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Is 3043 PDF
Is 3043 PDF
(Rwmmd
( Reaffirmedloee)
2001 )
Indian Standard
CODEOFPRACTICEFOREARTHING
(First Revision)
Second Reprint FEBRUARY 1998
(Q Copyright 1988
Convener Refiasenting
SHBI N. BALA~UBRAYANIAN Larsen & Toubro ( Conrtruction Group ), Madras
Members
Paos G. RAVEENDRAN NAIR Chief Electrical Inspector to the Government of Kerala, Trivandrum
SHHI V. SATEYANATHAN Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, Madras
SHHI G. S. THAHUR Chief Electrical Inspector, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal
.%a~ R. SATHIYABAL Tariff Advisory Committee, Madras
SHRI K. P. R. PILLAI Fact Engineering and Design Organization, Udyogamaodal
2
IS t 394i$ - 1987
CONTENTS
Page
0. FOR BW~RD ... 5
1. SCOPE ... 6
3
Page
SLCTION 7 MEDICAL ESTABLISHMENT
4
IS I 3043 - 1987
Indian Standard
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR EARTHING
(First Revision)
0. FOR EWORD
0.1This Indian Standard ( First Revision ) was 0.5 Earthing associated with current-carrying
adopted by the Bureau of Indian Standards on conductor is normally essential to the security of
6 August 1987, after the draft finalized by the the system and is generally known as system
Electrical Installations Sectional Committee, had earthing, while earthing of non-current carrying
been approved by the Electrotechnical Division metal work and conductor is essentiaC to the safety
Council. of human life, animals and property, and is gene-
rally known as equipment earthing.
0.2 The Indian Electricity Rules, together with
the supplementary regulations of the State Elet- 0.6 Since the publication of this standard in 1966,
tricity Departments and Electricity Undertakings, considerable experience has been gained through
govern the electrical installation work in generat- the implementation of its various stipulations.
ing stations, substations, industrial locations, Moreover, several new concepts have been intro-
buildings, etc, in the country. To ensure safety duced the world over, on the understanding of
of life and apparatus against earth faults, it was functional and protective earthing with a view to
felt necessary to prepare a code of practice for take into account a variety of complex problems
earthing. This code of practice is intended to encountered in actual practice. In the context of
serve as a consolidated guide to all those who increased use of electric power and the associated
are concerned with the design, installation, inspec- need for safety in the design of installations, it
tion and maintenance of electrical systems and had become necessary to prepare an overall
apparatus. revision of the earlier version of the Code.
0.3 The subject of earthing covers the problems 0.7 In this Code, the terms ‘earthing’ and
relating to conduction of electricity through ‘grounding’ are used synonymously. However,
earth. The terms earth and earthing have been this Code introduces several new terms ( see 2.15,
used in this code irrespective of reliance being 2.17, 2.28, etc ) and distin<guishes earthing ‘con-
placed on the earth itself as a low impedance ductor’ from ‘protective conductor’.
return path. of the fault current. As a matter of 0.8 This Code includes comprehensive guidelines
fact, the earth now rarely serves as a part of the on choosing the proper size of the various com-
return circuit but is being used. mainly for ponents ot’ the earthing system, particularly
fixing the voltage of system neutrals. The earth earthing and protective conductors as well as
connect ion improves service continuity and earth electrodes. Guidance included on determi-
avoids damage to equipment and danger to nation of relevant lk’ factor depending on ( see
human life. Set 2 j material properties and boundary condi-
tions, and the associated minimum cross-sectional
0.4 The object of an earthing system is to provide
area would assist in a more scientific design of the
as nearly as possible a surface under and around
earthing system under various circumstances.
a station which shall be at a uniform potential
and as nearly zero or absolute earth potential as 0.9 For the first time, the Code also includes
possible. The purpose of this is to ensure that, in comprehensive guidelines on earth fault protec-
general, all parts of apparatus other than live tion in consumers’ premises to commensurate
parts, shall be at earth potential, as well as to with the provisions of IE Rules 1956. It includes
ensure that operators and attendants shall be at specific guidelines on earthing system design to
earth potential at all times. Also by providing achieve the desired degree of shock hazard pro-
such an earth surface of uniform Potential under tection from earth leakages. The rules given in
and surrounding the station, there can exist no Section 3 of the Code should be read in conjunc-
difference of potential in a short distance big tion with corresponding regulations given in the
enough to shock or injure an attendant when wiring code ( set IS : 732 ).
short-circuits or other abnormal occurrences take
place. The recommendations in this code are 0.9.1Protection against shock, both in normal
made in order that these objects may be carried service ( direct contact ) and in case of fault
out. ( indirect contact ) can be achieved by several
5
IS t 3043 - 1987
measures. Details of such protective measures and 0.11 For convenience of identifying areas of inter-
guidance on their choice is the subject matter of est by any specific users of the Code, the infor-
debate in the process of revision of IS : 732*. mation contained in this standard is divided into
Earth fault/leakage protection sought to be achie- different Sections as follows:
ved through equipotential bonding and automatic
disconnection of supply is envisaged to prevent a Section 1 General guide1ines;
touch voltage from persisting for such a duration Section 2 Connections to earth;
that would be harmful to human beings. Guid- Section’3 Earth-fault protection in con-
ance on achieving this protection is covered in sumer’s premises;
Set 3 of the Code.
Section 4 Power stations, substations and
0.9.2 While detailed guidelines are covered in overhead lines; \
.specific portions of the Code, the following shall Section 5 Industrial premises;
be noted: Section 6 Standby and other private gene-
4 For solidly grounded systems, it shall be rating plant;
sufficient to check whether the characteris- Section 7 Medical establishments;
tics of protective device for automatic
Section a Static and lightning protection
disconnection, earthing arrangements and
grounding;
relevant impedances of the circuits are
properly coordinated to ensure that voltages Section 9 Miscellaneous installations and
appearing between simultaneously accessi- considerations;
ble, exposed and extraneous conductive Section 10 Measurements and calculations;
parts are within the magnitudes that would and
not cause danger; Section 11 Data processing installations.
b) For systems where the earthing is deemed
0.12 In the preparation of the Code, assistance
to be adequate, it shall be checked whether
has been taken from the following:
the main overcurrent protective device is
capable of meeting the requirements in the IEC Pub 364 ( and Parts ) Electrical installa-
wiring code; and tions in buildings. International Electro-
technical Commission.
4 Where the main overcurrent protective
device did not fulfil the requirements or BS Document 84121243 Draft standard code
where the earthing is considered inade- of practice on earthing ( revision of CP 1013:
quate, then a separate residual current 1965 ). British Standards Institution.
device would be necessary to be installed, ANSI/IEEE Std 142-1982 IEEE Recommen-
the earth fault loop impedance and the ded practice for grounding of industrial and
tripping characteristics SO chosen that they commercial power systems. American
comply with safe touch voltage limits. National Standards Institute ( USA ).
0.10 The revision of the Code aims at consolidat- 0.13 For the purpose of deciding whether a parti-
ing ‘in one volume all the essential guidelines cular requirement of this standard is complied
needed for preparing a good earthing design in with, the final value, observ@ or calculated,
an electrical installation. The revision also expressing the result of a test or analysis shall be
attempts to be more elaborate than the earlier rounded off in accordance wit&IS : 2-1960*. The
version, especially in areas of specific interest number of significant places retained in the round-
keeping in- view the need and wide experience ed off value should be the same as that of the
gained the world over. specified value in this standard.
*Code of practice for electrical wiring installation. ‘Rub for rounding off numerical valuea ( rmirrd ).
6
IS t 3043 - 1987
7
2.23 PEN Conductor - A conductor combm- NO= 2 i This term applies for livestock in loca-
ing the functions of both protective conductor and tionsspecifically intended for these animpls.
neutral conductor. 2.33 Supplementary hsalation - Independ-
2.24 Portable Equipment - Equipment which ent insulation applied in addition to basic, insula-
is moved while in operation or which can easily tion, in order to provide protection against
be moved from one place to another while conne- electric shock in the event of a failure of basic
cted to the supply. insulation.
2.25 Potential Gradient ( At a Point ) - The 2.34 Switchgear - An assembly of main and
potential difference per unit length measured in auxiliary switching apparatus for operation, regu-
the direction in which it is maximum. lation, protection or other control of electrical
installations.
NOT=1 - When an electric force is due to poten-
tial difference, it is equal to the potential gradient. NOTE - A more comprehensive definition of the
NOTE 2 -Potential gradient is expressed in volts term ‘Switchgear’ can be had from IS : 1885 ( Part
per unit length. 17 )-1979..
2.26 Protective Conductor -A conductor used 2.35 Voltage, Nominal - Voltage by which an
as a measure of protection against electric shock installation ( or part of an installation ) is desig-
and intended for connecting any of the following nated.
parts:
2.36 Torch Voltage - The potential difference
a) Exposed conductive parts, between a grounded metallic structure and a point
b) Extrantous conductive parts, on the earth’s surface separated by a distance
c) Main earthing terminal, and equal to the normal maximum horizontal reach,
approximately one metre ( see Fig. 1 ).
d) Earthed point of the source or an artificial
neutral. 2.37 Step Voltage - The potential difference
between two points on the earth’s surface, separa-
2.27 Reinforced Insulation - Single insulation ted by distance of one pace, that will be assumed
applied to live parts, which provides a degree of to be one metre in the direction of maximum
protection against electric shock equivalent to potential gradient ( ste Fig. 1 ).
double insulation under the conditions specified in
the relevant standard. 2.38 Equipotential Line or Contour - The
locus of points having the same potential at a
Noble - The term ‘single insulation’ does not imply
that the insulation has to be one homogeneous piece. It given time.
may comprise several layers that cannot be tested singly
as supplementary or basic insulation. 2.39 Mutual Resistance of Grounding Elect-
rodes - Equal to the voltage change in one of
2.20 Residual Current Device - A mechani; them produced by a change of one ampere of
cal switching device or association of devices direct current in the other and is expressed in
intended to cause the opening of the contacts ohms.
when the residual current attains a given value
under specified conditions. 2.40 Earth Grid - A system of grounding elec-
2.29 Residual Operating Carrent - Residual trodes consisting of inter-connected connectors
current which causes the residual current device buried in the earth to provide a common ground
to operate under specified conditions. for electrical devices and metallic structures.
2.30 Resistance Area ( For an Earth Elec- NOTE - The term ‘earth grid’ does not include
‘earth mat*.
trode only ) - The surface area of ground
( around an earth electrode ) on which a signifi-
cant voltage gradient may exist. 2.41 Earth Mat - A grounding system formed
by a grid of horizontally buried conductors and
2.31 Safety Extra Low Voltage -See IS : which serves to dissipate the earth fault current to
9409-1980*. earth and also as an equipotential bonding con-
2.32 Simultaneoasly Accessible Parts - Con- ductor system.
ductors or conductive parts which can be touched
3. EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION
simultaneously by a person or, where applicable,
by livestock. 3.1 When the earthing of a consumer’s installa-
NOTE 1 - Simultaneously accessible parts may be: tion is being planned, prior consultation shall take
a) live parts, place between the consultant or contractor and
b) exposed conductive parts, the supply authority. Where necessary, con da-
c) extraoeous conductive parts, tions with the Posts & Telegraphs Department
d) protective conductors, and shall also be carried out in order to avoid any
e) earth electrodes. interference with the telecommunication system.
*Classification of electrical and electronic equipment *Electrotecbnical vocabulary: Part 17 Switchgear and
with regard to protection against electrical shock. controlgear (first re2Soa ). ’
IS: 3043 -1987
9
Is : 3043 - 1967
fault current or its duration until it has been switching and motor control equipment. It is
ascertained that the existing arrangement of earth generally recognized that protection under such
electrodes, earth bus-bar, etc, are capable of circumstances is possible by fast and sensitive
carrying the new value of earth fault current detection of the arcing fault current and interrup-
which may be obtained by this addition. tion within IO-20 cycles. In solidly earthed-
neutral systems, this is possible as an arcing fault
4.9 No cut-out, link or switch other than a linked
would produce a current in the ground path,
switch arranged to operate simultaneously on the
thereby providing an easy means of detection and
earthed or earthed neutral conductor and the live
tripping against phase-to-ground arcing fault
conductors, shall be inserted on any supply
breakdowns.
system. This, however, does not include the case
of a switch for use in controlling a generator or 5.4 Location of Faults
a transformer or a link for test purposes.
5.4.1 On an unearthed system, a ground fault
4.10 All materials, fittings, etc, used in earthing does not open the circuit. Some means of detect-
shall conform to Indian Standard spec$ications, ing the presence of a ground fault requires to be
wherever these exist. installed In earthed system, an accidental ground
5. FACTORS INFLUENCXNG THE CHOICE fault is both indicated at least partially located
OFEARTHEDORUNEARTHED by an automatic interruption of the accidentally
SYSTEM grounded circuit or piece of equipment.
5.1 Service Continuity 5.5 Safety
5.1.1 A number ofindustrial plant systems have 5.5.1 Whether or not a system is grounded,
been operated unearthed at one or more voltage protection of personnel and property from hazards
levels. This is basically guided by the thought of require thorough grounding of equipment and
gaining an additional degree of service continuity structures. Proper grounding results in less likeli-
varying in its importance depending on the type hood of accidents to personnel. Other hazards of
of plant. Earthed systems are in most cases desi- shock and fire may result from inadequate groun-
gned so that circuit protective devices will remove ding of equipment in unearthed and earthed
the faulty circuit from the system regardless of systems. However, relatively high fault currents
the type of fault. However, experience has shown associated -with solidly earthed system may pre-
that in a number of systems, greater service conti- sent a hazard to workers from exposure to hot
nuity may be obtained with earthed-neutral than arc products and flying molten metal. This pro-
with unearthed neutral systems. tection is, however, reduced because of use of
metal-enclosed equipment.
5.2 Multiple Faults to Ground
5.2.1 While a ground fault on one phase of an 5.6 Abnormal Voltage Hazards
unearthed system generally does not cause a 5.6.1 The possible over-voltages on the unear-
service interruption, the occurrence of a second thed system may cause more frequent failures of
ground fault on a different phase before the first equipment than is the system, if earthed. A fault
fault is cleared, does result in an outage; The on one phase of an unearthed or impedance-
longer a ground fault is allowed to remain on an grounded system places a sustained increased
unearthed system, greater is the likelihood of a voltage on the insulation of ungrounded phases
second one occurring in another phase and repairs in a S-phase system. This voltage is about 1.73
are required to restore service. With an unear- times the normal voltage on the insulation. This
thed system, an organized maintenance pro- or other sustained over-voltages on the unearthed
gramme is therefore extremely important so that system may not immediately cause failure of
faults are located and removed soon after detec- insulation but may tend to reduce the life of the
tion. insulation. Some of the more common sources of
Experience has shown that multiple ground over-voltages on a power system are the follow-
faults are rarely, if ever, experienced on earthed- ing:
neutral systems,
a) Lightning,
5.3 Arcing Fault Burndowns
b) Switching surges,
5.3.1 In typical cases, an arcing fault becomes
established between two or more phase conductors c> Static,
in an unearthed systems or between phase and d) Contact with a high voltage system,
ground in a solidly earthed-neutral system. This e) Line-to-ground fault,
would result in seqlere damage oi destruction to f > Resonant conditions, and
equipment. However, arcing fault current levels
may be so low that phase overcurrent protective g) Restriking ground faults.
devices do not operate to remove the fault quickly. 5.6.2 Surge arresters are recommended for
Such faults are characteristic of open or covered lightning protection. Grounding under such cases
fuses, particularly in switchgear or metal-enclosed are separately disc*Jssed in Section 8. Neutral
10
IS I 3043 - 1983
grounding is not likely to reduce the total magni- earthing is designed to give protection, the pro-
tude of over-voltage produced by lightning or tective gear will operate to make the faulty main
switching surges. It can, however, distribute the or plant harmless. In most cases, such operation
voltage between phases and reduce the possibility involves isolation of the faulty main or plant, for
of excessive voltage stress on the phase-to-ground example, by circuit-breakers or fuses.
insulation of a particular phase. A system ground
6.0.4 In the case of underground systems, there
connection even of relatively high resistance can
is no difficulty whatever but, for example, in the
effectively prevent static voltage build-up ( see
case of overhead-line systems protected by fuses
Set 8 ). Even under conditions of an I-IV line
or circuit-breakers fitted with overcurrent protec-
breaking and falling on an LV system, an effecti-
tion only, there may be difficulty in arranging
vely grounded LV system will hold the system
that the value of the system earth-resistance is
neutral close to the ground potential thus limiting
such that a conductor falling and making good
the over-voltage. An unearthed system will be
contact with the ground results in operation of
subjected to resonant over-voltages. Field experi-
the protection. A low system-earth resistance
ence and theoretical studies have shown the wokId
is required even in the cases where an arc-
over that arcing, restriking or vibrating ground
suppression coil is installed, as its operation may
faults on unearthed systems can, under certain
be frustrated by too high an earth-electrode
conditions, produce surge voltages as high as 6
resistance.
times the normal voltage. Neutral grounding is
effective in reducing transient build up by reduc- 6.0.5 Earthing may not give protection against
ing the neutral displacement from ground poten- faults that are not essentially earth faults. For
tial and the destructiveness of any high frequericy example, if a phase conductor on an overhead spur
voltage oscillations following each arc initiation line breaks, and the part remote from the supply
or restrike. falls to the ground, it is unlikely that any protec-
tive gear relying on earthing, other than current
5.7 cost balance protection at the substation, will operate
5.7.1 The cost differential between earthed since the earth-fault current circuit includes the
and unearthed neutral system will vary, depend- impedance of the load that would be high relative
ing on the method of grounding the degree of to the rest of the circuit.
protection desired, and whether a new or an 6.0.6 For the purposes of this code of practice,
existing system is to be earthed. it is convenient to consider a system as comprising
a source of energy and an installation; the former
6. SYSTEM EARTHING
including the supply cables to the latter.
6.0 Basic Objectives
6.1 Clos&fication of Systems Based on
6.0.1 Earthing of system is designed primarily Types of System Earthing
to preserve the security of the system by ensuring
that the potential on each conductor is restricted 6.1.1 Internationally, it has been agreed to
to such a value as is consistent with the level of classify the earthing systems as TN System, IT
insulation applied. From the point of view of System and IT System. They are:
safety, it is equally important that earthing should
ensure efficient and fast operation of protective
a) TN systern - has one or more points of the
source of energy directly earthed, and the
gear in the case of earth faults. Most high voltage exposed and extraneous conductive parts
public supply systems are earthed. Approval has of the installation are connected by means
been given in recent years to unearthed overhead of protective conductors to the earthed
line systems in certain countries, but these have point(s) of the source, that is, there is a
only been small 11 kV systems derived from metallic path for earth fault currents to
33 kV mains, where the capacity earth current is flow from the installation to the earthed
less than 4 A and circumstances are such that the point(s) of the source. TN systems are
system will not be appreciably extended. further sub-divided into TN-C, TN-S and
6.0.2 The limitation of earthing to one point TN-C-S systems.
on each system is designed to prevent the passage b) IT system - has one or more points of the
of current through the earth under normal condi- source of energy directly earthed and the
tions, and thus to avoid the accompanying risks exposed and extraneous conductive parts
of electrolysis and interference with communica- of the installation are connected to a local
tion circuits. With a suitable designed system, earth electrode or electrodes are electri-
properly operated and maintained, earthing at cally independent of the source earth(s).
several points may be permitted. This method of
4 IT sy.rtem - has the source either uncar-
earthing becomes economically essential in sys-
thed or earthed through a high impedance
terns at 200 kV and upwards.
and the exposed conductive parts of the
6.0.3 The system earth-resistance should be installation are connected to electrically
such that, when any fault occurs against which independent earth electrodes.
11
IS:3043- 1987
6.1.2It is also recognized that, in practice, a couductor throughout the system ( for
system may be an admixture of type for the pur- example earthed concentric wiring ( see
poses of this code, earthing systems are designated Fig. 4 ).
as follows:
4 TN-C-SSystem - The neutral and protec-
4 TJV-SSystem (for 240 Vsingle phase domestic/ tive functions are combined in a single
commercial supplv ) - Systems where there conductor but only in part of the system
are separate neutral and protective con- (seeFig5).
ductors throughout the system. A system
where the metallic path between the e) T-TN-S System (for 6*6/1X kV three-phase
installation and the source of enerxv is the bulk supjly ) - The consumers installation,
sheath and armouring of the suppry cable a TN-S system receiving power at a captive
( see Fig. 2 ). substation through a delta connected
b) Indian ThLS System (for 415 V three+hase transformer primary ( see Fig. 6 ).
domestic commercial supPry ) - An independ-
ent earth electrode within the consumer’s f1 TT System (for 415V three-phase it‘dustrial
premises is necessary ( See Fig. 3 ). suM@ ) - Same as 6.1.1(b) ( see Fig 7. ).
c) Indian T&C-System - The neutral and pro- t3)IT System - Same as 6.1.1(c) ( see
tective functons are combined in a single Fig. 8 ).
SOURCE OF ENERGY
Nom - The protective conductor ( PE ) il the metallic covering ( armour or load Iheath of the cable rupplying
the installation or a reparate conductor ).
All exposed conductive partr of an installation are connected to this protective conductor via main earthing
tb rminal of the installation.
Fro. 2 TN-S SYSTEMSEPARATB NEUTRAL AND PROTEIZTIVE
CONDUCTORSTHROUOHOUTTHE SYSTEM,
230V SIMPLEPHASB. DOMESTIC/COMMPRCIALSUPPLYFOR S-TN-S ( See Fro. 3 )
SOURCE OF ENERGY
11
L2
,,,,,-,---,--.----A
415 V Three phase Domatic/Cqmmercial supply having 3 IY and 1 - loads.
All exposed conductive parta ofthe iartallation are connected to protective conductor via the main ewthing
terminal’of the installation. An independent earth electrode within the conaumer’r permisea is neceuary.
FIO. 3 INDIAN TN-S SYSTEM
12
ls t 3843 - 1987
SOURCE OF ENERGY
All exposed conductive parts are connected to the PEN conductor. For 3 IY consumer, local earth electrode has
to be provided in addition.
The usual form of a TN-C-S ayatem i aa &own, where the supply ir TN-C and the arrangement in the
inst8llatioos in TN-S.
This type of distribution ir known alro M Protective Multiple Earthing and the PEN conductor is referred to as
the combined neutral and earth ( CNE J Conductor.
