Dansk standard DS/HD 60364-5-54

2. udgave
2011-08-22

Elektriske lavspændingsinstallationer –
Del 5-54: Valg og installation af elektrisk
materiel – Jordingsanlæg og beskyttelses-
ledere

Low-voltage electrical installations – Part 5-54:

Selection and erection of electrical equipment –
Earthing arrangements and protective conductors
DS/HD 60364-5-54
København
DS projekt: M245981
ICS: 91.140.50

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HARMONIZATION DOCUMENT HD 60364-5-54

DOCUMENT D'HARMONISATION
HARMONISIERUNGSDOKUMENT July 2011

ICS 29.020; 91.140.50 Supersedes HD 60364-5-54:2007

English version

Low-voltage electrical installations -

Part 5-54: Selection and erection of electrical equipment -
Earthing arrangements and protective conductors
(IEC 60364-5-54:2011)

Installations électriques basse-tension - Errichten von Niederspannungsanlagen -

Partie 5-54: Choix et mise en oeuvre des Teil 5-54: Auswahl und Errichtung
matériels électriques - elektrischer Betriebsmittel -
Installations de mise à la terre et Erdungsanlagen, Schutzleiter und
conducteurs de protection Schutzpotentialausgleichsleiter
(CEI 60364-5-54:2011) (IEC 60364-5-54:2011)

This Harmonization Document was approved by CENELEC on 2011-04-27. CENELEC members are bound to
comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for implementation of this
Harmonization Document at national level.

Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national implementations may be obtained on
application to the Central Secretariat or to any CENELEC member.

This Harmonization Document exists in three official versions (English, French, German).

CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the
Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B - 1000 Brussels

© 2011 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.

Ref. No. HD 60364-5-54:2011 E

HD 60364-5-54:2011 -2-

Foreword

The text of document 64/1755/FDIS, future edition 3 of IEC 60364-5-54, prepared by IEC TC 64, Electrical
installations and protection against electric shock, was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote.

A draft amendment, prepared by the Technical Committee CENELEC TC 64, Electrical installations and
protection against electric shock, was submitted to the formal vote.

The combined texts were approved by CENELEC as HD 60364-5-54 on 2011-04-27.

This European Standard supersedes HD 60364-5-54:2007.

The main changes with respect to ,ϲϬϯϲϰͲϱͲϱϰ͗ϮϬϬϳare listed below:

– clarification of the definition of protective conductor;

– improved specification of mechanical characteristics of the earth electrode;

– introduction of earth electrode for protection against electric shock and lighting protection;

– annexes describing concrete-embedded foundation earth electrodes and soil-embedded earth electrode.

The following dates were fixed:

– latest date by which the existence of the HD

has to be announced at national level (doa) 2011-10-27

– latest date by which the HD has to be implemented

at national level by publication of an harmonized
national standard or by endorsement (dop) 2012-04-27

– latest date by which the national standards conflicting

with the HD have to be withdrawn (dow) 2014-04-27

Annexes ZA, ZB and ZC have been added by CENELEC.

____________________

Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 60364-5-54:2011 was approved by CENELEC as a Harmonization
Document without any modification.

In the official version, for Bibliography, the following notes have to be added for the standards indicated:
IEC 60079-0 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60079-0.

IEC 60079-14 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60079-14.

IEC 60364-4-43 NOTE Harmonized as HD 60364-4-43.

IEC 60364-5-52 NOTE Harmonized as HD 60364-5-52.

IEC 60364-6 NOTE Harmonized as HD 60364-6.

IEC 60364-7-701:2006 NOTE Harmonized as HD 60364-7-701:2007 (modified).

 -3- HD 60364-5-54:2011

IEC 60702-1 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60702-1.

IEC 61643-12 NOTE Harmonized as CLC/TS 61643-12.

ͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺ
HD 60364-5-54:2011 -4-

Annex ZA
(normative)

Normative references to international publications

with their corresponding European publications
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.

NOTE When an international publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant EN/HD
applies.

