EDS 06-0015 Pole-Mounted Equipment Earthing Design

Document Number: EDS 06-0015
Version: 4.1
Date: 09/12/2014
THIS IS AN UNCONTROLLED DOCUMENT, THE READER MUST CONFIRM ITS VALIDITY BEFORE USE
ENGINEERING DESIGN STANDARD
EDS 06-0015
POLE-MOUNTED EQUIPMENT EARTHING DESIGN
Network(s): EPN, SPN
This standard details the design requirements for the earthing of 33kV, 11kV and
Summary:
6.6kV pole-mounted equipment.
Author: Stephen Tucker Date: 09/12/2014
Approver: Steve Mockford Date: 21/01/2015
This document forms part of the Company’s Integrated Business System and its requirements are mandatory throughout UK
Power Networks. Departure from these requirements may only be taken with the written approval of the Director of Asset
Management. If you have any queries about this document please contact the author or owner of the current issue.
Applicable To
UK Power Networks External
☒ Asset Management ☒ G81 Website
☒ Capital Programme ☐ UK Power Networks Services
☒ Connections ☒ Contractors
☒ Health & Safety ☒ ICPs/IDNOs
☐ Legal ☐ Meter Operators
☒ Network Operations
☐ Procurement
☐ Strategy & Regulation
☐ Technical Training
Pole-mounted Equipment Earthing Design Document Number: EDS 06-0015
Version: 4.1
Date: 09/12/2014
Revision Record
Version 4.1 Review Date 21/11/2019

Date 10/10/2017 Author Lee Strachan
Why has the document been updated – Minor version update
What has been updated – Reference to EDS 08-0030 changed to EDS 08-2109
Date 09/12/2014 Author Stephen Tucker
Why has the document been updated – Periodic review
What has been updated - Updated to ensure consistency with the revised Overhead Line Manual.
Changes include:
 Earthing depth standardised at 1m (Section 5.4 and 7).
 Preformed copper lattice earth mat introduced (Section 6.4).
 Segregation on poles reduced to 120° and slow bend added to underground earthing on drawings
(Section 7).
 Additional LV PME earths added (Section 7.4).
 Earth leakage solution added (Section 8.4).
Use of aluminium conductors added

Reclassification of document from Earthing Design Manual Section 5

Completely rewritten to provide a more consistent and practical approach and developed alongside
the new Overhead Line Manual
Original
© UK Power Networks 2015 All rights reserved 2 of 31

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Date: 09/12/2014
Contents
1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 5
2 Scope ....................................................................................................................... 5
3 Glossary and Abbreviations ................................................................................... 5
4 Definitions ................................................................................................................ 6
5 Design Criteria ......................................................................................................... 7
5.1 General Criteria ......................................................................................................... 7
5.2 Earth Potential Rise ................................................................................................... 8
5.3 Touch and Step Potentials......................................................................................... 8
5.4 Electrode System ...................................................................................................... 9
5.5 Surge Arresters ....................................................................................................... 10
6 Earthing Requirements ......................................................................................... 11
6.1 Earth Resistance Values ......................................................................................... 11
6.2 Earth Electrodes ...................................................................................................... 11
6.3 Earthing and Bonding Conductors ........................................................................... 11
6.4 Earth Mat................................................................................................................. 12
6.5 Auxiliary Supply Cables ........................................................................................... 12
7 Earthing Arrangements ......................................................................................... 13
7.1 General ................................................................................................................... 13
7.2 Steelwork ................................................................................................................ 13
7.2.1 HV Steelwork........................................................................................................... 13
7.2.2 H-Poles ................................................................................................................... 13
7.2.3 LV Steelwork ........................................................................................................... 13
7.2.4 Anti-Climbing Device ............................................................................................... 13
7.3 Stays ....................................................................................................................... 14
7.4 LV PME Earths ........................................................................................................ 14
7.5 Pole-mounted Transformer ...................................................................................... 14
7.6 Cable Termination ................................................................................................... 17
7.7 Handle-Operated Air-Break Switch Disconnectors (ABSD)...................................... 18
7.7.1 Handle-Operated ABSD .......................................................................................... 18
7.7.2 Handle-Operated ABSD and Cable Termination...................................................... 18
7.8 Pole-Mounted Switches, Reclosers and Sectionalisers ........................................... 21
7.8.1 Low-Level Control Unit ............................................................................................ 21
7.8.2 High-Level Control Unit ........................................................................................... 21
7.9 Hook-Stick Operated Equipment ............................................................................. 24
7.9.1 General ................................................................................................................... 24
7.9.2 Hook-Stick Operated Equipment and Cable Termination ......................................... 25

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7.9.3 Hook-Stick Operated Equipment and Transformer .................................................. 27

8 Special Situations.................................................................................................. 28
8.1 HV and LV Combined Construction ......................................................................... 28
8.2 Third-Party Equipment on Shared HV or 33kV Poles............................................... 28
8.3 Supplies to Mobile Phone Masts on National Grid Towers....................................... 28
8.4 Earth Leakage ......................................................................................................... 28
9 References ............................................................................................................. 30
Appendix A – Typical Electrode Systems ....................................................................... 31
Figures
Figure 6-1 – Buried Earth Mat ............................................................................................. 12

