Professional Documents
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Connection of EarThing Circuits in HV Systems
Connection of EarThing Circuits in HV Systems
0. Introduction
13
15
18
5. Multiple circuits
43
6. Tests
44
49
0. INTRODUCTION
This Engineering Recommendation deals with the earthing of cable screens which constitute
an insulated three phase line, installed either in a service gallery, in an indoor installation
or directly buried. To reduce the losses on the line and optimize the transport capacity,
connection systems tend to be adopted which reduce the intensity of the currents induced
on the screens. These systems involve specific connections of the screens to each other
and to earth and give rise to permanent current and current surges on the screen circuits
which must be considered.
0.1 SCOPE
This Recommendation describes the systems and components used in the connections
of the screen circuits of three phase power lines for voltages equal to or greater than 66
kV, made up of single-core cables with metallic screen and insulating sheath. Specific
means may be required to withstand the permanent current and current surges which can
occur between different parts of the screen circuit, and between the same and the earth,
and the testing and checking of the continuity of this circuit should be allowed.
0.2 DEFINITIONS
This Recommendation uses the definitions of the International Electrotechnical Vocabulary
(publication CEI 50), and in Appendix A of "The Design of Specially Bonded Cable Systems,
(part 1)" of Electra no. 28, of May 1973.
The following definitions are moreover added:
Screen. Continuous concentric conductor which surrounds the main conductor and
insulation, aimed at confining the electric field and at conducting the possible shortcircuit currents. It can be made up of a continuous metallic covering or a corona of
wires possibly complemented with metallic tapes. It should be connected to earth
directly or indirectly.
Sheath Voltage Limiters (SVL). Devices with two terminals of strongly non-linear
voltage-current characteristic, aimed at limiting the differences of transitory potential
which, on the occasion of impulse, atmospheric or manoeuvring surges, can appear
between elements of the screen circuit with limited dielectric strength.
Connection box. Blockable box (1), built to house the connections of the screens, of
the earthing cables and the associated SVL when they exist. It should be connected
to earth if it is metallic.
Indirect earthing Earthing of the screens of the cables, or of a section of them, so that
the screen circulation currents that would otherwise occur are reduced or eliminated.
Other sections of screen from the same or another phase may be involved in series in
this connection between a screen and an earth electrode. Indirect earthing causes small
permanent current at some points of the screens or at the terminal.
Joints
Fig. 1
Rigid earthing system
Generally speaking, single-core cables which constitute a three phase line are arranged
in a triangle as close as possible, to reduce the currents on the screens, which increase
on increasing the separation between phases.
With this arrangement, the transpositions of phases along the line are only useful to reduce
their inductive influence on adjacent cables. When the arrangement is flat, or in some other
way asymmetric, the transposition of conductors can moreover achieve the equality of
currents on the screens, and thus obtain the minimum value of losses in this type of
connection. Under no circumstances can the transposition of conductors be used to cancel
the currents on the screens.
(2)
It is prudent to connect the screens together and to earth every 2 to 3 km, but this is only required
if the voltages generated between phases or between phase and earth due to voltage drop because
of the circulation of fault current exceeds the perforation voltage of the sheath.
Major section
Minor section
Minor section
Minor section
Cross-bonding
link boxes
Fig. 2
Cross bonded system
(1 major section, 3 minor sections)
We thus achieve that in each major section the total EMF induced is practically nil. A
sufficient, although not total, reduction of this EMF can be achieved with unequal sections
or with a number which is not a multiple of three. The screens are earthed at the two ends
of the line and, possibly, at the ends of the major sections. If the arrangement of the cables
is not symmetrical (flat arrangement, for example) and, for this reason, transpositions of
the same are carried out, the crossing of the connections of the screens should be carried
out in the opposite direction to that of the transposition, so that the screens in series remain
in the same spatial position all along the run.
