Electrical Grounding of Building and Structures Standards

Engineering Encyclopedia
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards
ELECTRICAL GROUNDING OF BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
Note: The source of the technical material in this volume is the Professional Engineering Development Program (PEDP) of Engineering Services. Warning: The material contained in this document was developed for Saudi Aramco and is intended for the exclusive use of Saudi Aramcos employees. Any material contained in this document which is not already in the public domain may not be copied, reproduced, sold, given, or disclosed to third parties, or otherwise used in whole, or in part, without the written permission of the Vice President, Engineering Services, Saudi Aramco.
Chapter : Electrical File Reference: EEX-205.03
For additional information on this subject, contact PEDD Coordinator on 874-6556
Power System Grounding Electrical Grounding of Buildings and Structures
TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION PAGE
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................. 4 APPLICABLE STANDARDS AND CODES ..................................................................... 4 STATIC ELECTRICITY GROUNDING ............................................................................ 5 Causes of Static Electricity ........................................................................................ 5 Conditions for Buildup of Static Electricity.................................................................. 6 Material Characteristics ........................................................................................ 7 Speed of Separation............................................................................................. 7 Area in Contact..................................................................................................... 7 Effect of Motion Between Substances .................................................................. 7 Atmosphere Conditions ........................................................................................ 8 Hazards of Static Electricity and Control in Various Areas......................................... 8 Agitators, Stills and Similar Equipment................................................................. 8 Belts-Pulleys......................................................................................................... 8 Pipelines-Manifolds .............................................................................................. 9 Steel Equipment and Process Units ..................................................................... 9 Tank Cars-Loading Racks-Spur Tracks................................................................ 9 Tanks-Atmospheric............................................................................................. 10 Tanks-Floating Roof ........................................................................................... 10 Tankers and Barges - Marine Facilities .............................................................. 11 LIGHTNING PROTECTION GROUNDING ................................................................... 13 Nature of Lightning................................................................................................... 13 Lightning Rod ..................................................................................................... 16 House Protection ................................................................................................ 17 Why does lightning hit trees?.............................................................................. 18 Current Discharge .............................................................................................. 18 Equipment and Structures to be Considered ........................................................... 19 Risk Index ................................................................................................................ 19 Equipment/Structure Classifications ........................................................................ 19 First Class........................................................................................................... 20 Second Class ..................................................................................................... 20 Third Class ......................................................................................................... 20 Fourth Class ....................................................................................................... 21 Fifth Class .......................................................................................................... 21
Requirements for Good Lightning Protection ........................................................... 22 Component Parts of a Lightning Protection System................................................. 23 Lightning Protection Practices ................................................................................. 24 General............................................................................................................... 25 Tanks and Tank Farms....................................................................................... 25 Non-Conduction Heavy-Duty Stacks .................................................................. 27 Steeples/Minarets............................................................................................... 27 High Masts.......................................................................................................... 28 Power Stations and Substations......................................................................... 28 Communication Towers...................................................................................... 29 Supplemental Reading............................................................................................. 30 BUILDING AND STRUCTURE GROUNDING REQUIREMENTS................................. 31 Residential Building ................................................................................................. 32 Industrial Building..................................................................................................... 32 Manned Structures................................................................................................... 32 Unmanned Structures .............................................................................................. 32 Distribution and Utilization Equipment ..................................................................... 33 Fences ..................................................................................................................... 34 OFFSHORE PLATFORMS ........................................................................................... 35 WORK AID 1: SAUDI ARAMCO AND INDUSTRY STANDARDS, DRAWINGS AND CODES APPLICABLE TO STRUCTURAL GROUNDING..... 36 WORK AID 2: CALCULATING THE LIGHTNING RISK INDEX ................................... 38 GLOSSARY ................................................................................................................. 39 BIBLIOGRAPHY ........................................................................................................... 43 ADDENDUM A: SAUDI ARAMCO DRAWING AB-036387 .......................................... 44 ADDENDUM B: NFPA 780........................................................................................... 45 ADDENDUM C: API RP 2003 ...................................................................................... 46
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LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Lightning Bolt ................................................................................................ 15 Figure 2. Lightning Rods/Air Terminals ........................................................................ 17
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INTRODUCTION
This module examines the affects of lightning and static electricity, how to protect buildings and structures and is divided into the following sections: Standards and codes applicable to grounding buildings and structures Static Electricity Protection Lightning Protection Building and Structure Grounding Requirements Offshore Platform Grounding Requirements
APPLICABLE STANDARDS AND CODES

You should consult the following Saudi Aramco Standards and industry Standards for answers to questions on building and structural grounding, and lightning and static electricity protection information: SAES-P-111 National Electrical Code (NEC) (ANSI/NFPA 70) NFPA 780 IEEE Std. 142 (Green Book) API RP 2003
Refer to Work Aid 1 for a comprehensive list of applicable equipment and structural grounding standards, drawings and codes.
STATIC ELECTRICITY GROUNDING

This section will discuss the hazards that static electricity can create and the methods that are available to eliminate these hazards. Specifically, the following topics will be discussed: Causes of Static Electricity Conditions for Buildup of Static Electricity Hazards of Static Electricity and Control in Various Areas
Causes of Static Electricity