Figure 7-1 – Pole-mounted Transformer with HV Overhead Line and LV Overhead Line .... 15
Figure 7-2 – Pole-mounted Transformer with HV Overhead Line and LV Cable .................. 16
Figure 7-3 – Cable Termination with Surge Arresters .......................................................... 17
Figure 7-4 – Handle-Operated ABSD .................................................................................. 19
Figure 7-5 – Handle-Operated ABSD with Cable Termination ............................................. 20
Figure 7-6 – Pole-mounted Switchgear with Low-Level Control Unit ................................... 22
Figure 7-7 – Pole-mounted Switchgear with High-Level Control Unit .................................. 23
Figure 7-8 – Hook-Stick Operated ABSD ............................................................................ 24
Figure 7-9 – Hook-Stick Operated ABSD with Cable Termination ....................................... 25
Figure 7-10 – Hook-stick Operated Equipment with Cable Termination .............................. 26
Figure 7-11 – Hook-Stick Operated Equipment with a Pole-mounted Transformer.............. 27
Figure 8-1 – Metallic Strip Earth Leakage Device ................................................................ 29
Tables
Table 5-1 – Maximum EPR for a COLD Site Classification ................................................... 8

Table 6-1 – Earth Resistance Values .................................................................................. 11
Table 6-2 – Minimum Earth Electrodes (below ground) ....................................................... 11
Table 6-3 – Minimum Earthing and Bonding Conductors (above ground)............................ 11
Table 9-1 – 10Ω and 20Ω Earth Electrode Values............................................................... 31

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1 Introduction
This standard (previously Section 5 of the Earthing Design Manual) details the design
requirements for the earthing of 33kV, 11kV and 6.6kV pole-mounted equipment and includes
standard arrangements for the installation of earthing and bonding. Note: 132kV equipment
is beyond the scope of this standard.
The second issue of this standard aims to build on the original while providing a more
consistent and practical approach. It has also been developed alongside the new Overhead
Line Manual. It supersedes issue 1 and all previous EPN, SPN specific guidance on pole-
mounted earthing.
Although this standard covers most aspects of pole-mounted earthing there will be some
situations where advice from an earthing specialist is required, refer to EDS 06-0001 for further
details.
The earthing design for secondary substations and LV networks (including LV overhead
networks) are covered respectively in EDS 06-0014 and EDS 06-0016.
The construction of overhead networks including earthing is covered in further detail in the
Overhead Line Manual.
This standard is divided into the following sub-sections:
 Design criteria.
 Earthing requirements.
 Earthing arrangements.
 Special situations.
Significant changes from existing practice or previous version:
 Based on the guidance given in overhead line section of ENA TS 41-24 issued in 2009.
 Comprehensive and practical earthing arrangements are now included for: pole-mounted
transformers, cable terminations, handle-operated ABSDs, pole-mounted switchgear and
hook-stick operated equipment.
2 Scope
This standard applies to the earthing for all new poles and any existing pole at voltages up to
and including 33kV where refurbishment or a material alteration is to take place e.g. equipment
replacement, installation or removal.
The earthing of towers and tower lines is outside of the scope of this standard and reference
should be made to BS EN 50341.
This document is intended for internal and external use.
3 Glossary and Abbreviations
Term Definition
EPR Earth potential rise (refer to Section 4)

ROEP Rise of earth potential (refer to Section 4)
NetMap UK Power Networks graphical information system (GIS).

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4 Definitions
Earth Potential Rise (EPR) or Rise of Earth Potential (ROEP)
EPR or ROEP is the potential (or voltage) rise that occurs on any steelwork due to the current
that flows through the ground when an earth fault occurs on the HV or LV network.
Touch Potential
The touch potential is the potential difference between a person’s hands and feet when
standing up to 1m away from any earthed steelwork they are touching.
Step Potential
The step potential is the potential difference between a person’s feet assumed to be 1m apart.
Transfer Potential
The transfer potential is the potential transferred by means of a conductor between an area
with a significant rise of earth potential and an area with little or no rise of earth potential, and
results in a potential difference between the conductor and earth in both locations.
Substation Earthing Database

The substation earthing database contains the classification (HOT or COLD) of all grid and
primary substations together with the details of the EPR and other relevant earthing
information. Refer to EDS 06-0004 for further details.
Cold Site
A COLD site is a primary or secondary substation where the EPR is less than 430V, or 650V
for sites with high reliability protection (refer to Table 5-1).
HOT Site
A HOT site is a primary or secondary substation where the EPR is greater than 430V, or 650V
for sites with high reliability protection (refer to Table 5-1). At a HOT secondary site the HV
and LV earths must be segregated so that the potential on the HV earth during an earth fault
is not transferred to the customer's LV earth terminal.
Combined Neutral and Earth (CNE)

Typically used to describe a cable with a combined neutral and earth metallic outer sheath
with a PVC covering, or overhead line with a combined neutral and earth conductor.
Combined Construction
Combined construction is the installation of an HV and LV overhead line on the same pole.
The LV overhead line is erected below the HV overhead line. Typically modern construction
of this type of overhead line will consist of HV Covered Conductor and LV ABC although
existing configurations of PVC covered HV and LV conductors are still in use.

