System Earthing

&
Protective Earthing

Low Voltage Earthing System

All points that generate electricity or changes

system voltage must be earthed.
Type of Earthing Systems: Protective Earthing for persons and equipments
against electric shock
Technical earthing (Functional )

 Protective earthing system must be bounded at some

points to the technical earthing system.
Technical earthing systems must not designed only to
clear earth fault current but also, it bust be to provide a
high integrity, low impedance path to earth for high
frequency leakage (up to 30 MHz ) currents and noise
caused by switching and lightning.

( due to high frequency current components, we must

use several parallel paths to earth)

Technical Earthing Systems

TN

TN-C
TN-S
TT
IT

Grounding systems
IEC 364
TN system
TN-C systems
3 pole CB

The transformer neutral is earthed;

The frames of the electrical loads are
connected to the neutral.
The insulation fault turns into a short-circuit
and the faulty part is disconnected by ShortCircuit protection Devices (SCPD).
The fault voltage (deep earth/frame), known as
indirect contact is Uo/2 if the impedance of
the outgoing circuit is equal to that of the
return one.
When it exceeds the safety limit voltage, which
is normally 50 V, it requires disconnection.

 provides a return path for faults in the

LV grid.
This ensures a distributed grounding
and reduces the risk of a customer not
having a safe grounding.
However faults in the MV network may
migrate into the LV grid grounding
causing touch voltages at LV clients.

 The utility is not only responsible for a

proper grounding but also for the safety of
customers during disturbances in the power
grid.
A fault in the LV network may cause touch
voltages at other LV clients.
Most critical are faults at the ends of the
branches, where the circuit impedance is the
highest. In the design of LV-grids, this circuit
impedance should be limited.
The maximum length of an outgoing cable is
therefore limited. A practical length of a
cable was 300 m.

Advantages:

Provides a return path for faults in the LV grid.

Ensures a distributed grounding and reduces the risk of a
customer not having a safe grounding
Disadvantages:
Faults in the electrical network at a higher voltage level may
migrate into the LV grid
The utility is not only responsible for a proper grounding

A fault in the LV network may cause touch voltages at other LV

clients
Most critical are faults at the ends of the branches, where the circuit
impedance is the highest.
The maximum length of an outgoing cable is therefore limited

Needs a very good earthing impedance of the network (about 2

) TN-C Inadequate for EMC problems
The TN-C should be avoided since rank 3 harmonics and
multiples of it to flow in the PEN.

prevent the latter from being used as a potential

reference for communicating electronic systems, if
the PEN is connected to metal structures, both these
and the electric cables become sources of
electromagnetic disturbance

Multiple Earthing

Grounding systems
IEC 364
TN system
4 Pole CB

TN-S systems

Load

Load

Id

Ud

 LV cable with a grounded sheath is applied.

Additional electrodes in the LV grid,
preferably at each user, divert external
induced (lightning) currents.
In a TN-S system five conductors are
required.
We prefer TN-S For: Very long network.
Loads with low natural insulation
(furnaces) or,
with large HF filter (large
computers) and communication systems

Grounding systems
IEC 364
TN system
TNC-S system

Grounding system
IEC 364
TT system

 The transformer neutral is earthed;

The frames of the electrical loads are also
connected to an earth connection.
The insulation fault current is limited by the
impedance of the earth connections an the
faulty part is disconnected by a Residual
Current Device (RCD).

Each customer needs to install and maintain its own ground

electrode

The ground impedance at the customer should be low (Rc<30 )

RCDs are required

Advantages

Faults in the LV and MV grid do not migrate to other clients in the

LV grid
A broken neutral conductor does not affect a single-phase
connection, but may cause damage to equipment using a threephase connection
Good security condition : potential rise of the grounded
conductive part - limited at 50 V for a fault inside the installation
No influence of the network evolution (fault loop impedance)

Disadvantages
For large customers it is impossible to apply a TT system, since
the disconnecting time of the over-current protective device is
too long. A TN system always provides a low impedance return
path.
In TT-systems high over-voltages may occur between all live
parts and PE conductor

The TT provides a good separation between the responsibilities

of the supplier and the customer and needs less control of the
transferred potentials for assessing safety in case of HV fault.
The same is valid in case of a phase to neutral fault in the LV
network.

It is a very good for communication systems for very

low interferences

Grounding system
IEC 364
IT system

V2

V1

V23

V13

V3
Ud

It is naturally earthed by the stray capacities of the network

cables. voluntarily by a high impedance of around 1,500
(impedance earthed neutral)

We must avoid second fault by using very fast protection

(1st fault) : Id < 1 A
(2nd fault): Id 20 kA

Advantages
The voltage developed in the earth connection of the frames (a
few volts at the most) does not present a risk.
continuity of service
loads sensitive to high fault currents

Disadvantages
If a second fault occurs and the first one has not yet been
eliminated, a short-circuit appears and the SCPDs must provide
the necessary protection.
The frames of the relevant loads are brought to the potential
developed by the fault current in their protective conductor (PE).

