Document No: EDI 100

Amendment No: 1

Earthing Design Instruction

Distribution earthing design

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

As the information contained in this publication is subject to change from time to time, Endeavour
Energy gives no warranty that the information is correct or complete or is a definitive statement of
procedures. Endeavour Energy reserves the right to vary the content of this publication as and
when required. You must make independent inquiries to satisfy yourself as to correctness and
currency of the content. Endeavour Energy expressly disclaims all and any liability to any persons
whatsoever in respect of anything done or not done by any such person in reliance, whether in
whole or in part, on this document.

Copyright © Endeavour Energy 2017

51 Huntingwood Drive Huntingwood NSW 2148 [Link]

PO BOX 811 Seven Hills 1730
T: 131 081 F: 61 2 9853 6000
 EARTHING DESIGN INSTRUCTION
Document No : EDI 100
Amendment No : 1
ASSET STANDRADS AND DESIGN Approved By : MASD
Approval Date : 03/07/2017

EDI 100 Distribution earthing design

CONTENTS

1.0 PURPOSE............................................................................................................................ 4
2.0 SCOPE ................................................................................................................................ 4
3.0 REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................... 4
4.0 DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS ................................................................................ 6
5.0 ACTIONS ........................................................................................................................... 10
5.1 General requirements ................................................................................................... 10
5.1.1 Safe Design ............................................................................................................. 10
5.1.2 Intended purpose and general requirement of earthing system................................ 10
5.1.3 Power frequency earthing risk management ............................................................ 11
5.1.4 Earthing design overview ......................................................................................... 11
5.1.5 Robustness.............................................................................................................. 11
5.1.6 Modification to existing network ............................................................................... 12
5.2 Distribution earthing design ......................................................................................... 12
5.2.1 Earthing design tools ............................................................................................... 12
5.2.2 Design process ........................................................................................................ 12
5.2.3 Design context and consultation .............................................................................. 13
5.2.5 Distribution earthing configurations .......................................................................... 14
5.2.6 Earthing system layout............................................................................................. 14
5.2.7 Power frequency hazard assessment ...................................................................... 15
5.2.8 Separation requirements to other metallic infrastructure .......................................... 17
5.2.9 Risk mitigation ......................................................................................................... 19
5.2.10 Low voltage network earthing .................................................................................. 19
[Link] LV earthing system for relevant substations............................................................. 19
5.2.11 Review and design acceptance ............................................................................... 20
5.2.12 Lightning requirements ............................................................................................ 20
5.3 Earthing conductors and ratings ................................................................................. 20
5.4 Testing and ongoing maintenance............................................................................... 21

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5.4.1 Testing after construction ......................................................................................... 21

5.4.2 Current injection testing and reporting ..................................................................... 21
5.5 Specific requirements for specific plant and equipment............................................ 21
5.5.1 Earth connections for a common earth system ........................................................ 21
5.5.2 Indoor substations ................................................................................................... 21
5.5.3 SWER substation earthing ....................................................................................... 22
5.5.4 Distribution substations within transmission and zone substation ............................ 22
5.5.5 Pole mounted HV voltage regulators........................................................................ 22
5.5.6 High voltage underground to overhead terminations (HV UG/OH) ........................... 22
5.5.7 Air Break Switches................................................................................................... 22
5.5.8 Load break switches ................................................................................................ 22
5.5.9 Auto recloser earthing .............................................................................................. 23
5.5.10 NMSHVABC – catenary earthing ............................................................................. 23
5.5.11 Use of Conductive poles in bushfire prone areas ..................................................... 23
5.5.12 Distribution equipment and lines on conductive transmission or sub-transmission
structures. .............................................................................................................................. 24
5.5.13 Conductive distribution poles ................................................................................... 25
5.5.14 First cable out (connection to zone substations) ...................................................... 25
5.6 Design and as constructed information documentation and storage ....................... 25
5.6.1 Safety Information.................................................................................................... 25
5.6.2 Drawing information ................................................................................................. 25
5.6.3 Reporting ................................................................................................................. 25
5.7 Standard drawings ........................................................................................................ 26
Earthing Information Drawing ................................................................................................. 26
6.0 AUTHORITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES......................................................................... 26
7.0 DOCUMENT CONTROL .................................................................................................... 27
Annexure 1 : Conditions and methodology for common earthed system design .................. 28
Annexure 2 : Calculation of the resistance of an electrode system ........................................ 36
Annexure 3 : Metallic pipeline hazard assessment and mitigation options............................ 39
Annexure 4 : Metallic fences – simplified insulation design method ...................................... 40
Annexure 5 : Distribution system information for earthing design ......................................... 41
Annexure 6 : Earthing in high soil resistivity areas.................................................................. 43
Annexure 7 : Engineering earthing risk mitigation techniques ............................................... 44

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1.0 PURPOSE

To set the minimum standard for designing the earthing system of all distribution components in
the company’s network. This standard establishes minimum requirements so that the design of
earthing works on the distribution network are carried out in a safe and consistent manner.

2.0 SCOPE

This instruction covers the minimum requirements that must be followed for the earthing design of
all components, equipment and systems in the company’s distribution network. The company’s
distribution network comprises all assets with standard voltage ratings of 230/400V, 11kV, 22kV
and 12.7kV SWER systems.

While this instruction covers the design criteria of the earthing systems, the following standards
cover the other aspects of distribution earthing.

Standard Aspect covered

SMI 101 - Minimum Requirements for
Ongoing maintenance requirements
Maintenance of Distribution Equipment
EDI 001 - Earthing design risk assessment Earthing risk assessment criteria, methods and
limits
EDI 0005 - Distribution earth testing Testing procedures and requirements
Standard distribution earthing construction
EDI 0006 - Distribution Earthing Construction
practices

It is not the intention of this instruction to define the earthing design process in detail. It is the
designer’s responsibility to design an earthing system that meets the performance requirements of
this instruction. However, as an aid to design, this instruction includes a series of Annexures which
also provide useful information to achieve a compliant earthing design.

3.0 REFERENCES
Internal
• Board Policy (Governance) 2.0.3 – Compliance
• Board Policy (Governance) 2.0.5 – Risk Management
• Company Policy (Network) 9.2.2 – Network Protection
• Company Policy (Network) 9.2.5 – Network Asset Design
• Company Policy (Network) 9.2.10 – Network Asset Rating
• Company Policy (Network) 9.7.1 – Network Asset Construction
• Company Policy (Network) – Network Operations
• Company Policy (Network) 9.9.1 – Network Asset Maintenance
• Company Procedure (Governance) GRM 0003 – Risk Management
• Company Procedure (Health & Safety) GSY 0026 – Health, Safety and Environment Risk
Assessment
• Earthing Design Instruction EDI 001 – Earthing Design Risk Assessment
• Earthing Design Instruction EDI 100 – EDI100S01 Company earthing design tool ‘3E’
• Earthing Design Instruction EDI 100 – EDI100S02 Company distribution network fault level
information

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• Earthing Design Instruction EDI 100 – EDI100S03 Company zone substation bonding
configuration list
• Earthing Design Instruction EDI 0005 – Distribution earthing test
• Earthing Design Instruction EDI 0004 – Earthing design, construction and testing of overhead
transmission mains
• Earthing Design Instruction EDI 0006 – Earthing Construction Standard
• Earthing Design Instruction EDI 516 – Major Substations Earthing Design, Construct and
Commissioning
• Mains Construction Instruction MCI 0005 – Overhead distribution: Construction standards
manual
• Mains Construction Instruction MCI 0006 – Underground distribution: Construction standards
manual
• Mains Design Instruction MDI 0044 – Easements and Property Tenure
• Standard Asset Data SAD 0001 – Project Drawing Standards
• Substation Design Instruction SDI 523 – Switchyard Surfaces
• Substation Design Instruction SDI 528 – Substation Signs and Equipment Labels
• Substation Mains Instruction SMI 100 – Minimum Requirements for Maintenance of
Transmission and Zone Substation Equipment
• Substation Mains Instruction SMI 101 – Minimum Requirements for Maintenance of
Distribution Equipment
• Substation Mains Instruction SMI 104 – Major substation earthing system test
• Company Electrical Safety Rules
• Network Management Plan December 2013 Review

External
• Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2004
• Electricity Supply Act 1995
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 NSW
• Electricity (Consumer Safety) Regulation 2015
• Electricity Supply (Safety and Network Management) Regulation 2014
• Electricity Supply (General) Regulation 2014
• Electricity Supply (Corrosion Protection) Regulation 2014
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 NSW
• ENA National Electricity Network Safety Code (Doc 01-2008)
• WorkCover Code of Practice-Safe design of structures: July 2014
• ENA Substation Earthing Guide (EG1- 2006)
• ENA - Power System Earthing Guide (EG-0-2010)
• AS 2067:2016 - Substations and High Voltage Installations exceeding 1kV ac
• AS-2239:2003 - Galvanic (sacrificial) anodes for cathodic protection
• AS/NZS 1768:2007 - Lightning Protection
• AS/NZS 3000:2007 - Electrical Installations -SAA Wiring Rules
• AS/NZS 3835:2006, Part 1-2 - Earth Potential Rise-Protection of telecommunication network
users and personnel and plant..
• AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 - Risk Management
• AS/NZS:4853:2012 - Electric Hazard on metallic pipelines
• AS/NZS:7000:2016- Overhead line design-Detailed procedures
• HB-219:2006 - Handbook for AS/NZS 3835 Application guide-Worked examples
• IEEE 80:2013 - Guide for Safety in AC Substation Grounding
• IEC61936:2010 Power Installation exceeding 1kV AC

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4.0 DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

ABC
Aerial Bundled Conductor – insulated overhead cable

Accredited Service Provider (ASP)

Accredited Service Provider, or “ASP”, means a person who has been accredited through a
ministerially-recognised accreditation scheme to undertake contestable work.

ALARP
As Low As Reasonably Practicable. The underlying risk management principle whereby risk is
reduced as low as reasonably practicable within a risk analysis framework. It means that which is,
or was at a particular time reasonably able to be done in relation to health and safety risk levels
taking into account various relevant matters including the likelihood, degree of harm, knowledge,
suitability of controls and whether costs of controls were grossly disproportionate to the risk. Refer
NSW Work Health and Safety Act 2011 section 18.

Argon
Argon is a safety assessment software platform used in conjunction with ENA EG-0 available on
the ENA website with registration.

BIL
Basic Insulation Level - expressed in terms of the crest value of the standard lightning impulse.

CCT
Covered Conductor Thick

CLAH
Current Limiting Arcing Horn and discharge connector

Clearing time (primary)

The time from fault initiation to fault extinction.

Clearing time (backup)

The longest time taken for the upstream protective devices and circuit breaker(s) / fuses to isolate
the source of fault current assuming any one item of the primary protection system fails to operate.
Protection system includes the relay, CT’s, VT’s, D.C. supplies, communications systems and
CB’s.

CMEN
Common Multiple Earth Neutral (CMEN) is a system where the combined high voltage and low
voltage earthing system is connected to a zone or transmission substation earthing system.
Important note: The company uses the CMEN terminology for a zone substation bonded to the
distribution earthing and potentially LV MEN system either directly or through HV cable sheaths
onto common earthed substations – this does not align with the majority of the industry and care
must be used when assigning this term.

Common or combined earthing

A common or combined earthing system is one in which the HV distribution and low voltage
electrical equipment is earthed to a common terminal bar. This is achieved by connecting the MEN
system to the HV and LV earth at the distribution substation or other distribution asset.

Constructors
Earthing workers who carry out the construction includes the company staff and ASPs

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Contact criteria: backyard

An area with a contactable metallic structure (for example, fence, gate) subject to fault induced
voltage gradients. This metallic structure is not a HV asset but becomes live due to earth fault
current flowing through the soil nearby.

Contact criteria: MEN

Contact with LV MEN interconnected metalwork (for example, household taps) under the influence
of either LV MEN voltage rise through deliberate bonding and/or through soil voltage gradients
from a HV asset nearby

Contact criteria: urban

Network asset outside normal public thoroughfare with low frequency of direct contact by an
individual

Designers
Earthing designers refer to company staff and ASPs undertaking or needing to undertake a design
or calculation in accordance for earthing systems covered in the scope of this instruction.

