Earthing: the fundamental protection for your installation
Earthing is an essential element of electrical safety. It diverts leakage currents to ground and, combined with the RCD, protects people from electrocution. Its absence constitutes a major danger.
Why is earthing indispensable?
In the event of an insulation fault on an appliance (washing machine, oven, water heater), the leakage current flows through the earth conductor instead of passing through a person's body. The RCD detects this leakage and cuts the current instantly.
Without earthing, the RCD cannot function correctly and the risk of electrocution is real.
Earth circuit components
- Earth rod: electrode driven into the ground (minimum 1.50 m)
- Earth conductor: cable linking the rod to the panel
- Measurement bar: allows checking of earth resistance
- Protective conductors: green/yellow wires connecting each circuit to earth
- Equipotential bonding: connection of metal masses (pipes, bath)
What earth resistance?
The NFC 15-100 standard sets a maximum earth resistance depending on the RCD threshold:
- With 30 mA RCD: maximum resistance of 100 ohms (recommended)
- With 300 mA RCD: maximum resistance of 167 ohms
- In practice, a resistance below 50 ohms is targeted for optimum safety
Our intervention
- Measurement of existing earth resistance (if present)
- Earth rod installation and conductor
- Connection to the electrical panel via the measurement bar
- Verification of protective conductors on each circuit
- Equipotential bonding (bathroom, kitchen)
- Control measurement and compliance certificate
When to check your earthing?
- When purchasing a property (mandatory electrical diagnostic)
- If outlets have no earth pin
- If you feel tingling when touching an appliance
- If the RCD trips frequently for no apparent reason
- Every 10 years as part of a periodic inspection
Contact Elecprium on 06 95 62 24 33 to check or install your earthing. Free quote throughout the PACA region.