Electronics

Energy Division

Practical Guide TO Good EARTHING

MORLYNN
INSULATORS

Section 1 The Basics of Earthing

What is Earthing? Earthing may be described as a system of electrical connections to the general mass of earth. The characteristic primarily determining the effectiveness of an earth electrode is the resistance which it provides between the earthing system and the general mass of earth. The earthing of an electrical installation has two purposes 1. To provide protection for persons or animals against the danger of electric shock. 2. To maintain the proper function of the electrical system. Soil resistivity (specific resistance of the soil) is usually measured in Ohm metres, one Ohm metre being the resistivity the soil has when it has a resistance of one Ohm between the opposite faces of a cube of soil having one metre sides. The other unit commonly used is the Ohm centimetre. To convert Ohm metres to Ohm centimetres, multiply by 100. Soil resistivity varies greatly from one location to another. For example, soil around the banks of a river have a resistivity in the order of 1.5 Ohm metres. In the other extreme, dry sand in elevated areas can have values as high as 10,000 Ohm metres. The resistance of the earth path is determined 1. by the resistivity of the soil surrounding the earth rod, 2. by its contact resistance between the earth rod and the surrounding soil, and 3. by the resistance of the earth rod and connecting conductors. When an electrical current passes into the soil from a buried earth rod, it passes from a low resistance metal into an immediate area of high resistance soil. Reference to Figures 1 and 2 depict what happens when a current flows from an earth rod into the surrounding earth. The areas of resistance can be described as being that of a number of sheaths of ever increasing diameters. The current path passes into the first sheath immediately adjacent to the earth rod and then into the second sheath which is of a larger cross-section with a greater area for current flow, and therefore, of lower resistance than the first sheath. And so on into a succession of sheaths or shells of ever increasing area, and because of this, of ever decreasing resistance. Eventually at a distance of three or four metres, the area of current dissipation becomes so large, and the current density so small, the resistance at this point is negligible. Measurements show that 90% of the total resistance around an earth rod is within a radius of three metres. However, it is this resistance at the interface where the current leaves the earth rod and flows into the main body of the earth that is important and explains why soil resistivity tests are very necessary in order to secure lowest overall resistance. Factors chiefly affecting soil resistivity are 1. Type of soil Soil composition can be - clay, gravel, loam, rock, sand, shale, silt, stones, etc. In many locations soil can be quite homogenous, while other locations may be mixtures of these soil types in varying proportions. Very often soil composition is in layers or strata, and it is the resistance of the varying strata, especially at sub-soil level and lower where the moisture content is not subject to drying out, that is important in securing a good electrical earth. Refer Table 1 for typical soil resistivity values. 2. Climate Obviously arid and good rainfall climates are at opposite extremes for conditions of soil resistivity. 3. Seasonal conditions The effects of heat, moisture, drought and frost can introduce wide variations in normal soil resistivity. Soil resistivity usually decreases with depth, and an increase of only a few percent of moisture content in a normally dry soil will markedly decrease soil resistivity. Conversely, soil temperatures below freezing greatly increase soil resistivity, requiring earth rods to be driven to even greater depths. See Table 2 for variations of soil resistivity with moisture content, and Table 3 for variations of soil resistivity with temperature. 4. Other factors Other soil properties conducive to low resistivity are chemical composition, soil ionisation, grain distribution and homogeneous grain size. All have much to do with retention of soil moisture, as well as providing good conditions for a closely packed soil in good contact with the earth rod. In view of all the above factors, there is a large variation of soil resistivity between different soil types and moisture contents.

Purpose of Earthing

Chief requirement of good Earthing is low soil resistivity

The Earth Path

Fig. 1

Principal factors affecting soil resistivity

Fig. 2

A Practical Guide to Good Earthing

Every earth is an individual and the only way to know that an earthing installation meets code requirements is to carry out proper resistance measurements on site. There are a variety of test instruments available. However, they can be generally categorised as three-terminal or four-terminal test instruments. 1. Measuring resistance Figure 3 illustrates the test setup for measuring the resistance in Ohms between the installed earth rod and the general mass of earth. Refer to the instrument manufacturers manual on how to carry out the test. As a general rule, the distance between the earth rod under test and the current probe C is not less than 15 metres. 2. Measuring soil resistivity Figure 4 illustrates the simple test setup for measuring soil resistivity. The test results give a resistivity profile of the earth beneath the surface. A four-terminal instrument is required for soil resistivity. The probes are installed in a straight line with an equal spacing of a metres and inserted to a depth of no more than a/20 metres, i.e. for spacing of 2 metres, depth must be less than 100mm. Now, keeping the centre position the same, resistance measurements are taken at increasing spacings (e.g. a = 2m, 3m, 4m, etc). Always ensure that the spacing between individual test probes are identical. The soil resistivity can be obtained from the following formula: where = 2 a R (Ohm metres) = apparent soil resistivity a = spacing of probes in metres R = resistance value in Ohms (as indicated on the tester)
Soil