Distribution network
Collection of assets (distribution lines, cables, substations and associated equipment) whose
purpose is to distribute power from zone substations to distribution substations, which feed the low
voltage network

Drawings
Drawings include design drawings and standard construction drawings

Earth electrode
Conductor which is embedded in the earth and conductively connected to the earth

Earth Fault (EF)

Includes a single phase to ground fault and two-phase to ground fault – a fault caused by a
conductor or conductors being connected to earth or by the insulation resistance to earth becoming
less than the required value.

Earthing conductor
Conductor intended to provide a conductive path for the flow of earth fault current for the control of
voltage rise and reliable operation of protection devices.

Ellipse
The company’s asset management database

ENA
Energy Networks Australia

EPR
Earth Potential Rise. Voltage between an earthing system and a reference, or a remote earth.

Equipotential
Surfaces have the same electrical potential or with negligible difference in potential.

GIS
Geographical Information System

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HV
High Voltage – a voltage exceeding or equal to 1000V AC (refers to 11kV, 12.7kV and 22kV in this
instruction).

IDMT
Inverse Definite Minimum Time – An inverse time relay having an operating time that tends
towards a constant minimum value with increasing values of current or voltage.

Low risk
Where the risk associated with the earthing system is considered to be low. Typically were the risk
is less than 1 in 1,000,000. Refer to EDI 001 - Earthing design risk assessment

LV
Low Voltage – a voltage exceeding 50V AC but less than 1000V AC.

MEN
Multiply Earthed Neutral. A system of earthing in which the parts of an electrical installation
required to be earthed in accordance with AS/ANZ 3000 are connected together to form an
equipotential bonded network. This network is connected to both the neutral conductor of the
supply system and the general mass of earth.

Network
The company electrical network of poles, wires, substations and other assets by which electrical
power is transmitted/distributed to its customers.

NMSHV ABC
Non-Metallic Screened High Voltage Aerial Bundled Cable

Not practical
Economically or physically not viable in the risk cost benefit analysis framework

Probability
A measure of the chance of occurrence expressed as a number between 0 and 1.

Pcoincidence
Probability of coincidence; defined as the probability that a person will be present and in contact
with an item under consideration at the same time that the item is affected by a fault.

Pfatality
Probability of a fatality occurring in a given period of time, usually in a year.

Pfibrilation
Probability that the heart will enter ventricular fibrillation due to contact with an external voltage.

PVC
Poly Vinyl Chloride- a type of insulation used on cables

Remote earth (reference earth)

Part of the earth considered as conductive, the electric potential of which is conventionally taken as
zero, being outside the zone of influence of the relevant earthing arrangement.

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Remote location
For the purpose of earthing design, any location where probability of coincidence is considered to
be low risk (less than 1 in 1,000,000). Typically, it is a location with few people around such as a
rural area.

Safe design
The safe design is the integration of control measures early in the design process to eliminate or, if
this is not reasonable practicable, minimise risks to health and safety throughout the life of the
earthing system being designed. Refer to WorkCover-safe design of structures code of practice.

SEF
Sensitive Earth Fault – A type of feeder protection designed to detect small earth fault currents due
to high impedance fault paths. This form of protection may take up to 10 seconds to operate.

Soil resistivity
Specific resistivity of a material which is used to define the resistance of a material to current flow.
It is defines as the electric field strength (Vm-1) divided by the current density (Am-2) which
represent the value to 1 amp flowing into one metre cube of material yielding units of ohm meter
(Ωm).

Separate earthing
A system where the HV and LV earths are electrically separate

Step voltage
The voltage between two points on the earth’s surface spaced that are (one) 1 metre distant from
each other, which is considered to be the stride length of a person. [ENA EG-0:2010]

Sub-transmission network
The collection of assets (transmission lines, cables, zone substation and associated equipment)
whose purpose is to distribute power in bulk from sub-transmission substations to zone substations
which feed the distribution network or a particular customer substation. Sub-transmission voltages
in the company’s network are typically 132kV, 66kV and 33kV.

Substation
Part of a power system, concentrated in one place, including mainly the terminations of
transmission and/or distribution lines, switchgear and housing which may also include
transformers. The reference to ‘major substation’ in this document refers to all zone substations,
transmission substations and switching substations with sub transmission voltages.

SWER
Single Wire Earth Return - a single phase electrical system where the return path for the load
current is through the ground.

SWMS
Safe Work Method Statement

TDMEN
A “low risk” touch voltage limit applicable to the MEN contact criteria. Refer to EDI 001 – Earthing
design risk assessment

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Touch voltage
The voltage between an accessible conductive part and a point on the earth’s surface one (1)
metre horizontally away, when the conductive parts is not being touched. This is often referred to
as "prospective touch voltage". For the purpose of this instruction, touch voltage implies
"prospective touch voltage" only.

Transfer voltages
Transfer voltages are a more specific form of touch voltage that can occur when a long metallic
object such as a metallic fence transfers a voltage from one location to another closer to remote
earth potential. Conversely a transfer-in touch voltage can occur when for instance a conductive
tap bonded to the LV MEN system transfers-in a low voltage close to the area of a fault point. The
local soil voltage caused by that fault point results in a high touch voltage to the conductive tap.

Transmission system
The collection of assets (transmission lines, cables, zone substation and associated equipment),
whose purpose is to transmit power in bulk from a Transgrid supply point to a sub-transmission
substation. The transmission voltage in the company’s network is typically, but not exclusively,
132kV.

UGOH
Underground Overhead – a connection between overhead and underground mains.

Works
All of the work necessary to complete the contract as described in a standard or project and
associated drawings.

XLPE
Cross linked polyethylene – a type of insulation used on cables

5.0 ACTIONS
5.1 General requirements

5.1.1 Safe Design

All earthing designs undertaken for the company will follow the principles of Safe design:
• Standard earthing safety practices are covered in this standard and associated standard
drawings
• Any additional site specific safety requirements must be taken into account by the
designers and constructors

The key information about identified hazards and action to control risks will be recorded and
transferred from the design phase to the next stages of the lifecycle. Refer to section 5.6 design
and as constructed documentation and storage.

5.1.2 Intended purpose and general requirement of earthing system

Earthing systems for distribution assets are required to manage the transfer of unbalanced or
faulted network energy by low impedance paths back to the source and in this time to limit the risk
to people, equipment and network reliability.

The design, selection and installation of the earthing systems for distribution systems must meet
the minimum performance and functional requirements stated in this standard and EDI 001 -
Earthing design risk assessment. When assets are augmented or improved, the integrity and
safety of the existing earthing system must be evaluated in accordance with this instruction.

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5.1.3 Power frequency earthing risk management

Power frequency hazard assessments associated with earthing are a requirement of all distribution
network designs and must meet the design risk assessment requirements of EDI 001 – Earthing
design risk assessment. The earthing design process is detailed further in Section 5.2.

5.1.4 Earthing design overview

The earthing design component of a project is an essential part of the overall design associated
with a distribution asset. As part of Safe Design it is essential to undertake the earthing design in
the early stages of the project so the risks can be eliminated or economically managed, and the
proposed asset location may be chosen in such a way to limit the earthing risk.

Simplified design methods are provided in this instruction. When simplified design methods are
followed correctly, it can provide a ‘low risk’ outcome. Refer to Annexure 1 for simplified design
methods. If the simplified design method cannot achieve a ‘low risk’ outcome, the designer must
provide a detailed analysis through the use of software and demonstrate that the earthing system
design can achieve a ‘low risk’ outcome.

If a reasonably practical ‘low risk’ outcome cannot be achieved, then a design must target a level of
risk that is ‘As Low As Reasonably Practicable’ (ALARP) in accordance with EDI 001 – Earthing
design risk assessment. All designs targeting an ALARP risk level require approval in line with the
requirements of Company Policy 9.2.5.

A properly designed earthing system must:

• provide appropriate current paths for fault energy in such a manner so as to limit the risk to
people, equipment and system operations to acceptable levels. Hence, as a prime
requirement, any earthing system will be designed so that the step, touch and transfer
voltages that result from an earth fault comply with the requirements set out in EDI 001 -
Earthing design risk assessment;
• limit the level of abnormal transient and power frequency voltages impressed on the electrical
distribution system during equipment operation;
• HV earthing systems are designed for activation of primary earth fault protection as well as
SEF. Refer to [Link] for high impedance distribution earthing designs which require activation
of SEF only;
• where practical, the LV earthing should always be accompanied by a low impedance MEN
system to improve the safety of the LV system, and that the LV circuit design is such that the
fault currents will activate the respective protective devices;
• stabilise the voltage under normal operating conditions. That is, to maintain the operating
voltage at one level relative to earth so that any equipment connected to the system will
experience the same operating voltage or potential difference, subjected to allowable variation
due to conductor voltage drops; and
• minimise stray currents.

5.1.5 Robustness

The earthing system and its components will be capable of withstanding and conducting the
expected fault current without exceeding material or equipment limitations for thermal and
mechanical stresses as required in EDI001 – Earthing design risk assessment.

When designing an earthing system, it is important to reasonably consider the implications of

future development around the asset as well as the potential for increased fault levels, clearance
times or other earthing impacts. Data sourced from company either through the standards website
or through direct contact will include provisions for network changes. However consideration of

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DISTRIBUTION EARTHING DESIGN Amendment No: 1

development around earthing assets and their effects are the responsibility of the designer and a
sensitivity analysis must be part of the design to cater for future adequacy.

5.1.6 Modification to existing network

Augmentation or modification of an existing distribution asset will require a review of the integrity
and safety requirements of the existing earthing system. Where it can’t be demonstrated that the
existing earthing system meets the integrity and safety requirements of this instruction, additional
works may be required.

Any significant augmentation works to network that can change in Phase to Earth (P-E) fault level
exceeding 10% must initiate a review of all impacted earthing systems. Work to achieve earthing
compliance of associated earthing systems must be evaluated by a cost risk assessment.

The works that can change the fault levels include:

• change to network configuration: Planning section is required to be consulted for assessing
change in fault levels; and
• Network augmentation works: Refer to Annexure 5 for the simplified fault level change
determination for conductor augmentation.

When key components of the asset such as transformer, regulator etc. are replaced with uprated
devices the earthing system will be assessed and redesigned to comply with the current standard.
Full or part of the existing earthing system can be utilised for the new earthing system design
provided existing earthing system has a minimum of 30 years remaining life left and meets the
requirements of this standard. The target life of an earthing system can be assessed as 60 years
(same as distribution underground cables).

During fault and emergency situations, if distribution assets such as transformers require a like-for-
like replacement, a review of the integrity and safety requirements of the existing earthing system
is not required. Existing earthing systems of higher rated replacements that do not meet the current
safety compliance requirements must upgrade the earthing system to meet current standard
requirements within six (6) months of the asset replacement or a time frame agreeable to Earthing
and Power Quality Manager.

5.2 Distribution earthing design

5.2.1 Earthing design tools

The earthing design and associated risk management depends on site specific conditions including
soil electrical resistivity, local short circuit fault levels, presence of auxiliary fault current return
paths and separation from nearby metallic infrastructure. To assist in managing the design of the
earthing systems for distribution equipment, the company developed earthing design tool ‘3E’ is
made available in company standards website. Use of this design tool is not mandatory but can
assist in developing a robust and safe earthing design.

Commercially available earthing software with the facility for solving a minimum of two layer soil
models can also be used by the earthing designer.

5.2.2 Design process

A simplified design process for distribution earthing design is provided in Table 5-1. A flow chart is
provided in EDI 001 – Earthing design risk assessment.

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Table 5-1: General power frequency earthing design process summary

Requirement / Process Reference
Design context and consultation 5.2.3
Data gathering 5.2.4
- Protection information [Link]
- Soil electrical resistivity [Link]
- Location and future planning provisions [Link]
- Zone substation bonding configuration [Link]
Power frequency hazard assessment 5.2.7
- Conservative compliance or [Link]
- Detailed assessment of risk [Link]
- Separation requirements other metallic infrastructure 5.2.8
- Risk mitigation methods 5.2.9
Earthing design layout 5.2.6
Minimum separation from metallic infrastructure and other utilities assets 5.2.8
Earthing conductors and rating 5.3
Lightning requirements 5.2.12
Review and design acceptance 5.2.11
Documentation and storage 5.6

5.2.3 Design context and consultation

When new or existing distribution earthing systems are being designed or reviewed, the earthing
designer will coordinate the earthing system design aspects of the asset with affected
stakeholders. This may include the owners of any adjacent telecommunications, water, gas,
railway and petroleum products systems as well as local councils and the company planners.
Consultation will also occur with affected workers including the construction crew that will build the
asset and associated earthing system.

