EARTHING AND PROTECTION

EARTHING

REQUIREMENT OF EARTHING
Earthing arrangement of proper type is required to protect the equipment and working personals from high induced voltage, due to lightning and high electromagnetic induction.

INSTALLATIONS TO BE EARTHED
The lever frame and other metallic frames of the cabin. Metallic sheath and armouring of all under ground Main cables at every1 Kilo meter. Block circuits working on earth return through the respective Block Filters. The surge arrestors provided in Block filters as well as those provided for Telecom equipments in switching stations All Telecommunication equipments. The signals provided on bracketed posts or gantries located above contact wire level, falling with in 2 meters from electrified track. All Telecommunication equipments, and cable sheath to be earthed.

REASONS FOR EATHING THE TELECOMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT

i) To prevent or to reduce the risk of cross talk. ii)To complete earth return signaling circuits. iii) To avoid risk of shock. iv) To provide direct connection to the earth for lightening protection.

SOIL RESISTVITY
It is the resistivity offered by soil. It is indicated by the symbol p (RO). it is a constant and depends on the length l and area a of the conductor.
l R = p --a

where p = resistivity

RESISTIVITY OR THE SPECIFIC RESISTANCE

The resistivity or the specific resistance is defined as the resistance between opposite faces of a conductor of unit length and unit cross sectional area. The value of resistivity is given Ohm- metre. The resistance of the electrode depends on the resistivity of the soil or Soil resistivity. To get low earth resistance( R ) the Resistvity of the soil must be low.

SOIL RESISTIVITY
The soil resistivity depends on moisture content, chemical composition of soil concentration of salts dissolved in the contained moisture. These factors vary locally and seasonally.

SOIL RESISTIVITY
The resistivity or the specific resistance is defined as the resistance between opposite faces of a conductor of unit length and unit cross sectional area. The value of resistivity is given Ohm- metre. The resistance of the electrode depends on the Resistivity of the soil or Soil resistivity. To get low earth resistance( R ) the Resistvity of the soil must be low. The soil resistivity depends on moisture content, chemical composition of soil and concentration of salts dissolved in the contained moisture. These factors vary locally and seasonally.

VALUES OF EARTH RESISTACE TO BE MAINTAINED

The resistance of the earth shall not exceed maximum 10 In case of Telecommunication it is 5. In case of Microwave it is less than1.

TOTAL EARTHING RESISTANCE IS THE SUM OF

The resistance of earth lead wires contact resistance between the surface of the earth electrode and the soil the resistance of the body of the soil surrounding the earth electrode Among the three, the resistance of the earth is primarily determined by the nature of the soil.

EARTHING ARRANGEMENT
A single earthing system consists of, Soil. Earth lead wire. Earth electrode. Connecting wire to extend earth to equipment.

SOIL
1. 2. 3. 4. The soil is to be prepared to obtain optimum resistvity. The site for earthing should be chosen in the following order: Wet marshy ground and grounds containing refuse such as ashes, cinders. Clay soil or loam mixed with small quantity of sand. Clay and loam mixed with varying properties of sand, gravel and stone. Damp and wet sand peak.

LIGHTENING CONDUCTOR OR EARTH LEAD WIRE

It is the metallic wire which connects the earth electrode to the equipment / protector/ Installation. Size and metal of the conductor is given below, Material Size G.I. Wire 8 mm Dia G.I Strip 20mm x 3 mm Copper wire 29 Sq.mm ( 19 strand wire of 1.4 mm dia) ACSR wire 6 / 1 / 2.11 mm

PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN CASE OF LEAD IN WIRE

Protect them from mechanical damage Apply anti-corrosive paint/ bitumen compound on the portion of wire buried in ground The lead in wire of different earth must be electrically insulated from each other, from metallic structures etc.

EARTH ELECTRODE

It may be a metal plate, pipe or other conductor or an array of conductors electrically connected to the general mass of earth. Type Size Length in Mtrs Dia /Cross section a) G.I. Pipe 2.5 to 3.5 above 38 mm (internal) b) G.I. Angle c) Copper Rod 2.5 to 3.5 2.5 to 3.5 50 mm x 50 mm x 5mm 16 mm

PROCEDURE OF INSTALLATION
The hole can be made by manual trenching or by using Earth auger. The top of the electrode shall be 30 cm above the ground. After inserting the electrode, the hole shall be filled with earth properly and water should be spread to ensure good contact between electrode and filling.

