Standard Transmission

Technology

Title: EARTHING OF TRANSMISSION Unique Identifier: 240-130615862

LINE TOWERS

Alternative Reference Number: 41-321

Area of Applicability: Engineering

Documentation Type: Standard

Revision: 2

Total Pages: 17

Next Review Date: October 2027

Disclosure Classification: Controlled

Disclosure

Compiled by Approved by Authorized by

Ameet Nathoo Shawn Ramadhin Faith Mokhonoana

Engineer Chief Engineer Senior Manager LES

Date: 09-11-2022 Date: 09/11/2022 Date: 10/11/2022

Supported by SCOT/SC

Faith Mokhonoana
SCOT/SC Chairperson

Date:10/11/2022

PCM Reference: 240-51017656

SCOT Study Committee Number/Name: OHL Earthing Work Group
Document Classification: Controlled Disclosure
EARTHING OF TRANSMISSION LINE TOWERS Unique Identifier: 240-130615862
Revision: 2
Page: 2 of 17

Content
Page
1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 4
2. Supporting clauses ...................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Scope ................................................................................................................................................. 4
2.1.1 Purpose .................................................................................................................................. 4
2.1.2 Applicability ............................................................................................................................ 4
2.2 Normative/informative references ...................................................................................................... 4
2.2.1 Normative ............................................................................................................................... 4
2.2.2 Informative ............................................................................................................................. 4
2.3 Definitions ........................................................................................................................................... 4
2.3.1 General .................................................................................................................................. 4
2.3.2 Disclosure classification ......................................................................................................... 4
2.4 Abbreviations ...................................................................................................................................... 4
2.5 Roles and responsibilities .................................................................................................................. 5
2.6 Process for monitoring ....................................................................................................................... 5
2.7 Related/supporting documents .......................................................................................................... 5
3. Requirements .............................................................................................................................................. 5
3.1 Earthing .............................................................................................................................................. 5
3.1.1 Tower footing resistance ........................................................................................................ 5
3.2 Pad and Pier (chimney) foundations for self-supporting towers ........................................................ 5
3.2.1 Line tower............................................................................................................................... 5
3.2.2 Terminal towers ..................................................................................................................... 6
3.3 Drilled foundations, guyed towers and cross-rope suspension towers .............................................. 6
3.3.1 Line guy type towers .............................................................................................................. 6
3.3.2 Single mast guyed towers ...................................................................................................... 6
3.3.3 Cross-rope suspension towers .............................................................................................. 7
3.4 Additional earthing.............................................................................................................................. 7
3.4.1 Counterpoise earthing ............................................................................................................ 7
3.5 Earth conductor insulators ................................................................................................................. 7
3.6 Backfilling ........................................................................................................................................... 7
3.7 Optical earth conductor (OPGW) ....................................................................................................... 8
3.8 Corrosion Protection of guy anchors .................................................................................................. 8
3.9 General ............................................................................................................................................... 8
3.10 Tower footing resistance measurements ........................................................................................... 8
3.10.1 Method of testing ................................................................................................................... 8
3.10.2 Measurement of footing resistance with adjacent energized powerlines .............................. 9
3.10.3 Footing resistance meters ...................................................................................................... 9
4. Authorization ................................................................................................................................................ 9
5. Revisions ..................................................................................................................................................... 9
6. Development team ...................................................................................................................................... 9
7. Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................................................10
Annex A – Figure showing various earthing installations .................................................................................11
Annex B – Assessment Of Step and Touch Potentials On Overhead Powerlines ...........................................17

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EARTHING OF TRANSMISSION LINE TOWERS Unique Identifier: 240-130615862
Revision: 2
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Figures

Figure A.1: Terminal tower bonded to substation earthmat .............................................................................11