The supply ryrtem PEN conductor is earthed at revtral points and an earth electrode may be necessary at or
near a consumer’s installation.
All exposed conductive partr of an installation are connected to the PEN conductor via the main earthing
terminal and the neutral terminal, these terminals being linked together.
The protective neutral bonding ( PNB ) ia a variant of TN-C-S with single point earthing.
13
SOURCE OF ENERGY
4 r -_----- ---em
SOURCE I
0-i I, INSlALLATlON
EARTH
I I EAR1 H
1
I
dbJ i ELECTRODE
I
CONSUMER 1 I “,op
INSTALLATION 1 1
L-------------c-- * :
415 V Three phase iadustrial supply having 3 ,., and I ICI loads.
4
All exposed conductive parts of the installation are connected to an earth electrode which is electrically inde-
pendent of the source earth. Single phase TT system not present in India.
FICL 7 TT SYSTJm
SOURCE OF
ENERGY
11
14
IS : 3043 - 1987
15
IS : 3043 - 1987
TYPEOFSOIL CLUUATICCONDITION
r------_-_-__-_* h------_____-T,
Normal and High Low Rainfall and Underground
Rainfall ( For Desert Condition ( For Waters
Example, Greater Examples, Less than ( Saline )
than 500 mm a Year ) 250 mm a Year )
r-----_---__-_ ----- ----- -----
Probable Range of Range of Range of
value values values values
encountered encountered encountered
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
0.m Q.m P.m Sl.m
Alluvium and lighter. clays 5 l l
1 to5
clays ( excluding alluvium ) 10 5 to 20 10 to 100
Marls ( for example, keuper marl ) 20 10 to 30 50 to 300
Porous limestone ( for example, chalk ) 50 30 to 100
Porous sandstone ( for example, keuper 100 30 to 300
sandstone and clay shales )
Quartxites, compact and crystalline 300 100 to 1 000
limestone ( for example, carbonife-
rous marble, etc )
Clay slates and slatey shales 1 000 300 to 3 000 1 000 upwards 30 to 100
Granite 1 000
16
IS : 3043 - 1987
8.2 Where there is any option, a site should be for the insertion of vertical electrodes or where
chosen in one of the following types of soil in the strip electrodes are laid radially under shallow
order of preference given: areas of low resistivity overlaying rock strata, ben-
tonite packing will increase the contact efficiency
a) Wet marshy ground ( ~6~8.3 );
with the general mass of ground.
b) Clay, loamy soil, arable land, clayey soil,
clayey soil or loam mixed with small quan- 8.6 Effect of Moisture Content on Earth
tities of sand; Resistivity - Moisture content is one of the
Clay and loam mixed with varying propor- controlling factors in earth resistivity. Figure 9
Cl shows the variation of resistivity of red clay soil
tions of sand, gravel and stones;
with percentage of moisture. The moisture content
4 Damp and wet sand, peat. is expressed in percent by weight of the dry soil.
Dry sand, gravel chalk, limestone, granite and Dry earth weighs about 1 440 kg per cubic metre
any very stony ground should be avoided, and also and thus 10 percent moisture content is equivalent
all locations where virgin rock is very close to the to 144 kg of water per cubic metre of dry soil. It
surface. will be seen from Fig. 9 that above about 20 per-
cent moisture, the resistivity is very little affected,
8.3 A site should be chosen that is not naturally while below 20 percent the resistivity increases
well-drained. A water-logged situation is not, very abruptly with the decrease in moisture con-
however, essential, unless the soil is sand or gra- tent. A difference of a few percent moisture will
vel, as in general no advantage results from an therefore, make a very marked difference in the
increase in moisture content above about 15 to 20 effectiveness of earth connection if ihe moisture
percent. Care should be taken to avoid a site kept content falls below 20 percent. The normal mois-
moist by water flowing over it ( for example, the ture content of soils ranges from 10 percent in dry
bed of a stream ) as the beneficial salts may be seasons to 35 percent in wet seasons, and an ap-
entirely removed from the soil in such situations. proximate average may be perhaps 16 to 18 per-
8.4 Where building has taken place, the site con- cent.
ditions may be altered by disturbance of the local It should be recognized, however, that mois-
stratification and natural geological formation ture alone is not the predominant factor in the low
when the electrodes have to be installed in this resistivity of soils; for example, earth electrodes
disturbed area. driven directly in the beds of rivers or mountain
If a cut and fill exercise has been carried out streams may present very high resistance to earth.
then the top layer may be similar to the natural If the water is relatively pure, it will be high resis-
formation’ but increased in depth, whether it is tivity and unless the soil contains sufficient
good or bad in terms of resistivity. natural elements to form a conducting electrolyte,
the abundance of water will not provide the soil
If an imported fill exercise has been carried with adequate conductivity. The value ‘of high
out, the conditions of the upper layers may be moisture content in soils is advantageous in increas-
altered considerably. ing the solubility of existing natural elements in
the soil, and in providing for the solubility of in-
In these cases, deeper driving of the electrode
gredients which may be artificially introduced to
may be necessary to reach layers of reasonable
improve the soil conductivity.
resistivity and also to reach stable ground, such
that the value of the electrode resistance remains 8.7 Effect of Temperature on Earth Resis-
stable if the top layers of the ground dry out. tance - The temperature coefficient of resistivity
for soil is negative, but is negligible for tempera-
8.3 Soil treatment to improve earth electrode con-
tures above freezing point. At about 20°C, the
tact resistance may be applied in special or diffi-
resistivity change is about 9 percent per degree
cult locations, but migration and leaching of
Celsius. Below 0°C the water in the soil begins to
applied .chemicals over a period of time reduces
freeze and introduces a tremendous increase in the
the efficiency of the system progressively, requiring
temperature,coefficient, so that as the temperature
constant monitoring and replacement of the addi-
becomes lower the resistivity rises enormously. It
tives. Ecological considerations are inherent be-
is, therefore, recommended that in areas where
fore such treatment is commenced and any dele-
the temperature is expected to be quite low, the
terious effect upon electrode material has to be
earth electrodes should be installed well below the
taken into account. However, for some temporary
frost line. Where winter seasons are severe, this
electrical installations in areas of high ground resis-
may be about 2 metres below the surface, whereas
tivity, this may be the most economic method for
in mild climates the frost may penetrate only a
obtaining satisfactory earth contact over a short
few centimetres or perhaps the ground may not
period of working; If a greater degree of perman-
freeze at all. Earth electrodes which are not driven
enct: is envisaged, earth electrodes packaged in
below the first depth may have a very great vari-
material such as bentonite are preferable.
ation in resistance throughout the seasons of the
Bentonite or similar material may be used to year. Even when driven below the frost line, there
advantage in rocky terrain. Where holes are bored is some variation, because the upper soil, when
17
IS: 3043.1987
frozen, presents a decided increase in soil resisti- 8.8.1 With average or high moisture content,
vity and has the effect ofshortening the active these agents form a conducting electrolyte through-
length of electrode in contact with soil of normal out a wide region surrounding the earth elec-
resistivity. trode. Approximately 90 percent of the resistance
8.8 Artificial Treatment of Soil - Multiple between a driven rod and earth lies within a radi-
rods, even in large number, may sometime fail to us of about two metres from the rod. This should
produce an adequately low resistance to earth. be kept in mind when applying the agents for
This condition arises in installations involving artificial treatment of soil. The simplest applica-
soils of high resistivity. The alternative is to reduce tion is by excavating a shallow basin around the
the resistivity of the soil immediately surrounding top of the rod, one metre in diameter and about
the earth electrode. To reduce the soil resistivity, 30 cm deep, and applying the artificial agent in
it is necessary to dissolve in the moisture, norm- this basin. The basin should subsequently be filled
ally contained in the soil, some substance which is several times with water, which should be allowed
highly conductive in its water solution. The most each time to soak into the ground, thus carrying
commonly used substances are sodium chloride the artificial treatment, in electrolyte form, to con-
( NaCl ), also known as common salt, calcium siderable depths and allowing the artificial agent
chloride ( CaCls ), sodiumcarbonate ( NasCOs ), to become diffused throughout the greater part
copper sulphate ( CuSO, ), salt, and soft coke, and of the effective cylinder of earth surrounding the
salt and charcoal in suitable proportions. driven rod.
0 5 K) 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70
MOISTURE IN SOIL,PERCENT
FIG. 9 VARIATION
OF SOIL RESISTIVITY WITH MOISTURE CONTENT
18
IS r3043'A
1987
8.8.2 The reduction in soil resistivity effected the other two, thus a pipe, rod or strip has a much
by salt is shown by the curve in Fig. 10. The salt lower resistance than a plate of equal surface area.
content is expressed in percent by weight of the The resistance is not, however, inversely propor-
contained moisture. It will be noted that the tional to the surface area of the electrode.
curve flattens off at about 5 percent salt content and
a further increase in salt gives but little decrease 9.2 Resistance of Common Types of Earth-
in the soil resistivity. The effect of salt will be Electrodes
different for different kinds of so11 and for various
moisture contents but the curve will convey an 9.2.1 Plates - The approximate resistance to
idea of how the soil conductivity can be impro- earth of a plate can be calculated from:
ved. Decreasing the soil resistivity- causes a corres- --
ponding decrease in the resistance of a driven ohms
earth electrode.
where
400
p- resistivity of the soil ( assumed uni-
kg 3co
form ) ,( in n.m); and
cl A = area of both sides of the plate ( in ms ).
5 300
Where the resistance of a single plate is higher
E no
0 than the required value, two or more plates may
s be used in parallel and the total resistance is than
+ 200 inversely proportional to the number employed,
s, provided that each plate is installed outside the
"0 150 resistance area of any other. This normally requi-
res a separation of about 10 m but for sizes of plate
g too generally employed, a separation of 2 m is suffi-
cient to ensure that the total resistance will not
s
;i, 50
exceed the value obtained from the above formula
E by more than 20 percent. Even at the latter spac-
0 2 4 6 (‘ 10 12 14 16 ing, it is generally more economical to use two
P!EIfCENt OF SALT IN MOISTURE plates in parallel, each of a given size, than one of
twice that size. The size employed is, therefore,
FIG. 10 VARIATION OF SOIL RE~I~TIVITY WITH normally not greater than l-2 x l-2 m.
SALT ( Nacl ) CONTENT,CLAY SOIL
HAVING 3 PERCENT MQISTURE Plate electrodes shall be of the size at least 60
cm x 60 cm. Plates are generally of cast iron not
less than 12 mm thick and preferably ribbed. The
8.8.3 In close texture soils, the artificial treat- earth connection should be joined to the plate at
ment may be effective over a period of many years. not less than two separate points. Plate electrodes,
However, it is recommended that annual or bi- when made of GI or steel, shall be not less than
annual measurements of earth resistivity should 6.3 mm in thickness. Plate electrodes of Cu shall
be made to find out if additional treatment is be not less than 3.15 mm in thickness.
npeded.
Suitable methods of ‘ointing are a taper pin
8.8.4 In using ar:ificial treatment, the possible driven into a reamed ho 1’e and riveted over or a
corrosive effect of the salt on the driven rods and copper stud screwed into a tapped hole and rive-
connections should be considered. The possible ted. Such joints should be protected by a heavy
contamination of the domestic water supply should coat of bitumen. The connection between the
also be considered. earth plate and the disconnecting link should be set
vertically and the depth of setting should be such
9. EARTH ELECTRODES
as to ensure that the surrounding soil is always
9.1 Effect of Shape on Electrode Resistance damp. The minimum cover should be 600 mm ex-
cept that where the underlying stratum is solid,
9.1.1 With all electrodes other than extended for example, chalk or sandstone and near the sur-
systems, the greater part of the fall in potential face, the top of the plate should be level with the
occurs in the soil within a few feet of the electrode top of the solid stratum. Sufficient solid stratum
surface, since it is here that the current density is should be removed and replaced with fine soil or
highest. To. obtain a low overall resistance the other suitable infill to ensure as low a resistance
current density should be as low as possible in the as possible.
medium adjacent to the electrode, which should
be so designed as to cause the current density to The use of coke breeze as an infill is not
decrease rapidly with distance from the electrode. recommended as it may result in rapid corrosion
This requirement is met by making the dimensi- not only of the electrode itself but also of cable
ons in one direction large compared with those in sheaths, etc, to which it may be bonded.
I9
IS : 3043 - I987
2’
0 3 6
LENGTH OF DRIVEN~LECTROOE m
Fro. 12 CALCULATED
AND EXPERIMENTALCURVES OF RESISTANCEOF 13 mm DIA
DRIVEN ELECTRODES
reduction in average resistivity with increase in des shall be according to 12.1.1. If round conduc-
depth, as can be seen by comparison with the dot- tors are used as earth electrodes, their cross-
ted curves, which are calculated on the assumption sectional area shall not be less than the sizes
of uniform resistivity. recommended for strip electrodes. The resistance
R is given by:
Other factors that affect a decision whether to
drive deep electrodes or to employ several rods or lOOf
pipes in parallel are the steep rise in the energy R
-xi- loge $ ohms
required to drive them with increase in depth and
the cost of couplings. The former can be offset by where
reducing the diameter of the rods, since a 13 mm
diameter rod can be driven to considerable depths
without deformation or bending if the technique P=- resistivity of the soil ( in 0.m ) ( assu-
of using a large number of comparatively light med uniform );
blows is adopted rather than a smaller number of
blows with a sledge hammer. Power-driven ham- 1= length of the strip in cm;
mers suitable for this purpose are available.
W-= depth of burial of the electrode in cm;
and
In cases where impenetrable atrata or high-
resistivity soil occur at relatively small depths, con- t== width ( In the case of strip ) or twice
siderable advantage may result from driving rods the diameter ( fi,r conductors ) in cm.
at an angle of about 30° to the horizontal, thus
increasing the length installed for a given depth. Care should be taken in positioning these elec-
trodes, especially to avoid damage by agricultural
operations.
9.2.3 Strip or Conductor Electrodes - These
have special advantages where high resirtivity soil
underlies shallow surface layers of low resistivity. Figure 13 shows the variation of calculated
The minimum cr~~s-~~ctional area of strip electro- earth-resistance of strip or conductor electrodes
21
IS:3043-1987
with length for a soil resistivity of 100 a.m. The cessary in most circumstances subject to the prd-
effect of conductor size and depth over the range vision of earthing facilities that are satisfactory
normally used is very small, before these bonding connections are made.
If several strip electrodes are required for con- For existing installations in which a water pipe
nection in parallel in order to reduce the resis- is used as a sole earth electrode; an independent
tance, they may be Snstalled in parallel lines or they means of earthing should be provided at the firs1
may radiate from a point. In the former case, the practicable opportunity.
resistance of two strips at a separation of 24 m is
less than 65 percent of the individual resistance of
either of them. 9.2.5 Cable Sheaths - Where an extensive
underground cable system is available, the lead
sheath and armour form a most effective earth-
electrode. In the majority of cases, the resistance
to earth of such a system is less than I Q.A freshly
installed jute or hessian served cable is insulated
from earth, but the insulation resistance of the
jute deteriorates according to the moisture content
and nature of the soil. However, cable sheaths are
more commonly used to provide a metallic path
to the fault current returning to the neutral.
22
IS : 3043 - 1987
deliberately coated or wrapped against corrosion. tinned or not, is entirely satisfactory ( subject to
In the latter case, cathodic protection is used to the precautions given in this subclause ), the aver-
supplement the coating and guard against localized age loss in weight of specimens 150 mm x 25
corrosion due to coating flaws or faults. Protective mm x 3 mm buried for I2 years in no case exceed
system current drain is proportional to the area of 0.2 percent per year. Corresponding average
bare metal in earth contact and if a normal losses for unprotected ferrous specimens ( for
earthing electrode is attached to a cathodically example, cast iron, wrought iron or mild steel) used
protected structure, the increased drain current in the tests were as high as 2.2 percent per year.
taken by the electrode could be completely unac- Considerable and apparently permanent protection
ceptable. This is especially true where the system appears to be given to mild steel by galvanizing,
has been designed to protect a well wrapped or the test showing galvanized mild steel to be little
coated structure. inferior to copper with an average loss not greater
than 0.5 percent per year. Only in a few cases
Nevertheless, there may be a necessity to con- was there any indication in all these tests that
nect earth electrodes to cathodically protected corrosion was accelerating and in these cases the
structures, especially where the coating or wrapp- indications were not very significant.
ing tends to electrically insulate the structure from
ground, for example: The possibility on damage to cables and other
underground services and structural metalwork in
4 diversion of earth fault currents from elec- the vicinity of earth-electrode due to electrolytic
trical apparatus mounted on the structure; action between dissimilar materials should not be
diversion of stray current to ground, a prob- overlooked when the material for earth-electrodes
b) is selected. Materials compatible with other metal
lem often met where well coated pipelines
u-e substantially parallel to the route of a structures in the vicinity should be selected or
high voltage overhead line; other remedial action taken.
23
ISr3043-1987
d) It may require connection to earth at buried bare metal connected to the pipeline, and
points to discharge unwanted induced cur- thus drawing a corrosion protection current that
rents and voltages from other sources sue h may be required by the pipeline.
as overhead lines.
9.4 Typical installations of pipe earth electrode
These four points lead to a compromise and plate earth electrode are shown in Fig. 14
between the need to have a low earth value for in- and 15.
strumentation reference purposes, which may
require a lot of buried metal, and a reasonable 9.5 Typical Method for Jointing of Conductors -
earth value for electrical purposes against the corro- Methods of jointing conductors are shown in
sion protection requirement to have a minimum of Fig. 16.
LOVER HINGED
IU LI FRAME
# 65 PVC
CONDUIT
EMBEDDEO
AFlER FIXING
SURFACE SHOULD
COVEREO WITH BITUMIN
OR GREASE : . .,..’ s** .. .. .(‘;
. . ,.‘.-:: ,;_-:_:3 *.
A HOMOGEN0U.S
LAYER OF COKE/
CHARCOAL,SALT
AND SAND
DETAIL A
NOTE - After laying the earth from the earth bus to the electrode through the PVC conduits at the piI
entry conduits should be sealed with bitumin compound.
24
CAST IRON OR
/ Cl COVER
9’ 10 Cl EOLl LE
SOmm a 100 m (AFTER
FlXlNG,THE OUTSIOE
PUSH BUTTON
STATION/STARTER
16A Earthing Arrangement for Motors with Push Button Station/Starter Earth Connections to
Starter Looped from Earth Connections of Motor
FIG 16. TYPICAL EARTHINGCONNECTIONDETAILS- Contd
25
GI BOLTS AND NUTS,FLAT’
WASHER AND GI SPRING
WASHER (AFTER FIXINGJTHE
OUT SIDE SURFACE SHOULD
BE COVERED WITH BITUMIN
OR GREASE)
EQUIPMENT/STRIP
RIVETING
/,
\\
OVERLAP MIN. SO mm
mm TINNED COPPER
INDING WIRE AND THE
OINT TO BE SOLDERED
~ALUMINIUM/COPPER
CONDUCTOR
16E Arrangement of Strip to Strip and Strip 16F Conductor to Conductor Joint
to Equipment Connection ( Round Conductors )
FIG. 1C TYPICAL EARTHING CONNECTIONDETAILS
26
IS I 3043 - 1987
10.1 An earth electrode should be designed to 11.1 Under fault coditions, the earth electrode is
have a loading capacity adequate for the system raised to a potential with respect to the general
of which it forms a part, that is, it should be capa- mass of the earth that can be calculated from the
ble of dissipating without failure the energy in the prospective fault current and the earth resistance
earth path at the point at which it is installed of the electrode. This results in the existence of
under any condition of operation on the system. voltages in the soil around the electrode that may
Failure is fundamentally due to excessive temper- be injurious to telephone and pilot cables, whose
ature rise at the surface of the electrode and is cores are substantially at earth potentional, owing
thus a function of current density and duration as to the voltage to which the sheaths of such cables
well as electrical and thermal properties of the are raised; the voltage gradient at the surface of
soil. the ground may also constitute a danger to life,
especially where cattle are concerned. The former
In general, soils have a negative temperature risk arises mainly inconnection with large elect-
coefficient of resistance so that sustained current rode systems as at power stations and substations.
loading results in an initial decrease in electrode
resistance and a consequent rise in the earth fault 11.2 Danger to animals occurs principally with
current for a given applied voltage. As soil mois- pole-mounted substations on low-voltage systems.
ture is driven away from the soil-electrode inter- In rural areas, it IS by no means uncommon for
face, however, the resistance increases and will the earth-path resistance to be such that faults are
ultimately become infinite if the temperature-rise not cleared within a short period and in such
is sufficient. cases, animals, which frequently congregate near
a pole, are liable to receive a dangerous shock.
10.2 Three conditions of operation require The same trouble sometimes occurs at farms where
consideration, that is, long-duration loading as earth electrodes are provided for individual app-
with normal system operation; short-time over- liances. An effective remedy is to earth the neutral
loading as under fault conditions in directly ear- conductor at some point on the system inaccessi-
thed systems, and long-time overloading as under ble to animals rather than earthing the neutral at
fault conditions in systems protected by arc- the transformer itself. Alternatively, an effective
suppression coils. method is for pipe or rod electrodes to be buried
with their tops below the surface of the soil and
10.3 The little experimental work which has been connection made to them by means of insulated
done on this subject by experts at the inter- leads. The maximum voltage gradient over a span
national level has been confined to model tests of 2 m adjacent to a 25 mm diameter pipe elec-
with spherical electrodes in clay or loam of low trode is reduced from 85 percent of the total elec-
resistivity and has led to the following conclusions: trode potential when the top of the electrode is at
ground level to 20 and 5 percent when it is buried
8) Long-duration loading due to normal un-
O-3 and 1.0 m respectively.
balance of the system will not cause failure
of earth-electrodes provided that the cur- 11.3 Earth electrodes, other than those used for
rent density at the electrode surface does the earthing of the fence itself, should not be in-
not exceed 40A/ms. Limitation to values stalled in proximity to a metal fence, 10 avoid the
below this would generally be imposed by possibility of the fence becoming live and thus
the necessity to secure a low-resistance dangerous at points remote from the substation or
earth. alternatively giving rise to danger within the resis-
Time to failure on short-time overload is tance area of the electrode by introducing a good
b) connection with the general mass of the earth.
inversely proportional to the specific loa-
ding, which is given by is, where i is the
12. CONNECTIONS TO EARTH ELEC-
current density at the electrode surface.
