Main Difference Between Earthing and Grounding
The main difference between Earthing and Grounding is, that Earthing is the connection of the body of electrical equipment to the ground or earth and Grounding is the connection of a terminal of an electrical source to the Zero potential respect to earth or ground. Or we can say earthing is the physical connection to the earth but the grounding may not physical connection directly to the earth.
I think you may not understand the above statement. Don't worry we will discuss this in detail in the below paragraph. Many differences can be written on the basis of many things but you should know the main difference between the Earthing and Grounding.
I read some books that say that Earthing and Grounding are the same. These words are used in different countries. Such as, in Britain, and European countries Earthing word is used and in North American sites Grounding word is used.
Anyway, today we will discuss the differences between Earthing and Grounding which are given in most of the books.
EARTHING
Earthing is the connection between the body of any electrical equipment to the earth or we can say when any dead part(which does not conduct any current in normal condition) of an electrical system is connected to the earth then it is called Earthing.
Why we need Earthing?
1. Earthing is mainly used to protect humans and animals from electrical shock.
2. Earthing is also used to protect electrical equipment from damage from overvoltage, short circuits, leakage, lightning, etc.
3. Suppose for any reason, the live wire has touched to the body of the electrical equipment, so in this case, if we touch the equipment we will get the electrical shock, but if the body of the equipment is connected to the earth then we will not get shocked even after touching the equipment.
Where we do Earthing?
1. In substations, houses, and offices the earthing is used with the electrical equipment to avoid electrical shock.
2. The topmost wire of the transmission line is used for earthing. The topmost wire of the transmission line is called earth wire. This wire or conductor is not connected to any equipment, it is only connected to the earth. Here the earthing is provided to protect the other conductors of the transmission from the Lightning. When lightning occurs, the produced electrons or charges due to lightning are discharged through the earth wire.
GROUNDING
When a terminal of an electrical source or live part(which conducts current in normal conditions) of an electrical system is connected to any zero potential point with respect to the earth then it is called Grounding. For example, the neutral of the three-phase system or single-phase system is connected to the earth.
Why we need Grounding?
1. The Grounding is mainly used to balance the three-phase system. Suppose in a three-phase system, three different loads are connected which draws different currents. So, in this case, an unbalanced current will flow. If the system is unbalanced then the Transformer will be heated quickly and may be damaged. If we connect the neutral to the ground then the system will be balanced.
2. To keep the neutral point at Zero Potential, neutral grounding is used.
3. Grounding is also used to provide a return path from load to source.
Where we do Grounding?
1. In substations, the neutral of the power transformers are connected to the earth.
2. In generating stations the neutral of the generators is connected to the earth.
3. In the older days, In the DC transmission system the negative terminal of the generator was connected to earth.
Difference between Earthing and Grounding:
I have tried to explain to you the difference in the below figure. So, look closely at the image below to understand easily,
As you see in the above figure, in a substation the secondary of the transformer is star-connected. The neutral point is connected to the earth or ground, it is called Grounding. Again you can see on the Load side, that the body of the load is connected to the earth which is called Earthing. So you may understand, what is the actual difference between earthing and grounding.
Let's see the difference between Grounding and Earthing at a glance,
Earthing VS Grounding:
SL NO. | Earthing | Grounding |
1. | Earthing is used to protect the humans and animals from electrical shock | Grounding is used to balance the three-phase system and to keep the neutral zero potential. |
2. | Earthing cannot handle the system if overvoltage occurs. | Grounding can handle the system if overvoltage occurs. |
3. | Earthing is mainly done with the dead part of the electrical system. | Grounding is mainly done with the Live part of the electrical system. |
4. | Earthing is always done with the body and enclosure of electrical equipment. | Grounding is always done with the neutral terminal, not anybody or enclose, etc. |
5. | Earthing is used to discharge the current which exists in the body, encloser of electrical equipment. | Grounding provides a return path from the load to the source. |
6. | Generally, the green wire is used for Earthing. | Generally, the black wire is used for Grounding. |
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Main Difference Between Earthing and Grounding
Reviewed by Author
on
February 26, 2019
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Reviewed by Author
on
February 26, 2019
Rating: