Flat conductor as part of the earthing system
Flat conductors play a key role in the safe operation of electrical systems and the protection of people.
They are used as down conductors in lightning protection, in earthing systems and for ring equipotential bonding. As a part of the earthing system, they form the basis for the safe function of the system by creating a low-impedance connection to the surrounding earth and preventing dangerous potential differences. If a light-ning protection system has been installed, the down conductors are also connected to the earthing system and the energy-rich lightning currents distributed in the earth.
Depending on the area of use and installation conditions, there are different requi-rements for the materials and dimensions:
The 5052 DIN 40x4 steel flat conductor meets the high requirements of IEC 62305 and can be used both as a down conductor and as an earthing conductor. Its large cross-section means that the flat conductor is also suitable for high short-circuit currents, such as those in transformer systems. The galvanised surface, with a zinc coating of ≥ 500 g/m² (approx. 70 µm on average), protects the flat conductor against corrosion.
