EDC-TP-002-Earthing For MV and LV Distribution Networks
EDC-TP-002-Earthing For MV and LV Distribution Networks
ELECTRICITE DU CAMBODGE
TECHNICAL POLICY
E DC-TP-002
EARTH INGS for MV and LV distribution
networks
August 2019
Version 1.0
/
EDC-TP-002 - EARTH INGS for MV and LV Distribution Networks
ELECTRICITE DU CAMBODGE
Page3/33 (l4
EDC-TP-002 - EARTH INGS for MV and LV distribution networks
Page4/33
EDC-TP-002 - EARTH INGS for MV and LV Distribution Networks
Content
1 PrinciplesofEarthings 8
1.1.1 Definitions 8
2.1 MetalofEarthing 12
2.4 LV Network 18
2.4.1 General 18
2.5 Interconnection and Separation Conditions Between the Earthing of the MV/LV Masses and
The LV Neutral Earthing of MV / LV Substations
2.6.1 MV/LVJointPoIe 20
2.7 Proximity Between MV And LV Network Earthing and Other Facilities of Electrical Energy 20
4.1.3 Authorizations 26
5 TthicajManagementoftheEarthing 31
31
Page7/33 (L
EDC-TP-002 - EARTHINGS for MV and LV distribution networks
1 Principles of Earthings
1.1.1 Definitions
The earthing of an electrical network consists in connecting its masses, or its neutral conductors, to a
grounding point by means of one or more protective conductors.
A grounding consists of a set of buried conductors, in direct contact with the ground and electrically
connected to each other.
For a small structure (pole) or structure (MV/LV substation etc..), the term 'earthing" is used, and for
major structures (such as HV / MV substations) the term earthing grid" is used.
This document deals with some parts of the earthing of the MV network neutral conductor that is
explained and developed in EDC-TP-001 technical policy.
The role of earthing on electrical work is to allow the flow of various fault currents inside the ground,
as lightning currents, fault currents at 50 Hz. or electrostatic charge flow currents.
During the flow of such currents through a grounding point or an earthing, potential differences may
occur between certain points, such as between two distinct metallic masses, or between the earth
electrode and the surrounding ground, or between two points of the ground.
• inside the electrical installation, limiting to non-hazardous values the potential difference
between simultaneously accessible masses;
j I i'tHpediate surroundings by limiting the step voltage and the contact (or touch) voltage
to aItis hat are not dangerous for people
Page 8 / 33
EDC-TP-002 - EARTH INGS for MV and LV Distribution Networks
This limitation is achieved through knowledge and control of the distribution of potential at the soil
surface. In the case of an extended electrical installation, the ideal situation is that one that can seek
to approach is the equipotentiality of all the masses.
The earth network of an electrical structure must limit the effects of potential increases caused by:
• faults at 50 Hz;
This limitation is the more effective when this earthing facilitates the flow of the current in the ground,
that is to say it has a low earth impedance as well for slow phenomena (50 Hz faults) only and for fast
(high frequency) phenomena, such as those caused by lightning.
In addition to power structures, equipment or stations operating at much lower voltage levels are often
found in substations or power plants: electronic or electromechanical relaying equipment,
telecommunications installations, etc.
This equipment is also exposed to the overvoltage effects experienced by the power structures, with
which they can be linked by resistive (or galvanic), inductive, capacitive or more generally
electromagnetic coupling.
Different equipment placed in the same structure must, when electrically connected, remain attached
to the same potential, including during the disturbances mentioned above. This shows the importance
of the earth resistance and the equipotentiality quality of the earthing grid, especially for low-level
equipment.
In electrical power distribution systems, earthing is usually referred to the part to which it is connected.
Thus, the following earths are identified:
These earthing are the subject of prescriptions described in several articles of the General
Requirements of Electric Power Technical Standard of the Kingdom of Cambodia of July 2004 including
all amendments.
Nevertheless, some important information not clearly mentioned in the PROKAS needs to be explained
as follow:
1*!'
Protect people against the risks that will result for them from simultaneous contact with masses and
conductive elements."
The main purpose of these provisions is the protection of persons intervening or approaching the
vicinity of the installations.
These persons must be protected against the risks which would result for them from simultaneous
contacts between two points brought to different potentials (masses and metal parts in connection
with them, floors and walls, etc.).
