Company Directive: Standard Technique: Tp21D/3 11kV, 6.6kV and LV Earthing
Company Directive: Standard Technique: Tp21D/3 11kV, 6.6kV and LV Earthing
Policy Summary
This document specifies requirements for earthing 11kV and 6.6kV and LV equipment and
systems.
NOTE: The current version of this document is stored in the WPD Corporate Information Database. Any other
copy in electronic or printed format may be out of date. Copyright 2018 Western Power Distribution
Introduction
This Document defines company requirements for earthing systems at 11kV and below
Main Changes
Impact of Changes
This standard technique is relevant to staff responsible for the design and construction of
distribution networks at 11kV and below.
These latest changes are particularly relevant to staff responsible for the planning and
installation of 11kV & 6.6kV cables, including fault repairs, cable overlays, and the
connection of new HV substations.
Implementation Actions
Team Managers responsible for relevant staff shall make them aware of this change.
Implementation Timetable
1.0 INTRODUCTION
2.0 DEFINITIONS
6.0 LV EARTHING
APPENDIX F KEYWORDS
This document specifies the design requirements for 11kV, 6.6kV and LV system
earthing.
Detailed construction requirements are specified within the Overhead Line Manual,
Jointing Manual and Substations and Plant (SP) policy series.
COLD SITE: Any site containing HV equipment that is not a hot site.
EARTH IMPEDANCE: The impedance between the earthing system and remote
reference earth.
EARTH POTENTIAL: The difference in potential which may exist between a point
on the ground and remote reference earth.
EARTH RESISTANCE: The resistance of the earth between the earth electrode and
remote reference earth.
HOT ZONE: The area over which the rise of earth potential may exceed
the appropriate 650V or 430V limit..
STEP VOLTAGE: The potential difference between two points on the surface
of the soil which are 1m apart.
The Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 (ESQCR) include a
number of clauses related to earthing. A summary of these clauses is given below:
3.1.1 General
Regulation 8(1) requires Distributors to connect their networks to earth and ensure
they remain connected to earth, so far as reasonably practicable, during fault
conditions.
Regulation 8(3)(a) requires the outer conductor of any cable (or overhead line)
consisting of concentric conductors to be connected to earth.
Wall mounted metal brackets which support overhead lines via insulators, do not
need to be earthed, where the overhead lines (i.e. the conductors) are also insulated.
Any exposed conductor associated with network equipment metalwork that is not a
phase conductor and that could be electrically energised must be earthed if it would
otherwise create a hazard to people or to animals. Examples include:
Hazardous potentials can also occur on earthing systems when fault current flows to
earth via an earth electrode. Under these circumstances the potential on the earth
electrode, earthed metalwork and the ground in which the electrode is installed,
rises. Differences in potential between metalwork, between metalwork and the
surface of the ground or across the surface of the ground can be high enough to
introduce an electrocution hazard for animals, and in some cases, to people. Figure
1 demonstrates how such potentials can arise. It should be noted that the length of
time that a person is exposed to step or touch potentials has a significant bearing on
the chance of that person experiencing a fatal electric shock.
B C
Potential (V)
A Potential on the
D surface of the soil
Position
Note
The resistance of 11kV and 6.6kV earthing systems restrict available earth fault
current. This is particularly relevant where an earth fault occurs on equipment fed
via 11kV or 6.6kV overhead line, since standard lines do not include an earth wire.
Fault current is forced to flow through the local earthing system to return to the
source substation. In these circumstances a 20 ohm earth electrode, for example,
will restrict 11kV earth fault current to less than 317A (ignoring other system
impedances).
The resistance of the earthing system must be low enough to allow protection relays
and fuses to detect fault current, discriminate with other protection and disconnect
the fault quickly. Lowering the earth resistance also reduces, to some extent, the rise
of earth potential at that location during earth faults. Also, the higher the earth fault
current, the faster protection systems operate.
Earthing conductor associated with surge arresters and triggered arc gaps should, as
far as possible, provide a straight path for current to flow into the ground. Every
bend increases the inductance of the earthing conductor which, in turn, gives rise to
high impedance for high frequency impulses, such as lightning. In addition, for high
frequency impulses, the vast majority of current flows into the ground via earth
electrode installed within just a few meters of the equipment and electrode installed
further away has little impact. In order to minimise voltage rise caused by lightning
it is necessary to make use of both vertical and horizontal earth electrode installed
close to the equipment.
The resistance of 11kV and 6.6kV earthing systems shall, as far as reasonably
practicable, be no higher than:
It is recognised that at some sites with particularly high soil resistivities it may not
be reasonably practicable to satisfy the above criteria. This is deemed to be the case
where the electrode extends for a distance of 200m or more from the installation
without reaching the required resistance. In such cases an earth resistance of up to
40 ohms may be accepted as long as the equipment is protected by sensitive earth
fault (SEF) protection. In Peterson Coil earthed systems the SEF protection only has
to be in service when the Peterson Coil is shorted.
The earth resistance of individual PME earth electrodes shall be 100 ohms or less.
As fault current flows through earth conductor and electrode into the ground it heats
the conductor and dries out the soil around the electrode (increasing earth
resistance). The conductor itself must be capable of withstanding this flow of
current without damage and the surface area of the earth electrode must be large
enough to prevent the ground drying out appreciably.
It should be noted that bare earth electrode with a cross-sectional area of at least
70mm2 is specified to provide sufficient surface area in contact with the ground, not
for fault rating requirements (see 4.2.2).
The surface area of 11kV and 6.6kV earthing electrode in contact with the ground
must be sufficiently large to prevent the ground drying out as fault current flows
from the electrode into the ground. This prevents the resistance of the earthing
system increasing unduly during the fault. Further information on calculating the
required surface area is included in Appendix A.
Where equipment is connected via an overhead line (with no earth wire) there is no
continuous metallic path for earth fault current to flow back to the primary
substation. In these circumstances the surface area requirements often dictate the
length and arrangement for the electrode (see 4.4.2).
Bare earth electrode shall, as far as possible, not be laid in areas where people may
reasonably be barefoot (e.g. near swimming pools, across caravan sites and gardens
etc.).
• 9m from Swimming pools (and other areas where people may reasonably be
barefoot).
• 9m from ponds/lakes used for commercial fish farming.
• 10m from BT telephone exchanges.
• 10m from railway installations.
• 9m from LV earth electrode, buildings and buried metalwork (e.g. lightning
rods), where the 11kV or 6.6kV electrode is associated with a hot site.
