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EARTHING AND
PROTECTION
EARTHING
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REQUIREMENT OF EARTHING
Earthing arrangement of proper type is
required to protect the equipment and
working personals from high induced
voltage, due to lightning and high
electromagnetic induction.
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INSTALLATIONS TO BE
EARTHED The lever frame and other metallic frames of the cabin.
Metallic sheath and armouring of all under ground Main cables atevery1 Kilo meter.
Block circuits working on earth return through the respective BlockFilters.
The surge arrestors provided in Block filters as well as thoseprovided for Telecom equipments in switching stations
All Telecommunication equipments.
The signals provided on bracketed posts or gantries locatedabove contact wire level, falling with in 2 meters from electrifiedtrack.
All Telecommunication equipments, and cable sheath to beearthed.
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REASONS FOR EATHING THE
TELECOMMUNICATION
EQUIPMENT
i) To prevent or to reduce the risk of cross
talk.ii)To complete earth return signaling circuits.
iii) To avoid risk of shock.
iv) To provide direct connection to the earthfor lightening protection.
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SOIL RESISTVITY
It is the resistivity offered by soil. It is indicatedby the symbol p (RO). it is a constant and
depends on the length l and area a of theconductor.
l
R = p --- where p = resistivitya
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RESISTIVITY
OR
THE SPECIFIC RESISTANCE The resistivity or the specific resistance is
defined as the resistance between opposite
faces of a conductor of unit length and unit cross
sectional area.
The value of resistivity is given Ohm- metre.
The resistance of the electrode depends on the
resistivity of the soil or Soil resistivity. To get low earth resistance( R ) the Resistvity of
the soil must be low.
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SOIL RESISTIVITY
The soil resistivity depends on
moisture content,
chemical composition of soil concentration of salts dissolved in the
contained moisture.
These factors vary locally and seasonally.
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SOIL RESISTIVITY
The resistivity or the specific resistance is defined as theresistance between opposite faces of a conductor of unitlength and unit cross sectional area. The value ofresistivity is given Ohm- metre. The resistance of the
electrode depends on the Resistivity of the soil or Soilresistivity.
To get low earth resistance( R ) the Resistvity of the soilmust be low.
The soil resistivity depends on moisture content,
chemical composition of soil and concentration of saltsdissolved in the contained moisture. These factors varylocally and seasonally.
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VALUES OF EARTH RESISTACE
TO BE MAINTAINED
The resistance of the earth shall not
exceed maximum 10
In case of Telecommunication it is 5.
In case of Microwave it is less than1.
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TOTAL EARTHING RESISTANCE
IS THE SUM OF
The resistance of earth lead wires
contact resistance between the surfaceof the earth electrode and the soil
the resistance of the body of the soilsurrounding the earth electrode
Among the three, the resistance of theearth is primarily determined by thenature of the soil.
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EARTHING ARRANGEMENT
A single earthing
system consists of,
Soil.
Earth lead wire.
Earth electrode.
Connecting wire to
extend earth toequipment.
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SOIL
The soil is to be prepared to obtain optimumresistvity.
The site for earthing should be chosen in thefollowing order:
1. Wet marshy ground and grounds containingrefuse such as ashes, cinders.
2. Clay soil or loam mixed with small quantity ofsand.
3. Clay and loam mixed with varying properties ofsand, gravel and stone.
4. Damp and wet sand peak.
LIGHTENING CONDUCTOR
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LIGHTENING CONDUCTOR
OR
EARTH LEAD WIREIt is the metallic wire which connects the earthelectrode to the equipment / protector/ Installation.Size and metal of the conductor is given below,
Material Size G.I. Wire 8 mm Dia
G.I Strip 20mm x 3 mm
Copper wire 29 Sq.mm
( 19 strand wireof 1.4 mm dia)
ACSR wire 6 / 1 / 2.11 mm
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PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN CASE
OF LEAD IN WIRE
Protect them from mechanical damage
Apply anti-corrosive paint/ bitumen
compound on the portion of wire buried inground
The lead in wire of different earth must be
electrically insulated from each other, frommetallic structures etc.
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EARTH ELECTRODE
It may be a metal plate, pipe or other conductor or an array ofconductors electrically connected to the general mass of earth.
Type Size
Length in Mtrs Dia /Cross section
a) G.I. Pipe 2.5 to 3.5 above 38 mm (internal)
b) G.I. Angle 2.5 to 3.5 50 mm x 50 mm x 5mm
c) Copper Rod 2.5 to 3.5 16 mm
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PROCEDURE OF INSTALLATION
The hole can be made by manual
trenching or by using Earth auger.
The top of the electrode shall be 30 cm
above the ground.
After inserting the electrode, the hole shall
be filled with earth properly and water
should be spread to ensure good contact
between electrode and filling.
