ABSTRACT
The planet formed around 4.57 billion years ago and ‘shortly’ thereafter acquired its single natural satellite, the Moon. Its astronomical symbol consists of a circled cross, representing a meridian and the equator. ‘Earthing’ therefore is a process that is used to connect all of the parts that could become charged to the general mass of Earth, and in so doing provide a path for fault currents which will hold these parts as close as possible to Earth potential. An ‘earthing system’, on the other hand, defines the electrical potential of the conductors relative to that of the Earth's conductive surface. It should be noted the choice of earthing system has implications for the safety and electromagnetic compatibility of the power supply. The main advantage to earthing is that the whole electrical system is tied to the potential of the general mass of Earth and cannot float at another potential.
