How to Design System Grounding in

Low Voltage Electrical Systems

Course No: E05-016

Credit: 5 PDH

Velimir Lackovic, Char. Eng.

Continuing Education and Development, Inc.

P: (877) 322-5800
[email protected]

www.cedengineering.com
 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS................................................................................................................................ i

LIST OF FIGURES ...................................................................................................................................... ii

LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................................................... iii

Evolution of system requirements .......................................................................................................... 1

Insulation Fault Causes ........................................................................................................................... 1

Accidents linked to insulation faults ....................................................................................................... 3

Electric Shock affecting People ............................................................................................................... 3

Fire .......................................................................................................................................................... 4

Electrical power unavailability ................................................................................................................ 4

Direct and indirect contacts .................................................................................................................... 5

Equipotentiality of simultaneously accessible frames ............................................................................ 6

Electrical hazard management ............................................................................................................... 7

System grounding and personnel protection ......................................................................................... 7

TN grounding system .............................................................................................................................. 9

Implementation .................................................................................................................................... 11

TT grounding system ............................................................................................................................. 12

Implementation .................................................................................................................................... 13

IT grounding system .............................................................................................................................. 13

Behaviour on the first fault ................................................................................................................... 14

Behaviour on the second fault .............................................................................................................. 15

System grounding confronted with fire and electrical power unavailability hazards .......................... 18

Fire ........................................................................................................................................................ 18

Electrical power unavailability .............................................................................................................. 19

Influences of MV network on LV network, in terms of system earthing .............................................. 21

Lightning................................................................................................................................................ 21

Operating over-voltages ....................................................................................................................... 22

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

MV transformer’s frame disruptive breakdown ................................................................................... 22

MV-LV disruptive breakdown inside the transformer .......................................................................... 23

Switchgear and selection of system grounding .................................................................................... 25

TN grounding system ............................................................................................................................ 25

TT grounding system ............................................................................................................................. 26

IT grounding system .............................................................................................................................. 26

Neutral protection according to the system grounding ....................................................................... 29

Selection of system grounding .............................................................................................................. 31

Techniques for choosing the system grounding ................................................................................... 31

References ............................................................................................................................................ 33

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Time/current area of AC impact (15 Hz to 100 Hz) on people (defined as per IEC 60449-1) .. 3
Figure 2. Direct and indirect contacts ..................................................................................................... 5
Figure 3. Equi-potentiality inside a building ........................................................................................... 7
Figure 4. Connection arrangement of the neutral at the origin of the installation and of the frames of
the electrical loads .................................................................................................................................. 8
Figure 5. Example of the different system grounding arrangements included in the same LV
installation .............................................................................................................................................. 9
Figure 6. Fault current and voltage in TN grounding arrangement ...................................................... 10
Figure 7. Fault current and voltage in TT grounding arrangement....................................................... 12
Figure 8. First insulation fault current in IT grounded system .............................................................. 15
Figure 9. Second insulation fault current in IT grounding arrangement (distributed neutral) and
feeders with the same cross-section and length .................................................................................. 16
Figure 10. Electrical power availability ................................................................................................. 19
Figure 11. Short-circuit in a network supplied by a diesel standby generator ..................................... 21
Figure 12. Transmission of lighting over-voltages (regardless of the neutral point earthing method,
there are common over-voltages on phases) ....................................................................................... 22
Figure 13. Typical overhead public distribution.................................................................................... 24
Figure 14. RCD functional diagram ....................................................................................................... 26

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

Figure 15. Insulation Monitoring Device (IMD) functional diagram ..................................................... 27

Figure 16. Locating insulation faults by tracing the path of a low frequency current injected at the
installation origin .................................................................................................................................. 28
Figure 17. GFLD operating principle with low frequency impedance measurement ........................... 29

LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Maximum safe contact voltage times ....................................................................................... 4
Table 2. Breaking time in TN grounded systems .................................................................................. 10
Table 3. Upper limit of the resistance of the frame ground connection not to be surpassed according
to RCD sensitivity and limit voltage ...................................................................................................... 13
Table 4. Maximum breaking times specified in IT grounding arrangement ......................................... 17
Table 5. System earthing characteristics .............................................................................................. 17
Table 6. Maximum resistance of the earth connection of the substation frames depending on the
network system grounding ................................................................................................................... 23
Table 7. LV circuit-breakers tripping current (magnetic or short time delay) ...................................... 25
Table 8. Typical fuse operating threshold limits ................................................................................... 26
Table 9. Circuit breakers according to system grounding..................................................................... 30

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

Evolution of system requirements

Commonly used system grounding types are:
- Exposed-conductive parts connected to neutral – TN;
- Grounded neutral – TT;
- Ungrounded (or impedance-grounded) neutral – IT;

The objective of these three grounding systems is identical regarding protection of people and
equipment - mastery of insulation fault effects. They are considered to be the same with
respect to safety of people against indirect contacts.
Nevertheless, the same is not necessarily correct for dependability of the low voltage
electrical installation with respect to:
- System availability; and
- Maintenance requirements.

Quantities that can be calculated are subject to increasing requirements in factories and
buildings. Also, the control and monitoring equipment in buildings (electrical power
distribution management systems) has an increasingly crucial role in management and
dependability. These developments in dependability requirements impact the selection and
design of system grounding. It needs to be kept in mind that the issue with service continuity
(keeping a sound network in public distribution by disconnecting consumers with insulation
faults) played a role when system grounding first emerged.

Insulation Fault Causes

In order to provide staff protection and service continuity, conductors and live elements of
electrical installations are "insulated" from the frames connected to the ground. Insulation is
accomplished by:
- Applying insulating materials; and
- Distancing, which calls for clearances in gases (air, SF6) and creepage distances
(concerning switchgear, for example, an insulator flash over path).

Insulation is described by set voltages which, in line with standards, are applied to new
products and devices with:

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

- Lightning impulse withstand voltage (1.2; 50ms wave);

- Insulating voltage (highest network voltage); and
- Power frequency withstand voltage (2 U + 1,000 V/1mn).

Example for a LV type switchboard:

- Insulating voltage: 1,000 V
- Impulse voltage: 12 kV

When new equipment is manufactured as per adequate practices with products as specified in
standards, the risk of insulation faults is extremely low. Nevertheless, as the installation ages
this risk increases.

