Earthing Calculation

EARTHING CALCULATIONS & LAYOUTS
MODULE: 6
Date of issue: 01/03/2018

Document reference: Module No: 6
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Contents
A Earthing
B Types of Neutral Earthing
C Earthing Calculations
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A Earthing
i) Earthing Basics
what is earthing or grounding

To connect the metallic (conductive) Parts of an Electric appliance or installations to
the earth (ground) is called Earthing or Grounding.
In other words, to connect the metallic parts of electric machinery and devices to the
earth plate or earth electrode (which is buried in the moisture earth) through a
thick conductor wire (which has very low resistance) for safety purpose is known
as Earthing or grounding.
Need of Earthing or Grounding. Why Earthing is Important?

The primary purpose of earthing is to avoid or minimize the danger of electrocution,
fire due to earth leakage of current through undesired path and to ensure that the
potential of a current carrying conductor does not rise with respect to the earth than
its designed insulation.
When the metallic part of electrical appliances (parts that can conduct or allow
passage of electric current) comes in contact with a live wire, maybe due to failure of
installations or failure in cable insulation, the metal become charged and static
charge accumulates on it. If a person touches such a charged metal, the result is a
severe shock.
To avoid such instances, the power supply systems and parts of appliances have to
be earthed so as to transfer the charge directly to the earth.
Below are the basic needs of Earthing.
 To protect human lives as well as provide safety to electrical devices and

appliances from leakage current.
 To keep voltage as constant in the healthy phase (If fault occurs on any one
phase).
 To Protect Electric system and buildings form lighting.
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 To serve as a return conductor in electric traction system and

communication.
 To avoid the risk of fire in electrical installation systems
To earth or earthing rather, means to connect the part of electrical apparatus such
as metallic covering of metals, earth terminal of socket cables, stay wires that do
not carry current to the earth. Earthing can be said as the connection of the neutral
point of a power supply system to the earth so as to avoid or minimize
A properly designed and installed grounding system ensures reliable

performance of electrical substations. Just how important is substation reliability?
Fast clearing of faults, made possible by good grounding, improves the overall
safety and reliability of an electrical system. Therefore, substation reliability must
be as "built-in" as possible because of the high available fault current levels present
and unlikely occurrence of follow-up grounding inspections.
Difference between Earthing, Grounding and Bonding.
Let me clear the confusion among earhing, grounding and bonding.
Earthing and Grounding is the same terms used for earthing. Grounding is the
commonly word used for earthing in the North American standards like IEEE,
NEC, ANSI and UL etc while, Earthing is used in European, Common wealth
countries and Britain standards like IS and IEC etc.
The word Bonding used for jointing two wires (as well as conductors, pipes or
appliances together. Bonding is known as connecting the metallic parts of different
machines which is not considered to be carrying electric current during normal
operation of the machines to bring them at the same level of electric potential.
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ii) Types of Grounding
There are different types of grounding which ensures the reliable performance of a
substation.
Grounding of earth may be classified as (i) Equipment grounding (ii) System

grounding and (iii) Neutral grounding.
Equipment grounding deals with earthing the non current carrying metal
parts of the electrical equipment. On the other hand, system grounding means
earthing some part of the electrical system e.g. earthing of neutral point of star
connected system in generating stations and substations.
 Equipment Grounding
The process of connecting non current carrying metal parts of the electrical
equipment to earth in such a way that in case of insulation failure, the enclosure
effectively remains at earth potential is called Equipment grounding.
 System Grounding
The process of connecting some electrical part of the power system (neutral
point of a star connected system, one conductor of the secondary of a transformer) to
earth is called System grounding.
 Neutral Grounding
The process of connecting neutral point of 3-phase system to earth either

directly or through somecircuit element (e.g. resistance or reactance etc.) is called
Neutral grounding. Neutral grounding provides protection to personal and
equipment. It is because during earth fault the current path is completed through
the earthed neutral and the protective devices operate to isolate the faulty
conductor from the rest of the system.
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B. Types of Grounding
i) Types of Neutral Grounding
The need for neutral earthing
Neutral earthing is employed in electrical systems to:
• Limit the potential of current-carrying conductors with respect to the

general mass of earth
• Provide a current return path for earth faults in order to allow protective
devices to operate
Neutral earthing is usually applied on the secondary winding of transformers and

on the windings of generators within generation, distribution, transmission and
industrial networks.
The methods commonly used for grounding the neutral point of a 3-phase system
are:
(i) Solid or effective grounding
(ii) Resistance grounding
(iii) Reactance grounding
(iv) Resonant grounding
On systems that have no neutral, special three phase transformers or reactors

may be used to artificially derive a neutral.
Isolated systems have one big advantage. They can continue operating in the
presence of a single earth fault. This is because there is no return path available
for the flow of earth fault current. Hence protective devices will not operate.
lsolated systems also have big disadvantages. Transient, temporary and
permanent overvoltages can easily occur on such systems, stressing insulation.
lnsulation that is applied between phase and earth must be rated based on the
phase to phase voltage, and often for even higher voltages.
Despite the name, isolated systems are not really isolated from earth. Stray
capacitance will exist between conductors and the general mass of earth.
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Conductors themselves exhibit
inductance along their length. When earth faults occur, small currents will flow
using stray capacitance as a return path. Arcing behaviour at the fault, combined
with resonance interactions between the stray capacitance and inductance, can
lead to the generation of high levels of transient overvoltages.
Such systems are not widely adopted due to their disadvantages.
High resistance earthed systems are becoming popular for critical applications
where availability of supply is essential. They allow the system to continue
operating in the presence of a single earth fault, but do not suffer from the
insulation stresses associated with isolated systems
Neutral earthing via an impedance is employed when it is desirable to limit the

magnitude of fault current to manageable levels. High levels of fault current are
undesirable as they can lead to irreversible damage equipment and systems
 Solid Grounding
When the neutral point of a 3-phase system is directly connected to earth

through a wire of negligible resistance and reactance is called Solid or Effective
grounding. Under fault conditions, the voltage of any conductor to earth will not
exceed the normal phase voltage of the system.
A solid earth fault does not cause much damage to a system. lt simply involves
the flow of high current. A fault involving an arc is a different prospect. An arc
behaves exactly like a welding set’s electrode. High temperatures are generated
and any metal in the vicinity melts. lnserting impedances into the neutral earth
connection attempts to limit the destruction caused by arcing earth faults. As an
example of damage, consider a large rotating machine. An arc can damage the
windings. But the winding can be replaced. A higher current arc could damage
the magnetic iron rendering the machine irreparable.
Limiting fault currents can also have the advantage of reducing earth potential
rise on an earth electrode system and help meet the required limits for human
safety and the operation of telecommunication systems.
Advantages:
a. The neutral is effectively held at earth potential.
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b. No arcing phenomenon or over voltage condition can occur.
c. Permits the easy operation of earth fault relay.
Disadvantages:
a. It causes the system to become unstable.
b. The increased earth fault current results in greater interference in the

neighboring communication lines.
 Resistance Grounding
When the neutral point of a 3-phase system is connected to earth through a

resistor, it is called Resistance grounding. The value of R should be neither very low
nor very high. If the value of earthing resistance is very low, the earth fault will be
large and the system becomes similar to the solid grounding system. On the other
hand if the earthing resistance is very high, the system becomes similar to the
ungrounded neutral system. The value of R is so chosen such that the earth fault
current is limited to safe value but still sufficient to permit the operation of earth
fault protection system.
Resistors are used in the UK and many other countries as means of applying
impedance between neutral and earth. They can be used directly or via a single-
phase transformer. Using a ‘low’ resistance value means that insulation that is
applied between phase and earth can be rated based on the phase to earth voltage.
Where a ‘high’ value of resistance is used, the insulation that is applied between
phase and earth can be rated based on the phase to phase voltage.
Inductors are not wildly used, but have the advantage of presenting increased
impedance to higher frequency harmonic currents.
Advantages:
a.The earth fault current is small due to the presence of earthing resistance.
Therefore, interference with communication circuits is reduced.
b. It improves the stability of the system.
Disadvantages:
a. This system is costlier than the solidly grounded system.
b. Since the system neutral is displaced during earth faults the equipment has to be
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insulated for higher voltages.
 Reactance Grounding
In this system, a reactance is inserted between the neutral and ground. The
purpose of reactance is to limit the earth fault current. By changing the earthing
reactance, the earth fault current can be changed to obtain the conditions similar to
that of solid grounding. This method is not always used these days because of the
following reasons
a. In this system, the fault current required to operate the protective devices is
higher than that of the resistance grounding for the same fault conditions.
b. High transient voltages appear under fault conditions.
 Resonant Grounding
When the value of L of arc suppression coil is such that the fault current If
exactly balance the capacitive current Ic, it is called Resonant grounding. It is also
called as Peterson coil grounding as the arc suppression coil used here is the
Peterson coil which is an iron cored connected between the neutral and earth. The
resultant current in the fault will be zero or can be reduced by adjusting the
tappings on the Peterson coil.
Advantages:
The Peterson coil grounding has the following advantages:
a. The Peterson coil is completely effective in preventing any damage by an

arcing ground.
b. This coil has the advantage of ungrounded neutral system.
Disadvantages:
The Peterson coil grounding has following disadvantages:
a. Due to varying operational conditions, the capacitance of the network changes

from time to time. Therefore, inductance L of Peterson coil requires readjustment.
b. The lines should be transposed
Resonant devices that are also known as arc suppression coils and Petersen coils
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are used in parts of Northern and Eastern Europe. They use an inductor that is
tuned to the stray capacitances of the system in such a way to nullify the flow of
earth fault current. This has the advantage that protective devices can ignore
temporary faults, such as ‘follow current’ after a lighting flashover. lt had the
disadvantage that overvoltages can be left on the system for a long time. This can
stress insulation and convert common benign earth faults into damaging phase to
phase faults. One innovative concept is to combine this type of neutral earthing
with a resistor that bypasses the resonant device after a short time delay.
LV, MV and HV systems

LV systems are arranged in accordance with the wiring regulation of the country.
ln the UK solid earthing is used on the 400V (formally 415V) system. Arc damage
from earth faults is not a big issue. The low voltage means the energy in the arc is
limited.
ln the UK, HV and MV systems can employ either solid earthing or resistance
earthing.
Solid earthing is generally used for systems in excess of 110kV. lnsulation costs
make the general use of resistors at the level uneconomic
High resistance earthing

An exciting development in the field of neutral earthing is the use of high
resistance earthing systems. These systems provide a means to minimise financial
losses caused by loss of power in critical installation such as continuous process or
petrochemical plant. Loss of power can result in the spoilage of a complete
production batch.
These systems can be used where all loads are connected phase to phase. These
systems allow continued operation in the presence of a single earth fault. This is
without the disadvantages that an isolated system would have. lt is essential to
locate a first fault before a second fault occurs. A ‘pulsing’ neutral earthing
resistor that switches its value allows the use of hand held sensors to easily locate
faults.
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ii) Different Terms used in Electrical Earthing
 Earth: The proper connection between electrical installation systems via

conductor to the buried plate in the earth is known as Earth.
 Earthed: When an electrical device, appliance or wiring system connected to
the earth through earth electrode, it is known as earthed device or simple
“Earthed”.
 Solidly Earthed: When an electric device, appliance or electrical installation
is connected to the earth electrode without a fuse, circuit breaker or
resistance/Impedance, It is called “solidly earthed”.
 Earth Electrode: When a conductor (or conductive plate) buried in the earth
for electrical earthing system. It is known to be Earth Electrode. Earth
electrodes are in different shapes like, conductive plate, conductive rod, metal
water pipe or any other conductor with low resistance.
 Earthing Lead: The conductor wire or conductive strip connected between
Earth electrode and Electrical installation system and devices in called
Earthing lead.
 Earth Continuity Conductor: The conductor wire, which is connected among
different electrical devices and appliances like, distribution board, different
plugs and appliances etc. in other words, the wire between earthing lead and
electrical device or appliance is called earth continuity conductor. It may be
in the shape of metal pipe (fully or partial), or cable metallic sheath or
flexible wire.
 Sub Main Earthing Conductor: A wire connected between switch board and
distribution board i.e. that conductor is related to sub main circuits.
 Earth Resistance: This is the total resistance between earth electrode and
earth in Ω (Ohms). Earth resistance is the algebraic sum of the resistances of
earth continuity conductor, earthing lead, earth electrode and earth.
POINTS TO BE EARTHED
Earthing is not done anyhow. According to IE rules and IEE (Institute of
Electrical Engineers) regulations,
 Earth pin of 3-pin lighting plug sockets and 4-pin power plug should be
efficiently and permanently earthed.
 All metal casing or metallic coverings containing or protecting any electric
supply line or apparatus such as GI pipes and conduits enclosing VIR or PVC
cables, iron clad switches, iron clad distribution fuse boards etc should be
earthed (connected to earth).
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 The frame of every generator, stationary motors and metallic parts of all
transformers used for controlling energy should be earthed by two separate
and yet distinct connections with the earth.
 In a dc 3-wire system, the middle conductors should be earthed at the
generating station.
 Stay wires that are for overhead lines should be connected to earth by
connecting at least one strand to the earth wires.
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C. Earthing Calculations
i) Objective
 Objective of earthing
Prime Objective of Earthing is to provide a Zero potential surface in and around and
under the area where the electrical equipment is installed or erected.
To achieve this objective the non-current carrying parts of the electrical equipment
is connected to the general mass of the earth which prevents the appearance of
dangerous voltage on the enclosures and helps to provide safety to working staff
and public.
 The earthing is broadly divided as
a) System earthing (Connection between part of plant in an operating system

like LV neutral of a Power Transformer winding and earth).
b) Equipment earthing (Safety grouding)
Connecting frames of equipment (like motor body, Transformer tank, Switch
gear box, Operating rods of Air break switches, etc) to earth.
 The system earthing and safety earthing are interconnected and therefore fault
current flowing through system ground raises the potential of the safety ground
and also causes steep potential gradient in and around the Substation.
 But separating the two earthing systems have disadvantages like higher short
circuit current, low current flows through relays and long distance to be covered
to separate the two earths. After weighing the merits and demerits in each case,
the common practice of common and solid (direct) grounding system designed for
effective earthing and safe potential gradients is being adopted.
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ii) Earth Mat Design
Earthing System in a Sub Station comprises of Earth Mat or Grid, Earth

Electrode, Earthing Conductor and Earth Connectors.
Earth Mat or Grid
Primary requirement of Earthing is to have a low earth resistance.

