Earthing: parts, performances, cabling and impacts on electronic systems

Electronic systems, according to their manufacturers, require a very good “earth electrode”. To demonstrate that earthing is not the good solution, but grounding is necessary for the electronics, the authors first study the use of earth electrodes, from “security” to “working”. In this use, they define the absolute necessity of a equipotential grounding network. They present a measure of the earthing resistance and present results of experimental measures of earthing impedance as a function of frequency. Finally, they demonstrate the absolute impracticality (always as a function of frequency) of shielded groundings or earthings. They also give simple advices aimed at improving the equipotentiality of electronic systems grounding