It is therefore necessary to fix the potential of the earth all the metal parts of an installation. It is for
this purpose that we seek to connect all conductive elements or conductive parts simultaneously
accessible.
A low value of the earth resistance of the masses also makes it possible to limit the rise in local
potential.
"For MV networks, earthing, via a low value impedance of the neutral point of power transformers of
MV networks..."
In the case of a single-phase MV fault, the impedance inserted in the neutral earthing limits the earth
fault current value to control:
The grounding of spark gaps and surge arresters ensures the protection of the equipment by controlling
the rise in potential that may lead to internal ignitions in the transformer or LV equipment of the MV I
LV substation during the flow of atmospheric overvoltage.
The shape of the grounding must therefore be adapted to the flow of high frequency currents.
This point must be integrated in the choice of the forms of the selected grounding. The recommended
technical solution is the multidirectional surface grounding.
These earth connections must also flow industrial currents in the same conditions as the earthing of
mases.
/
Page 10 I 33 l((
EDC-TP-002 - EARTH INGS for MV and LV Distribution Networks
During the potential rise of a grounding, another nearby grounding is likely to rise to potential as well.
The flow of a current I in an earthing causes a rise in potential of the surrounding ground U, which is
function of the resistivity p of the ground and the distance d with respect to the ground.
The value of this potential can be determined by the following approximate formula
u=
2iid
Rod Equivaient hemisphere
C.
Equiva'ent hemisphere
Rod
0
Linear coordinates
With two neighbours earthing M and N, with respectively resistance RM and RN; the influence of the
flow a current through the earthing M on the earthing N can be represented by the following figure
where RC is the common part of two earth, called coupling resistance.
Pagell/33 4L
EDC-TP-002 - EARTH INGS for MV and LV distribution networks
U<
- In relation to a distant earthing, the point N will therefore undergo a potential rise of about 10% of
that in the point M.
The grounding rules for MV and LV electrical installations are described below; they are detailed in the
data sheets attached to this document.
Considering copper stealing in many areas, the conductors used for earthing are different according
the earthing location.
35 mm2 copper conductor is used for all "indoor" earthings as built substations, OPS, RMU cabinets,
prefabricated substations, etc.... and for MV and LV underground networks. The whole earthing circuit
is made of copper (outside and inside the soil)
,.5rrrrtel hot dip galvanized conductor is used for all earthing installed all along a pole. This is
the ca~ ftrr pole mounted substations load break switches recloser surge arresters LV neutral
earthing etc The whole earthing circuit is made of mild steel hot dip galvanized conductor (outside
and inside the oil)
Version 1 Page 12 / 33
EDC-TP-002 - EARTH INGS for MV and LV Distribution Networks
Concrete pole NO NO NO No
(1) loop at the bottom of the excavation connected at the bottom of the support
Table 1: Regulatory Provisions for the grounding of MV OHL poles with bare conductors
The earthing of the masses of these poles are intended to ensure the protection of persons and
apparatus. The conditions are described in Table 2 below.
Air load break switch GIS load break switch GIS recloser
Cross arms, frames, Tap connected to the Tap connected to the Tap connected to the
equipment support, main earthing circuit main earthing circuit main earthing circuit
operating rods and from the top cross arm from the surge from the surge
bevel, .... arresters arresters
Page 13 / 33 (
EDC-TP-002 - EARTH INGS for MV and LV distribution networks
Operating platform Tap connected to the Tap connected to the Tap connected to the
(reinforces concrete or main earthing circuit main earthing circuit main earthing circuit
additional) from the surge from the surge from the surge
arresters arresters arresters
(1) In case the surge arresters are installed on the apparatus frame, the origin of the earthing
circuit is the apparatus frame. There is no need of connection using copper insulated cable (see
TDS N°6).
Note: The LBS or recloser supporting cross arm or bracket is not connected to the earthing circuit
because the equipment is bolted on and is already connected.
Shield wire is sometime used in area densely hit by lightning. It is to be reminded that a shield wire
only protects OHL against direct stroke and not against indirect strokes. So, installing surge arresters is
mandatory for efficient OHL equipment protection.
