A5(j)

Sizing of Earth Conductors and

Equipotential Bonding Conductors

Minimum cross- Minimum cross- A5(j)

Cross sectional area
sectional area of Earth sectional area of
of phase and neutral
conductors equipotential bonding
conductors (S)
[see note 1] conductors
(mm2)
(mm2) (mm2)

S S/2
S <= 16 (not less than 1.5 (not less than 4 or
see note 2) 6, see note 3)

16 < S <= 35 16 10

S/4
S > 35 S/2
(but not exceeding 25)

[from table 54.7 of BS 7671]

Note 1: for Main Earth Conductors between Earth Electrodes and the Main Earth
Terminal of an Electrical Installation, S should be taken as the cross-
sectional area of the conductors of the incoming supply cable. For Circuit
Earth Conductors S should be taken as the cross-sectional area of the
Circuit phase conductors.

Note 2: Earth Conductors must always be insulated and a cross-sectional area of

less than 1.5 mm2 must not be used unless they are an integral part of a
sheathed cable (e.g. an Appliance flexible cord).

Note 3: Main Equipotential Bonding Conductors should be sized according to the

live conductors of the incoming supply, but should not be less than 6 mm2.
Supplementary Bonding Conductors should be sized according to the live
conductors of the circuit to which they are connected but should not be
less than 4 mm2.

Note 4: as an alternative to using the above selection table, the sizing of Earth
Conductors and Equipotential Bonding Conductors may be calculated
using the adiabatic equation provided in the IET Wiring Regulations BS
7671:2008 paragraph 543.1.3. This normally allows smaller sizes of Earth
Conductor to be used.

For example: 4.0 mm2 earth for 6 mm2 circuit conductor

2.5 mm2 earth for 4 mm2 circuit conductor
1.5 mm2 earth for 2.5 mm2 circuit conductor

The Electricity Wiring Regulations (Third Edition) 141