Figure A.2: Insulation of earth conductors where terminal tower cannot be connected to substation main
earth ...................................................................................................................................................11
Figure A.3: Normal termination at traction substations.....................................................................................12
Figure A.4: Insulation of earth conductors on first five towers out from substation, with footing resistance
less than 10  ....................................................................................................................................12
Figure A.5: Insulation of earth conductors on suspension towers crossing rail tracks or pipelines .................13
Figure A.6: Insulation of earth conductors on suspension and strain towers crossing rail tracks or
pipelines .............................................................................................................................................13
Figure A.7: Insulation of earth conductors on routes parallel to rail tracks or pipelines ...................................13
Figure A.8: Method of measuring earth resistance on a tower with standard earthing, using a null
balance megger ..................................................................................................................................14
Figure A.9: Method of measuring earth resistance on a tower with counterpoise earthing, using a null
balance megger ..................................................................................................................................14
Figure A.10: Use of Post insulator at strain towers where OPGW is insulated ................................................14
Figure A.11: Jumpers fitted where OPGW is connected to a junction box ......................................................15
Figure A.12: Jumpers and post insulator fitted where OPGW is connected to a insulated junction box .........15
Figure A.13: Connection of earth conductor to substation gantry ....................................................................16
Figure B.1: Grading Rings To Limit Touch And Step Potentials ......................................................................17

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Document Classification: Controlled Disclosure
EARTHING OF TRANSMISSION LINE TOWERS Unique Identifier: 240-130615862
Revision: 2
Page: 4 of 17

1. Introduction
None

2. Supporting clauses
2.1 Scope
2.1.1 Purpose
This standard defines Eskom's requirements for the earthing of transmission line towers and methods to avoid
corrosion of tower footings and other buried installations. The standard practices pertaining to earth conductors
when crossing or running parallel to railway lines and pipelines are included.

2.1.2 Applicability
This standard is intended for those involved in the specification, design, construction and maintenance of
transmission lines. Nothing in this standard shall lessen the obligations of the contractor detailed in any other
documents forming part of a contract.

2.2 Normative/informative references

Parties using this document shall apply the most recent edition of the documents listed in the following
paragraphs.

2.2.1 Normative
[1] IEC 61089:1991, Round wire concentric lay overhead electrical stranded conductor.
[2] SABS 0199:1985, Code of practice for the design and installation of an earth electrode.
[3] SANS 10280 : 2017, Code of practice for overhead power lines for conditions prevailing in South
Africa.
[4] NRS 061-2 : 2015, Specification for the installation of overhead ground wire with optical fibre (OPGW).
[5] NRS 061-1 : 2019, Specification for overhead ground wire with optical fibre.
[6] Eskom Drawing No. 0.54/393, Earthing standards.

2.2.2 Informative
None

2.3 Definitions
2.3.1 General
None

2.3.2 Disclosure classification

Controlled disclosure: controlled disclosure to external parties (either enforced by law, or discretionary).

2.4 Abbreviations
None

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2.5 Roles and responsibilities
Not applicable.

2.6 Process for monitoring

Not applicable.

2.7 Related/supporting documents

Not applicable.

3. Requirements
3.1 Earthing
3.1.1 Tower footing resistance
3.1.1.1 The nominal footing resistance for:

a) 132 kV shall be 20 Ω;
b) 220 kV shall be 30 Ω;
c) 275 kV shall be 30 Ω;
d) 400 kV shall be 40 Ω; and
e) 765 kV shall be 50 Ω.
Note: These values are not fixed. Where these values cannot be achieved, appropriate values will be given, based on the
backflashover rate required for a particular line.

f) The terminal tower legs shall be bonded to the main substation earthmat in accordance with 3.2.2,
however, if that is not possible then the footing resistance at terminal towers on 132 kV to 765
kV lines shall be less than 10 .
g) The footing resistance on the second, third and fourth towers from a substation on 132 kV to 765
kV lines shall be less than 20 .
h) The method to measure footing resistance set out in 3.10 shall be used. Footing resistance shall be
measured using an approved earth tester with appropriate high frequency filtering, to enable testing
with the earthing system connected to the tower.
i) Where ground conditions are poor and the specified footing resistances are impossible to achieve
using the methods set out in 3.4, the matter shall be referred to Eskom's Project Manager.

3.2 Pad and Pier (chimney) foundations for self-supporting towers

3.2.1 Line tower
a) Before the foundation is cast, a proper connection shall be made at each foundation between the
tower stub steel and the main rebar, both connections being within the concrete.
b) These connections shall consist of a 40 mm x 3 mm galvanized mild steel strap or suitable earth
conductor with a minimum diameter of 9 mm which has been approved by Eskom in writing. The
choice of a 40 mm x 3 mm strap or minimum 9 mm diameter conductor is based on mechanical
reliability. The strap or earth conductor shall be bolted to the tower leg and shall be connected to the
foundation rebar using a Crosby clamp or a method approved by Eskom in writing.

