The grounding system is used in electrical projects or installations for the prevention of electrical risks in the event of faults where an energized conductor makes contact with an exposed conductive surface or one external to the same system. These grounding systems allow to protect people and animals that are exposed to contact with electrical systems.

“The primary objective of a grounding system is the safety of people, the protection of installations and electromagnetic compatibility”.

Functions of a grounding system

Within the functions of a grounding system we can find the protection of electrical installations and people, but we can also find other functions such as:

• Guarantee safety conditions for living beings.
• Allow protection teams to quickly clear faults.
• Serve as a common reference to the electrical system.
• Conduct and dissipate fault, electrostatic and lightning currents with sufficient capacity.
• Transmit RF signals in medium and long wave.
• Make a low resistance connection with the physical earth and with the reference points of the equipment.

Legal regulations for grounding systems

In the legal regulations for grounding systems we can find that according to paragraph 15.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE GROUNDING SYSTEM (RETIE) The connections that go below ground level (grounding), must be made with exothermic welding or connector certified for direct burial according to the IEEE 837 standard or the NTC 2206 standard.

Grounding connectors

The connectors for grounding systems allow to fix or connect the cable or conductor that transmits the leakage current to the rod that is responsible for deriving the current through the ground, protecting equipment and people from the related risks.

Among the grounding connectors we can find a variety according to the needs of the project, it is important as mentioned above according to the regulations on these systems, that the connectors are certified according to the standards described.

Next, we present the characteristics of the 5 most used connectors in grounding systems:

Wedge type connector

The wedge-type connector or type C connector is designed with a “C”-shaped body and a rigid wedge that allows permanent fastening or tightening between the rod of the grounding system and the cable or conductor.

These connectors are designed with materials that extend the useful life of the connector and protect it against the effects of corrosion in addition to providing high conductivity.

Screw type connector

The screw type connector is used for the fastening or connection of a wire or conductor cable to a cylindrical grounding rod, this connector has a hexagonal head that allows to apply torque for a tightening or permanent connection installed with a socket wrench or with groove; This system allows to ensure a fastening that supports climatic effects such as an atmospheric discharge.

This type of connectors for grounding systems are made with a copper body, (the percentage of the material varies in each manufacturer); or bronze and the tightening screw in copper or stainless steel.

Cross wedge connector

The transverse wedge type connector is designed for the fastening or connection between the rod of the grounding system and the cable or conductor, its spring-type connection system provides permanent tightening.

This wedge type connector is manufactured with a stainless steel outer component and a copper inner component which provides greater resistance to corrosion as well as easier installation.

Compression type connector

The compression connector in "C" or "G" allows the permanent connection between a grounding rod and a cable or conductor, this type of connector is made of copper and has a high resistance to corrosion.

The compression fitting requires installation with a specialized tool such as a hydraulic plier or specialized pliers to obtain a secure and permanent tightening.

U-bolt connector

The U-shaped screw connector for grounding systems allows for a fixed connection between a rod and a cable or conductor in parallel or at 90°. This connector or clamp has high electrical conductivity and high resistance to corrosion with an easy installation system, since only a wrench or similar is required.

Importance of the grounding system in instrument transformers

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