Publication Year Title EN/HD Year

IEC 60364-4-41 2005 Low-voltage electrical installations - HD 60364-4-41 2007
(mod) Part 4-41: Protection for safety - Protection + corr. July 2007
against electric shock
1)
IEC 60364-4-44 2007 Low voltage electrical installations - FprHD 60364-4-442 201X
(mod) Part 4-44: Protection for safety - Protection
+ corr. May 2010 against voltage disturbances and
electromagnetic disturbances
IEC 60364-5-51 2005 Electrical installations of building - HD 60364-5-51 2009
(mod) Part 5-51: Selection and erection of electrical
equipment - Common rules
IEC 60439-2 - Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear EN 60439-2 -
assemblies -
Part 2: Particular requirements for busbar
trunking systems (busways)
IEC 60724 - Short-circuit temperature limits of electric cables - -
with rated voltages of 1 kV (Um = 1,2 kV) and 3
kV (Um = 3,6 kV)
IEC 60909-0 - Short-circuit currents in three-phase a.c. EN 60909-0 -
systems -
Part 0: Calculation of currents
IEC 60949 - Calculation of thermally permissible short-circuit - -
currents, taking into account non-adiabatic
heating effects
IEC 61140 2001 Protection against electric shock - Common EN 61140 2002
aspects for installation and equipment
IEC 61439-1 - Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear EN 61439-1 -
assemblies -
Part 1: General rules
IEC 61439-2 - Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear EN 61439-2 -
assemblies -
Part 2: Power switchgear and controlgear
assemblies
IEC 61534-1 - Powertrack systems - EN 61534-1 -
Part 1: General requirements


1)
At draft stage.
 -5- HD 60364-5-54:2011

Publication Year Title EN/HD Year

IEC 62305 Series Protection against lightning EN 62305 Series
2)
IEC 62305-3 (mod) 2006 Protection against lightning - EN 62305-3 2006
Part 3: Physical damage to structures and life + corr. November 2006
hazard + corr. September 2008
+ A11 2009


2)
EN 62305-3 is superseded by EN 62305-3:2011, which is based on IEC 62305-3:2010.
HD 60364-5-54:2011 -6-

Annex ZB
(normative)

Special national conditions

Special national condition: National characteristic or practice that cannot be changed even over a long
period, e.g. climatic conditions, electrical earthing conditions.

NOTE If it affects harmonization, it forms part of the Harmonization Document.

For the countries in which the relevant special national conditions apply these provisions are normative, for
other countries they are informative.

Country Clause N° Wording

DE 542.1.1 Add the following text at the end of 542.1.1:

In Germany, there is an obligation to erect in every new building a foundation earth electrode
according to National Standard DIN 18014.
IE 542.2.1 This note does not apply in Ireland
SI 542.2.1 In Slovenia the minimum cross sectional area for steel solid tape or strip as earth electrode or
542.3.1 earthing conductor is 100 mm 2 .

CZ 542.2.1 In the Czech Republic, besides the steel electrodes which accord with Table ZB.54.1, the
minimum size steel earth electrodes whose corrosion and mechanical strength, when
embedded in the soil, has a resistivity higher than 50 Ωm, are as shown in to Table E.1.
CZ 542.2.1 In the Czech Republic, metal plates are only used as earth electrodes in certain cases.
NL 542.2.2 In the Netherlands, a single interruption in the earthing arrangement shall not lead to a touch
voltage in the installation (connected to this earthing arrangement) that does not comply with
Clause 411.
NL 542.2.2 In the Netherlands, the earth electrodes and associated conductors shall be installed at a
depth of at least 60 cm. The conductors of an earthing arrangement laid in a loop, or having a
circular shape, shall be installed with a distance between them of at least 1 m.
AT 542.2.3 In Austria, water pipes are not permitted as earth electrodes.
BE 542.2.3 In Belgium, water pipes are not permitted as earth electrodes.
CH 542.2.3 In Switzerland, water pipes are not permitted as earth electrodes.
DE 542.2.3 In Germany, water pipes are not permitted as earth electrodes.
FI 542.2.3 In Finland, water pipes are not permitted as earth electrodes.
HR 542.2.3 In Croatia, water pipes are not permitted as earth electrodes.
FI 542.2.3 In Iceland, water pipes are not permitted as earth electrodes.
IE 542.2.3 In Ireland, metal pipe systems of other services such as water, gas, fuel supply or central heating
systems are not permitted for earth electrodes.

FR 542.2.3 In France, water pipes are not permitted as earth electrodes.