Site Testing Essential

Potential (P) Probe Current (C) Probe Depth 300 to 500mm Earth rod under test
C1 P1 P2 C2

Soil

Earth tester
Fig. 3

Test rods
a a centre a

Depth a 20

C1 P1 P2 C2

Earth tester
Fig. 4

The use of the resistivity at probe spacing a metres as the average resistivity to a depth of a metes is a good enough approximation for most circumstances. From the calculation, a soil resistivity versus depth profile can be drawn as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The profile can be used to identify where low resistivity soil occurs so that appropriate installation techniques can be used. As the soil resistivity decreases with depth, deep driving earth rods are recommended. If the soil resistivity increases with depth, earth rods should be installed in parallel to obtain a lower resistance reading. Best results are achieved when the spacing of the parallel earth rods is greater than their depth.
Table 1 Resistivity Values for Several Types of Soils and Water Typical Resistivity m 2 40 50 100 120 150 250 2,000 3,000 15,000 25,000 100,000 Type of Soil or Water Sea Water Clay Ground well and spring water Clay and sand mixtures Shale, slates, sandstones, etc Peat, loam and mud Lake and brook water Sand Morane gravel Ridge gravel Solid granite Ice Usual Limit m 0.1 to 10 8 to 70 10 to 150 4 to 300 10 to 1,000 5 to 250 100 to 400 200 to 3,000 40 to 10,000 3,000 to 30,000 10,000 to 50,000 10,000 to 100,000 Lower layer more conductive Apparent soil resistivity (Ohm/m)

Spacing (m) (Depth)

Fig. 5 Typical curve of apparent soil resistivity for 2 layer soils

Middle layer less conductive Lower layer more conductive Apparent soil resistivity (Ohm/m)

Table 2 Variations of Soil Resistivity with Moisture Content Typical Value of Resistivity m Moisture Content Clay mixed with sand Sand % of Weight 0 2.5 5 10 15 20 30 10,000,000 1,500 430 185 105 63 42 --3,000,000 50,000 2,100 630 290 ---

Table 3 Variation of Resistivity with Temperature in a Mix of Sand and Clay with a Moisture Content of about 15% by Weight Temperature Typical Value of Resistivity oC m 20 10 0 (Water) o (Ice) -5 -15 72 99 138 300 790 3,300

Spacing (m) (Depth)

Fig. 6 Typical curve of apparent soil resistivity for 3 layer soils

Section 2 About Earth Rods

Types of Earth Rods At one time or another, all manner of conductor materials and shapes have been installed in the ground to provide an electrical earth. These materials range from cast iron plates, tubes, galvanised steel stakes, copper strip, metallic rod, wire and water pipe. Taking into account conductivity, high resistance to atmospheric corrosion and soil attack, ease and economy of installation and overall reliability, the steel rod clad with either copper or stainless steel has proven its superiority over all others. The clad steel rod is simple to install, its connection to the earthing system is easily made, and the installation is readily accessible for inspection and test. Additionally, with the use of deep driving techniques, extendable earth rods have been developed to reach underlying strata of low permanent resistivity unaffected by seasonal drying. Steel core Earth Rods have the best attributes Electrically, a good earth rod should have a low intrinsic resistance and be of sufficient section to carry high currents without damage when called upon. Mechanically, its physical properties should exhibit strength, have a rigid core for easy driving and be of durable, corrosion resistant material. PLP has had in the design and production of a variety copper Dulmison haswide had experience wide experience in the design and production of a of variety of and copper and stainless stainless steel steel clad clad earth earth rods rods for fordomestic, domestic,industrial industrialand andsubstation substationapplications. applications.The Therange range includes the specially designed extendable earth rods which may be joined end to end to reach includes the specially designed extendable earth rods which may be joined end to end to reach into into the the deeper deeper levels levels of of moist moist soil. soil. Extendable Earth Rod Coupling Systems A extendable earthearth rods is theis low of the While the the A key key feature feature of of PLPs Dulmisons extendable rods theprofile low profile ofcouplings. the couplings. While flush (pin and sleeve) coupling has proven proven itself itself with with years yearsof ofreliable reliableservice, service,the thecurrent currenttrend trend to a a tapered tapered coupling. coupling.This Thissingle singlepiece piecetaper tapercoupling coupling quick and easy the earth is to isis quick and easy toto fit fit to to the earth rod. Both Boththe theflush flush and taper coupling designs provide excellent electrical connection rod. and taper coupling designs provide excellent electrical connection as as proven in in laboratory laboratory testing testing and and experience experience in in service. service. proven The elimination of coupling bulges enables close soil contact throughout the entire length of the electrode. This is an important consideration in dry/arid countries (such as Australia), where it may take some time for the soil to close back about the electrode. Close soil contact will allow true earth resistance readings and may eliminate the need to drive deeper in order to obtain the desired result. Earth Rod length more important than Rod diameter
510mm 250mm 520mm 250mm 510mm 250mm