In relatively low resistivity soil of 200 ohm.m or less, an adequate individual PME
earth electrode, with a resistance of up to 100 ohms, can be achieved by either
installing a single 3m vertical earth rod (i.e. two 1.5m earth rods joined together) or
by laying a 3m length of bare 70mm2 copper conductor. For higher soil resistivities
a more elaborate arrangement is required.
Table 1 and Table 2 list the expected earth resistance afforded by horizontal
conductor and single vertical earth rods. The shaded areas indicate arrangements
that do not satisfy the earth resistance requirement for an individual PME earth
electrode. There is no minimum surface area requirement for individual PME earth
electrodes.
Table 2 Resistance of a Single Vertical PME Earth Rod (in Uniform Soil)
Three generic earth electrode layouts have been developed covering a variety of soil
conditions. These arrangements form the basis for earthing 11kV, 6.6kV and LV
plant, equipment and poles mounted equipment. Details of each arrangement are
provided in Table 3 and in Figures 2 to 5.
Table 4 gives the expected earthing resistance for a variety of soils with uniform
resistivity. In most cases soil resistivity will vary at different soil depths and will
also vary along the length of the electrode and therefore, in practice, resistances are
likely to vary somewhat from the values given in Table 4.
The Planner should select the required earthing arrangement and estimate the length
of electrode to satisfy resistance and thermal requirements at the design stage (see
4.1). The electrode arrangement, required earth resistance and estimated minimum
length requirements should be specified on construction drawings.
Earth electrode resistance is proportional to soil resistivity (in uniform soil), and so,
Table 4 can also be used during the construction phase to calculate the actual soil
resistivity using the following formula:
ρ estimated × R actual
ρ actual =
R estimated
Where onerous conditions are found advice may be sought from Primary System
Design who can, if necessary, carry out site-specific earthing designs.
In practice, when the electrode is actually installed the construction team measure a
resistance of 9.5 ohms. From the above formula the actual soil resistivity is:
The installer then uses the 300 ohm.m section of Table 4 to determine the minimum
length of electrode. It can be seen that 40m of electrode is required for to satisfy the
surface area requirements and so the installer must extend the electrode by a further
10m.
Note 1: The shaded area of the table denotes arrangements that have insufficient surface area to
prevent the soil drying out under fault conditions. This surface area requirement only
applies to HV earth electrodes (and combined HV & LV electrodes) where there is not a
continuous cable back to the primary substation. See section 4.2.2 for further guidance.
SIDE VIEW
Connection To
Equipment / Pole
Bare Earth Electrode
0.5m (min)
Ground Level
Insulated Earth 3m
Conductor
PLAN VIEW
SIDE VIEW
Connection To
Equipment / Pole
Bare Earth Electrode
0.5m (min.)
Ground Level
1.5m
Insulated Earth
Earth Rods Spaced 1.5m apart
Conductor
PLAN VIEW
Note 1: Minimum horizontal length is 20m (assuming resistance and surface area requirements are
satisfied).
Note 2: Bare earth electrode comprises 70mm2 (min.) copper conductor.
Note 3: Earth rods comprise of either copper clad steel (12.5mm diameter min.) or copper (15mm
diameter min.).
Note 4: Earth conductor connected to the electrode comprises 35mm2 PVC/PVC (min.).
Note 5: Minimum electrode depth is 0.5m in non-agricultural land and 1.0m in agricultural land.
SIDE VIEW
Connection To
Equipment / Pole
Bare Earth Electrode
Ground Level
0.5m (min.)
1.5m (min)
Insulated Earth
Conductor Earth Rod
PLAN VIEW
Note 1: Minimum horizontal length is 20m (assuming resistance and surface area requirements are
satisfied).
Note 2: Bare earth electrode comprises 70mm2 (min.) copper conductor.
Note 3: Earth rod (either 12.5mm diameter copper clad steel or 15mm diameter copper) is installed
if soil conditions permit.
Note 4: Earth conductor connected to the electrode comprises 35mm2 PVC/PVC (min.).
Note 5: Minimum electrode depth is 0.5m in non-agricultural land and 1.0m in agricultural land.
SIDE VIEW
Connection To
Equipment / Pole
0.5m (min.)
Ground Level
1.5m (min)
Insulated Earth
Conductor
PLAN VIEW
100mm (min.)
Note 1: Minimum horizontal length is 20m (assuming resistance and surface area requirements are
satisfied).
Note 2: Bare earth electrode comprises 70mm2 (min.) copper conductor.
Note 3: Earth rod (either 12.5mm diameter copper clad steel or 15mm diameter copper) is installed
if soil conditions permit.
Note 4: Earth conductor connected to the electrode comprises 35mm2 PVC/PVC (min.).
Note 5: Minimum electrode depth is 0.5m in non-agricultural land and 1.0m in agricultural land.
Note 6: Minimum separation between parallel electrodes is 100mm.
SIDE VIEW
Connection To
Equipment / Pole
0.5m (min
Insulated Earth 3m
Conductor
3 x 3m electrodes spaced
0.5m apart (to improve Standard electrode arrangement (A, B, C or D)
lightning protection)
PLAN VIEW
Note 1: This drawing is only applicable to HV earth electrodes and combined HV/LV electrodes
that need to be optimised for lightning protection (see 4.4.2 for application).
Note 2: This option is preferred where ground conditions allow earth rods to be installed.
Note 3: Drawing should be read in conjunction with Figure 2, 3, 4 or 5, as appropriate.
Note 4: Three earth rods (preferably 3m in length) are installed at the origin of the earth electrode.
Note 5: Earth rods comprise of either copper clad steel (12.5mm diameter min.) or copper (15mm
diameter min.).
SIDE VIEW
Connection To
Insulated Earth
Equipment / Pole
Conductor
Bare Earth Electrode 0.5m (min
Ground Level
PLAN VIEW
10m
(min.)
Electrode installed in a
tee or star arrangement
to improve lightning
performance
10m
(min.)
Note 1: This drawing is only applicable to HV earth electrodes and combined HV/LV electrodes
that need to be optimised for lightning protection (see 4.4.2 for application).
Note 2: This option may be used where ground conditions preclude the installation of earth rods
(see Figure 5).
Note 3: Drawing should be read in conjunction with Figure 2, 3, 4 or 5, as appropriate.
Note 4: Additional 70mm2 (minimum) copper conductor is laid in a tee or star arrangement at the
origin of the earth electrode.
Western Power Distribution’s 11kV and 6.6kV systems are earthed exclusively at
source primary substations and protection systems are designed and set accordingly.
