The safest system in grounding is the equipotential system. In this system all groundings and metal sections are connected to each other by means of equipotential bus bars. The voltage difference that might occur at any two points in the installation is prevented, and equipotential is provided at all points.
While connecting the lightning protection system with the equipotential system it is required to take precautions against overvoltages that might occur. For this purpose, an “internal lightning conductor” (overvoltage impact protection) must be included in this system. Otherwise, electric-electronic systems and equipment are at great risk. While connecting different grounding to each other, the connection must be established through the potential equalizers.
Points to Connect to the Grounding Joining Conductor:
Communication system conductor rod
Foundation grounding of the building
Conductive external shields of communication cables
Steel mesh construction of building
Potable water and drain pipes made of conductive material
Central heating system
Rail system grounding
Grounding conductor for antenna installations
Grounding conductors of overvoltage protection devices
Lightning protection grounding of buildings
Gas lines inside buildings (only for potential equalization)
Protective conductors (PE)
PEN conductors
Star points of low voltage side transformers at voltages over 1kV
Note: All metal sections of steel cage constructions in particular must be grounded so that a good grounding effect is obtained. Other suitable constructions that are installed underground or contact the ground.
Grounding Resistance Reducing Powder
Ions enable electrical flow in the ground. The grounding system and its surroundings must be able to regulate rapid ion flow. If the movement of ions in the ground is low, the resistance will be high and the current will not flow easily. In an ideal grounding system, grounding resistance must be as low as possible in order for the electrical current to easily flow through the ground. However, it is not always possible to reach the desired grounding resistance. Grounding resistance reducing powder (TDM) is a material that increases conductivity, and serves to reduce the grounding resistance in all types of ground (rocky, sandy). It is the ideal material for ground with weak conductivity.
General characteristics:
Maintains the resistance obtained throughout the life of the system.
Doesn’t dissolve or decompose over time.
Increases freezing resistance by about 10%.
No need for periodical checks.
Only one person is needed to prepare and apply it.
Doesn’t have a harmful effect on the ground or pollute underground water.
Advantages of Grounding Resistance Reducing Powder Compared to Coal and Salt:
When two different metals are side by side, a potential difference occurs between them due to the difference of ion numbers between metals. This difference causes the metals to act like a battery and ion flow to form. This is called “galvanic corrosion”. Due to the electrochemical potential between coal and copper, coal gains copper’s ions. The number of ions decreases over time in the copper, and this causes the copper to lose its characteristics. The electrolyte formed when salt combines with water leads to corrosion in the copper and decomposes it. The amount of salt contained in the underground water is decreased and wastes away over time.