New generation grounding systems to drive the earthing demand

Explaining the significance of quality installation for earthing and lightening protection, leading solution providers highlight the changes being witnesses with technological upgradation for safe earthing.

Earthing/ lightning protection solutions are based on the safety and grounding of equipment. Hence, that the business of protecting infrastructures from electrical and lightning hazards has become the need of the hour. In last few years, product range with better design and bifurcating are available as per market needs. The solutions are in sync with customer-centric operation. 

Earthing and lighting protection solutions

The major innovations are on the way which includes upgrading the core material of grounding system with its research and development underway and offering are the best in terms of quality and design, says Priyank Verma, Director, Earthing Solution Pvt. Ltd. Such offerings include new copper electrode with remarkable new designs, recently developed premium quality chemical mixtures, a new generation lightning protection system, with a range of surge protection devices for every need and the list goes on.

Moreover, the reason for doing earthing in electrical network is for the safety. When all metallic parts in electrical equipment are grounded then if the insulation inside the equipment fails there are no dangerous voltages present in the equipment case. Considering the safety benefits of Earthing, Md Javed, Director, Earthelectro Earthing Power Solutions Pvt. Ltd. remarks, the most important is the safety for human life/building/equipment. Earthing do provide over voltage protection and voltage stabilisation.

Voltage surges are generated in different ways because of lightning. The circuit that gets protected from lightning strokes with the help of a certain device is called lightning arresters. Lightning arrester diverts the abnormal high voltage to the ground without affecting the continuity of supply. It is connected between the line and earth. Lighting Arresters are typically installed near critical electronic appliances or points of entry, such as an electrical panel or near a generator. Arresters protect the system from damaging effects of lightning. 

When potentially harmful lightning strikes, the arrester proves to be advantageous. Counting on benefits Javed is of view that lighting arrester allows the surge current to flow really quickly to the ground. They are made of stainless steel, best for corrosive environment. They also lasts longer, with high durability.

Technology impacting demand for earthing systems

In the recent past, the Indian subcontinent has witnessed a paradigm shift in technologies related to grounding. Gone are the days of conventional systems which had a very unpromising product lifecycle. Priyank mentions, in the last two decades, the new generation grounding system has captured the market. Ignoring bad practices and elements in the market about cheap quality products, this shift is probably the best thing happening to Indian grounding market ever since its inception. People can now rely on their earthing system with minimal maintenance and overlook.

As the impressive report by Market Research Future indicates – the Indian market for earthing equipment is bound to grow. With the country’s pledge for ‘Make in India’ indigenous production of different kinds of electrical equipment earthing and lightining protection are to be started here soon says, Javed adding that also, because of our achievement of cent per cent electrification, and drive for renewable power generation (in many cases decentralised) the use of electrically operated equipment will grow to a large extent in the coming days. Naturally, the demand for earthing is bound to increase.

Designing and selecting earthing/ lightning protection system

For grounding and lightning protection technology in PADE, Priyank is of view that PADE covers all critical aspect of providing the perfect lightning protection system. When it comes to grounding and lightning protection, first letter P in PADE stands for Product, which is ‘New Generation ES Lightning Protection System’ which works on early streamer emission technology (ionising lightning rod). This technology allows the arrestor to get charged by surrounding thunderstorm and throw an upward leader to allow a connection point with the downward leader of a cloud to ground lightning, allowing it to provide an impressive protection range of upto 120 meters. 

Second term on PADE, A-stands for Assessment which is critically important to do, Risk assessment of the infrastructure based on national and international standards allow to make suitable recommendations to the end user. This helps in avoiding errors in the system. The third term D stands of Designing, which is an integral part of the entire lightning protection system as it may vary from customer to customer or infrastructure to infrastructure.

Lastly, E stands for execution which is equally important because without correct execution of the first three part of PADE, everything can prove to be a waste of resources. So, altogether we have devised on point technologies in our product and services to provide what our customers deserve-the perfect best.

While designing and selecting earthing/ lightning protection system essential aspects to be considered according to Javed are Limiting voltage, Grounding of metallic parts, Static electricity, Direct lightning strokes, Induced lightning voltages and Low resistance ground connections.

To specifically take into account the reference to the IS / IEC 62305 Standard for: Mesh size; Radius of the rolling sphere; Angle of protection; Distance between two Down Conductors and best Material Selection for utmost safety along with cost-effectiveness.

New materials and technologies implemented to ensure safety in earthing/ lightning protection devices

The country is witnessing an increase in acceptance and demand for these products and services. There is an extensive reach in expanding infrastructure and improving the supply chain to cater the fierce demand and this rise will continue to grow in this developing economy. Priyank believes in constantly upgrading and developing new products that are distributed to clientele pan India in nearly every potential sector.

The products are designed with learning from over a million mistakes, incomparable engineering, deep analysis of the market and extensive research of the needs and demands of the market and for each dedicated sector. All galvanised iron and other low quality material products are being scrapped and mostly all copper and copper bronze heavy-duty product range is being introduced. 

Considering five elements that need to be in place to provide an effective lightning protection system, Javed says, strike termination devices must be suitable to accept direct lightning attachment and patterned to accept strikes before they reach insulated building materials. Cable conductors route lightning current over and through the construction, without damage, between strike terminations at the top and the grounding electrode system at the bottom. 

Industry and consumers response to safety devices

The future prospect of lightning protection grounding solutions market is quite promising. Further, big international players also stepping in the game in Indian subcontinent. Priyank further adds that, India is on the verge of being a five trillion economy; we are yet to witness the booming rise in infrastructure development. 

Electricity has become such a vital part of our everyday lives that we sometimes forget the danger and threats that it can pose if not handled with care. Javed is of view the best electricians should advise customers on best practices when it comes to making home safe. Installing and maintaining such electrical safety devices in home will protect the human lives at large.

 

We believe in the development and improvement of innovative products that are distributed to clients across India in practically every possible industry.
Priyank Verma, Director, Earthing Solution Pvt. Ltd 

The use of electrically operated equipment will develop to a considerable level in the coming days as the demand for renewable energy generation grows.
Md Javed, Director, Earthelectro Earthing Power Solutions Pvt. Ltd