LOW VOLTAGE EARTHING POLICY AND EART-01-002

APPLICATION GUIDE Issue No. 5

1. SCOPE

This document provides guidance on the approach to be adopted when planning, designing and
delivering all LV network solutions including new networks, fault repairs, modernisation, reinforcement
and mixed earthing arrangements.

2. ISSUE RECORD

This is a Controlled document. The current version is held on the EN Document Library.

It is your responsibility to ensure you work to the current version.

Issue Date Issue No. Author Amendment Details

March 2009 3 Colin Brown Issue 2 updated with comments
from Legal section & general
comments
September 2015 4 Gordon MacKenzie Issue 3 general revision. Document
restructured to support policy
application.
September 2018 5 Gordon MacKenzie General review of Issue 4 pending
completion of Neutral Current Diversion
project in association with PNDC.
Updated text for temporary RCD
position section 12.4.
Updated reference BS 7671.
Updated PME value section 12.4
Guidance removed from section 10.4
combined HV / LV Earthing.

3. ISSUE AUTHORITY

Author Owner Issue Authority

Name: Gordon MacKenzie Name: David Neilson Name: Jim McOmish
Title: Senior Engineer, Title: Network Manager Title: Head of Distribution
Engineering Design and Networks
Standards

Date: 2/10/18

4. REVIEW

This is a Controlled document and shall be reviewed as dictated by business or legislative change but
at a period of no greater than 3 years from the last issue date.
SPEN working in partnership with Strathclyde University and PNDC Network Operators to review the
impact of Neutral Current Diversion on existing Networks constructed in compliance with industry
guidance ENA ER G12/4. This document shall be subject to further review on completion of the
PNDC project works, which will also include a review of LV Foundation Earthing in association with
IET.

DISTRIBUTION

This document is part of the Construction Virtual, SPD and SPM System Design Manuals maintained
by Document Control but does not have a maintained distribution list. It is also published on the SP
Energy Networks website.

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5. CONTENTS

1. SCOPE ....................................................................................................................................... 1
2. ISSUE RECORD ........................................................................................................................ 1
3. ISSUE AUTHORITY .................................................................................................................. 1
4. REVIEW ..................................................................................................................................... 1
DISTRIBUTION ................................................................................................................................ 1
5. CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................... 2
6. REFERENCE AND RELATED DOCUMENTS .......................................................................... 4
7. INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................ 4
8. REGULATIONS AND GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS ................................................................... 5
8.1 ESQCR ............................................................................................................................ 5
8.2 Engineering Recommendation G12/4 .......................................................................... 5
8.3 BS7671 – Requirements for Electrical Installations ................................................... 6
8.4 Types of Network and Service Connection ................................................................. 6
9. NEUTRAL AND EARTH CONNECTIONS .............................................................................. 12
10. EARTHING FOR NEW LV NETWORKS................................................................................. 13
10.1 Underground Mains Distribution ................................................................................ 15
10.2 Overhead Mains Distribution ...................................................................................... 15
10.3 Services ........................................................................................................................ 16
10.4 Combination or Segregation of HV & LV Earth Electrodes ..................................... 16
11. EARTHING FOR EXISTING/MODIFIED LV NETWORKS ..................................................... 16
11.1 Refurbishment/Modernisation .................................................................................... 16
11.2 Network Alterations ..................................................................................................... 17
11.3 Repair ............................................................................................................................ 18
11.4 Use of Water pipes as an Earth Terminal .................................................................. 18
12. EARTH LOOP IMPEDANCE ................................................................................................... 19
12.1 Measurement ................................................................................................................ 19
12.2 Recording ..................................................................................................................... 19
12.3 Typical Maximum Values ............................................................................................ 19
12.4 High Earth Loop Impedance Resolution ................................................................... 19
13. LOAD BALANCE .................................................................................................................... 21
14. MULTI-OCCUPANCY BUILDINGS ......................................................................................... 21
14.1 Domestic ....................................................................................................................... 21
14.2 Commercial/Industrial ................................................................................................. 25
15. PROVISION OF CUSTOMER EARTH TERMINAL ................................................................ 25
15.1 New Connections ......................................................................................................... 25
15.2 Cut-out replacement .................................................................................................... 26
15.3 Customer Request ....................................................................................................... 26

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15.4 Repair/Refurbishment ................................................................................................. 26

16. SPECIAL SITUATIONS ........................................................................................................... 27
16.1 LV Supplies associated with Tramways and Railways ............................................ 27
16.2 Construction Sites ....................................................................................................... 27
16.3 Temporary Supplies (not associated with construction sites) ............................... 28
16.4 Agricultural & Horticultural Premises ........................................................................ 29
16.5 Swimming Pools, ......................................................................................................... 29
16.6 Caravans Boats & Marinas .......................................................................................... 30
16.7 Mobile Homes ............................................................................................................... 30
16.8 Mines & Quarries.......................................................................................................... 30
16.9 Petrol Filling Stations .................................................................................................. 30
16.10 Street Lighting and road signs with electrical load of 500W or less ...................... 30
16.11 Street Electrical fixtures not covered by section 16.10 ........................................... 32
16.12 Substation Auxiliary Supplies .................................................................................... 33

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6. REFERENCE AND RELATED DOCUMENTS

Electricity Safety Quality & Continuity Regulations 2002 (as amended)

Electricity Supply Regulations 1988
Energy Networks Association Engineering Recommendation G12/4
Energy Networks Association Engineering Recommendation G87
Energy Networks Association Engineering Recommendation P23
Energy Networks Association Engineering Recommendation G39
BS 7909 Code of Practice for: Design and installation of temporary distribution systems delivering ac
electrical supplies for lighting, technical services and other entertainment related purposes
BS 7430 2011 Code of Practice for Protective Earthing of Electrical Installations
BS 7671 2018 Requirements for Electrical Installations IET Wiring Regulations Eighteenth Edition
Regulations for the Electrical Equipment of Buildings Fourteenth Edition (incorporating amendments
1970 and 1974)
HSE Guidance Mines & Quarries
HSE Guidance Petrol Stations
Secondary Substations Earthing Design & Construction Policy (Document not available at time of publishing)
ESDD-01-006 Standard Low Voltage Connection Arrangements
ESDD-02-003 Low Voltage Connection Arrangements in Residential Developments
ESDD-02-012 Framework for Design & Planning of LV Housing Developments, including U/G
Networks and Associated HV/LV S/S
ESDD-04-003 Service Design for the Connection of Commercial, Industrial and Residential
Properties
OPSAF-12-061 Low Voltage Mains / Service Continuity and Polarity Testing

7. INTRODUCTION

This policy describes the requirements for the earthing of Low Voltage Distribution Networks in the SP
Energy Networks Licence areas.

The earthing arrangements on LV networks should be checked to see whether it is to the standard
described in this document whenever any of the following situations occur when:

i) Connecting a new substation or recovering an existing substation.

ii) Changing a transformer in an existing substation.
iii)Reinforcing or extending the network.
iv) Repairing the network.
v) Customers' earthing facilities which are provided via metallic water pipes are about to be
rendered ineffective by the insertion of non-metallic pipes in distributors or service pipes
by the Water Company or plumbing contractors.
vi) The theft of earth-wires or conductors has rendered earthing ineffective.

