Approved Final Draft Earthing Specification
Approved Final Draft Earthing Specification
Approved Final Draft Earthing Specification
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
FOR
ISSUED BY
TRACTION INSTALLATION DIRECTORATE
RESEARCH DESIGNS AND STANDARDS ORGANISATION
LUCKNOW – 226011
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0 Specification no.
ETI/PSI/ 120(02/91)
with A &C slips no. 1
revised.
Signature
Date
Designation
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INDEX
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1.0 SCOPE
1.1 This specification supersedes the specification no. ETI/PSI/120(02/1991) with A&C slip no. 01.
1.2 This specification of practice caters for general arrangements of system and equipment earthing
at 220/25 kV or 132/25 kV or 110/25 kV or 66/25 kV Traction Sub-Stations S witching stations,
booster transformer stations and auxiliary transformer stations (1X25kV & 2X25kV). Low voltage
(LT) electrical power distribution system, 25 kV overhead equipment system as well as signal and
telecommunication equipment do not come within the purview of this specification.
2.0 TERMINOLOGY
The following terms wherever occurring in this specification shall, unless excluded or repugnant
to the context, have the meaning attributed thereto as follows:-
2.1 Combined Earth resistance: The resistance of an earth electrode (s) with respect to earth, with the
earth electrode (s) connected in the metal work of electrical equipment other than parts which are
normally live or carry current and the masts/ structures but without connection with the traction
rail(s).
2.2 Earth: The conductive mass of the earth, whose electrical potential at any point is conventionally
taken as zero.
2.3 Earth Electrode: A conductor (mild steel (MS) pipe or group of conductors in intimate contact with
and providing an electrical connection to earth.
2.4 Earthing Grid: A system of a number of interconnected, horizontal bare conductors buried in the
earth, providing a common ground for electrical devices and metallic structures, usually in one
specific location.
2.5 Equipment Earthing: Earthing of all metal work of electrical equipments other than parts which are
normally live or current carrying. This is done to ensure effective operation of the protective gear in
the event of leakage through such metal work, the potential of which with respect to neighboring
objects may attain a value which would cause danger to life or risk of fire.
2.6 Mesh Voltage (E mesh): The maximum touch voltage to be found within a mesh of an earthing grid.
2.7 System Earthing: Earthing done to limit the potential of live conductors with respect to earth to
values which the insulation of the system is designed to withstand and thus to ensure the security
of the system.
2.8 Step Voltage (E step ) : The potential difference between two points on the earth’s surface
separated by distance of one pace that will be assumed to be one metre in the direction of
maximum potential gradient.
2.9 Power Supply Installation: The electrical equipments and associated structures provided at a
Railway Traction Substation or Switching Station, or booster/ Auxiliary transformer station on the
25 kV overhead equipment.
2.10 Traction Rail – Traction Rail means a non-track circulated rail of a wired track, not required for
signaling purposes and which may be earthed. In non-track circulated sections, both the rails of a
wired track are traction rails and in single rail track circulated sections, the traction rail is the non-
track circulated rail
2.11 Touch Voltage (E touch): The potential difference between a grounded metallic structure and a
point on the earth’s surface separated by a distance equal to the normal maximum horizontal
reach of a person, approximately one metre.
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6.2 Earth electrodes shall be embedded as far apart as possible from each other. Mutual separation
between them shall usually be not less than 8.0 m (which is twice the length of the electrode).
6.3 If the value of earth resistance specified in clause 5 cannot be achieved with a reasonable number
of electrodes connected in parallel such as in rocky soil or soil of high resistivity, the earth
surrounding the electrodes shall be chemically treated. The earth electrode shall be surrounded in
an earth pit by alternate layers of finely divided coke, crushed coal or charcoal and salt at least 150
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mm all round. Though substantial reduction in earth resistance can be achieved by coke treated
electrode, yet as this method results in rapid corrosion not only of electrode but also of steel frame
work to which it is bonded, coke treatment shall be used only where absolutely necessary and such
electrodes shall not be situated within 8.0 m of other metal work.
6.4 In high embankments, it may be difficult to achieve earth resistance specified in clause 5 even after
chemical treatment of electrodes. In those locations, use of electrodes longer than 4 m so as to
reach the parent soil is recommended. Mutual separation between them shall usually be twice the
length of the electrode.
6.5 As far as possible, earth electrodes for Traction Sub-Stations/ Switching Stations shall be installed
within and adjacent to perimeter fence. At large sites, apart from securing a sufficiently low
resistance and adequate current carrying capacity a reasonable distribution of electrodes is also
necessary.