5.2.4 Data gathering

As part of the initial design process, the following input data is required to develop an earthing
design:
• fault level data and clearance times (refer [Link]);
• soil electrical resistivity (refer [Link]);
• details of existing and future planning associated with the surroundings (refer [Link]);
• zone substation bonding configuration (refer [Link]);
• site layout; and
• details of existing earthing systems if applicable.

[Link] Fault level data and clearing times

Single phase to earth (P-E) fault levels, connected ZS number and name, HV feeder number and
connected customer connection points (CCP) for existing distribution substations are made
available in an Excel worksheet on company standards website. Refer to Annexure 5 for a method
to determine maximum fault current for safety and minimum fault current for protection operation.

For some specific earthing designs, if required, detailed protection information can be sought from
the protection enquiries inbox. If the 3E tool is used for the design, the required protection
information includes:

EF Pickup (e.g. 240A);

Time lever (e.g. 0.30);
Instantaneous setting (e.g. 13000A); and
IEC curve (e.g. SI).

The earthing system design will be based on the most onerous supply arrangements in terms of
fault levels and clearing times and must consider all staging configurations. However, for the

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continuous operation, where an alternative supply arrangement is for emergency backup supply
only and likely to be utilised for no greater than 1% of the year, then it need not be taken into
account in the design.

[Link] Soil electrical resistivity

An accurate soil electrical resistivity model obtained from soil testing is necessary to determine the
electrical characteristics surrounding the site and is essential in determining safety, sensitivity and
reliability of an earthing system.

Two (2) soil resistivity tests must be carried out for each design to confirm the integrity of the
readings, unless existing soil resistivity test results in the area are available. If this is the case then
one (1) soil resistivity test must be carried out and existing results be used for verification. For
further information on soil resistivity testing refer to EDI 0005 – Distribution earth testing.

[Link] Surroundings
It is essential that an earthing design considers the surrounding area and future development that
could be reasonably expected. Provisions and suitable arrangement will be made in the earthing
design for the management of transfer voltage risk which in some circumstances may require
consultation with local councils, company network planners and other utilities.

Search of third party conductive assets surrounding the earthing system must be undertaken. This
search will need to identify:
• other utility’s assets (Dial before you dig); and
• all metallic objects that will surround the earthing system (for example: metallic fencing,
metallic sign posts and street light columns).

Identification of the correct location category from the risk exposure types must be undertaken in
accordance with EDI001 - Earthing design risk assessment.

[Link] Zone substation bonding configuration

A list of the company’s zone substations with earth bonding configuration information is available
from the company standards website.

The zone substation bonding strategy can have a large impact on the design of a distribution
earthing system. Continuous and sufficient metallic return to source can considerably reduce the
EPR at a site and therefore the risk and costs of earthing. A metallic return to source is
encouraged in urban areas where practical. When designing an earthing system on a CMEN
substation the designer must confirm that there is a traceable cable screen or LV neutral
connection to the zone substation if metallic return is assumed in the design.

5.2.5 Distribution earthing configurations

Where HV and LV earthing systems exist in close proximity to each other, part of the earth
potential rise (EPR) of the HV system can be transferred to the LV system. Two (2) practices are
presently used:

• interconnection of all HV with LV earthing systems – referred to as Common Earthing; and

• separation of HV from LV earthing systems – referred to as Separate Earthing.

Common Earthing is the preferred practice where practical and is the usual practice in urban
areas.

5.2.6 Earthing system layout

The distribution earthing system is made up of a number of components depending on the design.
All components must be considered during the design process.
• earth rods – bare vertical electrodes driven into the general mass of the earth;

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DISTRIBUTION EARTHING DESIGN Amendment No: 1

• grading ring – A buried horizontal ring of conductor around a substation or conductive pole
used to make an equipotential area to reduce touch voltages;
• bonding conductors – The insulated conductors used to bond the different components of the
earthing system to the equipment;
• cable screens – Where HV cables are present, the HV cable screen will often be a key
component in the earthing system for returning fault currents to source; and
• LV neutral – If the earthing system is common earthed, a connection to the LV neutral will form
part of the earthing system.

5.2.7 Power frequency hazard assessment

Any new or modified distribution assets will have an earthing power frequency hazard assessment
carried out. Methods of hazard assessment, including simplified conservative compliance criteria
are detailed in this section as well as in Annexure 1.

If the conservative ‘pass’ compliance criteria stated in [Link] is achieved then the design meets a
‘low risk’ profile in accordance with EDI 001 – Earthing design risk assessment. If the ‘pass’
criteria of [Link] cannot be achieved then a detailed assessment of risk is required in accordance
with [Link].

Dispensation must be requested for any risk modelled, calculated or measured that exceeds a
level of ‘low risk’ from EDI 001 – Earthing design risk assessment. For designs exceeding low risk,
dispensation requests must be submitted to the company including a risk cost benefit analysis in
accordance with EDI 001 – Earthing design risk assessment. Details in the dispensation
application will include all hazard reduction strategies considered and control strategies ruled out
as they involve grossly excessive cost and the design option chosen must present the lowest risk-
cost justified solution based on the site conditions.

[Link] Conservative compliance criteria

The following simplified earthing design assessment scenarios are provided to determine whether
‘pass’ conservative compliance design can be achieved. These methods will not be applicable to
all cases, but where the required conditions are met these will allow the designer to follow a
number of simple steps to complete their earthing design.

Common earthing in urban areas:

Two (2) Levels of assessment have been developed for simplified earthing designs for common
earthed installations. A first ‘pass’ assessment, using customer numbers or MEN resistance only
will be sufficient in most cases. Where all the conditions of this assessment cannot be achieved, a
second pass assessment based on additional details of the system can be carried out. Where
neither of these assessment methodologies are met; a detailed power frequency earthing design is
required determining that the common earthed system meets the safety requirements of EDI 001 –
Earthing design risk assessment.

Annexure 1 provides conditions for design methodologies for common earthing in urban areas.

Simplified design conditions are applicable to common earthed distribution or indoor substations
and/or any other distribution equipment such as regulators, autotransformers and switching
stations connected to common earthed systems.

In general, a common earthed installation will only be viable in an urban or industrial area with a
well meshed MEN network or interconnected common earthed substations (through HV screens or
LV neutrals).

Where an installation meets the conservative compliance criteria a single 4.8m or 2 x 2.4m
electrodes are required as the HV earthing system.

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[Link] Detailed assessment of earthing risk and design report

Where an earthing design does not qualify for one of the simplified/conservative earthing design
methods, a detailed power frequency earthing design with risk assessment as outlined in EDI 001
Earthing design risk assessment is required. The designer may undertake the following process for
achieving a successful design. The order of these steps is not essential, but each element must be
assessed and included in the design report.

a) Determination of safe voltage limits

The safe voltage limits must be calculated using the protection clearing time applicable for the
proposed earthing system with the proposed earthing system impedance, and the resistivity of
the top soil if the depth of the top soil layer is more than 1m. If the top soil depth is less than
1m, the lowest soil resistivity value amongst the different soil layers that could be reasonably
expected on the surface with provisions for the variation in soil resistivity due to moisture will be
used for safety voltage limit determination. Low risk safety voltage limits are provided in EDI
001 – Earthing design risk assessment.

b) Location and hazard identification

The designer must design expected step, touch and transfer voltages on and around the asset
in its current environment and for the reasonably foreseeable future to comply with the relevant
safety limits. The safety voltage limits may vary for different contact scenarios for the same
earth fault scenario, for example; Urban, Backyard and MEN. For this assessment modelling of
earthing system and associated metallic assets is required.

c) Assessment of hazard voltages to conductive assets

The designer must evaluate the voltages at identified hazard locations near the earthing
system.

d) Checking the compliance

The magnitude of the prospective step and touch voltage for each of the identified assets must
be compared to the calculated safe voltage limits to confirm that the specified safety
requirements in EDI 001 – Earthing design risk assessment are met.

e) Power system configuration and protection system operation

An assessment of the power system that will normally supply the asset must be undertaken.
This assessment will need to identify:
• the nominal system voltage;
• the fault level and/or source impedances;
• impedance of MEN system if applicable;
• the protection device that would operate must a fault occur; and
• where future network configurations are reasonably known, these must also be
considered.

The designer will propose an earth grid arrangement, including the number and length of the
electrodes, the earthing system configuration (see section 5.2.5) and the designed earth grid
resistance. This design will often be an iterative process, where the earth grid arrangement is
re-designed if it is determined to be non-compliant until all residual risks have been addressed.

Wherever possible, the designed earth system must provide sufficient earth fault current for
operation of primary earth fault protection as well as SEF. If the operation of primary earth fault
protection is not economically viable, the earthing design completed to activate SEF operation
only may be allowed based on a risk assessment. The reasons for selection of single
protection application and details of meeting the other conditions of high impedance distribution
earthing design will be stated in the assessment. See [Link] for requirements of high
impedance earthing designs.

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f) Sensitivity analysis of resistance of earthing system(s)

The actual earthing system resistance can vary significantly to the designed earth resistance
due to variations in the condition of the top soil. In order to guarantee the earthing system will
perform as designed, sensitivity analysis of the earthing system resistance must be carried out.

The designer must determine the range of resistance values that the earthing system will
comply. Earthing system tolerable values must be included in the earthing drawings. Refer to
drawing 358689. These tolerable earth resistance values will be used for commissioning
testing.

g) Lightning performance

Where the earthing system is for an overhead asset, the lightning performance of the system
must also be considered (see section 5.2.12).

Detailed designs may require current injection testing (CIT) to prove compliance after construction
at the discretion of Earthing & Power Quality Manager. During the CIT if any conductive assets are
found to be noncompliant, risk mitigation works are required to be carried out prior to energising
the asset. This risk mitigation works must be undertaken based on risk/cost justified basis in
consultation with the Earthing and Power Quality Manager.

[Link] Requirements for high impedance earthing designs

In high impedance distribution earthing designs, a smaller earthing system with lower fault current
and a slower protection clearing time may present less risk than a large earthing system with
higher fault current and faster fault clearing time as the hazardous soil voltages will be contained to
a smaller area around the earthing system.

Conditions for high impedance distribution earthing design:

• safety voltage compliance levels in EDI 001 – Earthing design risk assessment can be
achieved. (For padmounts and switching stations, only earthing software capable of
modelling grading ring and supplementary earth rods must be used. The 3E software tool
cannot be used for this task);
• justification for a design to operate SEF protection vs primary earth fault protection.
Modelling must use actual protection settings obtained from protection enquiries. Minimum
fault current into the system must have a margin of at least two (2) times the SEF pickup
and the feeder must have a confirmed SEF setting;
• this must include calculated risk levels for both options in accordance to EDI 001 - Earthing
design risk assessment section 5.2.2. The Argon software tool may be used to assist;
• approval from Earthing and Power Quality Manager obtained for padmount high impedance
designs. Other high impedance earthed distribution assets may be certified by the normal
process; and
• a current injection test may be requested by the Earthing and Power Quality Manager as a
condition of approval to verify the design.

5.2.8 Separation requirements to other metallic infrastructure

As a part of a separate earthing design the designer will need to determine the safe separation
requirements from the HV earthing system to third party assets including communications assets,
metallic pipelines, conductive structures and swimming pools near the HV earthing system unless
the conservative compliance criterion is met. Determination of safe separation distance from HV
earthing systems to specific third party assets is detailed below.

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MEN connected equipment

Hazard voltages from faulted HV earth systems can be introduced to nearby MEN connected
assets through soil voltage gradient. The required separation to any MEN connected equipment
must be calculated for all separately earthed HV assets. The required separation is the distance
until the soil voltage is expected to fall below the applicable TDMEN limit as stated in EDI 001 –
Earthing design risk assessment unless it can be shown that the MEN system voltage rise on the
MEN network is less than the TDMEN limit as a part of a detailed earthing design.

LV earth grid
If the substation is connected through a continuous LV neutral to one other distribution substation,
then the required separation between HV and LV earth grids is either 4m or the maximum exposed
electrode length of both the HV and LV earth grids (whichever is greater).