The installation is exposed to different aggressions which increase insulation faults. For
instance:
- During installation:
- Mechanical damage to an underground cable insulator
- During service:
- Conductive dust
- Insulator thermal ageing due to excessive temperature caused by too many cables in
a cable duct, a poorly ventilated cubicle, climate, current or voltage harmonics,
overcurrent, etc.
- The electro-dynamic forces created during a short-circuit which may damage a cable
or decrease a clearance
- The operating and lightning overvoltage
- The 60 Hz return overvoltage, created by an insulation fault in MV

Typically, it is a mix of these primary causes which creates the insulation fault. The latter is:
- Either of differential mode (between energized conductors) and becomes a short-circuit
- Or of common mode (between exposed conductors and frame or ground), a fault current
then flows in the protective conductor (PE).
- LV system grounding is mainly concerned by common mode faults which mainly occur in
loads and cables.

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

Accidents linked to insulation faults

An insulation fault, regardless of its cause, presents danger for:

- Preservation of property;
- Electrical power availability; and
- Personnel.

Electric Shock affecting People

A person exposed to an electrical voltage is electrified. This person may suffer from:
- muscular contraction;
- discomfort;
- burn; or
- Cardiac arrest (this is Electrocution) .

All of above effects are presented in Figure 1.

ms Time during which the
human body is exposed
10,000
a b c1 c2 c3

500
1 2 3 4
100

20
mA
500
Threshold=30mA Current flowing through
the human body

Figure 1. Time/current area of AC impact (15 Hz to 100 Hz) on people (defined as per IEC 60449-1)

Zone 1: Perception
Zone 2: Considerable discomfort
Zone 3: Muscular contractions
Zone 4: Risk of cardiac arrest

C2: Likelihood <5%

C3: Likelihood ≥50%

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

Since the protection of people against electric current lethal effects is a priority, electric
shock is the first and most important hazard that needs to be assessed.

The current strength (expressed in amperes), flowing through the human body (especially the
heart) is the most dangerous and can be fatal. In LV systems, body impedance value (skin
resistance is one of the most important aspects of overall body impedance) changes according
to environment including dry and wet premises and damp premises.
A safety voltage is defined as the maximum acceptable contact voltage for at least 5s and has
been set at 50 V. In this case, there is a risk of contact voltage Uc surpassing 50 V voltage,
which implies that the application time of the voltage needs to be limited and shortened by
using different protection elements as presented in Table 1.

Table 1. Maximum safe contact voltage times

Dry or humid places: UL≤50 V

Presumed contact
<50 50 75 90 120 150 220 280 350 500
voltage (V)
Protection devices AC 5 5 0.6 0.45 0.34 0.27 0.17 0.12 0.08 0.04
maximum breaking
DC 5 5 5 5 5 1 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1
time
Wet places UL≤25V
Presumed contact
25 50 75 90 110 150 220 280
voltage (V)
Protection devices AC 5 0.48 0.3 0.25 0.18 0.1 0.02 0.02
maximum breaking
DC 5 5 2 0.8 0.5 0.25 0.06 0.02
time

Fire
Once it occurs, fire can have serious consequences for both personnel and property.
Considerable number of fires are caused by localised temperature rises or an electric arc
created by an insulation fault. The danger increases as the fault current rises. It also depends
on the risk of fire or explosion that may happen in the premises.

Electrical power unavailability

It is increasingly important to master the issue of electrical power unavailability. In this case,
the faulty element is automatically disconnected to clear the fault, the results may be:
- sudden absence of lighting

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

- switching off equipment for safety purposes;

- staff risk; and
- financial effect due to production loss.

This risk must be mastered in process industries, which are lengthy and costly to restart.
Also, if the fault current is high, it will can to:
- Damage that can be significant which increases repair costs and time; and
- Circulation of high fault currents in the common mode (between network and ground)
which may create problem for sensitive equipment, especially if these are part of a "low
current" system geographically distributed with galvanic links.
During de-energising, the occurrence of over-voltages and/or electromagnetic radiation
processes may lead to malfunctioning of sensitive devices.

Direct and indirect contacts

Before studying the system grounding arrangements, definitions of direct and indirect
contacts need to be provided.
- Direct contact and protection actions
This is an accidental contact of personnel with a live conductor (phase or neutral) or a
normally live conductive element (as shown in Figure 2 (a)).
(a) Direct contact
ph

UC

(b) Indirect contact

Id UC

Figure 2. Direct and indirect contacts

In risky cases, the typical solution is by transferring electricity using a non-dangerous

voltage, i.e. less than or equal to safety voltage. This is also known as using extra-low
voltage. In LV, protection actions include placing live elements out of reach or insulating

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

them by means of insulators, enclosures or barriers. Additional measure against direct

contacts consists in using instantaneous 30 mA High Sensitivity Residual Current Devices
known as HS-RCDs. Protection against direct contacts is totally independent from the system
grounding, but this measure is mandatory in all circuit supply cases where implementation of
the system grounding downstream is not mastered.

Contact of personnel with accidentally energised metal frames is known as indirect contact
(as presented in Figure 2 (b)). Accidental energising is caused by an insulation fault. A fault
current travels and creates a potential rise between the frame and the ground, therefore
causing a fault voltage to appear which is dangerous, especially if it surpasses voltage UL.
Installation standards have provided an official status for three grounding methods and
defined the corresponding installation and protection practices. The protection actions against
indirect contacts are based on grounding of the frames of loads and electrical equipment in
order to prevent an insulation fault which actually represents a risk equivalent to direct
contact.

