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DRAFT IN WIDE CIRCULATION DOCUMENT DESPATCH ADVICE

Reference Date ET 20/NEC 15-05-2007

TECHNICAL COMMITTEE ETD 20 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ADDRESSED TO: 1. All Members of Electrical Installations Sectional Committee, ET 20; 2. All Members of Electrotechnical Division Council; and 3. All other Interested. Dear Sir(s), Please find enclosed a copy each of the following draft Indian Standards: Doc No. ETD 20(5560) Title: National Electrical Code: Part 1 General and Common Aspects Section 12 Earthing Kindly examine the draft standards and forward your views stating any difficulties which you are likely to experience in your business or profession, if these are finally adopted as Indian Standards. Comments, if any, may please be made in the format given overleaf and mailed to the undersigned. Last date for comments: 31-05- 2007. In case no comments are received or comments received are of editorial nature, you will kindly permit us to presume your approval for the above document as finalized. However, in case of comments of technical in nature are received then it may be finalized either in consultation with the Chairman, Sectional Committee or referred to the Sectional Committee for further necessary action, if so desired by the Chairman, Sectional Committee. Thanking you, Yours faithfully (P. K. Mukherjee) Sc ‘F’ & Head (Electrotechnical) Encl: As above

Date Docum

15-05-2007 ET 20/NEC Sl. No.

Name of the Organization

Clause/ Sub-clause

Paragraph/ Figure/Table

Type of Comment (General/ Technical/ Editorial

Comments Pro

4

Doc: ET 20(5560)

BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS DRAFT FOR COMMENTS ONLY

(Not to be reproduced without the permission of BIS or used as a CODE

Draft Indian Standard

NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE PART 1 GENERAL AND COMMON ASPECTS

SECTION 12 EARTHING Last date for receipt of comments is 31-05-2007 0 Foreword 0.1 Earthing provides safety of persons and apparatus against earth faults. Any system is characterised by the type of distribution system, which include types of systems of live conductors and types of system earthing. The different types of earthing systems are listed in Appendix A to Sec 8/Part I of the Code. The choice of one system or the other would depend on several considerations as each offer different degree of performance/safety.

0.2 This Section of the Code summarises the essential requirements associated with earthing in electrical installations. These relate to general conditions of soil resistivity, design parameters of earth electrode, earth bus and earth wires and methods of measurements. Particular requirements for earthing depending on the type of installation are covered in respective Sections of the Code.

0.3 Additional rules applying to earth leakage circuit-breaker systems are covered in Appendix B.

0.4 The contents of this Section are based on following:

IS No. Title 732: 1989 Code of practice for electrical wiring installations (third revision). 3043-1987 Code of practice for earthing (first revision). .

1 SCOPE

1.1 This Section of the Code covers general requirements associated with earthing in electrical installations. Specific requirements for earthing in individual installations are covered in respective Parts of the Code.

NOTE — This section shall be read in conjunction with the provisions of IS 3043: 1987.

2 GENERAL REMARKS

2.0 General

2.0.1 The subject of earthing covers the problems relating to the conduction of electricity through earth. The terms earth and earthing have been used in this Code, irrespective of reliance being placed on the earth itself, to denote a low impedance return path of the fault current. As a matter of fact, the earth now rarely serves as a part of the return circuit but is being used mainly for fixing the voltage of system neutrals. The earth connection improves service continuity and avoids damage to equipment and danger to human lives.

2.0.2 The object of an earthing system is to provide as nearly as possible a surface under and around a station which shall be at a uniform potential and as nearly zero or absolute earth potential as possible. The purpose of this is to ensure that in general all parts of apparatus, other than live parts, shall be at earth potential, as well as to ensure that operators and attendants shall be at earth potential at all times. Also by providing such an earth surface of uniform potential under and surrounding the station, as nearly as possible, there can exist no difference of potential in a short distance big enough to sho#k or injure an attendant when short-circuits or other abnormal occurrence take place.

2.0.3 Earthing associated with current-carrying conductor is normally essential to the security of the system and is generally known as system earthing, while earthing of non-current carrying metal work and conductor is essential to the safety of human life, of animals and of property and is generally known as equipment earthing.

5

2.0.4 Earthing shall generally be carried out in accordance with the requirements of Indian Electricity Rules, 1956 as amended from time to time, and the relevant regulations of the electricity supply authority concerned. The following Indian Electricity Rules are particularly applicable:

32, 51, 61, 62, 67, 69, 88 (2) and 90.

2.0.5 Al medium voltage equipment shall be earthed by two separate and distinct connections with earth through an earth electrode. In the case of high and extra high voltages the neutral points shall be earthed by not less than two separate and distinct connections with earth each having its own electrode at the generating station or substation and may be earthed at any other point provided no interference is caused by such earthing. If necessary, the neutral may be earthed through a suitable impedance.

2.0.5.1 In cases where direct earthing may prove harmful rather than provide safety (for example, high frequency and mains frequency coreless induction furnaces), relaxation may be obtained from the competent authority.

2.0.6 Earth electrodes shall be provided at generating stations, substations and consumer premises in accordance with the requirements.

2.0.7 All far as possible all earth terminals shall be visible.

2.0.8 All connections shall be carefully made; if they are poorly made or inadequate for the purpose for which they are intended, loss of life or serious personal injury may result.

2.0.9 Each earth system shall be so devised that the testing of individual earth electrode is possible. It is recommended that he value of any earth system resistance shall not be more than 5.0, unless otherwise specified.

2.0.10 It is recommended that a drawing showing the main earth connection and earth electrodes be prepared for each installation.

2.0.11 No addition to the current-carrying system either temporary or permanent, shall be made, which will increase the maximum available earth fault current or its duration until it has been ascertained that the existing arrangement of earth electrodes, earth bus-bar, etc, are capable of carrying the new value of earth fault current which may be obtained by this addition.

2.0.12 No cut-out, link or switch other than a linked switch arranged to operate simultaneously on the earthed or earthed neutral conductor and the live conductors shall be inserted on any supply system. This however, does not include the case of a switch for use in controlling a generator or a transformer or a link for test purposes.