TRODES - EARTHING AND PROTEC-
For the soils investigated, the maximum
TIVE CGNDUCTORS
permissible current density, i is given by
27
1823043-1987
28
IS r3813 - 1987
In both cases, 12.2.2.3 shall be taken into The k factors for protective conductors of
account. copper, steel and aluminium are shown in Fig. 17
NOTE- The installation should be so prepared to 19.
that equipment terminals are capable ofaccepting these
protective conductors. If application of the formula produces non-
12.2.2.1 The cross-sectional area shall be so standard sizes, conductors of the nearest higher
calculated that the current density value deter- standard cross-sectional area shall be used.
mined by the following formula is not exceeded NOTE 1 -It is necessary that the cross-sectional
( applicable only for disconnection times not area so calculated be compatible with the conditions
exceeding 5 s 1. imposed by fault loop impedance.
NOTE2 - Maximum
I
zY k1
_=
, z/t
7 joints should
permissible
be taken
NOTE3 - Values
temperatures
into account.
for
FINAL TEMPERATURE ‘C -
FIG. 17 k FACTORSFOR COPPERPROTECTIVECONDUCTORS( See 12.2.2.1 )
29
15:3843-1987
loo-
FINAL TEMPERATURE lC -
loo INITIAL
I
TEMPERATURE
/
s.
‘fi/
so,,
0 300 4 D f 0
30
lS:3043-1987
6A Bare Conductor with No Risk of Fire or Danger to Any Other Touching or Surrounding Material
BoundaryCondifion~ : Initial Tcmpcratcre: 40°C Final temperature 395% for copper; 325°C for alumioium; 500°C
for steel
MATEBIAL COPPEB A~vmsrvm STIDEL
6B Insulated Protective Conductors not Incorpotnted in Cables or Bare Conductors TorcJhg Other
Insulated Cables
Boundary Conditions : Initial Temperature : 40°C. Final trmpcrature: 16G’C for PVC, 220% for butyl rubber,
250°C for XLPE/EPR
Boundary Conditions:
Initial Temperature Final Temperature
PVC 70°C 160%
Butyl Rubber 85% 22ow
3 s current rating 66 77 83 44 51 54
in A/mm’ (k8)
6D Protect&e Bare Conductors in Hazardous Areas Where There is Risk of Fire from Petroleum
Bound Oil or Other Surrounding Mate*1
31
IS I 3043 - 1987
The values in Table 7 are valid only if the auxiliary earth electrode is installed at a specified
protective conductor is made ofthe same metal as distance from all other earthed metal ( value of
the phase conductors. If this is not so, the cross- distance under consideration ).
sectional area of the protective conductor is to be
determined in a manner which produces a con- 13.2.2 The earthing conductor leading to the
ductance equivalent to that which results from the auxiliary earth electrode shall be insulated to
application of Table 7 ( see also 18.3.3 ). avoid contact with the protective conductor or
any of the parts connected thereto or extraneous
12.2.2.3 The cross-sectional area of every conductive parts which are, or may be, in contact
protective conductor which does not form part of with them.
the supply cable or cable enclosure shall be, in
any case, not less than: NOTE - This requirement is necessary to prevent
the voltage-sensitive element being inadvertently
a) 2.5 mms, if mechanical protection is provi- bridged.
ded; and
13.2.3 The protective conductor shall be con-
b) 4 mm*, if mechanical protection is not
nected only to the exposed conductive parts of
provided.
those items of electrical equipment whose supply
12.2.3 Preservation of Electrical Continuity of will be interrupted in the event of the protective
Profective Conductors device operating under fault conditions.
12.2.3.1 Protective conductors shall be suit- 13.2.4 Excessive Earthed-leakage Current - Under
ably protected against mechanical and chemical consideration.
deterioration and electrodynamic forces.
14. EARTHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR
12.2.3.2 Joints of protective conductors FUNCTIONAL PURPOSES
shall be accessible for inspection and testing
14.1 General -Earthing arrangements for func-
except in compound-filled or encapsulated joints.
tional purposes shall be provided to ensure correct
12.2.3.3 No switching device shall be inser- operation of equipment or to permit reliable and
ted in the protective conductor, but joints which proper functioning of installations.
can be disconnected for test purposes by use of ( Further requirements under consideration ).
a tool may be provided.
14.2 Low Noise - See 39.22.
12.2.3.4 Where electrical monitoring of
earth-continuity is used, the operating coils shall 15. EARTHING ARRANGEME ;rS FOR
not be inserted in protective conductors, COMBINED PROTECTIV 3 ’ AND
FUNCTIONAL PURPOSES
12.2.3.5 Exposed conductive parts of appa-
ratus shall not be used to form part of the protec- 15.1 General - Where earthing for combined
tive conductor for other equipment except as protective and functional purposes is required,
allowed by the preconditions in 12.2.1.2. the requirements for protective measures shall
prevail.
13. EARTHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR
PROTECTIVE PURPOSES 15.2 PEN Conductors
NOTE - For protective measures for various systems 15.2.1 In TN systems, for cables in fixed insta-
of earthing, SICSection 3. llations having a cross-sectional area not less than
10 mm* for copper and 16 mms for. aluminium, a
13.1 Protective Conductors used with Over-
single conductor may serve both as protective
current Protective Devices
conductor and neutral conductor, provided that
13.1.1 When overcurrent protective devices the part of the installation concerned is not pro-
are used for protection against electric shock, the tected by a residual current-operated device.
incorporation of the protective conductor in the
same wiring system as the live conductors or in However, the minimum cross-sectional area
their immediate proximitv is strongly recommen- of a PEN conductor may be 4 mma, provided that
ded. the cable is of a concentric type conforming to
Indian Standards and that duplicate continuity
13.2 Earthing and Protective Conductors for connections exist at all joints and terminations in
Fault-Voltage-Operated Protective Devices the run of the concentric conductors.
13.2.1 An auxiliary earth electrode shall be 15.2.2 The PEN conductor shall be insulated
provided electrically . independent of all other for the highest voltage to which it may be subjec-
earthed metal, for example, constructional metal- ted to avoid stray currents.
work, pipers, or metal-sheathed cables. This NOTE - The PEN conductor need not be insulated
requirement is considered to be fulfilled if the inside switchgear and controlgear assemblies.
32
IS I 3043 - 1987
15.2.3 If from any point of the installation the 16.1.1 Equi.otmtial Bonding Conductors -
neutral and protective functions are provided by See 12.2.2.1.
separate conductors, it is inadmissible to connect
these conductors to each other from that point. 16.1.2 Bonding of Water Meters - Bonding of
At the point of separation, separate terminals or water meters is not permitted ( see 9.2.4 ).
bars shall be provided for the protective and
neutral conductors. The PEN conductor shall be 16.2 Non-Earthed Equipotential Bonding -
connected to the terminal or bare intended for Under consideration.
the protective conductor.
17. TYPICAL SCHEMATIC OF EARTHING
16. EQUIPOTENTIAL BONDING AND PROTECTIVE CONDUCTORS
CONDUCTORS
1.7.1 A typical schematic of earthing and protec-
16.1 Minimum Cross-Sectional Areas tive conductors is given in Fig. 20.
EE
73
INSTALLATION
A
Y
3 a
EE EQUIPMENT EE
EARTHING
M - Exposedconductive parts
P = Incoming metallic service
C - Extraneous conductive parts
EE- Earth electrode
1 I Equipotential bonding conductor ( in case of small domestic installations 1 takes the form
of neutral link )
2 - Protective conductor ( in duplicate )
,3 = Earthing conductor
33
18 I 3043 - 1987
18. EARTH FAULT PROTECTION IN function of its duration likely to produce a given
INSTALLATIONS effect are two components which help in establi-
shing a relationship between prospective touch
18.0 Basic Philosophy of Earth Fault voltage and its duration which will not result in
Protection harmful physiological effects for any person.
18.0.1 The rules given in this Section are
applicable to installation below 1 000 V ac. Table 8 shows the values of disconnecting
times t for given touch voltages for two most
18.0.2 Amongst other things, protection against common conditions.
shock in case of a fault ( protection against
indirect contact ) is provided by automatic
disconnection of supply. This protective measure TABLE 8 DISCONNECTING TIMES FOR
DIFF EBENT TOUCH VOLTAGES
necessitates coordination of the types of system
earthing and the characteristics of the protective
PEtOBPEC- CONDITION 1' CONDITION 2t
devices. This Section discusses the basic criteria TIVE
for achieving this protection. TOWOH &-'--- t & I f
VOLTA4m
18.0.3 Protection against electric shock both UC
in normal service ( protection against direct 09 (0) W4 (4 @I (mAI W
contact ) and in case of fault ( protection against 25 - - - 075 23 5
indirect contact ) can be achieved by several 50 1725 29 5 925 54 0’47
measures. Details of achieving protection through
75 1 625 46 0.60 825 91 0.30
the choice of an appropriate protective measure
90 1600 56 0’45 780 115 0’25
is the subject of IS : 732*. One of such measures
is protection by automatic disconnection of 110 1 535 72 0’36 730 151 0’18
supply. Automatic disconnection is intended to 150 1475 102 0’27 660 227 0’10
prevent a touch voltage persisting for such time 220 1 375 160 0.17 575 383 0.035
that a danger could arise. This method necessi- 280 1 370 204 0’12 570 491 0 020
tates co-ordination of (a) the type of system 350 1 365 256 0.08 565 620 -
earthing, ’ and (b) characteristics of protective 500 1 360 368 0’04 560 893 -
devices. Description of the types of system earth-
ing permitted and the requirements for earthing *Dry or moist locations, dry skin and significant floor
resistabce.
arrangements and protective conductors vis-a vis
tWet locations, wet skih and low floor resistance.
protection against shock is the subject of this
code.
18.0.6 It is necessary, therefore, to apply these
18.0.4 Protective measure by automatic dis-
results emanating out of IS : 8437-1977* to the
connection of supply following an insulation fault
various earthing systems. The disconnecting times
relies on the association of two conditions given
specified for different circuits in this code follows
below:
basically the summary in Table 8, in addition
a) The existence of a conducting path ( falt taking into account the likelihood of faults and
loop ) to provide for circulation of fault likelihood of contact.
current ( this depends on type of system
earthing ); and 18.0.7 TJV Systems - All exposed conductive
b) The disconnection of this current by an parts shall be connected to the earthed point of
appropriate device in a given time, the lower system by protective conductors. The
protective conductors shall be earthed near each
The determination of this * time depends on power transformer or generator of the installation.
various parameters, such as probability of fault, If other effective earth connections exist, it is
probability of a person touching the equipment recommended that the protective conductors also
during the fault and the touch voltage to which a be connected to such points, wherever possible.
person might thereby be subjected. Earthing at additional points as evenly as possible
Limits of touch voltage are based on studies is desirable. It is also recommended that protec-
on the effects of current on human body ( see tive conductors should be earthed where they
1s : a437-1977t ). enter any buildings or premises.
18.0.5 The study of the electrical impedance The characteristics of the protective devices
of the human body as a function of touch voltage and the cross-sectional area of conductors shall be
and magnitude of current flow in the bod.y as a so chosen that if a fault of negligible impedance
occurs any where between a phase conductor and
*Code of practice for wiring installations.
tGuide on effects of currents passing through the burn- *Guide on effects of currents passing through the
l=lY. human body.
34
IS:3043 -1987
35
Is:304391987
36
IS I 3043 - 1987
18.2.4 Exp~scd Conductive Parts - Exposed con- b) Equipotential bonding conductors; and
ductive parts that are required to be connected c) Earthing conductors.
by means of protective conductors. to the main
earthing terminal ( or earth rlectrode ) of the Under certain circumstances, there may also
installation are as follows: be local equipotential bonding conductors.
a) All metalwork associated with wiring sys- The determination of cross-sectional areas of
tem ( other than current-carrying parts ) all these conductors is the subject of Section 2
including cable sheaths and armour, con- ( also see 18.4 ) and here consideration is limited
duit, ducting, trunking, boxes and catenary to the types of conductor that can be used with
wires; some indication of the precautions that should be
b) The exposed metalwork of all Class I fixed taken during erection, particularly those concern-
and portable current-using equipment. ed with mechanical and chemical deterioration
Even where at the time of the erection of and electro-dynamic effects.
the installation this equipment is of Class II
18.3.2 Earthing Conductors - Copper earthing
construction or its equivalent, because
conductors, in general, need not be protected
there is a possibility that in the life of the
against corrosion when they are buried in the
installation the equipment may be replaced
ground if their cross-sectional area is equal to or
by Class I equipment, all fixed wiring
accessories should incorporate an earthing greater than 25 mm*. In case of buried steel con-
ductors, appropriate corrosion factors based upon
terminal that is connected to the main
the summed up corrosion indexes corresponding
earthing terminal by means of the protec-
to different parameters connected with the mate-
tive conductors of the circuits concerned.
rial for grounding, environmental conditions,
c) The exposed metalwork of transformers nature of soil, etc ( see Section 4 ) should be
used in the installation other than those applied in determining the size of the earthing
that are an integral part ot equipment. conductor, however, the minimum size should not
The secondary windings of transformers be less than 50 mm*. If the earthing conductor is
should also be earthed at one point of the of tape or strip, the thickness should be adequate
winding, unless the transformer is a safety to withstand mechanical damage and corrosion.
isolating transformer supplying a part of
the installation where the protective It should be remembered that plain uncoated
measure ‘electrical separation’ is being copper is positive to plain uncoated buried steel
used ) . and when interconnected by a current carrying
Exposed conductive parts that ( because of conductor, these metals will form an electroche-
their small dimensions or disposition ) cannot be mical cell that can cause accelerated corrosion of
gripped or contacted by a major surface of the steel. As a rough guide, a de current of 1 A leav-
human body ( that is, a human body surface not ing a buried steel structure can remove nearly
exceeding 50 mm x 50 mm) need not be earthed 9 kg of metal in one year.
if the connection of those parts to a protective Where such conductors are protected against
conductor cannot readily be made and reliably corrossion but are not mechanically protected, the
maintained. Typical examples of such parts are minimum cross-sectional area is 16 mm* if the
screws and nameplate, cable clips and lamp caps. conductor is of copper or coated steel ( Table 4 ).
Fixing screws for non-metallic accessories need The determination of the cross-sectional area
not be earthed provided there is no appreciable where the earthing conductor is both mechani-
risk of the screws coming into contact with live cally protected and protected against corrosion is
parts.
considered in a later section.
Other exposed conductive parts not required Aluminium or copper clad aluminium conduc-
to be earthed are: tors should not be used for final underground
1) Overhead line insulator brackets and metal connections to earth electrodes. Where a copper
parts connected to them if such parts are conductor is to be joined to aluminium, the
not within arm’s reach; and cower should be tinned, unless an approved con-
2) Short lengths of metal conduit or other ductor is used.
metal enclosures used to give mechanical
protection to equipment of Class II or The connection of the earthing conductor to
equivalent cunstruction. the earth electrode or other means of earthing
should be readily accessible and soundly made by
18. Protection against Excewive Tempera- the use of soldered joints or substantial clamps of
ture Rise and Mechanical Damage non-ferrous material. Where the earthing conduc-
18.3.1 G.encral - The protective circuit of an tor is to be connected to the metal armour and
installation includes the following ( see Fig. 20 ): sheath of a cable, the armour should be bonded
to the metal sheath and the principal connection
a) Circuit protective conductors; between the cable and the earthing conductor
37
IS : 3043 - 1987
should be to the metal sheath, and should prefe- 183.4 Local Equi$otential Bonding ( 18.0.10 ) -
rably be soldered. However, if a clamp is used for The equipotential zone partially created by the
this connection the clamp should be so designed bonding of extraneous conductive parts to the
and installed as to provide reliable connection main earthing terminal depends for its efficacy on
without damage to the cable. metal-to-metal contact of negligible impedance.
193.3 Circuit Protuctivc Conductors - A circuit Within a particular part of the zone where extra-
protective conductor may form part of the same neous conductive parts are simultaneously accessi-
cable as the associated live conductors, either as a ble with either other extranecus conductive parts
core of that cable or the metallic sheath or arm- or exposed conductive parts or both, tests may
ouring, or it may be separately run insulated show that it is necessary to carry out local equipo-
conductor, the insulation being at least equivalent tential bonding between the parts concerned in
to that provided for a single core non-sheathed order to obtain satisfactory low impedance.
cable ot’ appropriate size. A separately run circuit 18.3.5 Electrolytic Corrosion - Under damp con-
protective conductor having a cross-sectional area ditions, electrolytic corrosion is liable to occur at
greater than 6 mm* or of copper strip is not contacts between dissimilar metals. Copper and
required to be insulated. All protective conductors alloys having a high copper content are particu-
should, however, be protected against physical larly liable to cause corrosion under these condi-
damage and other forms of damage, for example, tions when in contact with aluminium based
welding current stray return paths. Where the alloys.
sbeath of a cable incorporating an uninsulated
protective conductor having a cross-sectional area When disimilar metals form part of an electri-
of 6 mm* or less is removed at joints and the cal circuit, the joints should be clean and
termination, the conductor should be protected assembled free of moisture, and then immediately
by insulating sleeving. sealed with a suitable medium against the ingress
When the metallic sheath is used every joint in of moisture.
that sheath should be so made that its current Where damp conditions prevail, the fittings,
carrying capacity i,s not less than that of the fixing screws and saddles used to secure alumi-
sheath and where non-metallic joint boxes are nium based alloy conductors, should be made of
used, means such as a metal strip having a resis- aluminium alloy or suitably protected steel ( zone
tance not greater than that of the corresponding coated ) and all the points of contact between
length of sheath of the largest cable entering the them painted.
box should be provided to maintain continuity.
Particular attention should be paid to pipe-
When using the metallic sheath or armour as work because of the risk of replacement of part of
a protective conductor, attention should be paid the pipe system by non-metallic pipes or joints.
to the ability of cable glands and connections to Metalwork that may require bonding includes
carry prospective earth fault currents. Particular exposed metal pipes, sinks taps, tanks, radiators,
care should be taken to avoid problems with non-* and where practicable and accessible, structural
conducting finishes. components.
,Metallic enclosures for cables, such as conduit,
ducting and trunking, may be used as circuit pro- 18.4 Cross-Sectional Areas of the Conductors
tective conductors but where flexible or pliable of an Installation Circuit - The
conduit is used, separate protective conductors cross-sectional areas of the conductors of the pro-
should be used to maintain the integrity of the tective circuit are influenced by the limitation
earth path. Where conduit is used, a high standard placed on earth loop impedances to ensure discon-
of workmanship in installation is essential. Joints nection of the circuit in which and earth fault
should be so made that their current carrying occurs in the prescribed time, that is, instantane-
capacity is not less than the conduit itself. Slack- ous disconnection for higher control potential and
ness in joints can result in deterioration in and disconnection with time lag for lower voltages.
even complete loss of continuity. Plain slip or pin- Where a protective device concerned is a fuse,
grip sockets are considered insufficient to ensure miniature circuit breaker or other types of series
satisfactory electrical continuity of joints. In the over-current device, those disconnecting times
case of unscrewed conduit, the use of lug-grip fitt- imply that the earth fault loop impedances should
ing is recommended, but for outdoor installations be such that the earth fault current is considera-
and where otherwise subjected to atmosphere bly greater than the rated current of the device
corrosion, screwed conduit should always be used, ( or of the same order as occurring under short-
suitably protected against corrosion. In screwed circuit conditions ) Residual Current Devices
conduit installations, the liberal use of locknuts is ( RCDs ) shall be provided-to disconnect the cir-
recommended. -Joints in all conduit systems cuit within the same time in case of impedance or
should be painted overall after assembly. arcing fault conditions. The device setting should
These precautions should be adequate, but be interlinked with earth fault loop impedance,.
periodical tests should be made to verify that safe. contact potential and permissible time for
electrical continuity is satisfactorily maintained. disconnection.
IS : 3043 - 1987
All the constituent conductors of the protective therefore, more suited for isolated installations
circuit should therefore be of adequate cross- that do not have interconnections to other insta-
sectional area to ensure that the temperatures llations. It should also be remembered that every
attained by the conductors do not exceed their socket outlet circuit that do not have earthing
prescribed limiting values. facility in a household or similar installation
should be protected by a residual current device
18.5 Consumers' Earth Connections (SEG 6.1.1) having a rated residual operating current not
- The method of connection of the main
exceeding 30 mA.
earthing terminal of an installation to earth
depends on the type of system of which that On all other systems where equipment is
installation is part. The different systems are supplied by means of a socket outlet not having
described in Fig. 2 to 8. earthing facility or by means of a flexible cable or
cord useo outside the protective zone created by
When the source of energy is privately owned, the main equipotential bonding of the installation
there should be no metallic connection with the such equipment should be protected by a residual
general public supply unless there has been con- current operated device having an operating cur-
sultation with the electricity authority concerned. rent of 30 mA or less.
It should be emphsized that an installation
19.2 Use of Overcurrent Protective Devices
together with its source of energy may not consist
for Earth Fault Protection - Where over-
entirely of one particular type of system. In such
current protective devices are used to give auto-
cases, each part of that installation may be
matic disconnection of supply in case of earth fault
required to be treated separately without detri-
in order to give shock risk protection, the basic
ment to other parts of the same installation. By
requirement is that any voltage occurring between
and large, the types of system encountered fall in
simultaneously accessible conductive parts during
one or other categories shown in Fig. 2 to 8.
a fault should be of such magnitude and duration
1% SELECTION OF DEVICES FOR as not to cause danger. The duration will depend
AUTOMATIC DISCONNECTION OF on the characteristic of the overcurrent device and
SUPPLY the earth fault current which, in turn, depends on
19.1 General - In general, every circuit is pro- the total earth fault loop impedance. The magni-
vided with a means of overcurrent protection. If tude will depend on the impedance of that part of
the earth fault loop impedance is low enough to the earth fault loop path that lies between the
cause these devices to operate within the specified simultaneously accessible parts.
times ( that is, sufficient current can flow to earth The basic requirement can be met if:
under fault conditions ), such devices may be
relied upon to give the requisite automatic discon- a contact potential of 65 volts is within the
nection of supply. If the earth fault loop impe- tolerable limits of human body for
dance does not permit the overcurrent protective 10 seconds. Hence protective felay or
devices to give automatic di&onnection of the device characteristic should be such that
supply under earth fault conditions, the first option this 65 volts contact potential should be
is to reduce that impedance. It may be permi- eliminated within 10 seconds and higher
ssible for this to be achieved by the use of protec- voltages with shorter times.
tive multiple earthing or by additional earth b) a voltage of 250 volts can be withstood by
electrodes. There are practical limitations to both a human body for about 100 milli seconds,
approaches. which requires instantaneous disconnection
of such faults, giving rise to potential rise
In case of impedance/arcing faults, series pro- of 250 volts or more above the ground
tective devices may be ineffective to clear the
potential.
faults. An alternate approach is to be adopted for
the complete safety of the operating personnel The maximum earth fault loop impedance
and equipment from the hazards that may result corresponding to specific ratings of fuse or minia-
from earth faults. This is to use residual current ture circuit breaker that will meet the criteria can
devices with appropriate settings to clear the faults be calculated on the basis of a nominal voltage to
within the permissible time, based on the probable earth ( U, ) and the time current characteristics
contact potential. This method is equally applica- of the device assuming worst case conditions, that
ble where earth loop impedances cannot be is, the slowest operating time accepted by the
improved. relevant standards. Thus, if these values are not
exceeded, compliance with this code covering
In TT systems, there is an additional option
automatic disconnection in’case of an earth fault
of the use of fault voltage operated protective
is assured.
devices; Whilst these devices will always give pro-
tection against shock risk, provided they are Where it is required to know the maximum
correctly installed, the presence of parallel earths earth fault loop impedance acceptable in a circuit
from the bonding will reduce the effectiveness of feeding, a fixed appliance or set of appliances and
the fire risk protection they offer. These are, protected by an over current device, the minimum
39
lSt3043 - 1987
current that may be necessary to ensure operation can be read from the curve and the corresponding
of the overcurrent device within the permissible loop impedance can be calculated from:
time of 10 seconds for a contact potential of
65 volts is found from the characteristic curve of
the device concerned. Application of the Ohm’s
Law then enables the corresponding earth fault where
loop impedance to be calculated as provided in & - earth fault loop impedance:
the formulae in 18.0.3 to 18.0.6.