Apart from considerations of mechanical strength, there is little advantage to be gained from increasing the earth rod diameter with the object in mind of increasing surface area in contact with the soil. The usual practice is to select a diameter of earth rod which will have enough strength to enable it to be driven into the particular soil conditions without bending or splitting. Large diameter rods may be more difficult to drive than smaller diameter rods. The depth to which an earth rod is driven has much more influence on its electrical resistance characteristics than has its diameter. This is because it is not the actual area of contact with the soil that counts, so much as the total resistance area of the sheath or shell surrounding the earth rod. (Refer paragraph The Earth Path.) The resistance of an earthing installation by an earth rod is calculated according to the following formula: R= Where ( ln ( 8L ) - 1 ) Ohms d 2L

500mm

500mm

Shell area A 1.21 m2

Shell area B 1.24 m2 2.5% increase

1000mm

Shell area C 2.01 m2 66% increase

Fig. 7

20 Resistance in Ohms 15 10 5

R = resistance of earth rod in Ohms = soil resistivity in Ohm metres L = length of earth rod in metres d = diameter of earth rod in metres

The curve shown in Fig. 8 is based upon this formula where the earth resistance using a 25mm diameter earth rod is plotted against its length for soil having a resistivity of 10 Ohm metres.
1.5 3.0 4.5 6.0 Length of electrode in metres
Fig. 8

Note that if the diameter of the earth rod is halved (or doubled), the resistance is changed by some 121/2%. By comparison, it can be seen from the curve, a much more dramatic effect is obtained by increasing the length of the earth rod.

A Practical Guide to Good Earthing

The combined resistance of parallel rods is a complex function of the number of rods, rod diameter, rod length, rod separation, configuration of earth rods and soil resistivity. In most cases, fewer rods coupled together for deep driving will achieve a lower resistance than the same number in parallel. The earth rod spacing should not be less than the earth rod length to avoid overlap of resistance areas. This is because multiple earth rods, unless spaced well apart, do not follow the law of resistance in parallel as their earth conducting paths overlap - see explanation under Earth Path. Accordingly, the installation of multiple earth rods at sufficient distances apart takes up a large area, involves long cabling and many connections, all adding up to higher costs in time, labour and equipment. The permanence of copper in most soils, its resistance to chemical attack and corrosion, and its inherent low resistance, brings it into widespread use throughout the electrical industry in Australia and around the world. However, there are certain soils where it is inadvisable to use copper, such as in tidal lands, salt marshes, swamps and land filled with ashes, coke breeze and like materials. PLP stainless steel earth have a high to both atmospheric and soil and soil Dulmison stainless steel rods earth rods haveresistance a high resistance to both atmospheric clad with withan anaustenitic austeniticgrade grade stainless steel having a chromium content corrosion, being clad stainless steel having a chromium content of of approximately 17%. Typical stainless steel clad earth are favoured over over Typical of of the the applications applications where wherePLP Dulmison stainless steel clad rods earth rods are favoured copper clad are 1. Where the chemical composition of the soil reacts more unfavourably than copper - as per conditions described above. 2. Where the earthed item needs to be protected against galvanic attack and corrosion, e.g. lead sheathed cables, steel poles, etc. 3. Where the tougher sheathing of stainless steel will provide for a more durable and rigid earth rod better suited to hard driving conditions than its copper counterpart. Moreover, the cladding operation imparts an extra toughness to the stainless steel through work hardening. PLP copper clad earth rod which had been installed on the shores of shores Botanyof Bay at Bay at A Dulmison copper clad earth rod which had been installed on the Botany Sans Sans Souci, Souci, near near Sydney, Sydney, NSW NSW for for 10 10 years, years,was wassubmitted submittedto toMetal MetalManufacturers ManufacturersLimited, Limited, Port Kembla, NSW, for examination. The report read in part: As you can see, there has not been any detectable corrosion of the copper sheathing. The cross section, reproduced here at 4x magnification shows no circumferential irregularities indicating sheath corrosion. Etching and examination at 100x magnification confirmed this. Test shows no detectable corrosion (after 10 years in salty soil) Copper vs Stainless Steel Earth Rod length more important than number of rods in parallel

section of copper sheathed PLP earth earth rod rod described CrossCross section of copper sheathed Dulmison described above, above, at 4x magnification after years in salt-laden soil. at 4x magnification after 10 10 years in salt-laden soil.