Substation involves many Earthings thro’ individual Electrodes, which will have
fairly high resistance. But if these individual electrodes are inter linked inside
the soil, it increases the area in contact with soil and creates number of parallel
paths. Hence the value of the earth resistance in the inter linked state which is
called combined earth value which will be much lower than the individual value.
The inter link is made thro flat or rod conductor which is called as Earth Mat or
Grid. It keeps the surface of substation equipment as nearly as absolute earth
potential as possible.
To achieve the primary requirement of Earthing system, the Earth Mat should
be design properly by considering the safe limit of Step Potential, Touch
Potential and Transfer Potential.
Construction of Earth Mat
The sub-station site including the fence is segregated at intervals, of say four
meters width along with length and breadth wise. Trenches of one meter to 1.5
meter depth and one meter width is dug along these lines. The earthing conductors
of sufficient sizes (as per fault current) are placed at the bottom of these trenches.
All the crossing and joints are braced.
The trenches are then filled up with soil of uniform fine mass of earth mixed with
required chemicals depending upon the soil resistivity. If location of equipment is
fixed, the intervals are also arranged that the earth mat passes nearby the
equipment location to facilitate for easy interlinking.
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Step Potential
It is the potential difference available between the legs while standing on the
ground.
Touch Potential
It is the potential difference between the leg and the hand touching the equipment
in operation.
 For earth faults with return paths to offsite generation sources, a low resistance
earthing grid relative to remote earth prevents dangerous ground potential rises
(touch and step potentials)
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 Earth Resistivity
 Resistivity v resistance
When talking about earth electrode testing, there are two basic
test types: earth resistivity and earth system resistance. In a
nutshell, resistivity testing is used when looking to site a new
earthing system and system resistance testing is used to check an
existing resistance is low enough for a desired application.
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 Resistivity
Resistivity testing is primarily used when surveying an area, prior

to sinking rods, mesh, mats etc. Soil resistivity can vary across a
site by significant amounts and the cost implications involved
make surveys invaluable in identifying the optimal location to
locate the new installation. There are numerous factors that will
influence the resistance readings obtained – the soil composition,
the moisture level and temperature as well as geographic features
within the ground.
In addition, when surveying, the variables of moisture content,

water table level and temperature have to be accounted for as
these will change dependent upon the season. Fairly obviously, as
the moisture content of the soil increases, the resistance value
decreases, so an allowance would have to be made for readings
taken in mid-winter as opposed to a reading taken through the
summer months.
The most popular method for earth resistivity surveys is the

4- pole (Wenner method), utilised with the standard formula for
average earth resistivity:
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Calculating soil resistivity
The measuring procedure described here uses the Wenner method and uses the
formula:
ρ=2πAR
where:
ρ = the average soil resistivity to depth A in: ohm-cm.
π = 3,1416.
A = the distance between the electrodes in cm.
R = the measured resistance value in ohm from the test instrument.
Measuring soil resistance
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To test soil resistivity, connect the ground tester as shown in Fig. Four earth
ground stakes are positioned in the soil in a straight line, equidistant from one
another. The distance between earth ground stakes should be at least three times
greater than the stake depth. The ground tester generates a known current through
the two outer ground stakes and the drop in voltage potential is measured between
the two inner ground stakes. The tester automatically calculates the soil resistance
using Ohm’s Law (V=IR).
Resistivity of different soil types
Resistivity (Ohm-cm)
Surface soils, loam, etc. 100 - 5,000

Clay 200 - 10,000
Sand and gravel 5,000 - 100,000
Surface limestone 10,000 - 1,000,000
Shale 500 - 10,000
Sandstone 2,000 - 200,000
Granites, basalts, etc. 100,000
Slates, etc. 1,000 - 10,000
Different types of earthing systems are available. Popular methods are:
What is Earth Electrode?
The term electrode means "a way in or a way out for electricity". The bare copper
conductor plate or strip or water pipe or gas pipe or any other conductors
are used for earth electrodes.The electrode must be an underground, cold water,
metal piping system. The earth electrode is the way into the earth for the electrons.
In general we use the one or more electrodes in earthing system for efficient
earthing purpose. A good earth electrode is that to maintain a good contact with the
earth. The one responsibility of earth electrode is that it maintains zero potential
between ground and the non-current carrying metal parts of electrical equipment
and enclosures.
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 Plate Earthing: A copper plate or galvanized plate is buried in an earth pit

below ground level. The plate electrode connects the electrical conductors to
the earth.
 Pipe Earthing: A galvanized steel perforated pipe inside the ground connects
the electrical conductors to the earth.
 Rod Earthing: Similar to the Pipe earthing. A copper rod replaces the pipe
electrode.
 Chemical earthing: Similar to the pipe earthing. A chemical compound

material replaces the charcoal and salt layers.
The choice of earthing method primarily depends on:
 Service continuity requirement at different voltages
 Safety requirements for humans and equipment
 Possibility of overvoltage
 Maintenance requirements
 Cost consideration
Earthing electrodes are specifically designed and installed to improve a systems

earthing. These earth electrodes must ideally penetrate into the moisture level
below the ground level to reduce resistance.
They must also consist of metal conductors (or a combination of metal conductor
types), which do not corrode excessively for the period of time they are expected to
serve. Earth electrodes include rods or pipes driven into the ground, metallic plates
or mats buried in the earth or a copper wire ring encircling the structure.
Underground gas piping or aluminium electrodes are NOT permitted for use as an
earth electrodes.
Earth rods are often selected on the basis of their resistance to corrosion. The other
major faction in selection is cost. All too often, the cost of a product is seen as the
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initial up front price, but the real cost is determined by the serviceable life of the
ground rod.
Galvanised steel rods are one of the cheapest electrodes available. However, they
are not the most cost effective since they have a relatively short service life.
Solid copper and stainless steel rods have a long service life. However, they are
considerably more expensive than galvanised steel rods. In addition to this, solid
copper rods are not suited to deep driving into hard ground due to the likelihood of
bending.
The copper bonded earth rod offers a compromise between the two. It has an
electrolytic coating of copper deposited over a layer of nickel. This process helps
ensure a long lasting, molecular bond between the copper layer and steel core. We
recommend copper bonded ground rods over copper clad electrodes because the
copper coating will not slip or tear when driven nor will it crack if the rod is bent.
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iii) Specification for Earthing System
 EHT Substation
Earthing of equipment’s in the sub-stations is taken of as discussed below:
Power transformers:
 The transformer body or tank is directly connected to earth grid. In addition,

there should be direct connection from the tank to the earth side of the
lightning arresters.
 The transformer track rail should be earthed separately.
 The neutral bushing is earthed by a separate connection to the earth grid.
Potential and current transformers :
The bases of the CTs and Pts. are to be earthed. All bolted cover plates of the
bushing are also to be connected the earth grid.
Lightning arresters :
The bases of the L.As. are to be earthed with conductors as short and
straight as Possible (for reducing impedance). The earth side of the L.As. are
to be connected directly frolJ1 the equipment to be protected. Each L.A.
should have individual earth rods, which are in turn connected to earth grid.
Circuit breakers:
The supporting structures, C.T. chambers, P.T. tanks, Cable glands etc., are
to be connected to earth
Other equipment’s:
All equipment’s, structures, and metallic frames of switches and isolators are
to be earthed separately.
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Fences:
Providing separate earth or connecting to the station earth depends upon the
distance of the fence the station earth. If the distance is within feet, an inter-
connection made to the station earth. If not, the metallic fences are earthed
by means of earth rods spaced at not more than 200 feet. The gates and
support pans may be earthed through an earth rod. The cable wires passing
under “metallic fence are to be buried below at a depth qf 2’6 or are to bc
enclosed in a insulating pipe (P. V.C or asbestos cement) for a distance of not
less than 5 feet on each side of the fence.
Ground wires :
The ground wires over the station arc connected to the station earth. In order
that the station earth potentials during fault condition5 arc not applied to
transmission line ground wires and towers, all ground wires coming to the
stations shall be broken !It an insulated on the fir5t tower external to station
by means of strain disc. insulators.
The followings are the important features in earthing:
 The earth mat shall be as per the approved layout. The earth mat shall be
formed with the steel flats buried in the ground at a depth of 750mm on edge.
 The earth mat shall extend over the entire switchyard as per the layout.
 All the junctions of the steel flats while forming the earth mat and taking
risers from the earth mat for giving earth connections to equipment, steel
structures, conduits cable sheaths shall be properly welded. All joints shall be
provided with suitable angle pieces for proper contact between flats.
 Provisions shall be made for thermal expansion of the steel flats by giving
smooth circular bends. Bending shall not cause any fatigue in the material at
bends.
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 All paint enamel and scale shall be removed from surface of contact on metal
surface before making ground connection.
 The risers taken along the main switchyard structures and equipment
structures (upto their top) shall be clamped to the structures at an interval of
not more than one metre.
 Lightening arrestors shall be provided with earth pits near them for
earthing.
 The earth resistance shall be as low as possible and shall not exceed the
following limits:
Power Stations - 0.5 Ohms
EHT Substations - 1.0 Ohms
33KV Stations - 2.0 Ohms
D/t Structures - 5.0 Ohms
Tower foot resistance - 10.0 Ohms
Low resistance earth grounding is essential for safety and protection of

sensitive electronic equipment.
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iii) EARTHING CALCULATION FOR PLANT
1. INTRODUCTION
2. DEFINITIONS & ABBREVIATIONS
3. APPLICABLE CODES, STANDARDS & SPECIFICATIONS
4. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
6. SUMMARY
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1. INTRODUCTION
This document defines the sizing criteria and calculations of earthing system for
Process Plant, India.
2. DEFINITIONS & ABBREVIATIONS

AC - Alternating Current
DC - Direct Current
GS - Galvanized Steel
GI - Galvanized Iron
IS - Indian Standard
KA - Kilo-Amps
KW - Kilo-Watt
KVA - Kilo-Volt Amps
3. APPLICABLE CODES, STANDARDS & SPECIFICATIONS

Earthing calculation shall be calculated in accordance with the applicable sections of
IS standards as follows:
IS 3043 - Code of practice for Earthing
4. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
 Electrical Design Basis
 Electrical Equipment Layout
5. DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
a) DESIGN CRITERIA
Earthing Network shall consist of earthing electrodes, main earthing mat/grid,

branch connections from the mat to individual equipment and necessary
inspection points at earthing electrodes.
The overall earthing network resistance shall be less than 1Ω. All earth
electrodes shall be interconnected through the earthing mat/grid.
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b) INPUT DATA CONSIDERED FOR CALCULATIONS
Soil resistivity of plant location is considered as uniform and soil resistivity is