It is also necessary to compare the cost of the complete shield wire earthing system (it is reminded
that the wire must be earthed on each pole with an earthing value ~ 1OQ) with the cost of surges
arresters sets (every 400m as example). Most of time the advantage efficiency/cost is at the
advantage of surge arresters sets
In all case, the decision to install shield wire shall be taken by EDC Head office in Phnom Penh.
• phase conductor metallic screens shall be grounded at each end of the line, and at every joint
(See TDS N°1O.1 and TDS N°1O.2)
To allow the flow of one part of the capacitive current between phase and ground in normal service
and secondly of short circuit currents in the event of a ground fault, the phase metallic screens are
connected to the ground at the cable ends.
The interconnection between the screens is performed at each junction (or T); there is no electrical
• • 0
cticn the earth of the interconnection, See TDS N 11.
B These ovisions concern twisted cables with a cross section of less than or equal to 240 mm2
Aiiyother realization (bigger section layering of unipolar conductors doubling of cables etc ) must
be the subject of a specific study taking into account in particular the permanent flowing of heavy
currents in core and screens.
The combined grounding circuit of the masses/surge arrester is made of bare 50 mm2 mild steel
galvanized conductors. It consists of an equipotential bonding conductor connecting the support
bracket of the surge arresters and cable termination screens to the earth electrode.
The main earthing circuit start at the surge arrester cross arm.
This grounding is done at the foot of the pole respecting a geometry adapted to lightning currents flows
and the resistivity of the ground.
The latter, must terminate at a point easily accessible (near the door) on a main earth terminal, or earth
collector, provided with a 12 mm diameter copper terminal and 40 mm length in order to allow the
measurement of earth resistance and the installation of short-circuiting and grounding clamps.
No interrupting device (connector, switch, disconnector, etc.) is allowed in this equipotential bonding
conductor.
Using the metallic envelop or body of OPS and RMU cabinet as equipotential bonding conductor is
STRICTLY FORBIDEN. Metallic envelop or body MUST BE CONNECTED to the 35 mm2 copper
conductor equipotential bonding conductor.
The elements to be connected to this equipotential bonding conductor are described in the TDS N°14.
The following main elements can be mentioned: the cabinet envelope if it is metallic, the MV panel
envelope from the terminal provided for this purpose, the transformer is any, the metal screens and
the terminations or separable connectors of the MV cables, the metal reinforcement of the concrete
of the basement, the slab and the operating sidewalk (if it exists), the doors,....
The grounding of the cabinet is carried out at the bottom of the excavation during the execution of the
foundations or if no foundations this grounding is done under the cabinet (40 cm
copper conductors, forming a grid and a closed loop on itself, is arranged o/
cabinet. This conductor emerges inside the cabinet at a height of 0.3 m abov t
and it is connected to the main earth terminal board (see TDS N°16).
(
Page 15 / 33
EDC-TP-002 - EARTH INGS for MV and LV distribution networks
In order to control touch voltages, an equipotential belt is also connected to the main earth terminal
board. This belt (loop) consists of a bare 35 mm2 copper conductors, looped on itself in the immediate
vicinity of its connection to the main earth terminal board. It is buried at a minimum distance of 1 m
around the cabinet between 0.5 m and 1 m (in case of impossibility at a depth of about 0.3 m
minimum).
Note: Earthing Conductors inside the ground must be as close as possible to direct contact with the
original soil
OPS LV Neutral
A 35 mm2 cross section insulated copper conductor connection is made between the LV distribution
board (from the neutral busbar downstream of the switch or a specific terminal of the switchboard)
and the main earthing terminal board (see TDS N°16) of the OPS.
The conditions for connecting or not connecting the LV neutral to the earth ground circuit are
described in paragraph 2. 4 of this chapter.
The device masses must be connected individually by a 35 mm2 copper conductor to an equipotential
bonding conductor forming the earthing collecting circuit of the substation.
The earth circuit, consisting of a 35 mm2 cross section copper conductor, shall terminate at an easily
accessible point on a main earth terminal board or earth collector with a copper terminal of 12 mm.
mm in diameter and 40 mm in length to allow measurement of earth resistance and installation of
clamping devices for short-circuiting and earthing.
No interrupting device (connector, switch, disconnector, etc.) is allowed in this equipotential bonding
conductor.