Non-standard or incorrect legacy earthing application should be rectified as per the requirements of
this document.

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8. REGULATIONS AND GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS

The configuration and design of LV networks has changed over the years as have the requirements
for the earthing on the network and in customers’ installations. New LV networks shall be designed
using Protective Multiple Earthing (PME), whereas extensions and additions to existing LV networks
must take account of the existing network conditions and the customer connections. The overriding
consideration when planning or carrying out alterations must be the safety of customers and
compliance with the requirements of the Electricity Safety Quality and Continuity Regulations
(ESQCR). Replacement of service connections on a ‘like for like’ basis without achieving compliance
with the requirements of the ESQCR is not acceptable. The key aspects of the ESQCR relating to LV
earthing are described below.

8.1 ESQCR

Regulation 8(3) (b) and (c) require that:

 Every supply neutral conductor is connected with earth at, or as near as is reasonably
practicable to, the source of voltage except that where there is only one point in a network at
which consumer’s installations are connected to a single source of voltage, that connection
may be made at that point, or at another point nearer to the source of voltage; and
 No impedance is inserted in any connection with earth of a low voltage network other than
that required for the operation of switching devices or of instruments or equipment for control,
telemetry or metering.

The application of Protective Multiple Earthing is governed by Regulation 9 which identifies the
requirements in regulation 9(2)(a) and (b) which require that: ‘In addition to the neutral with earth
connection required under Regulation 8(3)(b) a distributor shall ensure that the supply neutral
conductor is connected with earth at:
 a point no closer to the distributor’s source of voltage (as measured along the distributing
main) than the junction between the distributing main and the service line which is most
remote from the source: and
 such other points as may be necessary to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, the risk
of danger arising from the supply neutral conductor becoming open circuit.’

In addition Regulation 9(4) requires: The distributor shall not connect his combined neutral and
protective conductor to any metalwork in a caravan or boat.

It is a requirement of the Electricity Safety Quality and Continuity Regulations, regulation 24 (4) & (5)
that:
 Unless he can reasonably conclude that it is inappropriate for reasons of safety a distributor
shall, when providing a new connection at low voltage, make available his supply neutral
conductor or, if appropriate, the protective conductor of his network for connection to the
protective conductor of the consumer’s installation.
 In this regulation the expression ‘new connection’ means the first electric line, or the
replacement of an existing electric line, to one or more consumer’s installations.

In terms of the Electricity Safety Quality & Continuity Regulations an ‘electric line’ is defined as,
 any line which is used or intended to be used for carrying electricity for any purpose and
includes, unless the context otherwise requires:
o any equipment connected to any such line for the purpose of carrying electricity; and
o any wire, cable, tube, pipe, insulator or other similar thing (including its casing or
coating) which supports, or is associated with any such line.

8.2 Engineering Recommendation G12/4

The guidance notes issued at the time the ESQCR came into force state that compliance with the
requirements of Regulation 9, covering the application of PME to LV networks where the neutral and
protective functions are combined, can be demonstrated by adopting the requirements of Engineering
Recommendation G12/3 subsequently amended to G12/4. This Engineering Recommendation

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provides guidance on the application of Protective Multiple Earthing to an LV network and as such will
be referenced extensively within this policy document.

8.3 BS7671 – Requirements for Electrical Installations

BS 7671 Requirements for Electrical Installations otherwise known as the Wiring Regulations sets out
the requirements which should be met by a customer’s LV electrical installation in order to ensure
safety. Within these requirements are those for the equipotential bonding required between the
installation’s earthing conductor and extraneous conductive parts within a customer’s premises.

The use of a new earth terminal by any customer connected to the SPEN LV distribution network is
contingent upon their compliance with the equipotential bonding requirements of the wiring
regulations at the time their installation is connected to the terminal.

Table 1 – Requirements for equipotential bonding conductors in customer installations

(table 54.8 BS 7671 2018)
Copper Equivalent cross-sectional area of the Minimum copper equivalent cross-sectional
supply neutral conductor area of the main protective bonding
conductor
2 2
35mm or less 10mm
2 2 2
Over 35mm up to 50mm 16mm
2 2 2
Over 50mm up to 95mm 25mm
2 2 2
Over 95mm up to 150mm 35mm
2
Over 150mm 50mm

Equipotential bonding is required between the earth conductor and the following extraneous
conductive parts:
 Water installation pipes
 Gas installation pipes
 Other installations pipework and ducting
 Central heating and air condition systems
 Exposed metallic structural parts of the building

8.4 Types of Network and Service Connection

There are typically four basic kinds of LV service connection which can be found on the SPEN LV
networks.

8.4.1 TN-C-S

TN-C-S connections are associated with networks comprising combined neutral earth cables where
the neutral and earth functions are combined in a single conductor. This type of cable is used in the
construction of all new Protective Multiple Earthing (PME) networks and such a supply is often
referred to as a PME supply.

PME is not necessarily defined by the type of cable used or limited to a specific type of cable rather
by the fact that the neutral conductor, which may or may not also be the only earth conductor in the
cable, is connected to earth at multiple points within the network. A feeder constructed using a
Combined Neutral Earth cable must comply with the requirements of PME regulations in the ESQCR
as described above, whereas a feeder comprising separate neutral and earth conductors need not
comply with the requirements to earth the neutral at more than one location beyond the voltage
source.

Figure 1 (reproduced with permission from ENA Engineering Recommendation G12/4) illustrates
where PME facilities may be provided in the case of hybrid networks where a mixture of SNE and
CNE cables have been installed over time.

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TERMINOLOGY:
S/S = Substation
L/B = Link disconnecting Box (phase normally open, neutral solid)
CNE = Combined Neutral Earth cable
SNE = Separate Neutral Earth cable
= PME neutral earth electrode
= Bond between sheath of SNE cable and Neutral of CNE cable
PME facilities
Examples
available

S/S
SNE CNE Along whole length
1
of distributor
Earth electrode
where necessary
S/S
CNE SNE On CNE section
2
only

S/S L/B S/S Along whole length

3 CNE SNE SNE of distributors from
both substations
S/S Along whole route of
4 SNE CNE main distributor but
not branch

S/S On CNE branch &

SNE
SNE main distributor
5
between S/S and
CNE/SNE joint
CNE

S/S Between S/S and

SNE CNE SNE neutral sheath bond
6
most remote from
S/S
Earth electrode
where necessary

S/S
SNE Between S/S and
7
service joint position
Earth electrode
where necessary

Figure 1 Locations where PME facilities may be made available

(ENA ER G12/4 Figure 4.5)

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Figure 2 TN-C-S supply arrangements.

8.4.2 TNS

A TNS supply has a separate neutral and earth conductors between the service point and the neutral
earth connection at the source of the main distributor cable.

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Figure 3 TNS Supply Arrangement

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8.4.3 TT

In a TT supply the customer’s earth terminal is electrically separate from the SPEN network. In LV
networks where only the phase and neutral conductor is distributed and the neutral is not multiple
earthed it is essential that the customer provide their own earth terminal to which the protective
conductors of their installation must be connected and that this remains separate from the SPEN
network.