15Ω-m (as per Coromandel soil resistivity report dated on 20/June/2016).
Fault current of 65kA for a duration of 1 seconds is considered.
8 meters length and 6 meters width of MNZ-Plant MCC room dimensions have
been considered for main earth mat.
Earth electrodes of 100 mm Internal Dia.13mm thickness, 3mtr Length Cast Iron
Pipe have been considered.
c) EARTHING CALCULATIONS
The earthing network comprises of earthing rods (electrode), earthing mat/grid,

branch connections from mat to individual equipment and necessary inspection
points at all earthing electrodes. All earthing electrodes shall be connected to
each other through earthing grid to reduce the resistance of fault current
carrying path and provide sufficient earth points for various equipment earthing.
The conductors forming the ground mat shall be laid at least at a depth of
600mm below the grade level.
MAIN EARTH CONDUCTOR (STRIP) SIZE
The minimum cross sectional area of main earthing grid conductor is as follows
as per IS 3043,
S = Ir x √t / k sq.mm
Where,
S - Cross-sectional area of conductor in sq. mm.
t - Fault duration in seconds
Ir - Fault current (r.m.s) in KA
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k - RMS current density in A/mm2 (As per Table 6A of IS:

3043-1987, 80 for steel with initial and final temperatures are
40°C and 500°C)
S = (65*1000*√1)/80
= 812.5 sq.mm
Soil resistivity is 15Ω-m (low), so it is corrosive nature. Galvanized Steel Flat is a

common material used for grounding. As per Cl.No. 22.5.2 of IS-3043, 10%
corrosion allowance is considered as design margin.
= 1.1 x 812.5 sq.mm
= 893.75 sq.mm
Hence, 75 x 12 mm (900 sq.mm) Galvanized Steel Flat is sized and considered

for main earth mat at MNZ plant switchgear room.
RESISTANCE OF EARTH ELECTRODE
Resistance of each earth electrode as per Clause 9.2.2 of IS 3043 is
R1 = (100 x ρ / 2πl) * Loge (4l/d) Ohms
Where,
ρ = Resistivity of the Soil in Ohm-meters = 15Ω-m
l = Length of the earth electrode in meters = 300 cm (3m).
d = Diameter of the earth rod in meters = 10cm (100mm).
Substituting the values,
R1 = (100 x 15/(2π x 300)) * loge (4 x 300/10)
R1 = 3.81Ω
EQUIVALENT RESISTANCE OF EARTH ELECTRODE
28
The equivalent resistance of multiple electrodes in parallel can be obtained as

per Clause 10.3 of IS 3043.
Current Density = (7.57 x 1000)/√( ρ x t)
= (7.57 x 1000)/√( 15 x 1)
= 1954.57 A/sq.m
Area required to dissipate fault current = Fault current / Current

Density
= 65000/1954.57
= 33.25 Sq.m
Nos. of Earth Electrodes Required = Area required to dissipate

fault current / Area of earth
electrode
= 33.25/0.94 = 36
Effective resistance of multiple parallel earth electrodes (R3)
R3 = Resistance of each earth electrode / Nos. of Earth Electrodes
= 3.81/36 = 0.106 Ω
RESISTANCE OF THE MAIN EARTH STRIP
Resistance of each strip is per Clause 9.2.3 of IS 3043 is
R2 = (100 x ρ / 2πL) * Loge (2L2/(Wt1) Ohms
Where,
L = Length of the earth strip (perimeter of room) = 2800 cm (28m)
W = depth of burial = 60cm (600mm)
t1 = Width of earth strip = 1.2cm (12mm)
29
R2 = (100 x 15 / 2π 2800) * Loge (2 x 2800 x 2800/( 60 x 1.2))
= 1.05 Ω
EFFECTIVE EARTH RESISTANCE OF THE PLANT AREA
All earthing electrodes shall be connected to each other through earthing

grid to reduce the resistance
Effective earth resistance of the plant area = (R2 x R3) / (R2 + R3)
= (1.05 x 0.106) / (1.05+0.106)
= 0.096 Ω
As per clause No. 22.2.3 of IS 3043, overall earth resistance of the plant is below
1Ω.
Hence, earthing system of PROCESS- plant is safe.
6. SUMMARY
Minimum size of galvanized steel flat earthing mat (Process plant – MCC room)
shall be 75 x 12 mm.
36 Nos. of 100 mm Internal Diameter, 13mm thickness, 3 meter length cast iron
pipes have been considered for design of safe earthing system of MNZ plant.
30
iv) EARTHING CALCULATION FOR AC SUBSTATIONS
31
TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-119.10, Rev. 0
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 SCOPE
2.0 FUNCTION
3.0 SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
4.0 BASIC DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
5.0 EVALUATION OF GROUND RESISTANCE
6.0 SOIL RESISTIVITY MEASUREMENT
6.1 Measurement
6.2 Interpretation of Test Results
6.3 Backfilled material
7.0 SELECTION OF GROUNDING CONDUCTOR MATERIAL, SIZE AND JOINTS
7.1 Basic Requirements

7.2 Minimum size of Grounding Conductor
7.3 Selection of Joints
8.0 BASIC ASPECTS OF GROUNDING SYSTEM DESIGN
8.1 Vertical Rods and Horizontal Conductors

8.2 Grounding Grid
8.3 Asphalt
8.4 Ground Rods
8.5 Connection
8.6 Precautions for Laying of Grounding Grid
9.0 DESIGN OF GROUNDING SYSTEM
9.1 Design Procedure

9.2 Use of Computer Analysis in Grid Design
10.0 PROTECTION AGAINST TRANSFERRED VOLTAGE
10.1 General
10.2 Communication Circuits
10.3 Rails
10.4 Utility Pipes and other Pipelines
TESP11910R0/MAK Date of Approval: October 16, 2006 PAGE NO. 2 OF 43

10.5 Auxiliary Buildings

10.6 Portable Equipments
11.0 STRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT GROUNDING REQUIREMENTS
11.1 General
11.2 Steel structures and Switch Racks
11.3 Fence/Gates
11.4 Cables
11.5 Cable Tray System
11.6 Control Buildings
11.7 HVAC
11.8 Control Cabinets, Operating Mechanism Housing, Box, etc.
11.9 Metallic Conduits
11.10 Circuit Breakers and Disconnect Switches
11.11 Operating Handles for Outdoor Switches
11.12 Terminal Transmission Tower Grounding
11.13 Lightning Masts
11.14 Reclosers
11.15 Ring Main Unit (RMU)
11.16 Oil Tanks and Oil /Water Piping
11.17 Metal Clad Switchgear
11.18 Grounding of Lighting Equipment
11.19 Temporary Grounding
11.20 Instruments, Relays and Meters
12.0 EQUIPMENT REQUIRING BOTH SAFETY AND SYSTEM GROUNDS
12.1 Power Transformer

12.2 Instrument Transformers
12.3 Surge Arresters
12.4 Station Auxiliary Transformer
12.5 Shunt Capacitors
12.6 Coupling Capacitor Voltage Transformers (CCVTs)
13.0 CRITICAL SAFETY DESIGN PARAMETERS FOR GIS SUBSTATIONS
14.0 FIELD MEASUREMENT OF A CONSTRUCTED GROUNDING SYSTEM
15.0 CORROSION CONTROL
16.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY

FIGURES:
Figure 10-1 Surface Layer Derating Factor (CS)Versus Thickness of Surface Material (hS)
Figure 10-2 Design Procedure Block Diagram
Figure 10-3 Grounding Installation Details (Sheets 5)
Figure 10-4 Short Time Current Loading Capability (ICE) of Concrete Encased Ground
Electrode
APPENDIX : SAMPLE DESIGN CALCULATIONS

1.0 SCOPE
This Engineering Standard establishes general guidelines, parameters and design criteria for
the design and construction of a substation grounding intended to be used in the electrical
system for Saudi Electricity Company, Saudi Arabia.
2.0 FUNCTION
2.1 A substation grounding is for the following functions:
2.1.1 System Grounding
a. To provide low fault impedance to the ground fault currents for

prompt and consistent operation of protective devices during a ground
fault, and to limit potential rise of substation equipment.
b. To stabilize system neutral potential by grounding the neutrals of the

equipment.
2.1.2 Safety Grounding
a. To provide means to carry electric currents into the ground under

normal and fault conditions without exceeding any operating and
equipment limits or adversely affecting continuity of service.
b. To assure that a person in the vicinity of grounded facilities is not

exposed to the danger of critical electric shock.
3.0 SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
3.1 Tolerable Body Current Limit
Shock current that can be survived by 99.5% of persons (weighing approximately

50kg) is governed by the following formula :
0.116
IB = (Eq.10-1)
ts
Where:
IB = rms magnitude of tolerable shock current through the body in Amperes.

ts = Duration of the current exposure in sec. (Shock duration).

3.2 Typical Shock Situations
3.2.1 There are five (5) basic situations involving a person and grounded facilities
during a fault. These are metal to metal touch voltage ( E touch ), step voltage
( E step ), mesh voltage (Em) and transferred voltage ( E trf ).
3.2.2 The transferred voltage ( E trf ) is approximately equivalent to ground

potential rise (GPR), which is given by the following formula:
GPR = I G × R g (Eq.10-2)
Where:
IG = Maximum Grid Current in Amperes

Rg = Grid resistance in ohms
GPR shall be restricted to around 5000 V as far as possible to safe guard

microprocessor based equipment and communication equipment.
3.2.3 Mesh voltage is the maximum touch voltage to be found within a mesh of a
ground grid.
3.3 Effect of Site Surfacing
The effect of site surfacing is to increase contact resistance between soil and the feet
of a person. SEC substation yard shall be surfaced with a 100 mm layer of high
resistivity of 3000 ohm-meter, asphalt material that extends l.5 meters outside the
fence perimeter if space permits. If for some reasons it is impractical to asphalt the
site surface, then 80mm to 150 mm layer of gravel or high resistivity crushed rock
shall be spread on the ground surface above the grounding grid with prior approval
of SEC.
3.4 Tolerable Step(Estep) and Touch Voltage (Etouch) Criteria
Tolerable step and touch voltages are given by the following formulae:
(1000 + 6 × C S × ρ S ) × 0.116
E step = (Eq. 10-3)
tS
(1000 + 1.5 × C S × ρ S ) × 0.116
E touch = (Eq. 10-4)
tS
Where:
1000 = Resistance of a human body in ohms from hand-to-both feet, from

hand-to-hand, and from one foot to the other foot.

Cs = Reduction factor for derating the nominal value of surface layer

resistivity. It is 1 for no protective surface layer (Protective layer
resistivity equal to soil resistivity).
For protective surface layer of resistivity higher than soil resistivity,

the value of C s is < 1. The actual value shall be determined by the
following formula :
⎡ ⎛ ρ ⎞ ⎤
⎢ 1 - ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ ⎥
C S = 1 − 0.09 ⎢ ⎝ ρS ⎠ ⎥ (Eq. 10-5)
⎢ 2 h s + 0.09 ⎥
⎢ ⎥
⎢⎣ ⎥⎦
Where:
hs = Thickness of the soil protective surface layer in meter

ts = Duration of the shock current in sec., which usually ranges from 0.5
to 1.0 sec. For SEC applications, this shall be taken as 0.5 second or
back up clearing time whichever is higher
ρs = Resistivity of the surfacing material in ohms-meter which ranges from
1000 to 5000 in value
ρ = Soil resistivity in ohms-meter
For all grounding design calculations the value of Cs can also be obtained from
Figure 10-1.
ρ − ρs
where K=
ρ + ρs
To ensure safety, the actual step voltage, touch voltage or metal-to-metal touch
voltage or transferred voltage must be less than the tolerable limits.
4.0 BASIC DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
The basic design consideration is to install a grounding system that will limit the effects of
ground potential gradients within the tolerable level. This is normally achieved by the form
of a grid of horizontally buried conductors, supplemented by a number of vertical rods
connected to the grid.
4.1 Determination of Maximum Grid Current
The maximum grid current ( I G ) is defined as follows:
ΙG = D f Ιg (Eq. 10-6)
Where:
IG = Maximum grid current in Amperes.