The only exception to this rule is the earthing of 5 limb VTs, as described below.
11kV and 6.6kV customer systems shall not introduce additional earths to Western
Power Distribution’s 11kV and 6.6kV system.
5 limb voltage transformers (VTs), typically used for protection such as neutral
voltage displacement, directional earth fault or distance protection, must have their
HV winding earthed in order to function correctly. They inherently have a high
impedance and so do not significantly affect the flow of current under earth fault
conditions.
A number of different system earthing devices and methods are currently used at
primary substations. Of these methods, two systems are preferred, reactance
earthing and Peterson coil earthing (also known as arc suppression coil or ASC
earthing).
Peterson Coil earthing is predominantly used within Cornwall and on the Gower
Peninsula. In all other areas reactance or resistance earthing is predominantly used.
Solid earthing is only used where the source impedance of the network restricts
earth fault current to below 3500A on the 11kV or 6.6kV system. This is often the
case at single transformer primary substations.
11kV or 6.6kV
Earthing reactors and earthing resistors (e.g. liquid earthing resistors) are commonly
used to limit earth fault current. At new or substantially modified installations each
primary transformer is connected to earth through a separate earthing device,
although at some existing sites earthing devices are shared between two or more
transformers. Standard resistor and reactor ratings are given below:
• Earthing Reactor – 1250A (5.08 ohms for 11kV systems and 3.05 ohms for
6.6kV systems)
• Earthing Resistor – 1000A (6.35 ohms for 11kV systems and 3.84 ohms for
6.6kV systems)
These standard values are chosen to restrict earth fault current to acceptable levels
whilst still allowing sufficient earth fault current to operate protection quickly and
decisively. Alternative resistance and reactance values may be used where
appropriate. See Figure 9 and 10.
Reactor Reactor
LER LER
Peterson coils are commonly used within overhead networks in Cornwall and on the
Gower Peninsula in South Wales and may be used in other areas, where appropriate.
All the primary transformers are connected to earth via one (or more) Peterson coil.
The reactance of the Peterson coil is tuned (manually or automatically) to closely
match the capacitance of the connected network, reducing earth fault current to a
negligible level. When an earth fault occurs it is typically held on the coil (i.e. the
fault is not cleared) whist it is located.
Peterson coil shorting arrangements are typically provided to connect the substation
to solid earth for maintenance purposes or to allow earth faults to be cleared
automatically by protection. See Figure 11.
Note: Additional switches, required for maintenance / operational requirements are not
shown on these drawings.
Where sites are “hot” HV and LV electrodes must be segregated by at least 9m. If a
9m segregation distance is not achievable (e.g. where the substation already exists)
an individual assessment may be conducted, taking account of the actual rise in
potential and earth electrode arrangement, to determine the required segregation
distance.
\\avodcs01\techncal\earthing\hot_site_calc.xls
The first stage is to determine whether or not there is a continuous metallic earth
path between the distribution substation and the primary substation that normally
feeds it. A continuous earth path can be assumed if a route comprising entirely of
HV underground cable exists between the distribution substation and the primary
substation.
Standard HV overhead line (2 or 3 wire) does not include an earth wire and
therefore if one or more span of overhead line is inserted, this will break the
metallic earth path.
If a continuous metallic earth path does exist, this will provide a relatively low
impedance path for current to flow back to the primary substation when earth faults
occur at a distribution substation, or on the associated HV cable network and hence
rise of potential at the distribution substation will be minimised.
A continuous metallic earth path is also capable of transferring rise of potential that
occurs at the primary substation (e.g. for earth faults that occur on the high voltage
side of the primary transformers) back to the distribution substations. A more
detailed explanation of this concept is described in Appendix B.
5.2.1.1.1 If there is a continuous metallic earth path between the primary and
distribution substation:
Note 1: Applies where 66% or more of the cable circuit consists of Paper Insulated Lead
Covered (PILC) cable.
Note 2: Applies where between 33% and 66% of the cable route consists of PILC cable.
Note 3: Applies where less 33% or less of the cable route consists of PILC cable.
Note 4: All substations are deemed to be hot irrespective of the cable length.
Note 5: The cable lengths specified in this table assume that the earth resistance of each
distribution substation (including fortuitous earthing from connected PILC cable,
PME earths etc.), when considered in isolation from the rest of the network, is 10
ohms or less. Where this assumption is likely to be incorrect then further guidance
shall be sought from the author.
5.2.1.1.2 If there is not a continuous metallic earth path between the primary
and distribution substation the distribution substation is normally
“hot”, unless the earth resistance at the distribution substation is
particularly low.
3ER e
Vepr =
(2R 1 + R 0 + 3R e )2 + (2X 1 + X 0 )2
Where:
E = Nominal system phase to earth voltage (V) (e.g. 6350V for the
11kV system and 3811V for the 6.6kV system)
START
Is there a
continuous metallic
path for earth fault Yes
current to return to
the primary s/s (e.g.
cable sheath)?
No
Yes
Is the calculated rise of Yes Check Table 5. No
potential at the distribution Is the cable route length
s/s less than than 430V? > required value?
No Yes
Figure 16 shows a mixed 11kV network comprising of 3 wire overhead line and 3
core underground cable. The overhead line (3 wire wood pole line) does not include
an earth wire, whilst the cable sheath is continuous and earthed at the primary
substation. The 33/11kV Primary Substation feeding this network is “hot” and can
experience a rise of potential as high as 590V (e.g. when a 33kV fault thrower
operates).
J Re = 12 ohms
H
Primary
Substaion
C Re = 1 ohm I
(Hot Site
ROP = 720V)) Re = 13 ohms
Re = 6 ohms
K
L
300m 400m 300m 400m
0
200m
600m
Re = 6 ohms
A B M
500m
Re = 0.5 ohms
E
50m
F O
G
300m
N
250m
KEY:
11kV Underground Cable
(Mixed PILC and PICAS)
Note: For a 590V ROP and mixed PILC and PICAS cable the cable route between the
distribution s/s and primary must be at least 900m for the site to be considered cold.
Substation H, I, J K, L, M and N are all fed via overhead line and therefore a
calculation is needed to determine whether they are “hot” or “cold”. Table 7 lists the
source impedance data for each substation and the actual earthing resistance at each
site. The rise of earth potential is calculated using the formula specified earlier in
this section (or by using the hot site, calculation spreadsheet). It can be seen that
only substation M has a rise of earth potential below 430V and is “cold”. All the
other substations (H, I, J, K, L and N) are “hot”.
