Electrical grounding systems and corrosion

THE object of this paper is to consider the proper conduction of electric currents to the earth resulting in adequate grounding, and also conduction of currents through the earth resulting in corrosion or the prevention of corrosion. The functional objectives in designing an electrical grounding system are to provide a low resistance path for the fault currents to ground, and to provide safety for personnel by limiting the potentials to safe values. This is normal grounding practice and underground corrosion has generally been neglected until a considerable amount of damage has occurred to the primary structure.