2.0.13 All materials, fittings, etc, used in earthing shall conform to Indian Standard specifications wherever these exist. In the case of materials for which Indian Standard specifications do not exist, the materials shall be approved by the competent authority.

2.1 Design Considerations

2.1.1 System Earthing

2.1.1.1 The regulations that every medium, high and extra high voltage equipment shall be earthed by not less than two separate and distinct connections with earth is designed primarily to preserve the security of the system by ensuring that the voltage on each live conductor is restricted to such a value with respect to the potential of the general mass of the earth as is consistent with the levels of insulation applied.

2.1.1.2 The earth system resistance should be such that when any fault occurs against which earthing is designed to give protection, the protective gear will operate to make the faulty portions of plant harmless. In most cases such operation involves isolation of the faulty main or plant by circuit-breaker or fuses. In the cases of underground system there may be no difficulty, but in the case of overhead line system protected only by fuses there may be difficulty in so arranging the value of the earth resistance that a conductor falling and making good contact with earth shall cause the fuses in the supply to operate.

NOTE — Earthing may not give protection against faults which are not essentially earth faults. For example, if a phase conductor of an overhead spur line breaks, and the part remote from the supply falls to the ground, it is unlikely that any protective gear relying on earthing will operate since the major fault is the open-circuit against which earthing gives no protection.

6

2.1.2 Equipment Earthing — The object of equipment earthing is to ensure effective operation of the protective gear in the event of leakage through such metal work, the potential of which with respect to neighbouring objects may attain a value which would cause danger to life or risk or fire.

2.1.3 Soil Resistivity

2.1.3.1 The resistance to earth of an electrode of given dimensions is dependent on the electrical resistivity of the soil in which it is installed. It follows, therefore, that an overriding consideration in deciding which of the alternative method of protection is to be adopted for a particular system or location is the soil resistivity in the area concerned.

2.1.3.2 The type of soil largely determines its resistivity and representative values for soils generally found in India are given in Appendix A. Earth conductivity is, however, essentially electrolytic in nature and is affected therefore by moisture content of the soil and its chemical composition and concentration of salts dissolved in the contained water. Grain size and distribution and closeness of packing are also contributory factors since they control the manner in which the moisture is held in soil. Many of these factors vary locally and some seasonally and, therefore, the values given in Appendix A should be taken only as a general guide. Local values should be verified by actual measurement and this is specially important where the soil is stratified, as owing to the disposition of earth current, the effective resistivity depends not only on the surface layers but also on the underlying geological formation.

2.1.3.3 The soil temperature also has some effect on soil resistivity but is important only near and below freezing point, necessitating the installation of earth electrode at depths to which frost will not penetrate.

2.1.3.4 While the fundamental nature and properties of a soil in a given area cannot be changed, use can be made of purely local conditions in choosing suitable electrode sites and of methods of preparing the site selected, to secure optimum resistivity. Reference is drawn to IS : 3043-1966.

2.1.4 Potential Gradients — It is necessary to ensure, especially in case of large electrical installations, that a person walking on the ground or touching an earthed objects, in or around the premises shall not have large dangerous potential differences impressed across his body in case of a fault within or outside the premises. Such danger may arise if steep potential gradients exist within the premises or between boundary of the premises and an accessible point outside. For this the step potential and touch potential should be investigated and kept within safe limits. Within an earthing grid, the step and touch potentials may be lowered to any value by reducing the mesh interval of the grid. The situation is more difficult in he zone immediately outside the periphery where the problems may exist even for the theoretical case of a single plate covering the substation area. This problem may be serious in small stations where the grid may cover only a limited area. Attempts should be made to design a substation so as to eliminate the possibility of touch contact beyond the earth-system periphery, when the limitations on step potential become less exacting. While assessing the touch potential, the method of earthing of the object touched, for example, whether it is earthed directly below or remotely should be kept in view in order to consider the possibility of occurrence of large potential differences.

Special attention should be paid to the points near the operating handles of apparatus and, if necessary, potential equaliser grillages of closer mesh securely bonded to the structure and the operating handle* should be buried below the surface where the operator may stand when operating the switch.

2.1.5 At consumer’s premises where the apparatus is protected by fuses, the total earth circuit impedance shall not be more than that obtained by graphs given in Fig. 1.

3 EARTH ELECTRODES

3.1 Material

3.1.1 Although electrode material does not affect initial earth resistance, care should be taken to select a material which is resistant to corrosion in the type of soil in which it will be used.

3.1.2 Under ordinary conditions of soil, use of copper, iron or mild steel electrodes is recommended.

3.1.3 In cases where soil conditions point to excessive corrosion of the electrode and the connections, it is recommended to use either copper electrode or copper clade electrode or zinc coated (galvanized) iron electrodes.

3.1.4 In direct current system, however, due to electrolytic action which causes serious corrosion, it is recommended to use only copper electrodes.

7

3.1.5 The electrode shall be kept free from paint, enamel and grease.

3.1.6 It is recommended to use similar material for earth electrodes and earth conductors or otherwise precautions should be taken to avoid corrosion.

3.2 Current Loading

3.2.1 An earth electrode should be designed to have a loading capacity adequate for the system in which it forms a part, that is, it should be capable of dissipating without failure, energy in the earth path at the point at which it is installed under any condition of operation of the system. Failure is fundamentally due to excessive rise of temperature at the surface of the electrode and is thus a function of current density and duration as well as electrical and thermal properties of soil.

3.2.2 Two conditions of operation require system operation, namely:

a) Long duration overloading as with normal system operation, and b) Short time overloading as under fault conditions in directly earthed system.

FIG. 1 RECOMMENDED EARTH CIRCUIT IMPEDANCE OF RESISTANCE FOR DIFFERENT VALUES OF FUSE RATING

3.3 Voltage Gradient

3.3.1 Under fault conditions the earth electrode is raised to a potential with respect to the general mass of the earth. This results in the existence of voltages in the soil around the electrode which may be injurious to telephone and pilot cables whose cores are substantially at earth potential owing to the voltage to which the sheaths of such cables are raised. The voltage gradient at the surface of the earth may also constitute danger to life.

