Part 20EARTHING POINTS

CHAPTER 20 EARTHING POINTS

20.01 Ground earthing points

(1) An aerodrome operator may provide ground earthing points at an aerodrome, and if provided, the resistance to earth must not exceed 10 000 ohms.

Note If a ground earthing point is provided, CASA recommends that it should only be provided in consultation with the aerodrome fuelling agent.

(2) Each ground earthing point on the apron must be tested for its electrical resistance:

(a) as part of the initial installation; and

(b) when it is being replaced; and

(c) 6 months after the installation; and

(d) 6 months after any replacement; and

(e) otherwise as part of the aerodrome technical inspection.

(3) Without affecting subsection (2), each ground earthing point on the apron must be visually inspected not later than every 3 months after the commencement of this MOS, to ensure that:

(a) the ground earthing point is:

(i) firmly connected to the earthing rod; and

(ii) seated on the pavement; and

(b) the earthing rod is firmly embedded in the ground; and

(c) the fins used for making electrical connections are free from dirt, grease, paint, or any other contaminating substance; and

(d) no ground earthing points have been buried or removed.

Note Visual inspections under subsection (3) are additional to the tests otherwise required for electrical resistance under subsection (2).

(4) If testing shows that the ground earthing points are sound, they must be marked with a 15 cm diameter circle, coloured white.

(5) If :

(a) the resistance to earth exceeds 10 000 ohms; and

(b) the ground earthing point cannot immediately be repaired or replaced;

then the head of the ground earthing point must be:

(c) removed; or

(d) marked with a 15 cm diameter circle, in red, to show that it is not to be used.