Shaft earthing systems for ships
Shaft earthing systems on ships are essential to ensure the safety and smooth operation of the electrical systems on board. Unwanted electrical currents and voltages, which can be caused by electromagnetic interference or other external influences, are discharged with shaft earthing systems.
This minimises the risk of damage caused by electrical surges and ensures the safety of the electrical devices on board and, above all, of the personnel. It is also intended to ensure the proper functioning of the navigation systems and other important electrical systems on the ship.
The shaft earthing draws any current from an electrical corrosion system with sacrificial anodes that could enter the propeller shaft. If this is not earthed, the potential difference between the shaft and the ship's hull could lead to arcing in the propeller shaft gearbox or in the gearboxes. This can cause these gearboxes to wear out more quickly. As a general rule, each propeller shaft must be equipped with at least one earthing system.
What are the advantages of shaft earthing systems?
- Reduced downtimes and increased reliability of electrical systems
- Less wear on the gearbox
- Increased safety of electrical systems
- Increased safety for personnel
Slip rings, silver carbon brushes & brush holders for shaft earthing systems
Shaft earthing systems play an important role in electrical safety and the prevention of damage to electrical systems. Proper use ensures that the electrical systems work reliably and safely.
A slip ring is fitted to the shaft for shaft earthing. Silver carbons slip over the silver strip embedded in the copper slip ring. The silver carbons ensure optimum electrical contact with minimum resistance and therefore optimum current dissipation.
The silver carbons are fastened with brush holders and ensure constant contact between the carbon brushes and the slip ring.
EKK can supply you with suitable slip rings, silver carbons and brush holders for your earthing system.
We can supply you with the right accessories for your shaft diameter.
The shaft diameter determines the required accessories – slip ring, silver carbon and brush mounts. Based on this, we can offer the appropriate slip ring.
In our download area, you will find brush mount catalogues as well as a carbon brush query drawing for easy determination of the required product.