Using the metallic envelop of the prefabricated substation as equipotential bonding conductor is
STRICTLY FORBIDEN. Metallic envelop or body MUST BE CONNECTED to the 35 mm2 copper
conductor equipotential bonding conductor.
The elements to be connected to this equipotential bonding conductor are described in the
corresponding data sheets.
• Steel reinforcement of the concrete by a connection connecting one of the bars of the
reinforcement to the main equipotential bonding conductor
• the MV cable screens via the protective conductor of the MV switchboard;
• the MV RMU via a terminal provided for this purpose;
• the sarn.t of LV switchboards;
atab!etiys
.thé transforrne tank;
earth terminals of measurement transformers, capacitors, etc.
A bare 35 mm2 copper conductor, forming a grid and a closed loop on itself, is arranged on the surface
of the substation. This conductor emerges inside the cabinet at a height of 0.3 m above the floor and
it is connected to the main earthing terminal board (see TDS N°16).
In order to control touch voltages, an equipotential belt is also connected to the main earth terminal
board. This belt consists of a bare 35 mm2 copper conductors, looped on itself in the immediate vicinity
of its connection to the main earth terminal board. It is buried at a minimum distance of 1 m around
the cabinet between 0.5 m and 0.8 m depth (in case of impossibility at a depth of about 0.3 m
minimum).
2.3.2.2 LV neutral
A 35 mm2 cross section insulated copper conductor connection is made between the LV distribution
board (from the neutral busbar downstream of the switch or a specific terminal of the switchboard)
and the main earthing terminal board of the substation (see TDS N°16).
The conditions for connecting or not connecting the LV neutral to the earth ground circuit are
described in paragraph 2. 4 of this chapter.
When the substation is integrated into a building civil engineering structure, and in particular because
of the existence of an earthing network for this building, the equipotential belt is not necessary.
When the surface of the substation is predominant in relation to the built-up unit (adjoining room, etc.)
or if this set does not have an earthing network, an equipotential belt is to installed around the building
(substation and premise).
The origin of the earthing circuit of the masses and surge arresters (combined both) is the support
bracket (or cross arm) of the surge arresters.
A bare 50 mm2 mild steel galvanized conductor starts from this fitting until the grounding inside the
ground at the bottom of the support.
I*/
Page 17/33 : \
EDC-TP-002 - EARTH INGS for MV and LV distribution networks
The other masses to be connected individually to this earth circuit, in derivation by a conductor of the
same section, are the following:
The transformer supporting cross arm or bracket is not connected to the earthing circuit.
Note: The installation of an equipotential loop for the pole mounted MV/LV substation is not required.
2.4 LV Network
2.4.1 General
In order for the equipment to have no mass, it must be double insulated or reinforced by construction
or installation.
This provision is part of the design of LV networks at ELECTRICITY du CAM BODGE and most of utilities.
Thus, a level of isolation, by design or implementation, of at least 6 kV of equipment used on the
networks was chosen. Under these conditions, earthing only concerns the neutral conductor.
The Cambodia PROKAS set the neutral earthing value to a maximum of 10 Q or 5 0 without mentioning
if this value is the global value for the whole LV neutral or if this is a maximal individual value.
Nevertheless, considering the network development in Cambodia and the troubles encountered on
the network in case of MV fault that could flow through the LV neutral, it is then propose to set up
to 10 0 the maximum resistance value of an individual grounding neutral and to a maximum of 5 0
for the LV neutral global value.
This value must therefore be respected in all circumstances. However, in areas where there are few
individual neutral groundings, it is recommended to have a maximum individual value of 10 0, the goal
being that all interconnected neutral grounding points is in accordance with the value requested for
the overall resistance of the neutral.
In all cases, the neutral conductor must be grounded in more than one point.
At a minimum, neutral grounding must be done by start under the following conditions:
VersiOn 1. Page 18 / 33
EDC-TP-002 - EARTH INGS for MV and LV Distribution Networks
These provisions are such that for each section of LV cable between two connection accessories
includes at least one neutral earthing so that the grounding of the neutral is maintained regardless of
the operating scheme; thus, when disconnect a cable section, the short-circuiting of the conductors at
the same time ensures the grounding through the neutral.
SeeTDSN°2OandTDSN°21.