Static electricity is generated by the movement of electrons that occur when unlike materials are in contact with each other and are then separated. When two unlike materials are in intimate contact, electrons from one material move across the interface to the surface of the other material. The protons remain on the original material. When the materials are separated, electrical charges are produced on the materials. If the two materials are good conductors, the excess electrons will easily flow back to the material with the positive charge, and there will not be a static electricity discharge. But, if either or both of the materials are insulators and are not grounded, some of the excess electrons will be entrapped when the separation occurs, and the materials will be charged with static electricity. The potential of the static electrical charge is related directly to the amount of charge that is deposited on the material and is inversely proportional to the capacitance of this material. The relationship is expressed by the following equation:
V= Q C
where: V = potential, in Volts Q = charge C = capacitance in farads
The developed potential can continue to grow if there is continuous charge generation. At some voltage level, the leakage current will equal the rate at which the charge is being generated, and a stabilized condition will be reached. If the sparking potential is reached, sparking will occur. The first person to experiment with static electricity was Thales of Miletus, in 600 B.C. He found that amber, when rubbed on a piece of cloth, would attract small, light objects (pieces of leaves or dust). Static electricity can be generated in the following situations: Pulverized materials passing through chutes or pneumatic conveyors. Belt drives that use belts of non-conductive material. Gas, steam, or air flowing through an opening. Motion that involves changes in the relative position of contacting surfaces. The human body in a low-humidity area. This generation can occur as a result of the contact of shoes with floor coverings or by personnel working near machinery that generates static electricity.
Conditions for Buildup of Static Electricity

The possibility that static electricity will be produced and the rate at which static electricity will be produced depends on the following: Material Characteristics Speed of Separation Area in Contact Effect of Motion Between Substances Atmospheric Conditions
Material Characteristics One of the materials or substances must have a higher insulating property than the other material or substance to generate static electricity. The amount of static electricity that exists between two materials will be proportional to the difference between the dielectric constants of the materials. Speed of Separation As the speed of separation of two substances is increased, the potential of the static electricity is increased. Area in Contact The area of the contact between the substances has a direct bearing on the amount of static electricity. A larger contact area allows a greater charge to be transferred from one substance to the other. As the area in contact increases, the potential of the static electricity increases. Effect of Motion Between Substances Static electricity is often thought to be a property of friction. This misunderstanding occurs because rubbing two materials together will cause static electricity. This static electricity occurs because the seemingly smooth items actually have peaks. When the items are rubbed together, the area of contact is increased. Increased motion will increase the amount of static electricity. Liquids that are sprayed from a nozzle can generate static electricity, and liquids in a tank that are agitated (stirred) can generate static electricity. These static electrical charges are caused by the motion of the liquid against the stationary components. Another very good example of static electricity that is increasing due to motion is a belt and pulley. As the speed of the belt increases, the amount of static electricity increases.
Atmosphere Conditions It is well known that humidity conditions are related to the production of static electricity. As humidity increases, the potential for static electricity decreases; therefore, the hazard of static electricity increases in an operation that requires controlled low-humidity conditions.
Hazards of Static Electricity and Control in Various Areas

The accumulation of static electricity on equipment, on materials being handled or processed, and on operating personnel introduces a potentially serious hazard in any area where flammable liquids, gases, dusts, or fibers are present. The discharge of the static electricity from an object to ground or to another object can be the cause of a fire or an explosion if the discharge takes place in the presence of readily flammable materials or combustible vapor and air mixtures. SAES-P-111 requires that tanks, tank cars, tank trucks, other large storage containers, associated filling equipment, and other equipment that can accumulate sufficient static electricity to ignite hydrocarbon vapors shall be bonded and grounded in accordance with API RP 2003. Agitators, Stills and Similar Equipment Vessels resting on earth, rock and oil, concrete, or brick foundations, or on concrete or steel supports are adequately grounded to prevent the accumulation of static electricity; no special grounding devices are required. However, where insulation exists between the vessel and the supports, grounding must be provided. Belts-Pulleys Belts that are made of rubber, leather, or other insulating materials, that are running at moderate or high speeds, generate considerable quantities of static electricity. Generation occurs when the belt separates from the pulley. The charges will exist on the pulley (regardless of whether the pulley is conducting or nonconducting) as well as on the belt.
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 8
If the pulley is made of a conducting material, such as metal, the charge will be dissipated through the shaft and bearing to ground and offer no ignition hazard. Where the machinery frame is insulated, or, the bearings are composed of insulating materials such as nylon, provisions for bonding and grounding are required. A conductive belt or a belt made conductive through use of belt dressings must be used to prevent the accumulation of static charge. The belt dressings must be renewed frequently to be considered reliable and effective. The use of flat belts in hazardous areas must be avoided. The risk of static ignition from V-belts is negligible. Static combs are ineffective in draining off the static electrical charge and should not be used.
PipelinesManifolds Permanent bonds between the separate lines in the piping system or between piping systems must be provided at tank car racks and in buildings where volatile materials are handled. Steel Equipment and Process Units The requirements for preventing a static electrical charge from accumulating on steel equipment and process units and the subsequent discharge are as follows: Process equipment, (mainly steel vessels resting on steel or concrete structures) is required to be adequately grounded to prevent the accumulation of static charges. Where electrical devices are installed on process equipment, grounding must be provided in accordance with NFPA 70 (NEC).
Tank CarsLoading RacksSpur Tracks The requirements for preventing a static electrical charge from accumulating on tank cars, loading racks and spur tracks and the subsequent discharge are found as follows:
Tank cars are considered to be adequately grounded through the rails to prevent any hazardous accumulation of static charges on the tank body. Where a tank car is unloaded or where rack installations are unloaded, a bond wire must be provided between the nearest rail and fill line or to the rack structure. A number of fill pipes can be electrically connected, and a single bond wire from the group can be attached to the rail. No additional bonding of the tank car is required because the car is adequately bonded to rails. To prevent arcing where stray currents are likely to occur, the rails must be bonded to each other. This bond must be a conductor not smaller than 25 mm2 (No. 4 AWG), and it must be an adequate ground. Additional protection against stray currents must be provided through installation of insulated pipe joints between the loading and unloading facilities and the connecting yard piping. If the spur track is connected to a railroad equipped with rail-circuit signal systems, the spur must be isolated by rail joints that are insulated.
TanksAtmospheric The shells of petroleum product storage tanks must be grounded at a minimum of four points that are spaced equidistantly around the base of the tank. Each point must be bonded to the area ground grid or to a ground rod. The resistance between the tank shell and remote earth must not exceed 10 ohms. Tanks-Floating Roof The requirements for prevention of the accumulation of a static electrical charge on tanks with a floating roof and for prevention of the subsequent discharge are as follows:
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The roof seal must be maintained to provide a tight closure that reduces the chance of a vapor ignition at the seal. The possibility of vapor ignition at the seal must be further reduced by the installation of metallic shunt strips at each pantagraph hangar in the sealing mechanism from the roof to the tank shell. These metallic shunt strips must be spaced a maximum of 3m (10 ft.) apart and must be bolted to the sealing ring and to the roof per Standard Drawing AB-036387, which is located in the Addendum. The metallic shunt strips and the roof also must be bonded to the tank shell. Tankers and Barges - Marine Facilities The requirements for prevention of accumulation of a static electrical charge on tanks and barges and for prevention of the subsequent discharge are as follows: Insulated flanges and insulation for gangplanks must be provided at marine terminals where stray currents can enter a tanker or a barge via gangplanks or piping as follows: - Leakage from power systems where return circuits through the earth can cause currents to flow through nearby piping in contact with the earth. - Potentials generated by galvanic action through contact between piping and certain types of soil. - From cathodic protection systems. Separated bodies and insulated flanges can become electrostatically charged when the product flows through the loading arm or hose. Such flanges must be bonded to the pier and/or ship piping. All metal on the shore side of the insulating flange must be electrically continuous and grounded via the dock piping, and all metal on the ship side must be electrically continuous and grounded via the ship piping.
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Where cathodic protection is not provided, and where conductive hoses or metallic loading arms are used, insulating flanges must be permanently installed between the loading hose and pier piping. These insulating flanges will electrically insulate the ship from the pier piping. Where cathodic protection is provided on submarine loading lines, insulating flanges must be provided on the shore end of the submarine lines. At least one joint of the loading hose must be certified by the manufacturer to be electrically nonconductive. Submarine lines used for crude or fuel oil cannot accumulate static charges on isolated flanges due to high electrical conductivity of these oils. Two grounding connections on separate platform legs must be provided for grounding barges. An insulated flange must have an insulated material between the standard flange faces. Each flange bolt must be encompassed by an insulating sleeve and must have insulating washers at both ends of the bolt. Insulating gaskets, bushings and washers must be of a material that is electrically nonconductive and nonhygroscopic on all surfaces. Flange edges must be sealed with a 50 mm (2") wide polyethylene pipe wrap tape. Gangplanks must be insulated at the pier end or at the ship end or at both ends. As an alternative, the gangplank can have an insulating joint between pier end and ship end. The insulation must be provided through use of rubber tires, rubber rollers, rubber mat or insulating joints similar to the method for use with insulating pipe flanges.
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LIGHTNING PROTECTION GROUNDING