Fig. 3
Crossing of screens in the event of transposition of cables
Two variants are distinguished for the purposes of the connection of the screens to each
other and to earth: Sectionalised cross bonding: The screens are joined to each other
and to earth at the ends of the circuit and at the ends of all the major sections.
Major section
Major section
Continuous cross bonding: The screens are joined to each other and to earth only at the
ends of the circuit.
Major section
Major section
SVL
link box
Fig. 6
Single point bonding system
(Earthing at one end)
SVL
link box
Fig. 7
Single point bonding system
(Earthing at the middle point)
10
SVL
link box
SVL
link boxes
Fig. 8
Single point bonding system
(Earthing at both ends with interruption of
screen at the middle point)
11
(3)
The detachable connections are connected by means of blades or screws and can easily be
removed and replaced, without subjecting the elements of the circuit to stress or bending.
12
If there is no earth continuity conductor, and in the location there is a local earth system
intended for other uses, to carry out the connection to this system it will be necessary
to justify that it can accept the impulses of intensity which would originate in the event
of atmospheric or manoeuvring discharge and the industrial frequency intensities that
would appear in the event of action of one of the SVL ensuring the safety of people and
equipment.
If none of the possibilities indicated in the above hypotheses is available, the centre of
the star of the SVL will not be earthed. In these cases, the connection of the SVL in a
triangle is preferred.
14
Joints
Fig. 1
Rigid earthing system
Major section
Minor section
Minor section
Minor section
Cross bonding
link boxes
with SVL
Fig. 2
Cross bonting system
(1 Major section, 3 minor sections)
15
Major section
Major section
The SVL can be connected in the following manners (see Fig 9):
In a triangle, each of them being parallel with the continuity interruption space of each
screen.
In a star, with its centre connected to a local earth system or to the bonding conductor
(or to one of the conductors), if it exists (see section 2.3).
In a star, with its centre insulated.
Cross bonding
link box
with SVL
SVL in
star
SVL in
triangle
Fig. 9
Detail of SVL box and screen crossing
16
SVL
link box
SVL
link box
SVL
link box
Fig. 7
Single point bonded system
(Earthing at the middle point)
SVL
link boxes
Fig. 8
Single point bonded system
(Earthing at both ends with interruption
of screen at the middle point)
17
The elements necessary to establish the connections between the elements of the screen
circuit that each system requires, and for the subsequent verification of the screens, are
described below.
4.1 CONNECTION BOXES OR CUPBOARDS (4)
The ends of the junction cables and of the SVL (except the SVL connected directly between
sectioning insulation on terminals of equipment with metallic casing or on external terminals
see section 4.5.1), will be enclosed in connection boxes capable of containing the effects
of thermal or electric failure of any of the elements housed without damage being caused
to neighbouring external elements. In the cases of boxes installed in chests or enclosures
of small volume it is recommended that they should be capable of containing the effects
of an internal short-circuit.(5)
In the case of voltages of 245 kV upwards, with their corresponding high fault levels, it is
accepted that, in certain situations, the insulation of the SVL and of the connections may
not be capable of withstanding the conditions to which they are subjected in the event of
an internal fault of the line itself. When this situation is foreseen, additional measures should
be adopted to confine the consequences of this type of fault.
Metallic connection boxes should always be earthed, by means of a connection independent
from the earthing of the elements contained inside them (connections of the screens or of
the SVL) with a sufficient level of insulation. The internal insulation of the connection boxes
should fulfil the conditions of section 6.3.
The boxes or cupboards should be equipped with some means to prevent incorrect
connection positions and shall be equipped with a label which shows the normal connection
arrangement.
The connections of the terminals, junction cables and SVL must be designed so that they
can achieve and easily maintain the contact resistances of section 6.6 (d). The terminals
and junction cables must also fulfil the short-circuit resistance conditions given in the Table
of section 4.2.
(4) The connection boxes are of a watertight horizontal type, and are used in chests or galleries.
