Industrial Plant Earthing Installation

Down-conductor Systems

In order to reduce the probability of damage due to lightning current flowing in the LPS, the down-conductors shall be arranged in such a way that from the point of strike to earth:

• Several parallel current paths exist
• The length of the current paths is kept to a minimum
• Equipotential bonding to conducting parts of the structure is performed

Below Ground Connections

The below ground connection of conductors and electrodes probably constitutes the most vulnerable portion of the earth termination system to corrosion.

In many cases, the correct conductors and electrodes are selected but inferior connection points corrode rapidly, resulting in an unsafe installation. There are various types of below ground connections, but two main types of connections can be used.

Thermite welded (Cadweld) connections, Clamped, crimped or bolted connections.