An Introduction To The MEN System and Its Importance

MEN EARTHING SYSTEM
An Introduction
What is the MEN System? - A definition
AS/NZS 3000:2007 has defined the MEN system as follows:
“A system of earthing in which the parts of an electrical installation required to be

earthed in accordance with this Standard are connected together to form an
equipotential bonded network and this network is connected to both the neutral
conductor of the supply system and the general mass of earth. (AS/NZS3000:2007
Clause 1.4.66)”
The Origins of the MEN System
Before 1980, there were three accepted wiring systems in Australia. Since 1980,
the voltage-operated ELCB protection and the direct earthing system have been
discontinued here and the MEN system has been used exclusively because it helps
to:
● Minimise the neutral to earth voltage.
● Minimise the voltage even if the neutral develops an above-average resistance
or completely opens the circuit.
● Reduce neutral to earth voltage -- which rises because of an increase in the
neutral current -- especially for the long low voltage runs.
● Stabilise neutral point and phase voltages at the installation of the three
phases.
Why We Need the MEN System in
Australia
But as an electrician, you already know that MEN stands for Multiple Earthed
Neutral. It is considered to be the most important safety component of any
electrical system in Australia. Because there is limited moisture or conductivity in
the sandy soil of Australia, you have got to make sure that all the installations you
do have the MEN system, with good earthing. It is also required by law and by
science.
The Science Behind the MEN System
Talking about Science, I would
briefly like to discuss the Ohms
Law -- When the resistance
goes up, the current goes down.
The voltage remains constant. V
= I x R.
● The higher the resistance,

the lower the current.
● In a loose connection, the
resistance increases.
Why Is MEN System So Important
1. It makes the circuit safe 2. It helps during Earth
In an electrical fault where the neutral conductor is Fault Currents
disconnected and the active conductor is connected
to the exposed metal network, the current flows When there are earth fault currents, the MEN
through the earth conductor to the switchboard, system uses the network neutral conductor as the
which allows the protective device (such as fuses or conductive path for installation. It is called the “earth
circuit breakers) to open circuit. In this way, the MEN fault current” because the fault current of an
(Multiple Earthed Neutral) system makes the circuit electrical appliance or an equipment goes to the
safe. earthed frame.
Why Is MEN System So Important
3. It reduces the fault 4. It prevents fatal voltage on
current electrical appliances
These faults currents should be large so that the Earth has a higher resistance than the MEN/neutral
protective devices (such as fuses or circuit breakers) conductor path. Thus the fault current’s capacity
can operate. When an Active to Earth fault occurs, would be limited to a degree that it might not be
the fault path is through the low resistance circuit to able to operate the protective devices. As a result of
the MEN link to the source of power (such as a this, a fatal voltage can remain on the metallic
generator or a transformer). The neutral conductor enclosure of equipment or electrical appliance.
provides the low resistance path so that the power
can return. In absence of the MEN link, the fault Thus it is important to install MEN link during
current would return via ground. electrical installations.
The Characteristics of the MEN System
Are
● The main earthing electrode is installed in a soil that is conductive.
● The transformer’s (source of supply) neutral should be earthed.
● In the main distribution panel, a link connects neutral and earth.
● All the exposed metallic parts of the electrical system are earthed for your
customers' safety.
I hope you have a clear idea of the MEN system now. For a better idea, you can
watch “The MEN System Explained” video on our high-performance electrical
business success academy.

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MEN EARTHING SYSTEM

“A system of earthing in which the parts of an electrical installation required to be

● The higher the resistance,

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