Figure 4 TT Supply arrangements

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8.4.4 Protective Neutral Bonding (PNB)

Although PME is the preferred option protective neutral bonding (PNB) may provide an alternative
solution in circumstances where it is not practical to install the LV earth at the transformer. In a PNB
earthing system the LV neutral conductor is connected to an earth electrode at a point remote from
the transformer at or near the customer's supply terminals.

PNB may only be used if the following criteria are satisfied:

 Direct supply to an individual customer fed directly from the transformer.

 The connection to earth shall be made as close as possible to customer's supply terminals
and no more than 40m from the furthest customer.
 The earth electrode shall have a maximum resistance of 20Ω.
 The earth electrode shall be a minimum of 8m from any HV earth.
 The metallic sheaths of any LV cables shall also be connected to the earth electrode.
 The transformer tank and associated HV metalwork shall be connected to the HV earth
electrode.
 Customer bonding requirements are the same for PNB as required for PME.

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Figure 5 PNB Supply arrangements

9. NEUTRAL AND EARTH CONNECTIONS

Bonding connections to neutral conductors, transformers, switchgear tanks, steelwork, link boxes,
pillars and earth electrodes shall be of copper unless otherwise approved. The connection should be
related in size to the largest phase conductor, either HV or LV at the substation, substation pole, joint
or termination as indicated below, but in any case it must be suitable to withstand the short circuit
2
conditions without damage. The minimum size should not be less than 16mm (except for street
lighting cable).

Table 2: Neutral and Earth Connections

Phase conductor Min Size of Earth Connection
2 2
4mm cu equivalent 4mm cu (Street Lighting only)
2 2 2
35mm cu, or 50mm Al or less 16mm cu
2 2 2
70mm cu, or 95mm Al or less 32mm cu
2 2 2
Above 70mm cu, or 95mm Al 70mm cu

Earth connections at poles and substations shall be insulated with 0.8mm thick PVC to at least
600mm below ground and 3m above ground level. They shall be mechanically protected at poles
and, where appropriate, elsewhere, with a capping of approved insulating material for at least 250mm
below ground and 3m above ground level.

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Table 3: Typical earthing arrangements to achieve a 20 ohm electrode:

Soil Type Typical Soil Horizontal Horizontal electrode with

Resistivity electrode length 3m vertical earth rods
(ohm-metres) and 5m horizontal
sections
Loam, garden soil etc 25 or less 5m
Chalk 50 or less 6m
Clay 100 or less 12m
Sand/Gravel/Clay mix 150 or less 20m
Sand/gravel/clay mix 200 or less 28m
7 x 3m vertical rod plus 7 x
Slate/shale/rock mix 500 or less 75m
5m horizontal sections
Key:

Key 3m Vertical Rod

5m Horizontal Electrode

10. EARTHING FOR NEW LV NETWORKS

New Low Voltage Networks shall be designed and constructed in accordance with ESDD-01-006,
ESDD-02-003, ESDD-04-003 and ESDD-02-012. The earthing of these networks will apply Protective
Multiple Earthing to the main distribution network and earth terminals shall be made available to all
customers with the exception of those described in section 16 where PME earthing is inappropriate.

Connection of the customer’s earth conductors and equipotential bonding conductors to the SPEN
earthing terminal shall only be made by a suitably qualified person who is able to certify the work
undertaken and the suitability of the installation.

New LV distribution networks shall be constructed in compliance with the requirements of ENA
Engineering Recommendations G12/4, G87 and G39 except where varied by the requirements of this
policy document. As necessary diagrams from these documents have been reproduced in this
document with the permission of Energy Networks Association, the ENA document and diagram
reference number are included in the figure annotation.

Any variations required by this policy will exceed the minimum requirements of the Engineering
Recommendation to either improve safety, simplify implementation or to aim to avoid any future
inadvertent breach of the requirements. An example is the placement of neutral earth electrodes.

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C
B >4 customers Neutral
≤4 customers
A Earth Electrode required
≤40 metres length
at C
> 4 customers Neutral No Neutral Earth
Earth Electrode Electrode required at B
required at A

≤4 customers >40 metres length Neutral Earth

≤40 metres length Electrode required at E End of main Neutral Earth
Substation No Neutral Earth Electrode or Neutral carried
Electrode required at D through

E
D

No maximum length
Service Line
Associated Branch
Distributing Main
Non-PME customer

PME customer

Figure 6 Requirements of G12/4 for Location of Neutral Earth Electrodes

(ENA ER G12/4 Figure 4.4)

In the diagram above it can be seen that where a branch has less than 5 customers and is less than
40m long there is no requirement for a neutral earth electrode under the terms of G12/4 and its
predecessor documents, indeed this reflects the conditions which were in place under Multiple
Earthing Approvals and in the 1988 Electricity Supply Regulations.

However, whereas the requirements for the installation of neutral-earth electrodes contained in ER
G12/4 are determined taking account of both branch length and number of customers connected it is
determined in this policy that all terminal joints or ‘insulated ends’ of distributing mains and branches
shall have a neutral-earth electrode installed the resistance to earth of which should not exceed 40
ohms. This will help to lower the overall impedance to Earth of the neutral conductor and protect
against inadvertent breach of these requirements and by implication the Electricity Safety Quality &
Continuity Regulations when additional customer connections may be made to a branch which would
otherwise not have required a neutral-earth electrode.

There may be customers whose installations incorporate elements described in section 16 such as
petrol filling stations with attached shops; in a PME network they may be permitted to make use of the
earth terminal only for those parts of their installation not precluded in section 16. The elements of
their installation which are included in the situations described in section 16 must be provided with a
separate earth electrode and supplied via a Residual Current Device to ensure rapid disconnection.

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10.1 Underground Mains Distribution

 New Underground distribution networks shall be designed and constructed using 3 core
waveform cables.
 Neutral Earth Rods shall be installed at the remote ends of all distribution mains and
branches.
 The resistance to earth of these earth rods should not exceed 40 ohms.
 Where the end of a distributing main is joined to another cable in a link-box or pillar then the
neutral/earth conductors of each circuit shall be permanently connected together.
 All service breech joints will incorporate a secondary earth connection by means of a
[500mm] solid copper tail installed alongside the cable – testing of this connection is not
required.

10.2 Overhead Mains Distribution

New LV Overhead distribution shall be designed and constructed using aerial bundled conductor
(ABC) suitable to the network design.

 Neutral-Earth Rods shall be installed at the remote ends of all distribution cables.
 Additional Neutral-Earth electrodes shall be installed at:
- the end of every Main Line.
- terminal poles where the ABC is connected to an underground main via fuses.
- sufficient evenly spaced intermediate positions (not more than every 8 spans) to
ensure that the overall resistance to earth of the ABC neutral/earth conductor(s) is
below the maximum permitted value.
- or near to the pole mounted transformer (normally one span away).
 The resistance to earth of these earth rods should not exceed 40 ohms.
 There shall be no new OHL Services to new properties supplied from ABC Main. All new
supplies from new ABC mains shall be via an underground service cable.