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c) A suitable lug with an 18 mm minimum diameter hole shall be attached to the loose end of the
conductor (or the strands). The lug shall then be bolted to a dedicated hole on the tower leg or the
cleat. The connection shall be made in the foundation below ground level using a 16 mm minimum
diameter bolt.

3.2.2 Terminal towers

a) The two legs of the terminal tower nearest to the substation shall be bonded to the main substation
earth mat and shall be attached at two different points on the earth mat. (Fig.A1 in annex A).
b) The contractor shall install, between the two legs of the terminal tower nearest to the
substation, a suitable length of 50 mm x 3 mm copper strip with an 18 mm diameter hole drilled at
each end, or other material and connectors approved by Eskom in writing. The bolted connection at
the tower and the exposed portion of the earth strap shall be painted with a suitable bitumastic
compound.
c) Joints between the copper strip and the substation earth mat shall be oxy-acetylene brazed using a
minimum 3 mm diameter silbralloy brazing rod or similar brazing rods approved by Eskom in writing.
d) Two 70 mm² solid copper rods shall be used as replacements for each 50 mm x 3 mm copper strip
where more suitable (i.e. where the substation earth mat consists of copper rods). In these
circumstances connections shall be crimped joints and earth tail clamps in accordance with Eskom
drawing number 0.54/393.
e) Where for any reason it is not possible to bond the terminal tower to the main substation earth, the
earth conductors shall be insulated from the terminal tower using earth conductor insulators with
earth conductor jumper leads fitted (see figure 2 of annex A). An earthing connection as described
in 3.4 shall be installed and the footing resistance of the terminal tower shall be less than 10Ω.

3.3 Drilled foundations, guyed towers and cross-rope suspension towers

3.3.1 Line guy type towers
a) A connection within the concrete shall be made between the main foundation rebar and one of the
anchor bolts. This connection shall be the same as in 3.2.1.
b) Three anchor bolts shall be bolted onto each ball and socket for the masts. The two masts shall be
connected together using a 40 mm x 3 mm galvanized mild steel strap, provided no cattle guard is
in place.
c) For the guy anchors, a proper connection shall be made at each foundation between the link and the
reinforcing steel. This connection shall consist of a 40 mm x 30 mm galvanized mild steel strap or
suitable earth conductor that has been approved by Eskom in writing. The strap or earth conductor
shall be bolted to the link and shall be connected to the reinforcing using a Crosby clamp or a method
approved by Eskom in writing.

3.3.2 Single mast guyed towers

a) Where three single mast structures are used for each circuit, the three bases shall be interconnected
using 40 mm x 3 mm galvanized mild steel strap with an 18 mm diameter hole at each end which is
buried 600 mm below ground level. The connection between the bases and the mild steel strap shall
be done by bolting the strap to the tower leg using a 16 mm (min) diameter bolt. The strap shall be
painted as described in 3.8.
b) Where the single mast strain tower is used the earthing connections as described in 3.3.1 will apply.

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3.3.3 Cross-rope suspension towers
a) The top of the locating pin protruding from the foundation shall be tapped with a 12 mm hole to a
depth of 30 mm. A suitable length of 40 mm x 3 mm galvanized mild steel strap or a method approved
by Eskom in writing shall then be used to connect the top of the locating pin to the tower leg. In both
cases the strap shall be bolted.
b) A connection within the concrete between the cast-in locating pin and the main foundation rebar shall
then be made. This connection shall consist of either a 40 mm x 3 mm galvanized mild steel strap or
a suitable length of earth conductor fixed to the pin with either a lug or Crosby clamp or a method
approved by Eskom in writing, and to the rebar with a Crosby clamp or a method approved by Eskom
in writing.
c) For guy anchors, the connection shall be the same as 3.3.1.

3.4 Additional earthing

Where the specified tower footing resistances have not been obtained using the methods described in 3.2 and
3.3 and where additional earthing is required, the following methods can be used.