3.3.2 Earth electrodes should not be installed in proximity to a metal fence to avoid the possibility of the fence becoming live, and thus dangerous at points remote from the substation, or alternatively giving rise to danger within the resistance area of the electrode which can be reduced only by introducing a good connection with the general mass of the earth. If the metal fence is unavoidable, it should be earthed.

8

3.4 Types of Earth Electrodes — The following types of earth electrodes are considered standard:

a) Rode and pipe electrodes, b) Strip or conductor electrodes, c) Plates electrodes, and d) Cable sheaths.

For details regarding their design, reference shall be made to IS : 3043-1987*.

3.5 Design Data on Earth Electrodes

3.5.1 The design data on the various types of earth electrodes is given in Table 1.

3.5.2 Effect of Shape on Electrode Resistance — The resistance of any electrode buried in the earth is in fact related to the capacitance of that electrode and its image in free space. The relationship is given by:

1004

PRCπ

=

where

R = resistance in an infinite medium. P = resistivity of the medium (soil) in ohm-metre, and C = capacitance of the electrode and its image in free space.

In practical case, the capacitance is divided into two by the plane of earths surface so that,

1002

PRCπ

=

a) for rod or pipe electrodes, the formula is

e100 4log ohms2

P lRl dπ

=

where

I = length of rod or pipe in cm, and d = diameter of rod or pipe in cm.

b) For strip or round conductor electrodes, 2100 4log ohms

2P lRl wtπ

=

where

l = length of the strip in cm, w = depth of burial in cm, and t = width (strip) or twice the diameter (conductors) in cm.

c) For plate electrodes,

ohms4PR

Aπ

=

where

A = area of both sides of plate in m2.

* Code of practice for earthing.

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Table 1 Design Data on Earth Electrodes

Measurement Types of Electrodes

Rode Pipe (see Note 1)

Strip Round Conductor

Plate (see Note 2)

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

Diameter 16 mm* 38 mm* (not less than) 12.5 mm† 100 mm‡ Length/Depth of burial (not less than)

2.5 m (Ideal 3 to 3.5 m)

2.5 m 0.5 m 15 m 1.5 m

Size — — 25 × 1.60 mm† 3.0 mm2† 60 × 60 cm 25 × 4 mm* 6 mm2* Thickness — — — — 6.30 mm†

3.15 mm*

NOTES 1 A typical illustration of pipe earth electrode is given in Fig. 2. 2 A typical illustration of plate electrode is given in Fig. 3. If two or more plates are used in parallel, they shall be separated by not less than 8.0 m. Ideal area is 3.50 m2.

* Steel or galvanized iron. † Copper. ‡ Cast iron

. All dimensions in millimetres.

NOTE — Three or four buckets of water to be poured into sump every few days to keep the soil surrounding the earth pipe permanently moist.

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3.5.3 Effect of Depth of Burial — To reduce the depth of burial without increasing the resistance, a number of rods or pipes shall be connected together in parallel (see Fig. 4). The resistance in this case is practically proportional to the reciprocal of the number of electrodes used so long as each is situated outside the resistance area of the other. The distance between two electrodes in such a case shall preferably be not less than twice the length of the electrode.

4 EARTH BUS AND EARTH WIRES

4.0 General

4.0.1 The minimum allowable size of earth wire is determined principally by mechanical consideration for they are more liable to mechanical injury and should therefore be strong enough to resist any strain that is likely to be put upon them.

4.0.2 All earth wires and earth continuity conductors shall be of copper, galvanized iron, or steel or aluminium. NOTE — Aluminium shall not be used underground.

4.0.3 They shall be either stranded or solid bars or flat rectangular strips and may be bare provided due care is taken to avoid corrosion and mechanical damage to it. Where required, they shall be run inside metallic conduits.

4.0.4 Interconnections of earth-continuity conductors and main and branch earth wires shall be made in such a way that reliable and good electrical connections are permanently ensured.

NOTE — Welded, bolted and clamped joints are permissible. For stranded conductors, sleeve connectors (for example, indented, riveted or bolted connectors) are permissible. Bolted connectors and their screws shall be protected against any possible corrosion.

4.0.5 The path of the earth wire shall, as far as possible, be out of reach of any person.

4.0.6 If the metal sheath and armour have been used as an earth continuity conductor the armour shall be bonded to the metal sheath and the connection between the earth wire and earthing electrode shall be made to the metal sheath.

4.0.7 If a clamp has been used to provide connection between the earth wire and the metal sheath and armour, it shall be so designed and installed as to provide reliable connection without damage to the cable.

FIG. 4. RESISTANCE OF ELECTRODE AT VARIOUS DEPTHS AND SOIL RESISTANCES

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4.0.8 The neutral conductor shall not be used as earth wire.

4.0.9 The minimum sizes of earth-continuity conductors and earth wires shall be as given in the relevant part of the Code.

5 MEASUREMENT OF EARTH ELECTRODE RESISTANCE

5.1 Fall of Potential Method — In this method two auxiliary earth electrodes, besides the test electrode, are placed at suitable distances from the test electrode (see Fig. 5). A measured current is passed between the electrode ‘A’ to be tested and an auxiliary current electrode ‘C’ and the potential difference between the electrode ‘A’ and the auxiliary potential electrode ‘B’ is measured. The resistance of the test electrode ‘A’ is then given by:

VRI

=

where

R = resistance of the test electrode in ohms. V = reading of the voltmeter in volts, and I = reading of the ammeter in amperes.

FIG. 5 METHOD OF MEASUREMENT OF EARTH ELECTRODE RESISTANCE

5.1.1 If the test is made at power frequency, that is, 50 Hz, the resistance of the voltmeter should be high compared to that of the auxiliary potential electrode ‘B’ and in no case should be less than 20 000 ohms.