Df = Decrement factor for the entire duration of fault ( t f ) in seconds. This

accounts for the asymmetry of the fault current, i.e. the effect of DC
current offset. Df depends on system X/R ratio and fault duration. For
SEC system with minimum shock duration of 0.5sec, value of Df shall
be 1.
Ig = R.M.S symmetrical grid current in Amperes. It represents the portion

of the symmetrical ground fault current that flows between the
grounding grid and surrounding ground. It can be expressed as
follows:
Ig = Sf × If
Where:
Sf = Current division factor relating the magnitude of fault current to that

of its portion flowing between the grounding grid and surrounding
ground. This factor is normally computed per IEEE 80. However for
SEC application, the minimum value of this factor shall be taken as
0.7 unless otherwise specified in the Project Technical Specification
(PTS).
If = Breaker short circuit rating. If however there are constraints in
accommodating the grid within the substation area then station
ultimate ground fault current can be considered subject to SEC
approval.
NOTE : If however there are constraints in accommodating the grid within the
substation area, methods indicated in clause 11.6.5 shall be adopted.
Taking the above definition into account maximum grid current IG shall be:
IG = Sf × Df × If (Eq. 10-7)
4.2 Calculation of Mesh Voltage (Em)
4.2.1 Mesh voltage Em is represented by the equation:

ρ . K m . K i . IG
Em = (Eq. 10-8)
LM
Where:
ρ = Soil resistivity in ohm-meter
Km = Spacing factor for mesh voltage
Ki = Corrective factor accounting for grid geometry
= 0.644 +0.148 x n
(Refer Eq. 10.9 for value of n)
LM = LC + LR for grids with no ground rods, or grids with only a
few rods scattered throughout the grid but none

located in the corner or along the perimeter of the

grid.
or
⎡ ⎛ Lr ⎞⎤
= ⎢
LC + 1.55 + 1.22 ⎜ ⎟⎥ LR
⎢ ⎜ ⎟⎥
⎝ L x + L y ⎠⎦
2 2
⎣
For grids with ground rods in the corner as well as along the
perimeter and throughout the grid.
Where:
LM = Effective buried length

LC = Total length of grid conductors in meter
LR = Total length of ground rods in meter.
Lx = Maximum length of the grid in x direction in meter
Ly = Maximum length of the grid in y direction in meter
Lr = Length of each ground rod in meter
4.2.2 The geometrical factor Km, is given by the expression:
1 ⎡ ⎛ D2 (D+ 2 h) 2 h ⎞ ⎛ K ii 8 ⎞⎤
Km = ln
⎢ ⎜ ⎜ + − ⎟⎟ + ⎜⎜ ln ⎟⎥
2 π ⎣ ⎝ 16 hd 8 Dd 4 d ⎠ ⎝ K h π(2 n − 1) ⎟⎠⎦
(Eq. 10.9)
Where
K ii = Corrective weighting factor that adjusts the effect of inner
conductors on the corner mesh
= 1 for grids with ground rods along the perimeter, or for

grids with ground rods in the grid corners, as well as
both along the perimeter and throughout the grid area
1
= for grids with no ground rods or grids with only a few
(2 n) 2/ n
ground rods, none located in the corners or on the
perimeter
Kh = Corrective weighting factor that emphasizes the effects of grid

depth
= 1 + ( h / h o ) , h o = 1 m (reference depth of grid)
D = spacing between parallel conductors in meters

d = diameter of the grid conductor in meter
h = depth of ground grid conductors in meters
n = Effective number of parallel conductors in a given grid
= na.nb.nc.nd

Where:
2. L C
na =
Lp
nb = 1 for square grids
nc = 1 for square and rectangular grids.
nd = 1 for square, rectangular and L-shaped grids.
Otherwise
Lp
nb =
4. A
0.7. A
⎡ Lx .Ly ⎤ Lx .Ly
nc = ⎢ ⎥
⎣ A ⎦
Dm
nd =
L2x + L2y
Where:
Dm = Maximum distance between any two points on the grid

A = Area of the grid in square meter
Lr = Length of each ground rod in meter
Lp = Pheripheral length of the grid in meter
4.3 Calculation of Step Voltage (Es)
4.3.1 Step voltage E s , between a point above the outer corner of the grid and at a
point one (1) meter diagonally outside the grid is given by the equation:
ρ .K s .K i .IG
E s tep = (Eq. 10-10)
Ls
Where
Ls = Effective buried conductor length in meter

= 0.75 LC + 0.85 LR for grids with or without ground rods
4.3.2 For simplification, the maximum step voltage is assumed to occur at a

distance equal to the grid depth (h) just outside the perimeter conductor. For
the usual burial depth of 0.25m < h <2.5m,
1⎡ 1 1 1 ⎤
Ks = ⎢ + + (1 − 0.5n − 2 )⎥ (Eq.10-11)
π ⎣ 2h D + h D ⎦

5.0 EVALUATION OF GROUND RESISTANCE
5.1 The substation resistance depends primarily on the area to be occupied by the ground
system, which is usually known in the early design stages.
The value of substation grounding resistance shall be calculated using the following
formula :
⎡ 1 1 ⎛ 1 ⎞⎤
R g = ρ⎢ + ⎜⎜1 + ⎟⎟⎥ (Eq. 10-12)
⎣ LT 20 A ⎝ 1 + h 20 /A ⎠⎦
where
Rg = Substation ground resistance in ohm

ρ = Average ground resistivity in ohm -m
A = The area occupied by the ground grid in m²
LT = The total buried length of conductors in m. (In case of grid rod
combination LT shall be combined length of earthing conductor and
ground rods).
h = Depth of grid in meters excluding asphalt covering if any. This value
is used for calculations even in case the grid is partly embedded under
the control building.
5.2 For substations, the ground resistance shall be equivalent to 1 ohm or less.
6.0 SOIL RESISTIVITY MEASUREMENT
6.1 Measurement
6.1.1 A number of measuring techniques are described in detail in ANSI/IEEE 81.

The Wenner's four-pin method as described in ANSI/IEEE 81shall be used
for measurement of soil resistivity. As many readings as required for various
spacing and depth, in all the eight directions, sufficient to model the soil shall
be carried out.
6.1.2 For SEC substation design, soil resistivity readings shall normally be taken
under dry conditions, during summer months, if possible, However the same
shall not affect the project’s schedule.
6.1.3 Fill up soil resistivity shall be carried by soil modeling in laboratories on

samples dried to 2% moisture content after compaction.
6.1.4 Soil resistivity measurement shall also be carried out before and after fill up
and compaction of soil at site.

6.2 Interpretation of Test Results
For soils with resistivity value less than 500Ohm-meter, if the difference between the
highest and the lowest readings are within 30 % then the soil can be considered as
uniform soil. For soils with resistivity value greater than 500 Ohm-meter, if the
difference between the highest and the lowest readings are within 20 % then the soil
can be considered as uniform soil. For uniform soils, the mean value shall be
considered as soil resistivity value. In case of wide variations in field readings,
computer software alone shall be used to simulate two-layer model or multi layer
soil model. Two-layer soil models are good approximation of many soil structures,
while multi layer soil models may be used for more complex soil conditions.
Software shall be based on IEEE-80.
6.3 Backfill Material
Backfill material shall have possibly the same soil resistivity or better than that of the
original soil. In case of considerable backfill the soil resistivity shall be taken after
completion of the backfill compaction. The same shall be used for grounding
calculations. In case of delay of backfill activity at site the estimated value of
resistivity of the backfill material or that of the existing soil whichever is higher shall
be used for grounding calculations.
7.0 SELECTION OF GROUNDING CONDUCTOR MATERIAL, SIZE AND JOINTS
7.1 Basic Requirements
7.1.1 Copper material shall be used for grounding. Since a grid of copper forms a
galvanic cell with the buried steel structures, pipes, etc., and hastens the
corrosion of steel structures, precautionary measures need to be taken in
order to reduce the cell potential as per clause 15.0.
7.1.2 Soft drawn, stranded copper shall be used for the ground grid conductors.
The conductor shall be round shaped for maximum cross-sectional contact
with the ground. In coastal zone with low soil resistivity, tinned copper
conductor shall be used. Copper-clad steel shall be used for ground rods.
7.1.3 Each element of the ground system (including grid proper, connecting
ground leads, and electrodes) shall be so designed that it shall :
a. Resist fusing and deterioration of electric joints under the most

adverse combination of fault-current magnitude and fault duration
to which it might be subjected.
b. Be mechanically rugged to a high degree, especially in locations

exposed to physical damage.

c. Have sufficient conductivity so that it will not contribute

substantially to dangerous local potential differences.
7.2 Minimum Size of the Grounding Conductor
The following equation shall be used to evaluate the minimum conductor size (in
mm²) as a function of conductor current:
If
A mm 2 = (Eq.10-13)
⎛ TCAP × 10 −4 ⎞ ⎛ K 0 + Tm ⎞
⎜ ⎟ ln⎜ ⎟
⎜ t α ρ ⎟ ⎜ K +T ⎟
⎝ c r r ⎠ ⎝ 0 a ⎠
where:
If = Symmetrical ground fault current in kA. (For SEC system this value
shall be breaker rated short circuit current)
A = Conductor cross section in mm²
Tm = Fusing temperature in °C
Ta = Ambient temperature in °C
αr = Thermal coefficient of resistivity of conductor material at reference
temperature Tr
ρr = Resistivity of the ground conductor at referenced temperature Tr in
microhms cm
tc = Maximum possible clearing time. This shall be taken as 1.0 (one)
second.
TCAP = Thermal capacity factor from Table 10-1 in J/cm³.°C
1 1
K0 = or Ko = − Tr , where
α0 αr
Tr = reference temperature for material constants in °C
αr = thermal coefficient of resistivity of conductor material at 0
°C in 1/ ºC
Note that αr and ρr are both to be found for the same reference temperature. Table
10-1 provides the material constants for stranded, annealed, soft copper wire at 20°C.
Table 10-1 : Material Constants for Stranded,

Annealed, Soft Copper Wire
Description Material αr factor K0 Fusing ρr 20ºC TCAP

Conductivity at 20ºC at Temperature (µΩ- thermal
(%) (1/ºC) 0ºC Tm cm) capacity
(ºC) J/ (cm3.˚C)
Copper,
annealed 100.0 0.00393 234 1083 1.7241 3.422
soft-drawn

Table 10-2 : Recommended Ground Copper Conductor Sizes
Description Sizes to be used

(mm2)
Conductor size for Equipment
Ground 95, 120, 240, 2x240
Conductor for Main Ground 120 (for 25kA & 31.5kA),
Grid, Embedded system 150 (40kA), 185 (50kA), 240 (63kA)
Note: The final choice of conductor after calculation shall be from the nearest
higher sizes shown in Table 10-2.
7.3 Selection of Joints
7.3.1 The joints shall meet all the requirements of IEEE Std. 837 “Qualifying
Permanent Connections Used in Substation Grounding”. Necessary tests per
this standard shall be carried out for the connections. All bolted and
compression joints shall withstand a maximum temperature of 250ºC.
7.3.2 All exothermic connections shall be bitumastic painted and mastic taped.
7.3.2 Outdoor Joints
i. Buried Joints:
Exothermic welded joints shall be used on buried ground grid (cross-over
points, etc.), which make the connections an integral part of the
homogenous conductor.
ii. Open Air Joints:

For outdoor equipment or structures, above grade joints of pigtails with
the respective connectors shall be compression (lug) type and the
connector in turn shall be bolted to the respective equipment, structures,
etc. All joints, which are part of ground grid network, shall be
exothermic.
7.3.3 Indoor Joints
i. Equipment grounding joints:

For equipments installed inside the substation buildings, equipment
grounding conductor shall be provided with compression lug at
equipment end. The lug in turn shall be bolted to the equipment joints.
The connection to the grounding grid at the other end can be bolted,
similar to equipment end, only when it is not possible to have an
exothermic joint. In all other cases the connections with the indoor
grounding grid shall be exothermic only.

ii. Other Joints

All other joints such as ground bar to ground bar etc, routed in indoor
substation building shall be exothermic. When there is difficulty in
carrying out exothermic joints, then brazed or bolted connections can be
considered subject to SEC prior approval.
8.0 BASIC ASPECTS OF GROUNDING SYSTEM DESIGN
8.1 Vertical Rods and Horizontal Conductors
The grounding system shall limit the ground potential gradient to a tolerable level.
This is achieved by a combination of network of interconnected horizontally buried
conductors and vertically buried ground rods connected to each other and to all
equipment neutrals, frames and structures.
8.2 Grounding Grid
8.2.1 The grounding grid shall encompass all of the area within the fence, and shall
extend at least l.5 meters outside the substation fence on all sides (if space
permits), including all gates in any position (open or closed) to enclose as
much ground as practicable and to avoid current concentration and hence
high gradients at the grid periphery. A perimeter grid conductor shall also
surround the substation buildings, at a distance of 0.5-1.5 meters.
8.2.2 In case of substations with boundary wall, when it is not possible to extend
the grounding grid beyond 1.5meters, then the outer grid can coincide with
boundary wall perimeter. However in this case necessary calculations for
touch and step voltage profiles near the boundary wall shall be furnished and
safety shall be ensured.
8.2.3 Grounding grid shall be buried at a depth ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 m below
final ground grade (excluding asphalt covering).
8.2.4 The grounding grid conductors shall preferably be laid, as far as possible, at
reasonably uniform spacing. Depending upon site conditions, typical spacing
of the main conductors generally ranges between 3 meters to 15 meters. In
congested areas, reduced intervals may be desirable. Grid spacing shall be
halved around the perimeter of the grid to reduce periphery voltage gradients.
It may also be desirable to subdivide the corner meshes into quarter areas to
reduce the normally higher mesh voltages at such locations.
8.2.5 Reinforcement bars in concrete slabs, foundations and duct banks shall be
connected to the grounding grid by using appropriate thermoweld joints.
However care should be taken to ensure that no discharge current shall flow
through the reinforcement bars to the grounding grid.
8.2.6 Main conductors and secondary conductors shall be bonded at points of

crossover by thermoweld process.

