Earthing Design PDF

Engineering Encyclopedia
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards
Design And Application

Of Equipment Grounding
Note: The source of the technical material in this volume is the Professional
Engineering Development Program (PEDP) of Engineering Services.
Warning: The material contained in this document was developed for Saudi
Aramco and is intended for the exclusive use of Saudi Aramcos
employees. Any material contained in this document which is not
already in the public domain may not be copied, reproduced, sold, given,
or disclosed to third parties, or otherwise used in whole, or in part,
without the written permission of the Vice President, Engineering
Services, Saudi Aramco.
Chapter : Electrical
File Reference: EEX20502
For additional information on this subject, contact

W.A. Roussel on 874-1320
Electrical
Design and Application of Equipment Grounding
CONTENTS
PAGES
Locating Equipment Grounding Information...............................................................1

Basis For Installing Equipment Grounds In Saudi Aramco Electrical
Systems .....................................................................................................................6
Determining The Equipment Grounding Requirements For Saudi
Aramco Electrical Systems ......................................................................................15
Determining The Stationary Equipment Grounding Requirement For
Saudi Aramco Electrical Installations.......................................................................27
Determining The Mobile Equipment Grounding Requirements For
Saudi Aramco Electrical Installations.......................................................................38
Determining The Building And Structure Grounding Requirements For
Saudi Aramco Installations ......................................................................................42
Determining The Lightning Protection Requirements For Saudi
Aramco Installations.................................................................................................44
Determining The Static Grounding Requirements For Saudi Aramco
Installations ..............................................................................................................54
Determining The Grounding Requirements For Saudi Aramco
Offshore Platforms ...................................................................................................62
Determining The Grounding Requirements For Digital Equipment
Used At Saudi Aramco Installations.........................................................................64
Work Aid 1: Saudi Aramco And Industry Standards Applicable To
Equipment Grounding ..........................................................................67
Work Aid 2: Formula And Table Of Wire Sizes And Ampacity ................................68
Work Aid 3: Formula To Determine Conductor Size And References
For Determining Stationary Equipment Grounding
Requirements.......................................................................................74
Electrical
Work Aid 4: Formula To Determine Conductor Size And References

For Determining Mobile Equipment Grounding
Requirements.......................................................................................75
Work Aid 5: References For Determining Building And Structure
Grounding Requirements.....................................................................76
Work Aid 6: References For Determining Lightning Protection
Requirements And Tables For Calculating Risk Index ........................77
Work Aid 7: References For Determining Static Grounding
Requirements.......................................................................................80
Work Aid 8: References For Determining Offshore Platform Grounding
Requirements.......................................................................................81
Work Aid 9: References For Determining Digital Equipment Grounding
Requirements.......................................................................................82
Glossary...................................................................................................................83
Addendum A ............................................................................................................87
Electrical
LOCATING EQUIPMENT GROUNDING INFORMATION

The Engineer should consult the following Saudi Aramco Standards and Industry Standards
for answers to questions on locating equipment grounding information:
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Saudi Aramco Design Practices

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards
IEEE Standards
National Electrical Code
Saudi Aramco Design Practices

The Saudi Aramco Design Practice, SADP-P-111, applies to the design and the application of
equipment grounding for Saudi Aramco electrical installations. The following chapters of
SADP-P-111 contain information on equipment grounding:
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Chapter 6
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 6
Chapter 6 of SADP-P-111, titled "Equipment Grounding," discusses the specific Saudi

Aramco requirements for the grounding of the metallic parts of equipment that does not
normally carry current. The following specific topics are discussed in Chapter 6:
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General Requirements
Generators and Motors
Switchboards
Transmission Substations
Transmission Lines
Overhead Distribution
Industrial Plant Areas
Distribution and Utilization - 600 V and Below
Cable Sheaths
Fences
Instruments, Meters, Relays, Instrument Transformers
Cable Trays
Conduits
Electrical
Saudi Aramco Design Practices (Cont'd)

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Cranes and Mechanical Handling Equipment

Computer Installations
Portable Equipment
Lightning Protection
Chapter 8
Chapter 8 of SADP-P-111, titled "Offshore Platforms," discusses the specific grounding

practices for use on Saudi Aramco offshore platforms. The following specific topics are
discussed in Chapter 8:
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Grounding Electrode
Grounding Conductors
Installation
Chapter 9
Chapter 9 of SADP-P-111, titled "Lightning Protection of Buildings and Structures,"

discusses the general lightning protection requirements for Saudi Aramco buildings and
structures such as flag poles and floodlighting poles. Chapter 9 does not apply to the
lightning protection requirements in substations or to the problems associated with flammable
liquids or gases. The following specific topics are discussed in Chapter 9:
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Need for Protection
Materials
Component Parts of a Lightning Protection System
Chapter 12
Chapter 12 of SADP-P-111, titled "Communication Facility Grounding," discusses the design

criteria for the grounding and the bonding of communication facilities. The following
specific topics are discussed in Chapter 12:
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Terminology
Design Criteria
Earth Resistance and Bonding Requirements
Review and Adoption of GTE Practices
Electrical
Saudi Aramco Design Practices (Cont'd)

Chapter 13
Chapter 13 of SADP-P-111, titled "Safeguards Against Static Electricity, Lightning, and Stray
Currents," describes current Saudi Aramco practices and requirements to safeguard against
possible ignitions from static electricity, lightning, and stray currents when a hazard exists in
the handling of flammable materials.
Chapter 13 is intended to supplement but not to replace Article 250 (Grounding) of the
National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), which deals with the protection of electrical installations
by grounding or bonding.
Chapter 13 also discusses the Saudi Aramco requirements to safeguard against possible
degradation or possible failures, as a result of the presence of static electricity, of
microelectronic components currently in use in communications and in process control
computers. The following specific topics are discussed in Chapter 13:
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Definitions and Fundamentals

Protection of Specific Installations and Operations
Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standard SAES-P-111 applies to the design and application of
equipment grounding for Saudi Aramco electrical installations. SAES-P-111 contains the
minimum mandatory requirements for the design and the installation of equipment grounding.
Any deviations from these requirements must have written approval from the Saudi Aramco
Chief Engineer in Dhahran.
User/specifier requirements that exceed the minimum
requirements need no waiver approval even though they are different. SAES-P-111 contains
the minimum mandatory requirements for the design and the installation of the following
types of grounds:
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Equipment Grounding
Fence Grounding
Tank Grounding
Lightning Protection
Electrical
IEEE Standards
IEEE Standards give information on how to
This information is the consensus opinion of
standard that applies to the design and the
Standard 142. The following sections of
equipment grounding:
_
_
design, specify, test, and measure equipment.

a group of subject matter experts. The IEEE
application of equipment grounding is IEEE
IEEE Standard 142 contain information on
Section 2
Section 3
Section 2
Section 2 of IEEE Standard 142 is titled "Equipment Grounding." Section 2 discusses the
problems caused by connection of the frames and the enclosures of electrical apparatus (such
as motors, switchgear, transformers, buses, cables, conduits, building frames, and portable
equipment) to a ground system. Section 2 outlines the fundamentals of making the
interconnection system or the ground-conductor system between electrical equipment and the
ground rods. The following specific topics are discussed in Section 2:
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Basic Objectives
Fundamental Concepts
Equipment Grounding as Influenced by Type of Use
Outdoor Open-Frame Substations
Outdoor Unit Substations
Outdoor Installations Serving Heavy Portable Electric Machinery
Interior Wiring Systems
Interior Unit Substations and Switching Centers
Section 3
Section 3 of IEEE Standard 142 is titled "Static and Lightning Protection Grounding."
Section 3 discusses the problems (such as how static electricity is generated) associated with
static electricity, what processes produce static electricity, what must be done to prevent static
electricity generation, or what must be done to drain static electric charges to earth to prevent
sparking. Section 3 also discusses the methods for protection of structures against the effects
of lightning. The following specific topics are discussed in Section 3:
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_
Static Grounding
Lightning Protection Grounding
Electrical
National Electrical Code (NEC)

The purpose of the NEC is to practically safeguard persons and property from the hazards that
can arise due to the use of electricity. NEC Article 250, titled "Grounding" applies to
equipment grounding at Saudi Aramco electrical installations. Article 250 discusses the
general requirements for the grounding or the bonding of electrical installations. Grounding
and ground system installation must be in accordance with Article 250 (as supplemented by
SAES-P-111). The following specific sections of Article 250 apply to equipment grounding:
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Section A, General Requirements

Section B, Enclosure Grounding
Section E, Equipment Grounding
Section F, Methods of Grounding
Section G, Bonding
Section H, Grounding Electrode System
Section J, Grounding Conductors
Section K, Grounding Conductor Connections
Section L, Instrument Transformers, Relays, Etc.
Electrical
BASIS FOR INSTALLING EQUIPMENT GROUNDS IN SAUDI ARAMCO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
The installation of equipment grounds at Saudi Aramco is based on solid Electrical
Engineering practices. These practices are determined by known parameters or welldocumented theories.
This section provides information on the following topics:
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Voltage Exposure
Minimum Equipment Damage
Isolation of Fault
Minimize Electric Noise in the System
Voltage Exposure
Voltage exposure is defined as the unintentional contact between an energized electrical
conductor and the metal frame or the structure that encloses (or is adjacent to) the conductor.
This unintentional contact causes the metal frame or the structure to become energized at the
same voltage level that exists in the energized conductor.
The method for reducing the possibility of voltage exposure is to install an effective
equipment grounding conductor on the metal frame or the structure that encloses the
energized conductor. An effective equipment grounding conductor must provide a low
impedance path from the metal frame (or structure) to the zero-potential ground reference
junction that is located at the equipment power supply. The impedance of the grounding
conductor must be low enough to carry full ground-fault current without creating an
impedance (IZ) voltage drop large enough to be dangerous to personnel.
Minimum Equipment Damage
Electrical equipment that does not have an equipment ground connection or that has an
improperly installed equipment ground connection can easily be damaged under ground fault
conditions. The damage can be caused by the heat that is produced from the increased current
flow, the magnetic forces that are produced from the increased current flow, or the energy that
is released from an arcing ground fault. The possibility of the occurrence of equipment
damage depends on the following variables:
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The length of time that the ground fault current is allowed to flow
(amount of time before protective devices isolate the ground fault).
Electrical
Minimum Equipment Damage (Cont'd)

_
The magnitude of the ground fault current.
The resistance of the equipment ground return path.
The type of conductors that are used as the ground return path (insulated
or non-insulated).
The possibility of equipment damage increases with the length of time that the ground fault
current is allowed to flow. This length of time can be minimized by ensuring that a sufficient
amount of ground fault current is available to quickly operate the protective equipment. The
major step involved in providing a sufficient amount of ground fault current is to ensure that
the equipment ground return path has the lowest possible impedance. A low impedance
ground return path can be achieved through use of the following techniques:
_
The installation of only safety-listed ground return path components.
The interconnection of all equipment grounding conductors to a

common grounding electrode system.
The elimination of the use of separate isolated or dedicated grounding

conductors.
The elimination of the use of actual earth as part of the equipment

ground return path.
The use of proper bonding methods when the conductors in the

equipment ground return path are connected.
The installation of equipment grounding conductors so that the

conductors are physically running with the equipment power
conductors.
The installation of equipment grounding conductors so that the fault

loop area is small.
Proper protection corrosion of all terminated/spliced connections of the

grounding conductors.
Electrical
Minimum Equipment Damage (Cont'd)