The separation between the HV and LV earth grids of separately earthed substations with no
neutral interconnection to other substations is the distance until the soil voltage is expected to fall
below the applicable TDMEN limit stated in EDI 001 – Earthing design risk assessment. If third
party software is used to model the LV earth grid and its connections to the MEN, the separation
between the HV and LV earth grids is the distance at which the MEN voltage falls below the
TDMEN limit.

Transmission structures/earths
Separation distance to conductive transmission structures from distribution earthing must be a
minimum separation of 15m as outlined in MDI 0047 – Overhead transmission mains design
unless proven otherwise.

Telecommunications infrastructure
Telecommunications equipment must be sufficiently separated from a HV earthing system to
comply with AS/NZS 3835. Refer to EDI 001 – Earthing design risk assessment for applicable EPR
limits and Low Frequency Induction limits.

Pipelines
Hazardous voltages on conductive pipelines must be assessed as set out in AS/NZS 4853.
Refer to EDI 001 – Earthing design risk assessment for applicable touch voltage limits and Low
Frequency Induction limits.

Swimming pools and spas

The separation requirement around a common earthed asset for private swimming pools is 5m
from any part of the earthing system.

Unless the required separation to private swimming pool (TDMEN limit) is determined in a detailed
earthing design in accordance with this instruction and EDI 001 – Earthing design risk assessment,
the required separation for private swimming pools near separately earthed assets is 30 metres.

Public swimming pools and aquatic centres will be assessed as special locations according to EDI
001 – Earthing design risk assessment.

Other metallic structures (fences or similar)

Where the common earthing configuration is used, the exclusion zones for conductive structures
such as fences will be limited to the substation easement.

The separation requirement for metallic fences and other conductive structures around a
separately earthed asset is the distance to the point where the soil voltage falls to the allowable

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DISTRIBUTION EARTHING DESIGN Amendment No: 1

touch voltage for the backyard contact scenario as stated in EDI 001 – Earthing design risk
assessment. Where the metallic fence is appropriately mitigated through insulated sections (refer
to drawing no. 332073 and 061674) fences may be installed within closer proximity to the earthing
system. Refer to Annexure 4 for more information.

5.2.9 Risk mitigation

A list of engineering risk controls commonly used distribution earthing hazards are provided in
Annexure 7.

5.2.10 Low voltage network earthing

The low voltage distribution earthing system will be built in accordance with AS/NZS 3000.
Australia has adopted an MEN system of low-voltage distribution earthing. The MEN system is
primarily a continuous electrical connection of consumer installation earthing and any low voltage
equipment earthing through the LV neutral, which is further bonded to earth at several points; at
the transformer LV neutral point; and with the substation LV earthing.

Hence, for LV earth faults that involve the neutral, the MEN system is inherently of low impedance.
It must be noted that earth faults on the LV system are only generally detected if the connection to
neutral is effective and continuous to the source substation. This is particularly the case due to the
ongoing replacement of the copper water pipe water reticulation system with non-conductive pipes.
If the nature of a LV fault is such that the return path is not through the neutral then the operation
of LV protection is unlikely and could pose risk to safety. Thus the integrity of customer neutrals is
essential to the health and safety of the public.

For a HV earth fault in a common earthed substation the MEN system can provide a low
impedance path to earth depending on the number of consumer installations connected and the
soil resistivity of the area. This characteristic, together with the low impedance of the neutral,
generally will help to produce a large enough fault current to operate protective devices (fuses or
circuit breakers) in the event of an earth fault, whilst limiting EPR. Care must be taken when
bonding HV earths onto weaker MEN systems, as HV earth potential rise could pose excessive
risk to all LVMEN bonded equipment.

Hence, care will be taken to maintain a low impedance MEN system and the integrity of the neutral
connection. In some locations in the network, works may be required to strengthen the MEN
system through additional spans of neutral conductor or augmented neutral conductor. Key criteria
for the MEN network:
• the low voltage neutral must always be connected, and remain continuously connected across
low voltage open points; and
• in order to enhance the safety of the MEN network, LV neutrals will be extended to adjacent
existing LV mains where practical. This will increase the integrity of the MEN network
improving customer safety.

[Link] LV earthing system for relevant substations

An LV earth grid is required for separately earthed substations. The LV earth grid must consist of a
minimum of two (2) 2.4m electrodes and more if required to meet the conditions below.

The calculated resistance of the LV earths including MEN network and interconnected earths shall
be sufficiently low by a safety factor of two (2) to establish that the substation HV protection will
operate in the event of a HV line to LV line contact or a HV/LV winding insulation breakdown at an
associated distribution transformer.

Note: Safety factor of two (2) means the current required to operate the HV protection must be
twice the pickup of the associated protection, or twice the fuse rating where applicable.

Indicative MEN impedances to assist with this calculation are provided in Annexure 1.

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If the substation is connected through a continuous LV neutral to one other distribution substation,
then this is considered sufficient. Where this requirement proves difficult, the use of additional
electrodes bonded to the LV neutral at multiple locations is required to meet the safety factor
requirement.

The LV side of a distribution substation should be connected to the general MEN network where it
is practical to do so. Supplies to single customers should only be used where it is the only option
and the earthing risk is appropriately assessed. Such situations will require a much larger LV earth
grid to meet the safety factor requirement.

5.2.11 Review and design acceptance

All earthing designs must go through at least one level of review. This means they must be
checked and accepted by at least one person other than the designer, who understands the
requirements of the earthing system and the requirements of this instruction.

5.2.12 Lightning requirements

In order to effectively discharge lightning into the ground, wherever practical, the earthing systems
of HV overhead distribution equipment pole such as substations, regulators etc. must be designed
such that they achieve a local resistance to earth of less than 100Ω. In high resistivity areas, or
urban locations where earthing safety is improved by a smaller earth grid with a greater resistance,
the earthing safety requirement will take precedence.

5.3 Earthing conductors and ratings

Insulated or bare cables form an integral part of the earthing system. Care will be taken to use
conductors that will withstand the effects of corrosion due to the chemical composition of the soil in
the area. For this reason, copper cables only have been specified in this document for
underground application. If the ground appears to be or is known to be highly corrosive, especially
to copper, a suitable bedding or covering material must be used with consideration for conductivity
and rating. Details of corrosion assessment for earthing systems are provided in EDI 516 – Major
Substation Earthing Design, Construct and Test.

All earth cables will be capable of distributing and discharging the fault current without exceeding
thermal and mechanical design limits based on backup fault clearing time. Table 5-2 below shows
the cable type for each purpose and the relevant 1 second current rating.

Table 5-2: Earth cable types and short circuit current ratings
Conductor purpose Fault rating (kA)
Cable
1 second 2 seconds
Underground bonding & within 70sqmm Cu bare 11.9 8.4
substation cubicle 70sqmm Cu insulated 9.5 6.7
Earth down leads on poles 95sqmm Al XLPE/PVC 8.5 6.0

A 𝐼 2 𝑡 relationship can be used to determine the rating for other fault durations:
𝐼(1𝑠) 119002
For example, the 2 second rating of a 70mm2 Cu bare cable is = � 𝑡
=� 2
= 8415𝐴 .

A bare aerial cable suitable for the fault rating with minimum size equivalent to 50mm2 copper from
the approved product list will be used for under slung earth wire. Construction requirement are to
be submitted to Mains Asset Section using the dispensation application process.

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5.4 Testing and ongoing maintenance

5.4.1 Testing after construction

After installation, the resistance of the earth system must be tested as outlined in EDI 0005 –
Distribution earthing test. The test results must be compared with the designed earth resistance
limits.

If the tests prove that the design requirements of this installation are not met, modifications may be
required to the earth grid to confirm compliance with this instruction. This may involve adding more
or deeper electrodes. Modifications must be made in consultation with the Earthing Designer.

Results of this test must be recorded in the company’s Ellipse database and on works as executed
drawings to provide a basis for maintenance earth testing thereafter.

5.4.2 Current injection testing and reporting

Current injection testing based on methods set out in EDI 0005 – Distribution earthing test may be
required in critical locations as determined by Earthing and Power Quality Manager. A test report
containing the following information must be forwarded to the Regional Services
Manager/CWO/CWE for comparison with the design values:
• test method used;
• details of the instruments and the method used;
• table of step and touch voltage measurements taken for metallic objects in the vicinity;
• EPR reading and the distance from earth grid to other authority assets like Telstra
installations, metallic pipes, and the like;
• graph of EPR measurements with respect to remote earth (potential difference-Volts versus
distance from substation earth grid in metres); and
• soil resistivity values in minimum 2 layers (refer to EDI 0005 – Distribution earthing test).

5.5 Specific requirements for specific plant and equipment

5.5.1 Earth connections for a common earth system

For a common earthing system, all the applicable HV earth connections and the LV earth
connections are bonded to one (1) earthing system unless the asset provides the first connection
to the zone substation in which case the HV cable screens depend on the zone substation bonding
arrangement (refer to section 5.5.14).

5.5.2 Indoor substations

All new indoor substations will be common earthed with a direct bond from the substation earthing
system to building steel reinforcement in which it is situated. Refer to drawing 348263 in EDI 0006
– Earthing construction standard for the connection details for a common earthed indoor
substation.

For all new indoor substations, a detailed construction drawing must be produced as part of the
design. This drawing must identify all earthing connections.
It is required to restrict earthing related hazards to within the premises of the indoor substation
rather than spreading onto public footpaths. To achieve this local earthing system may be installed
underneath of the footprint of the substation, prior to pouring of the concrete for the floor for the
basement. Alternatively local earths can be installed within the premises. Padmount substations
installed on outdoor concrete floors for car parks etc. will be treated the same way as indoor
substations for earthing. Any alternative earthing installation arrangements are to be based on an
assessment of the practicality of applying this requirement and the risk associated with transferred
voltages on the footpath area.

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5.5.3 SWER substation earthing

The earthing of SWER substations (including SWER isolating transformers) must be designed for
the continuous passage of electric load current in addition to safe performance in relation to
protective earthing.
For SWER isolating substations, the earthing resistance of the HV earth must be designed such
that during load current, the EPR at the substation does not exceed 20V.
Construction of SWER substations and isolating substations on conductive poles require an
approval from Earthing and Power Quality Manager.

Two (2) separate and distinct earthing systems must be provided. They are:
• HV earthing system (Table 5-3)
• LV earthing system

Table 5-3: SWER TX maximum HV earth resistance

SWER transformer rating Maximum HV earth resistance (Ω)

16 kVA 15.5
25 kVA 10.0
100 kVA 2.5

The low voltage earthing system of all SWER isolating and distribution transformers must be less
than 10Ω.

5.5.4 Distribution substations within transmission and zone substation

The earthing requirements for distribution substations (Auxiliary supply) within a transmission or
zone substation are not covered by this instruction as they form part of the major substation
design. Refer to EDI 516 – Major Earthing Design, Construct and Test.

5.5.5 Pole mounted HV voltage regulators

The regulator surge arresters and any other conductive components will be bonded to earth.
Where fitted, any associated switch handle will be installed as set out in Air break switch earth
section in EDI 0006 – Earthing construction standard. Regulators must be carefully risk assessed
as they require the use of a conductive pole.

5.5.6 High voltage underground to overhead terminations (HV UG/OH)

Earthing system for HV UG/OH must be designed to comply with EDI 001 – Earthing design risk
assessment. Earthing requirements for UG/OH poles connecting feeder cables from ZS/TS are
provided in the ZS/TS earthing design.

5.5.7 Air Break Switches

Air Break switches does not require a designed earthing system. Details of the required earthing is
found in EDI0006 – Earthing construction standard.

5.5.8 Load break switches

LBS installed on conductive poles, on joint use transmission and distribution poles and installed on
wood poles with other assets requiring earthing (for example HV ABC catenary), a properly
designed permanent earthing system for LBS is required to be installed.

A designed earthing system is not required for new load break switches (LBSs) installed on wood
poles with no other assets requiring earthing. Refer to EDI 0006 – Earthing construction standard.

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5.5.9 Auto recloser earthing

Auto reclosers require a full earthing design in accordance with this standard. Where the
recloser/switch is fitted with remote terminal units (RTU) is separately earthed and has an LV
supply, the LV supply for the RTU will be isolated from the switch case and HV earth with an
isolating transformer (this is not required where the system is common earthed where it may be
directly connected). The voltage rating other isolation transformer will be sufficient so that EPR
during HV fault is not transferred to the LV neutral. The earthing arrangements for feeder
automation (DFA) switches are shown on drawing 348255 and 348256 in EDI 0006 – Earthing
construction standard.