Section 3 Everything for Earthing

Earth Rods - General PLP earth earth rods have structural steel core with anwith an Dulmison rods a have a structural steel core outer cladding cladding either electrolytic pure copper or of of either electrolytic pure copper or austenitic stainless steel. type of construction austenitic stainless steel. ThisThis type of construction provides provides the the rods rods with with high high mechanical mechanical strength strength for for driving driving and to corrosion. corrosion. and good good resistance resistance to Dulmison Earth Rods PLP Earth Rods are Energy Authority approved around Australia and Are Energy Authority approved around Australia and the South Pacific the South Pacific Are tested to to 5kA fault current - 9kA peak with nono are tested 5kA fault current - 9kA peak with appreciable effect to to the rod itself appreciable effect the rod itself Have bonded-for-life cladding have bonded-for-life cladding Have consistent OD throughout length ensuring fit of have consistent OD throughout earth clips comply with AS1882 length ensuring fit of earth clips comply with AS1882 Can be formed around footings without damage to cladding core around footings without damage to can beor formed cladding or core made - labour and materials Are 100% Australian are 100% Australian made - labour and materials All PLP couplings are made from stable materials compatible with the earthare rod made core and sheath. are All Dulmison couplings from stableThey materials not prone towith de-alloying or rod stress corrosion whichThey can are compatible the earth core and sheath. not prone affect to de-alloying or stress corrosion can adversely earthing fittings that have beenwhich made from adversely affect earthing have been made from inferior materials such asfittings brass.that In fact, the Earthing inferior materials such as the brass. fact, the Earthing Handbook expressly forbids use In of brass in buried Handbook expressly forbids the use ofbeen brasscarried in buried sitsituations. This design philosophy has over uations. This design philosophy has been carried over into into PLPs range of earthing connectors. Dulmisons range of earthing connectors. Non Extendable Earth Rods PLP manufacture a broad range range of non of extendable Dulmison manufacture a broad non extendable earth rods. rods. Each Each rod rod incorporates incorporates an an integral integral driving driving point, point, earth machined (not (notground) ground) to preserve the strength to preserve the strength and and rigidity cold drawn drawn steel. steel. The The flat flattip tipwas wasdeveloped developedfor for rigidity of of cold penetrating soil. penetrating all all types types of of soil.
Domestic Rod Pack - CNE1314T 10 pcs/pk CNE1314 Domestic earth rod 10 pcs/pk EC13D Earth clip

Extendable Earth Rods Taperlock Coupled - Types CTE and STE The simplest of all extendable earth rods to install is the taperlock earth rod. Available in either copper or stainless steel clad rod, there are a variety of sizes to meet all situations. The extremities of the rod terminate in identical tapers. The coupling is a single piece with taper matching that of the rod. A single blow is all that is required to lock the rod and coupling together. This is ideally suited to light sandy soil conditions where there is little driving resistance from the soil. Taperlock coupled earth rods present slim profile (less than 1mm deviation) to ensure minimal soil displacement.

Type CNE

CTE Series Copper Clad Rods

*
------1/20 -----

Rod Pack/ Pack/ Pack/ Length 13mm Dia. Bulk Qty 15mm Dia. Bulk Qty 19mm Dia. Bulk Qty 1200 1440 1800 2000 2400 3000 CTE1312 CTE1314 CTE1318 --CTE1324 CTE1330 10/500 10/500 5/500 --5/500 1/50 CTE1512 CTE1514 CTE1518 --CTE1524 CTE1530 10/500 --10/500 --5/500 ----CTE1920 5/500 --1/40 ---

Earth Rod Accessories

Coupling CCT13 10/100 CCT15 10/100 Point DPT13 50/200 DPT15 50/200 Star Point SDP13T 10/100 SDP15T 10/100 Driving Accessories Hand Kango 950 A/C Tex 11 A/C Cobra

CCT19 DPT19 ---

10/50 10/50 ---

Domestic earth rod clip EC13D. Suitable for cables in the range 6 - 16mm2 Certificate of Suitability CS571N
CNE Series Copper Clad Rods Rod Diameter Rod Length Cat. Numbers Pack/Bulk Qty 1440 CNE1314 10/500 13 1800 CNE1318 5/500 13 1800 CNE1518 5/500 15 2400 CNE1524 5/500 15 Type LGR SNE Series Stainless Steel Clad Rods Rod Diameter Rod Length Cat. Numbers Pack/Bulk Qty 13 1440 SNE1314 10/500 13 1800 SNE1318 5/500

DHT15 5/25 MDH15K Each MDH15A Each MDH15AC Each

DHT19 -------

5/25 -------

STE Series Stainless Steel Clad Rods Rod Length 1200 1440 1800 2400 3000 Coupling Point Star Point 13mm Dia. STE1312 STE1314 STE1318 STE1324 STE1330 SCT13 DPT12 SDP12T Pack/ Bulk Qty 10/500 10/500 5/500 5/500 1/50 10/100 50/200 10/100

*
Pack/ Bulk Qty 10/500 10/500 5/500 5/500 1/40 10/100 50/200 10/100

14mm Dia. STE1412 STE1415 STE1418 STE1424 STE1430 SCT15 DPT15 SDP15T

Earth Rod Accessories

Consult office for additional information &/or sizes

Commercial/Industrial LGR Series 19mm Copper Clad Rods* Rod Length Catalogue Number Pack/Bulk Qty 1800 2400 3000 3600 4500 LGR1918 LGR1924 LGR1930 LGR1936 D- LGR1945 1/20 1/20 1/20 1/20 1/20

Driving Accessories Hand Kango 950 A/C Tex 11 A/C Cobra

DHT15 MDH15K MDH15A D- MDH15AC

5/25 Each Each Each

* Add (D-) in front of all part numbers. Example: D-CNE 13 14.

