Earthing

Earthing equipment provides a low-resistance path for fault current to flow safely to earth, helping protective devices operate and reducing the risk of electric shock. We stock 3/8 inch and 5/8 inch copper earth rods, 5/8 inch galvanised earth rods, matching rod clamps and a 5/8 inch copper rod coupler.

The range also includes galvanised, PVC and plastic earth inspection boxes, a general earth clamp and green/yellow earth sleeving in 2mm, 3mm and 4mm sizes on 100 metre rolls. Trade account holders get trade pricing, with next working day delivery to NI and ROI on stock items ordered by 5pm.

QEPIPPLA In-Stock

Plastic Inspection Kit

£54.34 inc. VAT

GYE2 In-Stock

2mm Earth Sleeving (100 metres per pack)

£7.16 inc. VAT

ER38 In-Stock

3/8" Copper Earth Rod

£2.70 inc. VAT

ER38C In-Stock

3/8" Copper Earth Rod Clamp

£2.11 inc. VAT

QES3 In-Stock

3mm Earth Sleeving (100 metres per roll)

£8.18 inc. VAT

QES4 In-Stock

4mm Earth Sleeving (100 metres per roll)

£11.34 inc. VAT

ER58 In-Stock

5/8" Copper Earth Rod

£7.14 inc. VAT

ER58C In-Stock

5/8" Copper Earth Rod Clamp

£3.96 inc. VAT

GER58 In-Stock

5/8" Galvanised Earth Rod

£8.40 inc. VAT

GER58C In-Stock

5/8" Galvanised Earth Rod Clamp

£1.80 inc. VAT

GEC14 In-Stock

Earth Clamp

£0.90 inc. VAT

EIB In-Stock

Galvanised Earth Inspection Box

£24.00 inc. VAT

E/BOX In-Stock

PVC Earth Box

£2.58 inc. VAT

ER58J In-Stock

5/8" Copper Earth Rod Coupler

£1.20 inc. VAT

Choosing earthing equipment

A reliable earth is fundamental to electrical safety. The right components depend on the earthing arrangement of the supply, the soil conditions and the type of installation.

Earth rods

Earth rods are driven into the ground to form an earth electrode, commonly used on TT supplies, outbuildings, farm buildings, and for some lightning protection and generator installations.

Copper earth rods offer good conductivity and corrosion resistance, and are widely used for long-term installations.
Galvanised earth rods are an alternative suited to many general applications.
Couplers join rods end to end so you can drive deeper to reach lower-resistance ground.

The 3/8 inch rods suit lighter installations, while 5/8 inch rods are sturdier and easier to drive to greater depths.

Clamps and inspection boxes

Use a rod clamp that matches the rod diameter and material to connect the earthing conductor. Fit an inspection box at ground level so the connection remains accessible for testing and is protected from damage. Galvanised boxes give extra mechanical strength in driveways and yards, while PVC and plastic versions suit lighter-duty areas.

Earth sleeving

Green/yellow sleeving is used to identify and insulate bare protective conductors, such as the earth in twin and earth cable at terminations. Pick a size that fits snugly over the conductor.

Testing and compliance

Measure earth electrode resistance after installation using suitable electrical testing equipment, and confirm that the protective devices will operate within the required times. TT systems generally rely on RCDs for fault protection. For the earthing conductor itself, see our single core cable. Always follow current wiring regulations (BS 7671) and any network operator requirements.

Meteor Electrical has been family-run for over 40 years, with 5,000+ products in stock. Delivery is free over £30 / €35 ex VAT, and our team is available on 028 8675 1515 (048 8675 1515 from ROI), weekdays 8am to 5pm.

FAQ's Ask Your Own Question

What is Earthing Equipment?: If there is a malfunction in your electrical system, touching a live metal element could result in an electric shock. This is due to the possibility that electricity will use your body as a conduit between the living and earth parts.

Earthing is a technique for preventing electric shocks. It accomplishes this by providing a conduit for a fault current to flow to ground (a protective conductor). It also causes the protective device (either a circuit breaker or a fuse) to turn off the power to the circuit with the fault.

The purpose is to make sure all your electrical installation is safe.
What happens if equipment is not earthed?: Metal enclosures can be seen on a variety of electrical appliances, including cookers, washing machines, and refrigerators. If a live wire inside an appliance, such as a cooker, came loose and touched the metal enclosure, you'd suffer an electric shock.
Why is Earthing Important?: Earthing is necessary to ensure the protection of humans from electrical shock. Earthing helps to prevent damage to the equipment caused by high currents and improves the reliability of the electrical system.
When do I need an earth rod?: An earth rod is typically needed where the supply does not provide an earth terminal for the consumer, known as a TT system, which is common in rural areas. Rods are also used for outbuildings, generators and some lightning protection systems. Check the supply arrangement and current wiring regulations to confirm what is required.
Should I choose a copper or galvanised earth rod?: Copper earth rods offer good conductivity and corrosion resistance, making them a popular choice for long-term installations. Galvanised rods are a practical alternative for many general applications. Soil conditions, project specification and expected lifespan all influence the choice, so check the design requirements before ordering.
How deep should an earth rod be driven?: The required depth depends on soil resistivity and the earth electrode resistance needed for the installation. Rods are often driven to a depth where the resistance is low and stable, and couplers allow extra lengths to be added. Test the electrode resistance after installation to confirm it meets the design and current wiring regulations.