1.

Dimensioning grounding electrode conductor The operating or fault to be carried and the disconnecting times relevant for fault current must be taken into consideration when dimensioning grounding electrode conductor (connecting between the installation part to be grounded and the grounding electrode). Furthermore, the values specified foe the minimum cross sections must also be observed (see table 1.5/4). If common grounding system for installation 1000V and > 1 Kv and a common grounding electrode conductor must be dimensioned for the maximum possible single requirement. It is not necessary where two fault occur simultaneously. Ground fault current in installations > 1 Kv The following play a decisive role when dimensioning the grounding electrode conductor of the protective grounding for installations > 1 Kv : Double-phase-to-ground fault

Ink2E

with h.v. system with insulated neutral point

(auxiliaries system in industrial installation and power station) and with ground fault compensation (overland and urban system of public utility) Single-phase-to-ground fault current

Ink1E

with h.v. system with low-resistance

neutral point (system with rated voltages > 110 kV. These current can be calculated approximately using the respective system fault level the rated system voltage

Snk

Un

as well as the short-circuit positive-phase-sequence

impedance and zero-phase-sequence impedance of the system (Z(1) and Z(0)) : Double-phase-to-ground fault current :

Ink2E =
Single phase to ground fault current :

Ink1E=
Since the high voltage for electrical installation in building is usually supplied from system with rate voltages < 110 kV, only the double phase - to ground fault current needs to be determined, whereby the disconnecting time for the fault t F is assumed no more than 1 s. Example Snk = 500 MVA (system fault level)

Un = 20 kV (rate system voltage) Ink2E =

= = 12.5 KA

GROUND FAULT CURRENT IN INSTALATION 1000 V The single phase to ground fault current play a decisive role when dimensioning the grounding electrode conductor of the function and protective grounding in installation 1000 v with direct grounding in TN and TT system. For transformer with delta-wye connection (Dy), the single phase to ground fault current can be calculated approximately using the rated system voltage Un and the sum of the upstream system impedance Zk (in h.v. system) and the transformer impedance Z : Ink1E =

A disconnecting time of approximately 0.5 s can be used here (time whiting which the first over current protective device in the l.v. installation usually triggers in the event of a fault). Bearing in mind the selectivity requirement, this time may, in certain cases, be considerably shorter. Note It is assumed that the unprotected cable run between the transformer and transformer circuit breaker is designed to be inherently ground fault resistant and short - circuit proof and that a transformer fault will be detected by automatic monitoring devices and cleared on the h.v. side. Example Un= 400 V (rated system voltage) Snk= 500 MVA (system fault level of h.v. system) kr= 6% (short-circuit voltage of transformers) S = 2.630 kVA (transformer output) System impedance ZQ= transformer impedance

ZT = InklE= =

With a rated system voltage of 400 V,c =1. (more detail information on calculating the short circuit current can be found in section 1.2) Determining the cross sections of grounding electrode conductors To allow the cross conductor to be determined, prEN50179 /DIN VDE 0141 specifies the permissible short circuit current density of a number of different material (see fig. 1.5/4). The permissible final temperature for the respective material when the disconnecting time tf is reached is used as a basic here. The required cross section A is calculated as follows: A= G Permissible short-circuit current density Example For h.v. functional and protective grounding : A= for I.v functional and protective grounding : Ink1E = 27.8 kA IF= 0.5 s Material: galvanized steel. According to fig. 1.5/4, the permissible short-circuit current dendity for galvanized steel (line 4) is: G(where tF= 1s) = 70 A/mm2 G(where tf= 0.5 s) = 100A/mm2

The cross section of the grounding electrode conductor is calculated as follow: For the h.v. functional and protective grounding: A= 180mm2

For the l.v. functional and protective grounding : A= =278mm2

1.5.5 requirement for grounding electrode components grounding electrode materials the following materials have proven suitable for grounding electrodes and are prescribed for this purpose in prEN 50178 /DIN VDE 0141 : steel, hot-galvanized, strip, round, shaped cross sections and tubes for conductor and buried grounding electrodes steel, lead- cladded, round wire for conductor grounding electrodes steel, copper- cladded round bar for buried grounding electrodes

copper, bare all electrode shapes

copper, tin-cladded stranded material for conductor grounding electrode

cooper, galvanized strip cross section for conductor grounding electrode

cooper, lead-claded stranded material and round cross section for conductor when selecting the material for the grounding electrode.

