PROCESS MANUAL

SECTION GIPL-OEM Project and Operation & Maintenance

PROCEDURE P1-GIPL-006

PROCEDURE FOR MAINTENANCE OF EARTHING SYSTEM PROCEDURE NO.: P1-GIPL-006

PROCESS MANUAL
SECTION GIPL-OEM Project and Operation & Maintenance

PROCEDURE P1-GIPL-006

1. Purpose
This document gives instruction for carrying out Periodic Maintenance of the earthing system. The procedure covers earthing system in ITIL BTS sites.

2. Scope
This procedure will outline the maintenance routines and responsibilities for the earthing system. The scope includes all components like the lightning arrester mounted on the BTS tower used to protect a structure from effect of lightening, Lightening earthing Air termination, Down conductors which connects air termination with ground termination, joints in earthing network a mechanical and/or electrical junction between two or more portions, bonding between main grounding bus & equipment cabinet, earth termination, earth electrode (Earth pit), grounding electrode conductor used to connect the grounding electrode to the equipment grounding conductor, earthing bonding backbone and interconnecting bonding conductor.

3. Reference Documents:
1. IS 3043 1987 Code of practice for earthing 2. IEEE std. 1100 1999, recommended practice for powering & grounding Electronic equipment. 3. IS 2309 1989, Protection of Building & Allied structures against lightning 4. Indian Electricity Rules 1956

4. Responsibilities 4.1 National Head

PROCESS MANUAL
SECTION GIPL-OEM Project and Operation & Maintenance

PROCEDURE P1-GIPL-006

Based at Corporate officeNew Delhi is responsible for the technical integrity of this procedure. The National Head or his nominated Deputy shall be authorised for any changes with this procedure.

4.2 Circle Manager

The Circle Manager or In-charge is responsible for ensuring that all activities related to this procedure are complied with and recorded as described in this document.

5 Maintenance Process 5.1 Background

The non-current carrying metallic parts in every electrical installation are connected to the underground earthing mesh at earth potential for safety of personnel, proper system & equipment operation, minimising potential difference between metallic frames & structures, fault current path for adequate current carrying and fault clearing capability & noise reduction. Earthing associated with current carrying conductor is normally essential to the security of the system and is generally known as system earthing, while earthing of non-current carrying metal work and conductor is essential to safety of human life, animals and of property is generally known as equipment earthing. The earthing system provides return path for discharging fault currents and discharge currents/voltages from the earthed points of lighting arrestors, surge arrestors, etc. The earthing system also ensures freedom from electromagnetic interference in communication and data processing equipment.

5.2 General
Earth is a good conductor except in the dry and rocky upper layers near the surface. The surface soil and internal geological layers are with different resistivity. The number of earth electrodes to be installed is depending on soil resistivity at that particular location to achieve the earth electrode system
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PROCESS MANUAL
SECTION GIPL-OEM Project and Operation & Maintenance

PROCEDURE P1-GIPL-006

resistance of less than 5.0 Ohm. The earth resistance of an electrode is depending on the diameter & length of electrode. The earthing principle is three types: 1. Neutral Earthing: Transformer neutral earthing, Generator neutral earthing, Star point of isolation transformer, Neutral of circuit, Star point of CT/PT secondary. 2. Equipment earthing: Metallic non-current carrying parts earthing connection. 3. Discharge earthing: Lightning arrestor for discharging electrical charges to earth. A number of earth pits are driven along the perimeter and the electrodes are Inter-connected through GI flat. The effective resistance has to be as per the following table:

Table 10.1
Sr. No. Name of Facility 1. BTS Sites Desired grounding resistance < 5.0 Ohm but < 2.0 Ohm is preferred

5.3 Maintenance Frequency and Records Format No.

OEM/0013 OEM/0011

Frequency
Fortnightly Yearly

Location
BTS BTS

Period to be maintained
3 Months 3 Years

5.4 Safety Precautions

The following safety precautions need to be followed for carrying out any work during earthing inspection.