Equipotentiality of simultaneously accessible frames

Interconnection of equipment frames helps in decreasing contact voltage. This is done by the
protective conductor (PE) which connects the electrical equipment frames for entire
buildings. If needed, they are supported by additional equipotential links (as presented in
Figure 3).
It is important to remember that equipotentiality cannot be achieved in all points especially in
single level premises. Therefore, for the study of system grounding and associated protection
elements, the hypothesis Uc = Ud is used since Uc is the most equal to Ud. Uc and Ud are
defined as:
- Ud – electrical device frame "fault" voltage, with respect to the deep ground, caused
by an insulation fault
- Uc - contact voltage that depends on the potential Uc and the potential reference of
the person exposed to the hazard

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

Individual
protective
conductors
(PE)
Main
Reinforcement
protective
meshing
conductor

Water
Ga
s
Heating

Measuring strip

Ditch bottom loop Earthing conductor

Figure 3. Equi-potentiality inside a building

Electrical hazard management

Electrical hazard management is based primarily on prevention. For example, by measuring a
device’s insulation before energising it, or by fault prediction based on live monitoring of
insulation evolution of an unearthed installation (IT system).
In the case insulation fault happens, dangerous fault voltage must be removed by
automatically disconnecting the section of the installation where this fault happened.
Removal of the hazard depends on the system grounding.

System grounding and personnel protection

LV system grounding is defined by the grounding mode of the MV/LV transformer
secondary and the method of grounding the installation frames. Therefore, identification of
the system types is defined with 2 letters (as displayed in Figure 4):

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

3 3
N N

T
T

3 3
N N
N
I

Figure 4. Connection arrangement of the neutral at the origin of the installation and of the frames of the electrical loads

- The first one for transformer neutral connection (2 options):

- T for "connected" to the ground
- I for "isolated" from the ground
- The second one for the type of frame connection (2 options):
- T for "directly connected" to the ground
- N for "connected to the neutral" at the origin of the installation, which is connected
to the ground

Combination of these two letters gives three possible arrangements:

- TT: Transformer neutral grounded, and frame grounded
- TN: Transformer neutral grounded, frame connected to neutral
- IT: Unearthed transformer neutral, grounded frame

The TN system includes several sub-systems:

- TN-C: If the N and PE neutral conductors are one and the same (PEN)
- TN-S: If the N and PE neutral conductors are separate
- TN-C-S: Use of a TN-S downstream from a TN-C (the opposite is forbidden)

TN-S is mandatory for networks with conductors of a cross-section 10 mm2 Cu.

Each system earthing can be applied to an entire LV electrical installation. Nevertheless
several system grounding arrangements may be used in the same installation, as shown in

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

Figure 5.

3
N
PEN N N

PE PE PE

TN-C TN-S TT IT

Figure 5. Example of the different system grounding arrangements included in the same LV installation

TN grounding system
In the case of TN grounding arrangement, the fault current Id is only limited by the
impedance of the fault loop cables (as shown in the Figure 6):
𝑈0
𝐼𝑑 =
𝑅𝑝ℎ1 + 𝑅𝑑 + 𝑅𝑃𝐸

For a feeder and as soon as Rd~0:

0.8𝑈0
𝐼𝑑 =
𝑅𝑝ℎ1 + 𝑅𝑃𝐸

Once a short-circuit happens, impedances upstream from the relevant feeder cause a voltage
drop of around 20 % on phase-to-neutral voltage Uo, which is the nominal voltage between
phase and ground.

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

A Id

N
D
PE

C B

Rd
Ud

Figure 6. Fault current and voltage in TN grounding arrangement

0.8𝑈0
𝑈𝑑 ≈ 𝑖𝑓 𝑅𝑃𝐸 = 𝑅𝑝ℎ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑅𝑑 = 0
2

𝑈0 0.8𝑈0
𝐼𝑑 = →
𝑅𝐴𝐵 + 𝑅𝑑 + 𝑅𝐶𝐷 𝑅𝑝ℎ + 𝑅𝑃𝐸

Therefore, Id induces a fault voltage with respect to ground:

𝑈𝑑 = 𝑅𝑃𝐸 ∙ 𝐼𝑑
𝑅𝑃𝐸
𝑖. 𝑒. 𝑈𝑑 = 0.8𝑈0
𝑅𝑝ℎ1 + 𝑅𝑃𝐸

For LV networks, the voltage of around U0/2 (if RPE=Rph) is dangerous since it surpasses the
limit safety voltage, even in dry atmospheres (UL=50 V). The installation or part of the
installation must then be automatically and instantly disconnected, as shown in Table 2. Since
the insulation fault resembles a phase-neutral short-circuit, breaking is accomplished by the
Short-Circuit Protection Device (SCPD) with a maximum specified breaking time depending
on UL.

Table 2. Breaking time in TN grounded systems

U0 (V) phase/neutral Breaking time (s) Breaking time (s)

Voltage UL=50V UL=25V
127 0.8 0.35
230 0.4 0.2
400 0.2 0.05
>400 0.1 0.02

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

Implementation
To ensure that the protection device has been activated, the current Id must be higher than the
operating threshold of the protection device Ia (Id>Ia) irrespective of the fault location. This
condition must be checked at the installation design stage by assessing the fault currents for
all the distribution circuits.
If the same path is occupied by the protective conductor - PE- and the live conductors,
calculation will be simplified. To guarantee this situation, another approach consists in
defining a maximum impedance value on the fault loops according to the type and rating of
the selected SCPDs. This approach may result in increasing the cross-section of the live
and/or protective conductors. Another method of checking that the element will ensure
protection of personnel is to calculate the maximum length not to be surpassed by each feeder
for a given protection threshold Ia.
To determine Id and Lmax, three techniques can be applied:
- The impedance technique
- The composition technique
- The conventional technique

The latter gives the following formula:

0.8𝑈0 0.8𝑈0 0.8𝑈0 𝑆𝑝ℎ
𝐼𝑑 = = =
𝑍 𝑅𝑝ℎ + 𝑅𝑃𝐸 𝜌(1 + 𝑚)𝐿

For the protection element to complete its function properly, Ia must be lower than Id.
Therefore, the expression of Lmax, the maximum length authorised by the protection device
with a threshold Ia is:
0.8𝑈0 𝑆𝑝ℎ
𝐿𝑚𝑎𝑥 =
𝜌(1 + 𝑚)𝐼𝑎
Where:

- Lmax = Maximum length in m;

- Uo = Phase-to-neutral voltage;
- ρ = Resistivity to normal operating temperature; and
- Ia = Automatic breaking current.
- For a circuit-breaker Ia = Im (Im operating current of the magnetic or short time delay
trip release)

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

- For a fuse, current such that fuse total breaking time (prearcing time + arcing time)
complies with values presented in Table 2.

If the line is longer than Lmax, conductor cross-section must be increased. Alternatively, it
must be protected with a Residual Current Device (RCD).