SE 542.2.3 In Sweden, water pipes are not permitted as earth electrodes.
UK 542.2.3 In the UK, a metallic pipe forming part of a water utility supply may not be used as an earth
electrode.
IT 542.2.3 In Italy, it is permitted to use a water pipe system, but only with the consent of the water
distributor.
IS 542.2.3 In Iceland, water pipes are not permitted as earth electrodes
 -7- HD 60364-5-54:2011

Country Clause N° Wording

PL 542.2.3 In Poland, it is permitted to use a water pipe system as earth electrodes, but only with the
consent of the water distributor.
NL 542.2.3 In the Netherlands, water pipes are not permitted as earth electrodes.
SL 542.2.3 In Slovenia, water pipes are not permitted as earth electrodes.
NO 542.2.3 In Norway, metallic pipelines are not permitted as earth electrodes.
DK 542.2.3 In Denmark, waterpipes are not permitted as earth electrodes.
DE 542.2.3 In Germany the first dash together with the note is deleted and replaced by:

concrete-embedded foundation earth electrode according to the National Standard DIN 18014;
DK 542.2.4 In Denmark where possible the earth electrode shall be installed at a depth of at least 2 m.
DE 542.2.5 In Germany, for external conductors (e.g. LPS down conductors) which are connected to the
foundation earth, these connections made of hot galvanized steels shall not be buried in soil,
except joints with plastic-cover or of stainless steel according No: 1.4571 are used for durable
insulation (according to European certified reference material CRM 284-2 EN 10020)
CH 542.3.1 In Switzerland, the minimal cross-section of the earthing conductor shall be not less than 16
mm2.
IE 542.3.1 In Ireland, the minimum cross-sectional area is 10 mm2
DK 542.3.1 In Denmark, earthing conductors buried in the soil shall be at a depth of at least 0,35 m.
NL 542.3.1 In the Netherlands, a single interruption in a protective conductor used for more than one
installation shall not lead to a touch voltage that does not comply with Clause 411.
NO 542.3.1 In Norway, earthing conductors laid in the ground shall be at least 25 mm 2 Cu or 50 mm 2
corrosion protected Fe. Joints and/or connections shall be protected against corrosion.
SL 542.3.2 In Slovenia the connection of an earthing conductor to an earth electrode shall be soundly
made also with screws, not smaller than M10.
NL 542.3.2 In the Netherlands, earthing conductors embedded in the soil shall be installed at a depth of at
least 60 cm.
CZ 542.2.5 In the Czech Republic, copper or copper-sheathed earth electrodes in densely inhabited
(after the regions are permitted, provided that the corrosive influence of the copper on steel, zinc coated
1st para.) steel, etc. is controlled and that sacrificial protection for the elimination of macro-cell is
applied.
CZ 542.2.5 In the Czech Republic, the contacts of steel earth electrodes and earthing conductors, and
(at the end crossovers of steel earth electrodes and earthing conductors between two different medias,
of the are protected no matter whether they are protected in a general sense (e.g. by zinc layer) or
subclause) not. The crossovers are protected by passive protection (e.g. by asphalt sealing compound,
pouring resin, anticorrosive band, etc.) up to these distances:
– earthing conductors when crossing
into the soil at least 30 cm below the surface and 20 cm above the surface;
– earthing conductors from foundation
earth electrodes;
– on the crossing from concrete to the
soil at least 30 cm in concrete and 100 cm in the soil;
– on the crossing from concrete to the
surface at least 10 cm in concrete and 20 cm above the surface;
– at arching over the dilatation joints –
arching waist in the joint and at least 20 cm in concrete on both sides of the joint.
IE 542.3.1 In Ireland, for circuits for lighting, the minimum cross-sectional area is 1.5mm 2 .
FI 542.3.1 In Finland, the minimum cross-sectional area for earthing conductors not protected against
corrosion is 16 mm 2 copper or 50 mm 2 steel.
AT 543.1.1 In Austria replace the first and second paragraph by:
The cross-sectional area of every protective conductor shall be capable of withstanding mechanical and
thermal stresses caused by the prospective fault current for the expected duration.
HD 60364-5-54:2011 -8-

Country Clause N° Wording

Where automatic disconnection of supply according to 411.3.2 is used, the cross-sectional area of the
protective conductor shall be

- either calculated in accordance with 543.1.2,

- or selected in accordance with table 54.2. For protective conductors protecting exposed conductive
parts of sources (e.g. generators or transformers), a cross-sectional area of the half value of the line
conductors could be not enough. In such special cases, it shall be ensured that the requirements of
the first paragraph are met.
In either case, the requirements of 543.1.3 shall be met.

d 543.1.1, In Austria, for the time before relevant changing the standards for cables, it is allowed to use standardized
Table 54.2, cables with cross-sectional area of 150/70 mm² and of 400/185 mm² without calculation according to
Fifth line 543.1.2, nevertheless the cross-sectional area of the protective conductor is a little less than 0,5 times the
cross-sectional area of the line conductor as here required within Table 54.2.