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5 Design Criteria
5.1 General Criteria
Pole-mounted equipment is generally considered ‘out of reach’ if situated 4.3m or more above
ground level. As such, touch potentials are not a consideration unless the steelwork extends
below 4.3m or is connected to exposed metallic cable sheaths extending below this level. For
new construction the equipment shall be a minimum of 5.1m (5.8m adjacent to roads) above
ground or any object within 1.5m of the pole.
Therefore some poles may be left unearthed e.g. cross-arms and hook-stick operated
equipment.
The following items of equipment shall always be earthed:
 Transformers.
 Switchgear with control units.
 Switchgear with operating handles at low level.
 Cable terminations.
 Surge arresters.
Where any item of equipment on the pole is connected to earth all steelwork on the pole above
3.0m, including cross arms, pilot insulator pins, trussing gear, high voltage cable boxes etc.,
shall be connected to the main earth.
Steelwork below 3.0m, such as low level 33kV cable support steelwork, shall have a separate
earth electrode installed and shall not be bonded to the main earth
On combined HV/LV construction the support steelwork and LV neutral/earth of the LV

conductor system shall not be earthed or bonded to the main earth.
Pole-mounted earthing, where installed, shall be effective enough to provide the following
function:
 To pass the fault current during an earth fault back to the system neutral and therefore
operate the source protection.
 To limit the touch/step potential risk to staff operating switchgear to a safe value.
 To prevent dangerous potentials appearing on the customers LV neutral/earth.
 To discharge any lightning surges to earth.
The above requirements will be satisfied if the following design criteria are used for all new
and refurbished pole earthing:
 The maximum HV earth resistance value shall be 10Ω.

 The maximum LV earth resistance value shall be 20Ω.
 All above ground earth conductors shall be insulated for a minimum of 3m above ground
level and mechanically protected (in accordance with the Overhead Line Manual) for a
minimum of 2m above ground level.
 The HV earth electrode shall be installed at the base of the pole except at locations where
it is necessary for an operator to carry out switching operations. At these locations the HV
earth electrode shall be installed on the opposite side of the pole to the operating position
and 5m away from the operating position. Any earth conductor within 5m of the operating
position shall be insulated except pole-mounted switchgear with low level control units
(Figure 7-6).
 The HV earth electrode system shall be installed at a minimum depth of 1m.

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 The main earth conductor/electrode shall be insulated for a minimum of 1m below ground
level.
 Bare HV and LV earth electrodes buried in the ground shall be separated by a minimum
of 8m.
 Covered HV and LV earth conductors buried in the ground shall be separated by a
minimum of 100mm.
 HV and LV earthing systems on the same pole shall be segregated by 120°.
 Earthing conductors associated with surge protection shall be kept as straight as possible
with no sharp bends.
5.2 Earth Potential Rise
When an earth fault occurs on a cable or at a substation or pole, a proportion of the fault
current will return to the source substation through the ground. This current will flow into the
ground through the earth connection closest to the fault and will cause the voltage to rise
above that of a remote (or true) earth. This voltage is known as earth potential rise (EPR) or
rise of earth potential (ROEP) and is the earth fault current multiplied by the earth electrode
resistance. Note: Some current will flow through the cable sheath back to the source and
some will flow through the ground, it is only the current that flows through the ground that
causes the EPR.
A site is classified as HOT when the EPR exceeds 430V, or 650V (for high reliability circuits)
as defined in Table 5-1. However, at pole-mounted sites as there is no metallic earth return
path, all of the current will flow through the ground. Therefore the EPR generally exceeds
these values and the site is assumed to be HOT.
Table 5-1 – Maximum EPR for a COLD Site Classification
Substation Voltage Source Circuit EPR Comments

Protection
400kV, 275kV, High reliability 650V Main protection systems that clear the
132kV, 66kV, 33kV, earth fault current within 200ms
25kV
Normal reliability 430V Main protection systems that clear the
earth fault current in excess of 200ms
20kV, 11kV, 6.6kV Normal reliability 430V
5.3 Touch and Step Potentials
It is not always practicable to ensure that the step potentials directly above an installed earth
electrode system remain below tolerable limits under earth fault conditions. It is generally
considered that the probability of an earth fault occurring whilst an individual happens to be
walking across the earth electrode at the same time, is extremely small. Additional protection
is often afforded by the wearing of normal footwear which increases the foot-to-foot resistance.
Therefore, in most circumstances no special precautions are required.
However, at sensitive locations that are often frequented by people, particularly barefoot
children, and concentrations of livestock in stables or pens for example, precautions may be
justified to eliminate or minimise the risk. This can usually be achieved by careful site selection
or at the time of installation by installing the earth electrode in a direction away from the area
of concern, burying the electrode as deep as practicable, and/or fencing the electrode off to
prevent access.

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In high risk areas, such as horse riding schools or near milking parlours, special designs may
be necessary and specialist advice should be sought.
The layout of earthing and bonding shall be so designed as to prevent dangerous potential
gradients arising, from either step potentials on the ground, or touch potentials between
adjacent parts of the installation. The former is achieved by having the external electrode at a
suitable depth. The latter requirement is achieved by bonding.
However, at switchgear poles with low level handles or control units it is not possible to
maintain the touch and step potentials to safe values for all foreseeable circumstances
particularly during switching operations. Installing and maintaining an elaborate electrode
system at a pole site, e.g. perimeter grading electrodes/rings, is not deemed to be practical
and the integrity of this type of earthing system cannot always be assured.
Therefore as it is not possible to control the touch and step potentials at low level control boxes
and handles the following control measures shall be adopted to mitigate the risk:
 Dielectric boots and gloves shall be used for all switching operations at the poles with low
level handles or control units.
 Preferably, access to the equipment should be restricted e.g. by installing control units
above 3m and installing hook-stick operated ABSDs.
5.4 Electrode System
A purpose designed electrode system will provide the necessary potential grading, minimise
the step potential risk to humans and animals, cater for high frequency discharges from the
surge arresters and provide sufficient separation between any operating platform and the high
frequency electrode.
Any deviation from these arrangements, or failure to maintain the local earthing systems, can
result in operators being placed at unacceptable risk.
The bare electrode system shall be:
 Installed at a minimum depth of 1m.