Where there is a continuous metallic path (i.e. continuous cable) back to the primary
substation the minimum acceptable horizontal length of buried earth electrode is
20m, although it is recommended that a longer horizontal length of electrode (up to
approximately 50m) is installed where this can be carried out easily and cost
effectively.
Front View
LV cabinet
Socket connected
via additional fuse & link Substation enclosure
L1 Transformer
HV switchgear
L2
Earth bar
bonded to
L3
transformer
tank, HV
LV N/E
switchgear and
N LV cabinet Cable
CNE Cable E sheaths
SNE Cable connected to
HV earth bar
HV Earth Bar
Earth Rod
Plan View
Substation enclosure
Transformer
LV Cables HV cables
LV cabinet
HV switchgear
1m (approx.)
Schematic Arrangement
LV cabinet
Transformer HV switchgear
LV CNE cable
L
SNE LV cable HV cables
LV N/E
HV E
Side View
LV cabinet
L2
L3 Cable
sheaths
N connected
LV–HV earth to HV
Link Inserted E earth bar
HV Earth
CNE Cable
Bar
SNE Cable
0.5m
HV cable/s
LV Cables
Plan View
Transformer
LV cabinet
HV switchgear
HV cable/s
1m (approx.)
HV earth electrode
70mm2 copper (min.)
Schematic Arrangement
LV N/E HV E
Combined
HV/LV earth
electrode
Side View
Surge Arresters
LV O/H Line
Neutral
L N Conductor
To LV
Fuse/s E
Notes:
Insulated 1) HV arc gaps, LV phase conductors and LV fuses are ommitted from
Earthing drawing to improve clarity.
Conductor 2) Insulated earthing conductor shall comprise 35mm2 copper (min.).
3) Bare earth electrode shall comprise 70mm2 copper (min.).
0.5m HV Cable
(min.)
Bare HV/LV Earth Electrode 70mm2 copper (min)
Schematic Arrangement
Transformer
N/E
Combined HV/LV
earth electrode
Where the criteria for combining HV and LV earthing systems cannot be met HV
and LV electrodes shall be physically segregated. Buried HV electrode shall be
segregated by at least 9m from buried LV electrode and from other buried
metalwork or metallic services connected (directly or indirectly) to the LV earthing
system.
The insulated serving provided on modern cables such as consac, wavecon, tryden
etc. ensure they are adequately segregated form HV electrode even when they are
laid within 9m. The Hessian serving of older PILC (paper insulated, lead covered)
LV cables does not have insulating properties and so where such cables are laid
within 9m of an HV electrode they must be insulated by applying an appropriate
wrap around the outside of the cable or by installing them within insulated and
sealed ducting.
The minimum LV and HV earthing electrode lengths that satisfy resistance and,
where necessary, surface area requirements are chosen from Table 4. The minimum
size of insulated earthing conductor (i.e. earthing conductor used above ground) is
35mm2 (copper). The minimum size of bare earthing electrode is 70mm2 (copper).
The requirements for segregating HV and LV earths are described below and
shown in Figures 20 and 21:
Side View
LV Cables 0.5m
HV cables
(min.)
Plan View
Substation enclosure or
Transformer
fence (required for both
ground mounted and pad
mounted substations)
LV Cables HV cables
LV cabinet HV switchgear
LV earth
electrode
70mm2
copper (min) 1m (approx.)
Schematic Arrangement
LV E
Side View
LV cabinet
L2
L3 Cable
sheaths
LV connected
LV–HV earth N-E to HV
Link removed earth bar
HV E HV Earth
CNE Cable
Bar
SNE Cable
LV Cables 0.5m
HV cable/s
(min.)
Transformer
LV cabinet
HV switchgear
HV cable/s
LV earth
electrode 1m (approx.)
70mm2
copper (min.)
HV earth electrode
9m segregation (min.)
70mm2 copper (min.)
Schematic Arrangement
LV N/E HV E
HV earth
electrode
LV Cabinet
Auxilary
Supply Fuses
Note: All out going circuits from the consumer unit (with the
exception of circuits supplying battery chargers used for circuit
breaker tripping or protection) shall be protected by a 30mA RCD
L1
Isolation Transformer
Distribution Board
L2
L3 L
Plastic Conduit
N
L3 N HV E
LV N/E
HV E Incoming MCB
To HV Earthing
Plastic
Conduit/Ducting
Multicore
(for CT and VT secondary wiring)
Side View
HV O/H line
LV O/H line
L N
Insulated LV
N-E surge earthing conductor
arrester
E
Note:
1) HV arc gaps, LV phase conductors and LV fuses are omitted
Insulated HV from drawing to improve clarity.
earthing 2) HV earthing conductor shall be positioned as far from LV earth,
conductor neutral and phase conductors as possible (i.e. clipped to opposite
side of pole) to reduce risk of flashover during lightning.
3) Insulated earthing conductor shall comprise 35mm2 copper
(min.).
4) Bare earth electrode shall comprise 70mm2 copper (min.).
0.5m
LV earth electrode (min.)
2
HV earth electrode 70mm copper (min.) Insulated LV Earth conductor 70mm2 copper (min.)
9m min.
Schematic Arrangement
Transformer
HV line Fuses L LV Line
N/E
HV earth electrode
LV earth electrode
Surge arrester
HV O/H line
L N
Insulated LV
earthing conductor
N-E surge
arrester E Insulated LV
neutral conductor
LV Cable
Insulated HV
earth conductor
Notes:
1) HV arc gaps, LV phase conductors and LV fuses are omitted from
drawing to improve clarity.
2) Additional insulation shall be applied to any LV PILC cable installed
within 9m of the HV earth electrode.
3) HV earthing conductor shall be positioned as far from LV earth,
neutral and phase conductors as possible (i.e. clipped to opposite side
of pole) to reduce risk of flashover during lightning.
4) Insulated earthing conductor shall comprise 35mm2 copper (min.).
5) Bare earth electrode shall comprise 70mm2 copper (min.).
LV Cable 0.5m
(min.)
2
HV earth electrode 70mm copper (min.) Insulated LV earthing conductor
LV earth electrode
70mm2 copper (min.)
9m min.
Schematic Arrangement
Transformer
HV cable Fuses L LV Cable
N/E
HV earth electrode
Surge arrester LV earth electrode
Surge arresters
Side View
LV O/H line
Insulated LV
earthing conductor
Insulated HV
earthing conductor
Notes:
1) HV arc gaps, LV phase conductors and LV fuses are omitted from
drawing to improve clarity.
2) Additional insulation shall be applied to any HV PILC cable installed
within 9m of bare LV earth electrode.