U, = nominal voltage to earth, and
For circuits supplying socket outlets, the
Ii = earth fault current.
corresponding earth fault loop impedance can be
found by a similar calculation for earthed equip- For a given application, the maximum permit-
ment. When equipment are not earthed and con- ted earth fault loop impedance would be the lower
nected to socket outlets without earthing facility, of the two values calculated for shock risk protec-
disconnection should be ensured for 30 mA with- tion or thermal restraint respectively.
in 10 seconds and with appropriate decrements in
time for higher currents. It will be noted that the adiabatic line crosses
This method requires a knowledge of the total the characteristic curve for a miniature circuit
earth loop impedance alone ( rather than indivi- breaker at a second point B. This denotes the
dual components ) and is, therefore, quick and maximum fault current for which a breaker will
direct in application. Its simplicity does exclude give thermal protection but it will generally be
some circuit arrangements that could give the found in practice that this value is higher than the
required protection. prospective short circuit current that occurs in the
circuit involved and cannot, therefore, be
While calculations give the maximum earth realized.
fault loop or protective conductor impedance to
ensure shock risk protection under fault conditions
it is also necessary to ensure that the circuit pro-
tective earth conductor is protected against the
thermal effects of the fault current. The earth
fault loop impedance should, therefore, be low
enough to cause the protective device to operate
quickly enough to give that protection as well.
This consideration places a second limit on the
maximum earth loop impedance permissible and
can be checked by superimposing on the time
current characteristic of the overload device, the
‘adiabatic’ line having the equation:
Zz/i-
t - k’ Aa or A
-1’ =- k
NOTE - Values of k for typical protective conduc- L
tor conditions are given in 12.2.2.1 and Tables 6A to CURRENT I - p.
6D.
Details of the maximum permissible earth loop 2lA Fuses
impedance for the thermal protection of cables by
fuses can also be computed. However, the time I
current characteristics of a miniature circuit
breaker are such that if the loop impedance is low
enough to give automatic disconnection within
safe disconnecting time so providing shock risk
protection, it will also give the necessary thermal
protection to the earth conductor likely to be used
with a breaker of that specific rating. Figure 21
shows the relationship between the adiabatic line
and the characteristic of fuses and miniature W
circuit breaker.
In order that the devices will give thermal
protection to the protective conductor, operation
has to be restricted to the area to the right of
1
point A where these curves cross. Thus, the maxi-
CURRENT I -
mum earth fault loop impedance for thermal
protection of the cable is that corresponding to 216 Miniature Current Breaker
the minimum earth fault current for which the FIQ. 2 I RELATIONSHIPBETWEEN ADIABATE
device gives protection. The value of this current LINES AND CHARACTERISTICS
40
IS: 3843.1987
19.3 Earth Fault Protective Devices - There ing of the RCD by means of the test device
are two basic forms of such devices that can be establishes the following:
used for individual non-earthed/earthed ( with
1) the integrity 06 the electrical and
limited application ) equipment as follows:
mechanical elements of the tripping
4 Residual Current Operated Devices (RCD) - An device; and
RCD incorporates two component items. A 2) that the device is operating at appro-
core balance transformer assembly with a ximately the correct order of operat-
winding for each recognizing the out of ing current.
balance current that the fault produces in
the main conductors. This induces a current It should.be noted that the test device does
that is used to operate the tripping mecha- not provide a means of checking the conti-
nism of a contact system. For operating nuity of the earthing lead or the earth
currents of 0.5 A or more, the output from continuity conductor, nor does it impose
such a transformer assembly can operate a any test on the earth electrode or any other
conventional trip coil directly. For lower part of the earthing circuit.
values of operating current, it is necessary
to interpose a leay device, either magnetic Although an RCD will operate on currents
or solid state. equal to or exceeding its operating current,
it should be noted that it will only restrict+,
Devices for load currents greater than the time for which a fault current flows. It ‘4
100 A usually comprise a separate transfor- can not restrict the magnitude of the fault %
mer assembly with a circuit breaker or con- current which depends solely on the circuit
tact relay, mounted together within a conditions.
common enclosure. Devices for load
currents below 100 A usually include the
b) Fault Voltage Operated Earth Leakage Circuit
Breakers ( ELCB ) - A voltage operated
transformer and contact system within the earth leakage circuit breaker comprises a
same single unit, which is then described as contact switching system together with a
a residual current operated circuit breaker voltage sensitive trip coil, On installations,
(RCB). Such an RCB should be considered this coil is connected between the metal-
a particular type of RCB although it is the work to be protected and as good a con-
most usual form. nection with earth as can be obtained. Any
voltage rise above earth on that metalwork
A wide choice of operating currents is exceeding the setting of the coil will cause
avilable (typical values are between 10 mA the breaker to trip so giving indirect shock
and 20 A ) RCB’s are normally non- risk protection.
adjustable whilst RCD’s are often manufac-
tured so that one of several operating Tripping coils are designed so that a fault
currents may be chosen. Single phase and voltage operated device will operate on a
multiphase devices with or without integral 40 V rise when the earth electrode resis-
overcurrent facilities are available. tance is 5OOn or 24 V on a 2OOQ electrode.
Single and multiphase units, with or with-
Where residual current breakers of 30 mA out overcurrent facilities, are available for
operating current or less are being used, load currents up to 100 A.
there is a choice between devices that are
entirely electromechanical in operation and A test device is provided on a voltage
those that employ a solid state detector, operated unit to enable the operation of
The electromechanical .types are generally the circuit breaker to be checked, operation
small and compact and will operate on the of the device applies a voltage to the trip
power being fed to the fault alone whereas coil so simulating a fault.
the solid state type which tend to be bulkier Tripping of the circuit breaker by means
to require a power supply to ensure opera- of the test device shows the integrity of the
tion. Where this power supply is derived electrical mechanical elements that the unit
from the mains, it may be necessary to take is operating with the correct order of ope-
added precaution against failures of part of rating voltage and, in addition, proves the
that mains supply. Devices suitable for time conductor from thetcircuit breaker to the
grading are more likely to be of the solid earth electrode. It can not prove other
state form as are those having higher features of the installation.
through fault capacity.
Whilst the voltage operated ( ELCB ) will
A test device is incorporated to allow the operate when subjected to a fault voltage
operation of the RCD to be checked. of 20 V or more, it should be noted that it
Operation of this device creates an out of cannot restrict the voltage in magnitude
balance condition within the device. Tripp- only in duration.
41
IS : 3043 - 1987
c) Current Operated Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers- The minimum operating current will be above
For industrial applications, earth leakage any standing leakage that may be unavoidable on
circuit breakers operating on milliampere the system. A further consideration arises if it is
residual currents or working on fault volt- intended to have several devices in series. It is not
age principle are of little use, since milli- always possible to introduce time grading to give
amperes of earth leakage current for an discrimination whereas a limited amount of current
extensive industrial system is a normal discrimination can be obtained by grading the
operating situation. Tripping based on sensitivities along the distribution chain.
these currents will result in nuisance for the
normal operation. Milliamperes of current
The maximum permitted operating current
in a system, where exposed conductive
depends on the earth fault loop impedance. The
parts of equipments are effectively earthed
product of the net residual operating current loop
and fault loop impedance is within reason-
impedance should not exceed 65 volts.
able values, will give rise only to a ground
potential/contact potential rise of a few
millivolts. This will in no way contribute to It is often acceptable on commercial grounds
shock or fire hazard. Here objectionable to have several final circuits protected by the same
fault currents will be a few or a few tenths residual current devices. This, however, does
of amperes. In such cases, residual current result in several circuits being affected if a fault
operated devices sensitive to these currents occurs on one of the circuits so protected and the
must be made use of for earth fault current financial advantages have to be weighed against
and stable operation of the plant without the effects of loosing more than one circuit.
nuisance tripping./ This is achieved either
by separate relays or in-built releases initi- It should also be noted that different typrs of
ating trip signals to the circuit-breakers RCD in different circuits may react differently to
( For details, refer to Section 5 ). the presence of a neutral to earth fault on the load
side. Such an earth connection together with the
19.4 Selection of Earth Fault Protective earthing of the supply at the neutral point will
Devices - In general, residual current operated constitute a shunt across the neutral winding on
devices are preferred and may be divided into two the RCD transformer. Consequently, a portion of
groups according to their final current operating the neutral load current will be shunted away
characteristics. from the transformer and it may result in the
device tripping. On the other hand, such a shunt
4 RCD’s Having Minimum Operating Currents
may reduce the sensitivity of the device and pre-
Greater Than 30 mA - These devices are
vent its tripping even under line to earth fault
intended to give indirect shock risk protec-
conditions. In general, therefore, care should be
tion to persons in contact with earthed
taken to avoid a neutral to earth fault where
metal.
RCD’s are in use, although there are some designs
RCD’s Having Minimum Ojerating Current of .being developed that will detect and operate
6) under such conditions. On installations with seve-
30 mA and Below - These devices are gene-
rally referred to as having ‘high sensitivity’ ral RCD’s, care should be taken to ensure that
and can give direct shock risk protection to neutral currents are returned via the same device
persons who may come in contact with live that carries the corresponding phase current and
conductors and earth provided that the no other. Failure to observe this point could result
RCD operating times are better than those in devices tripping even in the absence of a fau!t
given in IS : 8437-1977*. It should be on the circuit they are protecting.
noted that such RCD’s can only be used to
supplement an earth conductor and not When using fault voltage operated ELCB’s,
replace one. the metalwork to be protected should be isolated
from earth so that any fault current passes through
In I addition to giving protection against the tripping coil gives both shock and fire risk
indirect contact or direct contact RCD’s may also protection. However, this isolation is not always
give fire risk protection, the degree of protection practicable and the presence of a second parallel
being related to the sensitivity of the device. path to earth will reduce the amount of fire risk
protection offered. Because the coil is voltage
An RCD should be chosen having the lowest sensitive, the presence of such a parallel path will
not reduce the shock risk protection offered provi-
suitable operating current. The lower the oprrat-
ded that this second path goes to earth well clear
ing current the greater the degree of protectton
given, it can also introduce possibilities of nuisance of the point at which the earth leakage circuit
breaker trip coil is earthed. It is required that the
tripping and may become unnecessarily expensive.
earthing conductor is insulated to avoid contact
*Guide on effects of current passing through the human with other protective conductors or any exposed
body. conductive parts or extraneous conductive parts so
42
X8:3843.198?
20. EARTHING IN POWER STATIONS AND Where the neutral points of two electrically
SUBSTATIONS separate electricity systems are connected to a
20.1 General’ - In general. earthing installations common earth electrode system at a site, there is
will be required at power stations and substations a coupling of the systems in the event of an earth
for: fault occurring on either system by virtue of the
rise of earth potential due to the’ passage of the
a) The neutral points of each separate electri- fault current through the earth, electrode system.
city system which has to be earthed at the Similarly, if non-current carrying metalwork is
power station or substation* bonded to the same earth electrode as the neutral
point of the supply the metalwork will experience
b) Apparatus fremework or cladding or other
non-current carrying metalwork associated the same rise of earth potential. If complete sepa-
with each system, for example, transformer ration of electrical systems were required, it would
tanks, power cable sheaths; be essential that the neutral points of each system
and its associated metalwork be separately earthed.
c) Extraneous metalwork not associated with If such a method were adopted, each earthing
the powersystems, for example boundary system would require insulation from other ear-
fences, sheaths of control or communication thing systems to withstand the maximum rise of
cables. earth potential occurring in any system by virtue
of lightning currents or power system fault cur-
For safety, the objective of earth bonding is to
rents. Insulation to this level is rarely practicable.
ensure that, in normal or abnormal conditions,
any voltage appearing on equipment to which The choice of using a common earth or sepa-
there is access should be below a dangerous level. rate earths for the system of different voltages at a
It is not practicable to ensure that metal parts are transforming point affect:
earthed and remain near true earth potential
during the passage of earth fault currents, particu- a) the probability of breakdown occurring in a
larly on high voltage systems with directly earthed transformer between the higher and lower
neutrals. The objective should, therefore, be to voltage sides due to lighting or other surges;
provide effective bonding of low impedance and and
adequate current-carrying capacity between parts b) the safety of consumers or their property
with which anyone may be in simultaneous con- supplied by any low voltage system distri-
tact, and to arrange, as far as possible, that large buted from the station against arise of
fault currents do not flow between such points. potential of the earthed neutral by a high
voltage system earth fault at the station.
To minimize risk of damage to certain auxili-
ary plant, the rise of potential of a station earthing The former risk is reduced by use of a common
installation above the potential of true or remote earth system, and the latter danger only arises if
earth should be as low as practicible, since this the resistance of the earth electrode system is not
potential will be applied across protective insulation sufficiently low to limit the rise of earth potential
of any plant with connections to earth external to to a safe value. There is advantage in using a
the substation, for example, plant with connections common earth where the earth electrode resistance,
to pilot or telephone cables or cable sheaths. F’or including the parallel resistance of any bonded
similar reasons, the potential difference between metalwork, etc, to earth is 1 Q or less, as is usual
earthed points in the station should also be kept at power stations, large outdoor substations or sub-
to a minimum. Where surge protection is provided, stations supplying a network of cables whose
the connection of the protective devices to earth sheaths have a low impedance to earth.
should be as direct as possible. The discharge of
high currents with high-frequency components The substation earth system rise of potential
requires earth connections of low resistance and will not be excessive if the resistance of the earth
reactance, that is, short connections with as few electrode system is small compared to the total
changes of direction as possible. earth fault circuit impedance. Systems of higher
43
IS t 3043 - 1987
NOTB - The number of electrodes and the size of the grid conductor is to be worked out as per 22.6.2.
44
IS : 3043 l 1987
SUBSTATION BUILDING
COLUMN
NOTE1 - Top ring should be half the size of main vertical reinforcement rod.
NOTE2 - Two extreme columns should be earthed like this in each substation.
NOTE3 - This is applicable to RCC masts and equipment supports in OD switchyard.
NOTE4 - Inserts other than. earthing pads may or may not be welded to reinforcement.
The perimeter fence may need to be earthed the minimum economically possible. In addition,
separately from the main station earth electrode an earth mat should be provided,: near the ground
system ( see 20.6.1 ). surface, in the position taken up by a person opera-
ting the switch handle; this mat should be con-
The tertiary winding of a power transformer nected to the switch handle. The mat should be
should be connected to the transformer tank by a electrically separated from the main electrode; this
connection of sufficient cross-sectional area to carry is considered to be achieved by spacing the t
the primary short-circuit current, nearest element of that electrode at least 1 m from
the periphery of the mat and by placing the two
In the case of pole mounted transformers on earthing-wires on opposite sides of the pole. The
overhead line systems, difficulties may arise in tops of the main electrodes should be at least 225
areas of high soil resistivity. Here, if the pole car- mm and preferably 750 mm below the ground,
ries also isolating switchgear with low level operat- and the earthing wire to the main electrode of
ing handle, up to three separately earthed elec- outdoor type rubber or plastics-insulated cable up
trode systems may be required. That for the neutral to a point 2 m above ground level. This cable,
of the low voltage system is usually provided not between the bottom of the pole and the electrode
nearer than one pole span away on the low voltage should be laid in a 50-mm diameter earthenw,are
line. That for the high voltage metalwork ( trans- duct filled solid with bitumen.
former tank, switch framework, support metal 20.3 General Earthing Arrangements at
work ), consists of one earth electrode at or near Power Stations of Public Electricity Sup-
the pole. Resistances of 5 to 50 Q are sometimes plies
45
IS t.3043 - 1987
20.3.1 Neutral Earthing of Generator Circuits - At earthing resistors have been abandoned in favour
modern large power stations for public electricity of individual unswitched earthing resistors.
supply the generation circuits generally comprise
a star-connected stator circuit with an operating 20.3.2 Earthing of Power Station Auxiliary S~stms -
voltage up to about 26 kV, directly connected There are, in common use, three methods of
to a step-up delta/star transformer, the higher earthing the neutral point in power station auxili-
voltage winding generally operating at 132 Vk, ary systems:
275 kV or 400 kV, with the transmission system a) Solid earthing;
neutral point directly earthed.
b) earthing through a voltage transformer ( or
The fbllowing three methods have been used voltage relay ) with a surge diverter ( but
for earthing the neutral of the generator windings: not a fuse ) shunting the primary winding
( or the relay);
a) Earthing through the primary winding of a
matching transformer, with resistor connec- c) Resistance earthing.
ted across the secondary winding;
Methods (a) and (c) involve the automatic dis-
b) earthing through a resistor; and connection of the individual fault circuit.
c) earthing through the primary winding of
With method (b), an alarm can be arranged
a voltage transformer.
to be operated from the secondary of thevoltage
Method (a) - is current practice, the design be- transformer and the scheme enables all auxiliaries
ing such that the maximum substained earth fault to be kept in service until it is convenient to make
current in the generator circuit is restricted to 10 the auxiliary switchboard dead.
to 15 A, thus limiting the damage at the point of
fault. The neutral and earthing connections, how- Method (a) is normally used in power stations
ever, are of adequate capacity to withstand for with smaller generating sets and method (c) used
3 s the earth fault current that would flow in the in the larger power stations. Method (b) has cer-
event of the matching transformer terminals flash- tain disadvantages, such as the complication in
ing over during an earth fault. The resistor used arranging for speedy identification of the indivi-
for the arrangement is of the metallic grid non- dual faulty circuit and the possible difficulties
inductive type. arising from functioning of the surge diverter.
Method (6) - can be used to achieve the same 20.4 Equipment Earthing at Power Stations -
degree of fault-current limitation, by design of a Practice in equipment earthing at power stations
suitable high-current resistor, but is not preferred is identical to that for large substations not giving
on the grounds of cost and its less robust construc- external low voltage supplies ( see 20.2 ). A
tion than that of the equipment used in method common earth is used for the neutral earthing of
(a). It was earlier practice, however, to individu- generators and power station auxiliaries, and for
ally earth each generator at power stations by all equipment framework, cladding, power cables
liquid earthing resistors designed to limit the earth- sheaths and extraneous metalwork not associated
fault current to about 300 A. with the power systems, other than the perimeter
fence ( see 20.6.1. ).
Method (c) - is now historic, but had the advan-
tage that minimal damage resulted at an earth 20.5 Power Station and Substation Earth
fault. If desired, the generator could remain in Electrodes
circuit while operational arrangements were made
to permit its withdrawal. However, this imposed a 20.5.1 General - The required characteristics
higher voltage stress on the stator windings and of earth electrode system are:
plant on the unfaulted phases, and the machine
design usually imposed limitations on this. The 4 a suitably low resistance, under all variations
output from the secondary winding of the voltage due to climatic conditions, for the fault
transformer could be arranged to activate an currents envisaged;
alarm or trip the generator circuit as desired. In b) current carrying capability for all currents
designing the neutral and earthing connections to and durations that may arise in normal
the voltage transformer, the earth-fault current operating conditions or during fault or surge
used was that resulting by flashover of the voltage discharge conditions, without undue in-
transformer during an earth fault. crease in resistance;
Some old power stations have generators con- 4 suitable location in the vicinity of any light-
nected directly to distribution system busbars; in ing discharge devices such that earth con-
general, the neutral terminals of such generators nection conductors from such devices are as
have been earthed via liquid neutral earthing resis- short and straight as possible to minimize
tors of such avalue that the maximum sustained surge impedance; and
earth fault current is of the order of full load cur- 4 earth electrode installations should be dura-
rent of the generator. Installations of neutral point ble and of such material and design to
switchboards with switching of neutral points and avoid corrosions.
46
IS : 3043 - 1987
For high voltage system earthing, the value of At large substation compounds, it is usual to lay
the resistance of the earth electrode system, with a mesh of underground earth strips to which system
any adventitious earths due to the bonding of neutral terminals and the earth bonding conduc-
metalwork, etc, in contact with earth, should be tors from above-ground structures are connected.
such that the rise in potemial of the electrode In addition to providing an approximately equi-
system above the potential of remote earth is as potential surface over the substation, the earth
low as economically possible. In the absence of strip mesh frequently suffices to provide an elec-
any specific restriction, attempt should be made trode of suitable resistance and current carrying
to restrict the rise of potential within safe value. capacity without augmentation.
At some sites; the rise in earth potential will in-
evitably exceed these values, and special pre- 20.6 Earthing Conductors for Power Stations
cautions are necessary. and Substations
47
IS t 3043 - 1987
connection of cable sheaths and earthing ture made up of bolted sections should not
devices. Where it is mounted on the switch be relied upon to form an efficient earth
units, it should be insulated therefrom by bond between equipment and the main
insulation capable of withstanding a test earth grid, and loops bonding acr 0s s
voltage of 4 kV rms alternating current structural joints are required.
for 1 minutes.