The following corrosion hazards should be taken into consideration when selecting the material for the grounding electrode. Minimum dimensions for grounding electrode Since grounding electrode are subject to mechanical loads and defined for the electrodes which ensure a reasonable service life (table 1.5/2). These minimum dimensions are specified in tables in the standards prEN 50170/ DIN VDE 0141, prEN 50114 / DIN VDE 0151, HD 384.54 / IEC 60364-5-54/ DIN VDE 0100-540. Electrolytic corrosion of grounding electrodes The risk of electrolytic corrosion of the grounding electrode and subsequent ineffectiveness depend on the electrode component (e.g. with individual grounding electrodes without any metallically conductive connection to other grounding electrodes) and the formation of corrosive element (e.g. if grounding electrodes made of different materials-materials with different chemical potential values are connected together). Inherent corrosion The properties of the individual electrode material and their compatibility with the different soil types must be taken into consideration to prevent inherent corrosion. Information regarding this can be found in pr EN 50114 / DIN VDE 0151 (a summary is given below). Hot-galvanized is extremely resistant in almost all soil types. The reason for this is the heterogeneous iron-zinc which tends to form a covering layer. The prerequisite for a reasonable service life is a sufficiently thick, non-porous, flawless zinc coating.

Hot-galvanized steel also suitable for embedding in concrete. Lead-cladded round steel wire Lead tends to form a good covering layer in soil and is there is, however, a risk of corrosion is negligible in well aerated soils (e.g. in sand), it can be much greater in poorly aerated soils (e.g. in loam and clay). Steel with extruded copper cladding and electrolytically copper-plated steel Damage to the copper cladding will considerably increase the risk of corrosion to the steel core. The copper layer must, therefore, be seamless and interconnected with the same conductance. Bare copper or galvanized copper is similar to bare copper- generally very resistant in soil. Tinplated cooper only for strip grounding electrodes. Formation of corrosive element Direct, metallically conductive connections between grounding electrodes made of different materials and the interconnection of grounding electrodes with other subterranean installations (tanks, container, cable, etc) my result in the formation of corrosive element. Depending on the metal/soil open potential of the respective material and area ratios of the individual metallic component, which may, under certain circumstances, influence each other (area of the cathodic material Sn), there may be a risk of corrosion to metals with the higher negative element potential.

The information shown in table 1.5/3 (from prEN 50114 /DIN VDE 0151) is based on experience gained in connecting grounding electrodes made of different materials with area ratios S k : Sn 100 : 1. It is, therefore, evident that problem may arise not only with combination of very different metals, such as steel with copper, but also when connecting steel grounding electrode to steel in concrete. This is especially the case with grounding electrodes which are connected to the foundation steel of building, for example (e.g. via of the building).

Further corrosion protection measures, which are particularly important when connecting grounding electrode to grounding electrode conductors, are specified in section 4 of prEN 50144 / DIN VDE 0151. The most important measures are as follow. ; on account of increased susceptibility at the transition zone between soil and air, galvanized steel must be protected against corrosion at least 0.3 m both above and below the surface of the soil. Thin coating are not bonding characteristic and do not absorb any moisture, provide adequate protection.

Connecting can be established by means of bolt, welding (e.g. exothermic welding), soldering, and using crimped and pressure connector. In concrete, it is also possible to use wedge-type connector Two bolt )at least M 8) or one bolt (at least M 10) must be used to connect flat strips to each other and to steel constructions. Lead cladding covering copper and steel conductor must be used to connect flat strips to each other and steel constructions. Lead cladding covering copper and steel conductors must be removed before the bolted connections are established.

Connecting points in soil must have the same corrosion characteristics as the material of the grounding electrodes. Connecting points which, as a result of being worked, when installed or for production related reasons, do not have the same corrosion protection must be provided with a corrosion-proof coating after they have been assembled. Connecting points in concrete between individual reinforcing rods and between steel reinforcement elements and galvanized steel do not require any corrosion protection. Connecting points, exposed copper surfaces, and any lead cladding at connection cladding at connection between steel reinforcement element and copper conductor must, however, be coated. Coating the lead cladding of lead- cladded steel conductors is sufficient for connections between steel reinforcement elements and the steel conductors. When filling in pits and ditches in which grounding electrodes have been laid, care must be taken to ensure that no slag, coal, or rubble comes into direct contact with the grounding electrode material.

1.5.6 Requirement for the components of grounding electrode conductors Material for grounding electrode conductors In practice, the following materials have proven suitable for grounding electrode conductors. They are also prescribed for this purpose in the relevant standards: Cooper , aluminum, steel For insulated, mechanically protected installation (a mechanically protected grounding electrode conductor is laid, for example, in a tube of sufficient strength or as a cable) Cooper, steel

For insulated, mechanically unprotected installation Cooper, hot- galvanized steel For exposed installation Minimum dimension for grounding electrode conductors-------------SAMPI SINI BUD Minimum dimension of grounding electrode conductor are necessary to make sure that their mechanical strength and current carrying capacity are sufficient to withstand ground fault. The following minimum dimension specified in prEN 50159 /DIN VDE 0141 must be complied with for electrical power installation with a rated voltage > 1 kV: Cooper Aluminum Steel 16 mm2 35 mm2 50 mm2

