6.5.4.3 Selection of earth electrode materials

Commonly used earth electrode materials and their minimum dimensions are listed in Table 6.5.4.2.2.

Hot-dip galvanised steel
Hot-dip galvanised steel can also be embedded in concrete. Foundation earth electrodes, earthing and equipotential bonding conductors made of galvanised steel in concrete may be connected with reinforcing bars and rebar mat.

Steel with copper sheath
Damage to the copper sheath, however, presents a high risk of corrosion for the steel core. Therefore, a completely closed copper layer must always be applied.

Bare copper
Bare copper is very resistant due to its position in the electrochemical series. In addition, when combined with earth electrodes or other systems in the ground made of 'less noble' materials (e.g. steel), it is additionally cathodically protected, but at the expense of the 'less noble' metals.