Connections to metal cladding, steel
Where insulated cable glands are used, structure and metal door frames and win-
it is recommended that ‘island’ insulation dows or any other metallic panels should be
should be provided to facilitate testing. made inside buildings.
48
IS I 3043 - 1987
20.6.2.2 Conductors buried as strip electrodes - ber of paraliel conductors given by the em-
The earthing grid consists of the vertical pipe elec- phirical relationship.
trodes or plate electrodes interconnected by hori-
zontal conductors which serve as a strip electrode K I#-- 1l+c--F
x
Il
D+h +
--!-+
20
( 9.2.3 ) in addition to forming a earthing grid. It
is recommended that the duration of‘earth fault 1
. . . . . . up to n terms
current should be taken as one second for 230 and 30
400 kV substations, and 3 seconds while designing ( All lengths in metres )
earth grids for all other voltage levels.
d) K+ is an irregularity factor to allow for non-
The other factors which shall be taken as the uniformity if ground, dependent on the
consideration while designing the earth grid are number of parallel conductors in the ground
given below: used in the mesh.
0.65 + 0.172 xri
a) Factor of safety for the ability of the earth Xl -
conductor to carry the fault current during where n = number of parallel conductors.
the period the fault persists, without any
thermal and mechanical damage to the e) Mesh potential : Mesh potential is the po-
conductor; tential difference in volts
from grid conductor to
b) The relative importance of the installation groun,d surface at centre of
for which the earthing system is being mesh grid.
designed;
f) Factor of safety for workmanship in join- f ) The duration of fault for calculation of
step, touch and mesh potential shall be
ting, etc; and
the actual breaker fault clearing time.
is) Maximum permissible temperature raise for
the buried part of the grid, which may be
taken as 45O’C for copper and steel condu- 20.6.3 Construction
ctars.
20.6.3.1 General - It is essential for the
safety of personnel and plant that an earth system
20.6.2.3 Sizing should remain effective throughout the life of the
plant. It is difficult in many cases to make a check
a) The cross-section of the area of the grid of continuity after installation. The system, there-
conductor shall not be less than the value fore, has to be robust and protected from mech-
stipulated in 12.2.2.1 where the value of k is anical damage and corrosion, where necessary.
to be taken as 80 for steel. This is based on Any joints should be capable of retaining low resis-
a reasonable assumption that 3 seconds tance after many passages of fault current.
duration could not be adequate to bake
out the ground moisture around the elect-
rode especia!ly as only a part of the current 20.6.3.2 Laving conductors - Buried bare
would be flowing across electrode-soil in- copper or steel conductors forming part of the ear-
terface, thing system should be at about 600 mm deep
which, in addition to giving protection to the con-
b) Kt is a coefllcient which takes into account ductor and connections, should ensure that it will
the effect .of number n spacing D, diameter normally be below frost line. Aluminimum should
d and depth of burial h of the grid condu- only be used for above ground connections.
ctors.
NOTE- If the indigeneous aoil is hostile to copper,
that is, acidic with a pH value of less than 6 or alkaline
with apH value of more than 10, suitable surrounding
soil should be imported.
49
IS:3043-1987
as they are, therefore, in ground more subject to ctrodes made above ground with bimetallic joints.
seasonal or progressive changes of resistivity, it Aluminium can be used below ground only if efi-
may be assumed that they make negligible con- ciently protected or sheathed against contact with
tribution towards reducing station earth resistance. soil and moisture.
On the other hand, they do serve to reduce surface
gradient within the station site. Conversely where 20.6.3.4 Jornting conductors
these connection are also required to improve the
a) General - All crossings of conductors in the
earth value of the station, the 600 mm depth is
main earth grid should be jointed. Com-
required. The above recommendations deal mainly
pression type joints may be used for stran-
with stations on normal sites. Where ground con-
ded conductors. Non-conductor strip should
ditions restrict the installation depth or where the
be drilled for a bolt having a diameter
soil resistivity is excessive, additional measures
greater than one-third of the width of the
may be required beyond the station boundary to
strip. If this diameter will be exceeded, than
improve the overall earth value.
a wider flag should be jointed to the strip.
The earthing installation within the station b) Aluminium to aluminium - When possible,
will, however, bond the station plant and restrict joints on strip conductor should be arc wel-
touch potentials to acceptable limits. ded using either the tungsten inert-gas arc
Where bare metal conductor is buried under ( TIC ) or metal inert gas arc ( MIG )
metal fencing, and the fencing is independently techniques. Oxy-acetylene gas welding or
earthed, the conductor should be insulated by brazing may also be used.
threading through non metallic pipe extending for Ranges of compression fittings and tools
at least 2 m each side of the fence or alternatively are available for round conductors. Round
insulated conductor may be used. conductors can also be flattened and
When laying stranded conductor for earthing punched with suitable tools to form a ter-
purposes, care should be taken to avoid birdcaging minal.
of the strands. Round and rectangular conductors can
be joined with bolted clamps.
20.6.3.3 Fixing conductors - In fixing alu-
minium or copper conductors to structures, etc, Rectangular conductors can be joined
insulated elips should be used to avoid drilling and or terminated by drilling and bolting.
prevent electrolytic action. Galvanized clips should When making a bolted type joint, the
not be used. Fixing should be spaced not more surface of the aluminium should be cleaned
than 1 m apart. thoroughly by wire brushing and greased
or an approved‘jointing compound applied
Earth conductors in trenches containing power immediately to both mating surfaces.
and/or multi-core cables should be fixed to the Bolts should then be tightened and all
walls near the top ( for example, 100 mm from excess grease or compound wiped off and
the top ). discarded.
Copper earth strip supported from or in con- To ensure adequate contact pressure
tact with galvanized steel should be tinned to pre- and avoid overstressing, torque spanners
vent electrolytic action. should be used. The conductor manufac-
Sharp bends required in aluminium strip should turers literature should be consulted for
be formed by the use of a bending machine. further details for the joints and proced-
ures.
Aluminium earthing conductors will give satis-
Cold pressure welding and explosive
factory performance in contact with concrete,
bonding can be used for jointing rectang-
cement, plaster and brickwork, and may be buried
ular conductors. The appropriate manu-
in concrete or plaster, provided it remains dry
after setting. In outdoor installations, the conduc- facturer should be consulted for details of
tor will weather to a grey appearance and in these procedures.
marine or industrial atmospheres slight surface pit- 4 Aluminium to cofifler - Joints between aiu-
ting may occur. This will not affect performance minium and copper should be of the bolted
since the sections are relatively large. The inter- type and be installed in the vertical plane
faces of all ‘mechanical’ join)s.‘ihould be protected at a minimum distance of 150 mm above
with a suitable electrical joint compound, parti- ground level.
cularly any bimetallic joints. All bimetallic joints
should then be encapsulated in a grease impre- The rating surface of the aluminium
gnated tape, mastic compound or bitumastic paint, should he cleaned thoroughly by wire brush-
ttc, to exclude moisture, ing and greased or an approved jointing
compound applied and the copper tihned.
In general, aluminium should only be used Grease or an approved jointing compound
above ground and the connections to earth ele- should be applied to the melting surface of
U:3043-1987
the aluminlum. After bolt tightening by termination boxes of transformers, switchgear, etc
torque spanner, excess grease or com- and at cable sealing ends or joints.
pound should be wiped off and discarded, 20.7.2 Single-Core Cable Tails - The sheaths of
and the joint protected from the ingrease single-core cables have a longitudinal induced
of moisture by the application of suitable voltage, the magnitude of which is directly pro-
plastics compound or irradiated polyethy- portional to the current flowing in the core. When
lene sleeve with mastic lining. Alternatively, both ends of a single-core cable are bonded to
the joint may be protected by a bitumastic earth, a current flows in the sheath and the ther-
paint. mal effects of this sheath current derates the
Aluminium conductor connections to capacity of the cable core. Where this derating is
equipment should, where possible,be in the unacceptable and the value of the standing
vertical plane. Surface preparation of the induced voltage is acceptable, it is usual to
aluminium and the making of the joint earth the sheaths of the single-core cables at the
should be as previously described. The trifurcating box or in the case of single-core mains,
finished joint should be protected by a the end of the trefoil formation, the cable glands at
bitumastic paint. sealing ends or plant cable boxes being of the in-
The following methods sulated type. The acceptable level of the maximum
d) Copper to wQ@r -
sheath voltage is generally taken as 65V with full
may be used:
rated current flowing in the cable, but where the
1) Brazing using zinc-free brazing material ratio of fault current to full rated current is
with a melting point of at least 600°C; so high that the voltage developed across an insu-
2) Bolting; lated gland is unacceptable, it is necessary to der-
3) Riveting and sweating; and ate the permissible voltage to some level lower
than 65 V.
4) Explosive welding.
20.7.3 Single-Core Cable Mains - The choice of
Earthing conductor connections to cquip-
termination and earthing arrangements for single-
ment should, aa far as practicable, be
core cable mains is a matter of economics. The
made onto vertical surfaces only. In the
possible methods of earthing are as follows:
case of painted metal, the paint should be
carefully removed. Earthing conductors 4 Solid Bonding - In &is system, the sheath
should be tinned where connected to bonding and earthing arrangements are
galvanized steelwork. No connection point such that the sheaths are maintained near
should be less than 150 mm above ground earth potential throughout their length.
level. In any poeition, subject to corrosion, b) Single Point Bonding - This. method is as
the finished joint should be protected by described in 20.7.2 for single core tails, and
bitumastic paint. is subjected to practical limitations of cable
lengths permissible.
4 LOOPJfor portable earths - Loops of plain
aluminium or copper should be provided C>Cross-Bonding - In this method, the cable
on the earth conductor at each location length is divided into three equal sections
where portable earthing leads may be app- ( or into a multiple of three such sections )
lied. The loops should not be less than 180 and at each section junction, an insulating
mm long and 75 mm clear of the earth con- joint is provided. At these joints, the sheath
ductor; they should be at a convenient of each cable section is bonded to the she-
height and should be formed separately, ath of a different phase cable of the next
not by bending the earth strip itself. Loops section through lockable link boxes. By suit-
should be jointed to the earth conductor able connection, the phaser sum of the
using a method given in 20.6.8.4 (d). longitudinal sheath voltage is zero, and at
the cable terminations, the sheaths of all
f 1 steel - For steel, it is recommended to use three cables are bonded to earth. It is usual
only welded joints.
to provide a three-phase star-connected set
20.7 Earthing of High Voltage Cable Sheaths of cable protections at each intermediate in-
sulating joint; these protectors are non-linear
20.7.1 Three-Core Cables - Modern high voltage resistors presenting low impedance to surge
power cables are generally provided with a poly- currents. The cross-bonding method permits
meric insulating oversheaths. The sheath of solid the full rating of the cable to be maintained,
tpye cables are generally directly earthed at their but incurs considerable cost in the provision
terminations and joints, the cable sheaths being of insulating joints, link boxes, protectors,
bonded at joints. The sheath earth connections etc.
of pressure type cables are generally made via a
removable link in -a lockable box to permit 20.8 Miscellaneous Matters in Power
periodic testing of the oversheath insulation, the Stations and Substations - IT two or more
joints being insulated, but the sheaths bonded stations are adjacent on what may be considered
through. The test requirement also means that to be one site, the earthing systems and the stations
insulating glands should be provided at the cable should be interconnected to form a single earthing
51
IS : 3043 - 1987
system. Where the stations actually adjoin, the 21.2 Insulation Failure - Following an insula-
extremities of their earthing systems should be tion failure, a voltage may exist between any sup-
connected together so that the whole area is en- porting metalwork and earth. The public are
closed by the earthing system. Where the separ- generally protected if no metalwork within 3 m of
ation is too large to treat as adjoining stations, an the ground is liable to become live on failure of
interconnecting earth conductor of substanrial insulation. If the supports are close to buildmgs,
cross-section should be run to ensure that, as far etc, the particular circumstances have to be
as practicable, fault currents are diverted from considered.
cable sheaths and armour. This is of particular
imporatnce where fault current flowing in one 21.3 Lattice Steel Structures - There will
station is provided from the adjoining station, for often be satisfactory earthing of lattice steel struc-
example, where a switching station adjoins power tures, poles of metallic construction and reinforced
or transforming station sites so that an earth fault concrete poles through their contact with the
in thr switchgear causes current flow between the ground. In areas of high earth resistivity, special
two sites in order to reach the system neutral at earthing arrangements may be necessary; an over-
the generators or transformers. Such interconne- head protective conductor attached at each support
and connected to the neutral of the supply and of
ctions between sites can include links suitably dis-
posed to assist in testing. the line may be the most economical solution.
This conductor if posit.ioned above the live con-
Except where special insulation is called for, ductors, will also provide a measure of lightning
sheaths of all main cables should be connected to protection.
the station earth system. With multi-core cables
the connection is generally made at the termina- 21.4 Poles of Non-conducting Material
tion.
21.4.1 General - Where a pole is of non-con-
ducting material, for example wood or glass-rein-
Where high earth-fault currents are to be ex-
forced plastics, the pole will act against the flow
pected, and an appreciable rise of potential of the
of leakage current and can be expected to prevent
station system with respect to the general body of
danger near ground level due to leakage across or
the earth may en&re, special care is necessary
failure of any Insulator supporting a line conductor,
with connections other than main cables or lines
except where there is intervening equipment or
entering the station, such as water pipes and tele-
metalwork that is or may become live.
phone or pilot cables, water pipes should include
an insulated section; polymeric piping is often For the reasons givenin 21.4.2 to 21.4.5, there
suitable. In several cases, isolating transformers are advantages in not earthing the pole-top metal-
may be necessary for telephone connections. Bri- work of such poles and in not making bonding
tish Telecom’ provides isolation equipment at their connections to it.
circuit terminations when the Potential rise exceeds
430 V ( 650 V for high reliability lines ). Pilot 21.4.2 Omission of Bonding - Where insulators
cables should be provided with insulated glands are attached to a pole or to non-conducting cross-
and so disposed as to minimize the possibility of arms, etc, attached to the pole, ommission of
fa$t currents being carried by the sheaths. bonding of pole-top metalwork gives a greater
impulse withstand voltage, so there is less risk of
Where carrier-current equipment is employed, faults due to phase-to-phase flashover. To reduce
a further earth-electrode, normally a driven rod, risk of fire, where wooden cross-arms are used,
should be provided at or immediately adjacent to care should be taken to make close, fire contact
each structure supporting the coupling capacitors. between the cross-arm and the insulator pipe.
This earth electrode is an additional one for the
21.4.3 Omission of Earthing - If pole-top metal-
high frequency equipment and should be bonded
work is not earthed, transient faults due to birds,
into the main earthing system. The structures
flying branches, etc, bridging the clearance
supporting the coupling capacitors should be ear-
between line conductors and the metalwork are
thed in the normal way.
greatly reduced.
21. EARTHING ASSOCIATED WITH 21.4.4 Transformers, Rod-opcrakd Switchgear and
OVERHEAD POWER LINES Cable Terminations - In cases where equipment,
such as transformers, rod-operated switchgear or
21.1 Type of Support -Any consideration of cable terminations are mounted on a wooden or
whether metalwork associated with overhead reinforced plastics pole, the impulse flashover
power lines should be earthed and/or bonded has value of the additional insulation provided by the
to take account of the type of support. Some over- pole is impaired, and all the metal work on the
head lines are supported by lattica towers of meta- pole needs to be bonded and earthed.
llic construction, others by poles, which may be
of steel, wood, concrete or of fabricated cons- 21.5 Stays - To prevent stay corrosion that would
truction, for example, glass-reinforced plastics; otherwise occur due to passage of small leakage
brackets attached to buildings are also used to currents occurring even in normal operation, stay
support cqnductors. insulators should be fitted in stay wires on poles.
52
IS : 3843 - 1987
No part of the stay insulator should be less than magnetic interference is reduced if the resistance
3 m above ground; it should be fitted as high up of the earth return path is small compared with its
the stay as possible, but the stay insulator should reactance. At 50 Hz, inductive interference may
be so positioned that there can be no contact below be caused by the use of a high-resistivity wire ( for
the stay insulator between the stay wire and any example. steel wire ) even if it is perfectly earthed.
phase conductor ( including a jumper connection ), A single low-resistivity earth wire made of copper,
should either of them break or become loose aiuminium etc, should be used and it should avoid
passing close to conductors or cables belonging to
21.6 Metal Brackets Attached to Buildings - other circuits. It should be protected against
A metal bracket attached to or adjacent to any mechancial damage for a distance of 3 m above
metalwork on or joining part of any building or ground level.
structure and supporting a phase conductor needs
to be earthed unless the conductor is both insula- 21.8 Lightning Protection - A lightning con-
ted and supported by an insulator, each form of ductor attached to a structure and earthed at its
insulation being suitable for the conditions under lower end acts to reduce the likelihood of a lightn-
which it will be required to operate in the event ing strike. An over-running aerial earth-wire on
of failure of the other. overhead power line, .besides forming part, of the
earth return path, also gives a degree of lightning
21.7 Earth Wires and Earth Connection - protection. The lower the impedance between
Any connection between metalwork and earth has aerial earth-wire and earth, the better is the
to be of low resistivity, both to provide for prompt protection since this reduces the possibility of a
operation of protective equipment and to minimize back flashover from the earthed metalwork to line
inductive interference with communications circuits conductors on the occasion of a direct strike to the
in the event of a flow of fault current. Electro- earth wire.
53
value of the earth ruistivity, a percentage of the 22.2.3 The continuity resistance of the earth
current may flow through the mass of the earth return path through the earth grid should be
as well. The current, which takes the earth return maintained a9 low as possible and in no case
path, enters the earth through different earth greater than one ohm.
electrodes. Hence, while designing the earth
electrodes, the thermal capability of the earth 22.2.4 In the case of EHT substations, where
electrodes need be verified only with reference to there is possibility of the ground potential attain-
the portion of the current which may take the ing very high values ( of the order of 5 kV and
earth return path, which depends upon the earth above ) in the event of an earth fault, the earth
resistivity. In the normal range of earth resistivi- grid design should be based on the tolerable limits
ties between 10 and 1 000 m, this division of of the potential gradient in the substation area,
current is found to be in between 80 percent and and the step and touch potential due to fault
20 percent for design purposes. Hence, depending conditions.
upon the disposition of the plant electrics, an 22.2.5 In the case of EHT substations, the
optimum number of earth electrodes are provided earth conductors should be bare and they should
as anchorages for the earth grid, The value of be buried direct in ground.
the earth resistance of the grid so formed is then
calculated assuming the bare interconnected grid 22.3 The Earth Electrodes
as a strip electrode. The value of the earth 22.3.1 The earth electrodes are provided to
resistance so obtained should be within reason- dissipate the fault current in case of earth faults.
able limits, otherwise brought down by adding and to maintain the earth resistance to a reasona-
more etectrodes. The ground fault protective ble value so as to avoid rise of potential of the
device or the phase fault protective device ( in
earthing grid. Practice, which has been followed
case there is no ground fault protective device ) uptil now, is to design the earth electrodes for
is set to operate at the minimum current which is
the appropriate thermal withstand capacity,
obtainable under a ground fault condition. The assuming the total fault current to be passing
thermal rating of the earth electrodes are then through the earth electrodes. This is true in the
cross verified, based upon the percentage of case of an earthing system which is not inter--
current which takes the earth return path. Based connected with neutral earthing ( TT/IT system ).
upon the above philosophy, the following guide- But with the adoption of PME system in industrial
lines for the design of an earthing system in the distribution where the neutral is solidly connected
HT consumers premises are issued. to the earthing grid, the above practice requires.
22.2 Consideration for Earthing revision as has already been pointed out in 22.1.3
22.2.1 The main earthing conductor will be in order to avoid redundancy and thereby to
run in between standard earth electrodes avoid unnecessary expenditure. The amount of
conforming to specifications and distributed current that may actually be dissipated through
uniformally around the working area. All the the earth electrodes depends to a large extent, on
non-current carrying metal parts of the equip the earth rrsistivity of the soil. Depending upon the
nts, switchboards, etc, will be solidly connected value 01 the earth resistivity, the total fault current.
methis earth grid or equipotential bonding con-
to from the suppIy system wrll return to neutral
ductor by duplicate earth connections of adequate partiahy through the earth grid and pal tially
size. For interconnecting switchboards protected through the earth return path. The percentage of
by HRC fuses to this earth grid, the size of current which flows directly through the earth
interconnection need not be more than 75 mms grid depends on the resistance of the earth return
copper or its equivalent. In Iaying out the earth path in relation to the earth resistivity. The
electrodes and the earth conductors, all dForts standard earth resistivi ty values typically vary in
should be made to maintain a uniform potential the range between 10 and I 000 ohms. In this.
gradient in and around the work area. The range ot variation, it can be reasonably assumed
transformer neutral shouId be solidly connected to that&e fault current division at the point of
this grid by duplicate earth connections, one going entry to she earth grid is 20 to 80 percent. For
directly to earth electrodes and other going to the verification of the fault dissipating capacity of
common earth bus. The size of the neutral earth- earth electrodes, only the portion of the fault
ing conductor should in ,no case be less than that current which is diverted to the earth electrode
of the size of the main earthing conductor. need be taken and under these conditions the
maximum allowable current density as stipulated~
22.2.2 The earth grid should be run at a mini- in this code should not be exceeded,
mum depth of 50 cm below ground. When bare
conductors are used as earth grid, this can also be 22.3.2 The number of earth electrodes required.
assumed to dissipate the fault current to the mass for a particular installation will be basically deci-
of the earth and for calculating the effective value ded by the optimum value of the earth resistance
of the earth resistance of this grid, this grid can which is required to make the protective system
be treated as a strip electrode and the standard operation. Hence, the optimum value of the earth
formula can be applied for calculating the earth resistance depends upon the reasonable potential
resistance of the grid. rise and setting of the earth fault isolating devices
54
I8 : 3843 - 1987
or the series protective devices in case where there index up to - 10 is recommeded for steel/G1
is no ground fault detecting devices. The main earthing conductors while designing an earthing
criterion is that the value of the earth return scheme, situations of corrosion index of below
resistance should not be so high as not to produce - 10 should not be allowed.
the required ground fault current for .actuating
the protective devices within the stipulated time. 22.5.3 In the case of systems where standard
Or in other words, the optimum value of the protective arrangments have been provided for
earth resistance is closely related to setting of the isolating the ground faults instantaneously, due
earth fault protective devices used in the system. consideration can be given to this aspect in decid-
For a small installation, as a general rule, in the ing upon the size of the earthing conductor by
event of a direct earth fault the earth fault cur- giving due allowance to lower duration of the
rent produced should not be less than five times ground fault currents.
the highest rating of the maximum protective
fuses or the setting of the earth fault relay if 22.6 Correlation Between Grounding and
such a device is provided. Earth Fault Protection
22.4 Determination of Earth Resistivity - 22.6.1 The phase fault protective device
As has already been pointed out, the value of the normally used in systems operating at 415 V
earth resistivity plays an important role in the afford reasonable protection against arcing ground
design of the earth electrodes. In the conven- faults. Theground fault current depends upon
tional method, the earth resistivity which is to be the impedance to zero sequence current flows
applied in the design calculations is taken as the and depends to a large extent on the grounding
arithmetic mean of a number of measured values network and the earth resistivity. The pick up
in the area under consideration. The figure so value of the ground fault relays or the value of
obtained seldom projects a realistic value. A more the phase fault protective device should be co-
scientific approach is to measure the earth resis- ordinated for the required protection for the
tivity in different radial directions from a central system. In case the impedance of the earth return
point which may be taken as the proposed load path for ground fault current cannot be regulated
centre. With the values so obtained, a polar so as to produce adequte fault current for operat-
curve is drawn. The polar curve is converted to ing the phase fault protective devices like fuses,
an equivalent circle ( see 36.6 ). The radius of such circuits should be protected by separate
the circle is taken to be the average value of the ground fault protective devices. Hence, the nece-
earth resistivity figure which is to be applied in ssity of separate ground fault protection depends
design calculations. Necessary allowance should, on the grounding network and its eflective impe-
ofcourse, be given for factors such as variations dance and earth grid design is closely related to
in climatic conditions, treatment of soil, etc the effectiveness of the phase fault protective
device in clearing a ground fault in place where
22.5 Design of Earth BUS separate ground fault protective devices are not
provided.