PROCESS MANUAL
SECTION GIPL-OEM Project and Operation & Maintenance

PROCEDURE P1-GIPL-006

5.4.1 Inspection of earthing system

Do not disconnect the earthing of any power equipment, LT panel connection, AVR/PIU/PMS, ACDB & SMPS when system is in live condition. Before disconnection of any earthing joint, ensure that the bypass path is provided for maintaining the continuity of earthing connection.

5.5 Tools Required

Calibrated Earth Tester meter Fixed and Open spanner set Cloth, Cotton rags Polish paper. CRC 2-26 electrical contact cleaning spray. Bituminastic anti rust paint. Earthing jumper wire of 16 sq. mm. Copper conductor with crocodile clips on both ends.

5.6 Fortnightly maintenance tasks 5.6.1 Purpose of Inspection

The purpose of the fortnightly inspection is to assess the general condition of the earthing system. This fortnightly inspection is intended to be a general quick check for the more conspicuous problems that can be encountered. The fortnightly checks in the given procedure emphasises on inspection & correction of any abnormality in the earthing system. The fortnightly maintenance shall be primarily the inspection of earthing system includes visual check for earthing cabling, visual check for bonding between the equipment & main ground bus-bar, visual check for corrosion, earth pit interconnection, bonding of positive DC bus with main earth bus and correction in case of any abnormality noticed. During fortnightly checks watering of earth pit shall be carried out to maintain dampness for better ground conductivity.
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PROCESS MANUAL
SECTION GIPL-OEM Project and Operation & Maintenance

PROCEDURE P1-GIPL-006

5.6.2 Inspection procedure

The general steps for inspection are as outlined below: Follow all safety precautions as mentioned in section 5.4. Inform to the concerned authorities. Visually ensure corrosion free metal-to-metal contact at bolted junction. If necessary apply anti rust painting at bolted connection. Measure the voltage between neutral & earth and record the value for ensuring the proper grounding of neutral Check DG neutral earthing for tightness, free from corrosion. Check the bonding of DG fuel tank earthing, DG canopy & AMF panel, DG alternator & engine body earthing to main grounding bus-bar (EGB Electrical/External Grounding Bus). Check that the battery negative terminal of DG set is grounded & connected at engine body. Check visually the earthing bonding from lightning arrestor to air termination up to down conductor. Check for any corrosion and if required apply anti rust paint on bolted joints. Visually check for bonding of all metal frame cabinets, cable racks, metal battery stands, steel structure with main earth bus-bar. Ensure each equipment have two numbers of earth connection at EGB. Every equipment rack in BTS shall have earth bus with earthing cable connected to earthing EGB Check that all the connections are tightened using flat & spring washers. Ensure that the RF & GPS Antenna cable is shielded. Check the bonding between shield & main grounding bus-bar either directly or using a supplementary cable. Visually check that the surge protection device that is provided for the GPS antenna between the antenna coaxial cable & jumper cable is grounded using copper conductor cable.

PROCESS MANUAL
SECTION GIPL-OEM Project and Operation & Maintenance

PROCEDURE P1-GIPL-006

Visually check the earthing bonding between equipment cabinet & main grounding bus-bar. Ensure that two distinct earthing are provided for it. Also ensure corrosion free metal- to-metal contact at bolted junction. Check the bonding between SMPS positive bus & main grounding bus-bar and the SPD to IGB ( internal/instruments Grounding Bus) Check the earth connection of LT panel and ACDB for tightness, free from corrosion, metal-to-metal contact at bolted junctions. Inspect the bonding between earthing point to main ground bus. Check that two earth strips are connected to each earth pit. Check that the earth electrode bus-bar bolted joints or welding joints are free from cracks & corrosion. Check the tightness of all riveted screwed & bolted joints. Check the condition of earth pit cover, earth pit wall and ensure that they are intact & in good condition. Check that the funnel provided in earth pit for watering is not choked. Pour some water to maintain the dampness in the earth pit for better conductivity during dry seasons.