3.4.1 Counterpoise earthing

a) For the transmission system a counterpoise arranged in a crow’s foot formation must be used. This
will consist of wire/s (of appropriate length) running radially out from the center of the tower with an
earth rod (designed to an appropriate length) attached to the end of the radial wire.
b) Where counterpoise earthing is to be used in rocky areas, trenches shall be backfilled in such a
manner that the counterpoise is encased by at least 100 mm of an approved mixture.

3.5 Earth conductor insulators

Earth conductor insulators shall be 120 kN units. Where earth conductor insulators are fitted with an adjustable
spark-gap, the arcing gap shall be set to 10 mm in most cases. This value is not fixed: in some cases the
arcing gap will be set to values ranging from 10 mm to 30 mm as stipulated by the Transmission line engineer.
Earth conductor insulators shall be installed in the following circumstances:
a) At terminal towers not connected to the main substation earth mat as noted in 3.2.2. earth conductor
jumpers shall be fitted (see Figure A2 of Annex A).
b) At traction substation terminal towers, the continuity of the earth conductor shall be broken. No earth
conductor jumper leads shall be fitted (see Figure A3 of Annex A).
c) If any of the second, third, fourth and fifth towers from the substation have footing resistances less
than 10Ω, earth conductor jumper leads shall be fitted on strain towers (Figure A4 of Annex A).
d) At all towers within 800 m of electrified railway tracks or metal pipe lines where the power line either
crosses or runs parallel to the railway or pipe line unless otherwise directed by Eskom's site
representative, earth conductor jumper leads shall be fitted on strain towers (Figures A5, A6 and A7
of Annex A).
e) In 3.5.(a) and 3.5.(b) the values of 10Ω and 800 m shall be used as a guideline. However, these
values shall be verified for new designs.
f) At any tower indicated by Eskom, for example, to limit the losses in the earthwire.

3.6 Backfilling
In rocky areas and areas with high resistivity, a conductive mixture of carbonaceous aggregate, for example,
graphite, bentonite or a mixture approved by Eskom in writing, of 4:1 by volume with cement shall be used.

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3.7 Optical earth conductor (OPGW)
An insulator shall be fitted at strain towers where the optical earth conductor is insulated (Figure A10 Annex
A).
Earth conductor jumpers shall be fitted at towers where the optical earth conductor is connected to a junction
box (Figure A11 Annex A).
Earth conductor jumpers, insulators and suitable, approved downlead clamps shall be fitted at towers where
the optical earth conductor is insulated as well as connected to a junction box. The optical earth conductor
shall be at a minimum distance of 50 mm away from the tower when it is lowered to the junction box (Figure
A12)[4].

3.8 Corrosion Protection of guy anchors

The guy anchors shall be painted with two coats of bitumastic paint approved by Eskom in writing.
The guy anchors shall be insulated within 800 m of electrified railway tracks or metal pipe lines where the
power line either crosses or runs parallel to the railway or pipe line unless otherwise directed by Eskom's site
representative.

3.9 General
Earth straps or counterpoise shall, in all circumstances, be painted with two coats of bitumastic paint approved
by Eskom in writing, for a distance of 500 mm above finished ground level and 500 mm below finished ground
level.
The earth conductor or OPGW with junction box shall, in all circumstances, be bonded to the gantry (Figure
A13 for details).

3.10 Tower footing resistance measurements

The resistance of the installed earth system shall be measured with an approved earth tester. The readings
shall be submitted to Eskom without delay.
Resistance shall be measured when foundations and earth straps are all electrically connected: this includes
additional counterpoise earthing. Should a null balance insulation tester be used, the footing resistance of the
tower shall be measured BEFORE the overhead earth conductors are connected to the tower or the earth
conductors can be temporarily isolated.

3.10.1 Method of testing

3.10.1.1 Tower with standard earthing

The circuit diagram for testing is shown in Figure A8 of Annex A. The test leads shall be run out along a straight
line from the geometric centre of the tower and at right angles to the line. The distance to the potential (inner)
electrode shall be 60 m and to the current (outer) electrode 100 m with the null balance insulation tester.
Measurements shall be taken using the probes supplied with the equipment or alternatively using a stainless
steel or copper rod with a minimum 20 mm diameter, driven into the earth to a depth of at least 200 mm.
In the case where resistivity is high, it may be necessary to reduce the resistance of the current and potential
electrodes by watering the area immediately around the electrodes or by using additional electrodes and
connecting them together.