The possibility of equipment damage also increases with the magnitude of the ground fault
current. The maximum amount of ground fault current that can flow in a circuit is equal to
the phase voltage of the circuit divided by the total impedance of the ground return path. The
maximum amount of ground fault current can only be reduced through insertion of impedance
in the ground return path. The maximum amount of ground fault current should not be
limited to less than 10 to 15 times the current rating of the ground fault protective devices to
ensure that sufficient ground fault current is available to operate the ground fault protective
devices. The only step that can be taken to reduce the possibility of equipment damage from
excessive ground fault currents is to ensure that all of the components in the ground return
path are rated to carry the maximum ground fault current.
The possibility of equipment damage also increases with the amount of impedance in the
equipment ground return path. The portions of the equipment ground return path that are
most likely to result in an increase in the impedance of the ground return path are the bonding
connections between the conductors. The following steps can be taken to reduce the
possibility of high resistance bonding connections between conductors:
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The bonding surfaces should not be painted.
Simple screw connections should not be relied on to make an adequate

bonding connection between two pieces of sheet metal.
The bonding surfaces should not be made from raw (untreated) metal.
The bonding surfaces should not be made from dissimilar metals.
The bonding connection should be made through use of approved

compression hardware, brazing, or welding. Bonding connections
should not be made through use of soldering.
The possibility of equipment damage also increases with the use of non-insulated equipment
ground conductors. Large voltage differences can exist between components such as
raceways and a non-insulated equipment ground conductor under ground fault conditions.
This voltage difference can cause arcing between the non-insulated equipment ground
conductor and the raceway. This arcing can damage adjacent conductors. The possibility of
equipment damage from non-insulated equipment ground conductors can be eliminated
through use of insulated equipment ground conductors.
Electrical
Isolation of Faults
An electrical fault is defined as a physical condition that causes a device, a component, or an
element to not perform in a required manner. Although this definition applies to all types of
electrical faults, this section is only concerned with ground faults. The specific definition of a
ground fault is an insulation failure between a conductor and a ground or a frame.
The following methods of system grounding are used in Saudi Aramco electrical systems:
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Solid grounding
Resistance grounding
Impedance grounding
Ungrounded
The method of system grounding that is applied in a given Saudi Aramco electrical system
has no bearing on the method of equipment grounding for use in a Saudi Aramco electrical
system. The only method of equipment grounding is to connect a suitable conductor size
between the noncurrent-carrying metal parts of all equipment, raceways, and other such
enclosures and the system ground conductor and/or the grounding electrode conductor. The
use of this method of equipment grounding will allow the protective devices to quickly isolate
the ground faults should a ground fault occur.
The following two types of protective devices are used to isolate ground faults:
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Fuses
Circuit Breakers
E2 starters for H.V. motors or NEMA starts for low voltage motors
Figure 1 shows the use of fuses to isolate a ground fault in a motor. The fuses that are shown
in Figure 1 contain internal conductors or links that melt when the current that is passing
through the fuse exceeds the rating of the fuse. The fuse isolates a ground fault through
reaction of an open circuit when the internal link melts. The following sequence of events
occurs during the isolation of a ground fault in a motor by fuses:
_
A ground fault develops between one of the motor windings and the
motor enclosure.
Ground fault current in excess of the rating of the fuses begins to flow
from the transformer secondary windings through the fuses.
Electrical
Isolation of Faults (Cont'd)

_
The ground fault current flows through the motor windings to the motor
enclosure through the ground fault.
The ground fault current causes the internal links in the fuses to melt.
This melting creates an open circuit and isolates the ground fault.
Use of Fuses to Isolate a Ground Fault in a Motor

Figure 1
10
Electrical

Figure 2 shows the use of circuit breakers to isolate a ground fault in a motor. The circuit
breaker (52) shown in Figure 2 functions as a switch to open and to close the circuit that
connects the transformer secondaries to the motor. However, the circuit breaker cannot sense
the ground faults. The circuit breaker must use ground sensing relays to detect a ground fault.
The ground sensing relays (50GS) send an input signal to the circuit breaker control circuit
when a ground fault occurs. The input signal then causes the circuit breaker to open. This
opening of the circuit breaker isolates the ground fault. The following sequence of events
occurs during the isolation of a ground fault in a motor by circuit breakers:
_
A ground fault develops between one of the motor windings and the
motor enclosure.
The ground fault current flows through the motor windings to the motor
enclosure through the ground fault.
The ground fault current then flows through the motor enclosure to the
separate equipment ground conductor and back to the power source
through the system ground.
The ground fault current in excess of the setpoints of the 50GS ground
sensing relays begins to flow from the transformer secondary windings
through the current transformers to the 50GS ground sensing relays.
The ground fault current that flows through the current transformers of
the 50GS ground current sensing relays causes the 50GS ground sensing
relays to activate.
The 50GS ground sensing relays send a signal to the circuit breaker (52)
that causes the circuit breaker to open to interrupt the power and to
isolate the ground fault.
11
Electrical
Use of Circuit Breakers to Isolate a Ground Fault in a Motor

Figure 2
Minimize Electrical Noise in the System
Noise is defined as an electrical disturbance on a circuit that interferes with or that prevents
the reception of signals or of information. The circuits most effected by noise are digital
circuits, computer circuits, instrumentation circuits, and communication circuits.
The following types of disturbances are classified as noise; each type of disturbance has a
slightly different effect on the circuit.
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Impulse noise jitter
12
Electrical
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Crosstalk
Hum
13
Electrical
Minimize Electrical Noise in the System (Cont'd)

Impulse noise jitter is a transient disturbance separated in time by quiescent intervals.
Impulse noise jitter can cause interruptions in communication circuits, digital circuits, and
computer circuits. Instrumentation circuits (particularly 4-20 mA circuits) are not seriously
effected by impulse noise jitter.
Crosstalk is an extraneous signal introduced to a circuit from an adjacent circuit carrying AC
or pulse-type signal. The effect of crosstalk on a given circuit depends on the magnitude of
the extraneous signal introduced and the magnitude of the adjacent AC or pulse-type signal
that is creating the crosstalk. Crosstalk can cause unwanted acoustic sound in communication
circuits and inadvertent operations in other types of circuits. Crosstalk also represents a
power loss to the circuit that is causing the crosstalk.
Hum is similar to crosstalk because hum is also an extraneous signal that is introduced to a
circuit from an adjacent circuit. The term "hum" is normally used in reference to a constant
60 Hz or 400 Hz extraneous audio signal. The term "crosstalk" is normally used in reference
to a transient or intermittent extraneous audio signal. Hum affects a circuit by masking of the
desired signal.
The problem that is caused by noise in a circuit is the creation of a signal error. Signal error is
the sum or the difference between the normal circuit signal and the noise signal. Signal errors
can cause electronic circuit functions ot operate before or after the design setpoint of the
function.
14
Electrical
DETERMINING THE EQUIPMENT GROUNDING REQUIREMENTS FOR SAUDI

ARAMCO ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
Each piece of equipment must be grounded in order to provide the maximum protection
against the inadvertent energization of the metal frame structure of a piece of equipment.
This section provides information on the following topics:
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Single Point Grounding

Grounding Conductor
Conduit Grounding
Connections to Earth
Bonding
Motor/Generator Grounding
High Voltage Switch Grounding
Single Point Grounding

Single point grounding is defined as a method of equipment grounding in which there is only
one connection to earth ground. Single point grounding is used in electronic instrumentation
and communication circuits to help eliminate the noise that can be created due to the flow of
ground loop currents. Ground loop currents are eliminated because a complete path for
current flow from a ground connection at one potential to a ground connection at a different
potential does not exist when there is only one connection to earth ground.
Single point grounding is only effective in circuits that operate below 50 kHz. Circuits that
operate above 50 kHz will have multiple connections to earth ground due to the capacitive
coupling to ground that occurs at high frequencies.
Grounding Conductor
All Saudi Aramco electrical equipment must be grounded through use of a grounding
conductor. A grounding conductor is defined as a conductor that is used to connect
equipment or the grounded circuit of a wiring system to a grounding electrode or electrodes.
Each piece of electrical equipment should be connected to the system grounding electrode
through use of a separate equipment grounding conductor. Equipment grounding conductors
should not be looped from one piece of electrical equipment to a different piece of electrical
equipment. Equipment grounding conductors should also be continuous (not cut or spliced).
15
Electrical
Grounding Conductor (Cont'd)

Equipment grounding conductors must be made from soft-drawn copper wire or, in case of
ground rods, copperweld wire. The conductors should be installed so that the conductor is
protected from mechanical damage.
SAES-P-111 covers the selection and installation of grounding conductors. The following
sizes of wires are preferred by Saudi Aramco for grounding conductors for standardization:
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No. 4 AWG Stranded or Solid

No. 2 AWG Stranded or Solid
No. 1/0 AWG Stranded
No. 2/O AWG Stranded
250 MCM Stranded
No. 4/O AWG Stranded
350 MCM Stranded
500 MCM Stranded
750 MCM Stranded
The grounding connection will be made through use of thermite welding, brazing, or
approved compression grounding connections (Burndy Hyground System or equivalent).
Bolted or a ready means of disconnection for testing purposes, such as bolted connections,
shall be provided in the grounding connection to the following:
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Generator neutrals
Transformer neutrals
Grounding electrodes such as grounded well or groups of grounded
rods.
The sizing of the ground conductor is dependant on the voltage level and the short circuit of
the power system of the electrical system to which the equipment is connected. The
conductor size for the higher voltage system should be used for mixed voltage systems. The
voltages are broken down as follows:
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Conductor sizes - systems 600V and below

Conductor sizes - system over 600V
16
Electrical

Conductor Sizes - Systems 600V and below
The size of the copper grounding conductors for power source transformer tanks, transformer
neutrals, main switchboards, or other equipment that is supplied directly from the LV (low
voltage) side of a transformer, without an intervening protection device in a system rated
600V and below, depends on the following:
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The kVA rating of the power source transformer.
The type of protection that is provided for the primary winding of the
lower source transformer (e.g., fuses or circuit breakers).
Section 1 of Work Aid 2 contains the formula, the table, and the procedure for use in
determining the size of the grounding conductors that were previously described.
The size of equipment grounding conductors for equipment that is beyond the main
switchboard or the transformer output protection device in systems rated 600V and below
must comply with Article 250-95 of the National Electrical Code (NEC). Article 250-95
states that the size of the equipment grounding conductor is based on the rating of the
automatic overcurrent device in the circuit that is ahead of the equipment. Section 2 of Work
Aid 2 contains a procedure and a table for use in determining the size of the equipment
conductors that were previously described.
Conductor Sizes - Systems Over 600V
The size of the grounding conductor for electrical systems over 600V is based on the
following type of system grounding that is used.
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Solidly Grounded Systems

Impedance Grounded Systems
Solidly Grounded Systems - Grounding conductor sizes for solidly grounded systems
over 600V are based on the three-second, short-time current capabilities of the circuit
breaker that is ahead of the grounding conductors. The three second, short-time
current capability must be derived through use of a formula in cases where a circuit
breaker is not installed or where a three-second, short-time current capability is not
assigned.
17
Electrical

Section 3 of Work Aid 2 contains the formula, the table, and the procedure for use in
determining grounding conductor sizes in solidly grounded systems over 600V. This
section of Work Aid 2 applies to determination of the size of all grounding conductors
in grounded systems over 600V. These grounding conductors include the following:
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_
_
_
Equipment grounding conductors (Column 2 of the table)

Neutral grounding conductors (Column 2 of the table)
Ground bus conductors (Column 2 of the table)
Ground grid conductors (Column 3 of the table)
Impedance Grounded Systems - Grounding conductor sizes for impedance grounded
systems over 600V are based on the ten second rating of the neutral grounding device,
or the ten second rating of the combined neutral grounding devices for systems that
have multiple grounding devices that are connected in parallel. This basis applies to
most impedance grounded installations. The two exceptions to the basis for the sizing
of grounding conductors in impedance grounded systems over 600V are as follows:
_
A minimum grounding conductor size of No. 2/0 AWG must be used

for all installations to ensure that the conductor has sufficient
mechanical strength.
The three-second, short-time current capability of an equivalent solidly

grounded system is the basis for the size of the grounding conductors
when there is a possibility of two- or three-phase fault current flowing
through the grounding conductor.
Section 4 of Work Aid 2 contains the table and the procedure to be used to determine
grounding conductor sizes in impedance grounded systems over 600V. This section of
Work Aid 2 applies to determining the size of all grounding conductors in impedance
grounded systems over 600V. These grounding conductors include the following:
_
_
_
_
Equipment grounding conductors (Column 2 of the table)

Neutral grounding conductors (Column 2 of the table)
Ground bus conductors (Column 3 of the table)
Ground grid conductors (Column 4 of the table)
18
Electrical
Conduit Grounding
Conduit must be satisfactorily grounded to prevent creating electrical shock hazards due to
voltage exposure. A faulted conductor that contacts metal conduit will raise the conduit to the
voltage level of the failed conductor. A person that contacts this energized conduit and
ground will receive an electrical shock unless the conduit is satisfactorily grounded. All
conduits must be directly grounded regardless of the system voltage.
Conduit that does not comply with the termination methods listed above must have a separate
grounding connection bonded to both ends of the conduit. Metal conduit that contains
conductors of systems above 600V must also have a separate grounding connection bonded to
both ends of the conduit.
Connections to Earth
A very important aspect of grounding equipment is the final connection to the earth. This
section provides information on the methods for use in making ground connections to earth in
the following locations:
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_
Below Ground Line

Above Ground Line
Below Ground Line
Saudi Aramco uses the following approved methods for ground connections below ground
line:
_
_
_
Thermite Welded Connections

Brazed Connections
Compression Connections
Thermite Welded Connections - Thermite welding is an exothermic process for use in
making electrical connections between two pieces of copper or between copper and
steel. The thermite welding process does not require an outside source of heat to
produce the weld. The weld is produced by mixing powdered aluminum and iron or
copper oxide in a container and by placing this mixture in a graphite crucible (mold).
The mixture is then ignited through use of a flint lighter, which starts the highly
exothermic reaction. The heat from the exothermic reaction turns the two metals into a
superheated liquid that flows through and around the conductors to be joined, thus
welding the conductors together.
19
Electrical
Connections to Earth (Cont'd)