5.7 Yearly Maintenance tasks 5.7.1 Purpose of Inspection

The yearly checks include the measurement of earth electrode resistance of individual earth pit & earthing network resistance, inspection of bonding between equipment & main grounding bus-bar, checking the connection tightness and correction in case of any abnormality found.

5.7.2 Inspection Procedure

Refer format No.: OEM/0011 for annual maintenance of the earthing system. The following activities shall be carried out during the annual maintenance of the earthing system: Inform the concerned authorities
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PROCESS MANUAL
SECTION GIPL-OEM Project and Operation & Maintenance

PROCEDURE P1-GIPL-006

Follow all the safety precautions mentioned in section 5.4. Perform all the maintenance tasks mentioned in the guidelines for fortnightly inspection of earthing system. In addition to the above checks, measure and record the resistance value of each individual earth pit. Measure and record the resistance value of the earthing network.

6.0 Measurement of Earth electrode resistance

The procedure for measurement of earth pit resistance is called Fall of Potential Method. The ground/Earth Resistance Meter is used for measurement of earth resistance. In order to measure the resistance of earth electrode, two auxiliary earth electrodes are placed at suitable distance from test electrode (Ground electrode in earth pit) as shown in figure below. Auxiliary electrodes usually consist of 12.5 mm diameter mild steel rod drive 1 meter into the earth. The ground resistance measurement instrument measures the current between rod 1 and 2 and potential difference between rod 1 and 3. The resistance value is determined by Ohms law: R = E/I. Rod 3 is placed between rod 1 and 2 and in a straight line. Series earth resistance readings for each rod 3 locations are obtained from the instrument readings. Note that as rod 3 is moved away from rod 1 the resistance value increases but at a certain point the increase in the value becomes very small (nearly constant). As rod 3continues to be moved towards rod 2, the resistance value increases again. The correct cell site resistance is when the resistance rate of increase is very small, and the distance between rods 1 and 3 is approximately 62% of total distance as shown in the Figure 1.

PROCESS MANUAL
SECTION GIPL-OEM Project and Operation & Maintenance

PROCEDURE P1-GIPL-006

Figure 1

3.2.10.7 Measurement of earth pit resistance

Earth electrode is to be isolated by maintaining the continuity of earth ring. (As shown in above figure) Placed rod 2 in the earth app. 1M depth and at a distance of D (should be more than 3 Meter (Appropriate distance is given in the below table) Place rod 3 in between rod 2 and earth electrode under test (rod 1). Confirm that rod 1,2 and 3 are in straight line. Measure earth resistance and note the value. Move rod 3 towards rod 2 in a straight line and measure the earth electrode resistance.

PROCESS MANUAL
SECTION GIPL-OEM Project and Operation & Maintenance

PROCEDURE P1-GIPL-006

Repeat this procedure till rate in rise of resistance is very small and distance of rod 3 and 1(earth pit rod) is approximately 62% of distance between rod 1 and 2. The resistance of value should be less than or equal to the values mentioned in table 10.1 After completion of measurement take earth electrode back into earth ring/mesh. Soil resistivity depends upon local condition. The earth electrode should be driven in the ground to sufficient depth so as to obtain lower value of earth resistance. For measurement of individual earth-pit resistance refer the Figure - 2. Approximate Distance to Auxiliary Electrode using the fall of potential method. Diagonal Distance of Buried Ground ring or bounded fence 20 Feet (6 Meter) 40 Feet (12 Meter) 80 Feet (24 Meter) 100 Feet (30 Meter) 140 Feet (42 Meter) 160 Feet (48 Meter) Distance from Rod 1 to Rod 3 140 Feet (42 Meter) 200 Feet (60 Meter) 280 Feet (84 Meter) 310 Feet (93 Meter) 365 Feet (110 Meter) 400 Feet (120 Meter) Distance from Rod 1 to Rod 2 220 Feet (66 Meter) 320 Feet (96 Meter) 450 Feet (125 Meter) 500 Feet (150 Meter) 590 Feet (177 Meter) 640 Feet (192 Meter)

Note: No definite distance between the electrodes can be given. This is a guideline for homogeneous soil. The result of the fall of potential method is valid only if the rods are placed outside each others sphere of influence.