End of Main End of Main

Neutral Earth Neutral Earth

Additional
Neutral
Earth
HV
Earth Main LV
Neutral
Earth
End of Main End of Main
Neutral Earth Neutral Earth

Figure 7 Overhead Line Earth Rod Locations

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10.3 Services

Services whether single or three phase shall take account of the nature of the property to which the
service is being provided. On a new network services to a single discrete property or to conjoined
properties which do not include any internal metallic services or structural metalwork shall be provided
using a CNE underground cable.

Multi-occupancy buildings are typically flats, apartments, terraced types, where the building may have
a single supply from the network with mains & services distributed within the building and those
buildings which have multiple service connections to individual premises within the overall building.
For all multi-occupied buildings a common service point with the final neutral-earth connection point
shall be established for all units within the multi-occupied property. For these types of building the
connection from the main to the common service point may be made using a Combined Neutral Earth
cable but any distributing main within or outside the building and the services to the individual
premises within the overall building shall be made using Separate Neutral Earth cable. For further
details see section 14 of this document.

10.4 Combination or Segregation of HV & LV Earth Electrodes

Refer to the Secondary Substations Earthing Design & Construction Policy (Document not available at time
of publishing).

11. EARTHING FOR EXISTING/MODIFIED LV NETWORKS

Where existing networks are modified either due to reinforcement or extension or as a result of fault
repairs then the approach will depend upon the relative extent of the modification. For most fault
repairs and minor extensions or diversions it is considered most appropriate that these actions should
leave the network earthing unchanged, that is any repair or diversion shall be made with cable of the
same or similar type i.e. SNE or CNE construction.

11.1 Refurbishment/Modernisation

As described in section 8 the requirements of the Electricity Safety, Quality & Continuity Regulations
require that when an ‘electric line’ is first installed or replaced, unless it is inappropriate for reasons of
safety an earth terminal shall be made available to affected customers.

Refurbishment of a LV network will provide an opportunity to reconsider the earthing arrangements

applied to the distribution network. It will in general only be practical to consider changing the
earthing arrangements if the entire network associated with a substation (including service lines) is
being replaced. When considering changing the principles underlying the earthing of a network
during refurbishment or modernisation it may be necessary to consider the impact on any existing
customers supplied from the network which fall into any of the categories listed in section 16. Note
refer to BS 7671 Part 7 special installations through the various versions of the wiring regulations.
The requirements for electrical installations have changed as the wiring regulations have been revised
in the light of experience and changes in DNO practice.

Replacing an older SNE network with a PME network may lead to situations where customers would
have an existing connection to a network earth terminal which may no longer be appropriate on a
PME network. In such cases consideration should be given to whether to proceed with conversion
and make such alterations as are necessary to the installations of such affected customers or to make
the changes to the network in a manner which preserves the essential SNE characteristics of the
network and their supply connection. Simply providing an SNE service connected to the CNE cable
will not necessarily avoid the potential hazards of a PME network constructed using CNE cables for
these types of installation in the event that there is a break in the neutral conductor upstream of
service connection.

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11.1.1 Underground Mains

 Replace SNE with SNE.

 Replace CNE with CNE.
 Replace non-traditional cable types where supplied properties pre-date PME with SNE
Constructed cables.

11.1.2 OHL Mains

As properties supplied from existing OHL almost certainly pre-date the introduction of PME then
modernisation and alterations shall be SNE. This will ensure rectification and removal of historic
mixed earthing systems.

 Replace existing open wire 4 wire OHL which has no earth conductor distributed, with SNE
(ABC with an incorporated earth wire).
 Replace existing 5 wire OHL with SNE (ABC with an incorporated earth wire).
 Consider future customer requests for provision of earth terminal.

11.1.3 Services

 Where safe and suitable to do so, an earth terminal consistent with the existing Network
construction shall be made available to the customer.
 Where Network conditions are suitable, Service modernisation to properties that Pre-date
PME shall be SNE constructed.
 Where no earth has been previously provided, the System earth type shall be recorded and
communicated with the customer.
 It is the customer’s responsibility to connect to the earth terminal provided.
 Alterations to the system that impact on non-PME customers may require the SPEN project
manager to install BS 7671 Compliant bonding in all affected properties. SPEN policy is to
seek to avoid this situation if at all possible.

Customers with an existing SNE supply connected to an SNE cable network can be converted to
PME providing the following requirements are satisfied:

 The customer’s installation complies with BS 7671 bonding requirements. This may require
the provision of test certification, or visual inspection by qualified staff.
 A new PME cut-out is installed.
 There are no shared metallic services (water, gas etc.) with other properties (e.g. flats). If
there are shared services then all properties shall be converted to PME and the neutrals
bonded together in accordance with the guidance for multi-occupied premises (section 14).
 Where properties are supplied from ‘looped’ service cables then the earthing arrangements
in all properties supplied from the looped services cable shall remain the same (PME or
SNE).
 The SNE service cable is replaced with a CNE services cable (or the neutral and earths are
combined at both the services joint and the cut-out) NOTE it is NOT permitted to simply
combine neutral and earths at the cut-out).
 An earth electrode is installed at the service joint position (unless the mains cable is an
interconnector connected to substation earths at both ends).

11.2 Network Alterations

Care should be taken when introducing CNE constructed cables and equipment such as link boxes
that non-PME customers are not impacted.

 SNE compatible equipment shall be used wherever possible.

 Maintain 2 separate return metallic paths.
 Use of CNE constructed equipment on radial circuits.

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Link Box
SNE CNE SNE
Cable Cable Cable
Figure 8 Maintaining SNE with CNE components

Due to historic practices, particularly in SP Manweb, of introducing CNE cables into interconnected
SNE networks, particular care is required when previously interconnected networks are broken up into
radial circuits. Cable records shall be checked for the presence of short sections of CNE cable and
one of the following options implemented:

i) Maintain continuity of the neutral in the cases of a CNE cable and the neutral and sheath
in the case of an SNE cable.
ii) Where through continuity cannot be maintained on a CNE cable the neutral shall be
earthed at the termination with a <20ohm electrode.
iii) Where the through connection cannot be maintained on an SNE cable comprising
sections of CNE cable the neutral and earth conductors shall be connected together and
earthed at the termination with a <20ohm electrode. The installations of all customers
beyond the start of the section of CNE cable closest to the source substation shall be
inspected and where if necessary have BS 7671 compliant bonding installed.

11.3 Repair

When a LV fault is being repaired in order to avoid any potential issues which may occur if the
earthing arrangements of the network are altered the repair should replace like for like.

11.3.1 Underground Distribution

With underground cables it may be that the original type of cable is no longer stocked or
manufactured, for SNE cables repairs should be undertaken using 4core waveform cable with a
copper equivalent cross-sectional area equal to or greater than the cable into which it is being
inserted.

CNE cables should be repaired with CNE cable.

11.3.2 Overhead Distribution

Overhead LV distribution will be repaired like for like.

