3.

1 Types of Permitted Earthing Systems:

There are several types of permitted earthing systems commonly used in electrical installations. These
systems provide a path for fault currents to safely dissipate into the ground, protecting people and
equipment. The most common types of earthing systems are:

1. TN-C (PME - Protective Multiple Earthing):

• In this system, the combined neutral and protective earth (PE) conductor is used
throughout the installation.

• The neutral and PE are connected together at the main supply source.

• The distribution network provides the neutral and PE combined (PEN) conductor to each
premise.

• It is important to note that this system requires a reliable earth connection from the
supplier.
2. TN-S (Separate Neutral and Protective Earth):

• In this system, the neutral and PE conductors are separated throughout the installation.

• The neutral conductor is used for carrying current, while the PE conductor is solely
dedicated to providing a protective earth connection.

• The neutral and PE conductors are not connected together.

3. TN-C-S (Combined Neutral and Separate Protective Earth):

• This system combines elements of both the TN-C and TN-S systems.

• The neutral conductor is used for carrying current, but at some point, it is split into
separate neutral and PE conductors.

• The split usually occurs at the main distribution panel, with the neutral continuing to
carry current and the PE being used as the protective earth.
 4. TT (Separate Neutral and Earth):

• In this system, each electrical installation has its own dedicated earth electrode, typically
a metal rod driven into the ground.

• The neutral and PE conductors are separated throughout the installation.

• The earth electrode provides the connection to the general mass of the Earth for the
protective earth.

5. IT (Isolated):

• In an IT system, the electrical installation is fully isolated from the Earth.

• There is no intentional connection between the electrical installation and the Earth.

• Any fault to the Earth is not directly detected by the system but requires the use of
additional fault detection devices.

It is important to note that the specific earthing system used in an installation depends on various
factors, including local regulations, standards, and the nature of the electrical installation itself.

3.2 Analysis of Electrical Circuit Earth Fault Loop Parameters:

When analyzing electrical circuit earth fault loop parameters, several key factors are considered:
 • Earth Fault Loop Impedance: It refers to the total impedance of the fault loop, including the
impedance of the protective conductor, supply transformer, and any additional impedance in the
circuit. It determines the magnitude of fault current during a fault condition.

• External Loop Impedance: It represents the impedance outside the installation, such as the
impedance of the supply cable between the source and the point of connection.

• Fault Current: It is the current that flows during a fault condition. Fault current is determined by
the voltage supply, earth fault loop impedance, and external loop impedance.

• Protective Conductor Size: The size of the protective conductor, usually a copper wire, is
determined based on the fault current it needs to carry safely. It should have sufficient cross-
sectional area to prevent excessive heating and voltage drop.

• Circuit Protective Devices: These devices, such as circuit breakers or fuses, are designed to
protect against overcurrents and fault conditions. They interrupt the circuit when the fault
current exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Analyzing these parameters helps in assessing the effectiveness of the earthing system and ensuring that
fault currents are safely and quickly cleared from the electrical circuit.

3.3 Operation of Residual Current Devices (RCDs):

Residual Current Devices (RCDs) are electrical safety devices designed to quickly detect and interrupt
current imbalances caused by leakage or fault currents to earth. They provide additional protection
against electric shock and fire hazards. Here's how they operate:

• RCDs continuously monitor the current flowing through the live (phase) and neutral conductors
of an electrical circuit.

• The RCD compares the currents in the live and neutral conductors. If there is a significant
imbalance, indicating a leakage current or fault, the RCD trips and disconnects the circuit.

• The imbalance can occur when current flows through an unintended path, such as a person or
faulty insulation, to the earth.

• RCDs are typically sensitive to current imbalances as low as 10-30 milliamperes (mA) and can trip
within a fraction of a second, preventing the risk of electric shock.

• RCDs can be installed in various locations, such as distribution boards, socket outlets, or as
standalone portable devices.

3.4 Analysis of Earth Electrode Resistance and Soil Resistivity:

To evaluate the effectiveness of an earthing installation, it is necessary to analyze earth electrode

resistance and soil resistivity:

• Earth Electrode Resistance: It measures the resistance between the earth electrode and the
general mass of the Earth. It determines how well the electrode can dissipate fault currents into
the ground. Lower resistance values are desirable for efficient fault current dissipation.
 • Soil Resistivity: It is a measure of how much a particular volume of soil resists the flow of
electrical current. Soil resistivity depends on factors such as soil composition, moisture content,
temperature, and compaction. It is measured in ohm-meters (Ω·m).

Analyzing earth electrode resistance and soil resistivity helps in determining if the earthing system meets
the required standards and ensures that fault currents can safely and effectively dissipate into the
ground.

3.5 Evaluation of Earthing Installation Testing Methods:

The evaluation of earthing installation testing methods involves assessing whether the testing methods
used comply with relevant standards, such as the IET GN3 methodology (or international equivalents)
and national (e.g., BS7671) or international standards.

Testing methods typically include:

• Earth Resistance Measurement: It involves using specialized instruments to measure the

resistance between the earth electrode and the general mass of the Earth. Various techniques,
such as the fall-of-potential method or the 3-point method, can be employed.

• Soil Resistivity Measurement: It includes techniques for measuring the resistivity of the soil in
which the earth electrode is installed. This can be done using the Wenner, Schlumberger, or
other suitable methods.

• Fault Loop Impedance Measurement: This testing method helps determine the impedance of
the fault loop in an electrical circuit. It involves measuring the impedance between the line and
earth conductors during a simulated fault condition.

The evaluation of testing methods ensures that the earthing installation is properly tested and meets the
required standards, providing a safe and reliable electrical system. It is essential to adhere to the
relevant standards and regulations when conducting earthing installation testing.