Restrictions and precautions for using the IT earthing system

The restrictions for using the IT system are linked to loads and networks.
high earth capacitive coupling (presence of filters)

system for use in:

Hospitals
Airport take-off runways
Arc Furnaces
Plants with continuous manufacturing
processes
Laboratories
Cold storage units
Welding Machines.

influence of MV earthing
systems
In MV, the neutral is not distributed and there is no
protective conductor (PE) between substations or
between the MV load and substation.
A phase/earth fault thus results in a single-phase
short-circuit current limited by earth connection
resistance
impedances.

and

the

presence

of

limitation

IEC 364-4-442 states:

The earthing system in a MV/LV substation
must be such that the LV installation is not
subjected to an earthing voltage of:
Uo + 250 V : more than 5 s

Uo + 1,200 V: less than 5 s

This means that the

various devices connected to the LV
network must be able to withstand this
constraint.
The same standard states that if Rp > 1 ,
the voltage Rpx IhMT must be eliminated, for
example:
100 V under 500 ms;
500 V under 100 ms.

if Rp and RB are connected, the fault current

causes the potential of the LV network to rise
with respect to the earth.

If this is not so, Rp and RN must be

separate whatever the LV earthing
system.
If all the earth connections (substation
neutral- applications) have been grouped
into a single one, a rise in potential of LV
frames may be observed which can be
dangerous.

LV Grounding systems
LV electrical network may supply several
types of applications.
Only one type of Earthing System cannot
be suitable for all applications.
It is advisable to mix various
Grounding Systems in an electrical
installation.

A clash of technical cultures is inevitable:

Electrical engineers have problems with the harmonics
generated by static
converters. These harmonics cause temperature rises in
transformers, destruction of capacitors and abnormal
currents in the neutral;
Electronic engineers place filters upstream of their
products, which do not always withstand over-voltages
and lower network insulation;
lamp manufacturers are unaware of the problems
caused by energizing inrush currents, harmonics and
high frequencies generated by certain electronic ballasts;
Computer engineers (same applies to designers of
distributed intelligence systems) are concerned with
equipotentiality of frames and conducted and radiated
interference.

Mixing of different Grounding

systems

LV distribution
The most common systems are TT and TN

The TN-C system is particularly used but it needs

carefully designed SCPD.
It is not currently recommended in premises equipped
with communicating electronic systems as currents in
the neutral and thus in the PE cause potential
references to vary ( TT system)
RCDs are used for personnel protection (for very long
cables)

The TT system Is the easiest one to implement; insulation fault

currents are smaller than in TN or IT thus accounting for its value as

regards risk of fire, explosion, material damage and electromagnetic

disturbances.

The IT Systems (unearthed neutral) is used whenever continuity of

service is essential.
The TNC-S is increasingly chosen for large projects.

EDC
network
TN-C

Consumer
installation

Actual grounding
system
In residential
areas

Hazards
In residential
areas

F1) Direct contact fault loop

Hazards
In residential
areas

F2) Indirect contact fault loop

Hazards
In residential
areas

Effects of sinusoidal alternating current in

the range of 15 Hz to 100 Hz
Risk of electric shocks

Electric shock
-It is caused by the current that flows through the human body.
-The current depends mainly upon the skin contact resistance.
-The contact resistance varies with ( thickness, wetness and
resistively of the skin ).
-In general :
Current<5mA is not dangerous .
10mA< current <20mA
The current is dangerous because the victim loses muscular
control and so may not be able to let go .
Current>50mA the consequences can be fatal .

 Resistance of human body Rb:

Rb : between two hands or between one hand and a leg
ranges
from 500 Ohms to 50 K Ohms
if Rb = 50 K ohms
The momentary contact with 600 V may not be fatal .
I body = 600 V / 50 K Ohms = 12 mA
but if Rb = 500 ohm and voltage is as low as 25V ac
I body = 25 V / 500 Ohms = 50 mA (may be fatal )
the current is particularly dangerous when it flows in
the region of the heart .

 statistical investigations have shown that a current may cause

death if it satisfies the following equation
Ib = 116/ square root ( t )
where :Ib : current flow through the body in mA
t : time of current flow second
116 : an empirical constant, expressing the probability of a
fatal out come .
[ IEEE transactions on industry and general application ]
vol. IGA - 4, No. 5 , pages 467 to 475.
example:
A current of 116 mA for 1 s could be fatal .
Ventricular Fibrillation is considered to be the main cause of
Electrocution
Breaking time for RCDs 30mA (300mS), 60mA(150mS), 150mA(40mS)

Operating principle of Earth

leakage protection
Tripping

Detection

Measurement

General Specifications
Number of poles 2 or 4
Rated voltage not exceeding 1000 v.

