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Earthing is defined as the process of transferring charge directly to the earth through a low-resistance wire to cause an instantaneous discharge of electrical energy.
- Low-resistance earthing wire is used to offer the least resistance route for fault electric current leakage.
- Earthing is a basic method for preventing current leakage and thereby protecting equipment from electrical harm.
- Grounding is another safety procedure that protects the whole power system from failure and is mostly used to balance the load when the electric system overloads.
There are main three types of earthing
- Pipe Earthing: Pipe earthing uses 38mm diameter, 2 meter long pipes vertically placed in the ground that act as earth electrodes.
- Plate Earthing: Plate earthing involves burying an earthing plate composed of copper or G.I. into the ground at a depth greater than 3 meters below ground level.
- Strip Earthing: In strip earthing, strip electrodes with a cross-section of at least 25mm X 1.6mm of copper or 25mm X 4mm of G.I. or steel are buried in horizontal holes of at least 0.5m depth.
Very Short Answers Questions [1 Mark Questions]
Ques. When a conductor is buried in the earth for an electrical earthing system, it is known as
- Conductor Earthing
- Conductor burring
- Earth Electrode
- None of the above
Ans. The correct answer is c. Earth Electrode
Explanation: An Earth Electrode is a conducting device buried directly in the earth that allows fault currents to flow toward the ground.
Ques. Earthing helps to prevent
- Current leakage
- Water leakage
- Device upgrade
- Storms
Ans. The correct answer is a. Current leakage
Explanation: Earthing in buildings protects against electrical shocks caused by any leakage of electric current in any equipment.
Ques. What is the most affordable type of earthing?
Ans. Pipe earthing is the most cost-effective and energy-efficient technique of earthing.
Ques. Electric appliances like iron boxes, television, and refrigerator are connected to the earth wire while operating.
- Yes
- No
Ans. The correct answer is a. Yes
Explanation: To ensure safety, electrical appliances like iron boxes, television, and refrigerator are connected to the earth wire while operating.
Ques. An earth leakage circuit breaker is used to
- Step-down voltage
- Step-up voltage
- Prevent shock
- Balance the circuit
Ans. The correct answer is c. Prevent shock
Explanation: Earth leakage circuit breakers are used in applications to avoid electrical shock and fires caused by a short circuit or overload in the control panel by providing an immediate shut-off when leakage is detected.
Short Answers Questions [2 Marks Questions]
Ques. Define Earthing.
Ans. Earthing is the immediate discharge of electrical energy that occurs by transmitting charges directly to the ground via a low-resistance wire. Earthing is a method of preventing electric shock. It safeguards us by acting as a protective conductor for a fault current flowing to the earth.
Ques. What are the two types of Earth-leakage circuit breakers?
Ans. The two types of Earth-leakage circuit breakers are
- Current operated Earth-leakage circuit breaker
- Voltage-operated Earth-leakage circuit breaker
Ques. What is Neutral?
Ans. Neutral is a zero-voltage reference point that acts as the return path for AC-carrying circuits and helps in load balancing. Neutral is always connected to the main power wire and is not connected to appliance machine body parts.
Ques. What are the components of the earthing system?
Ans. The earthing system consists of
- Earthing lead
- Earth continuity conductor and
- Earth electrode.
Also Read:
Long Answers Questions [3 Marks Questions]
Ques. Why is a safe earthing system important?
Ans. A safe earthing system is important because of the following reasons
- To prevent electrical shock: Safe earthing systems provide a low-resistance path for electrical current to flow to the ground in case of faults or short circuits. This helps in the prevention of shock.
- To protect the appliances from damage: A safe earthing system will help in the protection of electrical equipment from damage caused by overvoltage or short circuits. This is due to the earthing system providing a safe channel for electrical current to pass instead of through the device.
- To improve the performance of electrical equipment: By lowering the risk of interference and noise, a safe earthing system can improve the operation of electrical equipment. This is because the earthing system will help in providing the equipment with a stable and dependable ground reference.
Ques. What is the difference between Earthing and Grounding?
Ans. The difference between Earthing and Grounding are
| Earthing | Grounding |
|---|---|
| It prevents people from being shocked. | It prevents the entire power system from malfunctioning. |
| It contains zero potential. | It does not have zero potential. |
| It is placed between the equipment body and the earth and kept under the surface of the earth. | It is installed between the neutral of the appliances and the ground. |
| The earth wire is green in color. | The grounded wire is black in color. |
Ques. Why is salt used in earthing?
Ans. Salt is used in earthing because of the following reasons
- Good conductor of electricity: It means that salt is easily capable of carrying electrical current away from an electrical system and into the earth. This is significant because it helps in the prevention of electrical shocks and fires.
- Absorb moisture from the soil: This is essential because excellent electrical conductivity requires moisture. When the earth is dry, it is a poor electrical conductor. Salt keeps the soil wet, which increases its conductivity.
- Inexpensive and easy to obtain: Salt is a cost-effective option for use in earthing systems.
Very Long Answers Questions [5 Marks Questions]
Ques. Explain the procedure of earthing.
Ans. The followings are the process of earthing
- Select the type of earthing system. Generally, there are three types of earthing systems used Plate earthing, Pipe earthing, and Strip earthing.
- In plate earthing a metal plate is buried in the earth.
- In pipe earthing a metal pipe is placed into the ground.
- In strip earthing a metal strip is buried in the earth.
- In the hole, insert the earth electrode. Make that the earth electrode is in touch with the ground and is correctly buried.
- Connect the electrical system to the earth electrode. The use of a copper wire or cable is required for this.
- Using an earth tester the earthing system is tested. The allowable range for the earthing system resistance, which is normally between 1 and 10 ohms, should be met.
Ques. List the advantages of earthing.
Ans. The following are the advantages of earthing
- Earthing is the most secure and effective technique for providing safety. We know that the earth's potential is zero and that it is considered Neutral. Balancing is done because low equipment is connected to the ground through low resistance cable.
- Metal can be used in electrical installations without consideration for its conductivity; however, correct earthing ensures that metal does not carry current.
- If suitable earthing safeguards are taken, a sudden increase in voltage or overload does not harm the equipment or person.
- It minimizes the potential of fire hazards that might otherwise result from the current leakage.
Ques. Explain the different types of earthing.
Ans. There are main three types of earthing
- Pipe Earthing: Pipe earthing is the most effective and cost-effective method of earthing. Pipe earthing uses 38mm diameter, 2 meter long pipes vertically placed in the ground that act as earth electrodes.
- Plate Earthing: Plate earthing involves burying an earthing plate composed of copper or G.I. into the ground at a depth greater than 3 meters below ground level. This earthing plate has been covered in a different layer of coke and salts.
- Strip Earthing: In transmission processes, strip earthing is done. Strip electrodes with a cross-section of at least 25mm X 1.6mm of copper or 25mm X 4mm of G.I. or steel are buried in horizontal holes of at least 0.5m depth.
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