DK 543.1.1 In Denmark, for circuits protected by RCDs it is normally allowed to use copper protective
conductors with a cross-sectional area of at least 2,5 mm 2 , independent of the cross-sectional
area of the line conductor and without calculation.
Only when RCDs are used in TN-systems and the protective conductor is connected to the
PEN conductor upstream of the RCD, with less cross-sectional area than the line conductor
and shorter than 10 m is it necessary to calculate the cross-sectional area of the protective
conductor from the formula.
IE 543.1.3 In Ireland, for circuits for lighting, the minimum cross-sectional area is 1.5mm2.

NL 543.1.4 In the Netherlands, where an earthing arrangement is used for more than one installation, the
earthing conductor shall be installed in such a way that a single interruption of the conductor
does not impair the protective function of the arrangement.
IT 543.2.1 In Italy, cable tray and cable ladder are permitted as protective conductors in accordance with
local or national regulations or standards.
UK 543.2.1 In the UK, cable tray and cable ladder are permitted as protective conductors in accordance
with local or national regulations or standards.
UK 543.2.3 In the UK cable tray and cable ladder are permitted as protective conductors in accordance
with local or national regulations or standards.
CH 543.2.3 In Switzerland, metallic water pipes may be used as equipotential bonding conductors.
UK 544.1 In the UK, particular requirements exist regarding the minimum acceptable cross-sectional
areas for protective bonding conductors where Protective Multiple Earthing (PME) conditions
apply.
CZ 543.4.1 In the Czech Republic, the use of PEN conductors in parts of installations which are not
metered, is permitted provided that:
– the cross-sectional areas of all
conductors of branches to electrometers, and from electrometers to the point of separation,
are identical and not lower than 6 mm 2 Cu or 10 mm 2 Al;
– separation of the PEN conductor into
the neutral conductor N and protective conductor PE is carried out at the closest suitable
point in the wiring system behind the electrometer (e.g. in the dwelling switchboard) and in
compliance with the rest of the requirements of this subclause.
SE 543.4.3 b) In Sweden the example in item b) is not permitted.
DE 544.1 In Germany, replace the first paragraph as follows:
The protective bonding conductor for the connection to the main earthing terminal shall have a
cross-sectional area not less than :

IE 544.1 In Ireland, the minimum value is 10mm. In addition, a permanent label inscribed “Safety
1st indent Electrical Connection- do not remove” shall be permanently affixed at each main bonding
connection
 -9- HD 60364-5-54:2011

Country Clause N° Wording

IE 544.1 In Ireland, the value for main bonding conductors need not exceed 70mm 2
2nd
paragraph
IE 544.2.3 In Ireland, the minimum cross-sectional area for supplementary bonding conductors is 2.5mm 2
where mechanical protection is provided, and 4mm 2 where mechanical protection is not
provided.
In addition, a permanent label inscribed “Safety Electrical Connection- do not remove” shall be
permanently affixed at the bonding connection to a pipe


Table ZB.54.1 – Minimum size of steel earth electrodes in soil with resistivity higher than 50 Ω

Type of earth electrode Shape Minimum dimensions

Zinc coated steel Bare steel (without coating)

Strip or round wire earth Strip According to table 54.1 Cross-sectional area 150 mm2,
electrode thickness 4 mm

Steel wire ∅ 8 mm ∅ 10 mm

Rod with vertical extension Round rod ∅ 8 mm ∅ 10 mm

Pipe ∅ 15 mm, pipe wall ∅ 15 mm, pipe wall thickness 4 mm

thickness 3 mm

Steel angle etc. Cross-sectional area Cross-sectional area 150 mm2 angle
100 mm2 angle wall wall thickness 4 mm
thickness 3 mm
HD 60364-5-54:2011 - 10 -

Annex ZC
(informative)

A-deviations

A-deviation: National deviation due to regulations, the alteration of which is for the time being outside
competence of the CENELEC national member.

This Harmonization Document does not fall under any Directive of the EC.

In the relevant CENELEC countries these A-deviations are valid instead of the provisions of the
Harmonization Document until they have been removed


Country Clause N° Reference to National Regulation Wording

BE 541.3.3, The wiring rules (Art. 69) do not In Belgium, an earth electrode shall conform to the following
541.3.4, permit the use of an earth electrode definition: a conductive part or a group of conductive parts
542 according to the definitions IEV 826- connected together which are buried in the soil and provide an
13-05 or IEV 826-13-08 (modified in electrical connection with earth.
541.3.4 or 541.3.5). The definition
given in the "Wording" column is
consistent with the IEV definition
826-04-02:2004 or 604-04-03:1987
ES 542.2.6 The Spanish wiring rules, mandatory In Spain, for safety reasons metallic pipe for flammable liquids or
by R.D. 842/2002 prescribe different gases shall not be used as earthing arrangement.
requirements.