11.4 Use of Water pipes as an Earth Terminal

th
The use of the supply water pipe as an earth terminal ceased to be permitted in the 14 Edition of the
wiring regulations in 1966. There may however be properties where this practice continues, where
such conditions are discovered a letter to the customer as outlined in Appendix A shall be issued
requiring them to take remedial action to ensure that their installation has suitable earthing. Where
network conditions permit SPEN will provide an earth terminal compatible with network construction.

There may be occasions when the water company are renewing their own mains distribution replacing
existing metallic mains pipes with plastic pipes, in such cases any customers still making use of their
water pipe as the main earth terminal will have their earthing arrangements rendered ineffective, in
such cases a joint letter should be issued from SP Energy Networks and the local Water Company to
explain the changes which are being made to the water distribution system and the impacts. A
sample of such a letter is contained in Appendix B.

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12. EARTH LOOP IMPEDANCE

The value of the Earth loop impedance determines the ability of fuses and miniature circuit breakers
to effectively protect a customer’s installation and should be accounted for in the design of those
installations. However over time this value may increase due to developing problems on the LV
distribution network.

On an SNE network high values of Earth Loop Impedance only affect ability of fuses and MCBs to
operate correctly, whilst the supply impedance may be unaffected allowing customer’s appliances to
function satisfactorily. For a PME network the Earth Loop Impedance and the Supply Impedance are
the same and increased values of impedance may affect the satisfactory operation of customer’s
appliances which may create other effects such as apparent flicker in their installation.

12.1 Measurement

Earth loop impedance measurements must be made at the cut-out with the earth connections of the
property temporarily disconnected from the SPEN earth terminal and the customer’s installation de-
energised. All measurements shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements of OPSAF-12-
061.

12.2 Recording

For all new connections and whenever an earth terminal is provided for the first time to a customer
the Earth Loop Impedance shall be measured and recorded against the associated Meter Point
Administration Number (MPAN) in the GIS database.

12.3 Typical Maximum Values

The typical maximum values of Earth loop impedance may be expected to be as per table 4 below:

Table 4 – Typical Maximum Earth Loop Impedance Values

(Based on ENA ER P23)
Service Capacity up to PME SNE
Single Phase 100A 0.35 0.8
Three Phase 100A 0.35 0.8
Three Phase 200A 0.35 0.35
Three Phase 300A 0.2 0.2
Three Phase 400A 0.15 0.15
Three Phase 600A 0.1 0.15

Note: Although these values are the typical maximum values on many LV network it is still possible
for an installation to comply with the requirements of BS 7671 with higher values and SPEN is under
no obligation to provide lower values.

12.4 High Earth Loop Impedance Resolution

High Earth Loop impedance measurements at a SPEN earth terminal may be indicative of developing
problems on the distribution network. Even in cases where the customer’s installation is adequately
protected by a Residual Current Device(s) the presence of high readings requires further investigation
and resolution as it suggests a problem with the effectiveness of one or more connections of the earth
conductor most likely at cable joint locations. In all cases when a marginally high value of earth loop
impedance is measured it is worth considering what value could be expected at that point in the
network taking account of the cable sizes and lengths and comparing that against the measured value
before embarking on extensive investigation works.

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Where a high Earth Loop Impedance reading is obtained at a SNE service head:

 It is not permissible to simply seek to resolve the issue by making a neutral-earth connection
at that point. Further investigation shall be undertaken to establish the whether this is an
isolated issue or whether more customers are affected and where on the feeder the problem
is being caused.
 Where a customer’s installation is entirely protected by Residual Current Device then for
values of earth loop impedance as measured at the SPEN earth terminal of up to 200Ω it is
permissible to consider this as a low priority fault. Where the customer’s installation is not
currently protected by a Residual Current Device and the Earth Loop Impedance as
measured at the SPEN earth terminal exceeds 2 ohms then there is a risk that the fuses or
Miniature Circuit Breakers in the consumer unit will fail to operate within an acceptable time.
In such cases it is necessary to either resolve the issue immediately if possible or if that is
not possible to temporarily install a Residual Current Circuit Breaker on the Meter Board
between the Meter and the customer’s equipment as a temporary solution until such time as
the issue can be resolved in accordance with the low priority fault procedure.
 For higher capacity services the value of earth loop impedance at which the customer’s
internal protection is compromised reduces since it may be expected that they may have
higher capacity protective devices than a domestic property. Table 5 below illustrates the
operating current for a range of devices and capacities to deliver 5 second clearance and the
corresponding maximum earth loop impedance for that current at 230V.
 On a PME network increases in the level of Earth Loop Impedance may be as a result of
degradation of the Neutral/Earth conductor. In extreme cases the Neutral/Earth conductor
may be completely broken without leading to excessive values of Earth Loop Impedance
(although they may exceed the typical maximum values given in table 4), this results from the
presence of the equipotential bonding present in each customer’s properties connecting the
metallic services to the supply Neutral/Earth conductor in parallel with the break in the neutral
conductor.
 On a PME network if the Earth Loop Impedance exceeds 0.35 ohms further checks should
be undertaken to eliminate the possibility of a broken neutral conductor being the cause.

Regardless of whether the earth loop impedance value measured is below 0.35 ohms if a customer
reports flickering or fluctuating brightness from lights or voltage above or below statutory limits further
investigation is necessary to establish whether the neutral conductor is broken.

Table 5 – Maximum Earth Loop Impedance to maintain 5 sec clearance

Operating Current Maximum Earth
Device Type Rating (A)
5s clearance (a) Loop Impedance
BS 1361 Fuse 30 125 1.84
45 240 0.96
60 330 0.7
80 460 0.5
100 630 0.37
BS 3036 Fuse 60 205 1.12
100 430 0.53
BS 88-2.2 and BS 88-6 Fuse 50 220 1.05
80 400 0.58
125 690 0.33
200 1200 0.19
Type B MCB 40 200 1.15
63 315 0.73
80 400 0.58
100 500 0.46
125 625 0.37

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13. LOAD BALANCE

The voltage which appears on the supply neutral conductor (and consequently on customers’
exposed metalwork) beyond a broken neutral position is influenced by the load balance on the main.
If the load is uniformly distributed across the phases along the main, the neutral voltage rise is
theoretically zero beyond a neutral break and will be low in practice. Maintaining good load balance
will therefore minimise neutral voltage rise and consequent risk of shock under broken neutral
conditions. Good load balance will also minimise neutral voltage rise under normal operating
conditions, reduce losses, and maximise the load capacity available from the assets concerned. It is
the best way to reduce risks associated with broken neutrals and is an extremely important factor in
network operation and design.

14. MULTI-OCCUPANCY BUILDINGS

In terms of this earthing policy document the term Multi-Occupancy Building encompasses

 Buildings with a single point of supply and internal distribution such as may be found in
blocks of flats or houses which have been split and converted into flats
 Buildings which may have a common structure and internal services such as perhaps
terraced houses or industrial units where individual dwellings or premises may have separate
electrical services.

The principal concern which exists with such properties in a PME network is the problems associated
with neutral current diversion through either metallic services such as gas or water pipes or the actual
structure of the building in the case of steel framed buildings.

