Electrical system safety is one of the most critical needs of buildings and facilities. Equipotential bonding systems play a vital role in preventing major disasters such as fires, especially in the event of electrical overload. As an indispensable part of quadruple protection under IEC 62305 standards, this system has become mandatory in all types of electrical installations, including hospitals, schools, and factories.

Also known as a grounding busbar, this system connects all grounding systems within a facility, preventing dangerous voltage differences between any two points. It also ensures the safe grounding of critical systems such as building foundations, communication boxes, water pipes, elevators, and lightning protection. Therefore, it has become an indispensable component of modern electrical infrastructure.

Basic Structure of an Equipotential Busbar

Equipotential busbars essentially consist of a conductive busbar made from 99.9% electrolytic pure copper. Specifically, they are supplied standard with bolts, insulators, and mounting brackets included. Busbar sizes generally range from 30x3 mm to 50x6 mm.

The main components of the system include copper or galvanized busbars. Copper busbars provide maximum conductivity, while galvanized ones comply with grounding regulations. Additionally, tinned busbars can be preferred for special applications.

In terms of connection points, standard busbar holes have a diameter of 8.5 mm, but dimensions and connection specifications can be modified upon special order. Busbars are generally produced in lengths ranging from 200 mm to 500 mm, and the number of connection points varies between 4 and 13.

One of the key considerations in the system's basic structure is the connection of different metals. Therefore, busbars with special covers should be preferred for external and local equipotential bonding. For the reliability of the system, it is crucial that all metal components, power lines, and data lines are at equipotential bonding.

Equipotential bonding busbars, manufactured in accordance with the IEC EN 62561 standard, are an indispensable part of lightning and surge protection systems. System integrity is ensured, particularly through the use of spark gap suppressors and the application of Class B, Class C, and Class D low-voltage surge protectors.

The Role of Safety in Electrical Panels

Equipotential bonding systems in electrical panels play a critical role in ensuring life and property safety. This system is particularly vital in work areas where people might unknowingly act as a bridge between two conductors. In addition, it provides effective protection against lightning and overvoltage events in electrical installations.

The system forms the basis of electrical safety, cutting off the power supply in case of potential faults and preventing electricity from flowing through people. Furthermore, machine bodies, electrical panels, all types of metal pipes, and metal door and window components in the workplace are mechanically protected with grounding conductors and connected to an equipotential bonding bar, thus linking them to the building's grounding system.

One of the most important features of an equipotential bonding system is that it ensures the potential at every point remains the same, even if a fault current occurs. Thus, the risk of electric shock is eliminated because no current will flow through the person bridging two different points with their hands. For the safety of personnel working with large, powerful machines, it is recommended that the surface they are standing on be insulated.

Another important safety feature of the system is its ability to prevent the formation of static electricity. This helps prevent fires caused by static electricity, which pose a significant risk, especially in explosive environments. Furthermore, in the event of a lightning strike, it ensures the immediate grounding of the incoming electrical current through various conductors, thus protecting both the devices and lives.

According to safety standards, electrical installation safety and grounding system periodic measurement inspections must be carried out at least once a year in both large and small workplaces. These inspections ensure the continuous and efficient operation of the system and the maintenance of the safety level.

Installation and Testing Processes

During the assembly and installation process, the correct installation of the equipotential bonding system is of great importance. This process, which must be carried out by companies holding ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004, and ISO 18001:2014 certifications, requires an SMM (Electrical Engineering Machinery) office registration certificate and an "Electrical Grounding Authorization Certificate for Installations Above and Below 1 kV".

Down conductors should be routed to ground via the shortest possible path, avoiding sharp bends. According to standards, conductors should be mounted on the surface at one-meter intervals, and if splices are necessary, thermowelding should be used. The test terminal should be placed 10 cm above the casing pipe and should be made of copper or brass, enclosed in a plastic cover.

In terms of periodic inspections and measurements, electrical measurements and checks should be performed at specific intervals. During these procedures, thermal cameras and specialized remote measurement devices are used. Additionally, the grounding system's protection against leakage current is checked, and the conductivity level is measured using an electrical measuring device.

During system installation, all groundings and metal components must be connected to each other via equipotential bonding bars. Specifically, critical points such as the communication system grounding electrode, the building's foundation grounding, the conductive outer sheaths of communication cables, and the building's steel mesh construction are interconnected.

Conclusion

Consequently, equipotential busbar systems have become an indispensable safety component of modern electrical installations. Especially in critical facilities such as hospitals, schools, and factories, the system plays a key role in ensuring the safety of life and property.

The system's structure, consisting of copper or galvanized busbars, provides effective protection against lightning and overvoltage. This prevents dangerous voltage differences that may occur in electrical panels, thus guaranteeing the safety of employees and equipment.

Correct installation and regular testing processes are crucial for maintaining the system's effectiveness. Furthermore, annual periodic inspections and measurements ensure that installation safety is continuously monitored. This comprehensive approach guarantees maximum safety and performance in electrical systems.

The use of equipotential bonding bars in electrical installations is not only a safety measure but also a fundamental requirement of modern buildings. With proper installation and maintenance according to standards, the system will continue to provide reliable protection for many years.