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PROCESS MANUAL
SECTION GIPL-OEM Project and Operation & Maintenance

PROCEDURE P1-GIPL-006

Earthing system and individual earth pit resistance measurement method FOR CONVENTIONAL EARTH PITS

Figure-2

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PROCESS MANUAL
SECTION GIPL-OEM Project and Operation & Maintenance

PROCEDURE P1-GIPL-006

10.8 Corrective actions, if the resistance value of earth electrode found more than above specified limits
The probable reason for high resistance value of earth electrode is mainly because of Improper bonding between earth electrode & measurement probe. Soil resistivity is more. Actions to be taken for improper bonding between earth electrode & measurement probe: Disconnect the measurement probe from earth electrode. The Earthing electrode bus should be thoroughly scraped with a stiff wire brush/emery paper till they are burnished to their original bright galvanized finish/Copper finish. Reconnect measurement probe terminal at earthing bus, ensure the connection is tight & proper. Again follow the above steps for measurement of earth electrode resistance. Actions to be taken if soil resistivity is high: To reduce the soil resistivity add Sodium Chloride (Salt), Calcium Chloride, Sodium Carbonate, Copper sulphate, Charcoal, Salt solution in the earthing electrode pit & through funnel. Pour more amount of water in earth pit & through funnel to maintain the dampness & for better conductivity. Wait at least for eight hours & then follow the above steps for measurement of earth electrode resistance. After completion of measurement take earth electrode back into earth ring/mesh. If after replanation of earth pit, if the earth pit resistance is more than specified limit. Then addition of additional earth pit is the solution.
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PROCESS MANUAL
SECTION GIPL-OEM Project and Operation & Maintenance

PROCEDURE P1-GIPL-006

More number of earth pits in parallel will reduce the effective resistance of main grounding bus.

10.9 Procedure for making additional earth pit, if the resistance value of grounding bus is greater than specified limits
If the earth electrode network resistance measured is found more than required value of 5 Ohm then more number of electrodes has to be increased. At places where rock or hard soil is encountered, the following options have to be carried out in consultation with NHQ core team: Increase the diameter & length of pipe type earth electrode or Use plate type earth electrode. While making the new earth pit ensure the distance between the two electrodes shall be equal to or more than the driven depth of electrode, but if the area is less than the separation gap of 2 Mtrs. Between two electrodes shall be sufficient. For rocky area, plate electrode or 150 mm to 300 mm boring earth pit may be used. In case rod electrode cant be driven economically plate electrode can be used.

10.10 Procedure for reconnection of disconnected/break earthing conductor bonding

The earth mat is a mesh of steel pipes/rod or GI strips laid at a depth of 0.5 m in the entire electrical installation area (excluding foundation). These earth electrodes are connected to earth mesh. The joints of earth mesh mat are welded/bolted. Risers are taken up from the earth mat to connect to various earthing points of structure, equipment body, neutral points; surge arrester etc. may due to corrosion or mechanical stress or improper tightness at joints To connect two separated earthing strips dont make welding joints, the high arcing current of welding may cause problem in operation network equipments.
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PROCESS MANUAL
SECTION GIPL-OEM Project and Operation & Maintenance

PROCEDURE P1-GIPL-006

The jointing of bus-bars should be with fishplates. Both Earthing bus should be thoroughly scraped with a stiff wire brush/emery paper till they are burnished to their original bright galvanised finish/Copper finish. Make two numbers drills on both bus-bars of 12 mm size. Joint both bus-bars by using the fishplate & by tightening all four nut bolts.

10.11 Formats, Records & Frequency

Format No. OEM/0013 OEM/0011 Frequency Fortnightly Yearly Location BTS BTS Period to be maintained 3 Months 3 Years

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