Earthing systems
Introduction
The earthing system, sometimes simply called earthing,
is the total set of measures used to connect an
electrically conductive part to earth. The earthing system
is an essential part of power networks at both high- and
low-voltage levels. A good earthing system is required for:
protection of buildings and installations against
lightning
safety of human and animal life by limiting touch and
step voltages to safe values
electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) i.e. limitation of
electromagnetic disturbances
correct operation of the electricity supply network
and to ensure good power quality.
All these functions are provided by a single earthing
system that has to be designed to fulfil all the
requirements. Some elements of an earthing system may
be provided to fulfil a specific purpose, but are
nevertheless part of one single earthing system.
Standards require all earthing measures within an
installation to be bonded together, forming one system.
Basic definitions
Earthing or earthing system is the total of all means
and measures by which part of an electrical circuit,
accessible conductive parts of electrical equipment
(exposed conductive parts) or conductive parts in the
vicinity of an electrical installation (extraneous
conductive parts) are connected to earth.
Earth electrode is a metal conductor, or a system of
interconnected metal conductors, or other metal parts
acting in the same manner, embedded in the ground and
electrically connected to it, or embedded in the concrete,
which is in contact with the earth over a large area (e.g.
foundation of a building).
Earthing conductor is a conductor which connects a
part of an electrical installation, exposed conductive parts
or extraneous conductive parts to an earth electrode or
which interconnects earth electrodes. The earthing
conductor is laid above the soil or, if it is buried in the
soil, is insulated from it.
Reference earth is that part of the ground, particularly
on the earth surface, located outside the sphere of
influence of the considered earth electrode, i.e. between
two random points at which there is no perceptible
voltages resulting from the earthing current flow through
this electrode. The potential of reference earth is always
assumed to be zero.
Earthing voltage (earthing potential) VE is the
voltage occurring between the earthing system and
reference earth at a given value of the earth current
flowing through this earthing system.
Earth resistivity (specific earth resistance) is the
resistance, measured between two opposite faces, of a
one-metre cube of earth (Figure 1). The earth resistivity is
expressed in m.
Earth surface potential Vx is the voltage between a
point x on the earths surface and reference earth.
Electrical properties of the ground
The electrical properties of the ground are characterized
by the earth resistivity . In spite of the relatively simple
definition of given above, the determination of its value
is often a complicated task for two main reasons:
the ground does not have a homogenous structure,
but is formed of layers of different materials
the resistivity of a given type of ground varies widely
and is very dependent on moisture content.
The calculation of the earthing resistance requires a good
knowledge of the soil properties, particularly of its
resistivity . Thus, the large variation in the value of is
a problem. In many practical situations, a homogenous
ground structure will be assumed with an average value
of , which must be estimated on the basis of soil
analysis or by measurement. There are established
techniques for measuring earth resistivity.
One important point is that the current distribution in the
soil layers used during measurement should simulate that
for the final installation. Consequently, measurements
must always be interpreted carefully.
Where no information is available about the value of it
is usually assumed = 100 m.
Planning, calculations and measurements of grounding
systems can be performed according to regulations, i.e.
IEEE 80-2000 standards. The basic values for these
procedures are the maximum ground fault currents and
the fault duration of the different voltage levels. As parts
of the fault current return within the grounding system (i.
e. transformer neutrals, ground wire, nearby grounding
grids) only the remaining part has to be considered for
the design of the grounding system of the power station.
Determination of the resulting current flowing into the
ground electrodes is therefore an important task.