8.3 Asphalt
The entire area inside the fence, and including a minimum of l.5 meters outside the
fence (if space permits), shall be surfaced with asphalt as given in clause 3.3. For
SEC grounding grid design, soil resistivity of asphalt of 3000Ω-m shall be
considered.
8.4 Ground Rods
8.4.1 Ground rods shall have minimum dimensions of l5mm φ x 2.5m and the size
shall be selected for breaker short circuit rating. However, for many GIS
substations, other space-limited installations and at locations where relatively
low resistivity is experienced at depths below 3 meters, extra long rods may
be considered. For two layer and multi layer soil models, where the upper
layer has high soil resistivity, deep driven rods shall be considered so that the
rod is in contact with low resistivity lower soil layer.
8.4.2 Ground rods shall be installed with their top, 50 cm minimum below grade
and bonded to the grounding grid by thermoweld process.
8.4.3 Ground rods shall, in general, be installed at all points in the grid as defined
above, in particular in particular, one for each surge arrester connection, two
for power transformer neutral and one for service transformer neutral. where
large ground currents may be expected. The rods installed predominately
along the grid perimeter will considerably moderate the steep increase of the
surface gradient near the peripheral meshes.
8.5 Connections
8.5.1 Once the conductors are placed in their trenches, the required connections are
then made. Generally, the points of crossing require a cross type connection,
while tee connections are used for taps to a straight conductor run located
along the perimeter.
8.5.2 Pigtails are left at appropriate locations for grounding connections to

structures or equipment. The pigtails are then readily accessible after
backfilling for the above grade connections.
8.5.3 Prior to backfilling, the installation of the ground rods shall be accomplished.
8.6 Precautions for Laying of Grounding Grid
8.6.1 When there is restriction in space to lay grounding grid within a substation
then grounding grid can be additionally embedded in Switchgear and Control
Room basement also with the approval from SEC. If this does not still satisfy
the grounding design requirements then the system ultimate ground fault
current shall be considered for the design subject to approval from SEC.
However care shall be taken to ensure that no discharge current flows
through reinforcing bars.

8.6.2 Grounding grid shall not be laid beneath power and station service
transformer foundation, unless otherwise required because of space
constraint and subject to SEC approval. Grounding grid may be embedded
in the base slab of oil catch basin.
9.0 DESIGN OF GROUNDING SYSTEM
9.1 Design Procedure
The block diagram of Figure 10-2 illustrates the sequence of steps to design the
grounding grid.
9.1.1 Step 1: The general location map shall provide information of the substation
area to be grounded. Soil resistivity test shall be carried out using Wenner's
four pin method described in ANSI/IEEE Std. 81.
9.1.2 Step 2: The minimum conductor size shall be determined using Eq. 10-13.
9.1.3 Step 3: The tolerable step and touch voltages shall be determined using Eqs.
10-3 and 10-4.
9.1.4 Step 4: The preliminary design shall include a conductor loop surrounding the
entire grounding area, plus adequate cross conductors to provide convenient
access for the equipment grounds etc. The initial estimate of conductor
spacing and ground rod locations shall be based on IG and the area being
grounded.
9.1.5 Step 5: The resistance of the system grounding (Rg) in uniform soil shall be
determined using Eq.10-12. However for two layer and multi layer soil,
computer analysis based on modeling the grounding system shall be used to
compute the resistance.
9.1.6 Step 6: Maximum value of grid current IG shall be determined using

Eq. 10-6.
9.1.7 Step 7: If the GPR of the preliminary design, calculated using Eq. 10-2, is
below the tolerable touch voltage, no further analysis is necessary. Only
additional conductor required to provide access to equipment grounds is
necessary.
9.1.8 Step 8: However, in case the safety criterion of Step 7 is not met, then the
mesh and step voltages shall be calculated using Eqs. 10-8 and 10-10.
9.1.9 Step 9: If the calculated mesh voltage is below the tolerable touch voltage, the
design may be complete. However, if the calculated mesh voltage is greater
than the tolerable touch voltage, then the preliminary design need to be
revised [see Step (11)].
9.1.10 Step 10: If both the calculated touch and step voltages are below the tolerable
voltages, the design needs only refinements required to provide access to
equipment grounds. If not, the preliminary design must be revised [see Step
(11)].
9.1.11 Step 11: If either the step or touch tolerable limits are exceeded, revision of
the grid design is required. These revisions may include smaller conductor
spacing, additional ground rods, etc.
9.1.12 Step 12: After satisfying the step and touch voltage requirements, additional
grid conductors and ground rods may be required. The additional grid
conductor may be required, if the grid design does not include conductors near
the equipment to be grounded. Additional ground rods may be required at the
base of surge arresters, transformer neutrals, etc. The final design shall be
reviewed to eliminate hazards due to transferred potential.
9.2 Use of Computer Analysis in Grid Design
Computer algorithms alone shall be used in complex situations for designing

grounding system such as two layer models, multi layer models, unsymmetrical grids
etc. Commercially available computer programs can be used with the approval from
SEC. Computer programs shall be based on IEEE-80 calculation methods.
10.0 PROTECTION AGAINST TRANSFERRED VOLTAGE
10.1 General
Hazards from external transferred voltages are best avoided by using isolating or
neutralizing devices and by treating and clearly labeling these circuits, pipes, etc. as
being equivalent to live lines. The isolation devices or the insulation provided must
be capable of withstanding the magnitude of the transferred voltage.
10.2 Communication Circuits
For communication circuits, protective schemes involve the use of protective devices
to safeguard personnel and communication terminal equipment. Communication
Master Ground Bar shall be bonded to station grounding grid. Modern approach,
however, favors the use of fiber optic circuits, which eliminate the transfer of high
voltages.
10.3 Rails
Hazards can be avoided by installing several insulating joints in the rails leaving the
grid area (if applicable).

10.4 Utility Pipes and other Pipelines
All metallic utility pipes and other metallic pipelines such as rain water pipe lines
shall always be tied to the substation's grounding system. To ensure that GPR is not
transferred outside the substation plot area, all metallic utility pipes and other
pipelines emanating out of the substation shall be provided with insulated connection
at the point of leaving the substation. Necessary proposal shall be submitted to SEC
for approval.
10.5 Auxiliary Buildings
Buildings in the substation, especially if linked to it via water pipes, cable sheaths,
etc., must be treated as a part of the substation, and shall be grounded using the same
safety criteria as the substation.
10.6 Portable Equipment
It is a common practice to isolate the supply circuits for portable equipment and their
associated tools from the substation ground to avoid a hazardous transferred voltage,
which otherwise might appear between the equipment and the nearby ground. For
this purpose, separate grounds are provided at the site of work or portable generators
may be used.
11.0 STRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT GROUNDING REQUIREMENTS
11.1 General
The grounding connections provided to substation equipment and structures fall

under two categories, namely
a. Safety Grounds
b. System Grounds
System ground is normally for neutral grounding and safety ground is for equipment
grounding. Minimum conductor size for equipment safety grounding shall be per
Table 10-3. All safety ground termination shall be made directly on to the ground
grid. All system ground shall be terminated on to a ground rod interconnected to the
grounding grid.
11.2 Steel Structures and Switch Racks
Switch racks and every steel structure that supports insulators or electrical equipment
shall be grounded by means of bolted connections at two (2) diagonally opposite
legs. Equipment mounted on steel supporting structures shall have separate
grounding conductors. The pigtail ground conductor shall be supported on the
structure at 1.0 meter intervals by clamps as shown in Figure 10-3, detail 5. Casting
pigtail conductor inside the steel structure concrete foundation is not acceptable.

11.3 Fences / Gates
11.3.1 If space permits a perimeter ground conductor shall be laid which follows the
fence line and the gate in any position (open or close) at a distance of 0.5 -
1.5 m beyond (outside) the fencing. The perimeter ground conductor and the
fence then shall be bonded electrically at corner posts, gate posts and every
alternate line post. The gates shall be bonded to the gateposts with a flexible
copper cable or braid. See Figure 10-3, detail 6.
11.3.2 The barbed wire on the top of the SSD (Safety and Security Directive) type
fence/boundary wall, if applicable, shall be bonded to the grounding grid at
every 21 meter intervals.
11.4 Cables
Metallic cable sheaths shall be effectively grounded by connecting a flexible braid to

the sheath to eliminate dangerous induced voltages to ground.
11.4.1 Control Cables
Metallic sheath of control cables shall be grounded at both ends to the

grounding grid via ground busbar in the cubicle.
11.4.2 Power Cables
a. Sheath of Power cables rated 69kV to 380kV shall be grounded per

TES-P-104.08.
b. Grounding of sheath of single core cables rated for 34.5kV and 13.8kV
shall be based on TES-P-104.08. Sheath of three core cables rated for
13.8kV shall be grounded at both ends.
c. If ring type CTs are installed on power cables, the grounding of sheath
shall be done such that the sheath current to ground will not influence
CT secondary current.
. 11.4.3 Instrument Cables
Instrument cables carrying analog or digital signals shall have their metallic
screening grounded at one point by means of PVC insulated grounding wire
connected to separate instrument ground bar which is insulated from
cubicle ground.

11.4.4 Signal Cables
All signal cables used in telemetering and communications shall have their
shield grounded at one end only to reduce interference from stray sources.
11.5 Cable Tray System
Cable tray system shall be grounded with bare copper conductor of 50mm² size at
both ends and shall be bonded across gaps including expansion gaps (See Figure 10-
3, Detail 7).
11.6 Substation Buildings
11.6.1 Substation buildings shall be encircled by a grounding conductor.

Reinforcement bars of the substation buildings and equipment foundation
in the yard shall be connected to the main grounding grid at least at two
diagonally opposite points.
11.6.2 For grounding of the electrical apparatus installed inside substation

buildings two separate exposed copper conductors/strips of size per Table
10-3, each connected to the grounding grid at two (2) different points shall
be laid. The grounding grid shall be laid inside the substation buildings and
it shall be connected to the main grid outside the buildings, at minimum
two points as shown in Figure 10-3, detail 8.
11.6.3 Metal building(s) shall be grounded at each substructure column with a

minimum size of l20mm² bare copper conductor.
11.6.4 Angle irons installed on indoor trenches to support the metallic covers shall
also be grounded at both ends. Metallic doors in substation buildings shall
be grounded with a flexible copper cable or braid.
11.7 HVAC
11.7.1 All air conditioning ducts inside the control building(s) shall be grounded at
both ends and cross bonded at all joints and across the non-metallic duct
connecting Air Handling Unit (AHU).
11.7.2 Grounding of control panels and other equipments associated with HVAC
shall be per respective specifications.
11.8 Control Cabinets, Operating Mechanism Housing, Box, etc.
11.8.1 All the metallic enclosures of boxes/cabinets shall be connected to the

grounding grid through the grounding terminals.

11.8.2 The door(s) of all cabin, junction boxes, etc., shall be bonded to the
respective housing with a flexible copper conductor.
11.8.3 A copper ground bus of minimum 95mm2 size shall be provided inside
these cabinets. All grounding connections from individual items including
motor frames shall be connected directly, but separately, to this grounding
bus. Size of grounding connections shall be 95mm2.
11.9 Metallic Conduits
All metallic conduits shall be connected to the grounding grid at each manhole or at
terminating points by using a conductor size of 50 mm². Conduits terminating in
metal junction boxes shall be grounded by means of grounding studs or brazed
connections. Where several conduits or junction boxes are located adjacent to each
other, an adequately sized solid wire shall be used to interconnect the boxes. It shall
be connected to grounding system at one single point.
11.10 Circuit Breakers and Disconnect Switches
All circuit breakers and disconnect switches shall be grounded at two diagonally
opposite corners from two separate points of the grounding grid. Further grounding
switch blades of Disconnect Switch shall be directly grounded to grounding grid.
Good electrical connection shall be maintained between the steel structure and any
bolted accessories mounted on it.
11.11 Operating Handles for Outdoor Switches
11.11.1 A large percentage of fatal accidents from voltage gradients are associated
with manual operating handles of disconnect switches, etc.
11.11.2 A metal grounding plate or mat (operating platform), shall be placed where
the operator must stand on it to operate the device. The operating handles
shall be grounded by connecting a ground conductor (preferably flexible
wire, braid strap) from the vertical operating pipe to the supporting
structure, then continuing another stranded ground conductor to the switch
operating platform. It is reiterated that the operating handle and the
platform shall not be directly connected to the grounding grid but instead
both connected to the support structure which in turn shall be connected to
the grounding grid at least at two diagonally opposite points. See Figure 10-
3, detail 9.
11.12 Terminal Transmission Tower Grounding
Terminal transmission towers located adjacent to the substation shall be connected to

the substation grounding grid at two diagonally opposite points. The shield wire shall
be connected to the tower structure, which in turn is connected to the grounding grid
as discussed above.