NOTE — In most cases there will be stray currents flowing in the soil and unless some steps are taken to eliminate their effect, they may produce serious errors in the measured value. If the testing current is of the same frequency as the stray current, this elimination becomes very difficult and it is better to use an earth tester incorporating a hand-driven generator. These earth testers usually generate direct current and have rotary current-reverser and synchronomous rectifier mounted on the generator shaft so that alternating current is supplied to the test circuit and the resulting potentials are rectified for measurement by a direct-reading moving-coil ohm-meter. The presence of stray currents in the soil is indicated by a wandering of the instrument pointer, but an increase or decrease of generator handle speed will cause this to disappear.

5.1.2 The source of current shall be isolated from the supply by a double by a double wound transformer.

5.1.3 At the time of test, where possible, the test electrode shall be separated from the earthing system.

5.1.4 The auxiliary electrodes usually consist of 12.5 mm diameter mild steel rod driven up to 1 m into the ground.

5.1.5 All the test electrodes and the current electrodes shall be so placed that they are independent of the resistance area of each other. If the test electrode is in the form of rod, pipe or plate, the auxiliary current electrode ‘C’ shall be placed at least 30 m away from it and the auxiliary potential electrode ‘B’ shall be placed midway between them.

5.1.6 Unless three consecutive readings of test electrode resistance with different spacings of electrodes agree, the test shall be repeated by increasing the distance between electrodes ‘A’ and ‘C’ up to 50 m and each time placing the electrode ‘B’ midway between them.

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5.2 Alternative Method

5.2.1 The method described in 5.1 may not give satisfactory results if the test electrode is of very low impedance (1 ohm or less). This applies particularly while measuring the combined resistance of large installations. In these cases, the following method may be adopted.

5.2.1.1 Two suitable directions, at least 90 degrees apart, are first selected. The potential lead is laid in one direction and an electrode is placed 250 to 300 metres from the fence. The current lead is taken in the other direction and the current electrode located at the same distance as 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 obtained for three consecutive locations. The current electrode is then left in the last foregoing position and the potential electrode is moved out in 30-m steps until three consecutive readings are obtained without a change in value. The last readings then correspond to the true value of earth resistance.

6 EARTHING OF INSTALLATIONS IN BUILDINGS

6.1 The earthing arrangements of the consumer’s installation shall be such that on occurrence of a fault of negligible impedance from a phase or non-earthed conductor to adjacent exposed metal, a current corresponding to not less than three-and-a-half times the rating of the fuse or one-and-a-half times the setting of the overload earth leakage circuit-breaker will flow except where voltage operated earth leakage circuit-breakers are used and make the faulty circuit dead. Where fuses are used to disconnect the faulty section of an installation in the event of an earth fault, the total permissible impedance of the earth fault path may be computed from the following formula (for a normal three-phase system with earthed neutral).

Phase-to-earth voltage of systemMinimum fusing current of fuse × Factor of safety

Z =

where

Z = permissible impedance in ohms. NOTE — The factor of safety in calculating the permissible impedance should be left to the discretion of the designer.

6.1.1 The factor of safety in the above formula ensures that in most cases the fuse will blow in a time which is sufficiently short to avoid danger and allowing for a number of circumstances, such as the grading of fuse rating, increase of resistance due to drying out of the earth electrodes in dry weather, inevitable extensions to installations involving increase in length of the circuit conductors and the earth-continuity conductors, etc.

6.1.2 It will be observed that this requirement determines the overall impedance and does not contain a specific reference to any part of the circuit such as the conduit or other earth-continuity conductor together with the earthing lead. In fact, in large installations the overall impedance permissible may be less than 1 ohm, so that considerably less than this might be allowable for the earth-continuity system.

6.2 It is desirable when planning an installation to consult the supply authority or an electrical contractor having knowledge of local conditions, in order to ascertain which of the two, namely, the use of fuses of overload circuit-breakers, for protection against earth-leakage currents is likely to prove satisfactory.

6.3 It is recommended that the maximum sustained voltage developed under fault conditions between exposed metal required to be earthed and the consumer’s earth terminal shall not exceed 32 volts rms.

6.4 Only pipe or rod earth electrodes are recommended and they shall satisfy the requirements of 3.5.

6.5 Earth-Continuity Conductors

6.5.1 Connection to earth of those parts of an installation which require to be earthed shall be made by means of an earth-continuity conductor which may be a separate earth conductor, the metal sheath of the cables or the earth continuity conductor contained in a cable, flexible cable or flexible cord.

6.5.2 Earth-Continuity Conductors and Earth Wires not Contained in the Cables — The size of the earth-continuity conductors should be correlated with the size of the current carrying conductors, that is, the sizes of earth-continuity conductors should not be less than half of the largest current carrying conductors, provided the minimum size of earth-continuity conductors is not less than 1.5 mm2 for copper and 2.5 mm2 for aluminium and need not be greater than 70 mm2 for copper and 120 mm2 for aluminium. As regards the sizes of galvanized iron and steel earth-continuity conductors, they may be equal to size of current-carrying conductors with which

14

they are used. The size of earth-continuity conductors to be used along with aluminium current-carrying conductors should be calculated on the basis of equivalent size of the copper current-carrying conductors.

6.5.3 Earth-Continuity Conductors and Earth Wires Contained in the Cables — For flexible cables, the size of the earth-continuity conductors should be equal to the size of the current-carrying conductors and for metal sheathed, PVC and tough rubber sheathed cables the sizes of the earth-continuity conductors shall be in accordance with relevant Indian Standards.

6.5.4 Cable Sheaths Used as Earth-Continuity Conductors — Where the metal sheaths of cables are used as earth-continuity conductors, every joint in such sheaths shall be so made that its current-carrying capacity is not less than that of the sheath itself. Where necessary, they shall be protected against corrosion.

Where non-metallic joint boxes are used, means shall be provided to maintain the continuity, such as a metal strip having a resistance not greater than that of the sheath of the largest cable entering the box.

6.5.5 Metal Conduit Pipe Used as on Earth-Continuity Conductor — Metal conduit pipe should generally not be used as an earth-continuity conductor but where used as very high standard of workmanship in installation is essential. Joints shall be so made that their current-carrying capacity is not less than that of the conduit itself. Slackness in joints may result in deterioration and even complete loss of continuity. Plain slip or pin-grip sockets are insufficient to ensure satisfactory electrical continuity of joints. In the case of screwed conduit, lock nuts should also be used.