This section will familiarize you with the hazards to life and property that are created by lightning, a form of static discharge, as well as the grounding methods used to reduce the dangers. This section includes the following information: Nature of Lightning Equipment and Structures to be Considered Requirements for Good Protection Practices for Lightning Protection
Nature of Lightning
Lightning is the discharge of high-potential static charges (usually negative) within clouds or from a cloud to the earth (Figure 1). These static charges normally attract the charges of opposite polarity on the surface of the earth or on tall objects. When the static charge reaches a critical level (when the air insulation between the cloud and the earth breaks down), the static charge develops a stepped ionized path, resulting in a high current discharge (stroke) that neutralizes the cloud charge and earth charge. Lightning occurs in thunderstorms. Updrafts carry water particles and raindrops up. The motion of the drops through the air causes a static charge to build up. Initially, the atmosphere and the ground are neutral, but then they build up a charge potential between them, this happens because the air is an insulator. Eventually the charge potential becomes so great that you get conductance -- the air insulator breaks down.
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The thunderstorm continues to build up a charge potential between the ground and the clouds -- if it's greater than what the atmosphere can resist, then there is a breakdown and an electric current flows. This varies with factors that make the atmosphere more or less conductive e.g. humidity -- more moisture in the air column makes the air more conductive less resistive -- the breakdown potential is lower for this air than for dry air.
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Figure 1. Lightning Bolt
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Lightning is lazy -- it wants to take the path of least resistance, it doesn't want to do a lot of work. A typical lightning flash is 7 to 10 miles long. It does its job in 50 meter steps -- it's solving little bits of the equation to decide which way to go for each step of the way in millionths of a second for each step. The last 50 meters of the pathway is special -- the ground actually comes up to meet it. It's like the cloud has a long arm - it's reaching out for a handshake -- the ground is reaching up with a short arm -- and then they shake hands. Once they do, it's like a wire for the electrons -- they now have a path. The last bit, the handshake from the ground -- is called a "dart leader" -whereas the "step leader" comes down from the clouds. After the path is established, the current then moves up the channel from the ground, as electrons move down the channel from the clouds. The current moving up is the high luminosity that you see from a lightning flash, although you perceive it as light traveling downwards. The pathway is established downward, but the bright light comes from Earth's surface and travels up towards the clouds. 90 percent or more of the flashes travel in this way. Now, let's look at what happens when you add lightning rods (air terminals) to the equation. In the case of a house, it'll be easier for the lightning to find a path if it finds something that is less resistant or more conductive than air -- so if its near a house, then conduits or wires help out with that. But with a lightning rod, perhaps it will only travel along that path to the ground. If you're the tallest thing around, then you're more likely to get hit than other things. Lightning Rod In 1752, Benjamin Franklin invented the first lightning protection system, the lightning rod. A lightning rod or air terminal is a metal rod sticking up into the sky, with a conductive wire copper wire running from the rod down the structure and into a ground rod or plate (Figure 2). What makes lightning rods good, among other things, are very sharp, pointed metal rods and good copper wiring downleads and solid copper rods ground rods driven into the ground.
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Figure 2. Lightning Rods/Air Terminals
In terms of lightning protection, there are two philosophies: 1. With a lightning rod, you're providing an easier path for the lightning to follow. It provides a pathway preferential to bricks. 2. The other theory is that you're keeping the electric potential from building up. One of the things the lighting rod can do is bleed off some of the charge that might build up at the ground instead. So, either the lightning rod dissipates the charge so you don't get a strike, or actually channels the lightning safely. But, charge builds up quickly in a storm -- so if your rod is not big enough, it won't bleed off enough in time and you'll get a strike, or you'll get hit and not have the capacity to handle the flash -- then the lightning can still cause some damage. No lightning rod will guarantee that you won't be hit by lightning. House Protection If you're the tallest house in a neighborhood, you'll get hit more often than the shortest house in the neighborhood. So, should a person in an isolated house on a ridge invest in a lightning rod? Yes, the lightning rod would attract lightning. So it makes some sense because the lightning is trying to find the quickest route to the ground What if his house were in a crowded subdivision?
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If your house were in a neighborhood crowded with houses, then you're still taking your chances without a lightning rod, but then you've got more to worry about if you do get a lightning rod. In an area with many houses potential targets, it is unlikely that your house will get hit by lightning. If you put a lightning rod up, then you are attracting lightning which might not otherwise strike the area. This is the case anytime you put a conductor in an electric field. So, now other houses around you are in more danger from being hit or damaged and would have to get lightning rods too. Lightning is a strange phenomenon. It doesn't always listen to logic. It doesn't always go for the tallest object or best conductor in an area. It can do whatever it wants. Why does lightning hit trees? Sometimes lighting will go straight through a tree, other times it goes along the surface just under the bark. Why it hits a tree -if the storm is overhead, then the positive charges that build up at the ground level are attracted to the negative charges building up at the base of the storm clouds. The positive charges collect on whatever is below the cloud. The negative charges from the cloud base try to get to the ground by the shortest route. I f the tree collects enough positive charges, then it will be made part of this channel. Trees are basically lightning rods -- good ones, actually. So, the homeowner is surrounded by lightning rods up to the clearing by the house. Lightning is "attracted" to sharp, pointed, conductive objects like wet tree leaves and pine tree needles. Current Discharge The discharge current increases from zero to its maximum in 1 to 10s, then declines to half the peak value in 20 to 1000 s. This discharge can be repeated one or more times over the same path, in rapid succession, because of the recharging in the cloud. The average peak stroke current is about 40,000 A, although some peak stroke currents are as great as 270,000 A. [IEEE Std. 142, para. 3.3.1.1]
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Equipment and Structures to be Considered