The cupboards are of vertical type protected against the elements and used fastened to walls of
substations or metallic structures (pylons or towers).
(5) An internal short-circuit generates a very considerable excess pressure. If the box breaks, this
excess pressure will be transmitted to the chest (of small volume) and may be sufficient to pull off
the cover and cause an accident.
18
19
U 72,5 kV
16 kA for 1 second
25 kA for 1 second
40 kA for 1 second
245 kV < U
63 kA for 1 second
If higher values are foreseen in a specific installation, suitable larger sections should be adopted.
The connecting cables to be used should be:
In cable systems with rigid connection: All the connecting cables will be single-core.
In cable systems with special connection: Except in the cases which are indicated below,
all the connecting cables shall be concentric. In a joint with screen sectioning, the conductors
on both sides of the sectioning shall be the inside and the outside of the connecting cable.
In the terminals, the junction cables connected to the screens of the cables should be the
interior conductors of the concentric cables; the exterior conductors of the aforementioned
cables shall be connected in all cases to the metallic parts of the terminal support structures.
If metallic connection boxes are used, the exterior conductors of the concentric cables of
the terminals shall be connected in all cases to the metallic box.
20
The SVL and their detachable connections can be situated directly on the pylon or metallic
support structure.
The connections should be designed to minimize the length of the cables. Whenever
possible, no concentric type connecting cable should be more than 10 m long.
Joints will not be accepted in the connecting conductors in new installations, but they can
be accepted in subsequent interventions, for example in maintenance or repair work.
The exceptional cases in which single-core connecting cables can be used in systems with
special screen connection are:
Junction cables used for the earthing of the screens of the cables at the common earthing
point of two sections with single-point connection, as shown in Fig. 7.
SVL
link box
SVL
link box
Fig. 7
Single point bonded system
(Earthing at the middle point)
21
Blockable
connection box
assembled
on frame
Connection function:
Element:
Applicable to:
Direct earthing
Terminal of the cable
For direct earthing in systems with class SF61
insulated screen.
Fig. 10
Screen connection diagram in terminals with metallic casing
(Direct earthing)
22
Connecting cable
to pass through the
CT (if appropriate)
Blockable
connection box
on frame
Connection function:
Element:
Applicable to:
Direct earthing
Terminal of the cable
Direct earthing in systems with class SF62
insulated screen.
Fig. 11
Screen connection diagram in terminals with metallic casing
(Direct earthing)
23
Connecting cable
(Can pass outside
the CT if appropriate)
Blockable connection
box without bridge
connected
in normal service
Connection function:
Element:
Applicable to:
SVL connection
Terminal of the cable without earthing
Connections in systems with class SF63
insulated screen.
Fig. 12
Screen connection diagram in terminals with metallic casing
Not earthing)
24
25
Connecting cable
to pass through an CT
(if appropriate)
NOTE:
(a) On the screens of the cables there will be
circulation, or capacitive, currents.
(b) This diagram is used preferably in terminals
assembled on conversion towers.
Blockable
connection box
Main earth
of the system
Connection function:
Element:
Applicable to:
Direct earthing
Terminal
Except for class GIS terminations in equipment with
metallic shielding (see Figs. 10 and 11).
Fig. 13
Screen connection diagrams in rigid connection terminals
(Direct earthing)
26
Connecting cable
to pass through
an CT (if appropriate)
Blockable
connection box
assembled on
frame
Main earth
of the system
Connection function:
Element:
Applicable to:
Direct earthing
Terminal
Systems of all kinds with connection of their ends to
weatherproof type terminals and to terminals of
equipment with OIL class metallic casing.
Fig. 14
Screen connection diagrams in terminals
(Direct earthing)
27
Concentric
cables
Blockable
connection box
NOTE:
This diagram will give rise to
circulation or capacitive currents in
the screens of the cables.
