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Earthing and bonding, explained

Earthing is part of what turns an electrical fault into a tripped breaker instead of a shock. Most people never see it.

Earthing provides a path for fault current to flow safely to earth, so that if a live conductor touches the metal casing of an appliance, protective devices operate and disconnect the supply. Without a sound earth, the casing could remain live and give a shock to whoever touches it.

Wiring guides explain how circuits are put together and changed, so a quotation or a recommendation is easier to follow.

Bonding connects metal parts such as water and gas pipes to the earthing system so they stay at the same potential and do not create a shock risk between them. Earthing and bonding are tested as part of an electrical inspection. A tingle from metalwork or appliances is a sign they should be checked.

01In short

The points that matter most

  • A safe path for faults

    Earthing lets protective devices disconnect a fault.

  • Bonding equalises metalwork

    Pipes and metal fittings are connected to avoid shock risks.

  • Tested at inspection

    Earth continuity and bonding are measured.

02Detail

How they are checked

  • Earth continuity

    Testing that each circuit’s earth conductor is intact.

  • Bonding connections

    Checking clamps and conductors on pipework.

  • Protective device operation

    Ensuring devices disconnect faults as intended.

  • Outdoor metalwork

    Garden lights, pool equipment and metal gates near water are places where earthing and bonding matter most and are worth checking after any outdoor work.

03Checklist

Signs to act on

  • Tingles from metalwork

    Taps, rails or appliance casings.

  • Removed bonding clamps

    Often after plumbing work.

  • Two-pin adaptors

    Used to bypass earth pins.

04Questions

Questions people ask

Can plumbing work affect bonding?
Yes. Replacing metal pipes with plastic or removing clamps can change bonding arrangements.
Do all appliances need earth?
Many metal-cased appliances do; double-insulated ones are designed differently.
Is an earth fault urgent?
A missing or faulty earth should be addressed promptly.
What does an earth test involve?
Measurements of the earth path and of each circuit’s protective conductor, made with the installation safely isolated where required.

05Related

Related guides

This guide sits under electrical wiring. All topics are on the guides page.

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