6

A Practical Guide to Good Earthing

Extendable Earth Rods Flush Jointed - Type CCE This flush jointed, copper clad earth rod series is available in a variety of lengths to 3000mm, with either 13mm or 15mm nominal diameter. The ends of the rod are identical, having a reduced section with precision drilled hole. Coupling is via a two piece arrangement comprising copper sleeve and hardened steel pin. The whole coupling mechanism finishes flush with the main body of the rod. Effective contact is established along the entire length of the driven electrode from day one. This can mean a reduction in the number of rods required to achieve a specific resistance value.
CCE Series Copper Clad Rods Rod Length 1200 1440 1800 2400 3000 13mm Dia. CCE1312 CCE1314 CCE1318 CCE1324 CCE1330 Pack/ Bulk Qty 10/500 10/500 5/500 5/500 1/50

Connection Boxes These enclosures provide a tidy means of protecting the connection of the main earth conductor to the earth rod. Manufactured from high strength aluminium alloy or polymer concrete, they are well suited to use in high traffic areas. Hinged covers allow easy access for inspection or testing.
165
120 120

165

76

240

15mm Dia.

200
127 127

Pack/ Bulk Qty 10/500 10/500 5/500 5/500 1/40 Cat. No. ERB1 Aluminium alloy casting

200

CCE1512 CCE1514 CCE1518 CCE1524 CCE1530

Cat. No. ERB3 Polymer concrete

Earth Rod Accessories Coupling Point Star Point CCA13 DP13 SDP13 10/100 25/200 10/100

CCA15 DP15 SDP15

Earthing Enhancement Compounds

Cat. No. EARTHFIL

25/100 50/200 10/100

Composition

Standard

Bentonite, Gypsum, Sodium Sulphate Conforms to AS2239

Driving Accessories Hand Kango 950 A/C Tex 11 A/C Cobra Drive Pin DH15 MDH15DF MDH15AF MDH15C MDP10M

EARTHRITE Bentonite, Gypsum, Sodium Sulphate N/A EARTH5050 Calcium, Bentonite, Natural Gypsum Conforms to
AS2239

5/30 Each Each Each 100

Features:

Stable, high conductivity providing long term low ground resistance. High expansion, low shrink characteristics. Non-toxic, noncorrosive.

Packaging: 20kg non-tear, plastic lined bags. Expansion Jointed - Type SDE (Telstra) Telstra designed and approved earth rod featuring corrosion resistant stainless steel clad rods, extendable in 1440mm lengths. The coupling system comprises of a stainless steel sleeve and hardened steel pin having a raised convolution at the midpoint. A secure and non-detachable joint is achieved by means of the pins convolute expanding and deforming the ends of the rod into the coupling sleeve as the rods are driven together.
SDE Series Stainless Steel Clad Rods Rod Length 14mm Dia. Pin Lock Pack/Bulk Qty 1440 SDE1414L 10/500 Coupling Point Star Point Hand Coupling Tool Earth Rod Accessories C14L DP14 SDP14D Driving Accessories DH14 CT14

Installation: Apply as a dry mix or pourable slurry. Dry mix will yield a volume of approximately 0.0176m3 (roughly 57 bags to the cubic metre). Slurry will yield a volume of approximately 0.030m3 when mixed with 20 to 25 litres of water (roughly 33 bags to the cubic metre)

25/75 50/200 10/100 5/30 5/25

* Add (D-) in front of all part numbers. Example: D-CNE 13 14.

7

Section 3 Everything for Earthing

Earth Rod Clamps Single Conductor - Parallel Simple and robust, these pinch and U Bolt type clamps have a vee groove embodied in the casting to accommodate the earthing cable. Material: Copper alloy casting, bronze set screw or stainless steel U-bolt and nuts.
Pack Qty Cat No. 100 GRC5 CLAMP210 10/50 EP1 40

Single Conductor - Versatile These clamps are designed for either parallel or right angle connections, as illustrated. Material: High copper content alloy castings with stainless steel U-bolt, spring washers and nuts.
Cat No. GB1 GB2 GB3 EL21090

Rod Dia. Conductor Size mm csa mm2 Diameter mm 13 - 15 10 - 35 4.05 - 7.65 13 - 15 16 - 120 5.10 - 14.21 17 - 19 16 - 120 5.10 - 14.21