 Installed at a minimum distance of 5m and at least 120 away from any handle, cubicle or
rod/hook-stick operating position.
 Insulated within 5m of the operating position.
In addition to the above, the electrode system shall preferably be installed alongside hedges
or other features. The following locations shall be avoided if possible:
 Where persons could stand whilst operating any pole-top equipment.

 Near metal fences, fence posts, buried cables, pipes.
 Near camping or caravan parks where persons may be bare foot.
 Across main farm gates.
 Near drinking troughs or areas where livestock regularly congregate.
 Across open fields where there is a risk of damage by ploughing or drainage works.
Examples of electrode systems for types of pole-mounted plant are shown in Section 7.
Appendix A contains tables showing examples of the numbers and length of rods required to
provide 10 ohm and 20 ohm electrode systems.

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5.5 Surge Arresters
The object of a surge arrester earthing is to:
 Provide an easy, accessible and sufficient path to earth where the lightning current surge
can be harmlessly dissipated.
 Limit the voltage difference between the components of the protected equipment to
prevent any insulation between them being stressed beyond its capabilities.
Therefore where surge arresters are installed:
 The main earth conductor between the surge arrester and the electrode system shall be
as short and straight as possible with no sharp bends.
 Except at locations where it is necessary for an operator to carry out switching operations
the electrode shall be installed at the base of the pole.
 The main earth conductor shall be insulated to a depth of 1m below ground level (to reduce
high step potentials).
 At locations where it is necessary for an operator to carry out switching operations the
earth electrode shall be installed 5m away from the base of pole to avoid unacceptable
step potentials close to the operator. Any earth conductor within 5m of the operating
position shall be insulated. The insulated conductor shall be installed inside a PVC duct to
provide additional mechanical protection and insulation. It also serves to maintain the
conductor in a slow bend which improves lightning performance.
 The earth electrode resistance value shall not exceed 10Ω1.
1It is generally accepted that 10Ω is the preferred maximum value and is in line with BS EN 62305-3 (Protection
against lightning).

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6 Earthing Requirements
6.1 Earth Resistance Values
A summary of earth resistance values is given in Table 6-1. Electrode systems to achieve
these values are given in Appendix A.
Table 6-1 – Earth Resistance Values
Electrode Resistance Value
HV Earth 10Ω2
Main LV Earth 20Ω
Additional LV PME Earth 100Ω
6.2 Earth Electrodes
The permitted earth electrodes are given in Table 6-2.
Table 6-2 – Minimum Earth Electrodes (below ground)
Function Network Fault Level Electrode3
Earth Electrode EPN Up to 4kA 35mm² bare stranded copper cable

SPN Up to 8kA 70mm² bare stranded copper cable
Earth rod Electrode EPN/SPN All 1m or 1.2m copper clad rods
6.3 Earthing and Bonding Conductors
The minimum size of earthing and bonding conductors are given in Table 6-3.
Table 6-3 – Minimum Earthing and Bonding Conductors (above ground)
Function Network Fault Level Earthing and Bonding Conductors3
Earth Conductor EPN Up to 4kA 50mm2 covered stranded aluminium cable

35mm2 covered stranded copper cable
SPN Up to 8kA 120mm2 covered stranded aluminium cable
Bonding Conductor EPN/SPN All 35mm2 covered stranded aluminium cable
2 The legacy earth resistance value for SPN 6.6kV networks was 6Ω however in practice this value wasn't widely
adopted or obtainable therefore for consistency across the networks a maximum value of 10Ω has been selected.
3 Refer to EAS 06-0011 for a complete available range of earthing materials.

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6.4 Earth Mat
An earth mat is required for switchgear operated from ground level. An earth mat shall be:
 Installed directly below where the operator will stand when operating the switchgear.
 Connected to the switch handle or control unit.
 Approximately 1m x 1m in size and installed at a depth of 300mm below ground.
 Constructed from a preformed copper lattice mat. Alternatively it may be formed from a
loop of appropriate sized HV earth conductor (Table 6-2) although this solution is not as
effective.
 Segregated from all other earthing conductors.
 Protected from third party interference above ground by a cable guard.
 Embedded below ground in earthing compound to protect against theft (preformed mat
only).
(a) Preformed Copper Lattice Earth Mat (b) Earth Mat using Bare Conductor
300
mm
1000mm
300
mm
300
mm
1000mm 1000mm
Figure 6-1 – Buried Earth Mat
6.5 Auxiliary Supply Cables
To protect staff during operation and maintenance of control equipment and to ensure the
correct operation of the equipment, any auxiliary supply or umbilical cables shall be earthed
in accordance with the relevant installation and commissioning procedures (available from the
document library).

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7 Earthing Arrangements
7.1 General
The standard earthing arrangements detailed in this section satisfy the design criteria and
earthing requirements outlined in the previous sections and include:
 HV and LV steelwork.
 Stays.
 Pole-mounted transformers with LV overhead line and LV cable.
 Switches, reclosers and sectionalisers.
 Handle-operated air-break switch disconnectors.
 Hook-stick operated equipment.
Note: These arrangements demonstrate the earthing principles and should be constructed in
accordance with the Overhead Line Manual. These arrangements can be applied to 33kV,
11kV and 6.6kV installations as required.
7.2 Steelwork
7.2.1 HV Steelwork
All HV pole-top steelwork supporting live equipment e.g. cross-arms, equipment supports etc.,
shall always be bonded together using the bonding conductor detailed in Table 6-3. However,
the bonded steelwork shall only be earthed if it is necessary to earth other equipment on the
pole.
7.2.2 H-Poles
Where H-poles are fitted with cross-bracing equipment, the lowest cross brace member shall
be not less than 3m above the ground; where a cross-brace is found to be less than 3m above
ground it shall be repositioned. Additionally:
 On an earthed pole the cross-brace or tie-angle shall be bonded to the pole-top steelwork.
 On an unearthed pole the cross-brace or tie-angle shall remain unbonded and unearthed.
 On poles with low level cable support steelwork all steelwork less than 3m from the ground
shall be independently earthed and shall not be bonded to the main HV earth.
7.2.3 LV Steelwork
LV pole-mounted equipment including voltage regulators, static balancers, metalclad

