How is the electrical earthing of aircraft and ships done?

It is good to know that earthing or grounding does not mean that it will always be connected to the ground. By hearing the name, many of us assume that the earthing wire is connected to the ground. It basically refers to the electrical cable whose resistance or impedance is very negligible. As close to zero as a short-circuit fault occurs, excess current can flow through this low-impedance cable. This can be called a shortcut for excess current. So you understand how important this system is. Without this system, the device you use may burn and fry or you may be electrocuted.

Without further ado let’s get straight to the point. The electrical and electronic systems of the aircraft are mainly earthed through the metal body of the aircraft. Aircraft manufacturing companies usually make aircraft metal surfaces with aluminum. And we know that the electrical conductivity of aluminum is very high. When there is a fault in the electrical panel of the aircraft, the excess current reaches the metal body of the aircraft and the electrical system is protected. Most aircraft have static dischargers or static wicks designed to discharge excess electrical charge into the open air.

To better understand the aircraft earthing system you can imagine a lightning strike on an aircraft. Imagine you are flying to Dubai on a cloudy day. Suddenly lightning struck the plane. There may be lightning. According to the pilots of various company’s planes, lightning strikes once every three thousand hours. So what is the way now? Even if there is lightning, you may only perceive light and sound, but you and your fellow passengers have no reason to fear. Because the plane’s electrical system will still be protected. The excess charge from lightning strikes the plane’s metal body and discharges it into the environment through a static discharger.

Hope the issue of earthing in the case of aircraft is now clear. Now what will happen to the ship? Will the same system apply in this case? Yes, in this case it is very much the same. Usually the “hull” of a ship is a solid metal body. Many people may not be familiar with the word “Hal”. “Hull” is the outer structure of the ship which floats on the water surface.

Ship manufacturing companies make these “hulls” out of aluminum or iron. Usually, excess current from the ship’s electrical panels, radio and electronic systems is absorbed by this part called the hull and discharged into the sea water. Because we know that sea salt water conducts electricity. So in this case the sea water will act as a conductor.

This is how earthing systems for ships and aircrafts are basically developed.