Per SAES-P-111 the following buildings and structures shall always be provided with a satisfactory lightning protective system: Buildings and structures over 30 m (100 ft) in height. Schools Hospitals
Lightning protection for other buildings/structures depends on their Risk Index.
Risk Index
NFPA 780 and BS 6651 provide information on how to determine the Risk Index. The Risk Index Tables are in NFPA 780. Each table has a list of conditions. The Electrical Engineer selects the condition that is correct for the building or structure that is being considered for lightning protection and then records the risk figure for that condition. Once the risk figure for all seven tables has been determined, the Electrical Engineer sums the seven risk figures. The total is known as the Risk Index. SAES-P-111 requires a building/structure be protected if the calculated Risk Index is four (4) or greater, when calculated using NFPA 780, or the overall calculated risk is greater than 1 in 100,000 per year, if calculated using BS 6651, Appendix A.
Equipment/Structure Classifications
Equipment and structures can be separated into five classifications according to the need for lightning protection. These classifications are listed in IEEE Std. 142 and are as follows: First Class Second Class
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First Class
Third Class Fourth Class Fifth Class
First class equipment and structures need very little or no additional protection. This class includes the following: All metal structures except tanks or other enclosures of flammable materials. Water tanks, silos, and similar structures that are largely constructed of metal. Flagpoles made of conductive material.
The only real requirement for this class is to connect the equipment or structure to a suitable grounding electrode. Second Class Second class equipment and structures consist of buildings with conducting surfaces and non-conducting framework, such as metal-roofed and metal-clad buildings. This class requires the addition of down conductors to connect the exterior roof and cladding to suitable grounding electrodes. Third Class Third class equipment and structures consist of metal-framed buildings with non-conducting facings. These buildings need the addition of conducting air terminals that are suitably located and connected to the frame. The conducting air terminals must project beyond and above the facing in order to act as the lightning terminal points and to thus eliminate the potential of a puncture of the facing.
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Fourth Class Fourth class equipment and structures consist of non-metallic structures, either framing or facing. These structures require extensive protection treatment. The following are examples of fourth class structures: Buildings that are constructed of wood, stone, brick, tile, or other nonconducting materials and that are without metal reinforcing members. High stacks and chimneys. Even with reinforcing members, these stacks and chimneys should have full lightning protection treatment of air terminals, down conductors, and grounding electrodes.
An example of this class at Saudi Aramco includes the stacks for boilers. Fifth Class Fifth class equipment and structures consist of items of high risk or loss consequences that normally receive full lightning protection treatment, including air terminals or diverters, down conductors, and grounding electrodes. This class includes the following: Buildings of great aesthetic, historical, or intrinsic value. Buildings containing readily combustible or explosive materials. Structures containing substances that would be dangerous if released by the effects of a lightning stroke. Tanks and tank farms. Power plants and water pumping stations. Transmission lines. Power stations and substations.
There are many examples of this class at Saudi Aramco.
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Requirements for Good Lightning Protection