An electrical connection produced from the thermite welding process has the
following characteristics:
_
The current-carrying capacity of the connection will be equal to the

current- carrying capacity of the conductors.
The connection will be permanent and will not loosen or corrode.
Ground connections between the equipment ground conductors and the earth
electrodes that are made through use of thermite welding must also be equipped with a
separate disconnecting means, such as bolted joints. The separate disconnecting
means must facilitate separation of the equipment ground from the system ground
during testing.
Brazed Connections - Brazed connections are for use in making electrical connections
between the following:

_
_
_
Two grounding conductors

A ground conductor and an earth electrode
A ground conductor and a lug
A brazed connection is made by placing together the two surfaces to be joined and
then applying heat to the surface through use of a torch. The two surfaces are
preheated with the torch, and then a copper alloy filler material is applied to the
surfaces to be joined. The filler material will melt when heated by the torch and will
flow through and around the surfaces to be joined. The filler material solidifies and
fuses the two surfaces together after the heat is removed. The electrical connection
that results from brazing has characteristics that are similar to the characteristics of a
thermite welding connection. Thermite welding connections are preferred over brazed
connections because thermite welding connections require fewer skills, less
equipment, and less time to install than brazed connections.
Compression Connections - A compression connection is made by placing a compression
fitting (lug) over the end of the grounding conductor and by crimping the fitting to the
conductor through use of a special compression tool and die. The only approved
compression connectors for use in making ground connections in Saudi Aramco
electrical systems are Burndy Hyground Systems or an equivalent. An acceptable
compression grounding connection must have the following characteristics:
20
Electrical
Connections to Earth (Cont'd)

_
Freeze-thaw cycling tests should not significantly change the resistance

of the connector-conductor assemblies and should not impair the ability
of the assemblies to function properly when exposed to a short circuit
test to failure.
The tensile strength and the torque strength of the connection joint
should be greater than the tensile strength and the torque strength of the
conductor.
The grounding connector must be able to stand, without damage, a

repeated, short-circuit current load that is equal to 80 percent of the
short circuit of the conductor.
Heat cycles with sufficient current to raise the conductor temperature to

350oC followed by short circuit tests should not damage the grounding
connector.
The sequential aging test (sequential heat cycle, freeze-thaw cycle, salt
spray test, heat cycle, and short circuit) should not damage the
grounding connector.
Heat cycles that have sufficient current to raise the conductor

temperature to 350oC that are followed by a corrosion test in which the
test sample is immersed in a 20 percent nitric acid solution and then
followed by a short-circuit test should not damage the grounding
conductor.
The connector should be marked with the cable size that is

accommodated and with the DIE index number.
The compression tool that is used on the connector should be designed

to lock in during compression and to be released only after the
compression stroke is completed or when a safety release trigger is
activated.
After compression, the DIE should leave a mark on the connector that
matches the original DIE index number on the connector.
Above Ground Line
21
Electrical
For ground connections that are made above the ground line in Saudi Aramco electrical
systems, the three methods that apply to ground connections made below the ground line must
be used, in addition to bolted connections.
22
Electrical
Bonding
Bonding is defined as the permanent joining of metallic parts to form an electrically
conductive path that will assure electrical continuity and the capacity to safely conduct any
current likely to be imposed.
There is a difference between equipment bonding and equipment grounding. Equipment
bonds are installed to ensure that continuity exists between all the noncurrent-carrying metal
portions of electrical equipment. Equipment grounds are installed to ensure that continuity
exists between the noncurrent-carrying metal portions of electrical equipment and an earth
ground. Equipment bonds should be installed when it is possible that continuity will not exist
between one noncurrent-carrying metal portion of electrical equipment and the noncurrentcarrying metal portion of the electrical equipment that is connected to the equipment ground
conductor. Figure 3 shows an example of when an equipment bond should be installed.
Equipment Bond
Figure 3
23
Electrical
Figure 3 shows that the equipment ground conductor is terminated at the ground terminal on
the back of the noncurrent-carrying, metal outlet box. Figure 3 also shows an equipment
bonding jumper that connects the noncurrent-carrying metal portions of the receptacle to the
ground terminal. This bonding connection is necessary to ensure that there is continuity
between the noncurrent-carrying metal portions of the receptacle and the noncurrent-carrying
metal outlet box.
24
Electrical
Bonding (Cont'd)
Equipment bonding is accomplished through use of approved bonding jumpers.
following are examples of approved bonding jumpers:
The
Bonding screws that are included as part of electrical equipment for the
sole purpose of equipment bonding.
A copper conductor with approved lugs that are attached to both ends of
the conductor.
Approved threaded couplings and approved threaded bosses on

enclosures.
Approved threaded couplings and connectors on conduit.
Approved bonding-type locknuts and bushings.
Motor/Generator Grounding
Saudi Aramco requires the frames of generators to have at least two grounding connections
and the generator prime mover to have a separate grounding connection. Saudi Aramco also
requires motor frames to have at least one grounding connection.
Care should be taken to ensure that insulated components, such as insulated bearing pedestals,
remain ungrounded. A shorting strap should be installed across the insulation on the coupling
end to maintain the motor frame at ground potential. This shorting strap should contain a test
link that is to be removed when the bearing insulation is tested. The bearing on the noncoupling end of the motor should remain insulated at all times to prevent shaft currents.
High Voltage Switch Grounding
For high voltage disconnecting switches to be hand operated, an operator must be present
near a grounded structure, at a point where an opening of an energized circuit or a mechanical
failure and electrical breakdown of the switch insulator could result in an arc to the structure.
Because a large percentage of fatal accidents is associated with the operating handles of high
voltage switches, high voltage switches must be grounded.
25
Electrical
High Voltage Switch Grounding (Cont'd)

A metallic platform should be provided for the operator of a disconnecting switch that is rated
34.5 kV and above. This platform should be bonded with a 120 sq. mm (No. 4/0 AWG)
stranded copper conductor to the operating handle or crank of the disconnect. The operating
mechanism should be directly connected to the grounding system by means of a 120 sq. mm
(No. 4/0 AWG) stranded copper conductor. The platform should have no direct connection to
the ground system. For fault current from the operating handle to ground, these connections
will ensure a direct path that will avoid the operator's platform. The operator's hands and feet
will remain at the same potential.
Disconnects (but not their mechanisms) and insulator anchorages on steel structures may rely
on the steel structure itself for equipment grounding. Each leg of the steel structure should be
grounded, at a point near the base of the structure, with a conductor that is appropriate to the
equipment mounted on the structure. All other equipment on steel structures should have a
separate grounding conductor. The conductors should be supported along the structure at 0.9
m (3 ft.) intervals through use of clamps.
26
Electrical
DETERMINING THE STATIONARY EQUIPMENT GROUNDING REQUIREMENT

FOR SAUDI ARAMCO ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS
For the purpose of this section, the term "stationary equipment" will be defined by the list of
items given below. Other sections of this module will cover mobile equipment grounding,
building and structure grounding, offshore platform grounding, and digital equipment
(computer) grounding.
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_

Switchboards, Switchgear, Motor Control Circuits
Transmission Lines
Distribution and Utilization Equipment
Cable Sheaths
Fences
Instruments, Meters, Relays, and Instrument Transformers
UPS System and Batteries
SAES-P-111 and SADP-P-111 present the following general guidelines concerning

grounding requirements for stationary equipment in Saudi Aramco installations:
_
All accessible non-current carrying metal parts of electrical equipment

should be grounded. All accessible metal parts of non-electrical
equipment should be grounded if they are likely to become energized
under abnormal conditions.
Equipment should be grounded by means of grounding conductor(s)

connecting the equipment to a ground bus, ground grid, or other
grounding electrode.
The grounding conductor termination at the equipment must be at the

studs or holes provided by the equipment manufacturer.
The
termination point on equipment above 600V should be specified to
NEMA standard 15 mm (9/16 in) holes, 1/2 in studs, or 45 mm (1-3/4
in) centers. When the manufacturer does not provide a grounding
conductor termination point, the grounding conductor must be
terminated on a main structural part of the equipment with an approved
lug or clamp. Lugs must be brazed or hydraulically crimped. Paint is to
be removed to give a bare metal mating surface. On completion, the
whole termination is to be bitumen painted (bitumastic No. 50 or equal)
for protection against corrosion.
27
Electrical
Equipment and system grounds are to be connected to the ground bus or

to the ground grid by separate conductors.
A grounding bus is to form a closed loop so that the equipment grounds

and the system neutrals that are connected to the grounding bus have
two current paths to the main ground electrode.
Conduit, cable tray, cable armor, or cable shield is not to be the sole
means of grounding equipment. A segment equipment grounding
conductor also must be installed in the conduit, cable tray, cable, or
cord. Metallic conduit and cable tray is to be grounded at both end
points.
Generators and motors larger than 185 kW (250 HP), power

transformers, switchgear ground buses, and similar equipment are to
have a minimum of two grounding connections to a made electrode or a
ground grid.
The shields and the armor of power cables are to be grounded at both
ends. The continuity across splices is to be maintained through bonding
across the splices.

As previously explained, the grounding requirements of SAES-P-111 and SADP-P-111 for
generators and motors are as follows:
_
The frames of generators are to have at least two grounding connections

and the prime mover is to have its own grounding connection. Motor
frames are to have at least one grounding connection.
The insulated components that are associated with the prevention of

shaft circulating currents are to be left ungrounded (e.g., such as
insulated pedestals or insulated bearings). A shorting strap is to be
installed across the insulation on the coupling end of motors to maintain
the motor frame at ground potential when horizontal motors are
supplied with both pedestals insulated. This shorting strap is to contain
a test link that is to be removed when the bearing insulation is tested.
The bearing on the non-coupling end of the motor shall remain insulated
at all times to prevent shaft currents.
28
Electrical
Switchboards
SAES-P-111 and SADP-P-111 establish the following grounding requirements for
switchboards:
_
All switchboards are to be equipped with a grounding bus that runs the
length of the switchboard and that is mounted in or on the switchboard.
This grounding bus is usually supplied by the manufacturer. The
grounding bus is to be connected at each end to the installation ground
bus or ground grid.
SAES-P-111 and SADP-P-111 contain the grounding requirements for transmission
substations. These requirements are sub-divided as follows:
_
_
_
_
_
_
Power Transformers and Potential Transformers

Circuit Breakers
Disconnects
Lightning Arresters
Substation Equipment on a Steel Structure
Substation Equipment on a Wood Structure
Power Transformers and Potential Transformers
The equipment grounding connections are to be separate from the system or neutral
grounding connection. Power transformer tanks due to have two grounding connections.
Cooler banks, control kiosks, and other such equipment associated with power transformers
are to have separate grounding connections.
Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers with separate pole construction are to have a separate grounding connection
to each pole. Operating mechanisms are to have a separate connection unless the mechanism
is integral to the breaker.
29
Electrical
Transmission Substations (Cont'd)

Disconnects
A metallic platform is to be provided for the operator of a disconnecting switch. This

platform is to be bonded with 120 mm2 (No. 4/0 AWG) stranded copper to the operating
handle or the crank of this disconnect. The operating mechanism shall be directly connected
to the grounding system by means of 120 mm2 (No. 4/0 AWG) stranded copper, and the
platform shall have no direct connection to the ground system. These connections ensure that
a direct path for fault current from the operating handle to the ground will enable current to
avoid the operator's platform.
Lightning Arresters
The grounding terminals of lightning arrestors shall be directly connected to the ground grid
or ground bus with a minimum of bends. The grounding conductor shall be of a size
appropriate to the other equipment on the same system, and the conductor shall not be run
through any conduit or metal enclosure. The grounding conductor is to have no 90 degree
bends and is to be as short as possible to the ground grid.
Substation Equipment on a Steel Structure
Provided that the structure is grounded, disconnects (but not the operating mechanisms) and
insulator anchorages on steel structures can use the steel structure itself for grounding. Each
leg of the steel structure shall be grounded at a point near the structure base with a conductor
appropriate to the equipment mounted on the structure. All other equipment on the steel
structures shall have separate grounding conductors. The conductors shall be supported at 0.9
m (3 ft) intervals through the use of clamps.
Substation Equipment on a Wood Structure
All electrical equipment (e.g., transformers, disconnects, insulated anchorages) and the steel
associated with the electrical equipment (e.g., steel platforms and cross-arms) are to be
grounded to the same standard as other equivalent electrical equipment in the substation.
30
Electrical
Transmission Lines
transmission lines:
_
The continuation of the transmission line's overhead ground wires

across the substation protects transmission line substations against direct
lightning strikes. These overhead ground wires can be supplemented
with earth masts, peaks, heights or shielding angles.
The overhead ground wires that are terminated on a substation steel

structure must be jointed through use of a bi-metal connector to an
equivalent cross section copper conductor that is connected to the
grounding grid or bus.
The grounding downlead of wood pole structures that are inside

substations, that are in the immediate vicinity of substations, or that are
within plant areas having a ground grid must be connected (by buried
conductor) to the ground grid. The pole butt wrapping must be retained
on these structures.
SAES-P-111 and SADP-P-111 establish the following grounding requirements for overhead
distribution:
_
At transformer locations, where a system ground (600V or below) is

established, the connections linking transformer neutral, system neutral
conductor, transformer tank(s) and any system disconnecting devices
must be sized in accordance with Sections 1 and 2 of Work Aid 2. The
downlead must also be of the same size if connected to an extensive
ground grid or bus. If the downlead connects solely to a local, made
ground, an 8 mm (5/16 in) copperweld, 8 foot ground rod(s) must be
used.
At other locations, and at all other voltages, the equipment and the metal
hardware must be grounded through use of a minimum 25 mm2 (No. 4
AWG) conductor or of an 8 mm (5/16 in) copperweld ground rod.
Downleads and pole butt wrappings must be 8 mm (5/16 in)
copperweld. Pole downleads within industrial plant areas having a
ground grid must be connected to the ground grid with a conductor
whose minimum size is 25 mm2 (No. 4 AWG).
31
Electrical
Overhead Distribution (Cont'd)

_
PVC insulated grounding conductor must be used for downleads.
Disconnects that are rated above 600 V, that are operated from a
mechanism at ground level, and that are located in plant areas where a
ground grid exists are to be treated as disconnects in a transmission
substation.