TT grounding system
When an insulation fault happens, the fault current Id (shown in Figure 7) is limited by the
ground resistances if the ground connection of the frames and the ground connection of the
neutral are not associated. Assuming that Rd=0, the fault current is:
𝑈0
𝐼𝑑 ≈
𝑅𝑎 + 𝑅𝑏

Fault current induces a fault voltage in the earth resistance:

𝑈0 𝑅𝑎
𝑈𝑑 = 𝑅𝑎 𝐼𝑑 𝑈𝑑 =
𝑅𝑎 + 𝑅𝑏

Since ground resistances are typically low and of the same magnitude, voltage of the order of
U0/2 is dangerous. Therefore, the part of the installation affected by the fault must be
automatically disconnected (resistance of the frame earth connection is presented in Table 3).

Id

PE

Id=U0/(Ra+Rb)
Ud=U0Ra/(Ra+Rb)
Ud

Rb Ra
Figure 7. Fault current and voltage in TT grounding arrangement

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

Table 3. Upper limit of the resistance of the frame ground connection not to be surpassed according to RCD sensitivity and
limit voltage

Maximum resistance of ground connection

IΔn ≤ UL/Ra
50 V 25 V
3A 16 Ω 8Ω
1A 50 Ω 25 Ω
500 mA 100 Ω 50 Ω
300 mA 166 Ω 83 Ω
30 mA 1660 Ω 833 Ω

Implementation
Since the fault current (beyond which a risk is present (Id=U0RaL)) is far lower than the
settings of the overcurrent protection devices, at least one RCD must be installed at the
supply end of the installation. In order to increase electrical power availability, application of
several RCDs ensures time and current discrimination on tripping. All these RCDs will have
a nominal current threshold lower than Id0.
De-energising by the RCDs must finish in less than 1 s. It is important to note that protection
by RCD does not depend on cable length and authorises several separate Ra ground
connections (which is an unsuitable measure since the PE is no longer a unique potential
reference for the entire installation).

IT grounding system
The neutral is unearthed, i.e. not connected to the ground. The frame’s ground connections
are typically interconnected (just like the TN and TT grounding arrangements).
- In normal service (without insulation fault), the network is grounded by the network leakage
impedance. Natural ground leakage impedance of a three phase 1 km long cable is
characterised by the typical values:
- C = 1 µF / km
- R = 1 MΩ/ km
which give (in 60 Hz):
- Zcf = 1 / j Cω= 2,652 Ω
- Zrf = Rf = 1 MΩ,
Hence, Zf ≈ Zcf = 2,652 Ω

In order to correctly set the potential of a network in IT grounding arrangement with respect

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

to the ground, it is suggested that impedance (Zn ≈ 1,500 Ω) between transformer neutral and
the ground is installed. If this is done, IT impedance-earthed system is formed.

Behaviour on the first fault

-Unearthed neutral:
The fault current is created as follows (maximum value in the case of a full fault and neutral
not distributed).
If = Ic1 + Ic2
Where:
Ic1 = jCfωV13
Ic2=jCfωV23
Id=U03Cfω
For 1 km of LV network, the fault voltage will be equal to:
Uc=RbId
Typically, this voltage is not dangerous and the installation can be kept in service. If the
neutral is distributed, the shift of neutral potential with respect to the ground adds a current
Icn=UoCfω and Id=Uo4Cfω (as shown in the Figure 8).
-Impedance-earthed neutral
First fault current is expressed as:
𝑈
𝐼𝑑 = 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒
𝑍𝑒𝑞

1 1
= + 3𝑗𝐶𝑓𝜔
𝑍𝑒𝑒𝑞 𝑍𝑛

The corresponding fault voltage is still low and not dangerous. Installation can be kept in
service. Even though risk-free continuity of service is a huge benefit, it is mandatory:
- to know that fault exists
- to track it and clear it quickly, before a second fault happens

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

If
3
2
N 1
N

Surge PE
If If
limiter
Cf Cf Cf Cf

Insulation IC ICN1 ICN2 ICN3

monitoring Ud=RbIf N

device
Rb

If

V1 V2 IC2

If ICN
V13 V23 IC1

V3
Figure 8. First insulation fault current in IT grounded system

In order to accomplish this, the below must be done:

- The fault information should be given by an Insulation Monitoring Device (IMD) which
observes all live conductors, including the neutral
- the fault should be located using fault trackers

Behaviour on the second fault

When a second fault happens and the first fault has not yet been cleared, there are three
options:
-The fault concerns the same live conductor: nothing happens and service can continue
-The fault concerns two different live conductors: if all frames are inter-connected, the double
fault is a short-circuit (via the PE)
Electric shock hazard is similar to the one in TN system grounding arrangement. The most
unfavourable conditions for the SCPDs (lowest Id) are obtained when both faults happen on
feeders with the same physical/electrical characteristics (cross-sections and lengths, as shown
in Figure 9).

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

0.8 U0
Id
3
2
N 1
N
PE
Id
RPE RPh RPE RPh

Ud Ud

Ra

Figure 9. Second insulation fault current in IT grounding arrangement (distributed neutral) and feeders with the same cross-
section and length

0.8 𝑈0 0.8𝑈0
𝐼𝑑 ≈ 𝑈𝑑 =
2(𝑅𝑃𝐸 + 𝑅𝑝ℎ ) 2

The SCPDs needs to be in line with following statements:

- In the case neutral is distributed and one of the two faulty conductors is the neutral
0.8𝑈0
𝐼𝑎 ≤
2𝑍

- Or, in the case neutral is not distributed

0.8𝑈0 √3
𝐼𝑎 ≤
2𝑍

In this case one of the two faults is on the neutral, the fault current and fault voltage are twice
as low as in the TN grounding arrangement. Due to this major manufacturers authorise longer
SCPD operation times (as shown in Table 4). Just as in the TN system grounding, protection
by SCPD is only applicable to maximum cable lengths:

- Distributed neutral:

1 0.8𝑈0 𝑆𝑝ℎ
𝐿𝑚𝑎𝑥 =
2 𝜌(1 + 𝑚)𝐼𝑎

- Non-distributed neutral:

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

√3 0.8𝑈0 𝑆𝑝ℎ
𝐿𝑚𝑎𝑥 =
2 𝜌(1 + 𝑚)𝐼𝑎

Table 4. Maximum breaking times specified in IT grounding arrangement

U0/U (V) Breaking time (seconds)

U0: Phase/neutral voltage UL=25 V
UL=50 V neutral Neutral Neutral
U:Phase to phase voltage neutral not
not distributed distributed distributed
distributed
127/220 0.8 5 0.4 1.00
230/400 0.4 0.8 0.2 0.5
400/690 0.2 0.4 0.06 0.2
580/1000 0.1 0.2 0.02 0.08

This is provided that the neutral is protected and its cross-section equal to phase cross-
section. Due to this certain standards advise against distributing the neutral.
-Situation where all frames are not interconnected. For frames grounded individually or in
groups, each circuit or group of circuits must be protected by a RCD.
In the case of an insulation fault in groups connected to two different grounding
arrangements, the protective device's reaction to the insulation fault (Id, Ud) is similar to that
of a TT system (the fault current flows through the ground). Therefore, protection of
personnel against indirect contacts is accomplished in the same way.
𝑈𝐿
𝐼𝛥𝑛 ≤
𝑅𝑎

Time discrimination can be achieved to give priority to continuity of operation on certain

feeders.
In order to protect LV unearthed networks (IT) against voltage rises (arcing in the MV/LV
transformer, accidental contact with a network of higher voltage, lightning on the MV
network), a surge arrester needs to be placed between the neutral point of the MV/LV
transformer and the ground (Rb).
Overview of the characteristics for different system grounding arrangements and relevant
equations, with the main focus on personnel protection, is provided in Table 5.
Table 5. System earthing characteristics

Continuity of
Id Ud Lmax
operation
0.8𝑈0 𝑆𝑝ℎ 0.8𝑈0 0.8𝑈0 𝑆𝑝ℎ Vertical
TN
𝜌(1 + 𝑚)𝐿 1+𝑚 𝜌(1 + 𝑚)𝐼𝑎 discrimination

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

𝑈0 𝑈0 𝑅𝑎 Vertical
TT No constraint
𝑅𝑎 + 𝑅𝑏 𝑅𝑎 + 𝑅𝑏 discrimination
1st fault <1 A <<UL No tripping
Double
1 0.8𝑈0 𝑆𝑝ℎ 𝑚 0.8𝑈0 1 0.8𝑈0 𝑆𝑝ℎ Vertical
fault with
≤ ≤ discrimination
distributed 2 𝜌(1 + 𝑚)𝐿 2 1+𝑚 2 𝜌(1 + 𝑚)𝐼𝑎
and possibility
neutral
IT of horizontal
Double √3 0.8𝑈0 𝑆𝑝ℎ 𝑚√3 0.8𝑈0 √3 0.8𝑈0 𝑆𝑝ℎ
≤ ≤ discrimination
fault with 2 𝜌(1 + 𝑚)𝐿 2 1 + 𝑚 2 𝜌(1 + 𝑚)𝐼𝑎 to the
non-
advantage of
distributed
current feeders
neutral

PE cross-section that is typically equal to phase cross-section, can be half of phase cross-
section when the latter exceeds 35mm2.

System grounding confronted with fire and electrical power unavailability

hazards

Fire

It has been shown, that contact between a live conductor and a metal part can cause fire
especially in vulnerable areas. This can happen when current exceeds 300 mA. These areas
include:
- Premises with risk: Petrochemical factories, farms, etc.; and
- Premises with moderate risks, but where consequences may be extremely serious, e.g. very
high buildings.
In the unearthed neutral grounding arrangement, the risk of "fire":
- is very small on the first fault; and
- is as important as in TN on the second fault.

For the TT and TN grounding arrangements, the fault current is dangerous considering
developed power (P=RdI2):
- In TT = 5A < Id < 50 A
- In TN = 1 kA < Id < 100 kA

The power where the fault has happened is considerable, especially in the TN grounding

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

arrangement, and fast action is crucial in order to limit the dissipated energy (∫Rdi2dt).
Protection is provided by an instantaneous RCD with threshold of 300 mA, regardless of the
system earthing arrangement.

When risk of fire is particularly high (manufacture/storage of inflammable materials, etc.), it

is important to use a system earthing with earthed frames which naturally minimises this
hazard (TT or IT). Please note that TN-C is forbidden in certain countries when a risk of fire
and/or explosion is present, since PE and neutral conductors are one and the same, RCDs
cannot be used.

Electrical power unavailability

This hazard is the most important for utility operators since it results in nonproduction and
repair costs which can be considerable. It varies according to the selected system earthing.
Availability (D) is a statistical quantity (as shown in Figure 10) equal to the ratio between
two periods of time:
- Time during which the mains is present
- Reference time which is equal to the time "mains present + mains absent" Mean Down
Time (MDT) also depends on the fault current and in particular on its strength which,
according to its value, can cause:
- Damage of varying degrees to loads, cables, etc.
- Fire
- Malfunctioning on the low current control and monitoring devices
D – system availability MDT MUT MDT MUT MDT

𝑀𝑈𝑇
𝐷=
𝑀𝐷𝑇 + 𝑀𝑈𝑇
Time
MUT – Mean Up Time – Mean failure De-enegising De-enegising De-enegising
on fault Restoration on fault Restoration on fault Restoration
free time of voltage of voltage of voltage
MDT – Mean Down Time (detection +
repair + resumption of operation) Failure status Operating status
Figure 10. Electrical power availability

Therefore, system grounding must be examined in terms of electrical power availability, with
special focus on the IT system earthing since it is the only one that authorises non-tripping in
the presence of a fault.

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

In order to keep the advantage of IT system earthing, i.e. not interrupting electrical
distribution on the first fault, the second fault must be prevented. Otherwise, it presents the
same high risks as the TN grounding system. Therefore, the first fault must be cleared before
a second fault happens. The use of efficient detection and locating techniques and availability
of a maintenance team considerably decreases the chances for the "double fault". Also,
monitoring devices are available and they monitor processes in insulation of the different
feeders, provide fault prediction and anticipate status of the fault.This ensures maximum
availability with the IT system earthing arrangement.

