Earthing of ROSA anodised aluminium columns

Earthing is not just a technical requirement, but a key element to ensure the reliability and safety of your installation. Learn why proper earthing of anodised aluminium columns is important and how to do it effectively.

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Earthing of ROSA anodised aluminium columns

What is earthing and why is it necessary?

Earthing is a fundamental element of securing electrical installations, including metal structures such as lighting columns. Its task is to equalise the column's potential with the surrounding ground, thus protecting against electric shock.

What does this translate to?

Protection against electric shock

Earthing, by discharging the electric charge to the ground, minimises the risk of electric shock.

Stability and longevity of the installation

Thanks to the earthing, the electrical installation is less exposed to electrical discharges or accumulated electrical charge, which has a positive effect on the service life of individual system components.

Compliance with standards

In all European Union countries, applicable building and electrical regulations require that lighting installations be properly grounded. Ensuring effective earthing not only ensures user safety, but also full compliance with applicable legal standards and technical throughout the EU.

Aluminium and earthing

The electrochemical anodising process creates a layer of aluminium oxide on the surface of aluminium. This layer significantly increases corrosion resistance and improves the aesthetic value of the material.

However, aluminium oxide is an insulating compound, which means that the anodised aluminium surface becomes electrically non-conductive. This may require additional consideration when designing the earthing system. By selecting appropriate mounting hardware, such as screws, washers or nuts made from compatible materials such as brass or stainless steel, you can take full advantage of the benefits of anodised aluminium while still providing an effective and safe connection to the earthing system.

Earthing methods for ROSA lighting columns

At ROSA, we have developed proven solutions that enable easy and safe earthing of anodised aluminium columns, thanks to which they retain their properties and serve for many years.

Earthing option 1

The first method involves screwing the earthing wire with an M8 bolt into the hole in the lower lock of the wiring chamber.
This location allows easy access to the bolt and thus allows for quick assembly and maintenance.

This option uses the following elements:

Bolt M8x25 A4 – Fastener made of A4 stainless steel, resistant to corrosion and weather conditions.
Guarantees durability and reliability of the mechanical connection.  

Washer for M8 A4 DIN 6798A – a springy fan washer with external teeth, made of A4 stainless steel.
Increases the stability of the connection, preventing it from loosening under vibrations or oscillation. 

M8 A4 DIN 125 washer – Standard flat washer made of A4 stainless steel. Distributes loads evenly across the surface,
protecting it from deformation and mechanical damage. 

M8 A4 DIN934 Nut – Hexagonal nut made of A4 stainless steel, corrosion resistant. Ensures a durable and safe connection of elements,
preventing loosening even in difficult operating conditions.

Earthing option 2

An alternative to the earthing used in the wiring chamber is the additional earthing provided as standard in the column base-plate.
This solution can be used especially in the case of  of earthing of columns using a hoop iron.
It involves screwing the hoop iron to the foot of the column using M8 bolt taken from the column wiring chamber (option 1)
 and screwed into the hole made in the base-plate. If option 1 is used the hole will remain closed with a plastic plug.
In the case of columns secured with elastomer, the electrical connection is made via the thread.

The second earthing option includes:

Bolt M8x25 A4 – Fastener made of A4 stainless steel, resistant to corrosion and weather conditions.
Guarantees durability and reliability of the mechanical connection. (We use the same in the first option).

Washer for M8 A4 DIN 125 – Standard flat washer made of A4 stainless steel. Distributes loads evenly on the surface,
protecting it from deformation and mechanical damage. (The same one we use in the first option). 

Hoop iron – Flat electrical conductor made of galvanised or stainless steel, used in earthing systems.
Thanks to its width and low conduction resistance, it effectively distributes the earthing potential, ensuring safe discharge of the current to the ground.