Earthing & Bonding Rayleigh

TM Hughes & Son provides a range of Electrical services in Rayleigh, which includes Earthing & Bonding.

About Earthing & Bonding

Earthing and bonding are essential parts of an electrical installation that provide safety against electrical faults.

Earthing connects a system’s non-electrical parts, such as an appliance’s metal casing, directly to the ground. 

Bonding creates electrically conductive pathways between different metal parts of an installation that aren’t meant to carry electricity under normal circumstances. This includes elements like gas and water pipes.

Earthing & bonding ensure safety in a multitude of ways. Firstly, by providing a direct path to the ground, earthing protects individuals from electrical shocks that might occur if a fault in the system causes the non-electrical parts of an installation to become live. 

The earthed system swiftly directs the electrical energy away, minimising the risk.

Similarly, bonding prevents potential differences between metallic parts that someone could touch simultaneously. Connecting these parts together significantly reduces the risk of an electrical shock.

Additionally, earthing and bonding work together to operate circuit protection devices like RCD fuses effectively. 

These safety devices quickly interrupt the electricity supply in the event of a fault, curbing any potential fire hazards from overheating or electric shock risks.

Earthing and bonding protect both individuals and property.

In the UK, the safety protocols for performing electrical work demand that electricians verify the earthing and bonding when working on an existing electrical system. 

This stipulation comes from the British Standard BS 7671, which outlines the safety standards for electrical installations, encompassing everything from earthing to bonding.

Before an electrician modifies or adds components to an existing electrical system, they need to confirm that it is safe for the work to proceed and that any changes will not decrease the safety or functionality of the system. Part of this process includes inspecting the earthing and bonding.

If the electrician discovers that the bonding and earthing do not align with safety standards, they have a duty to inform the person who ordered the work. 

In some circumstances, the electrician may stop additional work until the earthing and bonding issues are addressed.

Earthing & Bonding Checks

It’s recommended that homeowners have a full electrical inspection conducted every 10 years. This inspection is called an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), including checks on earthing and bonding.

For rented properties, landlords are legally required to have these checks carried out every 5 years or at each change of tenancy.

Having the earthing and bonding checked is also recommended if you’re planning major electrical work or significant alterations or additions to your property’s electrical installations.

However, if you notice anything unusual, such as flickering lights, hot outlets, or frequent electrical surges. In that case, it’s crucial to have your electrical system, including the earthing and bonding, checked immediately by a qualified electrician. Please contact us if you need assistance.

TM Hughes & Son Electrical Services Ltd
The Work Lab
Claydons Lane
Rayleigh
SS6 7UP