22.5.1 Design of earth bus is based upon the
general guidelines given in Seotion 2. The size of 22.7 Grounding and Ground Fault Pro-
the main earth grid will be decide9 on the basis tectjon
of line to ground fault current assumed to be
symmetrical short-circuit caarrent in the system. 22.7.1 In recent, years, there has been an
‘This assumption is fairly reasonable in the case of increasing interest in the use of ground fault
a solidly earthed system where the ratio between protection in industrial distribution circuits. This
X0/X1 is limited to less than 3 and the ohmic interest has been brought about by a disturbing
value of the earth return path to the supply neutral number of electric failures. Hence it is worthwhile
is reasonably low. The minimum fault level to explore the need for better ground fault pro-
existing at the supply point will be assumed to be tection and to examine the grohnding practices in
13.1 kA or the actual fault current, whichever is the light of the required protection.
.greater for premises at voltages above 1 kV.
22.7.2 Distribution circuits which are solidly
grounded or grounded through low impedances
22.5.2 Bare copper, PVC covered aluminium require fast clearing of ground faults. This in-
or Gl subject to relevant restrictions based on volves high sensitivity in detecting low groud fault
the location and nature of installation may be currents as wall as the co-ordination between
used as earthing to conductors. The size of the main and feeder circuit protective devices. Fault
earthing conductors will be calculated according clearing must be extremely fast where arcing is
to guidelines given in the code. The time dura- present.
tion of the fault ‘current as recommended is 3
seconds, According to standards developed in this 22.7.3 The appeal of effective ground fault
regard, the size of the earthing conductors will
protection is based on the following:
be based upon current densities as given in
Section 2 of this code. A corrosion factor of 5 1) The majority of electric faults involve
percent of unit drop in the value of corrosion ground. Ungrounded systems are also sub-
IS : 3043 - 1987
ject to ground faults and require careful example, a 1 600 A circuit breaker with conven--
attention to ground fault detection and tional phase protection will clear a 3 200 A fault
ground fault protections. in about 100 seconds. Although it can be adjusted
in the range of 30 to 200 seconds, at this fault
2) The ground fault protective sensitivity can
value. A 1 600 A fuse may require 10 minutes or
be relatively independent of continuous
more to clear the same 3 2OU A fault. These low
load current values and thereby have
values of fault currents are associated predomi-
lower pick up settings than phase protec-
nantIy with fault to ground and have generally
tive devices.
received little attention in the design of earthing
3) Ground fault currents are not transferred systems, until the occurrence of many serious
through system, in the case of power trans- electric failures in recent years. In contrast, on
formers which are connected delta-star, grounded systems of 3.3 kV and above, it has
delta-delta. The ground fault protection been a standard practice to apply some form of
for each system voltage level should be ground fault protection.
independent of the protection at other
voltage levels. This permits much faster
22.9 The action initiated by ground fault sensing
relaying than can be afforded by phase
devices will vary depending upon the installa-
protective device which require co-ordmate
tion. In some cases, such as services to dwelling,
using pick up values and time delays which
it may be necessary to immeditately disconnect
extend from the load to the service genera-
the faulted circuit to prevent loss of life and pxo-
tors, often resulting in considerable time
perty. However, the opening of some circuits in
delay at some parts in the system.
critical applications may in itself, endanger life
4) Arcing ground faults which are not prom- or property. Therefore, each particular applica-
ptly detected and cleared can be extremely tion should be studied carefully before selecting
destructive. A relatively small investment the action to be initiated by the ground fault
can provide very valuable protections. protective devices.
23. EARTHING IN STANDBY AND OTHER Except in some special applications, there is,
PRIVATE GENERATING PLANTS ( IN- in every case, need for an independent earth
CLUDING PORTABLE AND MOBILE electrode for energy source earthing at the pre-
GENERATORS ) mises where the generator is located. ( Any
suppliers’ protective earth terminal at the premi-
23.1 General - The earthing of standby and
ses should also be connected to the independent
other private generating plant is necessary to
earth electrode ).
protect against indirect contact that may result in
electric shock. The objective is to create a zone There are many variations in system design and
in which voltage between exposed conductive for,any particular application, the precise method
parts and extraneous conductive parts are minimi- of energy source earthing is subject to the recum-
zed in the event of an earth fauIt. mendations of the machine manufacturers, the
system parameters and, where mains supplies are
In this section the requirement is met by con- also involved, the agreement of the concerned
necting the generating set frame(s), metallic cable supply authority.
sheaths and armouring, and all exposed conduc-
tive parts to an earthing conductor, and by It may, however, be noted that the guidance
connecting the system to earth ( normally at one included in this section, applies to stock protec-
poini only ). tion as well as protection of equipment.
56
IS I 3043 - 1987
CHANGEOVER FACILITY
PRI (AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL 1
MOV INCOMING
RD
Y
LOAD
CONDUCTIVE
EARTHING BAR
[ &-iq?
NOTE 2 - PNE link of provided/shown
I t
L?S
57
23.2.3 M&j% Low Voltage Generator Earthing 4 Generator star point switching -When this
f Synchronous Machines ) arrangement is adopted, it is necessary
before the first generator is started for its
23.2.3.1 Gentrator operating in isolation from star-point/neutral earthing switch to be
other supPrits - When low voltage generating sets closed. When subsequent sets are started,
are operated in parallel, the energy source earth- their star-point earthing switches remain
ing method is influenced by the magnitude of the open. This avoids the circulating current
circulating currents, particularly third harmonic, problem, but it is essential that electrical
which can arise when generators are connected and mechanical interlocks on the star-
as four-wire machines. If the magnitude of the point/earth switches ensure the integrity of
circulating current due to the nature of the load the energy source neutral earth connection
or the design of the generators is excessive when at all times and under all possible operating
the neutrals are connected, then a neutral earth- conditions.
ing trnsformer or star-point earthing switches are
required. 23.2.3.2 Standby generators (without mains
paralleling facility ) - The alternative neutral
Hence, three alternative neutral earthing earthing arrangements for standby generators are
arrangements are possible for parallel operation as set out in 23.2.3.1 for generators operated in
as follows: isolation from an electricity board supply. The
earthing arrangements are shown in the following
4 All generator neutrals connected - With this drawings:
arrangement, the neutral busbar in the
main low voltage switchgear is connected a) All generator neutrals connected ( see
through a bolted link to an earthing con- Fig, 25 );
ductor and independent earth electrode. b) f;;tral earthing transformer (se& Fig. 26 );
PRIME
MOVER GENERATOR
E;;;;;:;tE’ G$R ’ ’ ’
PARTS
EARTH ELECTRODE
(G47
NOTR2 - PNE link of provided]shown I I
:e!,E;
NEUlRAL EARTHING
TRANSFORMER
PRIME NON-AUTOMATIC
ELEC
EXTRANEOUS
CONDUCTIVE
PARTS
r-i
NOTE2 - PNE link of provided/&own I .NI
I 1
:si
No~1n3 - If a bus section switch ir installed a neutral earthing tramformer will be required on each section of
busbar.
FIG. 26 Low VOLTACJE STANDBY GENERATORS WITH NEUTRALEARTHINGTRANSFORMERS
In general, four-pole changeover switching 23.2.5 Small Portable Low Voltage Generators upto
between the electricity board supply and the 5 k VA in Rating - Where portable generators are
standby supply should be used to provide isolation used to provide a supply and earthing is consi-
of the neutral earths. However, in the case of a dered as a means of protection against electric
protective multiple earthing ( PME ) electricity shock, they are required to be connected as
kar~~~~pply, three- or four-pole switching may follows:
. a) Single-phase machines should have either
23.2.3.3 Standby genwators ( capable of parallel a centre tap on the winding connected to
operationwith thti incoming mains sup#y ) - The con- earth or, if not compatible with the system,
ditions for which parallel operation of multiple one end connected to earth and designated
generating set installations with the mains supply the neutral. The Centre tap method
may be permitted by the electricity board are the reduces the effective line-earth voltage and
same as apply for single generators ( see 23.2.2.3 ). is particularly used where the generator is
to feed 110 V portable tools; and
The possible alternative energy source earth- b) Three-phase machines should have their
ing arrangements are as listed in 23.2.3.2. windings connected in star, with the star
23.2.4 Single and Mult#e Generator Earthing connection made available and connected
( synchronoW Mucliinss ) - The parallel operation to earth.
of synchronous machines is generally permitted; In all cases, the exposed metalwork of the
such machines are normally provided where the generator should be adequately connected to the
prime mover is driven by wind! water or bio- earth terminal, preferably with a bolted connec-
chemical plant, but may be provrded with any tion.
prime mover. Any ntutral point of such machine
windings should be earthed, but the machine The earth electrode should have a minimum
framework and any other extraneous metalwork cross-section area if it is not protected against
should be connected to the ckctricity board earth corrosion of 25 mms for copper and 50 mm* for
terminal, if provided. steel. Whilst there is no minimum value of earth
59
ISr3643-1987
--...- RYBN
EXTRANEOUS
CONDUCTIVE
PARTS
EARTHING BAR
Nom3 - IL Mechanical interlock to enma that eoc~y ~Otuca neutral t always earthed but at one
0
point only
Fro. 27 Low VO~TACXZ
STANDBYGENERATORS
WITHSTAR POINTSWITCHINO
60
. ._.. ._
MOVER GENERATOR RCO
c
LOAO
INOEPENOENT
EARftl ELECTROOf
FIQ. 28 METHOD OF CONNWZTINQ A RUIDUAL CURRBNT DEVI~B ( r. c. d. )
ON THE OUTPUT OF A PORTABLEOR MOBILE GBNBRATOR
EARTHING RESISIORS
_ ..-
(IF REOUIREO)
61
lS:3043-1987
23.3.2.3 Standby generator ( capabk of parallel of energy source earthing is direct or resistance
operation with an incoming supply ) - The operation earthing, then earthing contactors should be
of a private generator ( or generators) in parallel installed between each generator star-point and
with an electricity board high voltage system is the earthing conductor each electrode ( as descri-
subject to the parallel and technical agreement of bed in 2362.3.1 ). The contactors need to be
the electricity board. interlocked so that only one can be closed to
In most cases where parallel operation with maintain a single energy source earth.
an incoming electricity board is required, an
earthing contactor is necessary between the If a neutral earthing transformer is to be used
generator star point and the bolted test link ( see for energy source earthings, it should be connec-
Fig. 30 ). The contactor should be interlocked ted as shown in Fig. 31 except that in the case
with the incoming supply circuit breaker so that of an isolated generating system, the earthing
it is open during periods of parallel operation but contactors is not required.
closes at all times. In the event of the electricity
supply being lost during a period of parallel 23.3.3.2 Standby generators ( without mains
operation, the earthing contactor should be parallel facilio ) - When the generating sets are
arranged to close automatically. The form of not to be operated in parallel with the mains
generator earthing ( direct or resistance ) is supply, and have direct or resistance earthing,
dependent upon the system parameters and the the standby generator circuit-breakers and mains
machine manufacturer’s recommendations. circuit-breaker need to be interlocked.
23.3.3 Multiple High Voltage Generator Earthing If a neutral earthing transformer is used the
23.3.3.1 Generators operating in isolation from requirements are the same as described for a
other supplies - When it is required to operate single standby generator in 23.3.2.2; as shown in
two or more generators in parallel and the method Fig. 31, but without the earthing contactor.
HV STANDBY
GENERATOR
t
LOAO
A L EARTHING
If REQUIRED
RESISTOR
62
I$ I 3043 - 1987
23.3.3.3 Standby generawrs ( capable of parallel requirement. These should be interlocked with
@ration with an incoming mains supprU) - When the the incoming mains supply circuit-breaker so that
generating sets have direct or resistance earthing they are open during parallel operation of the set
and are used as standby to the mains, earthing with the mains, but one is closed at all other
contactors are sded if parallel running is a times ( see Fig. 32 ).
v-t
) 1 INCOilING
MAINS
L EARTHING
SUPPLY
LO’AD
CONTACTOR
Q JNTERLOCKED SO THAT THE
CONTACTOR CANNOT BE.CLOSfD
DURING PARALLEL OPERATION
WITH THE INCOMING MAINS
s UPPLY
+
I
I I
I
INCOMING LOAO
MAINS SUPPLY
‘EARTHING CONTACTORS INTERLOCKED SO THAT
‘ONLY ONE CAN BE CLOSED AT ANY TIME AND
EARTHING ,J __,:NONE CAN BE CLOSED OURING PARALLEL
CONTACTORS t --- OPERATION WITH S:HpEiS;yNCOMING MAINS
EARTHING
RESISTORS
IF REQUIRED)
k
Fra. 32 MULTIPLE HIGH VOLTAGE STANDBYGENERATINGSETSSUITABLEFOR PARALLEL
OPE~TIOKWITH EACH OTHER AND WITH THB INCOMINGMAINS SUPPLY
63
IS I 3043 - I987
64
TABLE 10 SAFETY PROVISIONS
( Clrrusr 24.1.1 )
241.3 Guidance on the application of the 25.1.2.1 The conventional touch voltage
provisions are given in Table 11. limit ( LL ) is fixed at 25 V ac.
25.0.1 Proper coordination shall, be ensured be- 25.1.2.4 A main equipotential bonding with
tween the architect, building contractor and the a main earthing bar shall be provided near the
electrical engineer or the varrous aspects of insta- main service entrance. Connections shall be made
llation design. The necessary special features of to the following parts by bonding conductors:
installations shall be ascertained before hand with a) lightening conductor;
reference to Table Il. earthing systems of the electric power
b)
distribution system;
25.1 Circuit Installation Measures for Safety
Provisions - ( SeeTable 10, co1 3 ). 4 the central heating system;
d) tne conductive water supply line;
25.1.1 Provision PO General
e) the conductive parts of the waste water line;
25.1.1.1 All buildings in the hospital area f-1 the conductive parts of the gas supply; and
which contain medically used rooms shall have a
TN-S, TT power system. The conventional touch !a the structural metal frame-work of the
building, if applicable.
vohage limit ( LL ) is fixed at 50 V ac.
Main equipotential bonding conductors shall
NOTE - The use of TN-C-S system ( in which the have cross-sectional areas of not less than half the
PEN-conductor may carry current in normal condition) cross-sectional area of the largest protective con-
can cause safety hazards for the patients and interfere
with .the function of medical electrical equipment, ductor of the installation, subject to a minimum
data processing equipment, signal transmission lines, of 6 mms. The cross-sectional area, need not,
etc. however, exceed 25 mm* if the bonding conduc-
tor is of copper or a cross-sectional area affording
25.1.2 Provision Pl : Medical TN-S System
equivalent current-carrying capacity in other
*National Electrical Code. metals.
65
25.1.2.5 Each medically used room or room
group shall have its own protective conductor bus
TABLE II EXAMPLES OF APPLICATION Cp
SAFETY PROVISIONS bar, which should have adequate mechanical and
electrical properties and resistance against corro-
( Claurs 241.3 ) sion.
MEDICALLY USED ROOM POTECTIVE MEASURES This busbar may be located in the relevant
#----_--.~_-_-_--~ power distribution box. The leads connected to
PO/P1 P2 P3 P4 P5’ terminals of such a protective conductor bar shall
1. Massage room M 0 be identified and shall be similarly designated on
2. Operating wash room M x drawings of the installation system.
n
9. Ward, General M 0 25.1.2.6 The impedance ( < ) between the
4. Delivery room M x x 0 protective conductor bar and each connected
5. ECG, EEG, EMG room M x x protective conductor contact in wall sockets or
6. Endoscopic room M x x terminals should not exceed 0.2 !.2, if the rated
x 0 current of the overcurrent-protective device is
7. Examination or treat- M 0
ment room 16 A or less. In case of a rated current exceeding
8. Labour room M x x 0 16 A, the impedance should be calculated using
M
the formula:
9. Operating sterilization 0 x
room
10. Orology room (not M x x
being an operating
theatre ) in all cases 5 shall not exceed 0.2 Q.
11. Radiological diagnostic M x x ( I, = rated current of overcurrent protective
and therapy room, device in amperes ).
other than mentioned
under 20 and 24 NOTE - The measurement of the protective con-
ductor impedance should be perfor,med with an ac
12. Hydrotherapy room M x x
current not less than 10 A and not exceeding 25 A from
13. Physiotherapy room M x x 0 a source of current with a no-load voltage not exceeding
14. Anaesthetic room M x x Xl x 6 V, for a period of at least 5 a.
66
IS!9943-1997
conductive surface area larger than Co02 m* or a g) An adequate number (under consideration)
linear dimension exceeding 20 cm or smaller part of equipotential bonding terminals other
that may be grasped by hand. than those for protective conductor contact
or pins of socket outletsshould be provided
Additionally, the following requirements apply:
in each room for the connection of an
4 Such connections need not be made to: additional protective conductor of equip-
ment or for reasons of functional earthing
1) Extraneous conductive parts inside of
of equipment.
walls ( for example, structural metal
work of buildings ) having no direct 25.1.4 Provtsio~rP3 : Restriction of Touch Voltage
connection to any accessible conductive in Rooms Equipped for Direct Cardiac Applzcation
part inside the room, and
25.1.4.1 The continuous current through a
2) Conductive parts in a non-conductive resistance of 1 000 connected between the equi-
enclosure; potential bonding bar and any exposed conductive
b) In locations where the position of the part as well as any extraneous conductive part in
patient can be predetermined this provision the patient environment shall not exceed LO MA
may be restricted to extraneous conductive in normal condition for frequencies from dc to
parts within the patient environment ( see 1 wz.
Apppendix B of NEC (Part 3, Section 4 );
and For a description of patient environment, see
Appendix B of NEC ( Part 3, Section 4 ). Where
4 In operating theatres, intensive care rooms, the measuring device has an impedance and a
heart catheterization rooms and rooms frequency characteristics, the current may also be
intended for the recording of bioelectrical indicated as a continuous voltage with a limit of
action potentials all parts should be connect 10 mV between the parts mentioned above.
ted to the equipoten tial bonding bar via
direct and separate conductors. 4 During the test, it is assumed that fixed and
permanently installed medical electrical
25.1.3.3 The following requirements shall be equipment is operating.
fulfilled:
b) ‘Normal conditions’ means without any
a) The imnedance between extraneous conduc- fault in the installation and in the medical
tive p&ts and the equipotential bonding electrical equipment.
bar shall not exceed 0 1 Q. NOTE - To comply with this requirement, it
may be necessary to apply one or more of the
NOTE - The merrcrurement of this impedance following methods:
should be performed with a current not less than Extraneous conductive parts may be:
10 A and not exceeding 25 A during not leas than
5 s from a current source with a no-load potential a) connected to the equipotential bonding bar by
not exceeding 6 V ac. a conductor of a large cross-sectional area in
order to reduce the voltage drop across such a
b) All equipotential bonding conductors shaIl conductor,
be insulated, the insulation being coloured b) insulated ao that it is not possible to touch them
green-yellow. unintentionally, and
Norrt - Insulation of the equipotential bond- c) provided with isolating joints at those places
ing conducton is necessary, to avoid loops by where they enter and leave the room.
contact and to avoid picking up of stray currents.
Exposed conductive parts of permanently
cl Equipotential conductors between perma- installed equipment may be isolated from the
nently installed extraneous conductive parts conductive building construction.
and the equipotential bonding bar shall
have a cross-sectional area of not less than 25.1.5 Provision P4: A@$ication of Residual-Current
4 mms copper or copper equivalent. Protective Devices
4 The equipotential bonding bar, if any, 25.1.5.1 The use of a residual-current pro-
should have adequate mechanical and tective device is not recognized as a sole means of
electrical properties, and resistance against protection and does not obviate the need to apply
corrossion. the provisions Pl and P2.
4 The conductors connected. to. the equipo- 25.1.5.2 Each room or each room group
tential bonding bar shall be marked and shall be provided with at least one residual-current
shall be similarly designated on drawmgs protective device.
of the installation system.
25.1.5.3 A residual-current protective device
f 1 A separate protective conductor bar and an
shall have a standard rated operating residual-
equipotential bonding bar in a medically
current I n N Q 30 mA.
used room or in a room group shall be
interconnected with a conductor having a 25.1.5.4 A medical isolating transformer and
cross-sectional area of not less than 16 mms the circuits supplied from it shall not be protected
copper or copper equivalent (see 25.1.3.1). by a residual current protective device.
67
IS I 3043 - 1987
68
Is : 3043 -1987
give reading calibrated in total hazard current NOTE - The value of 2 mA or 6.7 mA are based
with the value of 2 mA near the centce of the on practical experience with 110 to 120 V power supp-
lies. For a 220-240 V power supply, it may be.necessary
metre scale. to increase these values to 4 and 1’4 mA because of the
higher leakage current of equipment.
