IEEE Guide on Power

Line Grounding
Electrical Charges may appear on a de-energized line
due to the following factors:

a) Lightning Strikes

b) Electric Field

c) Magnetic Field

d) Static Charge
Direct Strokes Back-Flash Induced Voltage
Direct Strokes

If the lightning hits a phase conductor directly the associated

current, I(t), splits into two equal halves which travel in both
directions along the struck phase conductor. The associated
traveling voltage wave is given by:

V(t) = 0.5I(t)Zp
Where:
Zp is the surge impedance

Ref:Pritindra Chowdhuri, Fellow, IEEE

Using our “CA1” Construction Unit the

calculated magnitude of the traveling
voltage results to 4,483KV
Backflash
Since our distribution lines do not have sheild wire so back-flash is
not applicable.

Using our “VPI-1” Construction Unit

the calculated magnitude of the Back
flash voltage results to around 95KV
Induced Voltage
According to Rusck, the maximum voltage which is induced in a
power line at the point closest to the strike may be estimated by:

Assuming:
h = 30'
Ymin = 54.7m (computed)

the calculated magnitude of the induced

voltage results to 194.6KV.
Assume two energized parallel conductors (M) and (N). The
conductors are assumed to have linear sharge (qm) and (qn). The
conductors do not carry any load. To calculate the potential
difference between two distant points A and B can be stated
below.

Where:

Eo = is permitivity in free space

q = charge per unit length
D = Distances
A transmission line carrying load current will have a time-varying
magnetic field surrounding it. A nearby de-energized transmission
line that parallels the load carrying line will lie within this magnetic
field.

The voltages induced on the de-energized can be solved for using

matrix algebra
A Natural electric field always exists above the earth’s surface,
this filed results from atmospheric conditions. The lines of force
of this filed extend vertically upward and end in space. The result
statically induced voltage on power lines and therefore can be
hazard to worker.
Let-go Current is the value of current at which a human holding an
energized conductor cannot control his/her muscles enough to
release the conductor.
Currents above the let-go current shall be avoided since prolonged
muscle contraction in the chest area can lead to suffocation
(respiratory tetanus).
The Human body has two series resistance: the internal body
resistance and the skin resistance. The total body resistance is
usually taken as 1000 ohms and is adopted for calculations in the
IEEE guide
With an overhead transmission line a ground fault current
breakdown of an insulator string enters the earth through the
footing of the structures or ground lead poles. If a man is walking
near the faulted poles, voltgge is impressed on each foot, the IEEE
computation is assumed to have a step of 1meter.
A person may touch a piece of construction equipment that is not at
the same potential as the person’s feet.

Where:

Rb= is the body resistance

Rc= is the contact resistnace of a person’s hand
and feet
An installed ground electrode is actually the sum of three
components: the resistance of the electrode conductor, the
conductor/soil contact resistance, and the resistance of the soil
surrounding the electrode.