Rated breaking load current

Rated breakage earth leakage fault
current.

Installation of RCD
General Notes
Every
installation
which
includes
exposed
conductive parts should be protected by one or more
RCD
If an installation is protected by one RCD , This
device should be Located at the starting point of the
installation
The exposed conductive parts of the protected
appliance should be all connected to an earth
electrode of suitable resistance

Installation of RCD
Depending on the type of the installation and
the risks involved , it may be necessary to
provide RCD having different sensitivities in
order to protect different parts of the
installation
It is also necessary to arrange for a measure
of selectivity ( Coordination ) between the
operation of the RCDs located at different
parts in the installation

RCD 300 mA

It is very important to use the current-operated residual

current devices (RCDs).
Current operated devices rated at up to 500mA have
been available for protecting installations and individual
sub-circuits for many years.
More recently sensitive RCDs (30mA and below) have
become available.

These are regarded as providing excellent protection

against electric shock, and can be fitted to sub-circuits
or socket outlets.

Protective Earthing
Safety for persons.
Proper operation and long life
time for equipments

Step & Touch Potential

 Earthing systems allow unwanted electrical

currents to flow harmlessly to earth.
Their

main

function

is

to

provide

low

impedance (not only resistance) paths for highenergy

discharges

and

high

frequency,

particularly lightning strikes, other transients

and fault currents.

The main markets for installing earthing systems: utility power generation, transmission and distribution.

lightning protection for buildings and high structures

Private electricity distribution networks in industrial and
commercial premises.
Protection

of electronic

equipment

e.g. computer

installations, telecommunications.
Domestic housing and small commercial premises

Situations where a build-up of electrostatic potential

could
be dangerous, including oil refineries, petroleum filling
stations, grain storage, hospitals.

Earthing Installation
Typical earth electrodes include

simple surface earth electrodes

rod (vertical) electrodes
meshed electrodes,
cable with earth electrode effect
foundation earth electrodes

Vertical Rod
R

Earth surface potential distribution

Vx* = f(x) around a vertical rod earth electrode
with length l = 3 m, diameter d = 0.04 m

Variation of Earthing Resistance with Rod length

Horizontal Rod
R

Horizontal Strip
t
L

b
c

d = 2b /

Different Horizontal Shapes

: Sum of shape lengths

Parallel Vertical Shapes

Rn = R
a=

1+ a

2Rs

n : number of rods
s : distance between rods in (m)
: Soil resistivity ( . m )

Factor for parallel rods in a straight line

Number of rods (n)

1.0

1.66

2.15

2.54

2.87

3.15

3.39

3.61

10

3.81

For 3 Rods in an equilateral triangle = 1.66

Factor for rods arranged in a

hollow square

Number of rods
(n) along each
side of the
square

Factor

2.71

4.51

5.48

6.14

6.63

7.03

7.36

7.65

10

7.90

12

8.32

14

8.67

16

8.96

18

9.22

20

9.40

The most frequently used electrode materials are:

Steel
Galvanized steel
Steel covered by copper
High-alloy steel
Copper and copper alloys.

Earthing, Backfilling Materials

SOIL ENHANCEMENT OPTIONS
1. Conductive Concrete
30 to 90 ohm-meters

2. Bentonite
2.5 ohm-meters
3. Carbon-Based Backfill Materials
0.1 to 0.5 ohm-meters
4. Clay-Based Backfill Materials (GAF)
0.2 to 0.8 ohm-meters depending on moisture content

5- Marconite
0.1 ohm.meters

Design 0f Earthing cable

S= I2 t / K
S: conductor cross sectional area (mm2)
I : rms value of the fault current (A)
t: time of short circuit current duration in Sec.( about 3
seconds)
K: Factor depends on the limiting temperature of earthing
conductor (conductor and insulation material)
For copper and PVC cable K=115

Step & Touch Potential

Step and Touch potentials

Permissible design values for Step and Touch Potentials

165 + s
E step =

165 + 0.25 s
E touch =
t

s : Ground Surface resistivity beneath the feet

t : Fault duration
For safety, the design step and touch voltage must not
exceed the following;
Assume s = 0.0 and the maximum fault duration 6 sec.
Therefore
E step and E touch must not exceed 67 volt

Measurements of the ground resistivity

= 2 a R