The device shall not fail to alarm for total During the checking of the response of the
hazard currents in excess of 2 mA. In no case, monitor to a fault condition the impedance
however, shall the alarm be activated until the between the medical IT-System and earth shall
fault hazard current exceeds O-7 mA. not decrease.
NOTE - For the time being, the general principles A simultaneous review/revision of these standards
of static and lightning protection earthing, together is in progress.
with the relevant rules for such purposes as contained in
IS : 7689-1974 ‘Gulde for control of undesirable static For completenessof the earthingcode, it is propos-
electricity’ and IS : 23091969 ‘Code of practice for the edto include relevant earthing and bonding details for
protection of buildings and allied structures’against ligh- control of static electricity and lightning protection in
tning (jrst rsuisien )’ are considered as valid in this section. Section 8 in due course.
28. EARTHING IN POTENTIALLY HAZAR- elsewhere, all utility and process pipelines should
DOUS AREAS be bonded to a common conductor by means of
earth bars or pipe clamps and connected to the
28.1 Earthing and Bonding earthing system at a point where the pipelines
28.1.l Earthing should be in accordance with enter or leave the hazardous area except where
the relevant sections of this code. The connection conflicting with the requirements of cathodic pro-
between metal part to be grounded and the groun- tection. In addition, it is recommended that steel
ding conductor shall be made secure mechanically pipe racks in the process units and off-site areas
and electrically by using adequate metallic fitting. should be grounded at every 25 m.
The grounding conductors shall be sufficiently
strong and thick, and the portions of conductor 28.2 Permissible Type of Earthing System
which are likely to be corroded or damaged shall
28.2.1 Guidance on permissible power systems
be well protected. Grounding conductors which is given below:
shall not reach a hazardous high temperature due
to the anticipated maximum earth fault current 4 if a power system with an earthed neutral
flowing shall be used is used, the type TN-S system with separate
28.1.2 Protection against lightning shall be neutral (M) and protective conductor (PE)
provided in accordance with Section 8. Specific throughout the system is preferred.
guidelines for installations in hazardous locations The neutral and the protective conductor
are given in IS : 23041969*. Inter-connection shall not be connected together or com-
system with other buried metal services and/or bined in a single conductor in a hazardous
earth terminations for equipment grounding for area.
the purpose of equalizing the Potential distribution
in the ground should preferably be made below A power system of type Indian TN-C ( ha-
ground. ving combined neutral and protective
functions in a single conductor throughout
28.1.3 Portable and transportable apparatus
the system ) is not allowed in hazardous
shall be grounded with one of&c cores of flexible
area.
cable for power supply, The earth continuity con-
ductor and the metallic screeq, wherever provided b) If a type IT power system ( separate
for the flexible cable, should be bonded to the earths for power system and exposed con-
appropriate metalwork of the apparatus and to ductive parts ) is used in Zone 1, it shall be
earthing pin of the plug, protected with a residual current device
even if it is a safety extra-low voltage cir-
28.1.4 Efficient bonding should be installed cuit ( below 50 V ).
where protection against stray currents or electro-
static charges is necessary. The type TT power system is not permitted
28.1.5 Earthing and Banding of Pipelines and Piti in Zone 0.
Racks - Unless adequately connected to earth
C>For an IT power system ( neutral isolated
*Code of practice for the protection of buidings and from earth or earthed through impedance ),
allied structures against lighting (Jcrst r&ion ). an insulation monitoring device should be
69
IS L 3043 - 1987
used to indicate the first earth fault. How- If equipment requires ‘both a protective earth
ever, equipment in Zone 0 shall be discon- and a functional earth connection, it is preferred
nected instantaneously in case of the first that the two earths should be separated within the
earth fault, either by the monitoring device equipment so that power system fault currents
or by a residual current operated device. cannot flow in the functional earthing conductors.
4 For power systems at all voltage levels in- The functional earthing system and conductors
stallrd in Zone 0, due attention should be can then be designed solely in accordance with
paid to the limitation of earth fault currents the requirements of the telecommunication system.
in magnitude and duration. Instantaneous Alternatively, the protective and functional earth
earth fault protection shall be installed. may be connected together within the equipment
but in this case the functional earth system and
It may also be necessary to provide instantane- conductors should be suitable for the current they
ous earth fault protection devices for certain may carry under power system fault conditions.
applications in Zone 1.
The general recommendations for lightning
28.2.2 Potential Equalization - To avoid dan- protection apply to earth systems for telecommuni-
gerous sparking between metallic parts of struc- cation lightning protection.
tures, potential equalization is always required for
installations in Zone 0 and Zone 1 areas and may The telecommunication functional earth should
be obtained from a point which even under power
be necessary for installations in Zone 2 areas.
system fault conditions is unlikely to have a
Therefore, all exposed and extraneous conductive
dangerous potential to remote earth.
parts shall be connected to the main or supple-
mentary equipotential bonding system. The consumer’s earth terminal of a TN system
The bonding system may include normal pro- is.suitable, otherwise a suitable earth electrode
tective conductors, conduits, metal cable sheaths, system, separate from the protective earth, should
steel wire armouring and metallic parts of struc- be provided.
tures but shall not include neutral conductors. 29.2 Ttlecommunication Circuits Association with High
The conductance be$ween “metallic parts of struc- Voltage Supply Systems - Telecommunication cir-
tures shall correspond to a cross-section of at least cuits used in any way in connection with or in
10 mm* of copper. close proximity to high voltage equipment require
special attention and due consideration should
Enclosures are not to be separately connected be given to the safeguarding of such circuits
to the equipotential bonding system if they are against rise in potential of the supply system earth-
secured to and are in metallic contact with struc- electrodes.
tural parts or piping which are connected to the
equipotential bonding system. When a telecommunication circuit is provided
in a building, where a high voltage system termi-
For additional information, see relevant section
nates and the telecommunication circuit is part of
of this code.
or is electrically connected to a system outside
However, there are certain pieces of equipment, the ‘earth-electrode area’, precautions should be
for txample, some intrinsically safe apparatus, taken to safeguard personnel and telecommunica-
which are not intended to be connected to the tion plant against rise of potential of the earth-
equipotential bonding system. electrode system.
The term ‘earth-electrode system’ includes all
29. TELECOMMUNICATION CIRCUITS metalwork, such as power cable sheaths, pipes,
AND EQUIPMENT frameworks of buildings and metal fences, bonded
to the power system earth electrodes and situated
29.1 General - In addition to protective ear- within a distance of 100 m outside the fencing
thing which may be required in accordance with that surrounds the high voltage compound or
this code, telecommunication systems inay require compmnds; it also includes the first three supports
functional earths for any or all of the following of any overhead line leaving the station. The
purposes: ‘earth-electrode area’ is any area within 5 m of
any part of the earth-electrode system.
a>totelephone
complete the circuits of telegraph or
systems employing on-earth path The following practice is recommended:
for signalling purposes;
a) In all cases as great a separation as is
b) earth. the power supply circuit and sta-
to
practicable should be provided between
bilize the potential of the equipment with
the telecommunication cables and the sta-
respect to earth;
tion earth-electrode system. Nevertheless,
C) for lightning-protective apparatus; and within a station, to prevent the appearance
4 to earth screening conductors to reduce of potential differences between normally
electrica interference to the telecommuni- accessible metal parts, all such parts of the
cation circuits. telecommunication installation should be
connected to the station earth-electrode it is unlikely that the supply authority will offer
system. an earth terminal where the supply system has a
At stations where the neutral of the high multiple earthed neutral. If the supply is at a
b) voltage higher than 415 V, the developer will
voltage system is earthed, it is generally
practicable from a knowledge of the im- have to provide the neutral earthing on the low
pedance of the earth-electrode system and voltage system.
of the maximum earth-fault current to 30.2 The main protection against electrical
estimate the rise of earth potential that will hazards on a construction site is the use of a
occur upon the incidence of a fault. Where reduced low voltage system for power tools ( 110
the estimate does not exceed safe values no V between phases and 55 V to mid-point earth
precaution additional to that described in or 65 V to star-point earth ) and safety extra low
(a) is necessary. This limit may be extended voltage for supplies to headlamps, etc.
to higher values if all the power lines con-
tributing to the earth fault current are in The earth fault loop impedances on a reduced
the ‘high-reliability’ category. voltage system or on a 24(3/415 V system serving
fixed equipment should allow disconnection with-
If the estimate is above safe limits (see
in the safe duration.
20.5.1), the following additional precau-
tions should be observed. 30.3 Early discussions with the electricity board
4 Where the telecommunication circuit lies are essential so that agreement on the type of
within the ‘earth-electrode area’, it should supply, including earthing facilities, can be
be run in insulated cable capable of .with- obtained. Where the supply is provided from the
standing the application of a test voltage of low voltage distribution system, the increasing
2200Vdc(orac50Hzpeak)or(1500+2U) use of protective multiple earthing ( PME ) will
V dc ( or ac 50 Hz peak ), where U usually prevent an earthing terminal being provi-
is the estimated rise of earth potential, ded by the electricity board because of the develo-
whichever is the greater, between conduc- pers inability to comply with the requirements of
tors. and earth for 1 min. It is preferred the PME approval during construction work.
that the cables have no metallic sheath,
armouring or screen but, if any exists, it 31. MINES AND QUARRIES
should be isolated either from the rise of 31.1 General - Earthing requirements for
earth potential or from the rest of the mines and quarries are based on the broad prin-
telecommunication network by insulation ciple that exposed conductive parts of apparatus
capable of withstanding the above test should be efficiently connected to earth or other-
voltage. The station terminal equipment wise protected by other equally effective means
and wiring should be isolated from the line to prevent danger resulting from a rise in poten-
by a barrier designed to withstand the test tial ( above earth ) on these conductive parts.
voltage as above. All wiring and apparatus
connected to the line side of this barrier In some mines and certain quarries ( quarries
should be insulated from the station earth include open cast coal sites ), in addition to shock
to withstand the same test voltage. risk, there are also dangers associated with the
Any earth connection for the telecommuni- possible presence of flammable gas and explosive
4 materials. In these cases, separate local earthing
cation circuit required on the line side of
isolating barrier should be obtained from a may be necessary to avoid incendive sparks caused
point outside the earth electrode area via by static electrical discharge.
either a pair in the t.eIecommunication 31;2 Power System Earthing -At most mines
cable or a cable insulated in accordance and quarries, the incoming supply is provided by
with (c). the supply authority who will instal switchgear
In practice, (c) and (d) are normally confined and metering for their own p&pose. It is impor-
to stations where the neutral of a 33 kV or higher tant to clearly establish in all cases, the point at
voltage system is earthed since, at other stations, which the supply authorities’ responsibilities ter-
line faults do not usually produce dangerous minate and where the consumer’s responsibility
conditions. commence.
30. BUILDING SITES If the supply is from a transformer ( or
30.1 In the often damp and rough environment generator ), that is, the property of the supply
of building sites, precautions to prevent electrical authority, and is on site, a request should be
hazards have to be robust and regularly inspected made for them to facilitate connection of the
and this particularly applies to the earthing system. consumer’s earthing system to the neutral or mid-
Because of the great difficulty of ensuring that voltage point. In some cases, the supply authority
all incoming metallic services and extraneous will allow the use of their earth electrode for
metalwork are bonded to the neutral of the supply joint use, in this event the consumer may not
system, where the supply is at 415 V/240 V, to have to provide and maintain his own earth
thus satisfy the requirements of the YME approval, electrode. If the supply is from a transformer
IS : 3043 - 1987
that is not the property of the supply authority, should have a cross-sectional area of not less than
or if the consumer generates electricity privately, 14 mm’, in the case of flexible cable working at
then the consumer should provide and maintain less than 125 V, the cross-section area need rot
the earth electrodes that have the neutral or mid- be greater than 6 mms; also a flexible cable on
voltage points bonded to them. the surface of the mine supplying a load less than
3 kW need not have an earth conductor larger
If the supply transformer ( or generator ) is than the power conductors.
distant from the consumer’s premises, provision
of an earth terminal at the premise, should be Cables incorporating steel tape armour ( unless
requested. Where this is possible, the earth termi- supplementing steel wire ), aluminium armour or
nal should be made available by means of an copper sheathed ( mineral insulated ) cables are
additional earth conductor in the supply cable or unsuitable for use below ground. Generally single
overhead line. or double, steel wire armoured cables are used.
NOTE - The supply cable rheath and armouring The use of paper-insulated lead covered cable is
mav serve the nurnose of this earth conductor orovi- also discouraged from use below ground owing to
ded that they a>e bonded to the supply source karth, the poor mechanical strength of the paper insulat-
neutral or mid-voltage point and meet the 50 percent ing material.
conductivity requirement.
If the provision of such an earth terminal is The following are released from the require-
impracticable, then it is imperative that the earth ments to be earthed, when used solely at the
electrodes at the supply source and consumerr’ surface of the mine:
premises are maintained such that their resistance a) any lamp holder, that is, efficiently protec-
to the general mass of earth is as low as possible, ted by a covering which is insulated or
for example, less than 2 Q, and appropriate earth earthed and made of fire resisting material;
fault protection is provided. b) any hand held tool that is double insula-
In all cases, the aim should be to maintain ted;
earth electrode resistance, as low as is practicable, c) any portable apparatus working at less
taking account of the site conditions, for example, than 50 V dc or 30 V ac; and
soil/rock resistivity. Except, however, for the d) any other non-portable apparatus working
instance quoted above, the achievement of a low at less than 250 V dc or 125 V ac.
resistance is not so important as adequate bond-
ing of all exposed metallic parts back to the In the case of electrical circuits used for con-
supply source neutral or mid-voltage point earth trol, interlocking and indicating instruments, the
electrode. regulations allow one pole of the auxiliary trans-
former secondary winding serving these circuits to
The mains supply system neutral or mid-
be connected to earth as an alternative to mid-
voltage points should be earthed at one point
point earthing.
only and in the case of mines, this should be on
the surface. The connection to earth may either Where mobile apparatus containing its own
be a solid connection or via an impedance to source of electricity, for example, mobile genera-
limit the prospective earth fault current and in tor sets and diesel-electric vehicles/cranes, is used
the case of impedance earthed systems, suitable on the surface, then an exception is required from
earth fault provided, that is, capable of detecting the present regulations if the requirement to earth
the restricted flow of fault current. these to the main earth electrode is impracticable.
However, the bonding together of all exposed
No switch or circuit-breaker or fuse should be
metallic parts is required.
placed in any earthing conductor, although an
interlocked changeover linking device is allowed New regulations are proposed which, it is
in certain cases where two or more earth electro- hoped, will eliminate this anomally by calling for
des are provided. Such a device would be used all parts of such apparatus to be securely bonded
to allow periodic testing of an electrode resistance together to prevent danger and relex the require-
to the general mass of earth. ment to connect the structure to the main earth
system.
31.3 Apparatus Earthing at Coal and Other
Mines - Every metallic covering of any cable Below ground, where self-contained mobile
should be earthed. This may be considered as apparatus is used, for example, battery locomo-
forming part of the earthing conductor except in tives, these should be operated as totally insulated
the case of flexible trailing cables where specific systems ( to avoid sparks between metal parts of
earthing conductors may also be required. the apparatus ). Warning systems should be
provided to give an indication of leakage to.
Earthing conductors installed for that purpose
frame.
should have a conductivity throughout ( includ-
ing joints ) of not less than half that of the conduc- At places below ground, where flammable gas
tor having the greatest current carrying capacity, may occur in quantity to indicate danger
to which that earth conductor is related and ( usually deemed to be places where 0 25 percent
flammable gas could be present in the general metals other thsa &H or steel, therefore
body of air ), then limitation of the maximum cables with armourings or metallic. cover
prospective earth fau1.t current is called for on made of soft metals such as aluminium and
power systems working at voltages between 250 copper ( MICC cable ) cannot be used on
and 1200 V ( the range of voltage normally used these premises where the voltages exceed
for coal winding machinery served by flexible 250 V dc or 125 V ac.
trailing cables ). In. these cases, the maximum
prospective earth fault current should be limited Where a cable is provided with a lead sheath,
( normally by impedance earthing ) to 16 A at in addition to the required ‘metallic’ covering,
voltages between 250 and 650 V and to 2 A at the conductance of the lead sheath may be taken
voltages between 650 and 1 200 V. In either case, as contributing to that of the tnetallic coverin .
the switchgear contorlling the circuit should be For suchinstallations, plumbed joints have to %e
able to detect and cut-off the supply of electricity used where the lead sheath is jointed or termi-
with less than one-third of the maximum prospec- nated.
tive earth fault current flowing. Where flexible cable is used to supply portable
NOTE- The ratio between maximum prospective apparatus at voltages exceeding 250 V dc or 125
earth fault current and protection settings is known as V ac, such cable should be protected by one of
the ‘tripping ratio’. In practice it has been found that the following:
in order to take account of voltage depressions occurr-
ing when a.short circuit coincides with an earth fault a) A metallic covering ( flexible wire armour-
the tripping ratio should be set to at least 5 : 1. Multi- ing ) that encloses 31 the conductors and
point earthing of a power circuit ( sometimes referred having a conductance of not less than half
to as an ‘insulated’ or ‘free neutral system’ ) is allowed
at any place in a mine, including places where flam- that of the largest current carrying conduc-
mable gas may occur, provided that a transformer is tor, or where this is impracticable, having
used which has a means to cut off the supply and a conductance not less than that of a 14
prevent danger should a breakdown occur between the mm* cross-sectional area copper conductor.
primary and secondary windingr. In these systems the
maximum prospective earth fault current does not b) A screen of wires to enclose all the conduc-
usually exceed 2 A and switchgear ia set to trip at less tors ( collectively screened type cable )
than one-fifth of this value. having a conductance not less than that of
SignaIling and telephone circuits may be con-
a 14 mm* cross-sectional area copper con-
nected to earth where safety is enhanced and the ductor.
method of connection is approved by the concer- Cl A screen of wires arranged to individually
ned authority for that type of apparatus. enclose each conductor ( inclivldually
screened type cable ), other than the earth
31.4 Apparatus Earthing at Miscellaneous conductor. Cables of this construction for
Mines and Quarries - Every earthing conduc- use in quarries have to be apprped by
tor should have an equivalent cross-sectional area HSE. For miscellaneous mines, the screens
of not less than 14 mm* except this requirement should each have a conductance of not
does not apply to an earthing conductor, that less than that of 6 mm* cross-sectional area
is: copper conductor.
a) the metallic covering of a cable, which were flexible cables are used with
should have conductance not less than half portable apparatus at quarries and the size
that of the largest current carrying capacity of thezonductor is tuch as to make the use
conductor in that cable; of one multicore cable Imprpcticable,
b) one-of the conductors in a multitore flexi- single cbre cables of such construction and
ble cable used to supply portable appa- bonded in such a manner as HSB may
ratus, in which case the earth conductor approve, may be used.
has to be equal in cross-sectional area to
that of the largest current carrying conduc- 32. STREET LIGHT&PIG AND OTHER
tor; and I&E!~&E!LY SUPPLIED STREET
c) a part of an overhead line on the surface
which should have a cross-sectional area of Nom - street furniture includea fixed lightig
not less than 12 mm*. columns. illuminated traffic signs, bollards and other
electriully supplied equipmeni ‘perman ently placed in
the street.
Every cable at a miscellaneous mine
or quarry operating at voltages exceeding 32.1 In all cases the local supply authority should
250 V dc or 125 V ac, other than flexible be consulted before design work on new ttrect
cables and those not required co be covered furnittxe is commenced to ascertain the type of
by insulating tnaterial, should be protected syptem that,will supply the new installation
throughout by a suitable metallic covering
that has to be earthed. Metallic covering 32.2 Street furniture .may be frd from the circuit
is defined in the regulations and it should protected by a.-TN-S system and in such arrange-
be noted that this does not include any ments a supply cable with separate pti, neutral
73
IS I 3043 - 1987
and protective conductor is required, that is, an its resistance to earth is not under the control of
SNE cable. The wiring on the load side of the the lighting authority. In such circumstances,
protective device in the unit should consist of se- consideration should be given to the use of resi-
parate phase, neutral and circuit protective con- dual current devices to ensure disconnection of
ductors. Exposed extraneous conductive parts of faulty equipment.
the item of street furniture being supplied should
The use of metallic street light columns or the
be bonded to the earthing terminal within the
metal carcasses of control units, etc, as protective
equipment. The earthing tetminal is itself connec-
earth electrodes is not recommended.
ted to the supply protective conductor.
33. EARTHING OF CONDCTORS FOR SAFE
32.3 An alternative method of supplying and
WORKING
protecting street furniture is by means of a T-C-S
system. In such cases, a combined neutral and 33.1 General - This clause deals only with the
earth conductor cable is normally used, that is, a broad principles of the earthing of conductors for
CNE cable. safety purposes. It is intended to cover the safety
32.4 Wiring on the load side of the protective earthing of both light and heavy current equip-
device in the units being supplied should use, ment and is generally applicable to high voltage
equipment; however, in some circumstances it
unless a special approval has been obtained,
separate phase, neutral and circuit protective con- may, where required, be applied as an additional
ductors. Exposed extraneous conductive parts safety feature to low voltage equipment. Where
should be bonded to the neutral terminal by a applicable, the use of safety earths should be part
conductor with a copper equivalent cross-section of overall safe system of work, which will include
of 6 mm or the same as that of the supply neutral isolation, locking off, permits to work or similar
conductor if this is less. This requirement does not documents and liaison between parties in control
apply to small isolated metal parts not likely to of the supplies and in control of the work. To
come into contact with exposed metallic or extra- ensure that a safe system of work is clearly set out,
neous metal parts or with earth, for example, a set of detailed rules and procedures will be
small metallic doors and door frames in concrete necessary in each particular case’.
or plastics units should not be so connected.
33.2 Safety Earthing - When maintenance or
32.5 In the case of circuits feeding more than one repair work, etc, is to be undertaken on or near
item of street furniture, for example, by looping, to high voltage apparatus or conductors, precau-
an earth electrode should be installed at the last tions in connection with safety earthing should be.
or penultimate unit and this electrode should be taken generally as indicated below. All phases or
such as to make the resistance to earth of the condtrctors of any apparatus or main to be worked
neutral at any point less than 20 0 before the on should be made dead, isolated and earthed and
connection of any circuit protective or bonding should remain earthed until work is completed.
conductors to the neutral terminal. Should the Due regard should be taken of changing conditions
provision of one electrode result in not meeting during the progress of work which may necessitate
the 20 n requirement other earth electrodes equ- revision of earthing arrangements to ensure the
ally spaced along the circuit have to be installed. continuous of safety measures, for example, if a
Alternatively, the earth electrode may be omitted connection is made to another source of supply,
if it is possible to connect the neutral at the ulti- whilst work is in progress, then additional earths
mate unit to a neutral connected to a different would be necessary as work proceeds.
supply system.
