Is concrete conductive? What is its role in grounding? This question, which we encounter in the field, is well explained in the standard: TS HD 60364-5-54 Low-voltage electrical installations – Part 5 -54: Selection and erection of electrical equipment – Earthing arrangements and protective conductors. Concrete used for building foundations has a certain conductivity and a fairly large contact area with the soil. Therefore, bare metal electrodes completely embedded in concrete can be used for grounding purposes unless the concrete is isolated from the soil by special thermal insulation or other measures. Due to chemical and physical effects, bare or hot-dip galvanized steel and other metals embedded in concrete to a depth of more than 5 cm are normally highly protected against corrosion for the entire life of the building. Where possible, the conductivity effects of the building reinforcement should also be taken into account. Emre Metin, Electrical Engineer
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