PROCEDURE OF INSTALLATION
The hole can be made by manual trenching or by using Earth auger. The top of the electrode shall be 30 cm above the ground. After inserting the electrode, the hole shall be filled with earth properly and water should be spread to ensure good contact between electrode and filling.

PROCEDURE OF INSTALLATION
In the soils of high rersistivity, can be treated with salt and charcoal in appropriate proportion. Earth pit of 600 mm dia and 2.5 mtrs depth shall be formed by excavation and the electrode shall be placed at the center. The pit shall be filled alternately with layers of common salt and charcoal each layer of about 2.5 cm thick up to a depth of about 200 cm from the ground level. The pit shall be filled with several times with water, and then covered with excavated earth and water shall be sprayed to ensure good electrical contact.

PROCEDURE OF INSTALLATION
A brick wall of 400 mm height below the ground level shall be constructed in rectangular fashion as shown in the figure and walls shall be plastered and then filled with sand. The surroundings of the earth electrode should be kept moist by periodically pouring water through the pipe in order to keep the resistance below specified value. Coke treated electrodes shall not be situated within 6 meters of other metal structure.

PROBLEUMS OF CONVETIONAL EARTHING

The salt poured in pit causes severe corrosion of G.I.pipe and makes the earthing ineffective. The earth resistance value depends on Soil resistivity which depends on strata so the effect of earthing is dependent on property of soil. The earth resistance value is very high, fluctuating & increases heavily with time.

CONVENTIONAL EARTHING

EFFECTIVE EARTHING
This is also called as Maintenance free earthing because no maintenance is required. Effective earthing electrode eliminates problems of conventional earthing: By providing Highly corrosive resistance Earthing Electrode. By eliminating the corrosion causing elements th salt. By providing uniform non corrosive, low soil resistivity material around the electrode.

WORKING PRINCIPLE
Hollow pipe of solid bar highly conductive, non corrosive technology In the annular space highly conductor rich with anti corrosive crystalline material is filled. Outside pipe is also galvanized up to 100 microns.

WORKING PRINCIPLE
Specially developed anti corrosive Packing Material having less resistivity, 6.5 pH & high moisture retaining capacity is used surrounding the electrode. This complete arrangement provides good resistance to any possibilities of corrosion of the electrode unlike conventional system. The packing material helps in maintaining uniformly at different strata & offers less resistance to current dissipation, with good moisture retaining property. The whole systems together results in most effective earthing.

APPLICATIONS
1. House hold earthing, 2. Transmission & distribution systems, 3. Substation & Power Generators Transformer earths, 4. Telecommunication Towers & Microwave Antennas, 5. Lightning protection earths in difficult conditions for home as well as indusries, 6. Manufacturing Facilities & Refineries, 7. Computers & Data processing Centers.

PROPER INSTALLATION METHOD

In normal Soil: Make the bore of 8 to 10 in diameter manually up to the electrode length (2 Mtr or 3 Mtr). Put a little quantity of Packing Material (a layer of min. 3 to 4 inch) inside the pit and drop the electrode exactly in the center of the pit Now mix the soil that has been dug out with B.F.C like sand 7 cement. Now pour the above mixture in small quantity in the pit followed by water and remove the trapped air inside the pit by poking a rod in to the mixture repeatedly.

PROPER INSTALLATION METHOD

Repeat the above exercise till the pit is completely filled up. Pour sufficient water so that mixture is in paste / mud form. Allow the pit to absorb the water and becomes compact. Test the earth pit and connect to the electrical circuit. Avoid excess watering. Do not hammer the earth electrode.

LIMITS OF EARTH RESISTANCE

Type of earth Telegraph and Block instrument return Circuit earths Earth for surge arrestors/ lightning Dischargers for S&T equipment Signalling equipment earths Signalling cable screen earths in A.C. electrified areas Telephone exchange earth Aluminium sheathed Telecom cable screen earths in A.C. electrified area Equipment earth in V.F. Repeater stations and cable Huts M.W. Station tower earth Max. value 10 10 10 10 5 1 5 1

SINGLE EARTH SYSTEM

The Telecom installations shall use single earth system in which the different earth connections from equipments, towers, D.C. power supply, metallic structures etc. shall be interconnected to each other through low resistance earthing conductors. This method is recommended to keep all the points to be earthed at approximately same potential level.

SEPARATION BETWEEN MAINS EARTH AND TELECOM EARTH

The protective earth of Telecom system shall not be connected to the earth of mains power supply system. A minimum distance of 10 Meters is desirable..