fusegear, street lighting brackets, CNE cable sheaths, SNE cable sheaths and armours shall
be bonded to the neutral earth conductor using the bonding conductor detailed in Table 6-3.
Reel insulator supports, pole bolts, D-irons and stay make-offs do not require bonding
together.
7.2.4 Anti-Climbing Device
The anti-climbing device shall not be bonded to any other steelwork or connected to earth.

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7.3 Stays
All stays attached to a pole shall have a fully rated insulator or insulator(s) fitted in the stay in
accordance with the Overhead Line Manual to prevent the bottom of the stay becoming live in
the event of a pole-top insulation failure.
 The pole-top make-off of all HV stays shall be bonded to the steelwork in accordance with
the Overhead Line Manual.
 The pole top make-offs of LV stays shall not be bonded to the steelwork.
7.4 LV PME Earths
On LV PME networks, additional earth electrodes are required at locations specified in

EDS 06-0016. The additional PME earths shall be installed in accordance with the Overhead
Line Manual.
7.5 Pole-mounted Transformer
The earthing system requirements for a pole-mounted transformer are outlined below and
examples are shown Figure 7-1 and Figure 7-2.
 The main HV earth conductor shall be connected from the pole-top steelwork to an HV
underground earth electrode situated at the bottom of the pole. The HV earth shall be kept
as straight as possible with no sharp bends.
 The HV earth electrode shall be installed at minimum a depth of 1m.
level.
 The maximum value of the HV electrode shall be 10Ω.
 All other steelwork shall be bonded to the main HV earthing.
 An LV earth conductor shall be connected from the transformer neutral to an LV
underground electrode system with a maximum value of 20Ω and segregated from the HV
electrode system by at least 8m.
 The HV and LV earth conductors shall be segregated by at least 120 on the pole.

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Key:
Covered Aluminium
Earth Conductor
Covered Copper Earth
Conductor
All Steelwork Bare Earth Conductor
Connected to
HV Earth Phase Conductor
L Neutral Conductor
Transformer Bare LV Overhead Line
N Earth
Terminal
Note: Anti-climbing
HV Earth
Guards Not Shown
LV Network either
Bi-metallic Splice ABC or Open Wire
(100mm below lowest crimp) L1
L2
L3
N
Insulated for a
Minimum of 3m
Above Ground Level
LV Earth
Mechanical
Protection for a
Minimum of 2m
Bi-metallic Splice
Bi-metallic Splice (150-300mm above ground)
(150-300mm above ground)
Ground Level
1m
2.4m min
Min 8m Separation
HV Earth Electrode LV Earth Electrode
(to achieve max 10Ω) (to achieve max 20Ω)
`
Figure 7-1 – Pole-mounted Transformer with HV Overhead Line and LV Overhead Line

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Key:
Covered Aluminium
Earth Conductor
Conductor
All Steelwork Bare Earth Conductor
Connected to
HV Earth Phase Conductor
L Neutral Conductor
N
Note: Anti-climbing
HV Guards Not Shown
Earth
Transformer
Bi-metallic Splice Earth Terminal
(100mm below lowest crimp)
LV
Earth
Insulated for a
Minimum of 3m
Above Ground Level
Bond to LV CNE
Mechanical Cable Shealth
Protection for a
Minimum of 2m
LV CNE Cable
(PVC Covered)
Bi-metallic Splice
Ground Level
1m
2.4m min
8m Separation
LV Earth Electrode
HV Earth Electrode (to achieve max 20Ω)
(to achieve max 10Ω)
Figure 7-2 – Pole-mounted Transformer with HV Overhead Line and LV Cable
Note: Where a metallic sheathed hessian served LV cable is connected to a pole-mounted

transformer the cable shall be replaced with a plastic sheathed cable for a minimum length of
8m to ensure HV/LV earth segregation is maintained.

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7.6 Cable Termination
The earthing system requirements for a cable termination are outlined below and shown in
Figure 7-3. Refer to Section 7.7.2 and 7.9.2 for cable terminations associated with air-break
switch disconnectors and hook-stick operated equipment.
underground earth electrode situated at the bottom of the pole. The HV earth shall be kept
level.
 All steelwork shall be bonded to the main HV earthing conductor. Note: Where a section
of cable is installed between two sections of overhead line an earth electrode system shall
be installed at each end of the cable.
Key:
Covered Aluminium
Earth Conductor
Conductor All Steelwork
Bare Earth Conductor Connected to
HV Earth
Bi-metallic Splice
HV
Earth
HV
Cable
Insulated for a Minimum of

3m Above Ground Level
Mechanical Protection for a

Minimum of 2m
Bi-metallic Splice
Ground Level
1m
2.4m min
HV Earth Electrode
Figure 7-3 – Cable Termination with Surge Arresters