Safety earthing equipment may be available as
There are two further possibilities that may permanent equipment, such as earthing switches,
arise: as part of permanent equipment such as provision
a) where the supply system is TN-C but where for integral earthing of a circuit breaker, or as
the lighting authority wishes to use SNE portable earthing equipment such as portable
cable in the installation and does not wish earthing leads. All such equipment needs to recei-
to use the supply authority’s CNE con- ve regular maintenance and should be inspected
ductor as .a fault path, and before use.
b) where the supply authority does not pro- Wherever possible, initial earthing should be
vide an earth terminal. carried out via a circuit-breaker of other suitable
32.6 In both of these cases, the lighting authority fault-rated device.
should provide its own protective earthing elec- Earthing leads should, in every case, be of
trode and the system will be the TT-system. Care adequate cross-sectional area to carry with safety,
is necessary to ensure that both the initial and during the time of operation of the protective
continuing impedance of the fault path is suffici- devices, the maximum short-circuit current that
ently low to ensure the operation of the protective may flow under fault conditions. If possible, they
device on the occurrence of a fault in the fixtures. should either be flexible, braided or stranded bare
The neutral earth electrode at the supply trans- copper conductors or aluminium conductors suita-
former is an importaut part of the fault loop but bly protected against corrosion and mechanical
74
IS x 3043 0 1987
damage. In no case, even for the earthing of point of any transformer that is to be worked on
light current equipment ( for example, high vol- should be disconnected and directly earthed as
tage testing equipment ), should the cross-sectional well as the phase terminals.
area of the earthing lead be less than 6 mm.
When liquid earthing resistors are to be worked
It has been found in some cases that a 70 mms on, particularly when they are drained for work
copper equivalent earthing lead is the largest that inside, the central electrode should be shorted to
can be conveniently handled. In such cases, where the tank and not earthed remotely. This is especi-
a larger size of lead is necessary to carry with ally important where two liquid resistors are
safety, the maximum short-circuit current that can located side-by-side and one remains in commis-
occur, it may be necessary to ase a number of sion while the other is opened for maintenance.
leads of 70 mm2 or other suitable size in parallel.
When work is to be carried out on equipment
Before earthing leads are applied, it should be that is capable of capacitively storing electrical
verified that the circuit is dead and, where appli- energy, for example, cables and capacitors, such
cable, a test by means of a suitable type of voltage equipment has to be discharged to earth prior to
indicator should be applied ( the indicator itself work commencing. As, in some circumstances,
being tested immediately before and after verifi- charge can reappear on such apparatus without re-
cation ) before applying earth connections. connecting it to a source of supply, it is important
work that the equipment should remain earthed
Earthing leads should first be efficiently bolted whilst is in progress. The cuttmg of a cable during
or clamped to the permanent earthing system or the course of work may disconnect conductors from
to a substantial electrode of low resistance. Should safety earths and precautions should be taken to
no convenient permanent earth electrode be readily prevent this happening.
available, a substantial copper earth-spike driven
well into the ground can be utilized to provide a 33.4 Precautions Relating to Overhead
quick and convenient temporary earth electrode. Lines -After a line has been made dead, isolated,
discharged and earthed at all points of supply, a
Whilst such a spike is not generally adequate working earth should be securely attached to each
as a primary safety earth, it will give a degree of phase of the line at the point or points where work
protection against energizing by induction. is to be carried out.
Earthing leads should then be securely bolted The provision of a working earth entails a
or clamped to apparatus of conductors to be wor- connection to a continuous earth wire or to a
ked on and these connections should be removed temporary earth electrode, the resistance of which
in all cases before the earthing leads are disconnec- need not be low. The application of earths to all
ted from the earth electrode or earthing system. phase conductors will, in addition to earthing the
A suitable imulated earthing pole or device conductors, apply a short-circuit to all phases.
should be used to apply earthing leads to appara- The connection of the earthing lead to each
tus or conductors on which work is to be under- conductor of the overhead line should be made
taken.
using a suitable mechanical clamp placed round
Earthing leads should be kept as short as the conductor by means of an insulated earthing
possible and be placed in such a position that pole which can also be utilized to secure the clamp
they cannot be accidently disconnected or distur- tight round the line conductor. When it is requi-
bed whilst work is in progress. red to remove the working earth from the line,
the mechanical clamp can be unscrewed and re-
33.3 Precaotions Relating to Apparatus leased from the conductor by means of this rod.
and Cables - In the case of switchgear, phases Even when an overhead line is earthed at each
of the section in which the work is to be done point of supply, it is necessary to place a working
Wlould be short-circuited and earthed to the same earth at each and every position where work is
earthing system. Self-contained or portable appara- being carried out on the line on account of the
tus is generally available for this purpose. Wher- danger of the line becoming energized by induc-
ever possible, automatic tripping featnres of circuit tion from other power lines and to safeguard
breaken should be rendered inoperative by being against the charging of the line by atmospheric
disconnected from the tripping battery before the disturbances. Where the work entails breaking a
circuit-breaker is closed and the breaker operating conductor, for example, on the jumper at a sec-
mechanism should be locked in the closed position. tioning point, it is necessary to provide a working
earth on both sides of the working point.
With transformers, if there is any possibility of
any winding becoming inadvertently live, the 33.5 Saftey Earthing of Low Voltage Con-
terminals of all windings should be earthed so that ductors - In some circumstances, it may be
no danger from shock can occur. When the neu- necessary to apply safety earthing to low voltage
tral points of several transformers are connected conductors in order to prevent danger. Such cir-
to a common bar, which is then earthed through cumstances may in&de, for example, work on
a resistance of an arc suppression coil, the neutral capacitors or work on bare overhead crane trolley
75
wires. Where the earthing of low voltage con- justify increase or decrease& .&is interval but it
ductors is adopted, then the general principles set should not be less than once in two yeara.
out in 33.2, 33.3 and 33.4 should be applied and
due consideration should be taken of fault current 34.4.3 Periodical visual inspection .of all earth
levels ( which can be as nigh or higher than on electrode connection, wherever available, shall be
high voltage systems ), when the size of earth carried out to ensure their rigidity and other signs
conductor is chosen. of deterioration.
34. MAINTENANCE OF EARTH ELEC- 34.4.4 In rural substations, particularly those
TRODES connected to overhead high-voltage and low-vol-
34.1 It is recommended that periodical check tage lines, greater reliance should be placed on the
tests of all earth electrodes should be carried out. electrode system, and therefore facilitiei for testing
Records should be maintained of such checks. the resistance of the electrode to general mass of
earth, annually or as required by experience,
34.2 Where earth-leakage circuit-breakers are em- should be provided.
ployed, a check shall be kept on the associated
-earth-electrode by periodically operating the tes- 34.4.5 Where installations are earthed to a
ting device which is embodied in the earthed- metal sheath of the supply cable, it shall be verified
leakage circuit-breaker. eriodically thaS the earth-fault loop is in a satis-
Pactory state.
34.3 The neighbouring soil to the earth electrode
shall be kept moist, where necessary, by periodic-
34.4.6 Where an installation is earthed to a
ally pouring water through a pipe where fitted
cable sheath which is not continuous to the sub-
alongwith it or by pouring water in the immediate
station neutral ( that is, there is an intervening
vicinity of the earth electrode.
section of overhead line without earth wire ), a
34.4 Substations and Generating Stations supplementary electrode system may be necessary.
The adequacy of the electrode system shall be
34.4.1 Records ‘shall be kept of the initial checked initially by an earth-fault loop test.
resistance of substation and generating station
earth electrodes and of subsequent tests carried
34.4.7 The neighbouring soii to the earth elec-
out.
trode shall be kept moist, where necessary by
346.2 Normally annual measurement of earth periodically pouring water through a pipe where
resistance of subszation shall be carried out but fitted along with it or by pouring water in the
local circumstances itl the light of experience may immediate vicinity of the earth electrode.
351 CALmTI6N OF EARTH FAULT suitable when the earth fault current is small
CURRENTS compared to S-phase fault current.
35.0 General - The magnitude of the current 3,5.2 In a resistance-earthed system with a single
that will flow in the event of a line-to-earth fault line-to-earth fault, the earth fault current may be
on an earthed system is determined by the impe- computed from:
dance from the source to the fault plus the impe- 3E
dance of the. earth return path, including the 4 -
impedances of earthing transformers, resistors and Xl x & + x0 + 3 (X, + XQP)
reactors (sd6IS : 5728-1970*). For interconnected where
systems, the calculation of the current may be 4 I earth fault current in A,
complicated. x, E + ve sequence reactance in
8y8tcm
Q/phase including the subtransient
35.1 Resistance Euthing
reactance of the rotating machines,
35.1.1 When a single line-to-earth fault occurs
XI - -ve sequence react&xx as for Xl,
on a resistance grounded system, a voltage appears
across the resistor nearly equal to the normal X0 P zero sequence reactanm as for X1,
line-to-neutral voltage Of the syStUtL Xa IC reactance Of neutral grounding
reactor,
35.1.2 In low-resistance grounded systems, the
resiMor current ia appr&imatelv equal to the X OP II of ground return circuits,
rcvztancc
instrument is thus selected to obtain clear readings 36.5 Testing of Soil Uniformity
avoiding the two ends of the scale as far as possi-
ble. The readings are taken while turning the 365.1 During the course of above tests, it
crank at about 135 rev/min. Resistivity is calcula- would be desirable to get information about the
ted by substituting the value of R thus obtained in horizontal and vertical variations in earth resisti-
the equation (3). In case where depth of burial is vity over the site under consideration for the
more than 1120th of spacing, equation (1) should correct computation ot’ the resistivity to be used in
be used instead of (3). the design calculations. The vertical variations
may be detected by repeating the tests at a given
36.4.2 Correctionfor Potential Electrode Resistance- location in a chosen direction with a number of
In cases where the resistance of the potential different electrode spacings, increasing from 2 to
electrodes (the two inner electrodes) is comparati- 250 metres or more, preferably in the steps 2, 5,
vely high, a correction of the test results would be 10, 15, 25 and 50 metres or more. If the resistivity
necessary depending on its value. For this purpose, variations are within 20 to 30 percent, the soil in
the instrument is connected to the electrodes as the vicinity of the test Iocation may be considered
shown in Fig. 34. The readings are taken as uniform. Otherwise a curve of resistivity VCISUS
before. The correction is then effected as follows. electrode spacing shall be plotted and this curve
further analyzed to deduce stratification of soil
into two or more layers of appropriate thickness
36.4.2.1 Let the readings of the megger be or a soil of gradual resistivity variation. The hori-
Rp with the connections as shown in Fig. 31 and zonta! variations are studied by taking measure-
the electrode spacing in metres. If the uncorrected ments in various directions from the centre of the
value of soil resistivity is p’ and the resistance of station.
the voltage circuit of the instrument used to
obtain R ( as indicated inside the scale cover of 36.6 Computation of Earth Resistivity of
the meter ) is Rv, the corrected value of the earth Uniform Soil
resistivity would be: 36.6.1 When the earth resistivity readings for
different electrode spacings in a direction is within
P- P’ x ( Rv + R# >/Rv 20 to 30 percent, the soil is considered to be
3 0
Cl ct
FIG. 33 CONNECTIONS
FORA FOUR-TERMINALMEWER
Pl P2
Cl c2
78
IS:3043-1987
uniform. When the spacing is increased gradually 37.1.1 If the test is made at power frequency,
from low values, at a stage, it may be found that that is, 50 c/s, the resistance of the voltmeter
the resistivity readings is more or less constant should be high compared to that of the auxiliary
irrespective of the increase in the electrode spac- potential electrode B and in no case should be
.ing. The resistivity for this spacing is noted and less than 20 000 ohms.
taken as the resistivity for that direction. In a
similar manner, resistivities for at least eight Nc,TE - In most cases, there will he stray currents
equally spaced directions from the centre of the flowing in the soil and unless some steps are taken to
eliminate their effect, they may produce serious errors
site are measured. These resistivities are plotted on in the measured value. If the testing current is of the
a graph sheet in the appropriate directions choos- same frequency as the stray current, this elimination
ing a scale. A closed curve is plotted on the graph becomes very difficult and It is better to use an earth
sheets jointing all the resistivity points plotted to tester mcorporating a hand-driven generator. These
earth testers usually generate direct current, and have
get the polar resistivity curve. The area inside the and synchronous
rotary current-reverser rectifier
polar resistivity curve is measured and equivalent mounted on the generator shaft so that alternating
circle of the same area is found out. The radius current is supplied to the test circuit and the resulting
of this equivalent circle is the average resistivity potentials are rectified for measurement by a direct
reading moving-coil ohm-meter. The presence of stray
of the site under consideration. The average resis-
currents in the soil is indicated by a wandering of the
tivity thus obtained may be used for the design of instrument pointer, but an increase or decrease of
the earthing grid and other computations and the generator handle speed will cause this to disappear.
results will be reasonably accurate when the soil is
homogeneous ( see Fig. 35 ). 37.1.2 The source of current shall be isolated
from the supply by a double wound transformer.
FIG. 35 POLAR CURVE 37.2.1 The method described in 37.1 may not
give satisfactory results if the test electrode is of
37. MEASUREMENT OF HEARTH very low impedance ( one ohm or less ).
ELECTRODE RESISTANCE applies particularly, while measuring the CT:”-
bined resistance of large installations.- In these
37.1 Fall of Potential Method-In this method cases, the following method may be adopted.
two auxiliary earth electrodes, besides the test
electrode, are placed at suitable distances from the 37.2.2 Two suitable directions, at least 90 deg-
test electrode ( see Fig. 36 ). A measured current rees apart, are first selected. The potential lead is
is passed between the electrode A to be tested and laid in one direction and an electrode is placed
an auxiliary ‘current electrode C and the potential 250 to 300 metres from the fence. The current
difference between the electrode A and the auxi- lead is taken in’ the other direction and the
liary potential electrode B is measured. The resis- current electrode located at the same distance as
tance of the test electrode A is then given by: the potential electrode. A reading is taken under
this condition.. The current electrode is then
-- moved out in 30-m steps until the same reading is
R Y
where obtained for three consecutive locations. The
current electrode is then left in the last foregoing
R P resistance of the test electrode in
position and the potential electrode is moved, out
ohms,
in 30-m’ steps until three consecutive readings are
V - reading of the voltmeter in volts, obtained without a change in value. The last
and reading then corresponds to the true value of
I = reading of the ammeter ,in amperes. earth resistance.
79
TEST POTENTIAL CURRENT
ELECTRODE ELECTRODE ELECTRODE
FIG. 36 METHOD OF MEASUREMENTOF EARTH ELECTRODE RESISTANCE
38. MEASUREMENT OF EARTH LOOP as well as the transformer winding. To test tht
IMPEDANCE overall earthing for any installation, depending
for protection on the operation of overcurrent
38.1 The current, which will flow under earth devices, for example, fuses, it is necessary to
fault conditions and will thus be available to measure the impedance of this loop under practi-
operate the overload protection, depends upon ~a1 fault conditions. After the supply has been
the impedance of the earth return loop. This connected, this shall be done by the use of an
includes the line conductor, fault, earth-continuity earth loop impedance tester. The neutral is used
conductor and earthing lead, earth electrodes at in place of the phase conductor for the purpose of
consumer’s premises, and substations and any the test. The open-circuit voltage of the loop
parallel metallic return to the transformer neutral tester should not exceed 32 volts.
80
IS I 3043 - 1987
I C,.bI.I#...L.._
~UlrMtN I
. a_..._
wurt~ 3
EQUIPME NT EQUIPME NT
I - -
lNDUSlRlAL;
l%UG+SOCKET; I I
I
tNSTALLATION I EQUIPMENT
LOOPED
:______
,~“,PMi”’ i:‘“i
FIO. 37 EQUIPMEJW-INSTALLATION
BOUNDARIES
Additional requirements are given for IT and Additionally, where leakage current measured
TT systems in 39.2.4.4 and 39.3. in accordance with IS : 10422~1982* exceeds 10 mA,
equipment shall be connected in accordance
NoTBl- On TNC systems, where the neutral and
protective conductors are contained in a single conductor with one of the three alternative requirements
( PEN conductor ) up to the equipment terminalr, detziiled in 39.2.4. 1 to 39.2.4.3.
leakage current may be treated as load current.
NOTE - Leakage current measurements prescribed
XOTIC 2 - Equipment normally having bigh earth by IS : 104231982. include likely undetected faqlt
lenvage current may not be compatible with installations conditions within the equipment.
incorporating residual current protective devices, as
well as the standing residual current due to leakage
current. The possibility of nuisance tripping due to capa- S.2.4.1 High integrity earth connections
citor charging currents at switch-on ahall be considered.
NOTE - The aim of the requirements detailed
Equipment shall be: below is to provide high integrity earth conuections by
using robust or duplicate conductors in association with
a) stationary, and periuanent connections or robust connectors.
b) either permanently connected to the
building wiring installation or connected Protective conductors shall comply with the
via industrial plugs and sockets. following:
NOTX l- Industrial plugs and sockets are examples a) Where independent protective conductors
of suitable plugs and rockets. Plugs and sockets .for are, there shall be one conductor with a
general use are not suitable.
cros.+sectional area of not less than 1 +
NOTE 2 - It is particularly important foi equip- mm9 or two conductors with independent
ment with high leakage current that earth continuity
should be checked at the time it is installed addafter
terminations, each having a cross-sectional
any modi5cation to the installation. area of not less than 4 mm”;
It is al* recommended that earth continuity *Requirements and tests for safety of data processing
be checked thereafter at regular intervals. equipment.
81
18 I 3043 - 1987
39.2.4.2 Earth integrity monitoring - A pro- 39.3.2 Before making direct connection to an
tective device shall be provided which will disco- 1T system, installers shall ensure that equipment
nnect the equipment, in the event of a disconti- is suitable for connection to 1T systems according
nuity occurring in the earth conductor, within to the declaration of the manufacutrer.
the voltage/time limits prescribed by relevant
standards. 39.4 Safety Requirement for Low Noise
Earthing Connections
The protective conductors shall comply with
NOTE - It may be found that the electrical noise
Section 2. levels on the protective earthmg system of building
installations cause an unacceptable incidence of mal-
NOTE- The aim of the requirements detailed function on a data processing equipment connected to
above is to monitor the continuity of the protective it.
earth connection and provided means of automatic
supply disconnection in case of failure.
39.4.1 Whatever measures are taken to
39.2.4.3 Use of double wound tranf~ - provide a low-noise earthing connection, it is
Equipment shall be connected to the supply via a required that exposed conductive parts of data
double wound transformer of other units in which processing shall be connected to the main ear&
the input and output circuits are separated, such ing terminal.
as motor-alternator sets ( see 40 ). NOTB- The uw ofseparate earth electrodes for
The secondary circuit should preferably be simultaneously accessible expoead conductive parts is
not permitted.
connected ar a TN system but an IT sys@cm may
be used where required for the specific applica- This requirement shall also apply to metallic
tion. enclosures of Class II and Class III equipment,
and to FELV circuits when that are olrtbed for
NOTE- The aim of the requirements above is to
localize the path of the leakage current, and minimize functional rcasoar.
the possibility of a break in continuity m this path.
Earth conductors, which serve functional pur-
39.2.4.4 Additional requirements for TT poses only, need not comply with Section 2.
system - The requirements below ensure that the
leakage in normal operation of.all equipment 39.4.2 Other Special Methodr - In extreme
protected by one and the same protective device cases, if the safety requirements of 39.4.1 are
is less than half of that required to operate earth fulfilled but electrical noise on the main earthing
fault protective devices for the installation circuit. terminal of the installation cannot be reduced to
an acceptable level, the installation has to be
a) The total leakage current Ii ( in amperes ), treated as a special case.
the resistance of the earth electrode Ra
( in ohms ) and the nominal operating The earthing arrangement has to provide the
residual current of the protective device same level of protection as is generally provided
I&, ( in amperes ) shall be related as by these requirements and particular attention
follows: should be given to ensure that the arrangement:
82
IS I 3043 - 1987
b) prevents excessive touch voltages on the confine the earth leakage current in conductors
equipment and ensures equipotential be- within the unit.
tween the equipment and adjacent metal
work or other electrical equipment, under NOTE - No further special installation measures
are nvcessary.
normal and fault conditions; and
c) meets the requirements relating to exces- 40.2 Method of Connecting Transformers
sive earth leakage current, if appropriate, Physically Separate from Units - The
and does not invalidate them. neutral point for the secondary circuit shall be
connected to earth at the transformer and the
40. EXAMPLE OF THE USE OF
earth connections between the equipment and
TRANSFORMERS
the transformer shall comply with the require-
40.1 Transformer incorporated in or Atta- ments of 39.2.4.1 or 39.2.4.2.
ched to Unit - The transformer shall be
connected in accordance with Fig. 3% in order to Connections shall be as shown in Fig. 39,
ll- Ll-
12
OR-
N
Ii,: c =
-..----_
1 tXI=OSED
~_ ~.
CONDUt
PARTS
1
ZTI VE
:XPOSE
IO
Cl CONOUCT E
PARTS
Ll and L2 or .N are connections to the incoming supply and PE is the connection from accessible parts of the
equipment to the main eartbing terminal of installation for both protective conductors of class I equipment and
functional earthing conductors for class II equipment.
83
IS : 3843 - 1987
I I I
EXPOSED CONOUCTIVE
PE
I
LOAD
I ’
EXPOSED CONDUCTIVE
HART
Primary and secondary circuits must have means of control and protection. These are not shown.
L1 and L2 or N are connections to the incoming supply and PE is the connection frqm accessible parts of the
equipment to the main earthing terminal of the installation for both protective conducfors of Class I equipment
and functional earthing conductors of Class II equipment.
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harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods and
attending to connected matters in the country.
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Enquiries relating to copyright be addressed to the Director (Publication), BIS.
Amendments are issued to standards as the need arises on lhc basis of comments. Standards are also reviewed
periodically; a standard along with amendments is reaffirmed when such review indicates that no changes are
needed; if the review indicates that changes are needed, it is taken up for revision. Users of Indian Standards
should ascertain that they are in possession of the latest amendmen& or edition by referring to the latest issue
of ‘BIS Handbook’ and ‘Standards Monthly Additions’.