Connection function:
Element:
Applicable to:
Direct earthing
Terminal
Systems of all kinds whose ends are equipped with
weatherproof type terminals or terminals in equipment
with OIL class metallic casing.
Fig. 15
Screen connection diagrams in terminals
(Direct earthing)
28
4.3.2.2SF6 circuits
This class includes terminals with metallic shielding when there is no transformer
between them and an automatic switch or manoeuvrable isolator. In general these
terminals are submerged in SF6.
For this type of terminal it is essential that the sectioning insulation of the screens
is protected against current surges during the manoeuvring operations, by means
of short-circuit bars or SVL, as appropriate, connected directly between both sides
of this insulation. Normally, to obtain an effective suppression of the impulse surges,
two connections of this kind must be assembled (whenever possible), separated
some 180 around the circumference of the terminal(6). Each connection, including
those of the SVL, if appropriate, must be as short as possible and under no
circumstances must exceed 0.5 m. They should be fastened by screws to the
adjacent metallic parts in order to be able to remove them for the screen insulation
tests (see 6.6).
(a) Class SF6 1 refers to terminals earthed in which the earth connection of the
shielding is close to the terminals of the cables. In this case, the sectioning
insulation should be short-circuited using bridges connected directly to both
sides of the insulation, as Fig. 10 shows. If the current transformers are not
housed inside the assembly with metallic shielding of the substation, the SF62
connection should be used.
(b) Class SF6 2 refers to terminals earthed in which the earth connection of the
shielding is far from the terminals of the cables. In this case, the sectioning
insulation should be protected by means of SVL, as Fig. 11 shows.
(c) Class SF6 3 refers to terminals not earthed. The sectioning insulation of the
terminals should be protected by means of SVL, as Fig. 12 shows.
(6) Under these conditions there is no impedance between the switch and the cable and discharges
can occur with very marked wave fronts. The impulse frequency is very high and the wavelength
short. To maintain the protection level of the cable it is necessary to reduce as far as possible the
distance between the SVL and the screen and divide the length of the screen sectioning insulation
placing two SVL or connection bars parallel.
29
Blockable
connection box
assembled
on frame
N OT E :
Connection function:
Element:
Applicable to:
Direct earthing
Terminal of the cable
For direct earthing in systems with class SF61
insulated screen.
Fig. 10
Screen connection diagram in terminals with metallic casing
(Direct earthing)
30
Connecting cable
to pass through the
CT (if appropriate)
Blockable
connection box
on frame
Connection function:
Element:
Applicable to:
Direct earthing
Terminal of the cable
Direct earthing in systems with class SF62
insulated screen.
Fig. 11
Screen connection diagram in terminals with metallic casing
(Direct earthing)
31
Connecting cable
(Can pass outside
the CT if appropriate)
Blockable connection
box without bridge
connected
in normal service
The cable and
the earthing box
can be replaced by
a portable earthing
when it acts on the
SVL
Main earth of the system or
earth continuity conductor
NOT E :
Connection function:
Element:
Applicable to:
SVL connection
Terminal of the cable without earthing
Connections in systems with class SF63
insulated screen.
Fig. 12
Screen connection diagrams in terminals with metallic casing
(Not earthed)
32
Concentric
cables
Blockable
connection box
NOTE:
This diagram will give rise to
circulation or capacitive currents on
the screens of the cables.
Direct earthing
Terminal
All kinds of system whose ends are equipped with
weatherproof type terminals or with terminals in
equipment with OIL class metallic casing.
Fig. 15
Screen connection diagrams in terminations
(Direct earthing)
(7)
On separating the two conductors this increases the inductance of the circuit and the voltage drop at this point.
33
34
Joints with
screen discontinuity
Concentric
cables
Connection function:
Element:
Applicable to:
Fig. 16
Joint between a system with earth connection
and a system with screen insulated at this point
When the total length of a cable system with rigid connection of insulated screen is big,
it may be convenient, to aid the location and repair of possible defects on the cable sheath,
to subdivide the system into two or more sections. This subdivision can be achieved with
the inclusion of one or more groups of joints with screen sectioning.