Direct lightning protection (lightning protection systems) consists of placement of air terminals (lightning rods) at the top perimeter of the structure to be protected, and connection of the air terminals by adequate down conductors to the grounding electrodes (earth). The down conductor should not include any high-resistance or high-reactance portions or connections and should present the least possible impedance to earth without sharp bends or loops. Steel-framed structures, which are adequately grounded, meet these requirements with only the provision for terminating the stroke on a metallic air terminal. The metallic air terminal is connected to the frame structure, to avoid the possibility of puncturing any roofing or siding to reach the frame. In the absence of a steel framework, a down conductor providing at least two paths to earth for a lightning strike to any air terminal is generally adequate. Air terminals that are attached to the structure itself are pointed solid rods or pipes at least 10 inches (0.25m) long to possibly 2 feet (0.61m) long. On building edges, 10 inches (0.25m) terminals should not be separated by more than 20 feet (6.1m), and 2 ft. (0.61m) terminals should not be separated by more than 25 feet. (7.6m). Fifty feet (15.2m) of spacing will suffice within the periphery. At least two down conductors should be provided on all structures; only one down conductor is needed for masts, spires, and flagpoles. The greater the number of down conductors and grounding electrodes, the lower the voltage that will be developed within the protection system, and the better the protection. Every down conductor must be connected, at its base, to an earthing or grounding electrode. This grounding electrode should be within 2 feet (0.61m) of the base of the building and should extend below the building foundation, if possible.
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Interior metal parts of a non-metal-framed building within 6 feet (1.83m) of a down conductor should be connected to the down conductor. Exterior emergency ladders should also be bonded to the nearest down conductor. On a flat-top building protected by air terminals, all metallic parts and equipment that are projecting higher than the air terminals (such as air-conditioning equipment) should be bonded to the lightning protection system. For high-rise buildings and towers, an equalizing horizontal bonding loop should be installed approximately every 100 feet (30m).
Component Parts of a Lightning Protection System

NFPA 780 provides detailed information on the components of a lightning protection system. The principle components of the lightning protection system are as follows: Air Terminals Down Conductors Joints and Bonds Ground Terminations
Air Terminals or lightning rod is a metal rod typically made of copper or aluminum. No part of a flat or gently sloping roof on structures is to be more than 7.5 m (25 ft) from the nearest horizontal conductor. Down Conductors - Two or more down conductors must be provided on most kinds of structures. One down conductor is permitted for flag poles, masts, spires or similar structures. The total number of down conductors on structures having a flat or gently sloping roof, and on irregular shaped structures are to be such that the average distance between the down conductors does not exceed 30 m (100 ft). The bend in a conductor that embraces a portion of a building, such as an eave, must have a radius that is greater than 200 mm (8 in). The angle of any turn must not exceed 90o, and the conductors must preserve a downward or horizontal course.
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Enforcing rods that are butt-welded together are acceptable as down conductors, but reinforcing rods that are overlapped and bound with tye-wire are not acceptable as down conductors. Down conductors should be installed within the building or the structure to avoid the potential removal for gain that can occur with external copper conductors. In order to prevent lightning from jumping off the down conductor and to the conduit, down conductors must not be installed inside a metallic conduit. Joints and Bonds - Joints and bonds must be made to the same standard as required for electrical installations. Grounding Terminations - The earth resistance of all lightning protection grounding terminations must be tested through use of an earth tester that is to be clamped to any convenient part of the lightning protective system. The combined resistance to earth of the whole of the lightning protection system must be as low as economically possible but must not exceed 25 ohms. Other grounds, such as substation grids or consumer grounding, must be bonded to the lightning protection grounds. The intent of the grounding is to minimize the risk that is due to differential voltages that could cause hazards to personnel or sideflash possibilities. Reinforcing rods in reinforced concrete foundations are not required to be bonded to the ground termination.
Lightning Protection Practices