2.5 Interconnection and Separation Conditions Between the Earthing of the MV/LV
Masses and The LV Neutral Earthing of MV / LV Substations
2.5.1 General
The design of the networks must be such that the earth flowing of a MV fault current does not generate
a rise in potential of the LV conductors beyond 1500 volts compared to a distant earth.
According the network structure, the following rules, applied to three categories of MV / LV
substations:
An area is called urban if, the MV feeder being entirely underground, there is continuity of the
protective conductors and equipotential links (screens and / or armour of the MV cables) from the
HV/MV station to the considered MV/LV substation. An equipotential network is thus constituted. In
addition, this underground network is not subject to atmospheric currents.
In this zone, the overall value of earthing of the masses is considered to be less than 1 ohm: a
connection is made between the neutral of the LV switchboard, downstream of the main switch, and
the grounding circuit of the substation masses.
In a so-called pen-urban zone, the continuity of the cable screens from the HV/MV station to the MV!
LV substation is not assured, but there is electrical continuity in more or less extejs.e..reas
(underground networks, sub-urban zones, craft or industrial, ...). In addition, the el%fiTJ
between earth connections is sometimes difficult to reach. / ' v'
Also, if all of the following conditions are true:
"' g A
t:'
I *
;...
EL..
.\
(2
Page19/33 fkC
-.
EDC-TP-002 - EARTH INGS for MV and LV distribution networks
• Global grounding value of the interconnected masses plus LV neutral (MV cable network, MV
/ LV, LV neutral) of the zone is ~ 1 C).
The LV neutral and the substation masses can be interconnected in a manner identical to that one
specified in 2.5.2.
If this is not the case, the electrical grounding of the neutral LV and earth ground of the MV masses is
carried out under the conditions described below in 2.5.4. and are electrically separated.
If the provisions mentioned above are not observed, the mass earthing of the MV / LV substation is
electrically separated from the LV neutral earthing.
The grounding of the LV neutral is then carried out with clear separation from mass earthing and at a
distance such that, depending on the resistivity of the ground and its environment, the coupling
coefficient between the grounding of the MV masses and the first earthing of the LV neutral is less
than 15%.
The measurement conditions and the calculation of the coupling coefficient are detailed in § 4. 3. 4
So, in case of LV ABC network, the first LV neutral earthing is located at the first pole after the
substation. This is the case for all LV feeders.
In case of LV underground network, the first LV neutral earthing is located at the first connecting
accessory inside a cabinet.
A mixed line pole with an MV network and a LV network must not have a neutral LV earthing.
In order to limit the potential rise associated with the coupling between earth connections, an
individual grounding of the LV neutral must not be carried out on a support comprising a
telecommunication or video network grounding.
2.7 Proximity Between MV And LV Network Earthing and Other Facilities of Electrical
Energy
The gej faizteristics of realization of the earthing of HV towers are the following ones:
• The eat1 ff tte HV pylons (115 kV, 220 kV and 500 kV) is made by three loops on each of
/;the four feif-v1th an overall resistance of the grounding less than 10 0.
These characteristics make the radius of the equivalent hemisphere of the widest loop is of the order
of 5 meters for the towers.
Now, in general, we consider that two earthing networks are electrically distinct if their distance is
greater than ten times the radius of the equivalent hemisphere of the largest.
Also, to guard against an excessive potential rise by coupling on MV and LV neutral earthing of
distribution facilities a minimum distance of 50 meters from an HV steel tower must be respected.
Note: These values may be lower if the HV line has a shield wire.
Public lighting installations are installed in accordance with the Cambodia recommendations. In
particular the candelabra drums are either grounded individually or interconnected by a ground
conductor providing equipotential bonding.
In the event of a ground fault on a nearby power distribution system, the potential for ground-level
candelabra drums must be controlled, resulting in recommendations to the extent practicable. The
following separation rules between distribution networks and public lighting networks.
In urban or pen-urban areas, and when the LV neutral and the MV masses are interconnected, there
are no separation conditions to be respected, nor a particular search for equipotentiality between the
networks.
In other areas, the arrangements to be made are those ensuring the separation between a MV masses
grounding and a LV neutral earthing (see chapter 1.3.2).
In the other zones, a minimum distance of 2 meters between an earthing of the LV neutral and a public
lighting installation connected to the ground (candelabra, equipotential bonding, ??) is to be taken into
account as far as possible.
