What are the 5 IEC types of earthing systems ?

Title: What are the 5 IEC Types of Earthing Systems?

Earthing is a critical aspect of electrical engineering, and it is essential to ensure the safety and stability of electrical installations. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has established a set of standards for earthing systems. In this article, we will discuss the 5 different types of earthing systems defined by the IEC in a simple and easy-to-understand manner.

What are the 5 IEC types of earthing systems?

The IEC has defined five different types of earthing systems, each with its own unique characteristics and applications. These systems are:

Type 1 - TN-S System:

The Type 1 earthing system is also known as a three-phase system. It consists of a grounding fault circuit breaker (GFCB), a neutral ground, and three phases of conductive earthing. The grounding fault circuit breaker is a device that protects people from electrical faults by automatically disconnecting the power supply in the event of a fault. The neutral ground is a point of common reference for all three phases of the system.

Type 2 - TT System:

The Type 2 earthing system is also known as a two-phase system. It consists of a grounding fault circuit breaker (GFCB), a neutral ground, and two phases of conductive earthing. The grounding fault circuit breaker is a device that protects people from electrical faults by automatically disconnecting the power supply in the event of a fault. The neutral ground is a point of common reference for all two phases of the system.

Type 3 - IT System:

The Type 3 earthing system is also known as an-at-source (GAS) system. It consists of a grounding fault circuit breaker (GFCB), a neutral ground, and a three-phase earthing circuit. The grounding fault circuit breaker is a device that protects people from electrical faults by automatically disconnecting the power supply in the event of a fault. The neutral ground is a point of common reference for all three phases of the system.

Type 4 - TP System:

The Type 4 earthing system is also known as a three-phase system with a neutral-no-ground (N-N) configuration. It consists of a grounding fault circuit breaker (GFCB), a neutral ground, and three phases of conductive earthing. The grounding fault circuit breaker is a device that protects people from electrical faults by automatically disconnecting the power supply in the event of a fault. The neutral ground is a point of common reference for all three phases of the system.

Type 5 - TN-C System:

The Type 5 earthing system is also known as a three-phase system with a neutral-ground (N-G) configuration. It consists of a grounding fault circuit breaker (GFCB), a neutral ground, and three phases of conductive earthing. The grounding fault circuit breaker is a device that protects people from electrical faults by automatically disconnecting the power supply in the event of a fault. The neutral ground is a point of common reference for all three phases of the system.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the IEC has defined five different types of earthing systems to ensure the safety and stability of electrical installations. Each type of earthing system has its unique characteristics and applications in various industries. It is essential to understand the different types of earthing systems and their applications to ensure the safety of electrical installations.