The earthing system is one of the most critical safety elements of an electrical installation. Its job is simple: when leakage current occurs in an appliance, it carries that current safely into the ground and so protects people from electric shock. Yet in a large share of homes in Türkiye, earthing is either missing or done wrongly.
In a home without earthing, when leakage current appears in a metal-bodied appliance such as a refrigerator, a washing machine or an electric water heater, the current has nowhere to go. The electricity building up on the metal surface tries to reach the ground through the body of whoever touches it. This can range from a slight tingle to a fatal electric shock.
You can make a few simple observations to see whether your earthing works. Check that the earth wire is really connected at the top hole of your three-pin sockets. Look at whether earthed sockets are used in wet rooms such as the bathroom and kitchen. If you feel a tingle from metal water pipes or from the washing machine, that is a serious warning.
For a correct earthing system, the building's main earthing line must be buried in the ground with a galvanized steel or copper rod. The earth resistance must comply with the regulations and is usually kept below two ohms. The earth wire of every socket must be connected without a break to this main earthing point.
In older buildings in particular, the earthing line may have been added later, but its connections may have loosened or broken over time. That is why earthing should be measured periodically. A qualified electrician can test your system with an earth resistance meter.
In short, earthing is an invisible protector. Its cost is low and the safety it gives is priceless. Having your home's earthing checked today can prevent an accident tomorrow.