3) HV earthing conductor shall be positioned as far from LV earth,
neutral and phase conductors as possible (i.e. clipped to opposite side
of pole) to reduce risk of flashover during lightning.
4) Insulated earthing conductor shall comprise 35mm2 copper (min.).
5) Bare earth electrode shall comprise 70mm2 copper (min.).
0.5m
HV cable
LV earth electrode (min.)
2
HV earth electrode 70mm copper (min.) Insulated LV earth conductor 70mm2 copper (min.)
9m min.
Schematic Arrangement
Transformer
HV Cable Fuses L LV Line
N/E
L N
Insulated LV
earthing conductor
Insulated HV
earthing conductor
Notes:
1) HV arc gaps, LV phase conductors and LV fuses are omitted from
drawing to improve clarity.
2) Additional insulation shall be applied to any HV PILC cable installed
within 9m of bare LV earth electrode and any LV PILC cable within 9m
of HV earth electrode or HV PILC cable.
3) HV earthing conductor shall be positioned as far from LV earthing,
neutral and phase conductors as possible (i.e. clipped to opposite side
of pole) to reduce risk of flashover during lightning.
4) Insulated earthing conductor shall comprise 35mm2 copper (min.).
5) Bare earth electrode shall comprise 70mm2 copper (min.).
HV Cable 0.5m
LV cable
(min.)
HV earth electrode 70mm2 copper (min.) Insulated LV earth conductor
LV earth electrode
70mm2 copper (min.)
9m min.
Schematic Arrangement
Transformer
HV cable Fuses L LV cable
N/E
HV earth electrode
Surge arrester LV earth electrode
HV O/H line
All customers must be connected
beyond this point
LV O/H line
N-E surge E
arrester
Note:
1) This arrangement is only suitable where one LV overhead line runs away
Insulated HV
from the transformer pole in a single direction and all connections are made
earthing conductor
at or beyond the pole at which the LV electrode is connected.
2) HV arc gaps, LV phase conductors and LV fuses are omitted from
drawing to improve clarity.
3) HV earthing conductor shall be positioned as far from neutral and phase
conductors as possible (i.e. clipped to opposite side of pole) to reduce risk
of flashover during lightning.
4) Insulated earthing conductor shall comprise 35mm2 copper (min.).
5) Bare earth electrode shall comprise 70mm2 copper (min.).
6) Earth electrtode is buried at least 0.5m below the surface.
HV earth electrode 70mm2 copper (min) LV earth electrode 70mm2 copper (min)
9m min.
Schematic Arrangement
Transformer
HV Line Fuses L LV line
L
N/E
N
LV earth electrode
HV earth electrode
Surge arrester
LV O/H line
HV Earth electrode 70mm2 copper (min) LV earth electrode 70mm2 copper (min)
9m min.
Schematic Arrangement
Transformer
Fuses L Cut-out
HV Line LV Line
L
N
N/E E
LV earth electrode
HV earth electrode
Surge arrester
LV O/H line
L N
Note:
N-E surge 1) PNB arrangement is only suitable where one point of connection is provided
arrester from the transformer.
E
2) HV arc gaps, LV phase conductors and LV fuses are omitted from drawing to
improve clarity.
3) HV earthing conductor shall be positioned as far from neutral and phase
conductors as possible (i.e. clipped to opposite side of pole) to reduce risk of
flashover during lightning.
Insulated HV earth 4) Insulated earthing conductor shall comprise 35mm2 copper (min.).
conductor 5) Bare earth electrode shall comprise 70mm2 copper (min.).
6) Earth electrode is buried at least 0.5m below the surface.
HV earth electrode 70mm2 copper (min) LV earth electrode 70mm2 copper (min)
Schematic Arrangement
Transformer
Cut-out
HV line Fuses L LV Line or cable
L
N
N/E E
LV earth electrode
HV earth electrode
Surge arrester
a) Fibreglass Enclosures
Metal anti-vandal substation enclosures are available that are coated with a
layer of fibre glass resin impregnated with fine gravel or grit. The enclosure
itself must be bonded to the substation HV earthing system using copper
conductor with a minimum cross-section of 50mm2, to prevent hazardous
touch potentials (between the substation plant and the metallic enclosure)
using copper conductor. The external coating is highly insulating and
therefore hazardous touch potentials outside the substation are eliminated
(assuming the outer coating is intact). If the outer coating is damaged and
significant areas of steel are exposed the enclosure should be replaced.
In the past painted steel enclosures were often installed around distribution
substations. These steel enclosures must be bonded to the substation HV
earthing system with a copper conductor with a minimum cross-sectional
area of 50mm2 to prevent hazardous touch potentials between the enclosure
and the substation plant.
Where the substation’s HV and LV earths are combined (i.e. the site is
defined as cold) no further precautions are required for steel enclosures
If the HV and LV earthing systems are segregated (i.e. the site is “hot”) the
steel enclosure should be surrounded by non-metallic fencing that prevents
members of the public touching the enclosure.
d) Metal fencing
e) Metal Doors
Requirements for metal doors are identical to the requirements for metal
gates, described in d) above.
GRP Enclosure
Transformer
LV Cabinet HV
Switchgear
Note:
LV Pillar
Transformer
HV
Switchgear
Combined HV / LV Earth Electrode
Note:
≥ 2m
Substation LV Earth
Conductor (insulated to
provide 9m segregation
from HV electrode) Transformer
Pillar Door
HV
Switchgear
LV Pillar
≥ 2m ≥ 2m
≥ 2m
Substation HV
Earth Electrode
≥ 2m
Insulating Ducting
≥ 2m
Gate
Note:
GRP Enclosure
Transformer
LV HV
Cabinet Switchgear
≥ 2m ≥ 2m
HV Earth
Electrode
≥ 2m
Insulating Ducting
Note:
Most 11kV and 6.6kV overhead lines owned by WPD utilise unearthed construction
(i.e. an earth wire is not provided and at the majority of poles the steelwork is left
un-earthed).
Earth electrode designs shall be in accordance with Section 4.0 of this document.
Earthing conductor clipped to the pole shall be suitably insulated to prevent
hazardous touch potentials.
Where surge arresters or triggered arc gaps are installed the earthing conductor shall
be kept as short and straight as possible in order to minimise the earthing system
impedance for lightning impulses.
Specific requirements for earthing air break switch disconnectors (ABSDs) with
handles operated from ground level and for pole-mounted equipment with control
cubicles accessible without a ladder, are specified below:
New and substantially modified ABSDs shall be installed with a surface laid
operator earth mat which is connected to the operating handle (see Figure 31).