6.5.6 Pipes and Structural Steel Work — Pipes, such as water pipe, gas pipe, or members of structural steel work shall not be used as earth-continuity conductor.

7 MEASUREMENT OF EARTH LOOP IMPEDANCE

7.1 The current which will flow under earth fault conditions and will thus be available to operate the overload protection depends upon the impedance of the earth return loop. This includes the line conductor, fault, earth-continuity conductor and earthing-lead, earth electrodes at consumer’s premises and substations and any parallel metallic return to the transformer neutral as well as the transformer winding. To test the overall earthing for any installation depending for protection on the operation of overcurrent devices, for example, fuses, it is necessary to measure the impedance of this loop under practical fault conditions. After the supply has been connected this shall be done by the use of an earth loop impedance tester as shown in Fig. 6. The neutral is used in place of the phase conductor for the purpose of the test. The open-circuit voltage of the loop tester should not exceed 32 volts.

A = ammeter B = neon indicator C = main switch D = test switch E = consumer’s earth electrode

F = supply fuses P = polarity switch S = substation earth electrode V = voltmeter

At FF, jacks are provided for insertion of plugs for connection to external neutral and/or earth conductors, if desired.

NOTES 1 Arrows show current flow in neutral/earth loop. 2 Supply system is shown dotted.

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8 TYPES OF SYSTEM EARTHING

8.1 Internationally, it has been agreed to classify the earthing systems as TN System, TT System and IT System. They are: 8.1.1 TN system - has one or more points of the source of energy directly earthed, and the exposed and extraneous conductive parts of the installation are connected by means of protective conductors to the earthed point(s) of the source, that is, there is a metallic path for earth fault currents to flow from the installation to the earthed point(s) of the source. TN systems are further sub-divided into TN-C, TN-S and TN-C-S systems. 8.1.2 TT system - has one or more points of the source of energy directly earthed and the exposed and extraneous conductive parts of the installation are connected to a local earth electrode or electrodes and are electrically independent of the source earth(s). 8.1.3 IT system - has the source either unearthed or earthed through a high impedance and the exposed conductive parts of the installation are connected to electrically independent earth electrodes. 8.1.4 It is also recognized that, in practice, a system may be an admixture of type for the purposes of this code, earthing systems are designated as follows: 8.1.4.1 TN-S System (for 240 V single phase domestic/commercial supplv ) - Systems where there are separate neutral and protective conductors throughout the system. A system where the metallic path between the installation and the source of energv is the sheath and armouring of the supply cable (see Fig. 7a).

Note - The protective conductor (PE) is the metallic covering (armour or load sheath of the cable supplying the installation or a separate conductor). All exposed conductive parts of an installation are connected to this protective conductor via main earthing terminal of the installation.

A= ammeter B=neon indicator C=main switch D= test switch E=consumer earth electrode

F = supply fuse P = polarity switch S = substation earth electrode V = voltmeter

At FF, jacks are provided for insertion of plugs for connection to external neutral and/or earth conductors, if desired . Note 1- Arrows shows current flow in neutral or earth loop. Note2- Supply system is shown in dotted.

FIG.6 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM OF EARTH LOOP IMPEDANCE TESTER

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Fig. 7a TN-S SYSTEM SEPARATE NEUTRAL AND PROTECTIVE CONDUCTORS THROUGHOUT THE SYSTEM, 230V SIMPLE PHASE. DOMESTIC/COMMERCIAL SUPPLY FOR 3 ~ TN-S 8.1.4.2 Indian TN-S System (for 415 V three-phase domestic commercial supply) - An independent earth electrode within the consumer’s premises is provided (See Fig. 7b).

For 415 V Three phase Domestic/Commercial supply having 3 ~ and 1 ~ loads. All exposed conductive parts of the installation are connected to protective conductor via the main earthing terminal of the installation. An independent earth electrode within the consumer’s premises is also provided.

FIG.7b INDIAN TN-S SYSTEM

c) Indian TNC-System - The neutral and protective functions are combined in a single conductor throughout the system ( for example earthed concentric wiring (see Fig. 7c).

All exposed conductive parts are connected to the PEN conductor. For 3~ consumer, local earth electrode has to be provided in addition. FIG. 7c INDIAN TN-C SYSTEM (NEUTRAL AND PROTECTIVE FUNCTIONS COMBINED IN A SINGLE CONDUCTOR THROUGHOUT SYSTEM ) d) TN-C-S System - The neutral and protective functions are combined in a single conductor but only in part of the system (see Fig 7d).

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The usual form of a TN-C-S system is as shown, where the supply is TN-C and the arrangement in the installations in TN-S. This type of distribution is known also as Protective Multiple Earthing and the PEN conductor is referred to as the combined neutral and earth (CNE) Conductor. The supply system PEN conductor is earthed at several points and an earth electrode may be necessary at or near a consumer’s installation. All exposed conductive parts 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) is a variant of TN-C-S with single point earthing. FIG. 7d TN-C-S SYSTEM, NEUTRAL AND PROTECTIVE FUNCTIONS COMBINED IN A SINGLE CONDUCTOR IN A’PART OF THE SYSTEM e) T-TN-S System (for 6.6/11 kV three-phase bulk supply) - The consumers installation, a TN-S system receiving power at a captive substation through a delta connected transformer primary (see Fig. 7e).

6.6/11 kV Three phase bulk supply.

Fig. 7e T-TN-S SYSTEM

f) TT System (for 415V three-phase industrial supply) - Same as 8.1.2 (see Fig 7f)

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415 V Three phase industrial supply having 3 ~ and 1 ~ loads.

All exposed conductive parts of the installation are connected to an earth electrode which is electrically independent of the source earth. Single phase TT system not present in India.

Fig.7f TT SYSTEM

g) IT System - Same 8.1.3 (see Fig. 7g).