SAES-P-111 and SADP-P-111 establish the following grounding requirements for industrial
plant areas:
_
Grounding conductors must be installed such that a metallic grounding

connection must exist from all equipment to the neutrals of all systems
local to the plant area.
Equipment above 600V must be connected to the ground grid when a

ground grid is provided. When a ground grid is not provided, the
equipment above 600V must be connected to the system neutral by
methods that conform to NEC Articles 250-57 and 250-91 (b).
For grounding equipment 600V and below, the Distribution and

Utilization Equipment guidelines are to be used.
Where a transmission voltage substation is located within or adjoining

an industrial plant area, a ground grid must be established in the plant
area. This grid must consist of sufficient conductors to pick up the
equipment grounds. The ground grid must be designed in conjunction
with the transmission voltage substation ground grid. All pipelines
entering and exiting vital facilities are to be buried 18 m on either side
of the security fence.
The equipment grounding conductor that is run with or that encloses the circuit conductors
must be a copper conductor or other corrosion-resistant conductor. This conductor can be
solid or stranded; insulated, covered, or bare; and in the form of a wire or a busbar.
32
Electrical
Distribution and Utilization Equipment

distribution and utilization equipment:
_
A multiple grounded neutral system (whether cabled or overhead) is to

be used in residential and non-industrial locations. The neutral
conductor is taken to all locations on the system and is grounded at
points of utilization. In overhead systems, the neutral conductor is also
grounded at each pole. Grounding at points of utilization must be in
accordance with the National Electrical Code, Article 250-H, Grounding
Electrodes, except that the water piping must not constitute the
grounding electrode, but it is to be bonded to the grounding electrode.
Equipment at points of utilization is to be grounded by connection to the
multiple grounded neutral and the local electrode.
A single-point grounded neutral system is to be used in industrial plants

where cabling will normally predominate. The neutral is to be grounded
at the transformer only and cannot be brought out for system use.
Utilization equipment is to be grounded by a metallic connection to the

system neutral and to the ground grid or ground bus. The grounding
connection is to conform to Articles 250-57 and 250-91 (b) of the
National Electrical Code.
The ground loop impedance of the circuit that is formed by the line conductor from the power
source to the equipment and by the grounding path from the equipment back to the power
source neutral must be low enough to allow sufficient fault current to pass to operate the
protection device. The following equation should be satisfied:
33
Electrical
Distribution and Utilization Equipment (Cont'd)

where: Zgl
ground loop impedance, ohms
line to neutral voltage, V
current rating of fuse or trip setting of overcurrent device,
constant, 3 for fuses, 1.5 for other overcurrent devices
Difficulties in attaining an adequately low value of Zgl are unlikely to arise but can occur at
low voltages/high ratings.
Residential occupancies must have ground-fault circuit protection for all 115V, 15A, and 20A
receptacle outlets or feeders supplying the outlets that are installed outside or in bathrooms.
Construction sites are to have ground-fault circuit protection for all 115V, 15A, and 20A
receptacle outlets or feeders supplying the outlets that are not part of the permanent wiring.
Conduit is not to be the sole means of grounding equipment, except for overhead lighting
within buildings that are installed with rigid conduit.
A bonding jumper is to be installed at flush-mounted, grounding-type receptacles to connect
the receptacle grounding terminal and the box. Reliance is not to be placed upon contact
devices or yokes to provide the connection (exception 2 of NEC, Article 250-74 is excluded).
Lighting fixture outlet boxes are to be grounded and a bonding jumper is to be installed to
connect the fixture to the box.
34
Electrical
Cable Sheaths
SAES-P-111 and SADP-P-111 establish the following grounding requirements for cable
sheaths:
_
The lead sheaths, the shields, and the armor of multi-conductor power
cable must be bonded and grounded at both ends. The continuity at
splices is to be assured by bonding across the splice. Steel wire armor is
to be bonded and grounded at both ends but must not constitute a
grounding conductor.
The metallic sheath and the armor, if any, of single core power cables
below 240 mm2 (500 MCM) is to be bonded and grounded at both
ends. At 240 mm2 (500 MCM) and above, short lengths (such as road
crossings and line terminations into substations) are to be treated
similarly.
Terminators for aluminum sheathed cable are to be the positive

grounding type, with positive ground set screws. OZ type terminators
(SPKHK/SPKGK or similar) are to be specified for use with aluminum
sheathed cable.
Signal cables used in instrumentation, telemetering, and

communications are to have shields that are grounded only at one end to
reduce the interference from stray sources.
Fences
SAES-P-111 and SADP-P-111 establish the following grounding requirements for fences:
_
For transmission substation fences, the peripheral conductor of the

ground grid is to be run 0.6 m to 1 m (2 to 3 ft) outside the fence and
parallel to the fence. The fence is to be bonded to the peripheral
conductor at maximum intervals of 6 m (20 ft) with a minimum of size
70 mm2 (No. 2/0 AWG) conductors.
For industrial plant area fences where a ground grid is installed, a

peripheral conductor is to be run 0.6 m to 1 m (2 to 3 ft) outside of and
parallel to the fence. In cases where a common boundary exists
between a transmission substation and an industrial plant, the fence is to
be run 0.6 m to 1 m (2 ft to 3 ft) inside the industrial plant fence. The
fence is to be bonded to the peripheral conductor at maximum intervals
of 15 m (50 ft) with a minimum of size 35 mm2 (No. 2 AWG)
conductors.
35
Electrical
Fences (Cont'd)
_
For distribution substation fences (13.8 kV and below), the peripheral

conductor is to be run 0.6 m to 1 m (2 ft to 3 ft) outside of and parallel
to the fence. The fence is to be bonded to the peripheral conductor at
maximum intervals of 15 m (50 ft) with a minimum of size 35 mm2
(No. 2 AWG) conductors.
Instruments, Meters, Relays and Instrument Transformers

The grounding requirements for instruments, meters, relays, and instrument transformers are
found in SAES-P-111, SADP-P-111, NEC Articles 250-121, 122, 123, 124, 125 and SAES-J31. These requirements are summarized as follows:
_
Secondary circuits of current transformers (CT) and potential

transformers (PT) are to be grounded when the primary windings are
connected to circuits that have a potential of 300 volts or more to
ground. CT's or PT's mounted on switchboards are to be grounded
irrespective of the voltage.
The cases or the frames of instrument transformers that are accessible

are to be grounded.
Instruments, meters, and relays operating with windings or working

parts that are energized by voltages less than 1000 volts are to be
grounded as follows:
Instruments, meters, and relays that are not located on switchboards,

that operate with windings or working parts at 300 volts or more to
ground, and that are accessible are to have the cases and the other
exposed metal parts grounded.
Instruments, meters, and relays (whether operated from current and

potential transformers or connected directly in the circuit) on
switchboards that do not have live parts on the front of the panels are to
have the cases grounded.
The grounding conductor for the secondary circuits of instrument

transformers and for the instrument cases are not to be smaller than No.
12 copper or No. 10 aluminum. The cases of instrument transformers,
instruments, meters, and relays that are mounted directly on the
grounded metal surfaces of enclosures or grounded metal switchboard
panels are to be considered to be grounded. Additional grounding
conductors are not required.
36
Electrical
Example of Stationary Equipment Grounding

Assume that a new installation of an electrical motor is being planned and that the grounding
requirements have not yet been determined. The motor is a 250 HP, 480 volt, three-phase
motor. The full load current of the motor is 350A, and motor protection is provided through a
500A inverse-time circuit breaker. This information can be used to determine that two
grounding conductors are required because the motor is at 250 HP. NEC Article 250-95A can
be used to determine that the grounding conductors must be at least a No. 2 AWG copper
cable. One of the grounding conductors should be connected directly from the motor to the
plant's grid. The other grounding conductor should be run with the motor's power conductors
from the motor to the motor's power source transformer, and then to the grid.
37
Electrical
DETERMINING THE MOBILE EQUIPMENT GROUNDING REQUIREMENTS FOR

SAUDI ARAMCO ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS
Mobile equipment is defined as equipment mounted on wheels, treads, or other such devices
that can easily be relocated.
The following Saudi Aramco Standards and NEC Sections provide guidance for grounding
portable equipment:
_
Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards SAES-P-111
Saudi Aramco Design Practice SADP-P-111
NEC Section 250-6 covers portable generators and vehicle-mounted

generators.
NEC Section 250-154 covers the special requirements for grounding of

high voltage (1 kV and above) portable or mobile equipment. This
section applies to outdoor equipment such as power shovels, drag lines,
or dredges.
NEC Section 400-C applies to multiconductor portable cables that are

used to connect mobile equipment and machinery.
NEC Article 515 provides information on electrical and grounding

safety in bulk storage plants. Bulk storage plants are locations where
flammable liquids are received by tank vessel, tank car, or tank vehicle.
NEC Section 550-4(a) covers mobile homes that are not intended as
dwelling units. A particular application of this Article would be
electrical installations at construction sites where trailers are required.
38
Electrical
DETERMINING MOBILE EQUIPMENT GROUNDING REQUIREMENTS FOR

SAUDI ARAMCO ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS (CONT'D)
SADP-P-111 contains the following sections on the grounding of mobile equipment:
_
_

Portable Equipment

The grounding requirements for Cranes and Mechanical Handling Equipment are found in
SAES-P-111 and SADP-P-111 as follows:
_
The grounding practices should avoid the passage of ground currents

(either ground fault or arc welding return currents) through the bearing
surfaces at the wheels and the pivot points. The grounding practice
should also avoid the reliance on travelling crane rails for grounding.
A grounding conductor within the trailing cable serving the crane or a

trolley wire for grounding is the preferred method of grounding.
Portable Equipment
The following grounding requirements for Portable Equipment are found in SAES-P-111 and
SADP-P-111:
_
Portable equipment includes electrical equipment that can be

manhandled and vehicle and skid-mounted equipment.
Complete
electrical systems such as mobile flood-lighting plants, specialized
vehicles, and other such vehicles that are confined to one vehicle,
enclosure, or frame are excluded from consideration. Grounding to the
earth may also be required to prevent static charges.
The following articles of the NEC apply to portable equipment having
electrical power connections:
250-6 Portable and Vehicle Mounted Generators

250-45Equipment Connected by Cord and Plug
39
Electrical
Portable Equipment (Cont'd)

250-59
Cord - and Plug - Connected Equipment
250-154
Grounding of systems supplying portable equipment (1 kV and

over)
All portable equipment requires grounding except for certain low

voltage or double insulated items.
Portable equipment, 600V and below:
A metallic connection must exist from all equipment to the

system neutral. The grounding connection from the portable
equipment will usually consist of a grounding conductor run
with the power supply conductors in a cable assembly or flexible
cord. Vehicle and skid-mounted equipment that is installed at a
location that has a suitable accessible grounding conductor must
have a temporary grounding connection placed between the
equipment and the existing grounding conductor. This ground is
in addition to any grounding conductor running with the power
supply cables.
Portable equipment, above 600 V:
The requirements of Section 250-154 of the National Electrical

Code apply for utilization equipment. These requirements
include the following:
An impedance grounded supply system.
Equipment grounding connection to the system neutral

grounding point.
Ground fault protection and monitoring of the continuity of the

System grounding electrodes must be separated from any other

electrodes by a minimum distance of 6 m (20 ft).
40
Electrical
Portable Equipment (Cont'd)