IEEE Std. 142, Section 3.3.4 provides the practices for lightning protection. This information is divided into the following seven (7) sections: General Tanks and Tank Farms Non-Conducting Heavy-Duty Stacks Steeples (Minarets) High Masts Power Stations and Substations Communication Towers
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General Buildings and structures involving hazardous liquids, gases, or explosives require additional protection. In these buildings and structures, the object of the additional protection is to keep the current away from the structure without use of the buildings metal skin or the framework as a down conductor. A separate diverter protection system is employed for these buildings and structures (e.g., tanks, tank farms, and explosive manufacture and storage). The diverter element consists of one or more masts, or one or more elevated wires (between masts or poles), that meet the requirements of lightning protection. The masts or poles are normally at least 10 feet (3m) from any part of the structure to be protected. Similarly, elevated wires that are above the structure must remain not less than 10 feet (3m) above the structure. Metal masts can act as grounding conductors. Wood poles should have an air terminal securely mounted to the top of the pole. Copper or copper-weld conductor should be provided along the pole as a grounding conductor. The guy wires for an elevated wire span can be designed to serve as grounding conductors. Suitable earthing electrodes are necessary, as with all other types of grounding conductors. Tanks and Tank Farms Provided that the base of the tank is adequately grounded, a tank that contains flammable liquids or gases does not always need to be protected against lightning. Direct lightning strikes to the tank top or walls are permitted as long as the steel is thicker than 3/16 inches (0.476cm). These strikes are allowed because there is little danger of the lightning strikes puncturing the tank. Steel tanks with steel roofs and floating metal roofs are generally considered to be self-protecting. Tanks with nonmetallic roofs are not self-protecting and should be protected with air terminals, conducting masts, or elevated ground wires. In all cases, joints and piping connections should be electrically continuous. All vapor or gas openings should be closed or flame-proof. The possibility of a direct strike to the vicinity of a vent or leak is eliminated by an air terminal of suitable height.
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Refer to Saudi Aramco Drawing AB-036387 for grounding of floating tanks, and API RP 2003 for additional information about protection of storage tanks from lightning.
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Non-Conduction Heavy-Duty Stacks Heavy-duty stacks (including stacks in petroleum and in chemical plants) require air terminals that are connected to a loop conductor around the top of the stack and at least two down conductors that are connected to grounding electrodes at the base of the stack. Air terminals should be made of solid copper or stainless steel and should be uniformly distributed around the top of cylindrical stacks, at intervals not exceeding 8 feet (2.44m). On square or rectangular stacks, air terminals should be located not more than 2 feet (0.61m) from the corners and should be spaced not more than 8 feet (2.44m) apart around the perimeter. The height of the air terminals for nonflammable stack gas may be as little as 18 inches (0.46m). The height of the air terminals for ventilating stacks that emit explosive gas or dust should be not less than 5 feet (1.52m). The height of the air terminal where the gas or dust is explosive and under forced draft should be not less than 15 feet (4.57m). Also, the air terminals should be tilted outward at 30o from the vertical. When the effluent is corrosive, as in flue gas, a 1/16 inch (1.6mm) thick lead coating on the air terminal is required. The loop is also kept below the top of the stack. Steeples/Minarets Minarets (Manarah) are not directly covered in any SAES or any standard drawing; however, minarets are tall structures and shall be protected against lightening strikes. Minarets are prone to lightening strikes due to their height and usually they have metallic topping that attracts lightening. If the minaret is made of conducting metals or house electrical equipment , then equipment grounding is definitely required.
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High Masts Equipment on the sides of very high masts, such as television or FM antennas, can be protected from direct stroke damage through the addition of lateral spikes or thorns projecting outward from the sides of the mast. At heights above the critical radius of 100 or 200 feet (30 or 60m), spikes in a horizontal or near horizontal position with suitable spacing will cause strokes coming from the side to terminate on the spikes rather than on the mast itself. This practice will greatly reduce the possibility of damage to electrically fragile components by the termination of the lightning stroke arc. The number of spikes around the mast (three, four, five, or six), the length of the spikes, the vertical spacing along the mast need to be determined for optimum economics, and in accordance with the principles of lightning protection. When masts are installed on top of a building, the bottom of the mast structure must be bonded to the building grounding network at a minimum of two points. Power Stations and Substations While transmission-line protection against lightning is an inherent part of the design and is well documented, the protection of power stations and substations has received little attention. Lower power stations and substations require protection from direct strokes. Masts or overhead static wires (or both) can be used to ground lower power stations and substations to the grounding network of the higher power station or substation. Protection of the attached overhead lines by means of an overhead grounded conductor or diverter (static wire) for 2000 feet (610m) away from the power station or substation is recommended to preclude direct strokes on this section of the line and to reduce the duty on the power station surge arresters. The spacing of this overhead grounded conductor or diverter and the associated down conductors from the phase conductors must not be less than the basic impulse insulation level of the lightning protection system. Otherwise, side flashes to the phase conductors will occur and cause unnecessary outages. The installation of overhead grounded conductors is not practical unless the attached overhead lines are 69 kV or above (at Saudi Aramco only).
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Communication Towers The following is general requirements on lightning protection for communication towers: Communication towers must be grounded by two 35 mm2 (No. 2 AWG) conductors from points on diagonally opposite tower legs. These conductors are to run as directly as possible, but preferably by separate routes, to the ground grid or other grounding electrode. Towers at transmission substations or industrial complexes are to located within the resistance area of the installation either by proximity or by suitable configuration of the buried grounding conductors. Towers in remote locations will require a grounding electrode. This electrode is not to exceed 2 ohms of ground resistance. Ground rods will suffice in areas of low soil resistivity; otherwise, a ground grid is to be installed. Unless a power system that utilizes the ground grid requires a larger conductor, a 35 mm2 (No. 2 AWG) conductor is to be used for the grid.
29
Supplemental Reading
Read the supplemental text Grounding and Shielding in Facilities, pages 29, 46, and 85. These pages provide general information on lightning protection for buildings, including the following: Grounding for lightning protection Where lightning terminals are required. Installation of lightning terminals. Installation of ground cables.
30
BUILDING AND STRUCTURE GROUNDING REQUIREMENTS

The following is a list of applicable standards, drawings and codes that apply to Saudi Aramco buildings and structures: SAES-P-111, Grounding Standard Drawing AA-036572, Grounding Arrangement for 115 kV Disconnect Switch Structure Standard Drawing AB-036562, Standard Switch Operating Platform SAES-O-101, Standard Security Fence SAES-P-100, Basic Criteria SAES-T Series, Communications Standards IEEE STD. 142, Recommended Practice for Grounding of Industrial and Commercial Power Systems IEEE 367, Guide for Determining the Maximum Electric Power Station Ground Potential Rise and Induced Voltage from a Power Fault NFPA 76A, Essential Electrical Systems for Health Care Facilities NFPA 76B, Electricity in Patient Care Areas of Hospitals NFPA 780, Lightning Protection Code
This section will familiarize you with the application of the basic safety codes to different facilities. This section includes the more important aspects of safety grounding for the following types of buildings and structures: Residential Building Industrial Building Manned Structures Unmanned Structures Industrial Plant Areas Distribution and Utilization Equipment Fences
31
Residential Building
Grounding for residential buildings starts with the system grounding at the service disconnect(s). Ground wires are then run from the main service panel, with the power conductors, to the equipment or the electrical outlets. System grounding is normally accomplished through connection of the grounded conductor and the grounding conductor to the grounding electrode system. In the case of small residential buildings, the grounding electrode system often consists of underground metal piping and ground rods. Ground loops for grids are seldom required for residential buildings.
Industrial Building
An industrial building is a facility in which products are manufactured or stored. Industrial buildings are usually part of a complex with large power requirements. Substation grid grounding, building ground loops or rings, and an extensive system of ground conductors that tie all necessary items back to their respective power source are used.
Manned Structures
Manned structures are facilities that are occupied during normal business hours or on a 24- hour basis. Manned structures are grounded in the same manner as industrial buildings.
Unmanned Structures
An unmanned structure is a building that is not occupied during normal business hours. Examples of unmanned structures are pumping stations and water treatment plants. The same grounding rules apply to unmanned structures and to manned structures.
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Distribution and Utilization Equipment