Pack Qty 25 20 10 10

Rod Dia. mm 13 - 19 13 - 19 13 - 19 12 - 15

Conductor Size csa mm2 Diameter mm 16 - 35 50 - 120 150 - 185 35 - 120 5.1 - 7.7 8.9 - 14.2 15.7 - 17.6 7.6 - 14.2

Type GRC5

Clamp 210

Multiple Conductor Installations for multi-conductor earthing For 2 earth conductors parallel to rod or 2 or 3 earth conductors at right angles to rod. Material: High copper content alloy castings with stainless steel U-bolt, spring washers and nuts.
Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3

Type EP

Type ET

Rod Conductor Size No. of Fig Cat Pack No. Qty Dia. mm csa mm2 Dia. mm Conductors No. EP3 20 13 - 19 16 - 35 5.1 - 7.7 2 1 EP4 20 13 - 19 50 - 120 8.9 - 14.2 2 1 ET1 25 13 - 19 16 - 35 5.1 - 7.7 2 2 ET2 15 13 - 19 50 - 120 8.9 - 14.2 2 2 ET4 10 13 - 19 50 - 120 8.9 - 14.2 3 3

Earth Mats Earth mats and installation kits Kit Earthmat

Earthing Bond For commercial earthing installations C70 The Earthing Bond system provides an earth connection welded to the steel reinforcement, thus offering a virtually indestructible, stable and low resistance path to earth.

Specification

Cat. No. C70

Cat. No. EARTHMAT

Description Material: Galvanised mild steel Size: 1500mm x 900mm Mesh: 76mmx 50mm Installation kit for type RDB rotary switches with earth switch.

Mains cable 50 - 630mm2 Bonding cable 70mm2 3 sec current rating 10kA Lug diameter 10mm Terminal thread M10 Thread depth 20mm

KITY

* Add (D-) in front of all part numbers. Example: D-CNE 13 14.

8

A Practical Guide to Good Earthing

CEC Connectors A heavy duty compression connector for earth rods and conductors PLP CEC CEC connectors were were specifically developed to dissipate surges of high fault fault current Dulmison connectors specifically developed to dissipate surges of high current andeffectively effectively to limit potential damage to equipment, and to safeguard quickly and to limit any any potential damage to equipment, and to safeguard personnel close close to to that that equipment. equipment. personnel Manufactured from pure wrought copper, the CEC connector is fitted by use of standard compression tools to form a dependable, tamper-proof joint from conductor to earth rod or buried earthing cable. Features and benefits Simple installation - One crimp from a standard compression tool Range taking - From 35mm2 to 120mm2 (13 to 15mm diameter earth rods) Connector design - Current carrying capacity greater than that of the conductor Corrosion resistant - Identical material to the conductor eliminates problems caused by electrolytic corrosion and the corrosive effects to some soil. Pre-coated with Coppalube - A specially formulated jointing compound heavily laden with copper particles, to increase the mechanical and electrical integrity of the connection, exclude moisture and resist rotation of the connector on the earth rod. All weather application - This connector may be installed in damp or fire risk areas with no adverse effects on the joint or the environment. Easy identification - Each CEC connector is clearly stamped with the appropriate catalogue number, conductor size and installation die reference. Individually packed - For cleanliness and ease of handling. Installation notes Standard C head compression tool of minimum 12 tonne capacity recommended Full compressive force of the tool is utilised as application is not limited by die halves meeting, but the pressure release valve in the tool Regular use of a load test cell to confirm compression performance of the tool is recommended.
Catalogue Pack Conductor Qty Combination No. mm2

Die Set

Catalogue Pack Qty No.

Consult office for additional information and/or sizes

CEC15000 CEC15035 CEC15070 CEC15120

50 40 40 50

Tap off Conductor Die Set Dia. mm Cross section mm2 Conductors Blank Blank 50 - 120mm2 8.4 25 - 40 DU1315 or Earthrods 11.0 50 - 70 13 - 15mm dia. 15.0 95 - 120 Open Section

CEC050

50

CEC070 CEC095

50 50

70 - 35 70 - 50 50 - 50 50 - 50 70 - 50 70 - 70 70 - 95 95 - 95

DUOT

DUOT DU1315

Application to Earthing Grid Systems By joining two Compress-On connectors - either of the same or of different catalogue numbers - by means of length of bare stranded copper cable, a number of various combinations of conductor sizes and grid connections arrangements are readily accommodated, and more to the point, are quickly and economically made.

* Add (D-) in front of all part numbers. Example: D-CNE 13 14.

9

Section 3 Section 3 Everything for Earthing Everything for Earthing

The Cadweld Connection The Cadweld Connection Airport Earthing Terminal

conductors 2. A connection with a high current carrying capacity equal to or greater than, that of the connected conductors. 3. A connection not affected by high current surges. On short circuit tests the conductors melt before the Cadweld connection. 4. A connection without contact pressures to loosen or corrode - the Furseweld connection is an integral part of the conductor system.