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PROCEDURE OF INSTALLATION
The hole can be made bymanual trenching or byusing Earth auger.
The top of the electrode
shall be 30 cm above theground.
After inserting theelectrode, the hole shallbe filled with earth
properly and water shouldbe spread to ensure goodcontact betweenelectrode and filling.
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PROCEDURE OF INSTALLATION
In the soils of high rersistivity, can be treated with saltand charcoal in appropriate proportion.
Earth pit of 600 mm dia and 2.5 mtrs depth shall beformed by excavation and the electrode shall be placed
at the center. The pit shall be filled alternately with layers of common
salt and charcoal each layer of about 2.5 cm thick up toa depth of about 200 cm from the ground level.
The pit shall be filled with several times with water, andthen covered with excavated earth and water shall besprayed to ensure good electrical contact.
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PROCEDURE OF INSTALLATION
A brick wall of 400 mm height below the groundlevel shall be constructed in rectangular fashionas shown in the figure and walls shall beplastered and then filled with sand.
The surroundings of the earth electrode shouldbe kept moist by periodically pouring waterthrough the pipe in order to keep the resistancebelow specified value.
Coke treated electrodes shall not be situatedwithin 6 meters of other metal structure.
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PROBLEUMS OF CONVETIONAL
EARTHING
The salt poured in pit causes severecorrosion of G.I.pipe and makes theearthing ineffective.
The earth resistance value depends onSoil resistivity which depends on strataso the effect of earthing is dependent onproperty of soil.
The earth resistance value is very high,fluctuating & increases heavily with time.
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CONVENTIONAL EARTHING
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EFFECTIVE EARTHING
This is also called as Maintenance freeearthing because no maintenance is required.
Effective earthing electrode eliminates
problems of conventional earthing: By providing Highly corrosive resistance
Earthing Electrode.
By eliminating the corrosion causing elements th
salt. By providing uniform non corrosive, low soil
resistivity material around the electrode.
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WORKING PRINCIPLE
Hollow pipe of solid bar
highly conductive, non
corrosive technology
In the annular space
highly conductor rich with
anti corrosive crystalline
material is filled.
Outside pipe is also
galvanized up to 100microns.
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WORKING PRINCIPLE
Specially developed anti corrosive PackingMaterial having less resistivity, 6.5 pH & highmoisture retaining capacity is used surroundingthe electrode.
This complete arrangement provides goodresistance to any possibilities of corrosion of theelectrode unlike conventional system.
The packing material helps in maintaining
uniformly at different strata & offers lessresistance to current dissipation, with goodmoisture retaining property. The whole systemstogether results in most effective earthing.
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APPLICATIONS
1. House hold earthing,
2. Transmission & distribution systems,
3. Substation & Power Generators Transformer
earths,4. Telecommunication Towers & Microwave
Antennas,
5. Lightning protection earths in difficult
conditions for home as well as indusries,6. Manufacturing Facilities & Refineries,
7. Computers & Data processing Centers.
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PROPER INSTALLATION
METHODIn normal Soil:
Make the bore of 8 to 10 in diameter manually up to theelectrode length (2 Mtr or 3 Mtr).
Put a little quantity of Packing Material (a layer of min. 3
to 4 inch) inside the pit and drop the electrode exactly inthe center of the pit
Now mix the soil that has been dug out with B.F.C likesand 7 cement.
Now pour the above mixture in small quantity in the pitfollowed by water and remove the trapped air inside thepit by poking a rod in to the mixture repeatedly.
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PROPER INSTALLATION
METHOD Repeat the above exercise
till the pit is completely filledup. Pour sufficient water sothat mixture is in paste / mudform.
Allow the pit to absorb thewater and becomescompact.
Test the earth pit andconnect to the electricalcircuit.
Avoid excess watering.
Do not hammer the earthelectrode.
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LIMITS OF EARTH RESISTANCE
Type of earth Max. value
Telegraph and Block instrument return 10 Circuit earths
Earth for surge arrestors/ lightning
Dischargers for S&T equipment 10 Signalling equipment earths 10 Signalling cable screen earths in
A.C. electrified areas 10 Telephone exchange earth 5 Aluminium sheathed Telecom cable
screen earths in A.C. electrified area 1
Equipment earth in V.F. Repeater stations
and cable Huts 5 M.W. Station tower earth 1
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SINGLE EARTH SYSTEM
The Telecom installations shall use single earth
system in which the different earth connections
from equipments, towers, D.C. power supply,
metallic structures etc. shall be interconnected toeach other through low resistance earthing
conductors.
This method is recommended to keep all the
points to be earthed at approximately samepotential level.
SEPARATION BETWEEN MAINS
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SEPARATION BETWEEN MAINS
EARTH AND TELECOM EARTH
The protective earth of Telecom system
shall not be connected to the earth of
mains power supply system.