EARTH RESISTANCE MEASURMENT

Special instruments such as Megger earth testers are recommended for making tests to avoid the effect of back e.m.f. and stray currents. While making the earth resistance measurements two electrodes called as Auxiliary electrodes one named as current electrode(C) and the other Potential electrode(P) are required to be installed in addition to the original electrode ie. Earth electrode(E). The two auxiliary electrodes to be installed as given below, Earth resistance shall be measured once in a year by suitable measuring instruments.

EARTH RESISTANCE MEASURMENT

The current electrode C must be sufficiently for away from the Earth electrode (E) under test about 30 to 40 Meters from E. The Potential electrode must be placed in between E and C 15 to 20 Meters distance taking exactly half of the distance between E and C. All the three must be in same straight line.

METHOD OF EARTH RESISTANCE MEASURMENT

PROCEDURE OF TESTING
Follow the given procedure to get correct value of earth resistance. 1) Mark the two points named as P and C in a straight line with E, positioning at a distance of 20 Meters from E and 40 Meters from E respectively as shown in the above figure. Drive the electrodes into the ground up to 1 Meter. They are M.S. rods of 12.5mm diameter. 2) Link C1 and P1 terminals of earth tester. 3) Connect E to C1 and P1 terminals, P to P2 terminal and C to C2 terminal. 4) Now rotate the handle of the megger and adjust the resistance knobs to bring the needle to null point. 5) The range switch to be kept on the required position, before adjusting the resistance knobs. 6) Multiply the reading of the resistance knobs with the range selected to get the value of earth resistance in Ohms.

MEASURMENT WITH DIGITAL EARTH TESTER

PROCEDURE OF TESTING
Follow the given procedure to get correct value of earth resistance. 1) Mark the two points named as P and C in a straight line with E, positioning at a distance of 20 Meters from P and 40 Meters from C respectively as shown in the above figure. Drive the electrodes into the ground up to 1 Meter. They are M.S. rods of 12.5mm diameter. 2) Link E1 and P1 terminals of earth tester. 3) Connect electrode E to E1 and P1 terminals, P to P2 terminal and C to E2 terminal. 4) The range switch to be kept on the required position, before operating the push switch. 5) Now operate the push switch until the display digits are stable. 6) Now record the reading on the LCD display. This is the value of earth resistance in Ohms. 7) At the end of measurement keep the rang switch in OFF position.

MAINTENANCE OF EARTHS
1) Check earth and its connections periodically at interval of not more than one month, to ensure that all connections are in tact and soldered joints are in proper condition. 2) Measure the earth resistance once in a year. Enter the value, date of last test and location of earth should be entered in a register. 3) Earth resistance, date of last testing should also be printed suitably on the wall of near by structure or post on a conveniently placed sign board.

4) Water to be added every day to the earth electrode in summer and once in two days in other seasons. 5) If earth resistance is more than the nominal value either renew the old earth or provide a new earth.

PROTECTION ARRANGEMENTS ACROSS A.C MAINS SUPPLY TO TELECOM INSTALLATIONS

Low voltage lightning dischargers of normal rating 650V shall be provided across the 230 V mains power supply as shown in the figure. In the case of high tension supply (11 KV or above) are terminated near telecom installation and suitable pole mounted high voltage arrester shall be provided.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF PROTECTIVE ARRANGEMENTS

Protection arrangement shall be made for underground cable conductors, by providing gas discharge (GD) tubes & MOVR, at the following places. 1) Protection at subscriber premises. 2) Metallic sheath or armour of the cable shall be earthed and the sheath should connected to the body of the metal box. 3) At transmission/ switching end the metallic sheath shall be earthed and protective devices shall be provided for each pair. 4) At transmission point between overhead lines and underground cables are protected with GD tubes& MOVR if the distance exceeds 500 meters from the cable termination box.

SURGE PROTECTION
Now a days all most all equipments used in S&T department includes the electronic devices which operates on low voltages. To protect these devices from transient over voltages produced due to lightning, switching of inductive loads, ignition and interruption of electronic arcs etc., suitable surge protection arrangement to be done.

SURGE PROTECTION
The low voltage equipments eg. UPS, Battery charger, Inverter, control systems, etc are provided with surge components like MOVRs, avalanche diodes, Gas discharge tubes etc. inside the equipments. The internally used Surge protection Components prove to be inadequate towards the surge protection solution. Hence it is required to take appropriate solution at different levels.