11.13 Lightning Masts
Metal lightning masts shall have one safety ground.
11.14 Reclosers
The tank of recloser(s) shall be safety grounded at one location. The respective
control cabinets shall also be connected to the grounding grid.
11.15 Ring Main Unit (RMU)
The RMU inside the substation, if applicable, shall have two safety ground
connections.
11.16 Oil Tanks and Oil /Water Pipings
All oil tanks shall be grounded at two points with bolted cable connections to two
different points of the grounding grid. Oil piping shall be grounded at intervals of
12m. Runs shorter than l2m shall be grounded at least at two points. Water piping
shall be connected to the grounding system at all service points. In addition, two
copper conductors of adequate size, as specified in Table 10-3, shall be connected to
the main water pipe from two separate points of the grounding grid.
11.17 Metal Clad Switchgear
Metal Clad switchgear shall have two safety grounds connected to the switchgear
grounding bus. Withdrawable circuit breakers and PTs shall be provided with
reliable connection to the ground bus. Grounding via the roller wheels and the rail is
not acceptable.
11.18 Grounding of Lighting Equipment
11.18.1 Grounding of the lighting fixtures, lamp holders, lamps, receptacles and
metal poles supporting lighting fixtures shall be per Article 250 and 410 of
NEC (NFPA 70).
11.18.2 Portable Equipment
Portable electrical equipment shall be grounded in accordance with the

applicable requirements of Articles 250 of the NEC (NFPA 70).
11.19 Temporary Grounding
All the components used for temporary protective system shall be sized as per Eq.
10-12. All other requirements of temporary grounding shall meet IEEE Std. 1246,
“Guide for Temporary Protective Grounding System Used in Substations”.

11.20 Instruments, Relays and Meters
Instruments, meters and relays shall be grounded in accordance with the

requirements of the NEC, Articles 250-120 to 126 and Articles 170 to 178.
12.0 Equipment Requiring both Safety and System Grounds
All operating grounds shall have their connections made to the grounding rods, which in
turn shall be connected to the grounding grid.
12.1 Power Transformers
12.1.1 Power transformer tanks shall be safety grounded at two points diagonally
opposite to each other. These connections shall be made from two different
points of the grounding grid.
12.1.2 A separate system ground shall be provided for the neutral of the
transformer by means of two (2) stranded copper wires. The neutral copper
wire shall be sized for the system fault level.
12.1.3 The neutral grounding wires shall be insulated from the transformer tank by
support insulators mounted on the tank wall and shall be connected to the
grounding grid directly.
12.1.4 Independently mounted radiator bank and LPOF/XLPE cable termination

boxes shall be separately grounded at two diagonally opposite locations.
12.1.5 Tertiary windings and stabilizing windings shall be grounded per

IEC60076-3, Annexure B.
12.2 Instrument Transformers
12.2.1 Potential and current transformers shall have their metal cases grounded.
12.2.2 The grounding terminal of the potential transformers shall be connected to

the grounding grid. The neutral point of the secondary connections of
potential and current transformers shall be grounded to the ground grid in
the control/relay room instead of switchyard to reduce the transient over-
voltages. Other requirements of instruments transformer grounding shall be
per IEEE C57.13.3, “Guide for Grounding of Instrument Transformer
Secondary Circuits and Cases”.
12.3 Surge Arresters
12.3.1 Where surge counter and/leakage current indicating meters are installed, a 5
kV insulated cable shall be used between arrester ground terminal and

surge counter. The surge monitor's ground terminal shall be connected to

the ground grid via two (2) 240 mm² stranded copper conductors.
12.3.2 The system ground conductor shall be as short as possible, free of sharp
bends, and shall not be installed in metallic conduit. In addition, ground rods
shall be driven adjacent to the arrester connection to the grounding grid to
provide the lowest ground grid resistance at this point.
12.4 Station Auxiliary Transformer
Station auxiliary transformer shall be safety grounded at two locations diagonally

opposite. One system ground shall be directly connected to the neutral bushing of
wye connected windings that are to be solidly grounded.
12.5 Shunt Capacitors
Shunt capacitors are considered safety grounded when mounted on a metal structure
that is connected to the grounding grid. One system ground conductor shall be
connected to the grounding grid when the capacitors are to be connected in a
grounded star configuration.
12.6 Coupling Capacitor Voltage Transformers (CCVTs)
The grounding terminal and neutral point of secondary connections of CCVT shall
be connected to the grounding grid similar to potential transformer as described
under clause 12.2.2.

Table 10-3 : Application List of Conductor Sizes for Equipment Safety Grounding
Conductor Size (mm²)

Sr. Description Station Fault Level Comments
No. 40kA and Below Above
40 kA
1. Steel Structures 240 2 x 240 At two (2) locations
diagonally opposite
2. Power Transformers Tank 240 2 x 240 At two (2) locations
diagonally opposite
3. Circuit Breakers and 240 2 x 240 At two (2) locations
disconnect switches diagonally opposite
4. Operating handles for outdoor 240 2 x 240
disconnect switches
5. Surge arresters 240 2 x 240 Refer clause 12.3
6. Coupling capacitor 240 2 x 240
voltage transformers
7. Power Cables (13.8kV and 240 2 x 240 At two end.
above)
8. Station Service Transformer 240 2 x 240 At two (2) locations
diagonally opposite
9. Instrument Transformers 240 2 x 240
10. Shunt Capacitors 240 2 x 240
11. AC-DC Main/Sub Distribution 240 2 x 240

Panels
12. Metal clad switchgear 240 2 x 240 At two (2) locations
one at each end
13. Control Cables 95 At both ends
14. Instrument Cables/Signal Cables 50
15. Lightning Masts 120
16. Control and Relay Panels and 95
Local Control Panels
17. Metal Fence/Gate 50
18. Cable Tray System/Metallic 50
Conduits
19. Oil Tanks/Pipes, etc. 50
20. Metal Buildings 120
21. Marshalling Kiosk 120

13.0 CRITICAL SAFETY DESIGN PARAMETERS FOR GIS SUBSTATIONS
GIS enclosures carry induced currents of significant magnitude and shall be confined to
separate paths. Switching operation and faults generate very high frequency transients that
can couple on to the grounding system.
13.1 Grounding of Enclosures
To limit the undesirable effects caused by circulating currents, the following

requirements shall be met.
a. All metallic enclosures shall normally be at ground voltage level.
b. No significant voltage differences shall exist between individual enclosure

sections.
c. The supporting structures and any part of the grounding system shall not be
adversely influenced by the flow of induced currents.
d. Precautions shall be taken to prevent excessive currents being induced into

adjacent frames and structures.
e. As GIS substations have limited space, reinforced-concrete foundation may

cause irregularities in the current path. The use of simple monolithic slab
reinforced by steel serves as an auxiliary grounding devices. The reinforcing
bars in the foundations shall be connected to the grounding grid to act as
additional ground electrodes. However care shall be taken to ensure that no
discharge current shall flow through the reinforcing bars, which may cause a
gradual deterioration of the concrete steel bonds.
To avoid damage to reinforced concrete foundation the actual current in the

steel bars shall be less than the value of short time current loading capability
ICE of the copncrete encased electrode. ICE can be estimated per clause 14.6
of IEEE 80 or directly from Figure 10-4.
13.2 Voltages for GIS Substations
The enclosures of GIS substations shall be properly designed and adequately

grounded so as to limit the potential difference to permissible touch voltage.
Dangerous touch and step voltages within the GIS area are drastically reduced by
complete bonding and grounding of the GIS enclosures, and by using grounded
conductive platforms connected to the GIS structures.
For other safety measures to limit the undesirable effects caused by circulating
currents and Transient Grid Potential Rise (TGPR), refer to ANSI/IEEE Std.80.

14.0 FIELD MEASUREMENT OF A CONSTRUCTED GROUNDING SYSTEM
The following measurements shall be carried out for the constructed grounding system to
check the design.
14.1 Grounding Impedance
Only approximate results can be expected from a precalculation of substation ground

impedance. Therefore measurement of ground impedance shall be carried out after
installation by utilzing pig tails (for equipment grounding) or at minimum two
grounding test pits. Various methods exist for measurement of ground resistance.
Out of these fall of potential method, which is applicable for all types of ground
impedance measurements shall be used for ground resistance measurements. For
further details refer IEEE Std -81.
14.2 Step and Touch Voltages
If large discrepancies exist between calculated and measured values, then actual field
tests of step and touch voltages shall be carried out. The basic method for such
gradient measurements involves passing a test current in the order of about 100 A via
a remote current electrode and measuring the resulting step and touch voltages. For
further details refer IEEE-80.
15.0 CORROSION CONTROL
15.1 Corrosion Protection
Since a grid of copper conductor forms a galvanic cell with the buried steel
structures, piping, etc., precautions to prevent corrosion shall be taken wherever soil
resistivity is less than 70 ohm-meter. Precautions shall include, but not limited to, the
following:
a. Insulation of grounding conductor surfaces with a coating such as plastic

tape, asphalt compound or both, per IEEE-80.
b. Where possible, route grounding conductors at least 6 meters away from

buried steelworks.
c. Routing of buried metal elements so that any copper-based conductor will

cross gas pipes or similar objects made of other metals as nearly as possible
at right angles, and then applying insulating coatings to one metal or the other
where they are in close proximity.
d. A full cathodic protection of sacrificial metals in the area or, where feasible,
use of non-metallic pipes and conduits.

e. In GIS substations, cathodic protection may also be required for protecting

the facilities that are external to the GIS substation, such as LPOF cables or
lead-shielded cables, etc.
f. Corrosion problems can also be caused by stray DC currents. The source of

these stray DC currents may be welding equipment, battery charging
apparatus, motors, generators, dc control circuits, or nearby impressed
current cathodic protection systems.
g. The subject of underground corrosion and cathodic protection is complex.

When severe corrosion problems exist, either from galvanic or stray currents,
a corrosion engineer shall be engaged to investigate the situation.

Figure 10-1
Surface Layer Derating Factor (Cs)

Versus
Thickness of Surface Material (hs)


CABLE TO CABLE STRAIGHT SPLICE
CABLE TO CABLE TEE CONNECTION
DETAL-1 CABLE-CABLE STAIGHT & T CONNECTION
ALTERNAT-1
ALTERNAT-2
DETAL-2 CABLE-CABLE CROSS CONNECTION
(THERMIT WELD CONNECTIONS)
FIGURE 10-3: GROUNDING INSTALLATION DETAILS Sheet 1 of 5

DETAIL-3 CABLE TO CABLE PARALLEL CONNECTION
(ALTERNATE-1) (ALTERNATE-2)
(ALTERNATE-3)
DETAIL-4 CABLE TO GROUND ROD CONNECTION
(THERMIT WELD CONNECTIONS)
FIGURE 10-3: GROUNDING INSTALLATION DETAILS Sheet 2 of 5




FIGURE 10-4
Short time Current Loading Capability of Concrete Encased Ground Electrode ICE

16.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. NFPA 70, "National Electrical Code",.
2. ANSI/IEEE Std.80, "IEEE Guide for Safety in Substation Grounding", 2000.
3. ANSI/IEEE Std.81, "IEEE Recommended Guide for Measuring Earth Resistivity,

Ground Impedance and Earth Surface Potentials of a Ground System", 1983.
4. ASTM G 57, Rev.A “Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Soil Resistivity
Using the Wenner Four Electrode Method”.
5. ANSI/IEEE Std 81.2, “IEEE Guide for Measurement of Impedance and Safety
Characteristics of Large Extended or Inter Connected Grounding System.
6. IEEE Std. 837, “Qualifying Permanent Connections used in Substation Grounding”
7. IEEE Std. 1246, “Temporary Protective Grounding System used in Substations”.
8. IEEE C 57.13.3, “Guide for Grounding of Instruement Transformers Secondary Circuits

and Cases”.
9. IEC TS 60479-I, “Effects of Current on Human Beings and Livestock.
10. Donald G. Fink and H. Wayne Beaty, "Standard Handbook for Electrical Engineers",
Thirteenth Edition, Mc Graw-Hill, Inc. N.Y., 2000.
11. M. Khalifa, "High Voltage Engineering, Theory and Practice", Fourth Edition, John
Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1983.
12. Technical Reference Manual on Grounding, Electromagnetic Fields and Interference

Analysis, SES, Canada.