A minimum distance of 10 Meters is
desirable..
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EARTH RESISTANCE
MEASURMENT Special instruments such as Megger earth testers
are recommended for making tests to avoid theeffect of back e.m.f. and stray currents.
While making the earth resistance measurements
two electrodes called as Auxiliary electrodes onenamed as current electrode(C) and the otherPotential electrode(P) are required to be installed inaddition to the original electrode ie. Earthelectrode(E). The two auxiliary electrodes to be
installed as given below, Earth resistance shall be measured once in a year by
suitable measuring instruments.
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EARTH RESISTANCE
MEASURMENT
The current electrode C must be
sufficiently for away from the Earth
electrode (E) under test about 30 to 40
Meters from E. The Potential electrode must be placed in
between E and C 15 to 20 Meters
distance taking exactly half of the distance
between E and C. All the three must be insame straight line.
METHOD OF EARTH
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METHOD OF EARTH
RESISTANCE MEASURMENT
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PROCEDURE OF TESTING
Follow the given procedure to get correct value of earth resistance.
1) Mark the two points named as P and C in a straight line with E,positioning at a distance of 20 Meters from E and 40 Meters fromE respectively as shown in the above figure. Drive the electrodesinto the ground up to 1 Meter. They are M.S. rods of 12.5mmdiameter.
2) Link C1 and P1 terminals of earth tester.
3) Connect E to C1 and P1 terminals, P to P2 terminal and C to C2terminal.
4) Now rotate the handle of the megger and adjust the resistanceknobs to bring the needle to null point.
5) The range switch to be kept on the required position, beforeadjusting the resistance knobs.
6) Multiply the reading of the resistance knobs with the rangeselected to get the value of earth resistance in Ohms.
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MEASURMENT WITH DIGITAL
EARTH TESTER
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PROCEDURE OF TESTING
Follow the given procedure to get correct value of earth resistance. 1) Mark the two points named as P and C in a straight line with E,
positioning at a distance of 20 Meters from P and 40 Meters fromC respectively as shown in the above figure. Drive the electrodesinto the ground up to 1 Meter. They are M.S. rods of 12.5mmdiameter.
2) Link E1 and P1 terminals of earth tester. 3) Connect electrode E to E1 and P1 terminals, P to P2 terminal
and C to E2 terminal.
4) The range switch to be kept on the required position, beforeoperating the push switch.
5) Now operate the push switch until the display digits are stable.
6) Now record the reading on the LCD display. This is the value ofearth resistance in Ohms.
7) At the end of measurement keep the rang switch in OFF position.
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MAINTENANCE OF EARTHS
1) Check earth and its connections periodically at interval of not morethan one month, to ensure that all connections are in tact andsoldered joints are in proper condition.
2) Measure the earth resistance once in a year. Enter the value, date oflast test and location of earth should be entered in a register.
3) Earth resistance, date of last testing should also be printed suitablyon the wall of near by structure or post on a conveniently placedsign board.
4) Water to be added every day to the earth electrode in summer andonce in two days in other seasons.
5) If earth resistance is more than the nominal value either renew theold earth or provide a new earth.
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PROTECTION ARRANGEMENTS ACROSS A.C
MAINS SUPPLY TO TELECOM INSTALLATIONS
Low voltage lightningdischargers of normalrating 650V shall beprovided across the 230V mains power supply as
shown in the figure. In the case of high
tension supply (11 KV orabove) are terminatednear telecom installation
and suitable polemounted high voltagearrester shall beprovided.
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DIFFERENT TYPES OF
PROTECTIVE ARRANGEMENTSProtection arrangement shall be made for undergroundcable conductors, by providing gas discharge (GD) tubes& MOVR, at the following places.
1) Protection at subscriber premises.
2) Metallic sheath or armour of the cable shall beearthed and the sheath should connected to the body ofthe metal box.
3) At transmission/ switching end the metallic sheathshall be earthed and protective devices shall be providedfor each pair.
4) At transmission point between overhead lines andunderground cables are protected with GD tubes&MOVR if the distance exceeds 500 meters from thecable termination box.
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SURGE PROTECTION
Now a days all most all equipments used
in S&T department includes the electronic
devices which operates on low voltages.
To protect these devices from transient
over voltages produced due to lightning,
switching of inductive loads, ignition and
interruption of electronic arcs etc., suitablesurge protection arrangement to be done.
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SURGE PROTECTION
The low voltage equipments eg. UPS, Battery
charger, Inverter, control systems, etc are
provided with surge components like MOVRs,
avalanche diodes, Gas discharge tubes etc.inside the equipments.
The internally used Surge protection
Components prove to be inadequate towards
the surge protection solution. Hence it isrequired to take appropriate solution at different
levels.