5.5.10 NMSHVABC – catenary earthing

Earthing system for NMSHVABC – catenary must be design to comply with EDI 001 – Earthing
design risk assessment.

5.5.11 Use of Conductive poles in bushfire prone areas

Concrete/steel poles are required to be used in bushfire prone areas (including bushfire buffer
zone areas) in order to mitigate risks associated with bushfires. As concrete/steel poles are
conductive they can increase the risk associated with touch and transfer voltages. Where the asset
is to be installed in a bushfire prone area the design must consider the use of a concrete pole.
Touch voltage on these poles may be managed with secondary mitigations such as an insulating
coating.

If the design shows that a negligible earthing risk cannot be achieved with a concrete/steel pole
with secondary mitigation, a timber pole may be used. This exception of using timber pole does not
apply to HV poles supporting only HV or HV+LV mains with no other distribution equipment. The
assessment requirements for conductive poles are illustrated below.

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5.5.12 Distribution equipment and lines on conductive transmission or sub-transmission

structures.
For information on distribution assets on transmission poles refer to MDI 0047 – Overhead
transmission mains design and EDI 0004 – Earthing design, construction and testing of overhead
transmission mains.

[Link] HV distribution equipment on conductive transmission or sub-transmission structures.

Distribution substations and UGOH terminations for cables supplying distribution substations must
not be installed on conductive structures that carry sub-transmission or transmission Voltages
without a detailed analysis of the impact of a fault on the transmission network and its effect on the
distribution earthing system subject to prior approval from the Earthing & Power Quality Manager.

Other distribution assets such as LBSs may be installed on conductive transmission or sub-
transmission poles, subject to an assessment of step, touch and transfer voltages in accordance
with this instruction and EDI 001 – Earthing risk assessment.

[Link] Low voltage equipment on conductive transmission or sub-transmission structures.

LV, streetlight conductor, UGOHs and streetlight fittings must not be installed on a conductive
transmission pole or structure unless the insulation requirements are determined in an earthing
assessment of the transmission structure unless they are insulated in accordance with the
requirements of MDI0047 – Overhead transmission mains design.

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5.5.13 Conductive distribution poles

Conductive poles carrying HV distribution mains must be considered as part of the HV earthing
system.

[Link] HV construction only

Conductive poles shall not be used in separate earthing areas unless they are in a bushfire prone
area as detailed in section 5.5.11.

[Link] Additional earthing electrodes

If required, additional earth electrodes may be required and connected to the earthing ferrule to
reduce earthing resistance of conductive poles. Concrete poles carrying HV conductors in areas
with soil electrical resistivity exceeding 2000Ωm will require additional earthing to confirm that SEF
protection will operate at 20A. NMSHVABC or an underslung earth wire can also be considered
part of the HV earth system to provide a sufficiently low resistance to operate SEF.

5.5.14 First cable out (connection to zone substations)

No distribution voltages will be reticulated into major substations without prior approval from the
Earthing & Power Quality manager. The earthing and bonding at both the major substation end
and the first asset being supplied must be assessed. Similarly where reticulation works affect the
first asset out of a zone substation (that is, such as a new substation installed on an existing first
cable out) – a review of the next asset supplied or second asset from the zone substation may be
required to confirm earth continuity as appropriate. This will be described in any approval from the
Earthing & Power Quality Manager.

5.6 Design and as constructed information documentation and storage

5.6.1 Safety Information

Key information about identified hazards and action to control risks will be recorded and transferred
from the design phase to the next stages of the lifecycle. This safety information will be included in
the design drawings particularly where designs deviate from this standard.

5.6.2 Drawing information

For all new and augmented earth installations, the following information must be provided in the
project drawings in the format given in Drawing no. 358689 (refer SAD 0001 – Project Drawing
Standards). This format must be used to provide for easy capture of the earthing information to
GIS.
Company’s asset management database (Ellipse) will be updated with this information.
Company Project Managers or CWO/CWEs will confirm that correct information is transferred to
Ellipse and GIS earthing layer before closing the project.
5.6.3 Reporting
Where a detailed earthing design risk assessment is required, a report must be generated. As a
minimum, this report must detail the following:
• soil resistivity model used, and the location the measurements were taken;
• the relevant safety criteria used, and demonstrated compliance to these;
• assessment of safety of other utility assets (if applicable);
• risk assessment in accordance with EDI 001 – Earthing design risk assessment;
• any testing requirements;
• any assumptions made in the design; and
• reports on fault current distribution, EPR and touch voltages generated from the earthing
design software.

This report must be filed with the design packet, such that it can be accessed for the life of the
asset.

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DISTRIBUTION EARTHING DESIGN Amendment No: 1

5.7 Standard drawings

Earthing Information Drawing

Amd.
Drawing no. Subject / Title
no.
358689 B Format of Earthing information on Project Drawings (Page 1 and 2)

6.0 AUTHORITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Manager Asset Standards and Designs has the authority and responsibility for:
• approving this amended instructions; and
• approving any variations to the requirements of this instruction.

Substation Design Manager has the authority and responsibility for:

• endorsing this instruction; and
• recommending changes and revisions to this instruction.

Manager Network Connections has the authority and responsibility for establishing that:
• earthing designs are carried out for all network projects in accordance with the design and the
standard;
• contractors construct/install the earth systems in accordance with the design and this
standard;
• earthing designs are carried out for all network projects in accordance with the design and the
standard;
• test results comply with the design and this Standard; and
• data is uploaded into the Ellipse and GIS databases where such data is forwarded by the ASP.

Regional Service Managers are responsible for establishing that:

• earthing design, construct and installation are carried out for all network projects in
accordance with the design and this standard;
• earthing related data is uploaded into the Ellipse and GIS databases;
• test results comply with the design and this standard;
• the work performed is carried out in accordance with local and statutory requirements;
• standard risk management principles and procedures are followed and public safety is not
unduly compromised within their reasonable capability; and
• clarification of this standard is sought, where necessary, from Earthing & Power Quality
Manager.

Earthing & Power Quality Manager has the authority and responsibility for:
• revising and updating this instruction in accordance with Endeavour Energy’s Policy and
Procedures; and

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DISTRIBUTION EARTHING DESIGN Amendment No: 1

• recommending changes and revisions to this instruction.

Protection Manager has the authority and responsibility for:

• providing and reviewing fault level information for regular update on the ASP Standards
website; and
• providing fault level and clearance times on request from Regional Services or Network
Connections.

Earthing Designers are responsible for:

• carrying out all design and construction works as set out in this design standard;
• seeking clarification of this standard, where necessary;
• confirming that work performed is carried out in accordance with local and statutory
requirements;
• confirming that standard risk management principles and procedures are followed and public
safety is not unduly compromised within their reasonable capability; and
• coordinating the appropriate consultation with relevant stakeholders including but not limited to
owners of any adjacent telecommunications, water, gas, and petroleum products systems as
well as local councils and network planners.

7.0 DOCUMENT CONTROL

Documentation content coordinator: Earthing & Power Quality Manager
Documentation process coordinator: Standards Process Coordinator

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DISTRIBUTION EARTHING DESIGN Amendment No: 1

Annexure 1: Conditions and methodology for common earthed system design

The simplified design method for common earthing can be broken down into three (3) stages, each
stage increasing in complexity and data requirements
Level 1 – Conservative compliance criteria, using customer numbers only – detailed below
Level 2 – Predetermined voltage limit criteria, using system configuration to develop target system
impedance.
Level 3 – Risk based compliance. A detailed power frequency earthing study modelling the entire
earthing system to establish that all relevant safety criteria are satisfied. (This will require
sophisticated earthing modelling software, and a sound knowledge of power system earthing
design).
The basic requirement is that the impedance of the earthing system, looking into the earthing
network from any potential fault point, should be low enough to minimise the EPR and confirm that
the step, touch and transfer voltages are maintained at acceptably low levels. In general this will
require a large MEN network with sufficient parallel paths for fault currents. By way of example,
large congregations of residential subdivisions connected together satisfy this condition.
Where a distribution asset meets a) and b), below it qualifies to be connected as a common
earthed asset.
a) is connected to a residential , commercial or industrial distribution network where the low
voltage neutrals are connected to the general mass of earth using the MEN system; and,
b) the requirements of the simplified earthing design method detailed below can be met;

Level 1 – Conservative compliance criteria

Compliance with these requirements meets the ‘low risk’ profile of ENA EG-0 in accordance with
company policy. Simplified conservative common earthing compliance requires:
• Two (2) solid earth connections from the HV equipment under design into the wider MEN
system either through adequately rated HV screens of LV neutrals.
• Is connected to a MEN system with the upper layer of soil resistivity less than or equal to
100Ωm and meets the earth system impedance (MEN Ω) in the table below based on the
associated fault level. Multiple soil resistivity tests in the area may be required to confirm
that the soil model represents the entire area.
• Has local HV earthing associated with the distribution assets of 7Ω (for example that
typically provided by five 4.8m long bare vertical electrodes at soil resistivity of 100Ωm)
• If bonded to the source zone substation deliberately through HV screens and/or LV neutral
assumed to have between 50% and 75% of current returning through metallic paths and
not through the general mass of the earth.

The specified protection:

• Table A4-1: HV installations protected by an upstream fuse with rating of less than 40A;
commonly used for pole substations rated 400kVA or less or along overhead spur lines.
• Table A4-2: HV installations protected by an upstream circuit breaker and associated relay
with a IEC standard inverse characteristic, time multiplier of 0.2 and pick-up of 240A (typical
Endeavour Energy distribution curve characteristic). This protection assumption is
commonly used for all padmount substation assets.

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• Table A4-3: HV installations protected by an upstream circuit breaker and associated relay
with a IEC standard inverse characteristic, time multiplier of 0.13, pick-up of 200A and high-
set of 3.6kA – new Endeavour Energy distribution curve characteristic. This protection
assumption is used for new or modified CB’s which can be obtained from Endeavour
Energy.

Location categories as specified:

• AQ12: High public and societal contact likelihood assuming wet bare hands and feet
exposed 12 months per annum.
• TDMEN Normal: Normal public contact likelihood with affected MEN bonded metallic
infrastructure with typical mix of footwear.

Table A4-1: Level 1 common earthing assessment - 40A Fuse protected

Touch voltage
AQ12 Locations TDMEN Normal Locations
curve
Metallic
connection to Yes No Yes No
source
Ilg (kA) tc (s) Electrodes MEN Ω Electrodes MEN Ω Electrodes MEN Ω Electrodes MEN Ω
0.10 15 50 1.60 250 0.40 30 2.80 130 0.70
0.15 2.4 60 1.50 310 0.34 30 2.29 170 0.57
0.20 1.1 60 1.35 310 0.34 40 2.21 170 0.55
0.25 0.66 60 1.35 310 0.34 40 2.21 170 0.55
0.50 0.15 60 1.35 310 0.34 40 2.21 170 0.55
1 0.04 60 1.35 310 0.34 40 2.21 170 0.55
2 0.02 100 0.91 500 0.23 60 1.33 320 0.33
4 0.02 220 0.45 1160 0.11 140 0.67 730 0.17
8* 0.02 500 0.23 2680 0.06 320 0.33 1690 0.08
16* 0.02 1160 0.11 N/A N/A 730 0.17 3920 0.04
*Boric acid fuse are required where the fault level exceeds 8kA

Table A4-2: Level 1 common earthing assessment - CB Protected: Traditional Endeavour Settings
Touch voltage
AQ12 Locations TDMEN Normal Locations
curve
Metallic
connection to Yes No Yes No
source
Ilg (kA) tc (s) Electrodes MEN Ω Electrodes MEN Ω Electrodes MEN Ω Electrodes MEN Ω
0.30 6.42 360 0.30 840 0.15 190 0.51 440 0.26
0.50 2.01 540 0.21 1250 0.11 290 0.36 670 0.18
0.75 1.33 750 0.16 1720 0.08 410 0.27 950 0.13
1 1.08 870 0.14 2010 0.07 480 0.24 1110 0.12
2 0.75 1290 0.10 2980 0.05 710 0.17 1630 0.09
3 0.65 1630 0.09 3790 0.04 850 0.15 1970 0.07
4 0.59 1660 0.08 3840 0.04 860 0.15 1990 0.07
5 0.55 2170 0.07 N/A N/A 1130 0.12 2610 0.06
6 0.53 2710 0.06 N/A N/A 1400 0.10 3250 0.05
8 0.49 2670 0.06 N/A N/A 1470 0.09 3400 0.05
10 0.47 3500 0.05 N/A N/A 1920 0.07 N/A N/A
12 0.45 N/A N/A N/A N/A 2400 0.06 N/A N/A

