DFMHUB

Earth Stud with Copper Tail for Structural Earthing System

Trusted experts in Earthing and Lightning Protection Systems since 2005.

Earth Stud with 3-Way & 5-Way Copper Tail – ARK Make by DFMHUB

The Earth Stud with  Copper Tail (CU Tail) by ARK Make – DFMHUB is a critical structural lightning protection component engineered to create low-impedance, multi-directional equipotential bonding between down conductors, structural steel, reinforcement bars, and earthing systems.

Designed and manufactured specifically for Indian climatic, soil, and construction conditions, this earth stud ensures safe dissipation of lightning current from air termination and down conductor networks into the grounding system, in strict alignment with IEC 62305 principles.


What Is an Earth Stud with CU Tail? 

An earth stud with copper tail is a permanent electrical bonding point installed on concrete structures, steel members, or RCC columns, allowing multiple lightning conductors to be securely connected and routed toward the earthing system.

  • 3-Way CU Tail: Allows connection of up to three conductors

  • 5-Way CU Tail: Allows connection of up to five conductors

This configuration ensures:

  • Uniform current distribution

  • Reduced step and touch potential

  • Controlled lightning energy dissipation


Why Earth Studs Are Critical in Structural Lightning Protection

Indian Risk Context

India experiences:

  • High lightning density zones (Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Maharashtra, Kerala, Assam)

  • Monsoon-driven moisture variation

  • Mixed soil resistivity (laterite, black cotton soil, rocky strata)

  • High-rise RCC and steel-hybrid construction

Without proper structural bonding via earth studs, lightning current can:

  • Flash over through concrete

  • Damage reinforcement steel

  • Cause fire, equipment failure, or structural cracking


ARK Make Earth Stud – Engineering Design Philosophy

Design Objectives

  1. Lowest possible contact resistance

  2. High impulse current handling

  3. Mechanical robustness for RCC & steel structures

  4. Long-term corrosion resistanceio in coastal, industrial, and urban environments

  5. Compliance with global lightning protection methodology


Component-Wise Breakdown 

ComponentMaterialEngineering Purpose
Stud BodyHigh-conductivity copper / tinned copperPrimary bonding interface
CU Tail (3-Way / 5-Way)Electrolytic copper strip / braided copperMulti-directional conductor termination
Base PlateCopper / copper-bonded alloySurface contact stability
Fixing HardwareSS / copper alloyMechanical integrity
Protective FinishTin / natural copperCorrosion resistance

3-Way vs 5-Way CU Tail – Selection Guide

Parameter3-Way CU Tail5-Way CU Tail
Number of ConductorsUp to 3Up to 5
Typical ApplicationMedium structuresLarge / complex structures
Down Conductor DensityModerateHigh
Current DistributionBalancedHighly distributed
Use CaseCommercial buildingsData centers, plants, refineries

Step-by-Step Engineering Methodology 

Step 1: Risk Assessment

  • Identify lightning risk level (LPL I–IV)

  • Determine number of down conductors

Step 2: Structural Bonding Design

  • Define earth stud locations on columns, beams, or steel frames

  • Select 3-way or 5-way CU tail based on conductor density

Step 3: Installation

  • Embed or anchor earth stud securely

  • Connect copper tails to down conductors using approved clamps

Step 4: Earthing Integration

  • Route conductors to ring earth or earth pits

  • Ensure continuity and low resistance

Step 5: Testing

  • Visual inspection

  • Continuity and resistance measurement


Testing & Performance Validation

TestStandardResult
Visual & DimensionalInternal QAPass
Electrical ContinuityIEC methodology< 0.1 Ω
Mechanical StrengthSite simulationPass
Corrosion ResistanceSalt spray (coastal simulation)Pass
Impulse Current CapabilityLightning waveform simulationVerified

Standards & Compliance Table

StandardRelevance
IEC 62305-3Structural lightning protection
IEC 62561Lightning protection components
IS/IEC adoptionIndian compliance framework
NBC IndiaBuilding safety integration

Industry-Wise Applications

Commercial & Residential Buildings

  • High-rise apartments (Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru)

  • IT parks & offices (Hyderabad, Chennai)

Industrial Facilities

  • Refineries & petrochemical plants

  • Cement & steel plants

Energy & Infrastructure

  • Solar PV plants

  • Wind turbine foundations

  • Substations & transmission towers

Critical Facilities

  • Data centers

  • Airports & metro rail projects

  • Hospitals & research facilities


Designed & Manufactured for India

Unlike generic imported accessories, ARK Make Earth Studs are:

  • Sized for Indian conductor practices

  • Tested for Indian soil and humidity

  • Compatible with Indian site workmanship realities


Manufacturer vs Trader Comparison

AspectARK Make (DFMHUB)Generic Trader
Design Ownership✔ In-house engineering✖ No
India-specific design✔ Yes✖ No
Standards understanding✔ Deep✖ Limited
Technical support✔ Engineering team✖ Sales only
Customization✔ Available✖ Not available
Traceability✔ Batch controlled✖ None

Services & Engineering Support by DFMHUB

  • Lightning risk assessment support

  • BOQ & system design assistance

  • Product customization (tail length, stud size)

  • Installation guidance & drawings

  • Post-installation audit support


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the role of an earth stud in lightning protection?

It provides a controlled bonding point for multiple conductors to safely dissipate lightning current.

2. When should I choose 5-way instead of 3-way?

For high-rise or complex structures with multiple down conductors.

3. Is this product compliant with IEC 62305?

Yes, it is designed in alignment with IEC 62305 principles.

4. Can it be used in coastal areas?

Yes, corrosion-resistant materials are used.

5. Is it suitable for RCC structures?

Yes, it is specifically engineered for RCC and steel structures.

6. Does DFMHUB provide drawings?

Yes, installation and layout support is available.

7. Can CU tail length be customized?

Yes, project-specific customization is supported.

8. Is it compatible with solar lightning protection systems?

Yes, widely used in rooftop solar PV installations.