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7.7 Handle-Operated Air-Break Switch Disconnectors (ABSD)
7.7.1 Handle-Operated ABSD
The earthing system requirements for a handle-operated ABSD are outlined below and shown
in Figure 7-4.
underground earth electrode situated 5m away from operating position and shall be kept
as straight as possible with no sharp bends
 The HV earth electrode shall be installed at minimum a depth of 1m .
level and shall be installed in a duct between the pole and the first earth electrode.
 The operating rod shall include a fully rated insulator.
 All other steelwork, including the ABSD, above the operating rod insulator shall be bonded
to the main HV earthing conductor.
 An earth mat (refer to Section 6.4) shall be installed for the operator to stand on. The earth
mat shall be connected to the switch handle but shall not be connected to the HV earth.
7.7.2 Handle-Operated ABSD and Cable Termination
The requirements of a handle-operated ABSD earthing system when installed on the same
pole as a cable termination are outlined below and shown Figure 7-5. However, the preferred
option is to install the ABSD on a separate pole where practical:
underground earth electrode situated 5m away from switch operating position and shall be
kept as straight as possible with no sharp bends.
 The operating rod shall include a fully rated insulator.
 All steelwork above the operating rod insulator shall be bonded to the main HV earthing
conductor.
mat shall be connected to the switch handle but shall not be connected to the HV earth.
 If a metallic sheathed hessian served cable is present either the equipment shall be moved
to another pole or the cable in contact with the ground replaced with a modern PVC
insulated equivalent for a minimum length of 5m.

Version: 4.1
Date: 09/12/2014
Key:
HV Covered Aluminium
Earth Earth Conductor
Conductor
Bare Earth Conductor
All Steelwork
Connected to
HV Earth
Bi-metallic Splice
Operating Rod
Insulator

Switch
Handle Mechanical Protection for a
Minimum of 2m
Bi-metallic Splice
Ground Level
mm
300
Earth
1m
Mat PVC Duct Installed from

Pole to Earth Rod
2.4m min
5m Separation
HV Earth Electrode
Plan View
Figure 7-4 – Handle-Operated ABSD

Version: 4.1
Date: 09/12/2014
Key:
Conductor
All Steelwork
Connected to
HV Earth
Bi-metallic Splice
HV
Cable
Operating Rod
Insulator Insulated for a Minimum of
Switch Mechanical Protection for a

Handle Minimum of 2m
Bi-metallic Splice
Ground Level
mm
300
Earth PVC Duct Installed from

1m
Mat Pole to Earth Rod

2.4m min
5m Separation
HV Earth Electrode
Plan View
Figure 7-5 – Handle-Operated ABSD with Cable Termination

Version: 4.1
Date: 09/12/2014
7.8 Pole-Mounted Switches, Reclosers and Sectionalisers
7.8.1 Low-Level Control Unit
The earthing system requirements for pole-mounted switchgear with a low-level control unit
are outlined below and shown in Figure 7-6.
underground earth electrode situated at the bottom of the pole and shall be kept as straight
as possible with no sharp bends.
level.
 All other steelwork, including switchgear, surge arresters, voltage transformer, control unit
etc, shall be connected to the main HV earthing.
 The neutral of the auxiliary supply voltage transformer shall be connected to the HV
earthing conductor.
mat shall be connected to the control unit or main earth electrode.
 Auxiliary supply and umbilical cables shall be earthed in accordance with the relevant
installation procedure.
7.8.2 High-Level Control Unit
The earthing system requirements for pole-mounted switchgear with a high-level control unit
are outlined below and shown in Figure 7-7.
 All other steelwork, including switchgear, surge arresters, voltage transformer, control unit
etc, shall be connected to the main HV earthing conductor.
 The neutral of the auxiliary supply voltage transformer shall be connected to the HV
earthing conductor.
 Auxiliary supply and umbilical cables shall be earthed in accordance with the relevant
installation procedure.

Version: 4.1
Date: 09/12/2014
Direction of Supply
Key:
Covered Aluminium
Earth Conductor
Conductor
Note: Anti-climbing
Guards Not Shown
All Steelwork
Connected to
HV Earth
Note: VT Neutral
Earth Not Shown
Bi-metallic Splice
HV
Earth


Minimum of 2m
Bi-metallic Splice
Ground Level
mm
300
1m
Earth Mat
2.4m min
HV Earth Electrode
Plan View
Figure 7-6 – Pole-mounted Switchgear with Low-Level Control Unit

Version: 4.1
Date: 09/12/2014
Direction of Supply
Key:
Covered Aluminium
Earth Conductor

Conductor
All Steelwork
Connected to
HV Earth
Note: Anti-climbing Note: VT Neutral
Guards Not Shown Earth Not Shown
Bi-metallic Splice
HV
Earth


Minimum of 2m
Bi-metallic Splice
Ground Level Ground Level

1m
PVC Duct Installed

from Pole to Earth Rod
2.4m min
5m Separation
HV Earth Electrode
Figure 7-7 – Pole-mounted Switchgear with High-Level Control Unit

Version: 4.1
Date: 09/12/2014
7.9 Hook-Stick Operated Equipment
7.9.1 General
Rod or hook-stick operated equipment consists of ABSDs, fusegear, automatic sectionalising

links (ASL) etc. When hook-stick operated equipment is installed on an unearthed pole an
earthing system is not required however all of the steelwork shall be bonded together as
shown in the ABSD example in Figure 7-8. Refer to Section 7.9.2 and 7.9.3 if the hook-stick
operated equipment is installed on the same pole as other equipment.
All Steelwork
Bonded Together
Key:
Conductor
Ground Level
Figure 7-8 – Hook-Stick Operated ABSD