All exposed conductive parts of an installation are connected to an earth electrode. The source is either connected to earth through a deliberately introduced earthing impedance or is isolated from

earth. Fig. 7g IT SYSTEM

9 SELECTION OF DEVICES FOR AUTOMATIC DISCONNECTION OF SUPPLY 9.1 General - In general, every circuit is provided with a means of overcurrent protection. If the earth fault loop impedance is low enough to cause these devices to operate within the specified times (that is, sufficient current can flow to earth under fault conditions), such devices may be relied upon to give the requisite automatic disconnection of supply. If the earth fault loop impedance does not permit the overcurrent protective devices to give automatic disconnection of the supply under earth fault conditions, the first option is to reduce that impedance. It may be permissible for this to be achieved by the use of protective multiple earthing or by additional earth electrodes. There are practical limitations to both approaches. In case of impedance/arcing faults, series protective devices may be ineffective to clear the faults. An alternate approach is to be adopted for the complete safety of the operating personnel and equipment from the hazards that may result from earth faults. This is to use residual current devices with appropriate settings to clear the faults within the permissible time, based on the probable contact potential. This method is equally applicable where earth loop impedances cannot be improved. In TT systems, there is an additional option of the use of fault voltage operated protective devices; whilst these devices will always give protection against shock risk, provided they are correctly installed, the presence of parallel earths from the bonding will reduce the effectiveness of the fire risk protection they offer. These are, therefore, more suited for isolated installations that do not have interconnections to other installations. It should also be remembered that every socket outlet circuit that do not have earthing facility in a household or similar installation should be protected by a residual current device having a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30 mA.

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On all other systems where equipment is supplied by means of a socket outlet not having earthing facility or by means of a flexible cable or cord used outside the protective zone created by the main equipotential bonding of the installation such equipment should be protected by a residual current operated device having an operating current of 30 mA or less. 9.2 Use of Overcurrent Protective Devices for Earth Fault Protection - Where over-current protective devices are used to give automatic disconnection of supply in case of earth fault in order to give shock risk protection, the basic requirement is that any voltage occurring between simultaneously accessible conductive parts during a fault should be of such magnitude and duration as not to cause danger. The duration will depend on the characteristic of the overcurrent device and the earth fault current which, in turn, depends on the total earth fault loop impedance. The magnitude will depend on the impedance of that part of the earth fault loop path that lies between the simultaneously accessible parts. The basic requirement can be met if: a) a contact potential of 65 volts is within the tolerable limits of human body for 10 seconds. Hence

protective relay or device characteristic should be such that this 65 volts contact potential should be eliminated within 10 seconds and higher voltages with shorter times.

b) a voltage of 250 volts can be withstood by a human body for about 100 milli seconds, which requires instantaneous disconnection of such faults, giving rise to potential rise of 250 volts or more above the ground potential.

The maximum earth fault loop impedance corresponding to specific ratings of fuse or miniature circuit breaker that will meet the criteria can be calculated on the basis of a nominal voltage to earth (Uo) and the time current characteristics of the device assuming worst case conditions, that is, the slowest operating time accepted by the relevant standards. Thus, if these values are not exceeded, compliance with this code covering automatic disconnection in case of an earth fault is assured. Where it is required to know the maximum earth fault loop impedance acceptable in a circuit feeding, a fixed appliance or set of appliances and protected by an over current device, the minimum current that may be necessary to ensure operation of the overcurrent device within the permissible 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 loop impedance to be calculated. For circuits supplying socket outlets, the corresponding earth fault loop impedance can be found by a similar calculation for earthed equipment. When equipment are not earthed and connected to socket outlets without earthing facility, disconnection should be ensured for 30 mA within 10 seconds and with appropriate decrements in time for higher currents. This method requires a knowledge of the total earth loop impedance alone (rather than individual components) and is, therefore, quick and direct in application. Its simplicity does exclude some circuit arrangements that could give the required protection. While calculations give the maximum earth fault loop or protective conductor impedance to ensure shock risk protection under fault conditions it is also necessary to ensure that the circuit protective 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: k2 A2 I √t t = -------- or A = ----- I 2 k Details of the maximum permissible earth loop impedance for the thermal protection of cables by fuses can also be computed. However, the time 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

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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 8 shows the relationship between the adiabatic line and the characteristic of fuses and miniature circuit breaker.

8A Fuses

8B Miniature Current Breaker

Fig.8 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ADIABATIC LINES AND CHARACTERISTICS

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 point A where these curves cross. Thus, the maximum earth fault loop impedance for thermal protection of the cable is that corresponding to the minimum earth fault current for which the device gives protection. The value of this current can be read from the curve and the corresponding loop impedance can be calculated from: Uo Zs = ---- I t where, Zs = earth fault loop impedance: Uo = nominal voltage to earth, and I t = earth fault current. For a given application, the maximum permitted earth fault loop impedance would be the lower of the two values calculated for shock risk protection or thermal restraint respectively. It will be noted that the adiabatic line crosses the characteristic curve for a miniature circuit breaker at a second point B. This denotes the maximum fault current for which a breaker will give thermal protection but it will generally be found in practice that this value is higher than the prospective short circuit current that occurs in the circuit involved and cannot, therefore, be realized. 9.3 Earth Fault Protective Devices – There are two basic forms of such devices that can be used for individual non-earthed/earthed (with limited application) equipment as follows:

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9.3.1 Residual Current Operated Devices (RCD) – An RCD incorporates two component items. A core balance transformer assembly with a winding for each recognizing the out of balance current that the fault produces in the main conductors. This induces a current that is used to operate the tripping mechanism of a contact system. For operating currents of 0.5 A or more, the output from such a transformer assembly can operate a conventional trip coil directly. For lower values of operating current, it is necessary to interpose a leay device, either magnetic or solid state. Devices for load currents greater than 100 A usually comprise a separate transformer assembly with a circuit breaker or contact relay, mounted together within a common enclosure. Devices for load currents below 100 A usually include the transformer and contact system within the same single unit, which is then described as a residual current operated circuit breaker (RCB). Such an RCB should be considered a particular type of RCB although it is the most usual form. A wide choice of operating currents is available (typical values are between 10 mA and 20 A ) RCB’s are normally non-adjustable whilst RCD’s are often manufactured so that one of several operating currents may be chosen. Single phase and multiphase devices with or without integral overcurrent facilities are available. Where residual current breakers of 30 mA operating current or less are being used, there is a choice between devices that are entirely electromechanical in operation and those that employ a solid state detector, The electromechanical types are generally small and compact and will operate on the power being fed to the fault alone whereas the solid state type which tend to be bulkier to require a power supply to ensure operation. Where this power supply is derived from the mains, it may be necessary to take added precaution against failures of part of that mains supply. Devices suitable for time grading are more likely to be of the solid state form as are those having higher through fault capacity. A test device is incorporated to allow the operation of the RCD to be checked. Operation of this device creates an out of balance condition within the device. Tripping of the RCD by means of the test device establishes the following: a) the integrity of the electrical and mechanical elements of the tripping device; and b) that the device is operating at approximately the correct order of operating current. It should be noted that the test device does not provide a means of checking the continuity of the earthing lead or the earth continuity conductor, nor does it impose any test on the earth electrode or any other part of the earthing circuit. Although an RCD will operate on currents equal to or exceeding its operating current, it should be noted that it will only restrict the time for which a fault current flows. It cannot restrict the magnitude of the fault % current which depends solely on the circuit conditions. 9.3.2 Fault Voltage Operated Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers (ELCB) - A voltage operated earth leakage circuit breaker comprises a contact switching system together with a voltage sensitive trip coil. On installations, this coil is connected between the metal-work to be protected and as good a connection with earth as can be obtained. Any voltage rise above earth on that metalwork exceeding the setting of the coil will cause the breaker to trip so giving indirect shock risk protection. Tripping coils are designed so that a fault voltage operated device will operate on a 40 V rise when the earth electrode resistance is 500Ω or 24 V on a 200Ω electrode. Single and multiphase units, with or without overcurrent facilities, are available for load currents up to 100 A. A test device is provided on a voltage operated unit to enable the operation of the circuit breaker to be checked, operation of the device applies a voltage to the trip coil so simulating a fault. Tripping of the circuit breaker by means of the test device shows the integrity of the electrical mechanical elements that the unit is operating with the correct order of operating voltage and, in addition, proves the conductor from the circuit breaker to the earth electrode. It can not prove other features of the installation.

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Whilst the voltage operated ( ELCB ) will operate when subjected to a fault voltage of 20 V or more, it should be noted that it cannot restrict the voltage in magnitude only in duration. 9.3.3 Current Operated Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers - For industrial applications, earth leakage circuit breakers operating on milliampere residual currents or working on fault voltage principle are of little use, since milliamperes of earth leakage current for an extensive industrial system is a normal operating situation. Tripping based on these currents will result in nuisance for the normal operation. Milliamperes of current in a system, where exposed conductive parts of equipments are effectively earthed and fault loop impedance is within reasonable values, will give rise only to a ground potential/contact potential rise of a few millivolts. This will in no way contribute to shock or fire hazard. Here objectionable fault currents will be a few or a few tenths of amperes. In such cases, residual current operated devices sensitive to these currents must be made use of for earth fault current and stable operation of the plant without nuisance tripping./ This is achieved either by separate relays or in-built releases initiating trip signals to the circuit-breakers 9.4 Selection of Earth Fault Protective Devices - In general, residual current operated devices are preferred and may be divided into two groups according to their final current operating characteristics. 9.4.1 RCD’s Having Minimum Operating Currents Greater Than 30 mA - These devices are intended to give indirect shock risk protection to persons in contact with earthed metal. 9.4.2 RCD’s Having Minimum Operating Current of 30 mA and Below - These devices are generally referred to as having ‘high sensitivity’ and can give direct shock risk protection to persons who may come in contact with live conductors and earth provided that the RCD operating times are better than those given in IS : 8437-1977*. It should be noted that such RCD’s can only be used to supplement an earth conductor and not replace one. In addition to giving protection against indirect contact or direct contact RCD’s may also give fire risk protection, the degree of protection being related to the sensitivity of the device. An RCD should be chosen having the lowest suitable operating current. The lower the operating current the greater the degree of protection given, it can also introduce possibilities of nuisance tripping and may become unnecessarily expensive. The minimum operating current will be above any standing leakage that may be unavoidable on the system. A further consideration arises if it is intended to have several devices in series. It is not always possible to introduce time grading to give discrimination whereas a limited amount of current discrimination can be obtained by grading the sensitivities along the distribution chain. The maximum permitted operating current depends on the earth fault loop impedance. The product of the net residual operating current loop impedance should not exceed 65 volts. It is often acceptable on commercial grounds to have several final circuits protected by the same residual current devices. This, however, does result in several circuits being affected if a fault occurs on one of the circuits so protected and the financial advantages have to be weighed against the effects of loosing more than one circuit. It should also be noted that different types of RCD in different circuits may react differently to the presence of a neutral to earth fault on the load side. Such an earth connection together with the earthing of the supply at the neutral point will constitute a shunt across the neutral winding on the RCD transformer. Consequently, a portion of the neutral load current will be shunted away from the transformer and it may result in the device tripping. On the other hand, such a shunt may reduce the sensitivity of the device and pre- vent its tripping even under line to earth fault conditions. In general, therefore, care should be taken to avoid a neutral to earth fault where RCD’s are in use, although there are some designs being developed that will detect and operate under such conditions. On installations with several RCD’s, care should be taken to ensure that neutral currents are returned via the same device that carries the corresponding phase current and no other. Failure to observe this point could result in devices tripping even in the absence of a fault on the circuit they are protecting. When using fault voltage operated ELCB’s, the metalwork to be protected should be isolated from earth so that any fault current passes through the tripping coil gives both shock and fire risk protection. However, this isolation is not always practicable and the presence of a second parallel path to earth will reduce the amount of

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fire risk protection offered. Because the coil is voltage sensitive, the presence of such a parallel path will not reduce the shock risk protection offered provided that this second path goes to earth well clear of the point at which the earth leakage circuit breaker trip coil is earthed. It is required that the earthing conductor is insulated to avoid contact with other protective conductors or any exposed conductive parts or extraneous conductive parts so as to prevent the voltage sensitivity element from being shunted, also the metalwork being protected should be isolated from that associated with other circuits in order to prevent imported faults. Note: For hybrid Indian TN-S system it is recommended that RCD protection is provided in addition to the overcurrent protection provided for earth fault protection. This will ensure required protection in case of any break in continuity of the protective earth conductor.