-
When the requirements of Section 250-154 cannot be satisfied, the

equipment must be immobilized and grounded in the same function as
the equivalent stationary equipment.
Generation and distribution equipment must be immobilized and

grounded in the same fashion as equivalent stationary equipment.
All portable equipment grounded in the same fashion as equivalent

stationary equipment must have a minimum of two grounding
conductors in parallel between the equipment and the ground grid,
ground bus, or other grounding electrode. These conductors must be
physically separated and either removed from or protected from sources
of mechanical damage.
Example of Mobile Equipment Grounding

Assume that a mobile diesel generator has been purchased and that the grounding
requirements for the mobile diesel generator must be established. The unit is mounted on a
truck and can produce 200 kW of electrical power at an output of 277/480V, three-phase.
The frame of this vehicle can serve as the grounding electrode if the following conditions are
in place:
_
The frame of the generator is bonded to the vehicle frame.
The noncurrent-carrying metal parts of the equipment and the

equipment grounding conductor terminals of the receptacles are bonded
to the generator frames.
The system complies with all other provisions of NEC Article 250.
41
Electrical
DETERMINING THE BUILDING AND STRUCTURE GROUNDING

REQUIREMENTS FOR SAUDI ARAMCO INSTALLATIONS
The following is a list of applicable codes and standards that apply to Saudi Aramco buildings
and structures:
SAES-P-111
Grounding
SADP-P-111
Grounding
AA-036572
Switch
Drawing, "Grounding Arrangement for 115 kV Disconnect

Structure"
AB-036562
Drawing, "Standard Switch Operating Platform"
SAES-O-101
Standard Security Fence
SAES-P-100
Basic Criteria
SAES-P-119
Substations
SAES-T Series
Communications Standards
IEEE 80
Guide for Safety in Alternating-Current Substation Grounding
IEEE 81
Guide for Measuring Earth Resistivity, Ground Impedance, and

Earth Surface Potentials of a Ground System
IEEE 142
Recommended Practice for Grounding of Industrial and

Commercial Power Systems
IEEE 367
Guide for Determining the Maximum Electric Power Station

Ground Potential Rise and Induced Voltage from a Power Fault
NFPA 76A
Essential Electrical Systems for Health Care Facilities
NFPA 76B
Electricity in Patient Care Areas of Hospitals
NFPA 78
Lightning Protection Code
42
Electrical
DETERMINING
THE
BUILDING
AND
STRUCTURE
GROUNDING
REQUIREMENTS FOR SAUDI ARAMCO INSTALLATIONS (CONT'D)
This section will familiarize the Participants with the application of the basic safety codes to
different facilities. This section includes the more important aspects of safety grounding for
the following types of buildings and structures:
_
_
_
_
Residential Building
Industrial Building
Manned Structures
Unmanned Structures
Residential Building
Grounding for residential buildings starts with the system grounding at the service
disconnect(s). Ground wires are then run from the main service panel, with the power
conductors, to the equipment or the electrical outlets. System grounding is normally
accomplished through connection of the grounded conductor and the grounding conductor to
the grounding electrode conductor. In the case of small residential buildings, the grounding
electrode conductor often consists of underground metal piping and building steel. Ground
loops for grids are seldom required for residential buildings.
Industrial Building
An industrial building is a facility in which products are manufactured or stored.
Industrial buildings are usually part of a complex with large power requirements. Substation
grid grounding, building ground loops, and an extensive system of ground conductors that tie
all necessary items back to their respective power source are used.
Manned Structures
Manned structures are facilities that are occupied during normal business hours or on a 24hour basis.
Manned structures are grounded in the same manner as industrial buildings.
Unmanned Structures
An unmanned structure is a building that is not occupied during normal business hours.
Examples of unmanned structures are pumping stations and water treatment plants. The same
grounding rules apply to unmanned structures and to manned structures.
43
Electrical
DETERMINING THE LIGHTNING PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR SAUDI

ARAMCO INSTALLATIONS
This section will familiarize the Engineer with the hazards to life and to equipment that are
created by lightning, as well as the grounding methods used at Saudi Aramco to reduce the
dangers. This section includes the following information:
_
_
_
_
Nature of Lightning
Equipment and Structures to be Considered
Requirements for Good Protection
Practices for Lightning Protection
Nature of Lightning
Lightning is the discharge of high-potential cells (usually negative) between clouds or from a
cloud to the earth. These charged cells normally attract the charges of opposite polarity on
the surface of the earth or on high objects. When the charge reaches a critical level (when the
air insulation between the cloud and the earth breaks down), the charge develops a stepped
ionized path, resulting in a high current discharge (stroke) that neutralizes the cloud charge
and earth charge. The discharge current increases from zero to a maximum in 1 to 10 _s, then
declines to half the peak value in 20 to 1000 _s. This discharge can be repeated one or more
times over the same path, in rapid succession, because of the recharging in the cloud. The
average peak stroke current is about 20,000 A, although some peak stroke currents are as
great as 27,000 A.
SAES-P-111 assists the Electrical Engineer in deciding when to protect or when not to protect
a building or structure from lightning. Specifically, SAES-P-111 provides information on
how to determine the "Risk Index."
The Risk Index Tables are in Work Aid 6. Each table has a list of conditions. The Electrical
Engineer selects the condition that is correct for the building or structure that is being
considered for lightning protection and then records the risk figure for that condition. Once
the risk figure for all seven tables has been determined, the Electrical Engineer sums the
seven risk figures. The total is known as the Risk Index. If the Risk Index is 40 or greater,
lightning protection must be provided.
44
Electrical
DETERMINING THE LIGHTNING PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR SAUDI

ARAMCO INSTALLATIONS (CONT'D)
The seven tables provided in Work Aid 6 are as follows:
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
Table 1 - Usage of Structure

Table 2 - Type of Construction
Table 3 - Contents of Structure
Table 4 - Degree of Isolation
Table 5 - Type of County
Table 6 - Height of Structure
Table 7 - Lightning Prevalence
Equipment and Structures to be Considered

The following buildings and structures should always be provided with a satisfactory
lightning protective system:
_
Buildings and structures over 30 m (100 ft) in height.
Schools
Hospitals
Buildings and structures where the "Risk Index" is 40 or greater.
Equipment and structures can be separated into five classifications according to the need for
lightning protection. These classifications are listed in IEEE Standard 142 and are as follows:
_
_
_
_
_
First Class
Second Class
Third Class
Fourth Class
Fifth Class
First Class
First class equipment and structures need very little or no additional protection. This class
includes the following:
45
Electrical
Equipment and Structures to be Considered (Cont'd)

_
All metal structures except tanks or other enclosures of flammable

materials.
Water tanks, silos, and similar structures that are largely constructed of
metal.
Flagpoles made of conductive material.
The only real requirement for this class is to connect the equipment or structure to a suitable
grounding electrode.
A typical Saudi Aramco example of first class equipment or structure would be a water tank.
Second Class
Second class equipment and structures consist of buildings with conducting surfaces and nonconducting framework, such as metal-roofed and metal-clad buildings. This class requires the
addition of down conductors to connect the exterior roof and cladding to suitable grounding
electrodes.
A typical Saudi Aramco example of a second class structure would be a chemical storage
building.
Third Class
Third class equipment and structures consist of metal-framed buildings with nonconducting
facings. These buildings need the addition of conducting air terminals that are suitably
located and connected to the frame. The conducting air terminals must project beyond and
above the facing in order to act as the lightning terminal points and to thus eliminate the
potential of a puncture of the facing.
Chemical processes are often housed in this type of structure and are an example of the third
class structures at Saudi Aramco.
Fourth Class
Fourth class equipment and structures consist of non-metallic structures, either framing or
facing. These structures require extensive protection treatment. The following are examples
of fourth class structures:
46
Electrical
Equipment and Structures to be Considered (Cont'd)

_
Buildings that are constructed of wood, stone, brick, tile, or other

nonconducting materials and that are without metal reinforcing
members.
High stacks and chimneys. Even with reinforcing members, these

stacks and chimneys should have full lightning protection treatment of
air terminals, down conductors, and grounding electrodes.
An example of this class at Saudi Aramco includes the stacks for boilers.
Fifth Class
Fifth class equipment and structures consist of items of high risk or loss consequences that
normally receive full lightning protection treatment, including air terminals or diverters, down
conductors, and grounding electrodes. This class includes the following:
_
Buildings of great aesthetic, historical, or intrinsic value.
Buildings containing readily combustible or explosive materials.
Structures containing substances that would be dangerous if released by

the effects of a lightning stroke.
Tanks and tank farms.
Power plants and water pumping stations.
Transmission lines.
ower stations and substations.
There are many examples of this class at Saudi Aramco.
47
Electrical
Requirements for Good Protection

Direct lightning protection (lightning protection systems) consists of placement of air
terminals at the top perimeter of the structure to be protected, and connection of the air
terminals by adequate down conductors to the grounding electrodes (earth). The down
conductor should not include any high-resistance or high-reactance portions or connections
and should present the least possible impedance to earth without sharp bends or loops. Steelframed structures, which are adequately grounded, meet these requirements with only the
provision for terminating the stroke on a metallic air terminal. The metallic air terminal is
connected to the frame structure, to avoid the possibility of puncturing any roofing or siding
to reach the frame. In the absence of a steel framework, a down conductor providing at least
two paths to earth for a lightning strike to any air terminal is generally adequate.
Air terminals that are attached to the structure itself are pointed solid rods or pipes at least 10
inches (0.25m) long to possibly 2 feet (0.61m) long. On building edges, 10 inches (0.25m)
terminals should not be separated by more than 20 feet (6.1m), and 2 ft. (0.61m) terminals
should not be separated by more than 25 feet. (7.6m). Fifty feet (15.2m) of spacing will
suffice within the periphery.
At least two down conductors should be provided on all structures; only one down conductor
is needed for masts, spires, and flagpoles. The greater the number of down conductors and
grounding electrodes, the lower the voltage that will be developed within the protection
system, and the better the protection. Every down conductor must be connected, at its base,
to an earthing or grounding electrode. This grounding electrode should be within 2 feet
(0.61m) of the base of the building and should extend below the building foundation, if
possible.
Interior metal parts of a non-metal-framed building within 6 feet (1.83m) of a down conductor
should be connected to the down conductor. Exterior emergency ladders should also be
bonded to the nearest down conductor. On a flat-top building protected by air terminals, all
metallic parts and equipment that are projecting higher than the air terminals (such as airconditioning equipment) should be bonded to the lightning protection system. For high-rise
buildings and towers, an equalizing horizontal bonding loop should be installed
approximately every 100 feet (30m).
48
Electrical
Requirements for Good Protection (Cont'd)

Component Parts of a Lightning Protection System
SAES-P-111 and SADP-P-111 provide detailed information on the components of a lightning

protection system. The principle components of the lightning protection system are as
follows:
_
_
_
_
Air Terminals
Down Conductors
Joints and Bonds
Ground Terminations
Air Terminals - NFPA 78 contains detailed information on air terminal design and
support. No part of a flat or gently sloping roof on structures is to be more than 7.5 m
(25 ft) from the nearest horizontal conductor.
Down Conductors - Two or more down conductors must be provided on most kinds of
structures. One down conductor is permitted for flag poles, masts, spires or similar
structures. The total number of down conductors on structures having a flat or gently
sloping roof, and on irregular shaped structures are to be such that the average distance
between the down conductors does not exceed 30 m (100 ft).
The bend in a conductor that embraces a portion of a building, such as an eave, must
have a radius that is greater than 200 mm (8 in). The angle of any turn must not
exceed 90o, and the conductors must preserve a downward or horizontal course.
Enforcing rods that are butt-welded together are acceptable as down conductors, but
reinforcing rods that are overlapped and bound with tye-wire are not acceptable as
down conductors.
Down conductors should be installed within the building or the structure to avoid the
potential "removal for gain" that can occur with external copper conductors. In order
to prevent lightning from "jumping" off the down conductor and to the conduit, down
conductors must not be installed inside a metallic conduit.
Joints and Bonds - Joints and bonds must be made to the same standard as required for
electrical installations.
49
Electrical
Requirements for Good Protection (Cont'd)