LIGHTNING PROTECTION LEVELS

Class A protection:- Protection against the lightning on the structure housing the equipment. This is provided with an external lightning conductor on top of the building connected through a down conductor to ground (EARTH). This is known as class A protection. By this arrangement 50% of lightning energy connected to ground. Depending on the area, size of the structure to be protected, the type of protection varies.

CLASS B PROTECTION
The first stage of protection provided before the equipment at mains distribution panel is called class B type. These are Spark gap type operates on arc chopping principle and designed to handle lightning current pulses of 10/350us. The sealed type should be used near places having explosive gasses like gasoline. Maximum operating voltage 1.1 times nominal supply voltage. The voltage protection/clamping should be as less than 1.5KV.Its response time should be less than 200 nano seconds.

CLASS C PROTECTION
An Metal Oxide Varistors (MOV) is provided between Phase and Neutral and has a surge rating of 50KA 8/20 us. This should be a single compact device of proper rating and in no case a number of varistors should be provided in parallel. This device should have following additional features: i) Indication to show health of the device which should turn red when failed ii) Thermal disconnection to the arrester when it starts having heavy leakage current due to ageing after handling repeated surges. iii) Potential free contact for remote monitoring. Provision of one set of Class B and C devices is must. Its normal arrangement is shown in the figure.

CLASS D PROTECTION
It consists of a combination of MOVs and GD tube. This should have all the features as mentioned above for Class C device. All external data/signaling (ac/dc) lines connected to electronic equipment should be protected by this arrangement. One exception where Class D device should not be provided is the cable conductors carrying signal lighting fed as leakage in MOVs Due to ageing will have adverse effect on working of Lamp Proving Relays (ECRs).

PROTECTION ARRANGEMENTS

SURGE PROTECTION DEVICES (SPDS)

Electronic equipment can be protected from the potentially destructive effects of high-voltage transients. Protective devices, known by avariety of names (including lightning barriers, surge arrestors , lightning protection units, etc.) are available. The correct name (accepted internationally) is surge protection devices or SPDs.

LIGHTNING
Figure shows the wind, temperature and ice/water distribution in a thundercloud. The violent up draughts and downdraughts in the cloud centre generate static charges.

MAGNITUDE OF LIGHTNING VOLTAGE

The voltage is estimated to be of the order of 107 to 108 volts, i.e. 10 million to 100 million volts. The intense field which is generated between the charge centers causes ionisation of air molecules to take place and a conducting channel is opened which permits charge neutralisation to occur i.e., lighting stroke.

SURGE CURRENT PULSE

In order to be able to test protection networks and provide comparison data, various standard waveforms have been proposed over the years. These are all defined in terms of magnitude and waveshape.

SURGE CUTTENT PULSE

It can refer to current (normally associated with short-circuit conditions) or voltage (associated with open-circuit faults). Waveforms are usually double exponential rise and decay shapes, specified by two time periods; rise-time to peak value and decay-time to 50% peak value. IEC 60060-2 describes a particular method of determining slopes, etc. and is more relevant for manufacturers of test apparatus. Instrumentation protection circuits are almost always specified in relation to 8/20s current pulses of typically 3kA magnitude.

FUNCTION OF SPD
Surge protection devices should ideally operate instantaneously to divert a surge current to ground with no residual common-mode voltage presented at the equipment terminals. Once the surge current has subsided, the SPD should automatically restore normal operation and reset to a state ready to receive the next surge.

SPD DEVICES
1. 2. 3. 1. 2. 3. They are, Gas discharge tubes (GDTs), Voltage-clamping diodes, Metal-oxide varistors (MOVs) Feature are, Rapid operation, Accurate voltage control and Automatic resetting once the overvoltage has ceased.

2 ELEMENT GAS DISCHARGE TUBES CONNECTION

Gas discharge tubes (GDTs) seek to overcome some of the disadvantages of air or carbon spark gaps by hermetic sealing, thereby eliminating environmental effects. Gas filling enables spark discharge conditions to be quite rigorously controlled since the breakdown voltage of such a device is related to gas pressure and electrode separation for a particular set of materials.

GAS DISCHARGE TUBES

Typically, low voltage protection devices have electrode spacing of 1mm or so in an argon/hydrogen mixture sealed within a ceramic envelope at about 0.1 bar.

3 ELEMENT GD TUBE CONNECTION