In urban and pen-urban areas, when the LV neutral and the MV masses are generally interconnected
(see § 2.5), there are no separation conditions to be respected, nor any particular search for
equipotentiality.
In the other zones, a 10-meter protective distance between an earthing of the LV neutral and the earth
ground of the customer must be respected as far as possible.
Page2l/33 (k
EDC-TP-002 - EARTH INGS for MV and LV distribution networks
Depending on the nature of the currents to flow (HF currents due to lightning or 50 Hz currents due
to electrical faults) and the type of soil, some of these circuits become predominant.
It has been demonstrated that the geometry of the earth electrode has an influence on its effectiveness
in draining currents generated by lightning (surge); this allowed to state the following
recommendations illustrated in the figure here after.
100-
00-
0 I I
kFIz100
o,00i ooi oi I ic jJfflJ 100000
Frequency response of a buried horizontal conductor of variable length in a medium soil resistivity
(100 ftm)
For a given frequency, there is a length beyond which the efficiency of a linear grounding conductor no
longer increases.
Page 22 I 33 /14
EDC-TP-002 - EARTH INGS for MV and LV Distribution Networks
1441
fl
I 20
1110 Om
80 25m
60 1
• 4fl
— — — I2m
.0
0
10 11W 1000 kUz 10000
/. .
For a low frequency (50 Hz) earthing resistance and the same total length of buried conductor in the
ground, a high frequency earthing made with several conductors with a central point of current
injection is more effective than a grounding made with a single conductor.
So, an earthing intended for flowing high frequencies current (about 1 MHz) is to be designed by taking
into account these two parameters.
An earthing that only drain current at 50 Hz must consider only a low frequency impedance matched
to its use.
On facilities connected to overhead lines such as earthing connections will flow these two types of
current, the earthing design must take all this into account.
As summary, earthing rods are efficient to flow 50Hz currents only and an earthing comprising three
120° earthing conductors of 10 m length is efficient to flow atmospheric and 50 Hz currents.
3.1.3 TypeofSoil
The impedance of a grounding and the distribution of the potential in the ground depend on the
electrical characteristics of the ground that is to say on its resistivity. This is why the design of the earth
network of an electrical installation must begin with a study of the nature of the soil in which it will be
realized.
The resistance of an earthing network is proportional to the resistivity of the soil and subsoil in which
it is buried. However, the resistivity of the natural grounds presents the following peculiarities:
• it is extremely variable from one place to another depending on the nature of the soil and the
moisture content. Extreme values encountered in practice can vary from a few ohm-meters for
greasy and wet ground to a few thousand ohm-meters for very healthy and veryjgranites
(see § 5.2.3);
• at a given location, the soil is often heterogeneous, both horizontally an
• the resistivity of the surface layers of a site presents seasonal variati
frost and drought (which increase it) or humidity (which decreases itt. 1ii
to a depth of several meters in extreme and prolonged climatic conditiari
eS' /'
Page 23 / 33 iY i&i4$
L --' V
EDC-TP -002 - EARTH INGS for MV and LV distribution networks
A grounding must be strong enough and designed to withstand mechanical, thermal, chemical and
electrochemical degradation.
Earthing and equipotential bonding conductors must be protected against mechanical and chemical
damage; their connections to the ground, in the ground, the neutral point or the neutral conductor
and to each other must be made in such a way as to avoid untightening or loosening.
The realization of a grounding must be the subject of a preliminary study integrating the nature of the
currents to be discharged, the ohmic value of grounding to obtain, the resistivity of the ground, its
location and its proximity to the neighbouring networks, its form and the components to be used (the
results of this study must be part of the implementation design file).
Yes No
Interconnection of masses
and LV neutral earthing
,
J'riocficthecks every 5 years Condition of interconnection ohmic value improvement if necessary
It4, /
Version Page24/33
EDC-TP-002 - EARTH INGS for MV and LV Distribution Networks
Once the shape of the grounding has been determined (see Technical data sheet N°3), we use:
Depending on the nature of the soil and the use of the earthing, the realization of a "deep" grounding
by drilling, can allow the lowering of the ohmic value at low frequency (and only this one); before any
commitment of realization, it is essential to know the resistivity of the various layers of ground
(measurements, geological maps, ...). These deep earthings are effective only for currents at 50 Hz.
