nVent ERICO GEM — Ground Enhancement Material
Conductive backfill material that reduces grounding resistance in high-resistivity soils. For rocky terrain, mountain tops, and sandy soils. Requires no water, no periodic replenishment, provides stable resistance for life. IEC 62561-7 compliant. 11.3 kg bag or bucket.
GEM (Ground Enhancement Material) is a highly conductive backfill material developed to solve the most challenging grounding problems.
It is ideal for low-conductivity areas such as rocky terrain, mountain tops, and sandy soils. GEM significantly reduces measured earth resistance and impedance.
Where traditional methods are insufficient, GEM can also offer the possibility of reducing the size of the grounding system — fewer electrodes, shorter trenches, lower total cost.
Once applied, the material requires no maintenance. It does not require periodic replenishment or continuous water to maintain its conductivity.
It sets within 3 days and reaches full strength in 28 days. After setting, it provides stable resistance for the lifetime of the system.
It does not dissolve, decompose, or wash away over time. It is non-corrosive.
Performance
- Stable resistance for the lifetime of the system after setting
- Works in all ground conditions, even during dry periods
- Requires no periodic replenishment or charging
- It does not require constant water to maintain its conductivity.
- Sets in 3 days, fully cures in 28 days
- Does not dissolve, decompose, or wash away over time
- Non-corrosive
Application
- 11.3 kg (25 lb) easily portable bag or bucket
- Single person sufficient for installation
- Can be applied by two methods: trench backfill or rod backfill
Additional Benefit
- Reduces the risk of theft and vandalism as conductors cannot be easily removed from the concreted material
Standards
- Exceeds IEC 62561-7 requirements — reference standard for corrosion, leaching, sulfur content, and environmental regulations
- Compliant with US EPA TCLP (Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure), test method 1311
Challenging Ground Conditions
- Rocky and Stony Terrain
- Mountain Tops and High-Altitude Sites
- Sandy Soils
- Frozen or Very Dry Soils
- Any Site with High Soil Resistivity
Facility Types
- Wind power (RES) sites — typically on hilltops, rocky ground
- Solar power (GES) sites — large areas, variable ground
- Telecommunication base stations — hilltop and rural locations
- Substations and Switchyards
- Industrial facilities
- Data centers
- Railway and Metro Facilities
- Cathodic Protection Systems
Application Points
- Ground Rod Backfill
- Grounding Conductor Trench Backfill
- Ring Grounding Lines
- Foundation Grounding
- nVent ERICO Maximizes Your Grounding System's Efficiency Download