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Table A4-3: Level 1 common earthing assessment - CB Protected: New Endeavour Settings
Touch voltage
AQ12 Locations TDMEN Normal Locations
curve
Metallic
connection to Yes No Yes No
source
Ilg (kA) tc (s) Electrodes MEN Ω Electrodes MEN Ω Electrodes MEN Ω Electrodes MEN Ω
0.30 2.36 310 0.34 710 0.17 170 0.57 380 0.29
0.50 1.09 380 0.29 870 0.14 210 0.47 480 0.24
0.75 0.79 390 0.28 910 0.14 220 0.46 500 0.23
1 0.66 430 0.26 1000 0.13 230 0.44 520 0.22
2 0.49 500 0.23 1150 0.11 280 0.37 630 0.19
3 0.43 640 0.18 1490 0.09 370 0.29 860 0.14
4 0.20 640 0.18 1490 0.09 370 0.29 860 0.14
5 0.20 840 0.15 1950 0.07 490 0.23 1130 0.12
6 0.20 1050 0.12 2430 0.06 610 0.19 1410 0.10
8 0.20 1490 0.09 3440 0.05 860 0.14 2000 0.07
10 0.20 1950 0.07 N/A N/A 1130 0.12 2620 0.06
12 0.20 2430 0.06 N/A N/A 1410 0.10 3270 0.05
Notes:
• Metallic connection to source: means continuous metallic return to source substation and
source substation is deliberately bonded into the distribution earthing system (CMEN)
through HV cable sheaths and/or LV neutrals.
• Ilg (kA): total prospective fault current (kA) at the distribution assets (refer annexure 9) tc (s):
Fault clearing time in seconds,
• Table A4-1 - 40A fuse protection, Table A4-2 - HV CB and relay protected with IEC SI
0.2TL and 240A Pickup, Table A4-3 Table - HV CB and relay protected with IEC SI 0.13TL,
200A pickup and high-set of 3.6kA.
• Customer Installations: is the equivalent number of interconnected low voltage 1m
electrodes in parallel with the HV earth associated with the MEN system connected in close
proximity to the substation or distribution asset.
• MEN Ω: is the equivalent earth input impedance in ohms which is likely to be seen at this
point in the network with the number of LV electrodes above.

Level 2 – Predetermined voltage limit criteria

When level 1 cannot be achieved, common earthing can still be utilised using a level 2
assessment. This level of assessment can also be used where the soil resistivity exceeds 100 Ωm.
The underlying requirement behind a level 2 assessment is the calculation of required earthing
impedance based on more site specific conditions. Compliance with these requirements meets the
‘low risk’ profile of ENA EG-0 in accordance with company policy. Level 2 assessment can be
undertaken using the 3E tool.
Note: Common earthing can still be achieved by measurement or calculation provided a detailed
earthing study is undertaken.
Simplified voltage based criteria for common earthing compliance requires:
A. Two (2) solid earth connections from the HV equipment under design into the wider MEN
system either through adequately rated HV screens and/or LV neutrals.
B. Has local HV earthing associated with the distribution assets of 7Ω (for example that
typically provided by five 4.8m long bare vertical electrodes at soil resistivity of 100Ωm)

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C. If bonded to the source zone substation deliberately through HV screens and/or LV neutral
assumed to have a factor, K, of current returning to the source through metallic paths. This
factor is determined by the inverse of the earth fault current which flows from the main
circuit to the general mass of the earth divided by the total fault current including the portion
of fault current which flows back to the transformer neutral point via the metallic parts
−𝟏
𝑰
without ever discharging into the soil. 𝑲 = � 𝒈 �
𝑰𝒇
D. Have a factor, F, applied which is the inverse of the prospective touch voltage UT as a
𝑼 −𝟏
proportion of the maximum EPR. 𝑭 = � 𝑻 � where the UT limit is defined by UTDMEN. This
𝑬𝑬𝑬
value takes into account that the touch voltages will typically only be a portion of the total
EPR.

E. The specified protection clearance time can be calculated or be based on:

i. Table A4-4: HV installations protected by an upstream fuse with rating of less than
40A; commonly used for pole substations rated 400kVA or less or along overhead
spur lines.
ii. Table A4-5: HV installations protected by an upstream circuit breaker and
associated relay with a IEC standard inverse characteristic, time multiplier of 0.2
and pick-up of 240A (typical Endeavour Energy distribution curve characteristic).
This protection assumption is commonly used for all padmount substation assets.
iii. Table A4-6: HV installations protected by an upstream circuit breaker and
associated relay with a IEC standard inverse characteristic, time multiplier of 0.13
and pick-up of 200A and an instantaneous high set at 3.6kA (new Endeavour
Energy distribution curve characteristic). This protection assumption is only to be
used for padmount substation where these protection settings are known to be
used.

F. Location categories as specified:

i. Wet TDMEN: High public contact likelihood assuming wet bare hands and feet.
ii. Normal TDMEN: Normal public contact likelihood with affected MEN bonded
metallic infrastructure with typical mix of footwear.

The methodology is as follows:

In order to allow the interconnection of low-voltage and high-voltage earthing systems, the
following EPR limit must be obtained:
(A4E1) 𝑬𝑬𝑬𝑴𝑴𝑴 = 𝑭. 𝑼𝑻𝑻𝑻𝑻𝑻
Where,
F is the touch voltage factor which is the inverse of the prospective touch voltage UT as a
𝑼𝑻 −𝟏
proportion of the maximum EPR. 𝑭 = � � where the UT limit is defined by UTDMEN.
𝑬𝑬𝑬

• In homogenous soil with typical evenly distributed lot sizes not exceeding 1200m2;
the F-factor curve shown in Figure A4-1 can be conservatively applied depending
on the number of LV MEN connections available in close proximity. This has been
created to represent the worst case mesh voltages within an MEN system but also
consider possible weaknesses at MEN system extremities.
• Where the MEN only consist of a single customer earth, F should be 1.

UTDMEN is the maximum allowable touch voltage to be considered ‘low risk’ in accordance with
company policy. It is provided in EDI 001 – Earthing Risk Assessment or can be gathered
from the tables below depending on the associated clearance time.

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Figure A4-1: F-factor allowance

3
Homogeneous F-factor (EPR /

2.5

1.5
Vt)

0.5

0
1 10 100 1000 10000
MEN Size (N)

Table A4-4: Level 2 Common earthing assessment - 40A Fuse protected

Maximum allowable prospective touch voltage – low risk
Clearing
Fault Level
Time – tc EG0 EG0 [UTDMEN (V)] – soil resistivity
– If (kA)
(s)
AQ12 50 Ωm 100 Ωm 200 Ωm 500 Ωm
0.15 10.00 40 68 70 76 95
0.20 2.50 49 80 86 92 113
0.25 1.20 64 101 106 116 142
0.30 0.70 104 163 171 192 247
0.35 0.50 169 271 291 326 420
0.40 0.30 300 440 471 541 747
0.45 0.30 300 440 471 541 747
0.50 0.20 369 541 579 650 897
0.75 0.06 454 621 665 800 1210
≥1.00 0.06 454 621 665 800 1210

Table A4-5: Level 2 Common earthing assessment - HV CB Protected: Standard Endeavour Settings
Maximum allowable prospective touch voltage – low risk
Clearing
Fault Level Time – tc EG0 [UTDMEN (V)] – soil resistivity
EG0
– If (kA) (s)
AQ12 50 Ωm 100 Ωm 200 Ωm 500 Ωm
0.25 10.10 40 68 70 76 95
0.50 2.01 53 85 89 96 118
0.75 1.33 61 95 100 110 135
1.00 1.08 68 107 112 122 152
1.50 0.86 83 129 135 148 188
2.00 0.75 96 151 157 175 225
2.50 0.69 107 168 176 197 255
3.00 0.65 116 186 198 219 286
4.00 0.59 132 213 228 251 330
5.00 0.55 149 237 254 282 367
6.00 0.53 157 255 273 305 394
8.00 0.49 175 280 300 336 435
10.00 0.47 187 301 320 359 471
12.00 0.45 199 316 334 375 497

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Table A4-6: Level 2 Common earthing assessment - HV CB Protected: New Endeavour settings
Maximum allowable prospective touch voltage – low risk
Clearing
Fault Level Time – tc EG0 [UTDMEN (V)] – soil resistivity
EG0
– If (kA) (s)
AQ12 50 Ωm 100 Ωm 200 Ωm 500 Ωm
0.25 4.21 35 75 77 84 103
0.50 1.09 50 106 111 122 150
0.75 0.79 62 142 148 163 210
1.00 0.66 74 180 191 212 276
1.50 0.55 95 238 255 284 369
2.00 0.49 111 280 299 335 434
2.50 0.45 127 314 332 373 493
3.00 0.43 135 331 349 392 522
4.00 0.2 256 541 579 650 897
5.00 0.2 256 541 579 650 897
6.00 0.2 256 541 579 650 897
8.00 0.2 256 541 579 650 897
10.00 0.2 256 541 579 650 897
12.00 0.2 256 541 579 650 897
Notes:
• Ilg (kA): total prospective fault current (kA) at the distribution assets (refer Annexure 5)
tc (s): Fault clearing time in seconds,
• Table A4-4 - 40A fuse protection, Table A4-5 - HV CB and relay protected with IEC SI
0.2TL and 240A Pickup, Table A4-6 - HV CB and relay protected with IEC SI 0.13TL, 200A
pickup and high-set of 3.6kA.
• UTDMEN is the maximum allowable prospective touch voltage to be considered ‘low’ risk.

In order to determine the minimum impedance to earth at 50Hz (ZE) required to obtain the ‘low risk’
limit in accordance with Endeavour Energy company policy; the following equation shall be
satisfied:
𝑬𝑬𝑬𝒎𝒎𝒎
(A4E2) 𝒁𝑬 ≤ 𝑲.
𝑰𝒇

Where,
K is a factor determined by the inverse of the earth fault current which flows from the main
circuit to the general mass of the earth divided by the total fault current including the portion
of fault current which flows back to the transformer neutral point via the metallic parts
−𝟏
𝑰
without ever discharging into the soil. 𝑲 = � 𝒈 �
𝑰 𝒇

• Where a zone-substation has deliberate and parallel metallic paths bonded into the
distribution system (either through HV sheaths and/or LVMEN) and the distribution
asset being designed has path(s) back to the source, the value of K can be
assumed to be 2. Higher values of K may be applied within 1km of the zone-
substation or if a dedicated HV cable screen is available as shown by measurement
or calculation. See EDI 001 - Earthing Risk Assessment for more information.
• Where the zone-substation is not bonded into the distribution earthing system or the
asset being designed does not have a metallic return to the source for instance an
overhead fed pole substation feeding an isolated MEN system, the value of K must
be set to 1.

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This minimum impedance requirement is the parallel impedance of the local earth grid, earthing
impedance of nearby earth grids bonded by HV screens and earthing impedance of the bonded LV
multiple earthed neutral network in the area (MEN).
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 −𝟏
(A4E3) 𝒁𝑬 = � + + + ⋯�
𝒁𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯 𝒁𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯 𝒁𝑴𝑴𝑴

A ZMEN impedance table is provided in below to assist with this calculation.

