Earthing & Bonding Leigh On Sea

Welcome to TM Hughes & Son Electrical Services Ltd. We undertake Earthing & Bonding in Leigh On Sea and the surrounding areas.

Earthing & bonding is an essential safety feature of Electrical Systems and is always fitted when a new electrical installation is undertaken.

How Earthing & Bonding Works

Earthing and bonding both involve creating low-resistance pathways for electric current to travel. 

Earthing safely directs excess current into the earth, giving it a ‘path of least resistance’ to follow rather than passing through a person, which can be fatal. 

Bonding equalises the potential difference (voltage) between two or more conductive materials, thus eliminating the chance of current flowing through a person who touches these materials simultaneously.

Earthing & Bonding When Undertaking Work On An Electrical System

Electricians must check the earthing and bonding when working on an electrical system. 

This is part of their obligations under the UK wiring regulations, known as the British Standard BS 7671. 

These regulations set out the requirements for electrical installations, including earthing and bonding.

When an electrician is making alterations or additions to an existing installation, they are required to verify that the existing system is safe to work on and that any changes they make will not compromise the safety of the installation. 

This includes checking the adequacy of earthing and bonding arrangements.

If electricians discover that the earthing and bonding do not meet the required standards, they must notify the person who hired them.

Electricians may refuse to carry out further work until these safety issues are addressed, as working on an inadequately earthed or bonded system can present serious safety risks.

It’s also worth noting that when substantial work is carried out, such as a complete rewiring, the electrician must provide an Electrical Installation Certificate. 

This confirms that the work has been carried out in accordance with the BS 7671 wiring regulations, including requirements related to earthing and bonding.

Earthing & Bonding Checks For Homeowners & Landlords

For both homeowners and landlords, regular earthing and bonding checks are vital for ensuring the safety and compliance of their properties’ electrical systems. 

These inspections are known as ‘Electrical Installation Condition Reports‘ (EICR)

EICRs verify electrical systems are safe and that electrical currents have a safe route to the ground in the event of a fault, reducing the risk of electric shocks and potential fires. 

Landlords, especially, must have an EICR done every five years or at each tenancy change to rent their property legally. 

Although not legally required, homeowners should consider similar inspections approximately every ten years or when undertaking major electrical work. 

Need Help With Your Earthing & Bonding?

If you require any help with your Earthing & Bonding, please contact us using the phone number or contact form below for a free, no-obligation quote.