- The TN and TT system earthing arrangements

These grounding arrangements use discrimination on tripping. In TN system, this is
accomplished with short-circuit protection elements if the installation protection plan has
been properly implemented (discrimination by current and duration selectivity). In TT
system, discrimination on tripping is simple to implement thanks to the RCDs which ensure
current and time discrimination. In TN system, repair time according to ∫i2dt, may be longer
than in TT system, which also affects availability.

-All grounding arrangements

It is useful to anticipate insulation faults, especially on certain motors before startup. 20% of
motor failures occur due to insulation faults which happen on energising. Insulation loss, on a
hot motor cooling down in a damp atmosphere, degenerates into a full fault on restarting,
causing significant damage to windings and production loss and even bigger risks if the
motor has a safety function (drainage, fire, etc.). This type of problem can be avoided,
regardless of the system earthing, by installing an Insulation Monitoring Device. If a fault
happens, start-up is stopped. In conclusion, in terms of electrical power availability, the
system grounding arrangements can be listed in the following order of preference: IT, TT,
TN.

Note: In order to ensure continuity of operation, installation is equipped with a generator set
or a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply). In that case there is a risk of failure to operate or a
risk of delayed operation of the SCPDs. This happens during source changeover (lowest Isc as
shown in Figure 11). In TN and IT earthing arrangements, it is vital to verify that the
protection conditions are always met (operating time and threshold), particularly for very
long feeders. If this is not achieved, RCDs must be used.

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

Irms
Sub-transient Transient
state state

Generator with compound

~3In excitation or overexcitation

In
Generator with
≈0.3In serial
excitation
Occurrence 10 to 0.1 to
of fault 20ms 0.3 s
Figure 11. Short-circuit in a network supplied by a diesel standby generator

Influences of MV network on LV network, in terms of system earthing

LV networks, unless a replacement uninterruptible power supply (with galvanic insulation) or
a LV/LV transformer is used, are affected by MV networks. This impact is reflected as:
- Capacitive coupling: Transmission of overvoltage from MV windings to LV windings
- Galvanic coupling: disruptive breakdown happen between the MV and LV windings
- Common impedance: if different ground connections are connected and a MV current flows
off to ground. This results in LV disturbances, typically over-voltages, whose generating
phenomena are MV incidents:
- Lightning
- Operating over-voltages
- MV-LV disruptive breakdown inside the transformer
- MV-frame disruptive breakdown inside the transformer
Typically this results in destruction of LV insulators with the resulting risks of harming
people and destroying equipment.

Lightning
In the case MV network consists of overhead lines, lightning arresters are installed to limit
the effects of a direct or an indirect lightning stroke. They are installed on the last pylon
before the MV/LV substation and they limit overvoltage and direct lightning current to earth.
However, a lightning wave is transmitted by capacitive effect between the transformer
windings, to the LV live conductors and can rise up to 10 kV. Even though it is progressively

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

weakened by the stray capacities of the network, it is suggested to install surge limiters
(lightning arresters) at the origin of the LV network, regardless of the used earthing system
(see Figure 12).
≤125kV ≤10kV

3
N

Short
connections
3 3

Figure 12. Transmission of lighting over-voltages (regardless of the neutral point earthing method, there are common over-
voltages on phases)

Similarly, to prevent coupling by common impedance, it is wise never to connect the

following to the ground connection of the LV neutral:
- MV lightning arresters
- Lightning rods placed on the roof of buildings. As a matter of fact, the lightning current
would cause a rise in potential of the PE and/or the LV neutral (risk of disruptive breakdown
by return) and loss of ground connection effectiveness.

Operating over-voltages
Certain MV switchgear types (e.g. vacuum circuit-breakers) cause considerable over-voltages
when operated. Unlike lightning which is a common mode disturbance (between network and
ground), these over-voltages are, in LV, differential mode disturbances (between live
conductors). These disturbances are transmitted to the LV network by capacitive and
magnetic coupling. Just like all differential mode phenomena, operating over-voltages do not
interfere, or only very slightly, with any of the system grounding.

MV transformer’s frame disruptive breakdown

On MV-frame disruptive breakdown inside the transformer and when the transformer frame
and LV installation neutral are connected to the same ground connection, a MV "zero
sequence" current (whose magnitude depends on the MV system grounding) can raise the
transformer’s frame and neutral to a dangerous potential. Actually, the value of the
transformer ground connection directly affects the contact voltage in the substation and
dielectric withstand voltage of the LV equipment in the substation (in the case the LV neutral

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

ground is separate from the substation one). Substation ground and LV neutral connections
are not generally connected. However, if they are, a limit is set to the common ground
connection value to prevent potential rise of the LV network. Typical earth connection values
are presented in Table 6.

Table 6. Maximum resistance of the earth connection of the substation frames depending on the network system grounding

Z: Direct earthing (Z=0)

in TN and TT
TNR or ITR (1)

impedance-earthed or
Ih (A) RPAB(Ω) unearthed in IT.
Z 300 3 to 20 IhMV: Maximum strength
1000 1 to 10 of the first earth single-
RPAB
phase fault current of the
high voltage network
Utp: Power frequency
withstand voltage of the
low voltage equipment
TTN or ITN (1)

of the substation.
IhMV (A) RPB(Ω) (1)The third letter of the
Z 300 3 system earthing means:
RPB
1000 1 - All the frames are
RA linked R
- The substation frame is
connected to the neutral
frame: N
- The earth connections
TTS or ITS (1)

Utp
2 4 10 are separated: S
(kV)
IhMV (A) RP(Ω) Note: No values
Z
300 4 8 20 stipulated but these
RP RB 1000 1 3 10 values prevent excessive
RA potential rise of the
assembly

The maximum value allowed for the ground connection resistance depends on the equi-
potentiality conditions of the frames of the LV network (its system grounding).

MV-LV disruptive breakdown inside the transformer

LV network must be earthed to prevent the rising of LV network potential to the phase-to-
neutral voltage of the MV network in the case of MV-LV disruptive transformer breakdown.
The consequences of this fault are:
- In TN earthing system the complete LV network, including the PE, is exposed to voltage

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

IhMVRPAB or IhMVRAB.