The following table may be used to determine the indicative well-meshed MEN impedance value in
homogenous soil models, or where the upper layer of a two layered soil model is greater than 2m
in depth:

Table A4-7: Well meshed indicative MEN network impedance

MEN input Well meshed indicative MEN network impedance: ZMEN

numbers (Ω)
(n) 50 Ωm 100 Ωm 200 Ωm 500 Ωm
10 5.000 10.000 20.00 50.00
20 2.500 5.000 10.00 25.00
40 1.250 2.500 5.00 12.50
60 0.833 1.667 3.33 8.33
80 0.625 1.250 2.50 6.25
100 0.500 1.000 2.00 5.00
150 0.339 0.678 1.36 3.39
200 0.262 0.524 1.05 2.62
250 0.214 0.428 0.86 2.14
300 0.189 0.378 0.73 1.82
350 0.171 0.342 0.63 1.58
400 0.157 0.313 0.56 1.40
500 0.135 0.271 0.46 1.15
600 0.120 0.241 0.39 0.98
700 0.109 0.218 0.35 0.87
800 0.100 0.200 0.32 0.80
900 0.092 0.185 0.30 0.74
1000 0.086 0.173 0.28 0.69
1250 0.075 0.149 0.24 0.60
1500 0.066 0.133 0.21 0.53
1750 0.060 0.120 0.19 0.48
2000 0.055 0.110 0.18 0.44
2500 0.048 0.095 0.15 0.38
3000 0.042 0.084 0.14 0.34
3500 0.038 0.076 0.12 0.31
4000 0.035 0.070 0.11 0.28
5000 0.030 0.061 0.10 0.24

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Well Meshed MEN Impedance (Ω) 100

10 50 Ωm
100 Ωm
200 Ωm
500 Ωm
1

0.1

0.01
10 100 1000 10000
Well Meshed Vertical Electrodes (N)

Care shall be taken when using these values particularly when a LV neutral needs to be run a
sufficient length to reach the well meshed MEN network. In such situations the self-impedance of
LV neutral metallic cable sheath or overhead neutral shall be added in series to the ZMEN
impedance.
The methodology above is based on IEC 61936:2010, AS/NZS 7000:2010 and ENA EG-0.

Level 3 – Risk based compliance

If Level 1 or 2 cannot be achieved, common earthing can still be allowed based on a detailed
assessment of risk as set out in EDI 001 - Earthing Risk Assessment (refer EDI 001 – Earthing
Risk Assessment and 5.2.7).
Any risk modelled, calculated or measured that exceeds the risk appetite of EDI 001 – Earthing
Risk Assessment must be submitted to the Earthing & Power Quality Manager six (6) weeks’ prior
to any required certification of the design. This shall be done using the dispensation process
including risk management procedures provided in Division Procedure GNV 1062 – Granting
Dispensation from Network Standards and Company Procedure GRM 0003 – Risk Management.
Any risk exceeding the “low risk” limit is subject to approval by the General Manager Asset
Management.

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Annexure 2: Calculation of the resistance of an electrode system

Single electrode
Electrode resistance can be calculated from the length and radius of the electrode and the average
soil resistivity (ρ), as follows:
(a) Measure the length of an electrode (L), in metres, and its radius (r), in metres.
(b) Calculate the resistance of the electrode from:

r   4L  
R= ln  − 1
2πL   r  

Where R = resistance of electrode in ohms (Ω)

ρ = average soil resistivity, in ohm metres (Ω-m)
L = length of electrode, in metres (m)
r = radius of electrode, in metres (m)

Multiple electrodes
Combined resistance of multiple electrodes in parallel, yield a higher resistance to ground than
normally expected resistance value of a parallel combination of resistances due to proximity effect.
To calculate resistance of an earthing system with several earth rods installed with separation
equal to rod length, use the multiplying factor (F) stated in the table 4.6 of IEEE 142-2007. This
calculation is applicable to rods in a straight line, hollow triangle, circle or a square.
Table A5-1: Multiplying factor for multiple rods in parallel from IEE STD 142-2007

Number of rods F Number of rods F

2 1.16 12 1.80
3 1.29 16 1.92
4 1.36 20 2.00
8 1.68 24 2.16

Example: To calculate the effective resistance of four electrode system in parallel.

Resistance R for one rod calculated using above formula is 20 Ω.

20
The resistance value of a four rod system is × (1.36) = 6.8 Ω
4

Table A5-2 is for easy reference to derive the combined resistance of a parallel rod earth system
where soil resistivity is ρ (Ω-m) and the electrodes are bonded with insulated cables.

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DISTRIBUTION EARTHING DESIGN Amendment No: 1

To compute resistance (R) of an electrode system.

Table A5-2: Electrode system resistance

Number Rod length L Electrode system Number Rod length Electrode system
of rods (m) resistant (R) Ω of rods L (m) resistant (R) Ω
Lm L m L m L m L m
Lm L m L m L m L m

1 2.4 0.4081xρ 4 2.4 0.1388xρ

1 4.8 0.2271xρ 4 4.8 0.0772xρ
1 7.2 0.1603xρ 4 7.2 0.0545xρ
1 9.6 0.1250xρ 4 9.6 0.0425xρ
1 12 0.1030xρ 4 12 0.0350xρ
1 14.4 0.0878xρ 4 14.4 0.0299xρ
1 16.8 0.0767xρ 4 16.8 0.0261xρ
1 19.2 0.0683xρ 4 19.2 0.0232xρ
Lm Lm L m L m L m L m L m
Lm Lm L m L m L m L m L m

2 2.4 0.2367Xρ 5 2.4 0.1175xρ

add 2 4.8 0.1317xρ 5 4.8 0.0654xρ
2 7.2 0.0930xρ 5 7.2 0.0462xρ
2 9.6 0.0725xρ 5 9.6 0.0360xρ
2 12 0.0597xρ 5 12 0.0297xρ
2 14.4 0.0509xρ 5 14.4 0.0253xρ
2 16.8 0.0445xρ 5 16.8 0.0221xρ
2 19.2 0.0396xρ 5 19.2 0.0197xρ
Lm Lm Lm L m L m L m L m L m L m
Lm Lm Lm L m L m L m L m L m L m

3 2.4 0.1755xρ 6 2.4 0.1034xρ

3 4.8 0.0976xρ 6 4.8 0.0575xρ
3 7.2 0.0689xρ 6 7.2 0.0406xρ
3 9.6 0.0538xρ 6 9.6 0.0317xρ
3 12 0.0443xρ 6 12 0.0261xρ
3 14.4 0.0378xρ 6 14.4 0.0222xρ
3 16.8 0.0330xρ 6 16.8 0.0194xρ
3 19.2 0.0294xρ 6 19.2 0.0173xρ

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For a buried horizontal wire

𝝆 𝟐𝟐
𝑹= �𝒍𝒍 � � − 𝟏�
𝟐𝟐𝟐 𝟐𝟐𝟐

where,
𝑳 is the length of the length of the buried horizontal wire in meters
𝒓 is the radius of the wire in meters
𝒅 is the depth of burial in meters

A list of calculated earth resistance for two burial types in different homogenous soil models is
provided in the table below for a standard 15mm diameter bare earthing electrode:

Table A5-3: Vertical and Horizontal electrode resistance

Rod Burial 1000Ω
Rod Type 25Ωm 50 Ωm 100 Ωm 200 Ωm 500 Ωm
Length (m) Depth (m) m
1.2 N/A 18.1 36.2 72.4 144.5 362.2 724.3
2.4 N/A 10.2 20.4 40.8 81.6 204.1 408.1
Vertical 4.8 N/A 5.7 11.3 22.7 45.4 102.0 227.0
7.2 N/A 4.0 8.0 16.0 32.0 80.2 160.3
9.6 N/A 3.1 6.2 12.5 25.0 62.5 125.0
1.2 0.5 15.8 31.6 63.2 126.5 316.2 632.4
2.4 0.5 9.0 18.1 36.2 72.4 181.1 362.2
Horizontal 4.8 0.5 5.1 10.2 20.4 40.8 102.0 204.1
7.2 0.5 3.6 7.3 14.5 29.0 72.5 145.0
9.6 0.5 2.8 5.7 11.3 22.7 56.7 113.5

Table A5-4: Grading ring and supplementary earth resistance for separately earthed pad mounts.
(Ref drawing 348262 sheet 1 and 348264)

Grading Resistance @ soil resistivity

Ring
Installation Type Burial
Depth 25Ωm 50 Ωm 100 Ωm 200 Ωm 500 Ωm 1000Ωm
(m)
Grading ring and
2x2.4m or 1x4.8m 0.3 4.8 7.6 13.3 24.7 58.7 115.5
earth rod/s

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Annexure 3: Metallic pipeline hazard assessment and mitigation options

Introduction
A touch voltage assessment must first be undertaken. Assuming the pipeline is well grounded, so
will remain at remote potential during an earth fault, the touch voltage to a part of the pipeline that
can be contacted is maximum voltage on the soil at any point one metre from the metallic
component that can be touched. Once this touch voltage has been determined, it must be
compared to the relevant voltage criteria to determine if it is acceptable.

Metallic water pipes

There a variety of contact scenarios for contactable water pipeline appurtenances. The most
onerous of these are the MEN connected contact scenario for residential pipelines, and the
operator contact scenario. Both of these can be assessed using figure 5.5 in EDI 001 – Earthing
Risk Assessment or using the MEN contact scenario using the computer program Argon.

Where a distribution earthing system requires a detailed design as stated in this instruction (where
it does not qualify for a simplified design), in the assessment of the electrical hazards on metallic
pipelines, the designer must establish that the touch voltage to any contactable appurtenance on
the metallic pipeline provides a low risk level, in line with company policy, for MEN contact scenario
using Argon, or is below the TDMEN curve provided in AS 7000:2010. Unless it is known to the
contrary, it is assumed that the voltage on the pipeline will remain at remote earth potential (zero
Volts), so the touch voltage will be the soil voltage (EPR) at the appurtenance location.

Mitigation
The option of avoidance will always be considered first. Company’s preferred option, where a risk
is identified, is to completely remove the risk by not installing the asset, relocating the asset or
opting for an alternative that does not require a high voltage earth.

Where there is no option but to install the high voltage earth and the touch voltage results in a
higher than low risk scenario, the following mitigation options may be used (in order of preference).

• Reduce the EPR at the pipeline through modifications to the earthing design
• Asphalt layer installed around pipeline appurtenance. This will allow the touch voltage to be
assessed as MEN contact scenario with an asphalt layer using Argon. The asphalt layer
must be installed a minimum of one (1) metre from any point at which the pipeline
appurtenance can be contacted. The asphalt must be hot mix asphalt, installed a minimum
of 50mm thick, with no cracks.
• Plastic inserts installed up to 2m either side of pipeline appurtenance. This will remove the
touch voltage hazard to the pipeline appurtenance as the voltage on the contactable
component will rise with the local soil voltage. This option will usually only be possible for
pipes up to 300mm in diameter.

For both mitigation options the designer must contact a “Water Servicing Coordinator” to submit
the design to Sydney Water for approval. A list of water servicing coordinators can be found at:
[Link]

Gas pipelines
Where hazardous voltages are expected on gas pipelines, a detailed earthing assessment must be
performed according to AS 4853.

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Annexure 4: Metallic fences – simplified insulation design method

Where metallic fences are continuous for long distances, or the continuous length of a metallic
fence is unknown, it is assumed that the fence continues to “remote earth” so will cause a transfer
voltage equal to the soil voltage at the fence (it will transfer zero V, or remote earth, to the point
closest to the earthing system). If this transferred voltage is lower than the relevant allowable touch
voltage, then no mitigation is required. However, this is a worst case scenario, and the actual touch
voltage will generally not be as high as calculated. Analytic modelling using computer packages
may be used to determine whether the voltage on a metallic fence is satisfactory where the worst
case scenario does not prove compliant.

If the continuous metallic length of the fence is known, the worst case touch voltage to the fence is
equal to the difference between the soil voltage at the furthest point on the fence from the earthing
system, and the soil voltage at the closes point on the fence to the earthing system. For example,
as shown in Figure A8-1,

𝑉𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡ℎ = 𝐸𝐸𝐸(𝑆ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑡𝑡 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓) − 𝐸𝐸𝐸(𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑡𝑡 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓).

Electrodes Dista
nce
to fu
eart rtherst
hing p
Shortest distance syste oint fro
m m
to fence

Fence
Figure A8-1 - Touch voltage to fence - known fence length

If the calculated touch voltage to the fence is determined to be non-compliant, and the earthing
system can’t be designed such that it is complaint, then the fence may be insulated to reduce the
touch voltage on the fence. Insulation panels must be installed at the point where the soil voltage
falls below the allowable touch voltage.
If the worst case touch voltage is greater than two times the allowable touch voltage, then multiple
insulation panels are required to be installed. The location of each insulation panel must be such
that the difference in soil voltage between two adjacent insulation panels is less than the allowable
touch voltage.

Where an insulated section is applied a warning label is required in line with drawing 061674.

