Earthing System Audit

The most effective way to ensure that protection systems on high voltage installations will operate
appropriately during a fault.

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Benefits Typical applications
Identify installations where remedial action is required Although effective earthing systems are part of the
design of modern high voltage installations, earthing
Comply with safety regulations, including BS 7430 system audits are recommended in a range of situations
including:
Prevent damage to network assets and personnel
C
 hecking the integrity of older and upgraded
Reduce risk of liability and claims substations
Fast and excellent value
New operating conditions
Custom design service for earthing system upgrades
Damage or theft of earthing system components
Ensure that protection systems will operate safely in the event of a
fault

3 steps to cost-effective earthing protection

Electricity Supply Regulations specify that electricity network assets should be
bonded to earth, to ensure that any fault can return to its source in a controlled
manner. This allows protective equipment to operate efficiently, avoiding damage to
plant and equipment, and the risk of electric shock to personnel.

1. Site survey and

measurement
Earthing System Audits begin with a visual inspection of all electrical
bonds to equipment, followed by an array of measurements:

Soil resistivity
One of the most important influences on the performance of an earthing
system is the impedance of the soil surrounding the electrodes. This
is called soil resistivity and is expressed in Ohm metres (Ω/m). Surveys
may be carried out across large areas covering multiple assets or on
specific sites, for example individual substations.

The most widespread technique for measuring soil resistivity employs

the Wenner method of interpretation. This test uses a four terminal
instrument and involves four short probes being driven into the ground,
spaced an equal distance apart. To gain a typical soil structure for the
area, measurements are normally taken to represent a vertical depth of
54m.

Resistance
To verify the resistance of an earthing system, measurements are taken
using a four terminal instrument, which employs the ‘fall of potential’
method of interpretation. Test routes and distances are chosen to
account for the size of the installation and any interference by buried
cables or third party services.

Continuity
It is important that all equipment is bonded together and to earth. We
therefore undertake continuity measurements to ensure that adequate
bonding is present. This also includes the use of specialist tracing
equipment to confirm the location of electrodes.
2. Computer modelling and
design
We use the latest CDEGS computer modelling software to simulate the
earthing system under review. This includes creating a register of hot zones
where there are earthing issues, examining the effects of changes to the
system and producing the most cost-effective options for upgrades and
replacements:

Using information gained during the site survey, our software creates an
electrical equivalent soil model of the earthing system, so we can review
its performance under fault conditions.

Earthing designs are inserted in the model via an X, Y and Z co-ordinate

system, including information on the soil structure and the electrode
radius. Values of fault current can be stipulated, so the calculation of the
actual potentials that will be experienced during an earth fault can be
undertaken.

Once a simulation has taken place, graphical plots of touch and step
potential are produced and evaluated. These simulations allow direct
comparison of the actual potentials with those stated in current standards.

We make changes to the earthing system design, so that potentials

occurring in fault situations are reduced to within the stipulated limits.

The end results are custom designs, which are based on EA Technology’s
extensive experience of earthing systems.

3. Installation and
performance
measurement
Our service includes providing detailed specifications
for new and enhanced earthing systems.

When the installation of a system is complete, we

revisit the site to carry out further measurements. This
ensures that the new system’s performance meets
values predicted during the modelling and design

Protection system audit

and design
Earthing system audits are ideally conducted in conjunction with an
audit of a site’s protection systems.

Protection system audits are carried out by EA Technology

Consulting’s Network Asset Management specialists to ensure that:

Existing protection systems are working correctly

All relevant assets are adequately protected

Each protection system audit includes recommendations to address

any protection issues. The Network Asset Management Team also has
the facilities to:

Review and enhance the design of current protection systems

Produce cost-effective designs for new protection systems

Global support
Audits of Earthing Systems can be supplied anywhere in the world, through our network of international sales offices and
distribution partners. We provide excellent lifetime support for this system, including:

Installation and commissioning Lifetime technical support

Training Online data analysis and reports

Our expertise
We provide world-leading asset management solutions for power plant and networks.

Our customers include electricity generation, transmission and distribution companies,

together with major power plant operators in the private and public sectors.

Our products, services, management systems and knowledge enable customers to:

Prevent outages Make smarter investment decisions

Assess the condition of assets Build smarter grids

Understand why assets fail Achieve the latest standards

Optimise network operations Develop their power skills