7.0 EARTHING ARRANGEMENT AT TRACTION SUBSTATION.
7.1 Earthing Grid.
7.1.1 An earthing grid is formed by means of bare mild steel rod of appropriate size as indicated in
clause 7.1.2 buried at a depth of about 600 mm below the ground level and connected to earth
electrodes. The connection between the earth electrode and the grid shall be by means of two
separate and distinct connections made with 75 mm x 8 mm MS flat. The connection between
the MS flat and the MS rod shall be made by welding, while that between the earth electrode
and the MS flats through MS links by bolted joints. The earth electrodes shall be provided at the
outer periphery of the grid as shown in Annexure-III. As far as possible the earthing grid
conductors shall not pass through the foundation block of the equipments. All crossings between
longitudinal conductors and transverse conductors shall be jointed by welding. The transverse
and longitudinal conductors of the earthing grid shall be suitably spaced so as to keep the step
and touch potentials within acceptable limits; the overall length of the earthing grid conductors
shall not be less than the calculated length (refer Annexure- I).
7.1.2 The size of the earthing grid conductor shall be decided based on the incoming system voltage
and fault level (refer Annexure I). The fault level considered shall take into account the
anticipated increase in fault current during the lifespan of the station. The size shall be as given
below.
SN System voltage Fault level ( MVA) Diameter of the grid conductor
( kV) ( MS rod ) in mm
1. 66 Upto 4000 32
above 4000 upto 5000 36
above 5000 upto 6000 40
2. 110 Upto 6000 32
above 6000 upto 8000 36
Above 8000 upto 10,000 40
3. 132 Upto 7000 32
Above 7000 upto 10,000 36
4. 220 Upto 12000 32
Above 12000 upto 16000 36
Above 16000 upto 20,000 40
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mm from the floor level. The earthing ring shall be connected to the main earthing grid by means
of two separate and distinct connections made with 50 mm x 6 mm MS flat. The earthing ring shall
also be connected to an independent earth electrode by means of two separate and distinct
connections made with 50 mm x 6 mm MS flat. The metallic framework of control and relay
panels, LT AC and DC distributions boards, battery chargers and such other equipments shall be
connected to the earthing ring by means of two separate and distinct connections made with 8
SWG galvanized iron wire. The connections shall be taken along the wall and in recesses in the
floor. All recesses shall be covered with cement plaster after finishing the work. Connections
between the MS flats shall be made by welding.
7.6 Earthing of SCADA/RTU Equipments
A separate earth electrode shall be provided as per clause 6.1 & 6.2 of this specification. The RTU
body/frame shall be suitably connected to this earth electrode using two no. 8SWG bare copper
wires. The earth Resistance of this electrode shall be between 2 ohm to 10 ohm or better,
depending upon the soil resistivity. This earth electrode shall not be connected to any other
earthing arrangement.
7.10 Earthing at the point of 240 V ac 50 Hz supply for oil filtration plant.
The 240 V ac 50 Hz distribution board for power supply to oil filtration plant shall be connected to
the main earthing grid by means of two separate and distinct connections made with 50 mm x 6
mm MS flat.
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depending upon the soil resistivity. This earth electrode shall not be connected to any other
earthing arrangement.
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15.1 Earthing grid at the Traction Sub Station is to be designed as per the procedure followed in 25kV
system.
15.2 For the Single phase Dual LV Transformer (In TSS of V Connected Transformer) – In these
transformers there are two secondary windings. The inner terminals of these two secondary
windings are to be solidly connected each other. This connection is to be connected with two no.
75X8mm MS Flats. One MS flat is to be connected with Buried Rail & another with the Earthing
grid (Annexure-IX).
15.3 In the TSS with Scott Connected Transformer, The autotransformer has been used. The neutral
Bushing of this transformer is also to be connected with two no. 75X8mm MS Flats. One MS flat is
to be connected with Buried Rail & another with the Earthing grid. (Annexure-X)
15.4 Earthing Grid at the SP/SSP is also to be prepared by taking the fault current of 12kA and duration
of 3 seconds. The Buried rail is also to be provided at the SP/SSP.
15.5 Neutral of the Autotransformer installed at the SP/SSP also to be connected with two no. 75X8mm
MS Flats. One MS flat is to be connected with Buried Rail & another with the Earthing grid. The
reference for the connection arrangement can be taken from Annexure-X.