Equipment installed prior to the issue of this document have been provided with a
buried operator earth mat instead (see Figure 35).
The earth mat shall be placed directly in front of the operating handle and bonded to
the handle so that the operator stands on the earth mat (if surface laid) or directly
above the mat (if buried) when operating the ABSD.
The operating rod shall include a suitable insulating insert to prevent hazardous
potentials being transferred to the handle.
The HV metalwork earth conductor shall be clipped to the opposite side of the pole
to the operating handle earth conductor to minimise the chance of a flashover
between the two earthing systems.
Pole top metalwork and control cubicle metalwork is connected to the earth mat and
to a buried earth electrode.
The earth mat shall be placed directly in front of the operating handle in a position
that ensures the operator will stand on the earth mat when operating the equipment.
This arrangement keeps touch potentials to a minimum should an earth fault occur
on the pole.
Retrospective action is required to install a surface laid earth mat at any existing site
that does not already have one. MOD 378 has been set up in CROWN to schedule /
monitor this work. Where an existing earth mat is in place, but it is smaller than the
minimum size specified in Figure 37, it is not necessary to replace it with a larger
one. Further information is provided in Appendix F.
Insulating
Insert
Note:
1) This arrangement, with surface laid earthmat shall be applied to all new and
substantially modified installations Operating
2) Operating conductor earth conductor shall be clipped to the opposite side of the Rod
pole to the HV metalwork earth conductor.
3) Earth mat shall be placed directly in front of operating handle.
4) Insulated earth conductor shall comprise 35mm2 copper (min.)
5) Bare earth electrode shall comprise 70mm2 copper (min.)
ABSD
Operating
Handle
Mat earthing
conductor
1m x 1m (min.)
earth mat
0.5m (min.)
2
Earth electrode 70mm copper min. Insulated Earth Conductor
9m Segregation (Min.)
Side View
Note:
1) This arrangement, was historically used for ABSDs. All new or substantially
modified installations shall use a surface laid earth mat instead. Insulating
2) Operating conductor earth conductor shall be clipped to the opposite side Insert
of the pole to the HV metalwork earthing conductor.
3) Earth mat shall be placed directly in front of operating handle.
4) Insulated earthing conductor shall comprise 35mm2 copper (min.)
5) Bare earth electrode shall comprise 70mm2 copper (min.)
Operating rod
ABSD
operating
Handle
Mat earthing
conductor
Approx.0.3m
0.5m (min.)
Earth electrode 70mm2 copper min. Insulated earthing conductor Buried earth mat
9m Segregation (Min.)
Pole
Note:
1) This arrangement, with surface laid earth mat shall be applied to all
installations.
2) Operating conductor earthing conductor shall be clipped to the
opposite side of the pole to the HV metalwork earthing conductor.
3) Earth mat shall be placed directly in front of the control cubicle.
4) Insulated earthing conductor shall comprise 35mm2 copper (min.) Control cubicle
5) Bare earth electrode shall comprise 70mm2 copper (min.)
1m x 1m (min.)
earth mat
0.5m (min.)
All HV cables have a continuous metallic screen and this screen must be maintained
through all joints and terminations. The screen shall be connected to earth at both
ends of the cable in accordance with POL: CA6, unless otherwise agreed by the
Policy Section.
When cables are terminated within switchgear, a bond must be connected between
the cable screen and the switchgear HV earth bar, taking into account any special
requirements for frame leakage busbar protection, CTs (e.g. core balance CTs), and
earth fault passage indicators. It is not acceptable to just rely on the fortuitous
connection between the cable gland and switchgear metalwork. Further guidance is
provided in the ST: CA2 series of company directives, and also in ST: CA6B and
ST: SP1FC.
Traditional paper insulated, lead covered (PILC) cables have a hessian serving
which, after installation, provides a good electrical contact between the cable
armouring and screen to earth. Where such cables are widely used they significantly
reduce substation earth resistance values. This is particularly beneficial in reducing
the rise of earth potential that can occur at primary substations. Modern cables have
an insulating serving (typically PVC or XLPE) and therefore they do not contribute
to substation earthing systems.
As PILC cable is replaced with new cable the earth resistance values in urban areas
are likely to rise unless steps are taken to prevent this. Given this, whenever 100m
or more of HV PILC cable is to be disconnected and the severed section is located
wholly or partially within a 400m radius of a primary substation, then bare 70mm2
copper conductor shall be laid in parallel with any newly installed HV cable and
bonded to the cable screen at the end which is electrically closest to the primary
substation in accordance with ST: CA2W. The bare copper conductor shall extend
to the far end of the new HV cable or for 200m, whichever is the lesser. Where the
bare copper conductor enters or exits a substation it shall alternatively be bonded to
the substation’s HV earthing system. Where the primary substation is a hot site the
installer shall notify Primary System Design to give them the opportunity to re-
assess the need for the bare copper conductor.
The LV system shall either comprise of a combined neutral and earth (CNE)
system, where a single conductor provides both the neutral and protective (earthing)
functions, as a separate neutral and earth system (SNE) where the neutral and
protective functions are provided by two separate conductors or as a mixed CNE
and SNE system.
The type of earthing that may be provided to customers depend on the LV system
earthing arrangement, LV earth resistance and the nature of the customer’s
installation. The various types of customer earthing are listed below:
The supply neutral conductor of three phase and split phase systems shall, as a
minimum, have half the current capacity of the phase conductors. The supply
neutral conductor of a single phase system shall have a current carrying capacity at
least as high as the phase conductor.
Fuses or switches shall not be placed within the supply neutral conductor.
CNE systems shall not be used within customer owned electrical installations,
however, it is acceptable to combine neutral and protective functions within a
“distribution system” (including distribution systems operated by third parties such
as street lighting authorities).
L1
L2
L3
Supply
Neutral
Conductor
Earth Earth
Terminal Terminal
Exposed Exposed
Conductive Parts Customer Installation Customer Installation Conductive Parts
In addition to the LV earth electrode installed at the substation, extra PME earth
electrodes must be installed, and connected to the supply neutral conductor to
reduce the voltage rise that can occur on metalwork within customer installations if
the supply neutral conductor is damaged / broken.
• at the furthest joint from the source of the cable / overhead line that connects
a service to an item of street furniture (e.g. streetlight) that is provided with
PME.
• at the furthest point from the source of each cable and overhead line, beyond
which less than five customers are connected.
• no more than 40m from the end of each cable / overhead line spur,
connected to more than one customer.