3.10.1.2 Tower with counterpoise earth

The same method as in 3.10.1.1 shall be used, but the distances to the electrodes shall be as follows:
a) distance from tower to inner electrode = 3 D
b) distance from tower to outer electrode = 5 D.

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Note: If these distances are impractical, the site representative should be consulted.

If a continuous counterpoise earth is run from tower to tower the earthing resistance need not be measured.

3.10.2 Measurement of footing resistance with adjacent energized powerlines

The electric field produced by an adjacent energized powerline can affect the instrument in close proximity so
that a reliable reading is difficult to obtain. Care shall be taken to run the test leads at right angles to the
energized line.

3.10.3 Footing resistance meters

a) The null balance earth testers are approved meters to be used to measure tower footing impedance.
Measurements with a null balance earth tester shall be done BEFORE the overhead earth
conductors are connected to the tower or the earth conductors can be temporarily isolated.
b) Measurements with an approved impulse impedance tester or a low frequency meter which is
capable of measuring the current flowing through the tower legs as well as the guy anchors may be
used with the overhead earth conductors connected to the tower.
c) The contractor must submit details of the equipment to Lines Engineering Department for approval
prior to it being used.

4. Authorization
This document has been seen and accepted by:

Name and surname Designation

Faith Mokhonoana Senior Manager LES
Arthur Burger Chief Engineer

5. Revisions
Date Rev Compiler Remarks

Added annex b on step and touch potential

assessment. Revised section 3.10.3 by including an
impulse measurement as a tool and removed
reference to a manufacturer specific instrument.
Oct 2022 2 A Nathoo Removed annex b-backflashover curves from the
annexures and replaced with step and touch
potential assessment. Checked content for general
grammatical errors, corrected referencing and
updated references.
March 2018 1 A. Nathoo Content copied from old template to current
Document number changed.
Nov 2006 0 - 3.2.1.4 amended. 3.3.2.2 and 3.8 added. Graph
added for tower type 524A in Annex B. Document
replaces TRMASAAJ7.

6. Development team
• A Nathoo

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Revision: 2
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7. Acknowledgements
Not applicable.

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Revision: 2
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Annex A – Figure showing various earthing installations

Figure A1: Terminal tower bonded to substation earthmat

Figure A2: Insulation of earth conductors where terminal tower cannot be connected to substation
main earth

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Figure A3: Normal termination at traction substations

Figure A4: Insulation of earth conductors on first five towers out from substation, with footing
resistance less than 10 

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Figure A5: Insulation of earth conductors on suspension towers crossing rail tracks or pipelines

Figure A6: Insulation of earth conductors on suspension and strain towers crossing rail tracks or
pipelines

Figure A7: Insulation of earth conductors on routes parallel to rail tracks or pipelines

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Figure A8: Method of measuring earth resistance on a tower with standard earthing, using a null
balance megger

Figure A9: Method of measuring earth resistance on a tower with counterpoise earthing, using a null
balance megger

Figure A10: Use of Post insulator at strain towers where OPGW is insulated

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Figure A11: Jumpers fitted where OPGW is connected to a junction box

Figure A12: Jumpers and post insulator fitted where OPGW is connected to an insulated junction box

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Figure A13: Connection of earth conductor to substation gantry

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Annex B – Assessment Of Step and Touch Potentials On Overhead
Powerlines
1) Introduction
The assessment of step and touch potentials must be performed in high public exposure areas.
Examples of these high public exposure areas are :
• Farmlands-dependent on type of farming. If farming is largely labour intensive then this would be
classified as high public exposure.
• Busy public areas-jogging trails, schools, urban areas, playgrounds, carparks.
• Encroachments or high possibility of encroachment-shacks.

2) Assessment
The assessment of step and touch potentials must be done using a deterministic approach. The approach to
be followed is as detailed in IEEE80.

3) Mitigation
Grading rings in various forms may be used to mitigate for the step and touch potential hazards are. In
exceptional circumstances continuous counterpoises may be required. Examples of grading rings are shown
below:

Figure B1: Grading Rings To Limit Touch And Step Potentials

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