6.5.1 Tasks of earthing systems

Earthing systems perform several important tasks that are crucial for the safety and operation of electrical systems and buildings. They are essential components of electrical systems and serve to protect people, livestock and property, as well as ensuring the safe and trouble-free operation of electrical systems. A distinction is drawn between the following types of earthing:

• Protective earthing – Earthing for electrical safety purposes
  Protective earthing is a measure that serves to ensure the safety of persons and equipment by connecting conductive parts of an electrical installation to earth. This means that all touchable, conductive parts that are not part of the operating circuit, such as metal housings, are connected to earth potential in order to prevent excessive touch voltages in the event of a fault.
  Protective equipotential bonding is closely related to protective earthing.