GI Strip Earthing VS Copper Plate Earthing – Which Is Better?
GI Strip Earthing VS Copper Plate Earthing – Which Is Better?
What is Earthing?
An earthing or grounding system refers to the setup that connects an electric power system and the earth or ground, typically the earth’s conductive surface. The arrangement is made mainly for safety and functional purposes. The lightning rod on tall structures, helps to channelise the power to the ground after being hit by lightning. The metal structure of the telegraph line is directly bolted to the ground and uses earth as one conductor. Incase of small buildings, an earthing system is installed while constructing.
What is GI Earthing?
In case of GI earthing, galvanised steel strips are placed as buried under the ground, connecting the electrical system. Main component for the strips is steel and a galzanised coating of Zinc on top makes them more durable and corrosion resistant. The buried system provides a low resistance path and syphon any electrical fault or surges to the ground. It is widely used in industrial as well as residential structures to fence any hazard to human or any electrical equipment.
What is Copper Earthing?
In this technique, a copper plate is used as it is a great electrode due to high conductivity. The plate is located in the underground pit. The electrical system is connected with the plate through copper wires. The plate is embedded in the earth hole at a minimum depth of 3 metres. Soil’s condition plays an important role for the process. Depending on the soil-moisture, the copper plate is placed in the underground pit. The ideal condition is a constant damp one.
What is the Formula of Resistivity?
To build a earthing system, formula of resistivity is the main base. It involves many factors that has a direct influence. Let’s have a brief understanding.
When a potential difference is applied across an object (conductor), the electrons start moving, which produces a current in the object. During this movement of electrons, they collide with other electrons too, which causes some opposition to the flow of electrons, this phenomenon of opposing the flow of electrons is known as Resistance. The resistivity of a material is defined as the resistance of a conductor of material per unit length and per unit cross-sectional area at a particular temperature. Resistivity also depends upon the nature of the material and temperature as well.
Formula: ρ = (RA)/l
Where, ρ (rho) = Unit of Resistivity
R = Resistance
A = Area of cross-section
l = Length of material
What are the important factors in GI Strip Earthing vs Copper Plate Earthing?
There are several factors which need to be considered while choosing the system.
- Conductivity: For both earthing technique, the ability to sustain any mechanical interference is excellent. They can provide a high level of conductivity too.
- Corrosion Resistant: In case of GI strips, the galvanised coating of Zinc makes it resistant from any harsh effect of pest or insect and also weather conditions. Whereas, Copper plates are manufactured from pure copper, which makes it immune to corrosion.
- Strength: The GI strips are produced from steel, which possesses a great strength to sustain any heavy duty. On the other hand, the sturdiness of copper is no lesser than the GI strips in any way. For earthing system, the strength of the element is a major factor because it involves in the construction process.
- Installation: The procedure of installing both GI strip and Copper plate, is equally arduous. Both of them are installed while building. Only the placement of them are different from each other. The GI strip is placed in the peripheral of the structure frame. Whereas the copper plate is placed in an underground hole.
- Cost effective: In this factor, the GI strip beats the Copper plate. As the galvanised strip is manufactured from steel, it is more budget friendly. On the other hand, the Copper plate is made from pure copper, which costs more than steel.
- Lifespan: As a metallic element, copper and steel both have a long lifespan without any jeopardy. The average lifespan for both of these metals ranges from 20-30 years, which makes them ideal material for earthing system.
Finally, we can say that both system have advantages of different types. Based on the requirement and location, the technique is implicated.
With all the above information, it is easy to choose which element is a better one for your requirements. A professional help can also suggest the best technique for the requirement.
Pinax steel manufacture the GI earthing strips with best quality steel. For a detailed understanding, feel free to contact us.