14.1 Domestic

14.1.1 Blocks of Flats/High Rise

A PME service may be brought into the communal service point within the building with an earth
electrode at the point of entrance. The SPEN earth terminal will be bonded to the structural steel
work and to metallic services. All Landlord supplies for stairwell lighting, lifts and the like together with
all other distribution within the building to the individual customers shall be SNE construction. Whilst
this does not prevent any movement of the neutral in the event of a broken neutral on the supplying
main it does avoid the concerns regarding Electromagnetic Fields and Electromagnetic Compatibility
which may otherwise arise due to diversion of neutral currents through common services and the
structural steelwork if the neutral at the end of the internal distributing main had to be bonded to the
structural steelwork as a means of effecting the necessary end of main earth electrode for a PME
distributor.

14.1.2 Converted Dwellings

A PME service may be brought into the communal service point within the building with an earth
electrode at the point of entrance, the SPEN earth terminal will be bonded to any metallic services.
All Landlord supplies for stairwell lighting and the like together with all other distribution within the
building to the individual customers shall be SNE construction. Whilst this does not prevent any
movement of the neutral in the event of a broken neutral on the supplying main it does avoid the
concerns regarding Electromagnetic Fields and Electromagnetic Compatibility which may otherwise
arise due to diversion of neutral currents through common services within the building.

14.1.3 Terraced properties

For terraced properties which may have services such as gas and/or water shared within the structure
of the building there is an increased potential for neutral current diversion to occur through these
services than if the properties were individually serviced from the street. To counter this it is

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preferable that such properties be provided with SNE constructed services from a common
distribution point or SNE constructed branch attached to the main cable (see figure 12).

Figure 9 Bonding Requirements for SNE Rising Main

(ENA ER G87 issue 1 Figure 5a)

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Figure 10 Bonding Requirements for SNE Rising Services

(ENA ER G87 issue 1 Figure 5b)

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Figure 11 Bonding Requirements for Group Metering Positions

(ENA ER G87 issue 1 Figure 5c)

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Note: due to the CNE

main all supplies are to
a PME standard despite
the use of SNE cables

Water

Gas
SNE
Services
SNE
Constructed
Branch
CNE Main

Single N-E connection for

all properties at the
common service point

Figure 12 Terraced Houses or Commercial premises with shared internal services

14.2 Commercial/Industrial

14.2.1 Shared Accommodation

Where the building comprises units with shared central accommodation and facilities, such as a
reception area, lifts and stairwells a PME supply may be brought into the central service area of the
building with a neutral-earth electrode installed at the entrance to the building. The earth terminal will
be bonded to the structural steel work of the building and to all metallic services. Landlord supplies
and all distribution within the building shall be SNE construction.

14.2.2 Separate Units

Where the building is a common structure with only individual units and no common accommodation
or facilities such as a reception area each individual unit will be supplied with Separate Neutral and
Earth services from a common distribution pillar or SNE constructed cable which may be supplied
from a PME network in which case a neutral earth electrode will be installed at the distribution pillar or
the joint at which the SNE cable is jointed to the main distributor. The metallic services for each unit
will be bonded to the protective conductor of their respective electricity supply as per figure 12.

15. PROVISION OF CUSTOMER EARTH TERMINAL

Whenever a new earth terminal is provided in line with the requirements below the final Earth Loop
Impedance offered to the customer at the completion of the work shall be recorded as described in
section 12.

15.1 New Connections

All new customer connections will be offered the use of an earth terminal unless it is inappropriate for
reasons of safety when the whole of a customer’s installation falls into one of the categories listed in
section 16.

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15.2 Cut-out replacement

Whenever cut-out replacements are undertaken and the network conditions and the nature of the
customer’s installation make it safe and suitable to offer an earth terminal then the opportunity to offer
an earth terminal to the customer shall be taken.

Where an earth terminal is available prior to the cut-out replacement then an earth terminal shall still
be made available after replacement. Where the earth terminal was already in use the customer’s
earth conductor shall be reconnected after replacement of the cut-out.

Although an earth terminal may be made available to the customer for the first time following
replacement of a cut-out, there is no requirement to connect the customer’s earth conductors, simply
to make it available. Connection of the customer’s installation to the earth terminal shall only be
made by a suitably qualified electrician capable of certifying that the requirements for equipotential
bonding and where necessary supplementary bonding has been met.

Having made an earth terminal available for the first time a letter shall be issued to the customer in
line with that described in Appendix C which makes it clear that use of the earth terminal is subject to
certification by a suitably qualified person that their installation meets the current requirements of the
wiring regulations with regards to equipotential bonding.

15.3 Customer Request

When a customer (or their electrical contractor) makes a request for an earth terminal it is important
that this should only be provided if their installation does not fall within the scope of section 16 and
that any earth terminal provided is of a type consistent with the LV network to which it is connected. It
is not for the customer (or their electrical contractor) to request a PME earth terminal or to demand a
particular level of Earth Loop Impedance, the type of earth terminal and the resulting Earth Loop
Impedance are both functions of the network to which they are connected, that is not to say that
unduly high readings for Earth Loop Impedance are not the responsibility of SPEN to rectify but if a
network is an SNE system it will necessarily have higher levels of ELI than would be expected on a
similar PME network and this must be recognised. For guidance on acceptable levels of ELI see
section 12.

Where a customer (or their electrical contractor) makes a request for an earth terminal no charge
shall be made in cases where it is determined that modernisation of the supply arrangement is
required.

Where no other work is being undertaken on the distributor branch or service cable before the request
is made it is permissible to charge for the provision of an earth terminal.

Where a request is received for the use of a SPEN earth terminal within a multi-occupancy building it
is necessary to consider the current earthing status of all of the customers and the nature of the
distribution network both inside and outside the building. It is of course preferable that the building
network be operated as an SNE distribution. However if the building distribution network is already of
a PME construction and other customers are already making use of a SPEN PME earth terminal it is
better that a consistent approach be adopted to all customers within the building.

15.4 Repair/Refurbishment

Where the repair or refurbishment of a service is undertaken then under the terms of Regulation 24(4)
of the Electricity Safety Quality and Continuity Regulations it is a requirement to make available either
the supply neutral conductor or the protective conductor of the network for connection to the
protective conductor of the customer’s installation unless it is inappropriate for reasons of safety such
as may apply to the conditions outlined in section 16 of this policy.

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16. SPECIAL SITUATIONS

The following sub-sections describe the particular issues which affect the suitability of a PME earth
terminal for each situation. Further guidance on suitable alternative arrangements may be found in
ENA Engineering Recommendation G12/4.

16.1 LV Supplies associated with Tramways and Railways

16.1.1 AC Traction supply points

As a result of the magnitude of traction return current which may be flowing through earth at such
sites PME earth terminals are not permitted at traction supply points. LV auxiliary supplies will be
provided in accordance with the requirements of ENA Engineering Recommendation P24.

16.1.2 AC tractions systems at locations other than traction supply points

A PME Earth terminal may be provided if the railway operator can demonstrate that their installation
will limit the rise of earth potential under both fault and normal traction conditions to the values in ENA
Engineering Recommendation G12/4.