Electrodes

Soil voltage between

Shortest distance Soil voltage between
shortest distance to Soil voltage <
to fence insulation sections <
fence and first insulation Allowable
Allowable
section < Allowable

Fence Insulation Insulation

Section Section

Figure A8-2 - Location of multiple insulation panels

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Annexure 5: Distribution system information for earthing design

Simplified maximum-minimum fault current determination
Single phase to ground fault levels for existing distribution substations are available on Company’s
standards website. These fault levels are bolted fault levels and do not account for earthing system
impedances, arc or fault impedances. Where these figures are used in a distribution earthing
design, the maximum and minimum fault level must also be calculated to allow for the earthing
system impedance. The method to do this is detailed below.
The fault level for the substation being modified, or next available substation upstream (towards
the source) must be obtained from the database. If the nearest upstream node is the zone
substation bus, then the Earthing & Power Quality Manager must be contacted for advice.
The fault levels in this database are provided as a current magnitude with no phase angle, so the
determination of the resistive and reactive components (Rs and Xs) values is required for this
assessment.
• Assumption for determining minimum fault current for protection activation: Assume
that the source impedance is purely resistive (that is, Xs = 0) to calculate the minimum fault
current (IGrid = 0.9Vs /(Zsys + Rs)).
• Assumption for determining maximum fault current for safety determination: Assume
that the source impedance is purely reactive (that is,. Rs = 0) to calculate the maximum fault
current at the earth grid (IGrid = 1.1Vs /(Zsys + jXs)).
Note: Voltage factor c = 0.9 is used for minimum fault current, and voltage factor c = 1.1 is used for
maximum fault current, as set out in AS3851:1991.
Where;
Rs – Source resistance (Ω)
Xs – Source reactance (Ω)
IGrid – Fault current through earth grid (kA)
Vs – Source voltage (kV) Phase to earth
IFL – Fault level (kA) – Refer to Company’s standards website
Zsys – The earthing system impedance
Xl – Existing Line reactance (Ω) - refer to conductor data
XL – Proposed Line reactance (Ω) - refer to conductor data

Simplified fault level change determination for conductor augmentation

For this determination assume that the source impedance as well as line impedance is purely
reactive.
Calculate the Xs – Source reactance (Ω) from fault level at the sending end using the following
formula.
𝟏. 𝟏 ∗ 𝑽𝑺
𝑿𝑺 =
𝑰𝑭𝑭

Percentage change in fault level at receiving end after augmenting the conductor =
𝑿𝑺 + 𝑿𝒍
𝟏𝟏𝟏 ∗ ( − 𝟏)
𝑿𝑺 + 𝑿𝑳

Zone substation bonding configuration information

Zone substations bonding configuration information including the status of a CMEN connection can
be found on Company’s standards website. The report provides information on whether the
substation earth grid is currently bonded to the surrounding HV earthing systems and potentially to
the MEN system, or if there is planned work to create these bonds. This information can be used to
design/verify earthing systems for distribution substations.

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The report is updated regularly by Compnay and as such it is recommended that the user obtains
an updated version from the standards website for each new design rather than referring to a
printed copy.

Feeder protection clearance time

If the upstream protection settings are not known, the following generalised protection clearing
times may be used. These clearing times are based on the worst case scenario. Linear
interpolation between values may be used.

Table A9-1: EF protection clearing time

Primary clearance
Fault current (A)
time (s)

7000 ∞ 0.6

5000 to 6999 0.7

4000 to 4999 0.8

3000 to 3999 0.9

2000 to 2999 1.0

1500 to 1999 1.5

1000 to 1499 2.0

500 to 999 3.0

20 499 10.0

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Annexure 6: Earthing in high soil resistivity areas

In high soil resistivity areas, alternative earthing techniques may be required to provide a safe
earthing system. These include;
Overhead HV aerial earth
A larger number of deep drilled earth electrodes may be required to achieve the design earth
resistance in high soil resistivity situations. The use of an overhead HV earth wire may be
constructed to connect a series of remote electrodes at different poles to form a substation HV
earth system. Typically two (2) electrodes would be installed at the substation and one (1) deep
drilled electrode installed near each pole along the line from the substation pole.
Similarly, deep drilled electrodes may be connected to the LV aerial neutral to form a LV/MEN
earth system.
Overhead earth wire must be insulated to 0.6/1kV to allow work to be carried out on the (de-
energised) HV mains or LV mains without risk of shock from the earth wire due to transferred earth
potentials or induced voltages.
The size of the overhead earth wire must be minimum 50mm² (AAAC-1120 alloy, 0.6/1kV, XLPE
insulated or equivalent) .The fault rating of this aerial wire is 4.4 kA for one (1) second.
The use of this system is subject to the approval of the Earthing and Power Quality Manager.
Underground earth cables
In high soil resistivity areas, new padmount substation earthing systems can be connected to
existing padmount substation earthing systems to achieve a satisfactory outcome, subject to the
approval from the Earthing and Power Quality Manager.
To connect the earth systems of two substations, 2x70mm² copper, PVC or equivalent cable must
be used.

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Annexure 7: Engineering earthing risk mitigation techniques

The following hazard mitigation and risk reduction techniques are provided as alternative options to
be used where methods presented in the main body of this instruction are not sufficient. They will
require consultation with Company, and may not always be practical or even possible. Any
alternative risk mitigation technique proposed must be fully justified, identifying the reduction in
risk, and all other options considered.

Earth electrodes
The earthing impedance can be reduced by enlarging the earthing system (more earth rods). In
this case, even though the EPR of the earthing system will be reduced, the resultant EPR contours
may be pushed out further. In some circumstances, the increase in the size of the EPR contours
may be significant for a small reduction in the EPR magnitude of the system. Care will be taken
when designing a system in this manner since the hazards associated with transfer-in touch
voltages due to soil gradients on nearby metallic infrastructure may increase overall risks
considerably.

The use of earthing rods and buried conductors must generally be limited to the area available at
site. This is not only due to proximity effect and transferred EPR, but generally on the concept that
various other strategies are available to reduce hazards locally and more economically.

Annexure 2 has details on the response of various buried electrode configurations.

Common earthing
Where there is a significant density of earth electrodes on the LV system and local soil resistivity,
fault level and sheath bonding strategy provides a safe outcome, such as in dense urban areas,
the preferred method of earthing is to bond HV and LV earthing systems. This ‘common earthing’
method provides an arrangement where the HV earthing system is intentionally bonded to the LV
MEN earthing system to provide a significantly low impedance path for fault current to flow back to
the source during an HV earth fault. In these circumstances any person contacting any conductive
equipment connected to that MEN system (e.g. a garden tap) can be exposed to voltages across
their body and therefore the criteria and assessment process to determine this arrangement is
strict. However, common earthing provides the safest long-term risk management strategy in
significant urban areas.

Separate earthing
In particular circumstances the separation of HV and LV earthing systems is appropriate. This is
typically where the LV system has limited paths and high impedance and any HV side fault will
result in significant risk transferred to the LV system. Where separation is required it is important to
establish the integrity of the physical separation (including separation distances in varying soil), this
will depend on:
• Size of the earthing system.
• EPR expectations and soil model.
• Distance to various earth paths.

Separate earthing systems require a more detailed assessment of risk as they generally result in
high EPR and longer protection clearing times. As normal practice, this arrangement normally
needs to be accompanied by various other earthing hazard mitigation measures. When assessing
hazards, the size of the earthing system needs to be carefully considered, for instance a high earth
impedance results in a high EPR but generally lower transfer voltage hazards, conversely a larger
low impedance earthing system may have a lower EPR but be more problematic with soil voltage
transfer. This is summarised in the table below.

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Table A11-1: Indicative risks of larger v’s small earthing systems

Large or long electrode system Small electrode system (single rod)
o Lower EPR magnitude
o Higher EPR magnitude
o Lower touch voltages at the asset
o Higher touch voltages at the asset
o Lower step voltages near the asset
o Higher step voltages near the asset
o Larger EPR hazard zone
o Small EPR hazard zone
o Problematic with large soil voltage
o Fewer problems with soil voltage
transfer hazards to nearby metallic
transfer hazards to nearby metallic
infrastructure
infrastructure
o Fault clearing by two or three
o Fault clearing by one or two
protection systems - D/O fuse( for
protection systems - D/O fuse (pole
pole substations only), feeder/recloser
substations only) and SEF
and SEF)

While separation of HV and LV earthing can be effective at reducing transfer voltages to a weak LV
earthing system, the risk of HV line to LV line contact can result in a high impedance fault scenario
and therefore significant step and touch voltages onto the LV network. In such cases it is important
to determine that the configuration of LV / HV circuits limits possible fault scenarios by removing
conjoint HV / LV spans and providing sufficiently low LV earth grid impedance (separate poles,
underground LV, and the like).

Cable screens
Bonding together of HV cable screens allows earth fault current to disperse throughout the earthing
systems which may result in slightly increased hazard frequency but of much lower magnitude and
duration. HV cable screens will be bonded to all HV earths where applicable with the exception of
the first asset being supplied from a zone substation which is considered on a case by case basis
(refer clause [Link]).

Earth wires and conductive catenaries

Similar to cable screens, overhead earth wires or the conductive catenary of NMSABC can be
used to disperse earth fault current and/or provide a metallic return to source.

Metallic return to source

Earth fault current will generally favour metallic paths back to the zero sequence source (the star
point of the Dyn TX at the zone substation). Where continuous and redundant metallic return to
source is provided from a distribution asset, a limited portion of earth fault current will return via the
soil and therefore EPR will be significantly reduced (refer clause [Link]).

Company is currently reviewing its zone substations and distributed bonded zone substations
(CMEN) will typically be applicable in urban scenarios. The earthing designer must check the
configuration of the earthing at the zone substation that supplies the distribution asset to confirm
that the correct earthing configuration is applied to the distribution asset.

Grading rings
Grading rings reduce touch voltages by spreading EPR further from an earthing system. The
potential gradient control conductor must be positioned in a concentric configuration at a distance
of one (1) metre from a structure and buried at a depth of 300mm. However, this measure will push
EPR contours further out from the structure and the resulting effects on third party equipment must
be assessed.

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Crushed rock layer

A layer of high resistivity material like crushed rock on top of normal ground will increase the
tolerable levels of touch and step voltage during an earth fault. This layer must be installed as
stated in SDI 523 – Switchyard Surfaces. Due to the difficulties in maintaining loose crushed rock
in uncontrolled areas, approval must be obtained from the Earthing & Power Quality Manager to
use this material, specifically identifying why alternative risk mitigation techniques could not be
used.

Asphalt layer
Asphalt is the preferred material to be used to increase the tolerable levels of touch and step
voltage during an earth fault. Where an asphalt layer is specified in the design, the designer must
clearly specify that this layer is;

• A minimum thickness of 50 mm when compacted

• Free from cracks.
• Compacted road base
• Hot mix

Approval is required from the Earthing & Power Quality Manager for the use of an asphalt layer as
mitigation. An increased size easement with 1m around standard easement is required for earthing
designs with asphalt layer.

Installation of electrodes deeper in to the ground

EPR on the surface of the ground can be reduced by installing earth electrodes deeper in the
ground and connecting these electrodes with insulated cables and insulating all exposed joints
(refer Drawing no. 348246).

Insulating earth electrodes below ground level may also be used to reduce the surface voltage to
comply with voltage requirements on other utilities equipment. Where conductive structures are
used on the surface (for example concrete or steel poles, or concrete substation footings) the
effectiveness of this option will generally be reduced as current will leak from this conductive
structure, resulting in higher EPR on the surface. Where the soil structure is identified as “high on
low”, it will be beneficial to utilise a two layer soil model in the design.

Insulated coatings and covers

There are currently no approved insulated coatings or covers for concrete or steel poles or
structures, however, must a product become approved, this mitigation technique may be
considered. The additional maintenance costs associated with the use of an engineering control
such as this over substitution control such as the use of non-conductive structures must be also
considered.

Protection clearing time reduction

A key component in the risks associated with an earthing system is the duration of an earth fault. In
many cases, significant risk reduction over an entire distribution system could come from a review
of protection settings. Company is continually reviewing protection clearance times with a view of
reducing them to a level that is as fast as possible.
This will not always be possible, as protection systems must grade with downstream systems for
network reliability, and this can often limit any improvements to zone substation settings.
Therefore, proposals for protection system reviews will generally only be considered once all other
options have been exhausted.

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