Version: 4.1
Date: 09/12/2014
7.9.2 Hook-Stick Operated Equipment and Cable Termination
The earthing system requirements for hook-stick operated equipment installed on a pole with
a cable termination are outlined below and shown in Figure 7-9 and Figure 7-10.
 All other steelwork shall be bonded to the main HV earthing conductor.
 If a metallic sheathed hessian served cable is present either the equipment shall be moved
to another pole or the cable in contact with the ground replaced with a modern PVC
insulated equivalent for a minimum length of 5m.
Key:
Conductor
All Steelwork
Connected to HV
Earth
HV
Cable
Bi-metallic Splice
Insulated for a Minimum

of 3m Above Ground
Level
Mechanical Protection
for a Minimum of 2m
Bi-metallic Splice
Ground Level
PVC Duct Installed from

1m
Pole to Earth Rod

2.4m min
5m Separation
HV Earth Electrode
Figure 7-9 – Hook-Stick Operated ABSD with Cable Termination

Version: 4.1
Date: 09/12/2014
Key:
Covered Aluminium
Earth Conductor
Conductor
Fuses or
Links
All Steelwork
Connected to
HV Earth
Bi-metallic Splice
HV
HV
Earth
Cable


Minimum of 2m
Bi-metallic Splice
Ground Level
PVC Duct
1m
Installed from Pole

to Earth Rod
2.4m min
5m Separation
HV Earth Electrode
Figure 7-10 – Hook-stick Operated Equipment with Cable Termination

Version: 4.1
Date: 09/12/2014
7.9.3 Hook-Stick Operated Equipment and Transformer
The earthing system requirements for hook-stick operated equipment when installed on a pole
with a transformer are outlined below and shown in Figure 7-11:
underground electrode situated 5m away from switch operating position and shall be kept
 All other steelwork shall be bonded to the main HV earthing.
 An LV earth conductor shall be connected from the transformer neutral to an LV
underground electrode system with a maximum value of 20Ω and segregated from the HV
electrode system by at least 8m.
 The HV and LV earths shall be segregated on the pole by at least 120.
Key:
Covered Aluminium
Earth Conductor
Conductor All Steelwork Fuses
Connected to or Links
Bare Earth Conductor HV Earth
Phase Conductor
Neutral Conductor
Note: Anti-climbing
Guards Not Shown L
Transformer
N Earth
HV Terminal
Earth
Bi-metallic Splice LV
(100mm below lowest crimp) Earth
Insulated for a Minimum of Bond to LV CNE

3m Above Ground Level Cable Shealth
Minimum of 2m LV CNE Cable
(PVC Covered)
Bi-metallic Splice
Ground Level
1m
PVC Duct Installed from

Pole to Earth Rod
2.4m min
5m Separation
min 8m Separation
LV Earth Electrode
HV Earth Electrode (to achieve max 20Ω)
Figure 7-11 – Hook-Stick Operated Equipment with a Pole-mounted Transformer

Version: 4.1
Date: 09/12/2014
8 Special Situations
8.1 HV and LV Combined Construction
The earthing requirements for HV and LV combined construction poles are outlined below:
 The HV steelwork and any HV stays shall be connected to an earth electrode at the base
of the pole. The maximum value of the HV electrode shall be 10Ω.
 The LV steelwork and any LV stays shall not be earthed or bonded to the HV steelwork.
 Any HV and LV earth electrode below ground shall be separated by a minimum of 8m.
 HV and LV earths on the same pole shall be segregated by at least 120°.
8.2 Third-Party Equipment on Shared HV or 33kV Poles
On existing 33kV or HV poles shared with third parties (e.g. BT) the steelwork and any stays
shall be connected to an earth electrode at the base of the pole. The maximum value of the
HV electrode shall be 10Ω. Alternatively an earth leakage device consisting of a metallic strip
encircling the pole and connected to earth may be present (Figure 8-1).
Note: It is no longer permissible to install third party equipment on UK Power Networks 33kV
or HV poles. Refer to the Overhead Line Manual for further information.
8.3 Supplies to Mobile Phone Masts on National Grid Towers
Special earthing requirements (not covered in this standard) are required for supplies to mobile
phone masts on National Grid towers. Refer to EDS 08-2109 for further information.
8.4 Earth Leakage
Where leakage potentials are detected an earth leakage device consisting of a metallic strip
encircling the pole and connected to earth (Figure 8-1) shall be installed in accordance with
the overhead line manual.

Version: 4.1
Date: 09/12/2014
Key:
Covered Aluminium
Earth Conductor
Conductor
Earth Leakage
Band
Danger of Death Sign

placed over Earth
Leakage Band after
Installation

3m
Mechanical Protection for

a Minimum of 2m
Bi-metallic Splice
Ground Level
1.2m
Figure 8-1 – Metallic Strip Earth Leakage Device

Version: 4.1
Date: 09/12/2014
9 References
EDS 06-0001 Earthing Standard
EDS 06-0014 Secondary Substation Earthing Design
EDS 06-0016 LV Network Earthing Design
EDS 06-0018 NetMap Earthing Information System (internal document only)
EDS 08-2109 LV Supplies to Mobile Phone Base Stations Mounted on Transmission

Towers
Overhead Line Manual
ENA TS 41-24 Earthing associated with HV Distribution Overhead Line Networks (excluding
Section 15 Tower Lines and Pole Transformers)
BS EN 62305 Protection against Lightning
BS EN 50341 Overhead electrical lines exceeding AC 1kV – Part 1: General requirements

