risk of electric shock or possible death to anyone who might be touching two separate conductive parts when an unseen fault occurs somewhere in the supply or electrical installation (for example, they might be simultaneously touching a cooker and tap). Such a safety device is achieved by connecting bonding conductors between specific points in order to minimise the voltage between them under any unforeseen fault conditions.
ADVICE
Our electricians can advise if you think that the earth-bonding arrangements in your premises need to be checked or improved for safety reasons.
Further technical information
