Earthing in DC distribution systems similar to the AC systems

DC distribution systems

This technical article shows earthing of a specific pole of a two-wire DC distribution systems.
The decision whether to earth the positive or the negative pole shall be based upon operational
circumstances on site or other considerations.

Earthing in DC distribution systems analogously to the alternating current (on photo:

Photovoltaic panel, credit: solarprofessional.com)

The Standard IEC 60364-1 defines the direct current distribution systems analogously to the
alternating current ones:

1. TT system
2. TN system
1. TN-S system
2. TN-C system
3. TN-C-S system
3. IT system
4. Protection against direct and indirect contact
Symbols appearing in DC distribution schemes //

DC distribution systems symbols

TT system

A polarity of the system and the exposed conductive-parts are connected to two electrically
independent earthing arrangements (Figure 1). If necessary, the middle point of the supply can
be connected to earth (Figure 2).
Figure 1 – TT DC distribution system

Figure 2 – TT DC
distribution system with the middle point of the supply connected to earth
TN system

Polarity or the middle point of the supply, is directly earthed. The exposed conductive parts are
connected to the same earthed point. Three types of TN system are defined according to
whether the earthed polarity and the protective conductor are separated or not:

1. TN-S DC distribution system

In which throughout the system, a separate protective conductor is used
2. TN-C-S DC distribution system
In which neutral and protective functions are combined in a single conductor in a part of
the system
3. TN-C DC distribution system
In which neutral and protective functions are combined in a single conductor
throughout the system

Go back to DC Earthing Arrangements ↑

a. TN-S system

The earthed line conductor (for example L–) in system (Figure 3) or the earthed mid-wire
conductor, M, in system (Figure 4) are separated from the protective conductor throughout
the system.
Figure 3 – TN-S DC distribution distribution system

Figure
4 – TN-S DC distribution system with the middle point of the supply connected to earth
Go back to DC Earthing Arrangements ↑

b. TN-C system

The functions of the earthed line conductor (for example L–) in system (Figure 5) and protective
conductor are combined in one single conductor called PEN (d.c.) throughout the system, or
the earthed mid-wire conductor, M, in system (Figure 6) and protective conductor are
combined in one single conductor PEN (d.c.) throughout the system.
Figure 5 – TN-C DC distribution system
Figure 6 – TN-C DC distribution system with the middle point of the supply source connected to
earth

Go back to DC Earthing Arrangements ↑

c. TN-C-S system

The functions of the earthed line conductor (for example L–) in system (Figure 7) and protective
conductor are combined in one single conductor PEN (d.c.) in parts of the system, or the
earthed mid-wire conductor, M, in system (Figure 8) and protective conductor are combined in
one single conductor called PEN (d.c.) in parts of the system.
Figure 7 – TN-C-S DC distribution system
Figure 8 – TN-C-S DC distribution system with the middle point of the supply source connected
to earth

Go back to DC Earthing Arrangements ↑

IT system

The supply source is not earthed. The exposed-conductive-parts are connected to the same
earthing point.
Figure 9 – IT DC distribution system
Figure 10 – IT DC distribution system with the middle point of the supply isolated form earth

Protection against direct and indirect contact

To the purpose of protection against direct and indirect contacts, the Standard IEC 60364-4
prescribes that the protective device shall automatically disconnect the supply, so that in the
event of a fault between a live part and an exposed-conductive-part or a protective conductor,
a voltage exceeding 120 V (DC) does not persist for a time sufficient to cause harmful
physiological effects for a human body.

For IT systems, the automatic opening of the circuit is not necessarily required in
the presence of a first fault!

For particular environments tripping times and voltage values lower than the above mentioned
ones may be required.
Further requirements for DC systems are being studied at present.

The measures of protection against direct contact are:

 Insulation of live parts with an insulating material which can only be removed by
destruction (e.g. cable insulation).
 Barriers or enclosures: live parts shall be inside enclosures or behind barriers providing
at least the degree of protection IPXXB or IP2X. For horizontal surfaces the degree of
protection shall be of at least IPXXD or IP4X.
 Obstacles: the interposition of an obstacle between the live parts and the operator
prevents unintentional contacts only, but not an intentional contact by the removal of
the obstacle without particular tools.
 Placing out of reach: simultaneously accessible parts at different potentials shall not be
within arm’s reach.

References //

 Technical Application Paper Circuit-breakers for direct current applications by ABB

 IEC standard 60364-1 – Electrical installations of buildings – Part 1: Fundamental
principles, assessment of general characteristics, definitions

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Edvard Csanyi

Electrical engineer, programmer and founder of EEP. Highly specialized for design of LV/MV
switchgears and LV high power busbar trunking (<6300A) in power substations, commercial
buildings and industry facilities. Professional in AutoCAD programming.