APPENDIX
SAMPLE DESIGN CALCULATIONS
The following typical example illustrates the application of equations, tables and graphs discussed
in this standard. For design procedure, please refer to the block diagram of Figure 10-2.
Step –1 Field Data

Available grounding area (A) = (100m x 40m) + (40m x 40m)
= 5600 m2 (L- shaped area)
Depth of grid burial (h) = 0.5 m
Thickness of asphalt surface layer(hs) = 0.10m (4 in)
Asphalt Resistivity (ρs) = 3000 ohm-meter
Soil resistivity (ρ) = 40 ohm-meter
Current division factor (S f ) = 0.7
Time of current flow ( t c ) = 1 second
Duration of shock ( t s ) = 0.5 second.
Breaker Interrupting Current = 25kA
Step 2: Conductor Size

The grounding conductor shall be soft drawn, stranded copper with necessary coating for corrosion
poof. The required cross sectional area in mm² will be based on the recommended values given in
Table 10-2. As per Table 10-2 for 25kA, the cross section required is 120mm2.
Cross section can also be calculated using Eq. 10-13:
25
A mm 2 =
⎛ 3.422x10 −4
⎞ ⎛ 234 + 1083 ⎞
⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ ln⎜ ⎟
⎝ 1x 0 .00393x1 . 7241 ⎠ ⎝ 234 + 50 ⎠
=89.81mm2
Hence select 120mm2 cross from table 10-2. Diameter (d) of conductor will be 0.01236m.

L – SHAPED SUBSTATION LAYOUT
Step 3: Touch and Step Criteria
For a 0.10 meter layer of asphalt surfacing having resistivity of 3000 ohm - meter and for an ground
with resistivity of 40 ohm - meter, the surface layer resistivity derating factor (Cs), using Eq. 10-5
or will be:
⎡ 1 − 40 / 3000 ⎤
Cs = 1 − 0.09⎢ ⎥ = 0.694
⎣ 2 × 0.1 + 0.09 ⎦
Tolerable step and touch voltages using Eq. 10-3 & 10-4 will be :
( 1000 + 6 x 0.694 x 3000 ) x 0.116

Estep = = 2213.4 V .
0.5

and
( 1000 + 1.5 x 0.694 x 3000 ) x 0.116
Etouch = = 676.4 V .
0.5
Step 4: Initial Design

i. Assuming a spacing (D) of 7 meters between parallel conductors and extending the ground
conductor 1.5 meters beyond the fenced area of the substation.
ii. Assuming 80 number ground rods, 7.5 meter long,
Step 5: Determination of Grid Resistance
For determining grid resistance R g , Eq. 10-12 applies. Substituting the values we get
⎡ ⎛ ⎞⎤
⎢ ⎜ ⎟⎥
1 1 ⎜ 1 ⎟⎥
R g = 40 x ⎢ + x 1+
⎜
⎢ 2461 20 x 5600 20 ⎟⎥
⎢ ⎜ 1 + 0.5 x ⎟⎥
⎣ ⎝ 5600 ⎠⎦
=0.2518 ohm
Step 6: Determination of Maximum Grid Current

Using Eq. 10-7
IG =0.7 x 25x1000 = 17500 A
Step 7: Ground Potential Rise

Using Eq. 10-2
GPR = IG x Rg
= 17500x 0.2518 = 4406.5V.
Calculated value of the GPR far exceeds the safe value of touch voltage, i.e. 676.4 V. Hence,
further design evaluations are necessary.
Step 8
Calculation of The Mesh Voltage (Em)
In order to evaluate the mesh voltage per Eq.10-8, n, Km and Ki values are computed as below.
n = na.nb.nc.nd

na = 2.x 1861 = 10.339

360
360
nb = = 1.097
4. 5600
0.7 × 5600
⎡ 80 × 100 ⎤ 80 × 100
nc = ⎢ 5600 ⎥ = 1.191
⎣ ⎦
nd = 1 for L shaped grid
Therefore n = 10.339 x 1.097 x 1.191 x 1 = 13.51
Now K ii = 1
h 0 = Reference depth of grid = 1 m

h 0.5
K h = (1 + ) = (1 + ) = 1225
.
h0 10
.
Substituting above values in Eq. 10-9, we get:
1 ⎡ ⎛ 72 (7 + 2 x 0.5) 2 0.5 ⎞ ⎛ 1 8 ⎞⎤
Km = ln
⎢ ⎜ ⎜ + − ⎟⎟ + ⎜⎜ x ln ⎟⎥
2 π ⎣ ⎝ 16 × 0.5 × 0.01236 8 x 7 x 0.01236 4 x 0.01236 ⎠ ⎝ 1.225 π(2 x 13.51 − 1) ⎟⎠⎦
K m = 0.71
From Eq. 10-8, the irregularity factor Ki is found to be:
K i = 0.644 + 0.148x 13.51 = 2.643.
Now applying Eq. 10-8, and substituting values, we get :
40 x 0.71 x 2.643 x 17500

Em =
⎡ ⎛ 7.5 ⎞⎤
1861 + ⎢1.55 + 1.22⎜⎜ ⎟⎥ 600
⎟
⎢⎣ ⎝ 80 + 100 ⎠⎥⎦
2 2
E m = 463.5 V

Calculation of the Step Voltage ( E s )

Using Eq. 10-11
1⎡ 1 1 1
(
K s = π ⎢ 2 × 0.5 + 7 + 0.5 + 7 1 − 0.5
13.51− 2 ⎤
⎥⎦)
⎣
Ks = 0.406
Now substituting in Eq. 10-10, the step voltage is:
40 x 17500 x 0.406 x 2.643

ES =
0.75 x 1861 + 0.85 x 600
= 394 V
Step 9: Mesh Voltage Criterion
The calculated mesh voltage (463.5V) is lower than the Etouch tolerable limit (676.4V).
Step 10: Step Voltage Criterion:
The computed value of step voltage (394V) is well below the tolerable Estep (2213V).
Step 11: Modifying the Design
Not required.
Step 12 Detail Design
A safe design has been obtained. At this point, all equipment pigtails, additional ground rods for
surge arresters, etc. shall be added to complete the grid design details.

S V POWER PRIVATE LIMITED Doc Ref.No.
1X63 MW COAL WASHERY REJECT BASED
THERMAL POWER PLANT AT CHATTISGARH 3VYN294301
ABB LIMITED
Sheet 1 of 14
Earthing Design Calculation
for Switchyard Area (Below ground)
OWNER S V POWER PRIVATE LIMITED
CLIENT
CONSULTANT: DESEIN PRIVATE LIMITED, NEW DELHI
e-BOP
ABB LIMITED,FARIDABAD.
CONTRACTOR:
We reserve all rights in this document and in the information therein. Reproduction, use or disclosure to third parties without express authority is strictly forbidden.
© ABB eBoP.
ABB LIMITED
Sheet 2 of 14
REVISION STATUS SHEET
REV. NO. DATE DESCRIPTION
R0 02.04.2009 FOR CLIENT’S APPROVAL
Rev. No. Date

KVP KCB
R0 02.04.2009 Prepared by Reviewed by Remarks
© ABB eBoP.
ABB LIMITED
Sheet 3 of 14
1.0 Design Basis
Codes & Standards
(i) IEEE standard 80/2000 :IEEE guide for safety in AC substation grounding.
(ii) IEEE standard 665/1995 :IEEE Guide for generating station grounding.
(iii) IS 3043 : Code of practice for grounding
(iv) CBIP Manual on Steel grounded system
(v) Indian Electricity Rules
(Vi) Soil resistivity test report -
Results of Earth resistivity test by Wenner Configuration method in Switchyard area.

The average value of 23.72 Ohm-metre has been considered for Switchyard area
Earthing Sizing Calculations.
2.0 Design Input Data / Consideration
(i) Average soil resistivity : 23.72 Ohm – m
(ii) Earth fault current for conductor sizing : 31.5 kA
(iii) Fault duration for Conductor Sizing : 1 sec
(iv) Depth of burial of ground grid conductor : 0.6 Meter
(v) Design life specified : 25 years
(vi) Material of earthing conductor buried : Mild steel

in ground and earth electrode
© ABB eBoP.
ABB LIMITED
Sheet 4 of 14
(vii) Type of joints in ground grid : Welded
(viii) Permissible value of ground grid resistance : 1.0 Ohm (Maximum)
(ix) Shock duration(for Step& Touch Potential Criteria) : 0.5 sec
(x) Weight of operating personal : 70 Kg
(xi) Resistivity of concrete surface : 1000 ohm – m
System earthing adopted at various voltage levels is as follows :
• 132 KV System -Solidly Grounded. ( Earthing design is

being submitted separately)
• 6.6 kV system – Low Resistance earthed system to

limit the earth fault current to 300 A
6.6 KV system
• 415 V system – Neutral solidly grounded
110V DC System - Ungrounded
Fault Level
132 KV System — 31.5 kA for 1 Sec
6.6 kV system – 25 kA for 1 Sec
415 V system – 50 kA for 1 sec.
© ABB eBoP.
ABB LIMITED
Sheet 5 of 14
MAIN EARTHING CONDUCTOR SIZING

Main mat is a grid arrangement of conductors burried in the soil, designed to carry and
dissipate fault current.
Input data :- Properties of steel is as per Item 10 Table1 of IEEE Std 80-2000
(i) Conductor material = MS
(ii) System Voltage = 132 kV
(iii) Fault Current, If ( For Conductor Sizing ) = 31.5 kA
(iv) Fault Duration, tc ( For Conductor Sizing ) = 1 sec
(v) Max. Allowable Temperature, Tm = 1510 0

C (see Note)
(vi) Ambient Temperature, Ta = 50 0

C
(vii) Thermal Co-eff.of resistivity at reference

Temperature, αr = 0.0016 (see Note)
(viii) Resistivity of Ground Conductor at ref.

Temperature, ρr = 15.9 µΩ-cm
(ix) Thermal Capacity Factor, TCAP = 3.28 J/(cm3.oC)
(x) K0 (=1/α0) = 605

Conductor Size :-
As per Eq.37 of IEEE Std 80-2000, conductor size is given by
tc αr ρr x 104
TCAP
A = If Ko + Tm
ln
Ko + Ta
Substituting the input data, we get

Conductor size = 256 sq.mm
Corrosion allowance as per CBIP-223-1992 = 30 %

(for <25 Ohm-metre Soil Resistivity)
Conductor Size with Corrosion Allowance = 333.10 sq.mm
(for <25 Ohm-metre Soil Resistivity)
Minimum Size of Conductor required = 21 mm dia MS Rod
However, the conductor size selected = 32 mm dia MS Rod
Cross-sectional area of selected conductor is greater than the minimum required area.
Hence, Conductor is suitable and safe.
© ABB eBoP.
ABB LIMITED
Sheet 6 of 14
NOTE : 1. Since jointing of Main Eathing Mat conductors are by arc welding, maximum
allowable temperature considered is 15100C as per IEEE-80.
2. Thermal Co-efficient of resistivity is considred for a reference temperature of 20 deg.C
CALCULATION OF GRID RESISTANCE FOR SWITCH YARD

Input Data :
(i.1) Total Length of Earth grid, L (Tr.Yard Area) = 127 metre

Ref. Drg 111-29-0200,Rev:9,Plot Plan
(i.2) Width of Earth grid, W( Tr.Yard Area) = 72 metre
Ref. Drg 111-29-0200,Rev:9,Plot Plan
(i.3) Area of Earth grid, A = 9144 sq.metre
(ii) Conductor Size for main grid of Switchyard = 804.352 sq.mm
(iii) Depth of burial w.r.t. ground level, h = 0.6 metre
(iv.1) Length of one earth mat conductor = 127 metre
(iv.2) Width of one earth mat conductor = 72 metre
(iv.3) Additional length - Inter connecting the = 0 metre

switchyard & the T.G area grids *
(iv.4) Length of Buried conductor, Lc = 4065 metre
(v.1) Total no. of ground rods

