EARTHING S YS TEM

Earthing
The term earthing means connecting the neutral point of a supply system or non-current carrying parts of electrical apparatus to the general mass of earth in such a manner that at all times an immediate discharge of electrical energy takes place without danger. The function of earthing is two fold 1. It is for ensuring that no current carrying conductor rises to a potential with respect to general mass of earth than its designed insulation. It is for the safety of the human beings from the electric shocks.

2.

Methods of earthing
There are two popular methods of earthing : i) ii) Pipe Earthing (Fig. 1) Plate Earthing (Fig. 2)

Measurement of Earth Resistance

The determination of resistance between the earthing electrode and the surrounding ground is of utmost importance. The resistance measurement is made by the potential fall method. The resistance area of an earth electrode is the area of soil around the electrode within which a voltage gradient measurable with commercial instrument exists. In Fig. 3(a) E is the earth electrode under test and A is an auxiliary earth electrode positioned so that two resistance areas do not overlap. B is a second auxiliary electrode placed half way between E and A. An alternating current of steady value is passed through the earth path from E to A and the voltage drop between E and B is measured.

Induction Course(General)

Then earth resistance R = V I = =

V/I Voltage drop between E and B Current through the earth path.

To ensure that resistance areas do not overlap, the auxiliary electrode B is moved to positions B1 & B2 respectively. If the resistance values determined are of approximately same magnitude in all the three cases, the mean of the three readings can be taken as the earth resistance of the earth electrode. Otherwise the auxiliary electrode A must be driven in at a point further away from E and the above test repeated until a group of three readings is obtained which are in good agreement. The use of alternating current source is necessary to eliminate electrolysis effects. The test can be performed with current at power frequency from a double wound transformer by means of a voltmeter and an ammeter or by means of an earth tester. The earth tester is a special type of meggar which sends AC through earth and DC through the measuring instruments. It has got four terminals P1, C1, P2 and C2 outside. The terminals P1, and C1 are shorted to form a common terminal which is connected to the earth electrode under test. The other two terminals C2 and P2 are connected to the auxiliary electrodes A and B respectively {Fig. 3(b)}. For measurement of earth resistance two electrodes A and B are driven into the ground at a distance of 25 metres and 12.5 metres respectively from earth electrode E under test. The megger is placed on a horizontal firm stand free from surrounding magnetic field. The range switch is set to a suitable scale. The handle is then turned in proper direction at a slightly higher speed than rated one and the reading on the scale is noted. The three readings are taken for different distance. If they are practically the same, it is good otherwise average of these readings is taken as earth resistance.

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Earthing System

Fig. 1 Typical Arrangement of Pipe Earthing STI(T) Publication

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Induction Course(General)

Fig. 2 Typical Arrangement of Plate Earthing

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Earthing System

Fig. 3(a) Testing of Earth Electrode Resistance

Fig. 3(b) Testing of Earth Electrode Resistance by Means of Earth Tester STI(T) Publication

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