Illustrated here are just a few of the many uses for Cadweld applicable to earthing. Consult Cadweld Connections The Forever Connection for office for technical information. Cadweld Connections The Forever Connection Are self contained Electrical systems earthing for Require no arc welding equipment The earthing of heavy duty industrial equipment For static electricity earthing Cat. No. AET1918 Are self contained Electrical systems earthing Require cylinders The cathodic protection of plant and installations Require no no gas arc welding equipment The earthing of heavy duty industrial equipment Standard length: 1800mm, other lengths to special order Pack Qty: 15source Require no external power Busbar connections Require no gas cylinders The cathodic protection of plant and installations Electric transport and communication systems Require no external power source Busbar connections Type AET electrodes provide for the earthing of airport tarmac areas where any Electric transport and communication systems generation of static electricity could hazardous, i.e.welding aircraft of refuelling, servicing Simple, portable and extremely fast, Cadweld isbe ideal for on-site connections to a and cargo loading areas. The heavy duty capping has a ribbed design affording a wide range of metals as follows Simple, portable andpositive extremely fast, Cadweld is ideal for on-site welding of connections fast and earthing connection by means of earth lead connector clips.to a wide range of metals as follows Copper Copper to - Mild steel Material: Solid steel core overlaid with copper cladding; heavy bronze cap. Bronze Mild steel steel Copper Copper to - Stainless clad steel Brass Installation procedure: Drive Copper electrode into ground to required depth. Remove Stainless steel Bronze steel Monel protruding portion of rod aboveGalvanized cap and finish Copper clad steelflush. Brass metal About the Cadweld Connection Also available, new release flush fitted static terminal Cat. No. AET1918F About the Cadweld Connection A Cadweld connection is a true fusion, or molecular weld of virtually pure copper. Although the Survey and Mapping temperatures reached toa effect this weld are extremely thepure process itself is so fast A Cadweld connection is true fusion, or molecular weld ofhigh, virtually copper. Although the Datum Marks (a matter of seconds) the total amount of heat applied to the the process connection surfaces is temperatures reached to effect this weld are extremely high, itself is so fast considerably less than that of a comparable brazing or soldering operation. (a matter of seconds) total amount of heat applied to the connection surfaces is SDE Series the 14mm rods considerably less than that of a comparable brazing or soldering operation. Thus it is that insulatedsteel cables thin walled tube may be Cadwelded without detriment to Stainless for and permanence adjacent or tube wall and strength. Thus it isinsulation that insulated cables thin walled tube may be Cadwelded without detriment to Extendable for deep driving adjacent insulation or tube wall strength. The Cadweld connection provides for Manual or machine driven The Cadweld connection provides for - that is in most cases, twice that of the connected 1. A connection with astainless cross sectional area Special steel drive fit protective cap conductors 1. A connection with a cross sectional area that is in most cases, twice that of the connected Cat. No. F20634 secures datum permanence 2. conductors A connection with aoffice high current carrying capacity equal to or greater than, that of the Consult for further details conductors. 2. connected A connection with a high current carrying capacity equal to or greater than, that of the conductors. 3. connected A connection not affected by high current surges. On short circuit tests the conductors melt before the Cadweld 3. A connection not affectedconnection. by high current surges. On short circuit tests the conductors before the Cadweld connection. 4. melt A connection without contact pressures to loosen or corrode - the Furseweld connection is integral part of thecontact conductor system.to loosen or corrode - the Furseweld connection is 4. an A connection without pressures an integral part of the conductor system. Illustrated here are just a few of the many uses for Cadweld applicable to earthing. Consult office for technical Illustrated here areinformation. just a few of the many uses for Cadweld applicable to earthing. Consult office for technical information. For static electricity earthing - Cat. No. AET1918 For static electricity earthing - Cat. No. AET1918 Standard length: 1800mm, other lengths to special order Pack Qty: 15 Standard length: 1800mm, other lengths to special order Pack Qty: 15 Type AET electrodes provide for the earthing of airport tarmac areas where any generation of static electricity be hazardous, i.e. aircraft refuelling, servicing Type AET electrodes provide could for the earthing of airport tarmac areas where any and cargo loading areas. The heavy duty capping has a ribbed design affording a generation of static electricity could be hazardous, i.e. aircraft refuelling, servicing fast positive earthing connection by means of has earth lead connector clips. a and and cargo loading areas. The heavy duty capping a ribbed design affording fast and positive earthing bycopper meanscladding; of earth lead connector clips. Material: Solid steel core connection overlaid with heavy bronze cap. Material: Solid steel coreDrive overlaid with copper cladding; heavy bronze cap. Installation procedure: electrode into ground to required depth. Remove protruding portion of rod above cap and finish flush. to required depth. Remove Installation procedure: Drive electrode into ground protruding portion of rod above cap and finish flush. Also available, new release flush fitted static terminal Cat. No. AET1918F Also available, new release flush fitted static terminal Cat. No. AET1918F Survey and Mapping Datum Survey Marks and Mapping Datum Marks SDE Series 14mm rods SDE Series 14mm rods Stainless steel for permanence Stainless steel permanence Extendable for for deep driving Extendable for deepdriven driving Manual or machine Manual or machine driven Special stainless steel drive fit protective cap No.stainless F20634 secures datum permanence Cat. Special steel drive fit protective cap No.office F20634 datum permanence Cat. Consult for secures further details Consult office for further details
Galvanized steel Monel metal