35
36
Concentric
cables
Substation earth or
earth continuity conductor
Connection function:
Element:
Applicable to:
Connection of SVL
Terminations not earthed.
Systems of all kinds whose ends are equipped with
weatherproof type terminations or terminations in
equipment with OIL class metallic enclosure.
Fig. 17
Screen connection diagram in terminations
(Not earthed)
37
Joints with
screen discontinuity
Concentric
cables
Connection function:
Element:
Applicable to:
Fig. 18
Screen connection diagram in joints
in cross bonded systems
38
Joints with
screen discontinuity
Concentric
cables
Main earth
of the system
N OT E :
Main earth
of the system
Connection function:
Element:
Applicable to:
SVL connection
Screen not earthed.
Systems with single-point bonding.
Fig. 19
Screen connection diagram in screen interruption joints
without earthing between sections with single-point bonding
39
Connecting cable
(Can pass outside
the CT if convenient)
Blockable
connection box
on frame without
bridge connected
in normal service
Connection function:
Element:
Applicable to:
Connection of SVL
Terminal of the cable without earthing
Connections in systems with class SF63
insulated screen.
Fig. 12
Screen connection diagrams in terminals with metallic casing
(Not earthed)
40
Joints with
screen discontinuity
Concentric
cables
Connection function:
Element:
Applicable to:
Fig. 16
Joint between a system with earth connection
and a system with screen insulated at this point
41
The units must be capable of withstanding continuously the permanent screen voltage
induced by the nominal charging current.
(2)
The units must be capable of withstanding for a period of 1 second each, two
applications in quick succession of their nominal voltage (at industrial frequency),
which must not be lower than the screen voltage induced under DC conditions external
to the line.
(3)
The units must be capable of withstanding the transient voltages and the corresponding
currents to which they are subjected under abnormal conditions of the system; that is
to say, in routine manoeuvres, in nominal atmospheric discharges, in nominal manoeuvre
surges, or during a short-circuit current of nominal value. However, it is accepted that
occasionally the units are not capable of withstanding the conditions to which they are
subjected in the event of internal defect in the cable system (see 4.1).
(4)
The units must be capable of limiting the transient voltages to which they are subjected
(residual peak voltage), to no more than the impulse voltage admissible in the connection
enclosure between links and earth (see 6.3). If the residual peak voltage exceeds the
value of 20 kV, it may be necessary to review the insulation levels of the cable sheath
and of the joint protection.
The units which are used to protect the sectioning insulation of the earthed terminals in
equipment with metallic shielding should fulfil only conditions (3) and (4).
4.5.3 Earthing
The earth connection of the SVL devices shall be carried out taking into account that
indicated in section 2.3 of this Recommendation.
4.5.4 Installation of SVL
When they are installed in enclosures with metallic casing or in external insulators, directly
in the air, they shall be encapsulated and weather resistant. The SVL must be installed in
such as way that they can be easily disconnected.
42
5. MULTIPLE CIRCUITS
An installation can contain two or more triads of single-core cables. The following conditions
must be fulfilled for the whole to be considered as a single line (several conductors per
phase) for the purposes of this recommendation:
The run shall be identical for all the triads, as shall their relative distances.
All the triads shall have the same screen connection diagram.
All the triads must be earthed at the same points of their run and at the same points of
the earth network.
All the triads must be connected rigidly in parallel in HV at both ends, without the insertion
of switchgear.
It must be impossible to leave some of the triads out of service and to maintain the rest
in service.
Under these conditions, the following may be common to all the triads: the bonding
conductor, the connection boxes or enclosures and the surge limiting device housing boxes
or enclosures.
When any of the conditions indicated is not fulfilled and, in particular, when it is a question
of circuits projected as independent, there should not be common elements in the screen
circuits of the different triads.
