GI Strips – ARK Make by DFMHUB | Engineered Earthing & Lightning Protection Conductor for Indian Conditions
GI Strips – ARK Make by DFMHUB are precision-engineered galvanized iron strip conductors used in earthing systems and structural lightning protection systems across industrial, commercial, infrastructure, and utility projects in India. Designed specifically for Indian soil resistivity, humidity, pollution levels, and climatic extremes, these GI strips deliver mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and long-term electrical continuity in accordance with IEC 62305 and relevant Indian practices.
Unlike generic GI flats available in the commodity market, ARK Make GI Strips are manufactured, tested, and supplied as a system component, ensuring predictable performance when integrated with down conductors, earth electrodes, bonding networks, and lightning protection accessories.
Why GI Strips Are Critical in Earthing & Lightning Protection
Definition: What is a GI Strip?
A GI Strip (Galvanized Iron Strip) is a flat steel conductor coated with zinc (galvanization) used to:
Dissipate fault current into earth
Equalize electrical potential
Conduct lightning impulse currents safely to ground
GI strips are widely used in India due to:
High mechanical robustness
Cost-effectiveness over copper in large installations
Compatibility with structural steel and RCC rebars
Why ARK Make GI Strips Are Different
ARK Make GI Strips are designed as engineered conductors, not as general-purpose steel flats. Each strip is optimized for:
Low impedance current flow
Uniform zinc coating thickness
Field installation durability
Long service life under Indian environmental stress
India-Specific Design Considerations
India presents unique challenges for earthing and lightning protection systems:
| Indian Condition | Engineering Impact | ARK Make Design Response |
|---|---|---|
| High soil resistivity (rocky, dry regions) | Poor fault current dissipation | Optimized strip width & thickness |
| High humidity & coastal salinity | Accelerated corrosion | Heavy galvanization |
| Monsoon-driven soil moisture variation | Seasonal impedance fluctuation | Stable cross-sectional conductor |
| Industrial pollution & chemical exposure | Zinc degradation risk | Controlled coating quality |
| High lightning density zones (East & South India) | High impulse currents | Mechanical & thermal robustness |
ARK Make GI Strips are designed & manufactured for India, not adapted as an afterthought.
Component-Wise Technical Breakdown of GI Strips (ARK Make)
Standard Sizes & Configurations
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Low carbon steel |
| Coating | Hot-dip galvanized (uniform zinc layer) |
| Standard Widths | 25 mm, 32 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm |
| Standard Thickness | 3 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm |
| Standard Length | Coil or straight length |
| Electrical Function | Earthing & lightning current conduction |
| Installation | Buried, surface-mounted, structural |
Custom sizes available on request for EPC and infrastructure projects.
Engineering Methodology: How ARK Make GI Strips Are Designed
Step-by-Step Design Logic
Current Carrying Requirement Analysis
Lightning impulse (10/350 µs waveform)
Fault current magnitude & duration
Cross-Section Selection
Ensures thermal stability during peak current flow
Prevents melting or deformation
Mechanical Strength Validation
Suitable for trenching, structural routing, and rooftop installations
Corrosion Resistance Engineering
Zinc thickness selected for Indian soil chemistry
System Compatibility
Designed to integrate with test joints, clamps, earth electrodes, and rebars
Testing & Quality Assurance
In-House & Third-Party Testing
| Test Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Visual & dimensional inspection | Uniformity & fit |
| Coating thickness test | Corrosion life assurance |
| Adhesion test | Zinc bonding integrity |
| Continuity testing | Electrical reliability |
| Mechanical bending test | Field durability |
All ARK Make GI Strips are supplied with batch traceability and quality documentation on request.
Standards & Compliance
Applicable Standards Table
| Standard | Description | Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| IEC 62305 | Lightning Protection Systems | ✔ |
| IS/IEC practices | Earthing & bonding | ✔ |
| Project specifications | EPC & consultant-driven | ✔ |
| Utility & industrial norms | Power & infra projects | ✔ |
Note: While GI strips are not a finished electrical device, ARK Make designs align fully with system-level IEC 62305 requirements.
Industry-Wise Applications of GI Strips (ARK Make)
Power & Utilities
Substation earthing grids
Transformer yards
Switchyards
Infrastructure & Transport
Airports
Metro rail & stations
Highways & tunnels
Industrial Plants
Manufacturing units
Refineries
Process industries
Commercial & High-Rise Buildings
RCC structural earthing
Lightning down conductor networks
Renewable Energy
Solar PV plants
Wind turbine earthing
GI Strip vs Copper Strip – Engineering Comparison
| Parameter | GI Strip (ARK Make) | Copper Strip |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Economical | High |
| Mechanical strength | Very high | Moderate |
| Corrosion resistance | Good (galvanized) | Excellent |
| Weight | Higher | Lower |
| Theft risk | Low | High |
| Indian project suitability | Excellent | Selective |
Result: GI Strips remain the preferred solution for large-scale Indian infrastructure projects where robustness and cost-efficiency matter.
Manufacturer vs Trader: Why Source GI Strips from DFMHUB
| Aspect | Manufacturer (DFMHUB) | Trader |
|---|---|---|
| Design ownership | ✔ | ✖ |
| Quality control | ✔ | Limited |
| Standard compliance | Documented | Assumed |
| Customization | Available | Rare |
| Technical support | Engineering-backed | None |
| Traceability | Batch-level | Not available |
Services & Technical Support
When you choose ARK Make GI Strips by DFMHUB, you receive more than material:
Pre-sales engineering consultation
BOQ & specification support
Custom sizing & project alignment
Documentation & compliance assistance
PAN-India supply capability
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are GI Strips suitable for lightning protection systems?
Yes. GI Strips are widely used as down conductors and earthing conductors in lightning protection systems complying with IEC 62305.
2. Why choose GI strips over copper in India?
GI strips offer better mechanical durability, lower cost, and reduced theft risk, making them ideal for Indian infrastructure.
3. What galvanization standard is used?
ARK Make GI Strips use controlled hot-dip galvanization suitable for Indian soil and environmental exposure.
4. Can GI strips be buried underground?
Yes. They are designed for direct burial and trench installation.
5. Are custom sizes available?
Yes. Custom width, thickness, and length can be manufactured as per project requirements.
6. Do you provide test certificates?
Yes. Test reports and quality documentation are available on request.
7. Are these strips compatible with rebar bonding?
Yes. ARK Make GI Strips integrate seamlessly with rebar bonding and structural earthing systems.
8. What is the expected service life?
When properly installed, GI strips offer long-term service life even in aggressive Indian soil conditions.
9. Do you support EPC and consultant specifications?
Absolutely. We work directly with EPCs, consultants, and project owners.