10

Airport Earthing Terminal Airport Earthing Terminal

10 10

Section 4 Getting Down to Earth

Earth rods are installed by one of two methods. More often than not, the rod can be driven into the ground by either a hand held hammer or mechanically operated hammer. However, where driving is difficult or progress non-existent, the only option is to drill a hole to take the earth rod. Where holes are drilled, the gap between the earth rod and wall of the drilled hole is commonly filled with a water expanding compound. Such a compound is EARTHRITE. This is a mixture of Bentonite and Gypsum with a small amount of Sodium Sulphate to reduce the resistivity of the backfill. Earth rods can be driven satisfactorily in in one length. Where rods have to be rods up upto to3m 3mlong long can be driven satisfactorily one length. Where rods have to be 3m, it it is is preferable preferable to to use use one oneof ofthe thePLP Dulmison extendable earth rods. longer than 3m, extendable seriesseries earth rods. There are a variety of methods for driving earth rods into the ground from the simple hand held hammer to power operated mobile rigs. Their use is dictated by the nature of the soil and terrain, the length of drive needed to secure minimum resistance, and the number of rods to be driven. The driving methods are The Hand Held Hammer is an effective method for most domestic installations encountered in suburban lots. The earth rod should be driven lightly using a hammer of around 11/2 to 3 kgs, keeping the force of the blows axial to the rod to obviate the risk of whipping. A large number of comparatively light hammer blows are more effective, and preferable, to heavy blows which are destructive to the metal and can cause deformation to the rod end as well as bending and possible splitting. The fitting of a guide to the rod will assist rigidity and reduce whipping when the rod comes up against resistance to penetration. The Mechanical Hammer, which can be one of three types: a. Electric b. Pneumatic c. Petrol engine driven These power operated aids are used when soil conditions are not suited to hand driving and when long earth rods have to driven to great depths. A range of machine driving heads are given in the Driving Accessories tables on pages 6 and 7, and they interface between the earth rod driving end and the mechanical hammer. General note: Very light and very heavy hammers with a long stroke are not suited to earth rod driving. Medium tools in the 71/2 to 12 kgs range with a stroke of approximately 58 to 108mm delivering 2200 blows per minute are ideal for normal applications. a. Electric hammers - typical are Kanga models 1800, 900 or 950 and similar weight equipment suitable for light driving to medium depths - Fig 9. The Kanga model 2500, a heavy duty hammer, is suited to deeper driving and heavier earth rods but should be rig mounted because of its size and weight. b. Pneumatic hammers - typical are Atlas Copco, Cobra, and similar chipping hammers in the 7kg range with speeds of around 2000 blows per minute. c. Petrol engine driven hammers - of which Pionjar, Atlas Copco and similar are suited. These have the advantages of being self-contained and independent of compressed air or electricity supply for operation. Driving an earth rod with a mechanical hammer calls for special care to ensure the force of the blows are axial to the rod. While it may be possible to maintain this when manually using a light type hammer such as an electric Kanga, it is certainly advisable to use rig mounting to ensure correct driving especially when it comes to driving the longer earth rods. Machine drilling equipment is available commercially and ranges from electric, pneumatic and petrol-driven drills and augers to hydraulic plant with diamond bits that can penetrate rock. There are two methods of installing earth rods into the drilled hole. One method is to backfill the hole with dry EARTHRITE and as extendable rods are driven to the required depth, water is poured into the backfilled hole. The second option is to assemble the extendable rods together and insert into the drilled hole. A thick, well mixed slurry of EARTHRITE and water is then poured in to backfill the hole. As a rule of thumb, 20kgs of EARTHRITE will yield a volume of approximately 0.0176 cubic metres (i.e. roughly 57 bags to the cubic metre). Drilled Installation Driving Methods Methods of installing Earth Rods

Fig. 9

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A Practical Guide to Good Earthing

All the information, including drawings, illustrations and graphic designs contained in this brochure, reflect our present understanding and is to the best of our knowledge and belief, correct and reliable. Users, however, should independently evaluate the suitability of each product for the desired application. Under no circumstances does this constitute an assurance of any particular quality or performance. Such an assurance is only provided in the context of our product specifications or explicit contractual arrangements. Our liability for this product is set forth in our standard terms and conditions of sale. ALR, AMP , AXICOM, B&H, Bowethorpe, EMP , Cevolit, Critchley, Dorman Smith, Dulmison, Hellstern, La Prairie, Morlynn, Raychem and SIMEL are trademarks of Tyco International Ltd.

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