16.0 REFERENCE DRAWINGS
The following drawings (latest versions) issued by RDSO in connection with this specification may
be used for reference:
SN Description Drawing No. Enclosed at
1. Typical earthing layout of traction substation. ETI/ PSI/224 ANNEXURE-III
2. Typical return current connection of buried rail at traction ETI/PSI/0212-1 ANNEXURE-IV
substation
3. Typical earthing layout of sub sectioning and paralleling ETI/PSI/201-1 ANNEXURE-V
station
4. Typical earthing layout of sectioning and paralleling station ETI/PSI/202-1 ANNEXURE-VI
5. Typical arrangement of an earth electrode ETI/PSI/222-1 ANNEXURE-VII
6. Typical earthing arrangement of an auxiliary Transformer ETI/PSI/708 ANNEXURE-
station VIII
Remarks: Drawings as per the revision at the time of issue of specification are enclosed. The latest
version of the drawings should be followed.
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ANNEXURE-I
FORMULAE FOR CALCULATION OF EARTHING GRID BASED ON IEEE GUIDE FOR SAFETY IN AC
SUBSTATION GROUNDING, NO. IEEE 80-2013 & IS: 3043-2018
1.1
Etouch 1000 1.5C s s
0.116
V (for 50 kg body)
ts
1.2
Estep 1000 6Cs s
0.116
V (for 50 kg body)
ts
Where,
Symbol Representation
Cs
0.09 1
1 s
2 hs 0.09
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Kh
1 h
ho
Ks 11
1 1
1 0.5n2
2h D h D
for values of h between 0.25 and 2.5m
2.Lc
na
Lp
nb = 1 for square grids
nc = 1 for square and rectangular grids
nd = 1 for square, rectangular and L-shaped grids
Otherwise
nb = LP
4 A
(Since in Indian Railways, there are square or rectangular grids, other formulas of IEEE-
80 are not mentioned here)
h Depth of earthing grid conductors in metres
d Diameter of earthing grid conductor in metres
L Total length of earthing system conductor
Lc + Lr for grids without earth electrodes or with only a few electrodes located within
the grid but away from perimeter
Lc + 1.15 Lr for grids with earth electrodes along the perimeter
Lc Total grid conductor length in m
Lr Total earth electrode length in m
Lp Peripheral length of grid in m
ρ Resistivity of earth in Ω-m
A Area of the grid in m2
IG As defined in para 4.1 below.
Note: The estimated values of mesh and step voltage step voltages should be less than the
tolerable touch and step voltages respectively.
Rg 0.443
A L
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Where,
Symbol Representation
L Total length of buried conductors in m
A Area occupied by the earthing grid in m2
Rg Station ground resistance in ohms
ρ Resistivity of earth (soil) in Ω-m
Where,
Symbol Representation
Rg Station earth resistances in ohms
IG Cp * Df * Ig
Cp Corrective projection factors accounting for the relative increase of fault currents
during the station lifespan: for a zero future system growth Cp= 1
Ig r.m.s. value of symmetrical grid fault current in amperes.
Df Decrement factor for the entire duration of faults (to allow for the effects of
asymmetry of the fault current wave).
1.0 for fault current duration of 0.5 second or more.
Km X Ki X ρ X IG√ts
L> for E mesh < E touch
{116 + 0.174 Cs X ρs}
Where,
Symbol Representation
L Minimum length of buried grid conductor including earth electrodes in metres.
ts 0.5 second (assumed maximum duration of shock).
Cs, Km, Ki, ρ, IG and ρs have been defined earlier.
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Annexure –II
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Annexure-III
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Annexure- IV
Typical return current connection of buried rail at traction substation, drawing no. ETI/PSI/0212-1
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Typical return current connection of buried rail at traction substation, drawing no. ETI/PSI/0212-1
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Annexure-V
Typical Earthing layout of sub sectioning and paralleling station Drawing No. ETI/PSI/201-1
Typical Earthing layout of sub sectioning and paralleling station Drawing No. ETI/PSI/201-1
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Annexure-VI
Typical Earthing layout of sectioning and paralleling station, drawing No. ETI/PSI/202-1
Typical Earthing layout of sectioning and paralleling station, drawing No. ETI/PSI/202-1
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Annexure-VII
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Annexure- VIII
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Annexure-IX
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Annexure-X
Connection arrangement to Buried Rail of Autotransformer at Scott Connected TSS and at SP/SSP of
2X25kV system
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Annexure-XI
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