For peripheral grid - 3.0 m long = 40 Nos
(v.2) Total ground rod length, LR = 120 metre
(vi) Soil Resistivity, ρ = 23.72 Ω-metre
(vii) Surface Resistivity, ρs = 3000 Ω-metre
(viii) Corrective weighting factor, Kii = 1
(ix) Reference Depth of grid, h0 = 1.0 metre
(x) Thickness of tiles/Gravel/concrete etc, hs = 0.1 metre
Note : Corrective weighting factor, Kii=1 for grids with ground rods along the perimeter, or for grids
with ground rods in the grid corners, as well as both along the perimeter and throughout the
grid area.
* It is taken " 0" For calculation of Grid resistance seprately however the Plant grid will be
interconnected with Transformer Yard , Switchyard grid and othet BOP Areas.
© ABB eBoP.
ABB LIMITED
Sheet 7 of 14
Source- Soil Resistivity Furnished by Client

Location-1 : Switchyard area
Distance(M) Soil Resistivity in Ohm-metre
0.5 21.19
1 17.94
1.5 15.53
2 13.88
2.5 12.84
3 12.59
4 13.55
5 15.68
Average Soil Resistivity = 15.4 Ohm-m
Location-2 : Switchyard area(Near BH-15)
Distance(M) Soil Resistivity in Ohm-metre
0.5 28.63
1 30.14
1.5 29.97
2 27.90
2.5 29.18
2.5 29.18
2.5 29.18
2.5 29.18
3 30.89
2.5 29.18
2.5 29.18
Average Soil Resistivity = 32.05 Ohm-m
Overall average Soil Resistivity for Switchyard = (15.4+32.05)/2 = 23.72 Ohm-metre
© ABB eBoP.
ABB LIMITED
Sheet 8 of 14
Calculation of Grid Resistance, Rg :

As per Eq.53 of IEEE Std 80-2000,
R1 R2 - Rm2
The total system resistance, Rg =
R1 + R2 - 2Rm
Where,
R1 = Ground resistance of grid conductors in Ω
R2 = Ground resistance of of all ground rods in Ω
Rm =
Mutual ground resistance between the group of grid conductors, R1 and
group of ground rods, R2 in Ω
Ground resistance of the grid, R1
ρ 2 Lc k1 Lc
R1 = ln + - k2 From eq.54 of IEEE Std 80-2000
'
π Lc a A
Where,
ρ = Soil resistivity in Ω-m 23.72 ohm-m
Lc = Total length of all connected grid conductors in m 4065 m
a' = a . 2h for conductors buried at depth h in m 0.139 m
2a = Diameter of conductor in m 0.032 m
A = Area covered by conductors in m2 9144 m2
k1 = Coefficient from fig 25(a) of IEEE Std 80-2000 (curve-A) 1.339
k2 = Coefficient from fig 25(b) of IEEE Std 80-2000 (curve-A) 5.765
k1 = 1.41 - ( 0.04 * ( L / W ) )
k2 = ( 0.15 * ( L / W ) ) + 5.5
R1 = 0.1154 Ω
Ground resistance of the rod bed, R2
From eq.55 of IEEE Std 80-2000
ρ 4 LR 2 k1 . Lr
R2 = ln -1 + ( nR - 1 )2
2π nRLR b A
Where,
Lr = length of each rod in m 3 m
2b = diameter of rod in m 0.032 m
nR = number of rods placed in area A 40
R2 = 0.009 Ω
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ABB LIMITED
Sheet 9 of 14
Mutual ground resistance between the grid and the rod bed, Rm
From eq.55 of IEEE Std 80-2000
ρ 2 Lc k1 Lc
Rm = ln + - k2 + 1
π Lc Lr A
Rm = 0.1116 Ω
Rg- = 0.1156 Ω
Since Grid resistance is much less than 1ohm required hence design is safe. The
grid resistance shall further improve on interconnection with Switchyard and BOP
area.
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ABB LIMITED
Sheet 10 of 14
TOUCH AND STEP VOLTAGE CRITERIA

Input Data :
(i) System Voltage, Vs = 132 kV

(ii) System fault Current, If = 31.5 KA
( For Touch and Step Potential Criteria )
(iii) Shock Duration, t = 0.5 sec
( For Touch and Step Potential Criteria )
(iv.1) Length of Earth grid, L = 127 metre
(iv.2) Width of Earth grid, W = 72 metre

(Ref dwg:111-29-0200,R-9,Plot Plan)
(iv.3) Area of Earth grid, A = 9144 sq.metre
(Ref dwg:111-29-0200,R-9,Plot Plan)
(v) Conductor Size for main grid of Switch Yard = 804.352 sq.mm
(vi) Depth of burial w.r.t. ground level, h = 0.6 metre
(vii.1) Length of one earth mat conductor = 127 metre
(vii.2) Width of one earth mat conductor = 72 metre
(vii.3) Additional length - Inter connecting the = 0 metre

switchyard & the T.G area grids
(vii.4) Length of Buried conductor, Lc = 4065 metre
(viii.1) Total no. of ground rods

For peripheral grid - 3.0 m long = 40
(viii.2) Total ground rod length, LR = 120 metre
(viii.3) Effective Buried Length for mesh voltage, LM = 4254.01 metre
(viii.4) Effective Buried Length for step voltage, LS = 3150.75 metre
(ix) Soil Resistivity, ρ = 23.72 Ω-metre
(x) Surface Resistivity, ρs = 3000 Ω-metre
(xi) Spacing for Earthing mat , D = 5 metre
(xii) Corrective weighting factor, Kii = 1
(xiii) Reference Depth of grid, h0 = 1 metre
(xvi) Thickness of tiles/Gravel/concrete etc, hs = 0.1 metre
Note : Corrective weighting factor, Kii=1 for grids with ground rods along the perimeter, or for grids
with ground rods in the grid corners, as well as both along the perimeter and throughout the
grid area.
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ABB LIMITED
Sheet 11 of 14
Calculation of Tolerable Etouch & Estep Voltage :
a) Tolerable Etouch70 :
From Eq.33 of IEEE Std 80-2000
Tolerable Etouch70= [(1000 + 1.5CS ρS) 0.157/ √tS ]
Where,
Cs = Reduction factor for derating the nominal value of surface layer
resistivity.
Cs = 1 - 0.09 [(1-ρ/ρs)/(2hs + 0.09)] ( From eq.27 of IEEE Std 80-2000 )
Cs = 0.6921
tS = Duration of shock current in seconds = Fault duaration, t in sec 0.5
Substituting the above values,

Tolerable Etouch70 = 913.55 Volts
b) Tolerable Estep70 = [(1000 + 6CS ρS) 0.157/ √tS ] (from eq.30 of IEEE Std 80-2000)
Tolerable Estep70 = 2988.09 Volts
Calculation of Grid Resistance, Rg :
Rg = 0.1156 Ω
Calculation of Maximum Ground Potential Rise :

Max. Ground potential above remote earth, GPR = Ig x Rg Volts
Where,
Ig = grid current = If x Sf
Sf = Fault current division factor

Ig = 15.75 KA at Sf = 0.5
Ground Potential Rise, GPR = 1821 Volts
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ABB LIMITED
Sheet 12 of 14
Calculation of Emesh Voltage :

From Eq.80 of IEEE Std 80-2000, for Grid rods in the periphery,
Emesh = [ ρ Km Ki IG / LM ]
Lr
LM = Lc + 1.55+1.22 LR From eq.91 of IEEE Std 80-2000
2 2
L x+L y
Where,
Lr = Length of each ground rod = 3 m
Lx = Maximum length of grid conductor in x-direction = 127 m
Ly = Maximum length of grid conductor in y-direction = 72 m
LR = Total length of ground rods = 120 m
Subtituting the above values,
LM = 4254.01 m
As per Eq.81 of IEEE Std 80-2000, the Spacing Factor for Mesh Voltage,
1 D2 (D + 2h)2 h Kii 8
Km = ln + - + ln
2π 16hd 8Dd 4d Kh π(2n-1)
Equ. Diameter of Earth conductor, d = 0.032 metre
Kh = 1 + h / h0 ( From eq.83 of IEEE Std 80-2000 )
Kh = 1.26
No. of Parallel Paths, n = na nb nc nd
Where, From eq.85 to 88 of IEEE Std 80-2000 Lp

na = (2 Lc)/Lp nb =
4 A
0.7 A
Lx Ly Lx Ly Dm
nc = nd =
A L2x + L2y
Where,
Lp = Peripheral length of the grid = 398 m
Dm = Maximum distance between any two points
on the grid = 145.99 m
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Sheet 13 of 14
Substituting the above values,
na = 20.43 nb = 1.020
nc = 1 nd = 1.00
n = 20.84
As per Eq.89 of IEEE 80-2000,

The corrective Factor, Ki = 0.644 + ( 0.148 x n )
= 3.73
Km = 0.3436
Emesh Voltage = 112.50 Volts
Calculation of Attainable Estep :
From Eq.92 of IEEE Std 80-2000,

Attainable Estep = [ ρ Ks Ki IG / LS ]
As per Eq.94 of IEEE Std 80-2000, the Spacing Factor for Step Voltage,
1 1 1 1
Ks = + + (1 - 0.5n-2)
Π 2h D+h D
No. of Parallel paths, n = 20.84
As per Eq.89 of IEEE 80-2000,

The corrective Factor, Ki = 0.644 + ( 0.148 x n )
Ki = 3.73
Ks = 0.3858
As per Eq.93 of IEEE Std 80-2000,
Ls = 0.75 Lc + 0.85 LR
Ls = 3150.75 m

Attainable Estep = 170.51 Volts
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Sheet 14 of 14
CONCLUSION :
Tolerable
Etouch = 913.55 Volts
Attainable
Etouch = 112.50 Volts SAFE
Tolerable
Estep = 2988.09 Volts
Attainable
Estep = 170.51 Volts SAFE
From the above results,it can be seen that the Attainable Emesh and Attainable Estep voltages are less
than the Tolerable Etouch and Tolerable Estep voltages and hence SAFE
© ABB eBoP.

Earthing Calculation

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EARTHING CALCULATIONS & LAYOUTS

Date of issue: 01/03/2018

what is earthing or grounding

Need of Earthing or Grounding. Why Earthing is Important?

Below are the basic needs of Earthing.

 To protect human lives as well as provide safety to electrical devices and

 To serve as a return conductor in electric traction system and

A properly designed and installed grounding system ensures reliable

Difference between Earthing, Grounding and Bonding.

Let me clear the confusion among earhing, grounding and bonding.

ii) Types of Grounding

Grounding of earth may be classified as (i) Equipment grounding (ii) System

The process of connecting neutral point of 3-phase system to earth either

The need for neutral earthing

Neutral earthing is employed in electrical systems to:

• Limit the potential of current-carrying conductors with respect to the

Neutral earthing is usually applied on the secondary winding of transformers and

(i) Solid or effective grounding

(ii) Resistance grounding

(iii) Reactance grounding

(iv) Resonant grounding

On systems that have no neutral, special three phase transformers or reactors

Conductors themselves exhibit

Such systems are not widely adopted due to their disadvantages.

Neutral earthing via an impedance is employed when it is desirable to limit the

When the neutral point of a 3-phase system is directly connected to earth

a. The neutral is effectively held at earth potential.

b. No arcing phenomenon or over voltage condition can occur.

c. Permits the easy operation of earth fault relay.

a. It causes the system to become unstable.

b. The increased earth fault current results in greater interference in the

When the neutral point of a 3-phase system is connected to earth through a

b. It improves the stability of the system.

a. This system is costlier than the solidly grounded system.

insulated for higher voltages.

b. High transient voltages appear under fault conditions.

The Peterson coil grounding has the following advantages:

a. The Peterson coil is completely effective in preventing any damage by an

b. This coil has the advantage of ungrounded neutral system.

The Peterson coil grounding has following disadvantages:

a. Due to varying operational conditions, the capacitance of the network changes

b. The lines should be transposed

LV, MV and HV systems

High resistance earthing

 Earth: The proper connection between electrical installation systems via

 The earthing is broadly divided as

a) System earthing (Connection between part of plant in an operating system

ii) Earth Mat Design

Earthing System in a Sub Station comprises of Earth Mat or Grid, Earth

Earth Mat or Grid

Primary requirement of Earthing is to have a low earth resistance.

Construction of Earth Mat

Resistivity testing is primarily used when surveying an area, prior

In addition, when surveying, the variables of moisture content,

The most popular method for earth resistivity surveys is the

Calculating soil resistivity

ρ = the average soil resistivity to depth A in: ohm-cm.

A = the distance between the electrodes in cm.

R = the measured resistance value in ohm from the test instrument.

Measuring soil resistance

Resistivity of different soil types

Surface soils, loam, etc. 100 - 5,000

Different types of earthing systems are available. Popular methods are: