PQ06 Earthing

This course is about earthing which sometimes - for example in American nomenclature ar
referred to as grounding systems. A good earthing arrangement is required for:
the correct operation of electrical systems
protection against electrocution
and is also important from power quality perspective
and particularly helps protection of buildings and installations against lightning.
1 Basic definitions
Main terms used in earthing and introduction of the concept of reference earth which
called clean earth which is assumed to have the potential of zero and no influence of
any earthing electrodes
2 Earthing typical elements of earthing installation
This part specifies elements of earthing system consisting:
Conductors
Terminals or collector
Earth electrodes
3 Electric resistivity of soil
Basic definitions
Soil resistivity describes resistivity properties of the soil and is expressed as Greek
letter and assumed to be equal 100 m if no data about soil properties exist
In general resistivity depends on soil type itself but also temperature and humidity
The measure of soil resistivity is basically the voltage drop over the distance of 1 m.
4 Earthing -earthing resistance and surface potential distribution.
This part introduces earthing potential and its distribution and further on earthing impedance
for AC currents. For the first time in the course step and touch distances and voltages are
introduced
5 Typical earth electrode constructions
Essential part of the course specifying earth electrodes. In practice divided into:
simple horizontal earth electrodes,
simple vertical rod electrodes,
meshed electrodes,
foundation earth electrodes
cable with exposed metal sheath
Respectively formulas are given to calculate resistance to earth for these different
electrode types.
The advantages and disadvantages are described for these different electrodes
including erection aspect.
6 Dynamical properties of earth electrodes
Non steady state properties of earthing electrodes are described. What happens with
earth resistance and impedance in case of very short currents having pulse-dynamic
character like this of transients or lightning
7 Life aspects of the earthing arrangements
This part deals with material selection for electrode construction which are most often
galvanized steel, zinc or copper or copper clad products. It specifies equivalent sizing
but primarily critical aspect for life which is chemical performance, namely resistance
to corrosion which is quite supportive argument for copper.
Part 8 Measurements
This part describes how to measure soil resistivity and resistance to earth and perform
easy earthing tests.
References and resources links to LPQI library