In modern electrical systems, safety and reliability are non-negotiable. Yet, one critical aspect often overlooked in project planning and implementation is earthing (or grounding). At Jumba Engineering Services Limited (Jumba Engineering), with over 40 years of experience in electrical contracting, we have seen firsthand how poor earthing can compromise entire systems, endanger lives, and increase operational costs.

Proper earthing is not simply a regulatory requirement — it is the backbone of electrical safety. This article explains why earthing is vital, the international standards guiding it, common challenges in Kenya, and how Jumba Engineering has successfully implemented solutions across projects ranging from commercial malls to solar farms.

What is Earthing and Why Does It Matter?

Earthing is the deliberate connection of electrical systems to the ground. Its purpose is to:

  • Protect people from electric shocks by providing a low-resistance path for fault currents.

  • Protect equipment by preventing damage from surges and lightning strikes.

  • Stabilize voltage levels in power systems.

  • Facilitate circuit protection devices (fuses, MCBs, relays) to operate effectively during faults.

Without effective earthing, an installation is vulnerable to:

  • Fire hazards from undissipated fault currents.

  • Transformer and equipment failures.

  • Malfunctioning protective devices.

  • Dangerous touch and step potentials for workers and end-users.

International and Local Standards

Jumba Engineering designs and installs earthing systems in compliance with internationally recognized standards:

  • IEC 60364 – Electrical Installations of Buildings.

  • IEEE Std 80 – Guide for Safety in AC Substation Grounding.

  • NFPA 70 (NEC) – National Electrical Code grounding requirements.

  • OSHA 2007 (Kenya) – Occupational safety and health regulations.

  • EPRA (Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority) – Kenya’s licensing and compliance body.

For example, IEC guidelines specify that earthing resistance in substations should not exceed 1 Ω, while residential and commercial installations should target values well below 5 Ω.

Common Challenges in Kenya

In our decades of practice, Jumba Engineering has encountered recurring challenges with earthing in Kenya:

  1. Soil Resistivity Issues – Areas with rocky or sandy soils make it harder to achieve low resistance.

  2. Copper Theft – Exposed earthing conductors are vulnerable, leading to unsafe installations.

  3. Poor Maintenance – Many facilities fail to retest their earthing systems annually.

  4. Improper Design – Undersized conductors, lack of equipotential bonding, or shortcut installations.

These issues often result in nuisance tripping, equipment damage, and in worst cases, safety incidents.

Jumba Engineering’s Approach to Effective Earthing

At Jumba Engineering, our Safety-First Engineering Approach ensures earthing is not treated as an afterthought but as a core design element. Our methodology includes:

  • Soil Resistivity Testing – using Wenner 4-point method before design.

  • Proper Conductor Sizing – in line with IEC 60364 and KEBS standards.

  • Equipotential Bonding – ensuring metallic parts, structures, and systems are bonded to prevent dangerous potentials.

  • Lightning Protection Integration – combined earthing for surge protection (IEC 62305).

  • Annual Testing and Maintenance – insulation resistance, continuity, and earth resistance measurements.

Case Study: Two Rivers Mall Substation Earthing Reinstatement

One of our flagship projects involved earthing reinstatement at the Two Rivers Mall substation. The existing installation suffered from high resistance due to corroded copper conductors and poor bonding.

Our Solution:

  • Conducted soil resistivity surveys.

  • Installed a new earthing ring using copper-clad steel rods with corrosion-resistant connections.

  • Achieved a resistance level of 0.8 Ω, well within IEC thresholds.

  • Integrated lightning protection and surge arrestors.

Impact:

  • Enhanced safety for tenants and visitors.

  • Prevented future transformer trips.

  • Extended the lifespan of switchgear and distribution systems.

Best Practices for Clients

If you are a developer, property manager, or facility owner, here are best practices Jumba Engineering recommends:

  1. Engage a licensed contractor (EPRA A1, NCA1) for all electrical installations.

  2. Conduct soil resistivity tests before construction begins.

  3. Test your earthing system annually, especially in commercial and industrial facilities.

  4. Integrate surge protection for buildings in lightning-prone areas (common in Kenya’s highlands).

  5. Secure conductors with anti-theft measures such as concrete-encased earth pits.

Benefits of Proper Earthing

  • Safety: Protects human life from electric shock.

  • Reliability: Ensures equipment and systems operate without nuisance trips.

  • Compliance: Meets regulatory and insurance requirements.

  • Cost Savings: Prevents equipment damage and reduces downtime.

  • Peace of Mind: Knowing your facility is protected from electrical hazards.

Why Choose Jumba Engineering?

With over 40 years of proven excellence, Jumba Engineering is one of Kenya’s most trusted names in electrical contracting and installations. Our team of EBK-registered engineers and EPRA-licensed contractors has successfully delivered earthing systems for malls, universities, farms, resorts, and government institutions nationwide.

We don’t just install — we design, test, certify, and maintain systems that meet the highest safety and performance standards.

Conclusion

Proper earthing is not optional — it is essential for safety, compliance, and reliability. At Jumba Engineering, we take pride in offering end-to-end earthing and electrical installation services backed by international standards and decades of experience.

📧 Contact us today at jes@jesltd.co.ke or click Request a Quote to ensure your next project is built on a safe and solid foundation