≤ 40m ≤ 40m
Key:
Note:
1) PME Earths are shown at their optimum locations (but not necessarily the most
practical positions). Alternative positions may also satisfy the requirements
specified in 6.1.2.1.
2) For overhead networks it is WPD practice to install a PME earth electrode at every
8th pole (as a minimum).
3) For underground networks it is WPD practice to install an earth at every service
joint (except where this would infringe HV to LV segregation distances).
4) Each PME earth electrode shown above must have a resistance of 100 ohms or less.
PNB earthing is a special form of PME (TN-C-S) earthing that may only be used
where the substation provides one or more connections at a single position (i.e. from
a single cut-out or multi-way distribution board.). See Figure 40.
L1
L2
L3
PNB Earth
Electrode
PNB Earth
Terminal
Exposed Customer Installation
Conductive Parts
Note:
1) WPD’s PNB earth electrode is shown connected to the supply neutral conductor
outside the customer’s property. It is also acceptable for this connection to be
made at the incoming terminals of the cut-out.
Cable Sheath Earthing and Separate Continuous Aerial Earth Wire systems are both
known as SNE (or TN-S) earthing. These systems were commonly used prior to the
introduction of PME. See Figure 41.
Cable sheath earthing is used where separate neutral and earth cables are installed
(e.g. 3 phase 4 core cables and single phase split concentric cables).
Continuous Arial Earth Wire systems may be applied to open wire overhead lines
and to aerial bundled conductor (ABC) lines (where an additional earth wire is
installed).
Although SNE is not the preferred earthing arrangement it may still be installed or
retained where PME is not suitable.
L1
L2
L3
Supply
Neutral
Conductor
PME cannot provided on the grounds of safety or where it is not reasonably
Earth
practicable to satisfy the criteria for PME the LV earthing system criteria for
Conductor
providing PME cannot be satisfied. Earth Earth
Terminal Terminal
Substation
but applicable
LV Earth
to overhead lines
Exposed Exposed
Conductive Parts Customer Installation Customer Installation Conductive Parts
Direct earthing (also known as TT) may be provided from either CNE or SNE
mains systems. In this case Western Power Distribution does not provide the
customer with an earth terminal at all and the customer must install and maintain
their own earth electrode system. See Figure 42. Of all the possible earthing options
this is the least favourable.
In the past, customers often used the installation’s incoming metal water pipe as
their earth electrode. This practice is no longer acceptable since Water Distribution
Companies now install plastic pipes (e.g. polyethylene) therefore the electrical
integrity of existing pipe-work can no longer be relied upon.
Where a customer uses direct earthing they invariably have to install a residual
current device (RCD) in order to satisfy requirements specified within BS7671
(Requirements for Electrical Installations, IEE Wiring Regulations).
L1
L2
L3
Supply
Neutral
Conductor
Exposed
Substation Conductive Parts
LV Earth
Exposed
Conductive Parts Customer Installation Customer Installation
Western Power Distribution have a legal obligation under the Electricity Safety,
Quality and Continuity Regulations 2004 to offer an earthing terminal when
providing a new connection at low voltage, unless it is unsafe to do so. In such cases
it is acceptable to provide customers with PME, SNE or PNB type earthing
terminals, although PME is the preferred option where it can be provided safely. If
the cost of providing a PME, SNE or PNB earth terminal is prohibitive the customer
should be given the option to choose direct earthing, if they wish.
The nature of the mains system, e.g. whether it is combined neutral and earth (CNE)
or a separate neutral and earth (SNE), has a significant bearing on the provision of
PME and SNE earth terminals. The following types of system are considered:
New systems installed by WPD are normally constructed using cables and overhead
lines with combined neutral and earth conductors (e.g. 3 core wavecon cable and
aerial bundled conductor (ABC) overhead lines).
SNE earth terminals may be provided where there is an earth electrode beyond the
connection (i.e. further from the source substation than the position of the
connection) has a resistance of 10 ohms or less.
If the above requirements are not met and it is unsafe to provide PME (due to the
type of installation, its electrical design or due to inadequate bonding) direct
earthing shall be provided instead (see Figure 43). Further guidance on customer
earthing is provided in ST:TP21P.
Historically LV systems were constructed using SNE cables and/or overhead lines.
Many of these have since been modified to allow PME earthing to be provided (e.g.
PME earth electrodes installed). Where these modifications have not been carried
out, and it is not practical or economic to do so, new customers shall be offered
SNE earthing as standard. PME earthing is not available. (See Figure 44).
6.2.3 SNE Systems that HAVE been modified for PME earthing
Many SNE system have been converted to allow PME earth terminals to be
provided to customers. The type of customer earthing that may be offered (or
retained) in such circumstances is specified in Figure 45.
As existing SNE LV systems are extended, augmented and replaced this is usually
carried out using CNE type cable or overhead line. The type of customer earthing
that can be offered or retained in these circumstances is shown in Figure 46 and 47.
The type of service that is installed (CNE or SNE) is determined by the earthing
facilities at the connection. Whenever a length of service cable is laid into an
existing service (e.g. to repair a fault) the same type of cable shall be used. Table 8
summarises these requirements.
Where services are looped the requirements listed in Table 6 apply to the entire
route of the service (i.e. from the associated customer cut-out to the mains joint /
termination).
If changes are proposed that require existing SNE customers to convert to PME or
Direct Earthing, Western Power Distribution shall inform these customers and make
arrangements for a suitably qualified electrical installer to check the installations
and to carry out any required modifications. The costs associated with this work
shall be paid for by Western Power Distribution and not by the affected customers.
Where these earthing changes are due to a new business scheme, augmentation or a
diversion the costs should be passed on to person / organisation that initiated the
work.