In the case this overvoltage surpasses the dielectric withstand of the LV network (in reality
the order of 1,500 V), LV disruptive breakdowns are possible if the equi-potentiality of all
the frames, electrical or not, of the building is not properly done or incomplete.

- In the case of the TT earthing system the load frames are at the potential of the deep ground.
Complete LV network is exposed to IhMVRPB or IhMVRB. There is a risk of disruptive
breakdown "by return" of loads if the voltage generated in RPB or RB surpasses their
dielectric capability.

- In the case of IT system grounding a discharger, short-circuits itself as soon as its arcing
voltage is reached. Consequently, it translates the problem to the level of the TN earthed
network (or TT network in the case there are several ground connections).

In any case, MV/LV disruptive faults can be severe, both for the LV installation and loads,
especially if LV neutral ground connection is not controlled.

Figure 13 presents an example of overhead public distribution. Risks of lightning, operating

overvoltage and transformer frame-MV and MV-LV disruptive failures are shown.
Ih≤300A 3

N
Metering

Lightning arrester
RCD
≥30m

≥8m ≥8m
PE
Earth trip

Rp<50Ω RB<4Ω RA<100Ω

Figure 13. Typical overhead public distribution

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

Figure 13 indicates that equi-potentiality of the complete distribution (all MV frames,

neutrals and connected application frames) is not crucial. Each risk is separately treated.

Switchgear and selection of system grounding

Selection of system grounding affects switchgear type and its installation.

TN grounding system
In TN grounding system the SCPDs (circuit-breaker or fuses) provide protection against
insulation faults, with automatic tripping according to a specified maximum breaking time.
- Circuit-breaker tripping happens at a level defined by the type of the tripping release (as
shown in Table 7).

Table 7. LV circuit-breakers tripping current (magnetic or short time delay)

Trip release type Operating threshold

B 3In≤Ia≤5In
Household (EN 60898) C 5In≤Ia≤10In
D 10In≤Ia≤20In
G (low threshold) 2In≤Ia≤5In
Industrial (IEC 60947-2) D 5In≤Ia≤10In
MA (for motor starter) 6.3In≤Ia≤12.5In

As soon as the fault current surpasses the threshold of the short-circuit protection trip release
(typically "instantaneous"), opening starts in a time far shorter than defined maximum
breaking time, for example 5 s for distribution circuits and 0.4 s for terminal circuits. When
source and cable impedances are high, low threshold trip releases must be used.
Alternatively, RCDs associated with the SCPDs need to be installed. These RCDs may be
separate residual current elements or be combined with circuit-breakers (residual current
circuit breakers) of low sensitivity. Their threshold needs to be:
0.8𝑈0
𝐼𝛥𝑛 <
𝑅𝑝ℎ + 𝑅𝑝𝑒

Installation of a RCD makes loop impedance checking unnecessary, a fact which is of

considerable importance when the installation is modified or extended. This solution cannot
be applied with a TN-C type system grounding (the protective conductor is the same as the
neutral one).
- Fuses used for short-circuit protection have time/current characteristics similar to the one

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

shown in Table 8. Individual validation of the ratings provided for each protection element is
needed to check suitability of the maximum breaking time. If they are not suitable, fault loop
impedance must be decreased (increase cable cross-section). Alternatively, fuse must be
replaced with a low threshold or a residual current circuit-breaker.
Table 8. Typical fuse operating threshold limits

In gG (A) Imin. 10 s Imax. 5s Imin 0.1 s Imax 0.1 s

63 160 320 450 820
80 215 425 610 110
100 290 580 820 1450

TT grounding system
With TT grounding system, the small value of the fault currents does not allow the SCPDs to
protect people against indirect contacts. RCDs need to be used in a combination with circuit-
breakers or switches. RCD functional diagram is shown in Figure 14.

Output
Time delay
Threshold
Shaping
෍ 𝐼Ԧ ≠ 0

Figure 14. RCD functional diagram

Their implementation must meet following requirements:

- People protection, i.e.
- Threshold I∆n ≤ UL/RA
- Breaking time ≤ 1s
- Continuity of service with thresholds and time delays allowing current and time
discrimination
- Fire protection with I∆n ≤ 300 mA

IT grounding system
In the case of a double fault, people safety is provided by the SCPDs. When the first
insulation fault happens, the calculation proved there was no risk (contact voltage lower than
limit safety voltage). Therefore, automatic de-energising is mandatory. This is the main
benefit of this grounding system. To keep this advantage, standards suggest the application of

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

an Insulation Monitoring Device (IMD) and locating the first fault. In the case a second fault
happens, automatic breaking is important due to the electric shock risk. This is accomplished
by SCPDs backed up by the RCDs if needed. Locating the first fault for repairs is simplified
with the application of a Ground Fault Location Device (GFLD). Predictive maintenance,
based on the monitoring of changes in insulation impedance, is also done. LV networks that
use IT grounding system, which starts at a MV/ LV transformer, must be protected against
risks of insulation faults between MV and LV by installing a "surge limiter".

Finally, to fix the potential of the LV network with respect to the ground (short network
supplied by a MV/LV transformer), impedance can be installed between the transformer
neutral and the ground. Its value of approximately 1,500 Ω (60 Hz) is very high in DC and in
very low frequency so it does not obstruct insulation measurement and fault locating.

- IMD operating principle - A circuit fault results in a drop in insulation, or more precisely in
resistance of the network. Therefore, the purpose of the IMDs is to monitor resistance value.
Typically, they operate by injecting an AC or DC current between the network and the
ground and by measuring the value of this current (as shown in Figure 15).

DC current injection provides permanent information of network insulation resistance. If this

resistance decreases below a predetermined value, then the IMD signals the fault. Low
frequency AC current injection (F ≈ a few hertz) monitors fault resistance but with a
distortion due to the presence of network leakage capacitance.

N Insulation measuring
current (Rd)
Impedance (~100kΩ at
Z
60Hz; low in LF)
Threshold→time
delay→alarm
Measuring

LF current generator

PE

Figure 15. Insulation Monitoring Device (IMD) functional diagram

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

This minor disadvantage in comparison with frequency injection is compensated with an

advantage of locating the first fault. Low frequency current injection elements can separately
provide the network’s insulation resistance and reactance. Also, they allow locating the first
fault without circuit opening and without the issues due to highly capacitive feeders.