The following are grounding requirements for distribution and utilization equipment: A multiple grounded neutral system (whether cabled or overhead) is to be used in residential and non-industrial locations. The neutral conductor is taken to all locations on the system and is grounded at points of utilization. In overhead systems, the neutral conductor is also grounded at each pole. Grounding at points of utilization must be in accordance with the National Electrical Code, Article 250-H, Grounding Electrodes, except that the water piping must not constitute the grounding electrode, but it is to be bonded to the grounding electrode. Equipment at points of utilization is to be grounded by connection to the multiple grounded neutral and the local electrode. A single-point grounded neutral system is to be used in industrial plants where cabling will normally predominate. The neutral is to be grounded at the transformer only and cannot be brought out for load use. Utilization equipment is to be grounded by a metallic connection to the system neutral and to the ground grid or ground bus. The grounding connection is to conform to Articles 250-57 and 250-91 (b) of the National Electrical Code.
The ground loop impedance of the circuit that is formed by the line conductor from the power source to the equipment and by the grounding path from the equipment back to the power source neutral must be low enough to allow sufficient fault current to pass to operate the protection device. The following equation should be satisfied:
Zgl E IK
where: Zgl = ground loop impedance, ohms
33
line to neutral voltage, V current rating of fuse or trip setting of constant, 3 for fuses, 1.5 for other
I = overcurrent device, A K = overcurrent devices
Difficulties in attaining an adequately low value of Zgl are unlikely to arise but can occur at low voltages/high current ratings. Residential occupancies must have ground-fault circuit protection for all 115V, 15A, and 20A receptacle outlets or circuits supplying the outlets that are installed outside or in bathrooms. Construction sites are to have ground-fault circuit protection for all 115V, 15A, and 20A receptacle outlets or feeders supplying the outlets that are not part of the permanent wiring. Conduit is not to be the sole means of grounding equipment, except for overhead lighting within buildings that are installed with rigid conduit. A bonding jumper is to be installed at flush-mounted, groundingtype receptacles to connect the receptacle grounding terminal and the box. Reliance is not to be placed upon contact devices or yokes to provide the connection. Lighting fixture outlet boxes are to be grounded and a bonding jumper is to be installed to connect the fixture to the box.
Fences
Refer to SAES-P-111, paragraph 11 for Fence Grounding requirements. Metal fences that are near/around substations, ground grids, or passing under high voltage (69kV or above) transmission lines must be grounded. Except for fences around substations, fences constructed with concrete posts and PVC coated fencing material are not required to be grounded. (See SAES-M-006 for additional information on fences).
34
OFFSHORE PLATFORMS
An offshore platform is a large structure with a deck-like construction on which the drilling rig of an oil or gas well is erected or other production equipment (such as a GOSP). This platform is supported by a number of steel jacket legs. The mandatory requirements for offshore platform grounding are in Saudi Aramco Engineering Standard SAES-P-111, Chapter 10.
35
WORK AID 1: SAUDI ARAMCO AND INDUSTRY STANDARDS, DRAWINGS AND CODES APPLICABLE TO STRUCTURAL GROUNDING
Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards SAES-M-006, Saudi Aramco Security and General Purpose Fencing, SAES-O-101, Standard Security Fence SAES-P-100, Basic Criteria SAES-P-104, Wiring Methods and Materials, SAES-P-107, Overhead Distribution Systems, SAES-P-111, Grounding, 30 December 1998 SAES-P-119, Substations, SAES-T series, Communications Engineering Standards
Saudi Aramco Drawings Standard Drawing AB-036387, Tank Grounding
Industry Standards and Codes ANSI/NFPA 70 (NEC), National Electric Code, Article 250 NFPA 76A, Essential Electrical Systems for Health Care Facilities NFPA 76B, Electricity in Patient Care Areas of Hospitals NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities NFPA 780, Lightning Protection Code API RP 2003, Protection Against Ignitions Arising Out of Static, Lightning, and Stray Currents BS 6651, The protection of Structures Against Lightning,
36
IEEE IEEE Std. 142, Recommended Practice for Grounding Industrial and Commercial Power Systems, 1992 w/correction 1993
37
WORK AID 2: CALCULATING THE LIGHTNING RISK INDEX