Grounding Terminations - The earth resistance of all lightning protection grounding
terminations must be tested through use of an earth tester that is to be clamped to any
convenient part of the lightning protective system. The combined resistance to earth
of the whole of the lightning protection system must be as low as economically
possible but must not exceed 25 ohms. Other grounds, such as substation grids or
consumer grounding, must be bonded to the lightning protection grounds. The intent
of the grounding is to minimize the risk that is due to differential voltages that could
cause hazards to personnel or "sideflash" possibilities. Reinforcing rods in reinforced
concrete foundations are not required to be bonded to the ground termination.
Practices for Lightning Protection
IEEE Standard 142, Section 3.3.4 provides the practices for lightning protection.
information is divided into the following seven (7) sections:
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
This
General
Tanks and Tank Farms
Non-Conducting Heavy-Duty Stacks
Steeples
High Masts
Power Stations and Substations
Communication Towers
General
Buildings and structures involving hazardous liquids, gases, or explosives require additional
protection. In these buildings and structures, the object of the additional protection is to keep
the current away from the structure without use of the building's metal skin or the framework
as a down conductor. A separate diverter protection system is employed for these buildings
and structures (e.g., tanks, tank farms, and explosive manufacture and storage).
50
Electrical
Practices for Lightning Protection (Cont'd)

The diverter element consists of one or more masts, or one or more elevated wires (between
masts or poles), that meet the requirements of lightning protection. The masts or poles are
normally at least 10 feet (3m) from any part of the structure to be protected. Similarly,
elevated wires that are above the structure must remain not less than 10 feet (3m) above the
structure. Metal masts can act as grounding conductors. Wood poles should have an air
terminal securely mounted to the top of the pole. Copper or copper-weld conductor should be
provided along the pole as a grounding conductor. The guy wires for an elevated wire span
can be designed to serve as grounding conductors. Suitable earthing electrodes are necessary,
as with all other types of grounding conductors.
Tanks and Tank Farms
Provided that the base of the tank is adequately grounded, a tank that contains flammable
liquids or gases does not always need to be protected against lightning. Direct lightning
strikes to the tank top or walls are permitted as long as the steel is thicker than 3/16 inches
(0.476cm). These strikes are allowed because there is little danger of the lightning strikes
puncturing the tank. Steel tanks with steel roofs and floating metal roofs are generally
considered to be self-protecting. Tanks with nonmetallic roofs are not self-protecting and
should be protected with air terminals, conducting masts, or elevated ground wires. In all
cases, joints and piping connections should be electrically continuous. All vapor or gas
openings should be closed or flame-proof. The possibility of a direct strike to the vicinity of a
vent or leak is eliminated by an air terminal of suitable length.
Refer to the Addendum, Saudi Aramco Drawing AB-036387, for grounding of floating tanks.
Non-Conduction Heavy-Duty Stacks
Heavy-duty stacks (including stacks in petroleum and in chemical plants) require air terminals
that are connected to a loop conductor around the top of the stack and at least two down
conductors that are connected to grounding electrodes at the base of the stack. Air terminals
should be made of solid copper or stainless steel and should be uniformly distributed around
the top of cylindrical stacks, at intervals not exceeding 8 feet (2.44m). On square or
rectangular stacks, air terminals should be located not more than 2 feet (0.61m) from the
corners and should be spaced not more than 8 feet (2.44m) apart around the perimeter.
51
Electrical

The length of the terminals for nonflammable stack gas may be as little as 18 inches (0.46m).
The length of the air terminals for ventilating stacks that emit explosive gas or dust should be
not less than 5 feet (1.52m). The length of the air terminal where the gas or dust is explosive
and under forced draft should be not less than 15 feet (4.57m). Also, the terminals should be
tilted outward at 30o from the vertical. When the effluent is corrosive, as in flue gas, a 1/16
inch (1.6mm) thick lead coating on the air terminal is required. The loop is also kept below
the top of the stack.
Steeples
Steeples are similar to stacks except that they are sharp peaked and thus require only one air
terminal. This one air terminal should project far enough above the top ornamentation to
meet the requirements of lightning protection. Otherwise, multiple air terminals or a
multipointed terminal should be used to provide equivalent protection. Steeples are
frequently framed with wood, not metal, so adequate down conductors are a basic
requirement.
High Masts
Equipment on the sides of very high masts, such as television or FM antennas, can be
protected from direct stroke damage through the addition of lateral spikes or thorns projecting
outward from the sides of the mast. At heights above the critical radius of 100 or 200 feet (30
or 60m), spikes in a horizontal or near horizontal position with suitable spacing will cause
strokes coming from the side to terminate on the spikes rather than on the mast itself. This
practice will greatly reduce the possibility of damage to electrically fragile components by the
termination of the lightning stroke arc. The number of spikes around the mast (three, four,
five, or six), the length of the spikes, the vertical spacing along the mast need to be
determined for optimum economics, and in accordance with the principles of lightning
protection. When masts are installed on top of a building, the bottom of the mast structure
must be bonded to the building grounding network at a minimum of two points.
Power Stations and Substations
While transmission-line protection against lightning is an inherent part of the design and is
well documented, the protection of stations and substations has received little attention.
Lower stations and substations require protection from direct strokes. Masts or overhead
wires (or both) can be used to ground lower stations and substations to the grounding network
of the power station or substation.
52
Electrical

Protection of the attached overhead lines by means of an overhead grounded conductor or
diverter (static wire) for 2000 feet (610m) away from the station or substation is
recommended to preclude direct strokes on this section of the line and to reduce the duty on
the station surge arresters. The spacing of this overhead grounded conductor or diverter and
the associated down conductors from the phase conductors must not be less than the basic
impulse insulation level of the lightning protection system. Otherwise, side flashes to the
phase conductors will occur and cause unnecessary outages. The installation of overhead
grounded conductors is not practical unless the attached overhead lines are 66 kV or above.
Communication Towers
SAES-P-111 and SADP-P-111 provide the following specific information on lightning

protection for communication towers:
_
Communication towers must be grounded by two 35 mm2 (No. 2

AWG) conductors from points on diagonally opposite tower legs.
These conductors are to run as directly as possible, but preferably by
separate routes, to the ground grid or other grounding electrode.
Towers at transmission substations or industrial complexes are to

located within the resistance area of the installation either by proximity
or by suitable configuration of the buried grounding conductors.
Towers in remote locations will require a grounding electrode. This

electrode is not to exceed 2 ohms of ground resistance. Ground rods
will suffice in areas of low soil resistivity; otherwise, a ground grid is to
be installed. Unless a power system that utilizes the ground grid
requires a larger conductor, a 35 mm2 (No. 2 AWG) conductor is to be
used for the grid.
53
Electrical
DETERMINING THE STATIC GROUNDING REQUIREMENTS FOR SAUDI

ARAMCO INSTALLATIONS
This section will discuss the hazards that static electricity can create and the methods that are
available to eliminate these hazards. Specifically, the following topics will be discussed:
_
_
_
Causes of Static Electricity

Conditions for Buildup of Static Electricity
Hazards of Static Electricity and Control in Various Areas
Causes of Static Electricity

Static electricity is generated by the movement of electrons that occur when unlike materials
are in contact with each other and are then separated. When two unlike materials are in
intimate contact, electrons from one material move across the interface to the surface of the
other material. The protons remain on the original material. When the materials are
separated, electrical charges are produced on the materials.
If the two materials are good conductors, the excess electrons will easily flow back to the
material with the positive charge, and there will not be a static electricity discharge. But, if
either or both of the materials are insulators and are not grounded, some of the excess
electrons will be entrapped when the separation occurs, and the materials will be charged with
static electricity.
The potential of the static electrical charge is related directly to the amount of charge that is
deposited on the material and is inversely proportional to the capacitance of this material.
The relationship is expressed by the following equation:
where:
V
Q
C
=
=
=
potential, in Volts
charge
capacitance in farads
54
Electrical
Causes of Static Electricity (Cont'd)

The developed potential can continue to grow if there is continuous charge generation. At
some voltage level, the leakage current will equal the rate at which the charge is being
generated, and a stabilized condition will be reached. If the sparking potential is reached,
sparking will occur.
Static electricity can be generated in the following situations:
_
Pulverized materials passing through chutes or pneumatic conveyors.
Belt drives that use belts of non-conductive material.
Gas, steam, or air flowing through an opening.
Motion that involves changes in the relative position of contacting

surfaces.
The human body in a low-humidity area. This generation can occur as a

result of the contact of shoes with floor coverings or by personnel
working near machinery that generates static electricity.
Conditions for Buildup of Static Electricity

The possibility that static electricity will be produced and the rate at which static electricity
will be produced depends on the following:
_
_
_
_
_
Material Characteristics
Speed of Separation
Area in Contact
Effect of Motion Between Substances
Atmospheric Conditions
Material Characteristics
One of the materials or substances must have a higher insulating property than the other
material or substance to generate static electricity. The amount of static electricity that exists
between two materials will be proportional to the difference between the dielectric constants
of the materials.
55
Electrical
Conditions for Buildup of Static Electricity (Cont'd)

Speed of Separation
As the speed of separation of two substances is increased, the potential of the static electricity
is increased.
Area in Contact
The area of the contact between the substances has a direct bearing on the amount of static
electricity. A larger contact area allows a greater charge to be transferred from one substance
to the other. As the area in contact increases, the potential of the static electricity increases.
Effect of Motion Between Substances
Static electricity is often thought to be a property of friction. This misunderstanding occurs

because "rubbing" two materials together will cause static electricity. This static electricity
occurs because the seemingly smooth items actually have peaks. When the items are rubbed
together, the area of contact is increased. Increased motion will increase the amount of static
electricity.
Liquids that are sprayed from a nozzle can generate static electricity, and liquids in a tank that
are agitated (stirred) can generate static electricity. These static electrical charges are caused
by the motion of the liquid against the stationary components. Another very good example of
static electricity that is increasing due to motion is a belt and pulley. As the speed of the belt
increases, the amount of static electricity increases.
Atmosphere Conditions
It is well known that humidity conditions are related to the production of static electricity. As
humidity increases, the potential for static electricity decreases; therefore, the hazard of static
electricity increases in an operation that requires controlled low-humidity conditions.
Hazards of Static Electricity and Control in Various Areas
The accumulation of static electricity on equipment, on materials being handled or processed,
and on operating personnel introduces a potentially serious hazard in any area where
flammable liquids, gases, dusts, or fibers are present. The discharge of the static electricity
from an object to ground or to another object can be the cause of a fire or an explosion if the
discharge takes place in the presence of readily flammable materials or combustible vapor and
air mixtures.
56
Electrical
Hazards of Static Electricity and Control in Various Areas (Cont'd)

The following parts of SAES-P-111 and SADP-P-111 provide direction on how to prevent the
buildup of a static electricity charge and the subsequent discharge:
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
Agitators, Stills and Similar Equipment

Belts - Pulleys
Pipelines - Manifolds
Steel Equipment and Process Units
Tank Cars - Loading Racks - Spur Tracks
Tanks - Atmospheric
Tanks - Floating Roof
Tankers and Barges - Marine Facilities
Agitators, Stills and Similar Equipment
The requirements for preventing a static electrical charge from accumulating on agitators,
stills and similar equipment and the subsequent discharge are found in SAES-P-111 and
SADP-P-111, as follows:
_
Vessels resting on earth, rock and oil, concrete, or brick foundations, or

on concrete or steel supports are adequately grounded to prevent the
accumulation of static electricity; no special grounding devices are
required. However, where insulation exists between the vessel and the
supports, grounding must be provided.
Belts-Pulleys
Belts that are made of rubber, leather, or other insulating materials, that are running at
moderate or high speeds, generate considerable quantities of static electricity. Generation
occurs when the belt separates from the pulley. The charges will exist on the pulley
(regardless of whether the pulley is conducting or nonconducting) as well as on the belt.
The requirements for preventing a static electrical charge from accumulating on belts and
pulleys and the subsequent discharge are found in SAES-P-111 and SADP-P-111:
_
If the pulley is made of a conducting material, such as metal, the charge

will be dissipated through the shaft and bearing to ground and offer no
ignition hazard. Where the machinery frame is insulated, or, the
bearings are composed of insulating materials such as nylon, provisions
for bonding and grounding are required.
57
Electrical

_
A conductive belt or a belt made conductive through use of belt

dressings must be used to prevent the accumulation of static charge. The
belt dressings must be renewed frequently to be considered reliable and
effective.
The use of flat belts in hazardous areas must be avoided. The risk of
static ignition from V-belts is negligible.
Static combs are ineffective in draining off the static electrical charge
and should not be used.
Pipelines-Manifolds
The requirements for preventing a static electrical charge from accumulating on pipelinesmanifolds and the subsequent discharge are found in SAES-P-111 and SADP-P-111, as
follows:
_
Permanent bonds between the separate lines in the piping system or

between piping systems must be provided at tank car racks and in
buildings where volatile materials are handled.
Steel Equipment and Process Units
The requirements for preventing a static electrical charge from accumulating on steel
equipment and process units and the subsequent discharge are found in SAES-P-111 and
_
Process equipment, (mainly steel vessels resting on steel or concrete

structures) is required to be adequately grounded to prevent the
accumulation of static charges.
Where electrical devices are installed on process equipment, grounding

must be provided in accordance with SAES-P-111 and NFPA 70
(NEC).
Tank Cars-Loading Racks-Spur Tracks
The requirements for preventing a static electrical charge from accumulating on tank cars,
loading racks and spur tracks and the subsequent discharge are found in SAES-P-111 and
58
Electrical

