Earth Reference Bars (EBBs)

To ensure earthing compliance in line with HTM06-01 and BS 7671:2008 section 710, for safe hospital design, reducing the risk of electric shock in patient areas, an equipotential bonding busbar or earth bonding bar (EBB) should be incorporated into the design of the electrical infrastructure. 

Bender UK offers a range of EBBs, including Type 1 standard and non-ferrous and Types 2, 3 and 4. Designed and manufactured in-house.

EBBs are designed to equalise the potential difference between extraneous conductive parts and protective conductors located within the Group 1 and 2 medical locations. In these areas, the measured resistance of the protective conductor between the earth terminal of any socket outlet (or fixed equipment) and any extraneous conductive part shall not exceed 0.2 Ω This assumes type `B` MCBs are being used, and further consideration should be given when using alternative types.

All extraneous metalwork within the patient area must be bonded to the EBB. Where medical IT systems have equipotential reference EBBs built within the system enclosure, these must be located within or near the medical location to be accessed easily and disconnected. A minimum of four but no less than 25% of equipotential bonding connection points for connecting medical electrical equipment shall be provided for each patient location.

Bender EBBs are available in flush or surface mounting options. Standard solutions are designed with a 200 amp rated copper bar. Alternatives such as 3 No. 400 amp copper bars are available, subject to design configurations. Customised variants are available.

For more information, please contact our team: internalsales@bender-uk.com.