16.1.3 LV supplies associated with DC Traction systems

A PME Earth terminal may be provided if the operator can demonstrate that they have or will satisfy
the requirements in ENA Engineering Recommendation G12/4 which are designed to minimise the
risk of electrolytic corrosion of earthing systems due to stray DC currents and to avoid any external
voltage being impressed upon the neutral/earth conductor.

16.2 Construction Sites

The nature of construction sites makes it impractical to maintain compliance with the requirements for
equipotential bonding necessary to safely make use of an earth terminal associated with a PME
network. Accordingly a PME earth terminal will not be made available for temporary supplies
associated with construction activities and equipment. A PME earth terminal may be provided to a
suitably constructed site office building from which the earth conductor will not be exported.

16.2.1 Dedicated Transformers – TNS

Sites provided with supplies via a dedicated transformer shall be provided with a Separate Neutral
Earth LV supply.

Construction site
DNO secondary
DNO Consumer
substation
HV : LV
L1 L1
L2 L2
L3 L3
N N
E E

Figure 13 TNS earth from a dedicated transformer

(ENA ER G12/4 Figure 6.2.2.1)

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16.2.2 TT Earthing System

If no other earthing system can be provided a TT earthing system shall be employed. The
construction site earth conductor is connected to a dedicated earth electrode, installed, owned and
controlled by the customer, with a resistance to earth which is at least low enough to meet the
requirements of BS 7671 to ensure that the necessary RCD protective device will operate within the
required timescales. This earth electrode system must remain separated at all times any PME earth
electrode or metallic cable sheath associated with the supply to the overall site.

Construction site

DNO secondary
DNO Consumer
substation
HV : LV
RCD
L1 L1
L2 L2
L3 L3
N/ E N
E

Other consumer
supplies

Figure 14 Temporary Building Supply with a TT Earthing system

(ENA ER G12/4 Figure 6.2.2.2)

16.3 Temporary Supplies (not associated with construction sites)

In terms of this policy Temporary Supplies applies to direct connections from the SPEN LV distribution
network apply to exhibitions, shows and stands mobile or transportable units or structures or
temporary buildings (note this does not include Caravans, Boats and Mobile Homes which are
addressed in sections 16.6 and 16.7).

The provision of supplies to shows and exhibition stands from the electrical installation of a
permanent building are covered in Section 711 of BS 7671, similarly the provision of supplies to
mobile or transportable units from a customer’s installation is governed by Section 717 of BS 7671.

Examples of mobile or transportable units include Outside Broadcast units, transportable catering
units, medical services vehicles etc. BS 7909 provides a code of practice for the design and
installation of temporary distribution systems for entertainment related purposes. In the case of
‘permanent’ arrangements for temporary supplies to such equipment such as supply pillars in
locations which frequently host such units then it is perhaps prudent not provide an Earth Terminal
from a PME network since it will not necessarily be possible to be certain that any connecting units
will be continuously under the supervision of a skilled person, that the suitability and effectiveness of
that as a means of earthing has been confirmed before connection and that the units are compliant
with the normal PME requirements.

Temporary buildings such as porta-cabins should take account of the construction of the unit, those
with external metalwork which may be connected to the earth terminal and would be capable of being
touched by a person outside the structure in contact with the Earth shall not be provided with a PME
earth terminal.

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16.4 Agricultural & Horticultural Premises

Section 705 of BS 7671 addresses the requirements for the customer’s installation to safely provide
electricity to the outbuildings. The particular issues which give rise to increased concern with supplies
to agricultural and horticultural premises are:

 Damp locations.

 The greater possibility of a person being in contact with true Earth potential whilst in contact
with earthed metalwork.

 Livestock and their greater sensitivity to small potential differences between their front and
hind legs.

As a particular result of the third point where a building which houses livestock does not have a metal
grid incorporated in the floor which can be connected to the supplementary equipotential bonding
within the location the use of a PME earth terminal is not recommended.

Central offices and buildings used for household applications are not covered by Section 705 and
may be provided with a PME supply.

16.5 Swimming Pools,

Section 702 of BS 7671 addresses the requirements for electrical installations associated with
swimming pools it is recommended that an earth mat be installed in the floor in Zone 2 surrounding
the poolside where a PME supply is provided and the earth terminal is used. The particular issues of
concern are the presence of water, the possibility of contact of the body with true Earth potential and
the presence of wet barefooted persons who are as a consequence more susceptible to the effects of
touch and step potentials if equipotential bonding is not effective.

Engineering Recommendation G12/4 provides the following guidance to be offered to electricians

enquiring about the use of PME with a swimming pool.

 The main service position can be provided with a PME terminal. It is the electrician’s decision
whether or not to utilise the PME terminal for all or part of the installation.

 Where the pool is in separate building or outdoors the consumer’s electrician:

o may decide to use the PME terminal to earth the house / offices/ shop etc.
or,
o may decide to segregate (‘gap’) the earth conductor / wire armouring of the pool
building circuit, install a separate earth electrode for the pool building and apply
equipotential bond as required by BS 7671 Section 702.
or,
o may decide to use the PME earth if a metallic grid is installed under the poolside
areas and bonded to the equipotential bonding.

 Where the pool is with the same building the consumer’s electrician:

o may decide to use a TT system to earth the entire installation.

or,
o may decide to use a TT system to earth the pool installation, and segregate the
metalwork and pipes from the rest of the building and connect them to a separate
earth electrode.
or,
o may decide to use the PME earth if a metallic grid is installed under the poolside
areas and connected to the equipotential bonding.

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16.6 Caravans Boats & Marinas

It is expressly forbidden in the Electricity Safety Quality & Continuity Regulations for metalwork in
Caravans or Boats to be connected to the combined neutral and protective conductor of a
Distributor’s network.

16.7 Mobile Homes

Mobile homes present potential dilemmas, previous versions of the wiring regulations defined these
differently to touring caravans and may have permitted the provision of an earth terminal connected to
the Distributor’s protective conductor. The 1998 version of BS 7430 specifically mentioned such an
arrangement in the Note to chapter 21.10 where it described residential caravans which are not
normally intended to be moved from a caravan park as being regarded as permanent buildings which
are permitted to use a PME Earth terminal.

The seventeenth and eighteenth edition of the Wiring Regulations has a subtly altered definition of
caravan from that found in the sixteenth edition. Under the seventeenth and eighteenth edition it is
possible to interpret the definition of a mobile home to be the same as for a touring caravan which
would preclude their use of a PME Earth terminal. Although a mobile home may not often, if at all, be
moved from its location it is still in essence a temporary building and should be considered as such
when determining whether an earth terminal can safely be provided. Where conductive parts of the
structure which would be connected to the earth terminal can be touched by a person outside the
structure then a connection to a PME earth terminal shall not be provided.

16.8 Mines & Quarries

The provision of supplies to mines and quarries are governed by the Approved Codes of Practice
issued by the Health & Safety Executive. Supplies taken to an underground shaft or to the production
side of a quarry must have an earthing system which is segregated from any system bonded to a
PME earth terminal.

PME facilities may be offered to offices, canteens etc. not located in the production side of the mine or
quarry.

16.9 Petrol Filling Stations

It is not permitted to utilise a PME earth terminal to provide the earth connection for fuel pumps and
equipment located on the forecourt of a filling station. The forecourt area must be supplied by a TT
system.