- GFLD operating method - The most typical approach is to inject an identifiable current
(with a frequency different from the network frequency). The generator can be the IMD.
Then, by means of magnetic current sensors (toroid transformers and/or clamp-on probe)
associated with an amplifier tuned to the injected current frequency, it is possible to trace its
path up to the fault (as shown in Figure 16 ). Alternative solution consists in comparing,
constantly and for each circuit, the value of its resistance with a pre-set or programmable
threshold value.

LF
generator
PE

PE

Figure 16. Locating insulation faults by tracing the path of a low frequency current injected at the installation origin

This approach enables the following actions, both locally and remotely:
- First fault reporting (IMD)
- Locating of this fault (GFLD) in order to fix it (curative maintenance) (as shown in
Figure 17)
- Information about insulation evolution in time, feeder by feeder, to take corrective
action on feeders with abnormal insulation drops (predictive maintenance)

-Surge limiters are connected between a live conductor (neutral or phase) and the ground.
Therefore, their arcing voltage Ue must be adapted to the assembly.

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

PE

PE

Figure 17. GFLD operating principle with low frequency impedance measurement

Therefore, there are two models for a 60 Hz network:

- 250 V for connection to the neutral
- 400 V, for connection to a phase
Their function is twofold:
- Limit voltage on the LV network on MV/LV disruptive breakdown in the
distribution transformer. In this case, the limiter must flow off to ground the
"residual" current of the MV network.
-Limit lightning over-voltages - This relates for their characteristics.

Neutral protection according to the system grounding

The neutral must be broken by a multi-pole device:
- In TT and TN grounding arrangements, if neutral cross-section is less than phase cross-
section
- In terminal distribution in view of the Neutral/Phase reversal risk
The neutral must be protected and broken:
- In IT grounding systems for intervention of the protection device on the double fault, with
one of the faults potentially on the neutral
- In TT and TN-S grounding systems if neutral cross-section is less than phase cross-section
- For all system grounding if the installation produces harmonic currents of rank 3 and
multiples (particularly if neutral cross-section is reduced).
In TN-C the neutral, which is also the PE, cannot be broken. This is dangerous as a result of
its potential variations, due to load currents and insulation fault currents. To avoid risks, a
local equi-potentiality and a ground connection must be provided for each zone/consumer.

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

Table 9 indicates which circuit-breaker types should be used for certain grounding
arrangements. Note that TT and TN grounding arrangements can use the same devices (with
an additional residual current module in TT).

Table 9. Circuit breakers according to system grounding

Circuits Diagrams
TN- TN- TT IT
C S
Single phase circuits
Single phase circuits with one protected pole
I>
N No Yes Yes No
Two pole circuit breaker (1-protected pole 2-de-energized
poles)
Phase to neutral circuits with two protected poles
I>
No Yes Yes Yes
N I>
Two pole circuit breaker (with two protected poles)
Three phase circuits without neutral
With three pole protection
1 I>

2 I> Yes Yes Yes Yes

3 I>
Three pole circuit breaker
TN- TN- TT IT
C S
Three phase circuits with neutral
Without overcurrent detection on neutral
1 I>

2 I>
No Yes Yes No
3 I>
N
Four pole circuit breaker with three protected poles

1 I>

2 I> Yes Yes Yes No

3 I>
N

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

Three pole circuit breaker

Three phase circuits without neutral
With overcurrent detection on neutral

1 I>

2 I> No Yes Yes Yes

3 I>
N I>
Four pole circuit breaker with four protected poles

Selection of system grounding

The three system grounding described and standardized by relevant regulations have
optimum safety as their common objective. Regarding personnel protection, the three systems
are equivalent if all installation and operating rules are complied with. Regarding the features
specific to each system, none of the systems can be preferred over another. Rather, selection
of system grounding needs to result from an agreement between the network user and
systems designer. They need to agree on:
- Installation features
- Operating conditions and requirements

Techniques for choosing the system grounding

Three system grounding types can all be part of the same electrical installation. This provides
the best possible solution to safety and availability requirements. Selection steps include:
- Checking that the choice is not specified or stipulated by standards or regulations (decrees,
regulatory decisions)
- Discuss with the end user to understand his requirements and resources:
- Requirements for continuity of service
- Whether or not there is a maintenance service
- Fire hazard
Typically:
- Continuity of service and maintenance service: the IT will be selected
- Continuity of service and no maintenance service: No ideal solution -It is preferred
to use the TT grounding system whose discrimination on tripping is easier to

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 How to Design System Grounding in Low Voltage Electrical Systems – E05-016

implement and which minimises damage with respect to the TN. The installation of an
additional output is easily accomplished without the necessity of further calculations.
- Continuity of service not vital: it is preferred to use the TN-S (quick repairs and
extensions done according to rules)
- Continuity of service not essential and no maintenance service: Prefer the TT
grounding system
- Fire hazard: IT grounding system if maintenance service and use of
0.5 A RCD or TT grounding system
- Finally, here are the special characteristics of network and loads:
- Very long network or, even more important, leakage current: it is preferred to use
the TN-S grounding system
- Use of replacement or standby power supplies: it is preferred to use the TT
grounding system
- Loads sensitive to high fault currents (motors): it is preferred to use the TT or IT
grounding system
- Loads with low natural insulation (furnaces) or with large HF filter (large
computers): it is preferred to use the TN-S grounding system
- Supply of control and monitoring systems: it is preferred to use the IT grounding
system (continuity of service) or the TT grounding system (enhanced equi-potentiality
of communicating devices)

Since there is no ideal choice with single system grounding, it is suggested to implement
several system grounding techniques in the same installation.

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References

➢ Technique Schneider Electric no. 172

➢ IEC 60241: Fuses for domestic and similar purposes

➢ IEC 60269: Low voltage fuses

➢ IEC 60364: Electrical installation of buildings

➢ IEC 60479: Effects of currents flowing through the human body

➢ IEC 60755: General rules for residual current devices

➢ IEC 60947-2: Low voltage switchgear 2nd part: circuit-breakers

➢ IEC 61008: Residual current operated circuit-breakers without integral overcurrent

protection for household and similar uses (RCCB's)

➢ IEC 61009: Residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral overcurrent

protection for household and similar uses (RCBO's)

33