With grounding electrode conductor which are laid bare in soil, the minimum dimension are the same as those specified for grounding electrodes, since grounding electrodes conductors laid bare in soil are regarded as grounding electrode. The actual cross section sections to be used for grounding electrode conductor in installation >1kV Must, however, always be determined using be calculations on page 211ff The following minimum cross section specified in HD 384.5.54 / IEC 60384-5-54 / DIN VDE 0100-540 must be complied with for electrical power installation with a rated voltage 1000V. For installation with protection against corrosion and mechanical stress: Cooper Aluminum Steel 2.5 mm2 4 mm2 7.5 mm2

For installation without protection against corrosion and mechanical stress: Cooper Steel 16 mm2 16 mm2

For bare installation without protection stress:

Cooper

25 mm2

Hot-galvanized steel 50mm2 Note: If steel is selected as the grounding electrode conductor material, the cross section be approximately three times that for copper. With copper conductors, the cross section needed to achieve the desired mechanical strength must that required for the specified current carrying capacity. No minimum cross section are specified for over ground installation. The standards HD 384.5.54 /IEC 60364-5-54, table 54 F ?DIN VDE 0100-540, table 2 and the section determining the cross section of grounding electrode conductors must, however, be taken into consideration when determining the actual cross section to be used. It should be noted that the requirement with regard to the cross section of grounding electrode conductor are the same as those for equipment grounding conductor. (PEN and PE). Installation note for grounding electrode conductors Information concerning the installation of grounding electrode conductors can be found in prEN 50179 /DIN VDE 0141. Information concerning corrosion protection measures required for bare grounding electrode conductor laid in soil can be found in prEN 50114 / DIN VDE 0151. It should be emphasized that over ground grounding electrode conductor must be installed so that they are visible or behind special covers and protected against mechanical and chemical destruction. They may also be installed in concrete, provider that their connecting point are easily accessible. Reinforcing steel elements in reinforced concrete structure may be used as grounding electrode conductors provided that they have the specified minimum cross sections, and are welded together or are connected in some other way so that are secure and have the same electrical conductance. The value in the table above are only valid if the equipment grounding conductor is made of the same metal as the external conductor. If this not the case, the cross section of the grounding conductor must be such that the conductance is the same as that specified in the table.

1.5.7 measurement and test on grounding system In order to obtain information concerning grounding characteristics before erecting an electrical installation, it is advisable to carry out measurement to establish the soil resistivity ( see also section 2,4) The dissipation resistance for a newly erected grounding system and its current operational status can be verified by performing appropriate test. These test include measuring the dissipation resistance and visual inspection. Measuring the soil resistivity The following two measuring techniques Have proven successful in practice: the 4- probe method measurement at a grounding rod.

Both the specific surface resistance values and those of the deeper soil layer can be determined using both measuring techniques to provide information concerning the type of grounding electrode t be used. With the 4-probe method, the individual layer are measured by varying the distance between the auxiliary probes (intervals of 0.5 m). Measurement are taken at a grounding iod using an additional auxiliary grounding electrode and a measuring probe. The first measurement is mad with the grounding rod is then driven deeper and deeper. The specific resistance values of forming measurement at the different depths. If a conductor grounding electrode is to be installed, it is particularly advisable to carry out several separate measurement at different positions and to calculated in soil moisture content must also be taken consideration. The measurement must be carried out using grounding measuring bridges. Measuring the dissipation resistance The grounding system and, in particular, the dissipation and resistance must be test after installation and before commissioning in accordance with prEN 50179 / DIN VDE 0141 and HD 384.6.610 / IEC 60384-6-61 / DIN VDE -100-610. Initial testing must be carried out means of appropriate measurement.

Measuring the dissipation resistance is important for those part of a grounding system which are installed to produce a specific grounding resistance (e.g the grounding of the main equipotential bonding does not need to be measured). Two measuring techniques have proven successful in practice: the indirect-acting measuring technique the from ammeter-voltmeter measuring technique.

An external a.c voltage is used for the indirect-acting measuring technique. The measured grounding resistance can read directly from the measuring instrument scale. Measuring using the ammeter-voltmeter measuring technique are based on the system voltage. The resistance must be determined by calculation (quotient derived from the measured voltage and measured current). A measuring to ensure and an auxiliary grounding electrode are required for both techniques. In order to ensure that measurement results are not influenced by other component, the position of the grounding electrode conductor should be recorded in a layout plan. This is particularly advisable for large grounding system. State checks According to prEN 50179 / DIN VDE 141 and EN 50110 / DIN VDE 0105-1, the grounding system within a network must be insulated at a number of location (for example, by excavating at various point). The state of the grounding component should be assessed by mean of visual inspection (e.g. checking for signs of corrosion). Five years is considered a reasonable interval these check.