ES 543.2.1 In Spain, the Spanish Wiring Rules In Spain, the use of conduits as protective conductors is
(R.D 2413/1973 and R.D. 2295/1985) forbidden.
are mandatory and prescribe some
restrictions.
ES 543.2.1 The Spanish wiring rules, mandatory In Spain, for safety reasons metallic pipe for flammable liquids or
by R.D. 842/2002 prescribe different gases shall not be used as earthing arrangement.
requirements.
UK 543.2.1 In the UK, metallic trunking may also In the UK, extraneous-conductive-parts may be used as a
be used as a protective conductor protective conductor.
UK 543.4 In the UK, Regulation 8(4) of the In the UK, a consumer shall not combine the neutral and
“Electricity Safety, Quality and protective functions in a single conductor in the consumer’s
Continuity Regulations 2002” states installation.
that a consumer shall not combine
the neutral and protective functions
in a single conductor in the
consumer’s installation.
CH 544.1.1 Swiss law requires a cross-sectional In Switzerland, if used in conjunction with installations for
area of at least 10 mm² for buildings lightning protection, the minimum cross-sectional area of the
provided with lightning protection. main protective bonding conductor shall be 10 mm2.



 IEC 60364-5-54
®
Edition 3.0 2011-03

INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
BASIC SAFETY PUBLICATION
PUBLICATION FONDAMENTALE DE SÉCURITÉ

Low-voltage electrical installations –

Part 5-54: Selection and erection of electrical equipment – Earthing
arrangements and protective conductors

Installations électriques basse-tension –

Partie 5-54: Choix et mise en œuvre des matériels électriques – Installations de
mise à la terre et conducteurs de protection
IEC 60364-5-54:2011
 –2– 60364-5-54 ” IEC:2011

CONTENTS
FOREWORD........................................................................................................................... 4
INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................... 6
541 General ......................................................................................................................... 7
541.1 Scope................................................................................................................. 7
541.2 Normative references ......................................................................................... 7
541.3 Terms and definitions ......................................................................................... 8
542 Earthing arrangements .................................................................................................. 9
542.1 General requirements ......................................................................................... 9
542.2 Earth electrodes ............................................................................................... 10
542.3 Earthing conductors ......................................................................................... 12
542.4 Main earthing terminal ...................................................................................... 13
543 Protective conductors .................................................................................................. 13
543.1 Minimum cross-sectional areas ........................................................................ 13
543.2 Types of protective conductors ......................................................................... 15
543.3 Electrical continuity of protective conductors .................................................... 16
543.4 PEN, PEL or PEM conductors .......................................................................... 16
543.5 Combined protective and functional earthing conductors .................................. 18
543.6 Currents in protective earthing conductors ....................................................... 19
543.7 Reinforced protective earthing conductors for protective earthing
conductor currents exceeding 10mA ................................................................. 19
543.8 Arrangement of protective conductors .............................................................. 19
544 Protective bonding conductors ..................................................................................... 19
544.1 Protective bonding conductors for connection to the main earthing
terminal ............................................................................................................ 19
544.2 Protective bonding conductors for supplementary bonding ............................... 20
Annex A (normative) Method for deriving the factor k in 543.1.2 (see also IEC 60724
and IEC 60949)..................................................................................................................... 21
Annex B (informative) Example of earthing arrangements and protective conductors ........... 25
Annex C (informative) Erection of concrete-embedded foundation earth electrodes ............. 27
Annex D (informative) Erection of soil-embedded earth electrodes....................................... 30
Annex E (informative) List of notes concerning certain countries.......................................... 34
Bibliography.......................................................................................................................... 40

Figure 54.1 – Examples of a PEN conductor connection ....................................................... 18

Figure B.54.1 – Examples of earthing arrangements for foundation earth electrode,
protective conductors and protective bonding conductors ..................................................... 26