_
Tank cars are considered to be adequately grounded through the rails to

prevent any hazardous accumulation of static charges on the tank body.
Where a tank car is unloaded or where rack installations are unloaded, a

bond wire must be provided between the nearest rail and fill line or to
the rack structure. A number of fill pipes can be electrically connected,
and a single bond wire from the group can be attached to the rail.
No additional bonding of the tank car is required because the car is

adequately bonded to rails.
To prevent arcing where stray currents are likely to occur, the rails must
be bonded to each other. This bond must be a conductor not smaller
than 25 mm2 (No. 4 AWG), and it must be an adequate ground.
Additional protection against stray currents must be provided through

installation of insulated pipe joints between the loading and unloading
facilities and the connecting yard piping.
If the spur track is connected to a railroad equipped with rail-circuit

signal systems, the spur must be isolated by rail joints that are insulated.
Tanks-Atmospheric
The requirements for prevention of accumulation of a static electrical charge on atmospheric

tanks and for prevention of the subsequent discharge are found in SAES-P-111 and SADP-P111, as follows:
_
The shells of petroleum product storage tanks must be grounded at a

minimum of four points that are spaced equidistantly around the base of
the tank. Each point must be bonded to the area ground grid or to a
ground rod. The resistance between the tank shell and remote earth
must not exceed 10 ohms.
Tanks-Floating Roof
The requirements for prevention of the accumulation of a static electrical charge on tanks with
a floating roof and for prevention of the subsequent discharge are found in SAES-P-111 and
59
Electrical

_
The roof seal must be maintained to provide a tight closure that reduces
the chance of a vapor ignition at the seal. The possibility of vapor
ignition at the seal must be further reduced by the installation of metallic
shunt strips at each pantagraph hangar in the sealing mechanism from
the roof to the tank shell. These metallic shunt strips must be spaced a
maximum of 3m (10 ft.) apart and must be bolted to the sealing ring and
to the roof per Standard Drawing AB-036387, which is located in the
Addendum. The metallic shunt strips and the roof also must be bonded
to the tank shell.
Tankers and Barges - Marine Facilities
The requirements for prevention of accumulation of a static electrical charge on tanks and
barges and for prevention of the subsequent discharge are found in SAES-P-111 and SADPP-111, as follows:
_
Insulated flanges and insulation for gangplanks must be provided at

marine terminals where stray currents can enter a tanker or a barge via
gangplanks or piping as follows:
Leakage from power systems where return circuits through the earth can
cause currents to flow through nearby piping in contact with the earth.
Potentials generated by galvanic action through contact between piping

and certain types of soil.
From cathodic protection systems.
Separated bodies and insulated flanges can become electrostatically

charged when the product flows through the loading arm or hose. Such
flanges must be bonded to the pier and/or ship piping. All metal on the
shore side of the insulating flange must be electrically continuous and
grounded via the dock piping, and all metal on the ship side must be
electrically continuous and grounded via the ship piping.
Where cathodic protection is not provided, and where conductive hoses

or metallic loading arms are used, insulating flanges must be
permanently installed between the loading hose and pier piping. These
insulating flanges will electrically insulate the ship from the pier piping.
60
Electrical

_
Where cathodic protection is provided on submarine loading lines,

insulating flanges must be provided on the shore end of the submarine
lines. At least one joint of the loading hose must be certified by the
manufacturer to be electrically nonconductive. Submarine lines used
for crude or fuel oil cannot accumulate static charges on isolated flanges
due to high electrical conductivity of these oils. Two grounding
connections on separate platform legs must be provided for grounding
barges.
An insulated flange must have an insulated material between the

standard flange faces. Each flange bolt must be encompassed by an
insulating sleeve and must have insulating washers at both ends of the
bolt.
Insulating gaskets, bushings and washers must be of a material that is

electrically nonconductive and nonhygroscopic on all surfaces. Flange
edges must be sealed with a 50 mm (2") wide polyethylene pipe wrap
tape.
Gangplanks must be insulated at the pier end or at the ship end or at

both ends. As an alternative, the gangplank can have an insulating joint
between pier end and ship end. The insulation must be provided
through use of rubber tires, rubber rollers, rubber mat or insulating
joints similar to the method for use with insulating pipe flanges.
61
Electrical
DETERMINING THE GROUNDING REQUIREMENTS FOR SAUDI ARAMCO

OFFSHORE PLATFORMS
An offshore platform is a large structure with a deck-like construction on which the drill rig of
an oil or gas well is erected. This platform is supported by a number of steel jacket legs.
The following mandatory requirements for offshore platform grounding are listed in Saudi
Aramco Engineering Standard SAES-P-111:
_
Two or more of the steel platform legs must be used as the grounding
electrode. Where two or more platforms are connected by walkways,
two insulated grounding conductors must be installed to interconnect
the grounding electrodes between each pair of connected platforms.
A ground bus with a minimum size of 120 sq. mm (4/O AWG) must be
established in the main electrical room or area. Equipment and system
neutral grounds must be connected to this bus by grounding conductors.
This bus must extend to the grounding electrode by two separate
conductors that are each sized to carry the rated bus current.
Exposed grounding conductors must be covered by green PVC.

Exposed connections and terminations must be thoroughly covered with
bitumastic (No. 50 or equal) and then taped.
Grounding conductors must not be installed in conduit except when

necessary to protect the conductor against mechanical damage.
Saudi Aramco Design Standard SADP-P-111 provides the following additional guidelines for
offshore platform grounding:
_
A connection via grounding conductors should exist between all

electrical equipment required to be grounded, all system neutrals, and
the grounding electrode. Ground-fault currents should not rely on the
structure of the platform for a return path.
Conductors should be selected in accordance with SADP-P-111 Chapter

3. A minimum size of 120 sq. mm (No. 4/0 AWG) should be used for
ground bus conductors. All outdoor conductors should be PVC
insulated and colored green (e.g., cable type TW).
62
Electrical
DETERMINING THE GROUNDING REQUIREMENTS FOR SAUDI ARAMCO

OFFSHORE PLATFORMS (CONT'D)
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A ground bus should be established in the main electrical plant room or

area. Equipment and system neutral grounds should be connected to
this ground bus. From this ground bus, additional buses will extend to
the grounding electrode, (the platform steel jacket legs) and to all parts
having electrical equipment.
Upon completion, all grounding conductor connections and

terminations should be thoroughly coated with bitumastic No. 50 or a
product that is equivalent to bitumastic No. 50. Connections in PVC
insulated conductors should then be taped so that the tape overlaps the
point at which the PVC insulation was removed to make the connection.
63
Electrical
DETERMINING THE GROUNDING REQUIREMENTS FOR DIGITAL

EQUIPMENT USED AT SAUDI ARAMCO INSTALLATIONS
This section will cover the grounding of electronic equipment for both safety and the
elimination of electrical noise from the system. The following publications provide
techniques for grounding computers and related equipment in a safe and reliable manner:
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IEEE Paper Number PCIC-91-11

Grounding and Shielding in Facilities, Chapter 6 and 7
IEEE Paper Number PCIC-91-11

This paper discusses the problems that are encountered in the design of grounding systems for
digital systems that meet the requirements given in the National Electrical Code (NEC) and in
the equipment manufacturer's site planning manuals and installation instructions.
Specifically, the paper describes an integrated grounding practice that can be followed by the
equipment manufacturers, the engineering companies, and the construction companies.
The key to grounding digital systems is to minimize, over the range of signal frequencies in
use, the differences in ground potential between components in the system. One of the
primary means of meeting this goal is to provide an integrated grounding system that meets
the requirements of the NEC and that minimizes the noise in the system.
The Addendum contains a copy of IEEE Paper Number PCIC-91-11, which provides a
detailed discussion of the integrated grounding practices for digital systems.
Grounding and Shielding in Facilities Chapter 6 and 7
Chapter 6 of the text "Grounding and Shielding in Facilities" provides details on the following
topics:
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Interference - An Introduction
Energy Storage in Electric Fields
Energy Storage in Magnetic Fields
Signal and Power Transfer
Electrical Power and signal Transport
Poynting's Vector
Reflection of Energy at a Surface
A New Look at Voltage
Fields and Ground Planes
Using Ground Planes
The Measurement of Interference
Passive Filters
64
Electrical
Grounding and Shielding in Facilities Chapter 6 and 7 (Cont'd)

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Power Filter Location

Modes of Interference
Differential Mode Receptacle Filtering
Transient Protection
Equipment Ground Current at Power Frequencies
Conductive Emission Control at Power Frequencies
Conduit and RF Processes
Chapter 7 of "Grounding and Shielding in Facilities" contains detailed information on the

following topics:
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The Search for the Perfect Ground

Shielding and Electric Field
The Transformer in Buildings and Equipment
Common-Mode Shielding in Transformers
Differential-Mode Coupling
High-Frequency Power Filtering
Transformers Again
Computer Floors
Cellular Raised Floor Utilization in a High-Frequency Noise
Environment
Ground Planes
Lightning and Zero Signal Reference Grids and Planes
The Issue of Ground Loops
Power and the Ground Plane
Fields Entering a Facility
Shielded Room Multiple Grounding Problems
LC Filters and Shielded Rooms
Double (Nested) Walled Shielded Rooms
The Magnetic Field Problem
Internal Equipment
Containing Radiation Inside a Screened Room
Fiber Optics and Shielded Rooms
The Role of Skin Effect
Radiation from a Shielded Room
The Aperture Problem in Shielded Rooms
Narrow Apertures and Arrays
Anechoic Shielded Rooms
Shielded Buildings
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
The ESD Process
ESD Best Practices
65
Electrical
ESD Tests
66
Electrical
WORK AID 1: SAUDI ARAMCO AND INDUSTRY STANDARDS APPLICABLE

TO EQUIPMENT GROUNDING
Saudi Aramco Engineering Standard
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SAES-P-111 : Grounding
Saudi Aramco Design Practice

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SADP-P-1111 : Grounding
IEEE Standards
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IEEE STD 80-1986 : IEEE Guide for Safety in AC Substation
Grounding
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IEEE STD 142-1982 : IEEE Recommended Practice for Grounding of

Industrial and Commercial Power Systems.
National Electrical Code

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Article 250
67
Electrical
WORK AID 2:
FORMULA AND TABLE OF WIRE SIZES AND AMPACITY
Section 1
Procedure, Table and Formula for Determining the Size of Copper Grounding Conductors for
Equipment Connected Directly to the LV Side of a Transformer Without an Intervening
Protection Device, for Systems Rated 600V and Below.
1.
Obtain the kVA rating of the power source transformer whose secondary is directly
connected to the equipment without an intervening protection device, through us of the
transformer nameplate or the following formula:
where:
V
I
=
=
System Voltage
Current
2.
Determine the type of protection (fuses or circuit breaker) provided for the primary
side of the power source transformer. This determination can be made through the use
of personal knowledge of the system, electrical drawings, or a visual inspection.
3.
Determine the size of the copper grounding conductor needed from the table of
Ground Conductor Sizes shown in Figure 14, through the use of the kVA rating
obtained in step 1, and the type of protection determined in step 2.
68
Electrical
Table of Ground Conductor Sizes

Figure 14
Section 2
Procedure and Table for Determining the Size of Equipment Grounding Conductors for
Equipment Beyond the Main Switchboard or the Transformer Output Protection Device, for
Systems Rated 600V and Below.
1.
Determine the rating of the automatic overcurrent protection device in the circuit that
is ahead of the equipment. This determination can be made through the use of
personal knowledge, electrical drawings, or a visual inspection.
2.
Determine the size of the equipment grounding conductor needed from Table 250-95
of the NEC (shown in Figure 15) through use of the automatic overcurrent protection
device rating determined in step 1.
69
Electrical
WORK AID 2 (Cont'd)
Table 250-95
Figure 15
70
Electrical
WORK AID 2 (Cont'd)

Section 3
Table, Formula, and Procedure for Determining Grounding Conductor Sizes in Solidly
Grounded Systems Over 600V.
1.
Determine the three second short-time current capability of the circuit breaker ahead of
the grounding conductors. This determination can be made through use of personal
knowledge, the circuit breaker nameplate, electrical drawing, or the following formula:
Note: The formula must be used in cases where circuit breakers are not installed or where
three second short-time capabilities are not assigned.
2.
Determine the size of the grounding conductor needed from the table of grounding
conductor sizes for solidly grounded systems over 600V (shown in Figure 16) through
use of the three second short-time current capability determined in step 1.
Grounding Conductor Size for Solidly Grounded systems Over 600V

Figure 16
71
Electrical
WORK AID 2 (Cont'd)