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APPENDIX A (Clause 2.1.3.2)

REPRESENTATIVE VALUES OF SOIL RESISTIVITY IN VARIOUS PARTS OF INDIA

Sl. No.

Locality Type of Soil Order of Resistivity ohm-metre

Remarks

1. Kakarapar, Distt. Surat, Gujarat Clayey black soil 6-23 Underlying bedrock-Deccan trap

2. Taptee Valley Alluvium 6-24 do 3. Narmada Valley Alluvium 4-11 Underlying bedrock-sand-

stone shale and lime-stones, Deccan trap and gneisses

4. Purna Valley (Deogaon) Agricultural 3-6 Underlying bedrock-Deccan trap

5. Dhond, Bombay Alluvium 6-40 do 6. Bijapur Distt, Karnataka a) Black cotton soil 2-10 do b) moorm 10-50 do

7. Garimenapenta, Distt Nellore Andhra Pradesh

Alluvium (highly clayey)

2 Underlying bedrock-gneisses

8. Kartee a) Alluvium b) Alluvium

3-5 9-21

Underlying bedrock-sand-stone, trap or gneisses

9. Delhi a) Najafgarh a) Alluvium

(dry sandy soil) 75-170 do

b) Loamy to clayey soil

38-50 do

c) Alluvium (saline) 1.5-9 do b) Chhatarpur Dry soil 36-109 Underlying bedrock-

quartzites 10. Korba, MP a) Moist clay 2-3 Underlying bedrock-sand-

stone or shale b) Alluvium soil 10-20

11. Cossipur, Calcutta Alluvium 25 (approx) — 12. Bhagalpur, Bihar a) Alluvium 9-14 Underlying bedrock-traps,

sand-stone or gneisses 13. Kerla (Trivandrum Distt.) Lateritic clay 2-5 Underlying bedrock-laterite,

charnockite or granites 14. Bharatpur Sandy loam (Saline) 6-14 — 15. Kalyadi, Mysore Alluvium 60-150 Underlying bedrock-gneisses16. Kolar Gold Fields Sandy surface 45-185 do 17. Wajrakarur, Andhra Pradesh Alluvium 50-150 do 18. Koyana, Satara Distt. Lateritic 800-1200

(dry) Underlying bedrock-sand-laterite or trap

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Sl. No.

Locality Type of Soil Order of Resistivity ohm-metre

Remarks

19. Kutch-Kandla (Amjar Area) a) Alluvium (clayey) 4-50 Underlying bedrock-sand-stone, shale or tap

b) Alluvium (sandy) 60-200 do 20. Villupuram, Madras Clayey sands 11 Underlying bedrock-granite 21. Ambaji, Banaskantha, Gujarat Alluvium 170 Underlying bedrock-granites

and gneisses 22. Ramanathapuram Distt Madras a) Alluvium 2-5 Underlying bedrock-sand-

stones and gneisses b) Lateritic soil 300

(approx) do

NOTE — the soil resistivities are subject to wide seasonal variation as they depend very much on the moisture content.

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APPENDIX B (Clause 0.3)

ADDITIONAL RULES FOR EARTHINGS

B-1 ADDITIONAL RULES APPLYING TO THE DIRECT EARTHING SYSTEM

B-1.1 Where a driven or buried electrode is used, the earth resistance shall be as low as possible. NOTE — The value of earth resistance is under consideration.

B-2 ADDITIONAL RULES APPLYING TO THE MULTIPLE EARTH NEUTRAL SYSTEM

B-2.1 This system shall be used only where the neutral and earth is low enough to preclude the possibility of a dangerous rise of potential in the neutral.

B-3 ADDITIONAL RULES APPLYING TO THE EARTH LEAKAGE CIRCUIT-BREAKER SYSTEM

B-3.1 Installation of the Earth Leakage Circuit-Breaker System, General (see Fig. 7) — All parts required to be earthed shall be connected to an earth electrode through the coil of an earth leakage circuit-breaker which controls the supply to all those parts of the installation which are to be protected; and to a separate earth electrode.

B-3.2 Selective Protection — If selective operation of earth leakage circuit-breaker is required, the circuit-breaker, electrodes and earthing conductors shall be installed in one of the following ways:

a) Arrangement Giving Complete Selectivity (see Fig. 8) — All metal frames, conduits, earthing conductors, etc. which are to be protected as a unit shall be electrically separated from all other such parts and from any other earthed metal. Each part to be protected as a unit shall be connected to an earth electrode through the coil of an earth leakage circuit-breaker.

All the separately protected portions of the installations may be connected to one electrode to the earth leakage circuit-breaker.

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10A Complete separation of the exposed metal of one installation from that of other installation

10B By use of a double-insulated wiring system, where there are no conduits to be earthed

FIG.10. CONNECTION OF EARTH LEAKAGE CIRCUIT-BREAKER FOR COMPLETE SELECTIVITY

FIG. 9 CONNECTION OF EARGH LEAKAGE CIRCUIT-BREAKER SIMPLE INSTALLATION

.

b) Arrangement Giving Partial Selectivity (Complete Selectivity with Respect to Faults in Apparatus, but no Selectivity with Respect to Falls in Wiring in Conduit) (see Fig. 9) — All the conduits and

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associated fittings shall be bonded together and connected to an earth electrode, all shall also be connected to another earth electrode through an earth leakage circuit-breaker which controls all the active conductors supplying he whole or portions of the installations concerned. Each part to be protected as a unit shall be connected to an earth electrode through the coil of a separate earth leakage circuit-breaker which controls all the active conductors supplying that portion of the installation only. All these portions may be connected to one electrode, but this electrode shall be separated from the electrode to which the conduits are connected.

NOTES 1 A double-insulated wiring system is used, e.g., tough rubber-sheathed cables. Any conduit used does not then need to be

earthed. 2 The earthing conductor is insulated from the conduit.