# Earth grid conductor

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/earth-grid-conductor
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: EG
Drawing use: GA
Reference families: IEC, IEEE / ANSI

A buried horizontal earthing conductor forming part of a substation or plant earth grid, drawn on layout plans.

## In plain English

### What does Earth grid conductor mean?

Earth grid conductors are bare horizontal conductors buried under substations and plant areas to control step and touch voltages during faults. Layout drawings show them as a distinct line style, with crossings, connections to equipment and rods marked along them.

### A simple example

The symbol does not show conductor size, burial depth or jointing method, which come from the earthing design. A line drawn on a plan may also not indicate whether crossings are bonded; connection marks at each crossing are needed. Above-ground risers to equipment are usually shown separately.

### What the drawings help you do

Check crossings for bond marks. Look for risers to each equipment item. An earth grid conductor is a buried horizontal conductor; an earth electrode is a rod or plate in the soil.

### This particular reference

A buried horizontal earthing conductor forming part of a substation or plant earth grid, drawn on layout plans. An earth grid conductor is a buried horizontal conductor; an earth electrode is a rod or plate in the soil.

### Terms

- Terminal: An identified point where a conductor connects.
- Rating: A value stating the conditions for which equipment is specified.
- Schematic: A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.

Concept diagram: Identify the device and form → Read the connections and state → Check the equipment reference
A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.

- [Earthing connections](https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/Earthing_connections)
- [Electrical installation design methodology and references](https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/General_rules_of_electrical_installation_design)


## What it represents

Earth grid conductors are bare horizontal conductors buried under substations and plant areas to control step and touch voltages during faults. Layout drawings show them as a distinct line style, with crossings, connections to equipment and rods marked along them.
The symbol does not show conductor size, burial depth or jointing method, which come from the earthing design. A line drawn on a plan may also not indicate whether crossings are bonded; connection marks at each crossing are needed. Above-ground risers to equipment are usually shown separately.

## How to read it

- Check crossings for bond marks.
- Look for risers to each equipment item.

## Information to show or reference

- State conductor size and burial depth.
- Mark bonded crossings.
- Show risers to equipment.

## Important distinction

An earth grid conductor is a buried horizontal conductor; an earth electrode is a rod or plate in the soil.

## Facts

- Graphic cue: Distinct line style on a site plan with bonded crossings
- Design driver: Step and touch voltage control
- Preview: Original educational illustration; consult the publisher and applicable standard for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [Earthing connections](https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/Earthing_connections) — Schneider Electric, Electrical Installation Guide. Public installation-guide earthing connection elements.
- [Electrical installation design methodology and references](https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/General_rules_of_electrical_installation_design) — Schneider Electric — Electrical Installation Guide. Installation design methodology references.

## Graphic scope

Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.