It is permitted for the permanent buildings such as restaurants and shops associated with the filling
station to be provided with an earth terminal from a PME system provided that the forecourt area has
an earth system which is segregated from the PME earth.

16.10 Street Lighting and road signs with electrical load of 500W or less

Individual street lighting columns can be supplied directly from the distribution network and may be
provided with a PME earth terminal.

Where a series of two or more street lighting fixtures are supplied either using a separate DNO cable
or via a lighting authority cable an earth electrode shall be installed both at the pillar which provides
the point of supply and at the final lighting column. The metalwork of the column shall not be
considered to be an earth electrode.

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ENA ER G12/4 contains the following guidance:

Part II of the Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002, as amended, which covers
protection and earthing, applies to supplies to street lighting installations and other street electrical
fixtures.

An earth electrode shall be provided at the end of every service supplying more than one street lamp
or road sign.

In accordance with BS 7671, bonding conductors shall have a minimum size of 6mm2 copper
equivalent for supply neutral conductors with copper equivalent cross-sectional areas up to 10mm2.
For larger sized supply neutral conductors the main bonding shall comply with Table 4.9a of ENA ER
G12/4.

These requirements apply to street lighting and road signs supplied by a DNO and by a street lighting
authority when using CNE cables. In this latter case supply from the DNO is usually to a pillar. See
Figure 15 (ENA ER G12/4 6.2.14a.)

Private installations and local authority installations using SNE cables which are supplied from PME
services must comply with Figure 16 (ENA ER G12/4 6.2.14b).

The following principles apply:

a) Bonding of small isolatable metal parts
Small isolatable metal parts, for example small metallic doors and door frames, need not be
bonded to earth.
b) Earth electrodes
All earth electrodes installed must comply with ENA ER G12/4 paragraph 4.8.
c) Earthing terminal
Until the requirements of BS 7671 and this Engineering Recommendation have been
complied with, the earthing terminal should be rendered electrically inaccessible so as to
prevent unauthorised connection.

Figure 15 Lighting Authority CNE distributor fed from PME service

(ENA ER G12/4 Figure 6.2.14a modified)

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Figure 16 Lighting Authority SNE Distributor fed from PME service

(ENA ER G12/4 Figure 6.2.14b modified)

16.11 Street Electrical fixtures not covered by section 16.10

This section covers roadside housings accessible to the public; examples are: cable television
distribution cabinets, electric vehicle charging points, electrical distribution cabinets with load above
500W.

NOTE: A code of practice for electric vehicle charging equipment installation has been published by the IET.

Street electrical fixtures should preferably be of Class II construction or equivalent as defined in BS

7671. Examples are public telephones, pedestrian crossing bollards, ticket machines. No
mains-derived earthing terminal is required, neither is a residual current device needed for earth fault
protection.

Where the street electrical fixture is of Class I construction as defined in BS 7671, (examples include
metal enclosures containing pumps, controls or communications equipment), a PME earth terminal
may be provided if the requirements of BS 7671 are met and:
a) For 3-phase equipment, the load is balanced, or:
b) For 1-phase equipment and 3-phase equipment with unbalanced load, the maximum load and
consumer earth electrode resistance bonded to their main earth terminal fulfil the requirements of
Table 6 (ENA ER G12/4 table 6.2.15).
If the conditions for a Class I installation cannot be met, a PME terminal should not be offered. The
earthing system of the installation should form part of a TT system by installing a separate earth
electrode and fitting appropriate protection in accordance with BS 7671 (e.g. an RCD).

Extraneous-conductive-parts (e.g. safety barriers, pedestrian guard rails) should not be connected to
a PME earth terminal.

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APPLICATION GUIDE Issue No. 5

Table 6 Maximum customer earth electrode resistance for street electrical fixtures
(ENA ER G12/4 table 6.2.15)

Maximum 1-ph Load or, Maximum consumer earth

Connection
for 3-phase, maximum electrode resistance
overall load unbalance bonded to main earth terminal
(see note)
500W 100Ω

1kW 60Ω
1-phase or
unbalanced 3-phase 2kW 20Ω

3kW 14Ω

4kW 11Ω

5kW 9Ω

NOTE: By agreement with the Network Operator, it may be permissible to take into account the effect of
distributed earths in specific situations.

16.12 Substation Auxiliary Supplies

For information and detail, refer to the Secondary Substations Earthing Design & Construction Policy
(Document not available at time of publishing).

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APPENDIX A – Model form letter to customer advising of the unsuitability of water pipes as
earth electrodes

Dear Sir/Madam

During the course of work associated with the operation and maintenance of the SP Energy Networks
Low Voltage network it has come to our attention that your installation is utilising the water supply
pipe to your property as an earth electrode. Such an arrangement has not been permitted in the
wiring regulations since the publication of the fourteenth edition in 1966.

The use of a water pipe as the earth electrode for your electrical installation is strongly discouraged
as the electrical integrity of the water pipe and its effectiveness as an earth electrode cannot be
guaranteed.

It is recommended that you consider either making arrangements for a dedicated earth electrode to
be installed outside your property close to the service or alternatively SP Energy Networks can make
an earth terminal available from our network.

The effective earthing of your electrical installation is the responsibility of the property owner. If you
wish to make use of the SP Energy Networks earth terminal it is necessary for the earth conductors
and equipotential bonding on your electrical installation to meet the requirements of BS7671, this
must be certified by a suitably qualified competent person before any connection is made to the earth
terminal.

If you have any further questions regarding this matter please contact our connections department on
the number below.

Tel 0000000000000000

Yours faithfully

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APPENDIX B – Model form letter to be sent to customers when the local water company gives
notice that they are replacing metallic mains

Dear Sir/Madam

We have been advised that the local water company are undertaking replacement works on their
mains and/or service pipes. This work will replace existing metallic pipes with new plastic pipes. If
the electrical installation in your property is currently reliant on the water pipe to provide the earth
connection then these works will render your earth electrode ineffective which has serious
implications for the safe operation of your installation.

If there is no earth connection to the service cut-out or to the sheath of the service cable or to a
separate copper earth rod outside your property then you may be reliant on the water pipe as your
earth electrode.

If you are not utilising the water pipe as an earth electrode there may still be an earth connection to
the water pipe, this is an important additional safety connection and it must not be removed.

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APPENDIX C – Model form letters for customers advising regarding requirements for
connection to SPEN earthing terminal

Dear Sir/Madam

SP Energy Networks have during the course of works on our network made available an earth
terminal to which your electrical installation protective conductors may be connected subject to your
electrical installation meeting certain minimum standards.

The effective earthing of the electrical installation is the responsibility of the property owner. In order
to make use of the earth terminal it is essential that your installation meet the requirements of BS7671
with respect to the provision of main equipotential bonding for metallic services such as gas and water
pipes and other extraneous conductive parts prior to the connection of the installation earth conductor
to this earth terminal.

Any connection to the SP Energy Networks earth terminal shall only be made by a suitably qualified
competent person who is able to certify that the requirements of BS7671 have been met.

© SP Power Systems Limited Page 36 of 36