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LIGHTNING PROTECTION
LEVELS
Class A protection:- Protection against thelightning on the structure housing theequipment.
This is provided with an external lightningconductor on top of the building connectedthrough a down conductor to ground (EARTH).This is known as class A protection.
By this arrangement 50% of lightning energyconnected to ground. Depending on the area,size of the structure to be protected, the type ofprotection varies.
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CLASS B PROTECTION
The first stage of protection provided before theequipment at mains distribution panel is called classB type.
These are Spark gap type operates on arc choppingprinciple and designed to handle lightning current
pulses of 10/350us. The sealed type should be used near places having
explosive gasses like gasoline.
Maximum operating voltage 1.1 times nominal supplyvoltage.
The voltage protection/clamping should be as lessthan 1.5KV.Its response time should be less than 200nano seconds.
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CLASS C PROTECTION
An Metal Oxide Varistors (MOV) is provided betweenPhase and Neutral and has a surge rating of 50KA8/20 us. This should be a single compact device ofproper rating and in no case a number of varistorsshould be provided in parallel. This device should have
following additional features: i) Indication to show health of the device which should
turn red when failed
ii) Thermal disconnection to the arrester when it startshaving heavy leakage current due to ageing after
handling repeated surges. iii) Potential free contact for remote monitoring.
Provision of one set of Class B and C devices ismust. Its normal arrangement is shown in the figure.
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CLASS D PROTECTION
It consists of a combination of MOVs and GDtube. This should have all the features asmentioned above for Class C device.
All external data/signaling (ac/dc) linesconnected to electronic equipment should beprotected by this arrangement.
One exception where Class D device shouldnot be provided is the cable conductorscarrying signal lighting fed as leakage in MOVsDue to ageing will have adverse effect onworking of Lamp Proving Relays (ECRs).
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PROTECTION ARRANGEMENTS
SURGE PROTECTION DEVICES
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SURGE PROTECTION DEVICES
(SPDS)
Electronic equipment can be protected from the
potentially destructive effects of high-voltage
transients.
Protective devices, known by avariety of names(including lightning barriers, surge arrestors ,
lightning protection units, etc.) are available.
The correct name (accepted internationally) is
surge protection devices or SPDs.
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LIGHTNING
Figure shows the
wind, temperature and
ice/water distribution
in a thundercloud.The violent up
draughts and
downdraughts in the
cloud centre generatestatic charges.
MAGNITUDE OF LIGHTNING
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MAGNITUDE OF LIGHTNING
VOLTAGE
The voltage is estimated to be of the order
of 107 to 108 volts, i.e. 10 million to 100
million volts. The intense field which is
generated between the charge centerscauses ionisation of air molecules to take
place and a conducting channel is opened
which permits charge neutralisation tooccur i.e., lighting stroke.
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SURGE CURRENT PULSE
In order to be able totest protectionnetworks and providecomparison
data, variousstandard waveformshave been proposedover the years.
These are all definedin terms of magnitudeand waveshape.
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SURGE CUTTENT PULSE
It can refer to current (normally associated withshort-circuit conditions) or voltage (associatedwith open-circuit faults). Waveforms are usuallydouble exponential rise and decay shapes,
specified by two time periods; rise-time to peakvalue and decay-time to 50% peak value.
IEC 60060-2 describes a particular method ofdetermining slopes, etc. and is more relevant formanufacturers of test apparatus.
Instrumentation protection circuits are almostalways specified in relation to 8/20s currentpulses of typically 3kA magnitude.
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FUNCTION OFSPD
Surge protection devices should ideally operate
instantaneously to divert a surge current to
ground with no residual common-mode
voltage presented at the equipment terminals. Once the surge current has subsided, the SPD
should automatically restore normal operation
and reset to a state ready to receive the next
surge.
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SPD DEVICES
They are,
1. Gas discharge tubes (GDTs),
2. Voltage-clamping diodes,
3. Metal-oxide varistors (MOVs) Feature are,
1. Rapid operation,
2. Accurate voltage control and
3. Automatic resetting once the overvoltagehas ceased.
2 ELEMENT GAS DISCHARGE
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2 ELEMENT GAS DISCHARGE
TUBES CONNECTION Gas discharge tubes (GDTs)
seek to overcome some of thedisadvantages of air or carbonspark gaps by hermeticsealing, thereby eliminatingenvironmental effects. Gasfilling enables spark dischargeconditions to be quiterigorously controlled since the
breakdown voltage of such adevice is related to gas
pressure and electrodeseparation for a particular setof materials.
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GAS DISCHARGE TUBES
Typically, low voltage protection devices
have electrode spacing of 1mm or so in an
argon/hydrogen mixture sealed within a
ceramic envelope at about 0.1 bar.
3 ELEMENT GD TUBE
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3 ELEMENT GD TUBE
CONNECTION