Table 54.1 – Minimum size of commonly used earth electrodes, embedded in soil or
concrete used to prevent corrosion and provide mechanical strength .................................... 11
Table 54.2 – Minimum cross-sectional area of protective conductors (where not
calculated in accordance with 543.1.2) ................................................................................. 14
Table A.54.1 – Value of parameters for different materials .................................................... 21
Table A.54.2 – Values of k for insulated protective conductors not incorporated in
cables and not bunched with other cables ............................................................................. 22
Table A.54.3 – Values of k for bare protective conductors in contact with cable
covering but not bunched with other cables .......................................................................... 22
60364-5-54 ” IEC:2011 –3–

Table A.54.4 – Values of k for protective conductors as a core incorporated in a cable

or bunched with other cables or insulated conductors ........................................................... 23
Table A.54.5 – Values of k for protective conductors as a metallic layer of a cable, e.g.
armour, metallic sheath, concentric conductor, etc................................................................ 24
Table A.54.6 – Values of k for bare conductors where there is no risk of damage to any
neighbouring material by the temperature indicated .............................................................. 24
Table D.54.1 – Resistivity for types of soil ............................................................................ 31
Table D.54.2 – Variation of the resistivity for different types of soil ....................................... 31
 –4– 60364-5-54 ” IEC:2011

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

____________

LOW-VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS –

Part 5-54: Selection and erection of electrical equipment –

Earthing arrangements and protective conductors

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
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in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
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agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
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International Standard IEC 60364-5-54 has been prepared by IEC technical committee
64: Electrical installations and protection against electric shock.

This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition, published in 2002, and constitutes
a technical revision.

The main changes with respect to the previous edition are listed below:

– clarification of the definition of protective conductor;

– improved specification of mechanical characteristics of the earth electrode;
– introduction of earth electrode for protection against electric shock and lighting protection;
– annexes describing concrete-embedded foundation earth electrodes and soil-embedded
earth electrode.

The text of this standard is based on the following documents:

60364-5-54 ” IEC:2011 –5–

FDIS Report on voting

64/1755/FDIS 64/1766/RVD

Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.

It has the status of a basic safety publication in accordance with IEC Guide 104.

This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

The reader's attention is drawn to the fact that Annex E lists all of the "in-some-country"
clauses on differing practices of a less permanent nature relating to the subject of this
standard.

A list of all parts in the IEC 60364 series, under the general title: Low-voltage electrical
installations, can be found on the IEC website.

The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be

‡ reconfirmed,
‡ withdrawn,
‡ replaced by a revised edition, or
‡ amended.
 –6– 60364-5-54 ” IEC:2011

INTRODUCTION

Clause numbering is sequential, preceded by the number of this Part. Numbering of figures
and tables takes the number of this part followed by a sequential number, i.e. Table 54.1,
54.2, etc. Numbering of figures and tables in annexes takes the letter of the annex, followed
by the number of the part, followed by a sequential number, e.g. A.54.1, A.54.2, etc.
60364-5-54 ” IEC:2011 –7–

LOW-VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS –

Part 5-54: Selection and erection of electrical equipment –

Earthing arrangements and protective conductors

541 General

541.1 Scope

This part of IEC 60364 addresses the earthing arrangements and protective conductors
including protective bonding conductors in order to satisfy the safety of the electrical
installation.

541.2 Normative references

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document.
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition
of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

IEC 60364-4-41:2005, Low-voltage electrical installations – Part 4-41: Protection for safety –
Protection against electric shock

IEC 60364-4-44:2007, Low-voltage electrical installations – Part 4-44: Protection for safety –
Protection against voltage disturbances and electromagnetic disturbances

IEC 60364-5-51:2005, Electrical installations of buildings – Part 5-51: Selection and erection
of electrical equipment – Common rules

IEC 60439-2, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies – Part 2: Particular

requirements for busbar trunking systems (busways)

IEC 61439-1, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies – Part 1: General rules

IEC 61439-2, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies – Part 2: Power switchgear
and controlgear assemblies

IEC 60724, Short-circuit temperature limits of electric cables with rated voltages of 1 kV (U m =
1,2 kV) and 3 kV (U m = 3,6 kV)

IEC 60909-0, Short-circuit currents in three-phase a.c. systems – Part 0: Calculation of

currents

IEC 60949, Calculation of thermally permissible short-circuit currents, taking into account
non-adiabatic heating effects

IEC 61140:2001, Protection against electric shock – Common aspects for installation and
equipment

IEC 61534-1, Powertrack systems – Part 1: General requirements

IEC 62305 (all parts) Protection against lightning

IEC 62305-3:2006, Protection against lightning – Part 3: Physical damage to structures and
life hazard