Refer to NFPA 780, Appendix H for procedure and tables for calculating the Risk Assessment. Note: per SAES-P-111, for Saudi Arabia, the number of days with thunderstorms is assumed to be 10 (isoceraunic level), that provides F = 8 (see Table H-2f).
38
GLOSSARY
bonding
1 The permanent joining metallic parts to form an electrically conductive path that will ensure electrical continuity and the capacity to conduct safely any current likely to be imposed. 2 The electrical interconnecting of conductive parts, designed to maintain a common electrical potential.
bonding jumper
A reliable conductor to assure the required electrical conductivity between metal parts required to be electrically connected. The property that determines the electrostatic energy that is stored per unit volume for unit potential gradient (given relative to a vacuum). Intentionally connected to earth through a ground connection or connections of sufficiently low impedance and having sufficient current-carrying capacity to prevent the buildup of voltages that may result in hazards to connected equipment or to persons. A ground connection to non-current carrying metal parts of a wiring installation, electric equipment, or both. An identical state of electrical potential for two or more items or areas. A conducting connection, whether intentional or accidental, by which an electric circuit or equipment is connected to the earth or to some conducting body, of relatively large extent, which serves in place of the earth. A bus to which the grounds from individual pieces of equipment are connected and that, in turn, is connected to ground at one or more points.
dielectric constants
effectively grounded
equipment ground
equipotential ground
ground bus
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ground clamp
A clamp that is used in connecting a grounding conductor to a grounding electrode or to something that is grounded. A conduit that is used solely to contain one or more grounding conductors. Current flowing into or out of the earth or its equivalent serving as a ground. An instrument or equipment that is used for indicating the presence of a ground on an ungrounded system. an insulation failure between a conductor and ground or equipment frame. A system of horizontal grounding electrodes that consists of interconnected bare cables buried in the earth to provide a common ground for electrical devices and metallic structures, usually in one specific location. A lug that is used to connect a grounding conductor to a grounding electrode or to something that is grounded. A solid metallic plat or a system of closely spaced bare conductors that are connected to and often placed in shallow depths above a ground grid or elsewhere at the earth surface in order to obtain an extra protective measure minimizing the danger of exposure to high step or touch voltages in a critical operating area or places that are frequently used by people. Grounded metal grating, placed on or above the soil surface or wire mesh placed directly under the crushed rock, are common forms of a ground mat. A circuit in which the earth is utilized to complete the circuit. Connected to earth or to some extended conducting body that serves instead of the earth, whether the connection is intentional or accidental.
ground conduit ground current ground detector ground fault ground grid
ground lug
ground mat
ground-return circuit grounded
40
grounded circuit
A circuit in which one conductor or point (usually the neutral conductor or neutral point of transformer or generator windings) is intentionally grounded, either solidly or through a grounding device. A grounded system in which the external (outer) conductor is solidly grounded and that completely surrounds the internal (inner) conductor throughout its length. The external conductor must be jacketed. A conductor that is intentionally grounded, either solidly or through a current limiting device. A conductor used to establish a ground: for instance, ground grids, ground rods, ground wells, etc. A system or circuit conductor that is intentionally grounded. A system of conductors in which at least one conductor or point (usually the middle wire or neutral point of transformer or generator windings) is intentionally grounded, either solidly or through a current limiting device. The conductor that is used to establish a ground and that connects an equipment, device, wiring system, or another conductor (usually the neutral conductor) with the grounding electrode or electrodes. A connection that is used in establishing a ground and that consists of a grounding conductor, a grounding electrode and the earth (soil) that surrounds the electrode or some conductive body which serves instead of the earth. An outlet that is equipped with a receptacle of the polarity type and that has, in addition to the currentcarrying contacts, one grounded contact that can be used for the connection of an equipment grounding conductor. A transformer that is intended primarily to provide a neutral point for grounding purposes.
grounded concentric
grounded conductor conductor grounded grounded conductor electrode
grounding conductor
grounding connection
grounding outlet
grounding transformer
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guard wire
A grounded wire that is erected near a lower-voltage circuit or public crossing in such a position that a high (or higher) voltage overhead conductor cannot come into accidental contact with the lower-voltage circuit, or with persons or objects on the crossing without first becoming grounded by contact with the guard wire. Grounded through impedance, the principal element of which is reactance. Grounded through impedance, the principal element of which is resistance. Grounded through an adequately grounded connection in which no impedance has been inserted intentionally. An auxiliary solidly grounded conductor that connects the individual grounding conductors in a given area. A system, circuit, or apparatus without an intentional connection to ground.
reactance grounded resistance grounded solidly grounded system grounding ungrounded
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
SAES-M-006, Saudi Aramco Security and General Purpose Fencing, SAES-O-101, Standard Security Fence SAES-P-100, Basic Criteria SAES-P-104, Wiring Methods and Materials, SAES-P-107, Overhead Distribution Systems, SAES-P-111, Grounding, 30 December 1998 SAES-T series, Communications Engineering Standards
Standard Drawing AB-036387, Tank Grounding
ANSI/NFPA 70 (NEC), National Electric Code, 1996 NFPA 76A, Essential Electrical Systems for Health Care Facilities NFPA 76B, Electricity in Patient Care Areas of Hospitals NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities NFPA 780, Lightning Protection Code ANSI C2, National Electric Safety Code API RP 2003, Protection Against Ignitions Arising Out of Static, Lightning, and Stray Currents BS 6651, The protection of Structures Against Lightning, IEEE Std. 142, Recommended Practice for Grounding Industrial and Commercial Power Systems, 1992 w/correction 1993
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ADDENDUM A: SAUDI ARAMCO DRAWING AB-036387
Course handout - Saudi Aramco Drawing AB-036387, Tank Grounding
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ADDENDUM B: NFPA 780
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ADDENDUM C: API RP 2003
API RP 2003 Chapters 4 and 5
46

Electrical Grounding of Building and Structures Standards

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Engineering Encyclopedia

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

ELECTRICAL GROUNDING OF BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES

Chapter : Electrical File Reference: EEX-205.03

For additional information on this subject, contact PEDD Coordinator on 874-6556

Power System Grounding Electrical Grounding of Buildings and Structures

TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION PAGE

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Power System Grounding Electrical Grounding of Buildings and Structures

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Power System Grounding Electrical Grounding of Buildings and Structures

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Power System Grounding Electrical Grounding of Buildings and Structures

APPLICABLE STANDARDS AND CODES

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Power System Grounding Electrical Grounding of Buildings and Structures

STATIC ELECTRICITY GROUNDING

Causes of Static Electricity

where: V = potential, in Volts Q = charge C = capacitance in farads

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Power System Grounding Electrical Grounding of Buildings and Structures

Conditions for Buildup of Static Electricity

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Power System Grounding Electrical Grounding of Buildings and Structures

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Power System Grounding Electrical Grounding of Buildings and Structures

Hazards of Static Electricity and Control in Various Areas

Power System Grounding Electrical Grounding of Buildings and Structures

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Power System Grounding Electrical Grounding of Buildings and Structures

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Power System Grounding Electrical Grounding of Buildings and Structures

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Power System Grounding Electrical Grounding of Buildings and Structures

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Power System Grounding Electrical Grounding of Buildings and Structures

LIGHTNING PROTECTION GROUNDING

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Power System Grounding Electrical Grounding of Buildings and Structures

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Power System Grounding Electrical Grounding of Buildings and Structures

Figure 1. Lightning Bolt

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Power System Grounding Electrical Grounding of Buildings and Structures

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Power System Grounding Electrical Grounding of Buildings and Structures

Figure 2. Lightning Rods/Air Terminals

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Power System Grounding Electrical Grounding of Buildings and Structures

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Power System Grounding Electrical Grounding of Buildings and Structures

Equipment and Structures to be Considered

Lightning protection for other buildings/structures depends on their Risk Index.

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Power System Grounding Electrical Grounding of Buildings and Structures

Third Class Fourth Class Fifth Class

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Power System Grounding Electrical Grounding of Buildings and Structures

There are many examples of this class at Saudi Aramco.

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Power System Grounding Electrical Grounding of Buildings and Structures

Requirements for Good Lightning Protection

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards