Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. For specific applications, users should consult the official SS 551:2022 document and seek advice from qualified professionals. Compliance with SS 551 does not exempt users from any legal obligations under Singapore law.
By facilitating a high fault current, it triggers protective devices (like circuit breakers and fuses) to disconnect the faulty circuit immediately.
The code distinguishes between two primary types of earthing: System Earthing:
SS 551 Code of Practice for Earthing is a Singapore Standard that provides comprehensive guidance on the design, installation, and maintenance of earthing systems for land-based electrical installations. ss 551 code of practice for earthing
This involves grounding non-current-carrying metallic enclosures, structures, and frames. Its purpose is to:
The central hub or busbar within a building's switchroom where all earthing conductors, bonding conductors, and functional earths are consolidated.
Chapter 7 of the 2009 edition (and incorporated into the 2022 revision) covers consumer installations, including: Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only
Functional earthing or overhead lines between installations.
: Specific clarifications on earthing methods to match the requirements of Singapore’s power grid operators. Common Exclusions It is important to note that SS 551 does Ships, aircraft, or offshore rigs.
What is the of your project? (e.g., data centre, residential high-rise, industrial factory) By facilitating a high fault current, it triggers
One of the most emphasized sections of SS 551 is bonding. This involves connecting all exposed conductive parts (metal pipes, structural steel) to the earthing system to ensure there is no voltage difference between them, which could cause a shock if touched simultaneously. 4. Key Design Considerations
Regulatory requirements mandate periodic inspection and testing of earthing systems. For certain installations, such as EV charging stations, specified persons must ensure inspection at defined intervals (6 months after deployment and thereafter at least every 6 months).
The "earthiness" of the ground varies by location. Designers must often perform soil tests to determine how many electrodes are needed.