It is to be noticed that for some specific cases, the ohmic values can be drastically lowered by using
specifically minerals salts and component added in the bottom of the trenches in case of folded
earthing wire or earthing nets. The right value is obtained after several weeks but in case of very wet
soil the ohmic value will decrease after several months or year because water wash the components.
This is why this kind of earthing must be verified each 2 years
Note: use of conductive modules with chemical product or mineral salts for solving some specific
cases, EDC head office must be informed and only EDC head office will take the decision for using
such products.
A ground fault current flowing causes its rise in potential; at this moment, a person touching this
earthing or being close to, may be subject, depending on the circumstances, to a potential difference
called touch voltage or step voltage respectively.
Page 25/33 /t ii
EDC-TP-002 - EARTH INGS for MV and LV distribution networks
In addition, the earth connections of certain installations may be influenced by the presence in the
vicinity of other installations, for example railway networks, cathodic protections, etc.
In the case of a structure in service, the operator must wear LV protection equipment equivalent to
that of the LV hot line work (helmet, facial screen, insulating gloves, specific wear, safety shoes, etc....)
and use the LV insulating mat.
4.1.3 Authorizations
The operator responsible for taking measurements on the earthing circuits or on the neutral conductor
must be authorized to work on networks in the voltage range (MV and I or LV) and for the type of
structure concerned.
In case the work requires the opening of the earthing circuit of a structure in service, the continuity
of the grounding of each circuit element to be separated must be ensured: either by placing a shunt
maintained throughout the intervention, either by connecting the part to be separated from the
earth ground to an existing or created auxiliary earth ground.
-
Figure 7: Measurement of soil resistivity
Page 26 / 33
EDC-TP-002 - EARTH INGS for MV and LV Distribution Networks
p = 2R .a .R
Example: for a depth of investigation of three meters, a is 4 m and two measurements in two
directions if possible perpendicular are to realize
In this case, p = 25 R
Knowing that the value obtained from p is an average value for a depth approximately equal to 0.75 x
"a", it is possible by varying the distance "a" to deduce the profile of the resistivity variations at depth.
For example, the values of "a" recommended to verify the validity of the possible use of rods of 3
meters and 6 meters are 4 meters and 8 meters.
In practice, two measurements will be made with a = 4 meters in two perpendicular directions.
These indications make it possible to predetermine a satisfactory solution for the realization of a
grounding and thus avoid successive improvements.
The typical resistivities according to the nature of the soil are given in the table below.
Swampyland 5to30
Peat 5 to 100
Plastic clay 50
Jurassic marls 30 to 40
Claysand 50tcf
If Q /
7)
Page 27/33 0
EDC-TP-002 - EARTH INGS for MV and LV distribution networks
Schists 50 to 300
Micaschiste 800
-Igneous rocks
It is recalled that seasonal variations affect the resistivity of the layers of the soil.
In urban areas it is not possible to perform a correct earthing measurement, given the strong coupling
existing between the auxiliary rods and the earth to be measured. However, it is important to check
that the earth circuits are well connected in each MV I LV substation with the grid of the MV cables.
The measurement of the resistance of the earthing in urban area is not significant and reliable because:
• the difficulty of finding a clear ground for the implantation of the auxiliary measuring
electrodes;
• the practical realization of the MV masses of a station in the cabin which does not generally
allow to isolate electrically the grounding of the MV masses of the other conductors of masses
of the work.
Under these conditions, the arrangement adopted is to control the good continuity of the screens (or
Armor) of the MV cables; it allows the paralleling of all the earth connections of the various MV / LV
nettwe&fed by the same underground feeder.
a
' AJso with iperiodicity of 5 years a visual check is made to verify that the different equipment is
connected to the station s earthing circuit This visual control mainly concerns the screens (or Armor)
of the MV cablEs, as well as the connection of the LV neutral to the grounding circuit
Version 1. Page 28 / 33
EDC-TP-002 - EARTH INGS for MV and LV Distribution Networks
• Masses earthing of a new substation must be measured before connection of the MV cables;
• the value of the overall grounding of the zone must be checked every 5 years, as well as the
continuity of the screens and the connection of the neutral (according to the same provisions
as those described in § 5.3.1)
Are to be measured:
The conditions of measurement and control are specified in Technical data sheets N°24.a and 24.b.
below.