– Common specifications

Version: 4.1
Date: 09/12/2014
Appendix A – Typical Electrode Systems
Table 9-1 shows various options for achieving HV and LV earth resistance values. Note:
NetMap also contains earthing maps showing the earthing requirements to achieve 10Ω and
20Ω earths (refer to EDS 06-0018).
Actual earthing installation methods and arrangements are covered in the Overhead Line
Manual and may help to achieve the desired value of earth resistance.
Table 9-1 – 10Ω and 20Ω Earth Electrode Values
10Ω Earth Resistance 20Ω Earth Resistance

Typical Soil
Type/Resistivity
(a) (b) (a) (b)
Loam 25Ωm 1 x 2.4m 1 x 2.4m 1 x 1.2m 1 x 2.4m

Chalk 50Ωm 1 x 6.0m 2 x 2.4m 1 x 2.4m 1 x 2.4m
Clay 100Ωm 3 x 4.8m 4 x 2.4m 2 x 4.8m 2 x 2.4m
<150Ωm 4 x 4.8m 7 x 2.4m 2 x 4.8m 3 x 2.4m
Sand,
<200Ωm 5 x 4.8m 9 x 2.4m 3 x 4.8m 4 x 2.4m
Gravel,
Clay
mix >200Ωm Site specific design required
Slate,
Shale, 500Ωm Site specific design required
Rock
Column (a) Deep-driven Vertical and Horizontal Electrodes
denotes 5m
Each deep-driven vertical electrode comprises of 1.2m
rods coupled together to form the final vertical length
1.2 - 6m
e.g. 4.8m = 4 x 1.2m. Where there is more than one

rod required, the spacing between them is 5m. The top
of each electrode should be at a minimum depth of
0.6m below ground level
Column (b) Short Vertical and Horizontal Electrodes
denotes 3m
Each short-vertical electrode comprises of 1.2m rods
coupled together to form the final vertical length e.g.
2.4m
2.4m = 2 x 1.2m. Where there is more than 1 rod

required, the spacing between them is 3m. The top of
each electrode should be at a minimum depth of 0.6m
below ground level

EDS 06-0015 Pole-Mounted Equipment Earthing Design

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EDS 06-0015 Pole-Mounted Equipment Earthing Design

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Document Number: EDS 06-0015

POLE-MOUNTED EQUIPMENT EARTHING DESIGN

Network(s): EPN, SPN

Author: Stephen Tucker Date: 09/12/2014

Approver: Steve Mockford Date: 21/01/2015

Version 4.1 Review Date 21/11/2019

Version 2.2 Review Date 19/01/2015

Version 2.0 Review Date 19/01/2015

© UK Power Networks 2015 All rights reserved 2 of 31

© UK Power Networks 2015 All rights reserved 3 of 31

7.9.3 Hook-Stick Operated Equipment and Transformer .................................................. 27

Figure 6-1 – Buried Earth Mat ............................................................................................. 12

Table 5-1 – Maximum EPR for a COLD Site Classification ................................................... 8

© UK Power Networks 2015 All rights reserved 4 of 31

Significant changes from existing practice or previous version:

3 Glossary and Abbreviations

EPR Earth potential rise (refer to Section 4)

© UK Power Networks 2015 All rights reserved 5 of 31

Substation Earthing Database

Combined Neutral and Earth (CNE)

© UK Power Networks 2015 All rights reserved 6 of 31

The following items of equipment shall always be earthed:

On combined HV/LV construction the support steelwork and LV neutral/earth of the LV

 The maximum HV earth resistance value shall be 10Ω.

© UK Power Networks 2015 All rights reserved 7 of 31

5.2 Earth Potential Rise

Table 5-1 – Maximum EPR for a COLD Site Classification

Substation Voltage Source Circuit EPR Comments

5.3 Touch and Step Potentials

© UK Power Networks 2015 All rights reserved 8 of 31

5.4 Electrode System

The bare electrode system shall be:

 Installed at a minimum depth of 1m.

 Where persons could stand whilst operating any pole-top equipment.

© UK Power Networks 2015 All rights reserved 9 of 31

5.5 Surge Arresters

The object of a surge arrester earthing is to:

Therefore where surge arresters are installed:

© UK Power Networks 2015 All rights reserved 10 of 31

Table 6-1 – Earth Resistance Values

Electrode Resistance Value

6.2 Earth Electrodes

The permitted earth electrodes are given in Table 6-2.

Table 6-2 – Minimum Earth Electrodes (below ground)

Function Network Fault Level Electrode3

Earth Electrode EPN Up to 4kA 35mm² bare stranded copper cable

6.3 Earthing and Bonding Conductors

Table 6-3 – Minimum Earthing and Bonding Conductors (above ground)

Function Network Fault Level Earthing and Bonding Conductors3

Earth Conductor EPN Up to 4kA 50mm2 covered stranded aluminium cable

© UK Power Networks 2015 All rights reserved 11 of 31

6.4 Earth Mat

Figure 6-1 – Buried Earth Mat

6.5 Auxiliary Supply Cables

© UK Power Networks 2015 All rights reserved 12 of 31

LV pole-mounted equipment including voltage regulators, static balancers, metalclad

7.2.4 Anti-Climbing Device

© UK Power Networks 2015 All rights reserved 13 of 31

7.4 LV PME Earths

On LV PME networks, additional earth electrodes are required at locations specified in

7.5 Pole-mounted Transformer

© UK Power Networks 2015 All rights reserved 14 of 31

© UK Power Networks 2015 All rights reserved 15 of 31