CNE Mains
PME is available (and is preferred) if LV
KEY
earthing system resistance ≤ 20Ω, section ≤
40m long and ≤ 4 customers are connected
PME earth electrode
SNE is not available
Direct earthing is available
CNE Mains
PME is available (and is preferred) if LV
earthing system resistance ≤ 20Ω
SNE is only available if PME earth
electrode ≤ 10Ω
Direct earthing is available
KEY
SNE Mains
PME is available (and is preferred) if LV
earthing system resistance ≤ 20Ω, section ≤
40m long and ≤ 4 customers are connected KEY
SNE is available
Fortuitous earthing via cable sheath
Direct earthing is available (only applicable to PILC cable)
SNE Mains
PME is available (and is preferred) if LV
earthing system resistance is ≤ 20Ω
SNE is available
Direct earthing is available
CNE Mains
PME is available (and is preferred) if LV
earthing system resistance ≤ 20Ω, section ≤
40m long and ≤ 4 customers are connected
SNE is not available KEY
Direct earthing is available
Fortuitous earthing via cable sheath
CNE Mains (only applicable to PILC cable)
SNE Mains
PME is available (and is preferred) if LV
earthing system resistance is ≤ 20Ω
SNE is available
Substation A Normal Substation B
Direct earthing is available
Open Point
CNE Mains
SNE Mains SNE Mains
PME is available (and is preferred) if LV
PME is available (and is preferred) if LV earthing system resistance ≤ 20Ω See Figure 40 and 41 as applicable
earthing system resistance is ≤ 20Ω
SNE is available if earthing system
SNE is available resistance for substation B, + fortuitous
Direct earthing is available. earthing from PILC cable between normal
open point and Substation B is ≤ 10Ω
Direct earthing is available
SNE Mains
PME is available (and is preferred) if LV earthing
system resistance ≤ 20Ω, section ≤ 40m long and ≤ 4
customers are connected
SNE is available if resistance of PME earth electrode
+ fortuitous earthing due to the PILC cable is ≤ 10Ω
Direct earthing is available
KEY
SNE Mains
PME is available (and is preferred) if LV earthing Fortuitous earthing via cable sheath
system resistance is ≤ 20Ω (only applicable to PILC cable)
SNE is available if resistance of PME earth electrode +
fortuitous earthing due to the PILC cable ≤ 10Ω
PME earth electrode
Direct earthing is available
CNE Mains
PME is available (and is preferred) if LV earthing
system resistance ≤ 20Ω
SNE is available if resistance of PME earth electrode +
fortuitous earthing due to the PILC cable is ≤ 10Ω
Substation A Direct earthing is available Normal Substation B
Open Point
Thermal requirements for earth electrode designs are specified in section 3.2 and are based
upon detailed fault rating and surface area calculations described below.
A1 Fault Ratings
1
1 θ f + β 2
ic = Ak log e
t θ i + β
Fault ratings for a number of commonly used earth conductors are given below:
The required surface area of earth electrode is calculated using the following equation:
1000 xI f
A= 1
57.7 2
ρ .t
The fault duration is dependent on the maximum protection clearance time, which is, in
turn, dependent on the fault current. For substations without a continuous cable path back to
the primary substation the fault current is dictated by the source impedance, primary
substation electrode resistance and distribution substation earth resistance.
For the purposes of the standard electrode designs listed in Table 4 the following
assumptions were made:
Example A1
If = (11000/√3)/(2.7+0.5+j2.12)
= 6350/(3.22 +2.122)0.5
= 1654A
The operating time of the protection (with a 240A 0.4tm Standard Inverse setting) is given
by the following formula:
t = 0.14.T/[(If / Is)0.02-1]
Where:
T = Relay Time multiplier
Is = Relay Current Setting
From which:
t = 0.14x0.4/[(1654/240)0.02-1]
= 1.423s
A 1000mm length of 70mm2 copper earth electrode has an area of approximately 29700
mm2 and a standard 1.5m long, 12.5mm diameter earth rod has a surface area of 19634
mm2. For Arrangement C the surface area of 75m of electrode and one earth rod would be:
The 75m electrode does not satisfy the required surface area requirement.
Example A2
The actual surface are of the 100m electrode is 2,989,634 mm2 and is sufficient for this
application.
Regulation 8. – (2) (b) of The Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002
imposes a duty on Distributors and Generators to ensure that “earth electrodes are
designed, installed and used in such a manner so as to prevent danger occurring in any low
voltage network as a result of any fault in the high voltage network”.
Danger is defined as “danger to health or danger to life or limb from electric shock, burn,
injury or mechanical movement to persons, livestock or domestic animals, or from fire, or
explosion attendant upon the generation, transmission, distribution or use of energy.
Section 2.2 demonstrates how rise of potential in earth electrode systems can give rise to
hazardous step, touch and transfer potentials if not adequately controlled. The following
diagrams show how faults in the HV system cause earth potential rise at a distribution
substation.
If
V2 R2 If If R1 V1
V1
V2
Is
If
Is
Is Ig
V2 R2 Ig Ig R1 V1
430V
Potential on Soil V1
(with respect to
remote earth) 0
V2
I1
Vs I1
If
I1
I2 R2 V2 I1 R1 V1
V2
Potential on Soil V1
Vs
(with respect to 430V
remote earth)
0
Figure B4 and B5 shows how potential rise in an HV earthing system is transferred into the
LV network. Figure 4B shows a distribution substation with combined HV and LV earthing
whilst Figure 5B shows a substation with segregated HV and LV earthing.
In both cases a potential (V1) between the neutral/earth of the installation and the
surrounding soil and a potential (V2) between neutral / earth and remote earth occurs. Both
of these potentials are significantly reduced by segregating the HV and LV earthing
systems.
Distribution Substation
Customer’s Installation
L
V2 Telephone Line (remote earth)
N
V1
If Vf
Combined HV Remote Earth
& LV Earth
Vf
Potential on Soil V1 V2
(with respect to
remote earth)
If = Fault current
Vf = Potential rise on combined earthing system (with respect to remote earth)
V1 = Potential difference between neutral/earth conductor and the surface of the soil at the customer’s installation
V2 = Vf = Potential difference between neutral/earth conductor and remote earth
Distribution Substation
Customer’s Installation
L
V2 Telephone Line (remote earth)
N/E
V1
If Vf
HV Earth LV Earth Remote Earth
Vf
Potential on Soil
(with respect to
remote earth) V1
V2
If = Fault current
Vf = Potential rise on combined earthing system (with respect to remote earth)
V1 = Potential difference between neutral/earth conductor and the surface of the soil at the customer’s installation
V2 = Potential difference between neutral/earth conductor and remote earth
Marls 10 - 300 50
(e.g. Kreuper Marl)
Sand / Sandy Gravel 50 to 3000 200
SUPERSEDED DOCUMENTATION
This document supersedes ST: TP21D/2 dated June 2017 which has now been withdrawn.
APPENDIX E
ANCILLARY DOCUMENTATION
ST:TP21A; Safety Limits for Touch and Step Voltages – Earthing System
Design/Assessment
ENA Technical Specification 41-24; Guidelines for the Design, Installation, Testing and
Maintenance of Main Earthing Systems in Substations..
ENA Engineering Recommendation S34; A Guide for Assessing the Rise of Earth Potential
at Substation Sites.
APPENDIX F
KEYWORDS