The method to be used is that known as the potential drop, applied with an authorized four-terminal
earthing measurement apparatus with an on-line arrangement of the auxiliary electrodes.
Earthings to be
measured
Note: in the case of the measurement of the overall earthing of the LV neutra/'1f
measurement terminal in the substation (earth plate, specific terminal of a I/I/
or the direct connection to a bar of a LV feeder. The voltage between the msrtA
Page 29/33 jJ
EDC-TP-002 - EARTH INGS for MV and LV distribution networks
LV substation and the LV neutral must be measured before connection to point X and shall not exceed
20 volts to allow the measurements to be carried out; If more, it should be eliminated beforehand.
The device injects a current I, measure V, calculates V / I and thus gives directly: R = V / I
X, Y, Z must be aligned and spaced according to the diagram above (distance XY = 60% of distance XZ).
Wherever possible, Y and Z should not be located on an area where the presence of other existing
earth or buried metal conduit would distort the measurement.
N.B.: experience feedback has shown that the use of a shunt between terminals X and Xv of the
measurement apparatus is likely to generate measurement errors, especially for low values; in this
situation, when calculating the coupling coefficient, inconsistencies may appear (negative coupling, ...).
In order determine the coupling coefficient the following measurement are carried out:
• RMN measurement of the resistance between the neutral earthing and the masses earthing.
, RM+RNi—RMN
Then coupling the resistance is calculated using the following formula: c = 2
The coupling coefficient C is then equal to Rc / RM rate. It must remain below 15%.
LV neutral
Masses earthing
earthhig 14 =
MU
14 R-R
M u MN
Rc
2
Far Earthings
Page 30/33
EDC-TP-002 - EARTH INGS for MV and LV Distribution Networks
* X, Y, Z rods must be aligned and spaced 1 - Measure the resistance RM of the masses
according to the diagram above. The distance XY earthing
= 60% of the distance XZ.
2 - Measure the resistance RN of the first
* Move away from all earthing, metal pipes or grounding of LV neutral
cables.
3 - Measure the NMR resistance between the
* In any case, it is prudent to carry out at least two earthings. (see diagram above)
two measurements by moving the auxiliary rods
4 - Calculate the coupling resistance Rc:
to ensure that the value obtained is independent
of the position of the rods.
Rc = (RM + RN — RMN)/2
* The location of the measurement apparatus
and the position of the auxiliary electrodes can 5 - The coupling coefficient is equal to:
be judiciously chosen from the beginning of the c = R / RM
measurement (Masses — Neutral — Coupling)
Check that c < 0.15
Earthing must be periodically checked and the results of the checking and measurements must be
recorded in a computerized file.
6 Terminology
Main earthing board Board with terminal or bar provided for connection to the main
Terminal or Main earthing conductor ground protection, and possibly the LV neutral conductor
Bar
Page 31 / 33
EDC-TP-002 - EARTH INGS for MV and LV distribution networks
Main protective conductor Protective conductor to which earth protection conductors, earth
conductors and possibly equipotential bonding conductors are
connected.
Elevation of earth potential Voltage between a grounding installation and the earth.
Impedance of the earthing Impedance at a given frequency of the earthing system, relative to the
reference earth.
Grounding or earthing Conductor or conductive body assembly in intimate contact with the
ground and providing an electrical connection with it.
Separated or independent Earthing/grounding sufficiently distant from one another so that the
earthing/grounding maximum current likely to be flown by one of them does not
significantly change the potential of others.
Overall resistance of Resistance between the main earthing board and the earth.
earthing
Contact voltage (or touch Part of the elevation of ground potential created by a ground fault and
voltage) applied to a person, the current crossing the human body between a
hand and the feet (conventional horizontal distance of one meter).
Step voltage Part of the earth potential rise due to a ground fault and applied to a
person with a step length of one meter, the current flowing through
the human body from foot to foot.
Earthing The conductive mass of the earth whose potential at each point is
taken by convention, equal to zero.
Version L Page 32 / 33
EDC-TP-002 - EARTH INGS for MV and LV Distribution Networks
Yes No
Interconnection of masses
and LV neutral earthing
Periodic checks every 5 years: Condition of interconnection, ohmic value, improvement if necessary
Page 33/33