What is Earth Bonding?

As local electricians operating in the Buckhurst Hill we’re often asked questions about electrics. A common question we’re asked is “What is Earth Bonding?”. In this blog we’ll explain what earth bonding is and why it’s important. 

Before we add any type of electrical installation to your home, the first thing we’ll do is check that your existing earthing and bonding is up to standard. It’s an important part of any electrical installation and should never be overlooked. This is because it’s there to protect you against coming into contact with live wires - which of course, can cause fatal electric shocks.

Here’s how it works:

Earthing

If there is a fault in an electrical installation, touching an exposed metal part that has become live could result in an electric shock. This happens because electricity may pass through your body as it travels from the live component to the earth.

Earthing helps protect against electric shock by providing a safe path for fault current to flow to the earth through a protective conductor. This flow of current also activates a protective device, such as a fuse or circuit breaker, which disconnects the power supply to the faulty circuit.

For example, if a cooker develops a fault, the fault current is carried safely to earth through the earthing conductors. The fuse or circuit breaker in the consumer unit then cuts off the electrical supply to the cooker, making it safe to touch.

Bonding

Bonding is used to reduce the risk of electric shocks to anyone who may touch two separate metal parts when there is a fault present within the electrical system. By connecting bonding conductors between particular parts, it reduces voltage levels.

Clever, right? We certainly think so!

What’s the difference between earthing and bonding?

In simple terms, earthing removes fault current by directing it to the ground, while bonding keeps metalwork at the same potential to minimise touch voltage hazards. Together, they provide effective electrical protection.

Can you have one without the other?

Technically speaking, any electrical system can operate without earthing, bonding or the two. However it is extremely dangerous. It would result in a failed EICR, and be considered non compliant. Proper earth bonding is one of the first and most important things you’ll learn while training to be an electrician. Any electrician fitting electrical installations without earth bonding is one you should never re-hire.  

If you’re worried your home is lacking sufficient earth bonding, it’s best to contact your local electrician. If you’re a homeowner in the Buckhurst Hill area, that’s us - Tack Electrical Solutions. Your electrician will likely carry out a full Electrical Installation Condition Report which will flag any areas of concern including lack of or no earth bonding.

If you’d like to speak to a local expert, give us a call on 020 8088 1816. Our friendly team of electricians are always happy to help.