Section 4
Table and Procedure for Determining Grounding Conductor Sizes in Impedance Grounded
Systems Over 600V.
1.
Answer the following question to determine the basis for the size of the grounding
conductor in question.
2.
Determine the 10 second current rating of the neutral grounding device or the 10
second current rating of the combined neutral grounding devices for systems with
multiple neutral grounding devices connected in parallel. This determination can be
made through use of personal knowledge, the circuit breaker nameplate, or electrical
drawings.
3.
Determine the size of the grounding conductor needed from the table of grounding
conductor sizes for impedance grounded systems over 600V shown in Figure 17,
through use of the current rating determined in step 2.
72
Electrical
Grounding Conductor Size for Impedance Grounded System Over 600V

Figure 17
73
Electrical
WORK AID 3: FORMULA TO DETERMINE CONDUCTOR SIZE AND

REFERENCES FOR DETERMINING STATIONARY EQUIPMENT
GROUNDING REQUIREMENTS
Use the following formula to calculate equipment ground conductor sizes for systems over
600V.
where:
tc
3 seconds
ar
0.00393 @20oC for soft drawn copper
pr
1.7241 _ohm-cm @ 20oC
ko
234 inverse of thermal coeff of resistivity 0oC
TCAP
3.422 j/cm3/oC
Tm
1083oC (fusing temperature of copper)
Ta
40oC (ambient temperature)
RMS current in kA
For stationary equipment grounding requirements the Engineer should refer to Saudi Aramco
Engineering Standard SAES-P-111-6 and Design Practice SADP-P-111 Chapter 3 & 6.
74
Electrical
WORK AID 4: FORMULA TO DETERMINE CONDUCTOR SIZE AND

REFERENCES FOR DETERMINING MOBILE EQUIPMENT
Use the following formula to calculate equipment and systems neutral ground conductor sizes
for systems over 600V or for impedance grounded systems where short circuit levels exceeds
12 kA.
where:
tc
3 seconds
ar
0.00393 @20oC for soft drawn copper
pr
1.7241 _ohm-cm @ 20oC
ko
234 inverse of thermal coeff of resistivity 0oC
TCAP
3.422 j/cm3/oC
Tm
1083oC (fusing temperature of copper)
Ta
40oC (ambient temperature)
RMS current in kA
For mobile equipment grounding requirements, the Engineer should refer to Saudi Aramco
design practice SADP-P-111 Chapters 3 and 6 as well as Article 250 NEC.
75
Electrical
WORK AID 5: REFERENCES FOR DETERMINING BUILDING AND

STRUCTURE GROUNDING REQUIREMENTS
NEC Article 250: Grounding
Saudi Aramco Design Practice SADP-P-111, Chapters 3 and 6.
76
Electrical
WORK AID 6: REFERENCES FOR DETERMINING LIGHTNING PROTECTION

REQUIREMENTS AND TABLES FOR CALCULATING RISK
INDEX
Saudi Aramco Design Practice SADP-P-111, Chapter 9, Lightning Protection of Buildings
and Structures.
"Risk Index"
To assist in deciding "when to protect or when not to protect" a building or structure against
lightning a "Risk Index" must be determined. For a specific application the summation of all
the relevant risk figures from Table 1 to 7 inclusive provides the "Risk Index".
When the "Risk Index" totals 40 or greater lightning protection must always be provided.
TABLE 1 - USAGE OF STRUCTURE
Houses and other buildings of comparable size
with outside aerial .. .. .. .. .. ..
Factories, workshops and laboratories .. .. ..
Office blocks, hotels, blocks of flats and
other residential buildings other than
those included below .. .. .. .. .. ..
Places of assembly, e.g. halls, theaters,
museums, exhibitions, department stores,
post offices, airports, and stadium
structures .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
Schools, hospitals .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
Risk Figure
2
4
6
7
8
10
77
Electrical
WORK AID 6 (Cont'd)

TABLE 2 - TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION
Steel framed encased, with any roof other
than metal + .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
Reinforced concrete with any roof other
than metal .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
Brick, plain concrete or masonry with any
roof other than metal .. .. .. .. .. ..
Steel framed encased or reinforced concrete
with metal roof .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
Timber framed or clad with any roof other
than metal .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
Brick, plain concrete, masonry, timber
framed but with metal roofing .. .. .. .. ..
+
Risk Figure
1
2
4
5
7
8
A structure of exposed metal which is continuous down to ground level is excluded

from the tables as it requires no lightning protection beyond adequate grounding
arrangements.
TABLE 3 - CONTENTS OF STRUCTURE

Ordinary domestic or office buildings,
factories and workshops not containing
valuable or specially susceptible
contents .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
Industrial buildings with specially
susceptible contents + .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
Power stations, gas works, telephone
exchanges, radio stations .. .. .. .. ..
Industrial key plants, museums, art
galleries or other buildings with
specially valuable contents .. .. .. ..
Schools, hospital, places of assembly
+
2
5
6
8
10
Indicates items of particular value or

materials vulnerable to fire or the
results of fire.
78
Electrical
WORK AID 6 Cont'd)

TABLE 4 - DEGREE OF ISOLATION
Structure located in a large area with
structures of the same or greater height
(e.g., in a large town) .. .. .. .. ..
Structure located in an area with few
other structures of similar height.. ..
Structure completely isolated or exceeding
at least twice the height of surrounding
structures .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
Risk Figure
2
5
10
TABLE 5 - TYPE OF COUNTRY

Flat country at any level .. .. .. ..
Hill country .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
Mountain country between 300 m and 900 m
(1000 ft and 3000 ft)
Mountain country above 900 m (30090 ft) ..
2
6
8
10
TABLE 6 - HEIGHT OF STRUCTURE

Exceeding
9 m (30 ft)
9 m (30 ft)
15 m (50 ft)
18 m (60 ft)
24 m (80 ft)
Not Exceeding
15 m (50 ft)
18 m (60 ft)
24 m (80 ft)
30 m (100 ft)
2
4
5
8
11
Structures higher than 30 m (100 ft) require

protection in all cases.
TABLE 7 - LIGHTNING PREVALENCE
Risk Figure for Arabian Conditions
10
79
Electrical
WORK AID 7: REFERENCES FOR DETERMINING STATIC GROUNDING

REQUIREMENTS
This Work Aid is designed to help the Participants in performing Exercise 7.
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SAES-P-111
SADP-P-111 Chapter 14
IEEE STD.142, Section 3
80
Electrical
WORK AID 8: REFERENCES FOR DETERMINING OFFSHORE PLATFORM

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SAES-P-111
SADP-P-111 Chapter 8
81
Electrical
WORK AID 9: REFERENCES FOR DETERMINING DIGITAL EQUIPMENT


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IEEE Paper Number PCIC 91-11
82
Electrical
GLOSSARY
dielectric constants
The property that determines the electrostatic energy that is stored

per unit volume for unit potential gradient.
effectively grounded
Grounded through a grounding connection that has sufficiently low

impedance (inherent or intentionally added or both) to prevent the
buildup of voltages in excess of limits that are established for
apparatus, circuits, or systems so grounded, in the event a ground
fault does occur.
equipment ground
A ground connection to non-current carrying metal parts of a wiring

installation, electric equipment, or both.
ground
A conducting connection, whether intentional or accidental, by

which an electric circuit or equipment is connected to the earth or to
some conducting body, of relatively large extent, which serves in
place of the earth.
ground bus
A bus to which the grounds from individual pieces of equipment are

connected and that, in turn, is connected to ground at one or more
points.
ground clamp
A clamp that is used in connecting a grounding conductor to a

grounding electrode or to something that is grounded.
ground conduit
A conduit that is used solely to contain one or more grounding

conductors.
ground current
Current that is flowing in the earth or in a grounding connection.
ground detector
An instrument or equipment that is used for indicating the presence

of a ground on an ungrounded system.
ground grid
A system of grounding electrodes that consists of interconnected

bare cables buried in the earth to provide a common ground for
electric devices and metallic structures.
ground lug
A lug that is used to connect a grounding conductor to a grounding

electrode or to something that is grounded.
ground-return circuit A circuit in which the earth is utilized to complete the circuit.
83
Electrical
grounded
Connected to earth or to some extended conducting body that serves

instead of the earth, whether the connection is intentional or
accidental.
grounded circuit
A circuit in which one conductor or point (usually the neutral

conductor or neutral point of transformer or generator windings) is
intentionally grounded, either solidly or through a grounding device.
grounded concentric
wiring system
A grounded system in which the external (outer) conductor is solidly

grounded and that completely surrounds the internal (inner)
conductor
throughout its length. The external conductor must be jacketed.
grounded conductor
A conductor that is intentionally grounded, either solidly or through

a
current limiting device.
grounded electrode
A conductor used to establish a ground: for instance, ground grids,

ground rods, ground wells, etc.
grounded system
A system of conductors in which at least one conductor or point

(usually the middle wire or neutral point of transformer or generator
windings) is intentionally grounded, either solidly or through a
current limiting device.
grounding conductor
The conductor that is used to establish a ground and that connects an

equipment, device, wiring system, or another conductor (usually the
neutral conductor) with the grounding electrode or electrodes.
grounding connection A connection that is used in establishing a ground and that consists
of
a grounding conductor, a grounding electrode and the earth (soil)
that surrounds the electrode.
grounding outlet
An outlet that is equipped with a receptacle of the polarity type and

that has, in addition to the current-carrying contacts, one grounded
contact that can be used for the connection of an equipment
grounding
A transformer that is intended primarily to provide a neutral point

for
grounding purposes.
transformer
84
Electrical
guard wire
A grounded wire that is erected near a lower-voltage circuit or

public crossing in such a position that a high (or higher) voltage
overhead conductor cannot come into accidental contact with the
lower-voltage circuit, or with persons or objects on the crossing
without first becoming grounded by contact with the guard wire.
85
Electrical
impedance grounded
Grounded through impedance.
neutral ground
An intentional ground applied to the neutral conductor or neutral

point of a circuit, transformer, machine, apparatus, or system.
reactance grounded
Grounded through impedance, the principal element of which is

reactance.
resistance grounded
Grounded through impedance, the principal element of which is

resistance.
solidly grounded
Grounded through an adequately grounded connection in which no

impedance has been inserted intentionally.
system grounding
conductor
An auxiliary solidly grounded conductor that connects the individual

grounding conductors in a given area.
ungrounded
A system, circuit, or apparatus without a conducting body that

serves instead of the earth, whether the connection is intentional or
accidental.
86
Electrical
ADDENDUM A
Saudi Aramco Drawing AB-036387 IEEE Paper PCIC-91-11
87

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Engineering Encyclopedia

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Design And Application

For additional information on this subject, contact

Locating Equipment Grounding Information...............................................................1

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Work Aid 4: Formula To Determine Conductor Size And References

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

LOCATING EQUIPMENT GROUNDING INFORMATION

Saudi Aramco Design Practices

Saudi Aramco Design Practices

Chapter 6 of SADP-P-111, titled "Equipment Grounding," discusses the specific Saudi

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Saudi Aramco Design Practices (Cont'd)

Cranes and Mechanical Handling Equipment

Chapter 8 of SADP-P-111, titled "Offshore Platforms," discusses the specific grounding

Chapter 9 of SADP-P-111, titled "Lightning Protection of Buildings and Structures,"

Chapter 12 of SADP-P-111, titled "Communication Facility Grounding," discusses the design

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Saudi Aramco Design Practices (Cont'd)

Definitions and Fundamentals

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

design, specify, test, and measure equipment.

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

National Electrical Code (NEC)

Section A, General Requirements

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

BASIS FOR INSTALLING EQUIPMENT GROUNDS IN SAUDI ARAMCO

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Minimum Equipment Damage (Cont'd)

The magnitude of the ground fault current.

The resistance of the equipment ground return path.

The installation of only safety-listed ground return path components.

The interconnection of all equipment grounding conductors to a

The elimination of the use of separate isolated or dedicated grounding

The elimination of the use of actual earth as part of the equipment

The use of proper bonding methods when the conductors in the

The installation of equipment grounding conductors so that the

The installation of equipment grounding conductors so that the fault

Proper protection corrosion of all terminated/spliced connections of the

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Minimum Equipment Damage (Cont'd)

The bonding surfaces should not be painted.

Simple screw connections should not be relied on to make an adequate

The bonding surfaces should not be made from dissimilar metals.

The bonding connection should be made through use of approved

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Isolation of Faults (Cont'd)

Use of Fuses to Isolate a Ground Fault in a Motor

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Isolation of Faults (Cont'd)

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Isolation of Faults (Cont'd)

Use of Circuit Breakers to Isolate a Ground Fault in a Motor

Impulse noise jitter

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Minimize Electrical Noise in the System (Cont'd)

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

DETERMINING THE EQUIPMENT GROUNDING REQUIREMENTS FOR SAUDI

Single Point Grounding