43
6. TESTS
6.1 EXTERNAL INSULATION OF THE JOINTS.
The joint protection box should withstand mechanical resistance tests, immersion in 1m
of water column and 20 heating and cooling cycles, followed by direct voltage tests of 20
kV during 1 minute and impulse tests between screen ends and between each screen and
earth as indicated in the following table. In accordance with IEC 60840 Appendix H or IEC
62067 Appendix D
Table 2A
Impulse tests with nominal wave of 1/50 ms to IEC 60230
Voltage of
the system
Joint boxes
Between connectors
kV
kV p
kV p
66
60
30
132
75
37,5
275
95
47,5
400
125
62,5
(b)
44
Impulse voltage (nominal wave form of 1/50 microseconds in accordance with IEC
60230) three positives and three negatives of 35 kVp between phases and of 17.5 kVp
between phases and earth.
Direct voltage of 25 kV for 5 minutes between phases and between phases and earth.
Table 2B
Test voltage
Description
Voltage test
on finished cables
kV
20
25 DC 1 minute
25
15 AC 5 minutes
30
20 AC 5 minutes
20
25 DC 1 minute
45
Type of limiter
Peak voltage
(kV)
Peak voltage/2
(kV)
CPA-03
5,05 5,56
3,57 3,93
CPA-06
10,10 11,12
7,14 7,86
In the finished installation tests the visual examination must show that the junction cables
and the external surface of the unit or of the container are free from important protuberances
or from other signs of deterioration.
(a)
The resistance between the earth cables and any metallic case should not be less than
10 M measured with a 1000 V megaohmmeter.
46
47
Table 1A
CONSTRUCTION OF SCREEN CONNECTION SINGLE-CORE CABLES
132 kV
275 kV
400 kV
240 mm2
300 mm2
500 mm2
Dimensions
(mm)
Thickness Diameter
Thickness Diameter
Conductor
XLPE Insul. +
PVC Sheath
1,2+1,5
Thickness Diameter
Thickness Diameter
Min Max
Min Max
Min Max
Min Max
12,8 13,3
17,8 18,7
20,2 21,0
26,4 28,0
18,2 19,7
35,3 38,1
Table 1B
CONSTRUCTION OF SCREEN CONNECTION CONCENTRIC CABLES
30 up to 66 kV
132 kV
275 kV
Nominal section
of the conductor
120* mm 2
240 mm2
300 mm2
Dimensions
(mm)
Thickness Diameter
Thickness Diameter
400 kV
Thickness Diameter
500 mm2
Thickness Diameter
Min Max
Min Max
Min Max
Min Max
Central conductor
12,8 13,3
17,8 18,7
20,2 21,0
26,4 28,0
XLPE Insul. +
1,2+2,0
PVC internal sheath
36,8 39,7
Concentric
conductor
24,4 26,4
33,6 36,3
36,0 38,9
47,4 51,2
52,6 56,8
*Also for connections of 132kV and 275kV systems not subjected to the short-circuit current, for example connections to SVL.
48
In an installation there cannot be a live accessible point which can damage people,
The earthing circuit cables which connect the electrodes should be bare, resistant
The dischargers have to be connected to the earth of the accessory that they
protect.
-
The earth circuits should be straight without forced bends and as short as possible.
The earthing of lightning arresters (insulated cable or bare conductor) is not determined.
There is no reason to use one or another type of conductor.
Taking the case of a lightning arrester at the top of a support. The earth connection can
be carried out with an insulated cable or with a bare conductor, and in actual fact is carried
out in both ways depending on what the customer decides. It should be taken into account
that:
-
In any case the customer can make any decision without it affecting the safety of
the circuit.
-
We can opt for a bare cable, linked electrically and mechanically to the support
in short sections, which will not have problems of perforation of insulation in the event
of an important impulse.
49
50
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