INDIAN ELECTRICITY RULES, 1956 Clauses pertaining to Earthing

Compiled by K.Sivakumar, Sr.Executive-Training, Larsen & Toubro Limited,

Switchgear Training Centre, Coonoor (T.N.)
2 (q)

Earthed or connected with earth means connected with the general mass
of earth in such a manner as to ensure at all times an immediate discharge of
energy without danger.

2 (r)

Earthing system means an electrical system in which all the conductors are
earthed.

2 (aa) Lightning arrestor means a device, which has the property of diverting to
earth any electrical surge of excessively high amplitude applied to its
terminals and is capable of interrupting follow current if present and
restoring itself thereafter to its original operating conditions.
2 (ad) Neutral conductor means that conductor of a multi-wire system, the
voltage of which is normally intermediate between the voltages of the other
conductors of the system and shall also include return wire of the singlephase system.
2 (av) Low voltage
Medium voltage
High voltage
Extra high voltage

not exceeding 250V

not exceeding 650V
not exceeding 33000V
exceeding 33000V

29 [1] All electric supply lines and apparatus shall be of sufficient ratings for
power, insulation and estimated fault current and of sufficient mechanical
strength, for the duty which they may be required to perform under the
environmental conditions of installation, and shall be constructed, installed,
protected, worked and maintained in such a manner as to ensure safety of
human beings, animals and property.
29 [2] .. the relevant code of practice of the BIS including NEC, if any, may be
followed to carry out the purposes of this rule and in the event of any
inconsistency, the provision of these rules shall prevail.
29 [3] The material and apparatus used shall conform to the relevant specifications
of BIS, where such specifications have already been laid down.
32

Identification of earthed and earthed neutral conductors and position of

switches and cut-outs therein Where the conductors include an earthed
conductor of a two-wire system or an earthed neutral conductor of a multiwire system or a conductor which is to be connected thereto, the following
conditions shall be complied with:

(1) An indication of a permanent nature shall be provided by the owner of the

earthed or earthed neutral conductor, or the conductor, which is to be
connected thereto, to enable such a conductor to be distinguished from any live
conductor. Such indication shall be provided
(a)

where the earthed or the earthed neutral conductor is the property of the
supplier, at or near the point of commencement of supply

(b)

where a conductor forming part of a consumers system is to be connected to

the suppliers earthed or earthed neutral conductor, at the point where such
connection is made

(c)

in all other cases, at a point corresponding to the point of commencement of

supply or at such other points as may be approved by an inspector or any
other official appointed to assist the inspector and authorized under sub-rule
(2) of rule 4A.

(2) No cutout, link or switch other than a linked switch arranged to operate
simultaneously on the earthed or earthed neutral conductor and live
conductors shall be inserted or remain inserted in any earthed or earthed
neutral conductor of a two-wire system or in any earthed or earthed neutral
conductor of a multi-wire system or in any conductor connected thereto with
the following exceptions:
(a)

A link for testing purposes

(b)

A switch for use in controlling a generator or transformer

33 Earthed terminal on consumers premises

(1) The supplier shall provide and maintain on the consumers premises for the
customers use a suitable earthed terminal in an accessible position at or near
the point of commencement of supply as defined under rule 58:
Provided that in the case of medium, high or extra-high voltage installation,
the consumer shall, in addition to the aforementioned earthing arrangement,
provide his own earthing system with an independent electrode:
Provided further that the supplier may not provide any earthed terminal in the
case of installations already connected to his system on or before the date to be
specified by the State government in this behalf if he is satisfied that the
consumers earthing arrangement is efficient.
(2) The consumer shall take all reasonable precautions to prevent mechanical
damage to the earthed terminal and its lead belonging to the supplier.

(3) The supplier may recover from the consumer the cost of installation on the
basis of schedule of charges notified in advance and where such schedule of
charges is not notified, the procedure prescribed in sub-rule (5) of Rule 82 will
apply.
37 Supply to vehicles or cranes, etc. Every person owning a vehicle, traveling
crane or the like to which energy is supplied from an external source and,
where such vehicle or traveling crane or the like runs on metal rails, the owner
shall ensure that the rails are electrically continuous and earthed.
38 Cables for portable or transportable apparatus
(2) Where the protection is by means of metallic covering, the covering shall be in
metallic connection with the frame of any such apparatus and earth.
(3) The cable shall be three-core type and four-core type for portable and
transportable apparatus working on single phase and three phase supply
respectively and the wire meant to be used for ground connection shall be
easily identifiable.
48 Precautions against leakage before connection
(1) The supplier shall not connect with his works the installation or apparatus on
the premises of any applicant for supply unless he is reasonably satisfied that
the connection will not at the time of making the connection cause a leakage
from that installation or apparatus of a magnitude detrimental to safety.
Compliance with this rule shall be checked by measuring the insulation
resistance as provided below:
(i)

All the electrical equipment shall have the IR values as stipulated in

the relevant Indian Standards.

(ii)

At a pressure of 500V DC applied between each live conductor and

earth for a period of one minute, the insulation resistance of lowvoltage and medium voltage equipment s shall be at least 1 MEGAOHM or as specified in the relevant Indian Standard.

(iii)

At a pressure of 2.5kV DC applied between each live conductor and

earth for a period of one minute, the insulation resistance of highvoltage equipment s shall be at least 5 MEGA-OHM or as specified in
the relevant Indian Standard.

(2) If the supplier declines to make a connection under the provision of sub-rule
(1), he shall serve upon the applicant a notice in writing stating his reason for
so declining.

49 Leakage on consumers premises

(1) If the inspector or any other officer appointed to assist the inspector and
authorized under sub-rule (2) of rule 4A or the supplier has reason to believe
that there is in the system of a consumer leakage which is likely to affect
injuriously the use of energy by the supplier or by other persons, or which is
likely to cause danger, he may give the consumer reasonable notice in writing
that he desires to inspect and test the consumers installation.
(2) If on such notice being given
(a) The consumer does not give all reasonable facilities for inspection and
testing of the installation, or
(b) When an insulation resistance at the consumers installation is so low as
to prevent safe use of energy
The supplier may, and if directed so to do by the inspector shall discontinue
the supply of energy to the installation, but only after giving to the consumer
48 hours notice in writing of disconnection of supply and shall not
recommence the supply until he or the inspector is satisfied that the cause of
the leakage has been removed.
51 Provisions applicable to medium, high or extra-high voltage installations The
following provisions shall be observed where energy at medium, high or extrahigh voltage is supplied, converted, transformed or used:
(1)

(b)

All metal works, enclosing, supporting or associated with the

installation other than that designed to serve as a conductor shall be
connected with an earthing system as per standards laid down in the
Indian Standards in this regard and also in accordance with rule 61
(4).

60 Test for resistance of insulation: (1) Where any electric supply line for use at
low or medium voltage has been disconnected from a system for the purpose of
addition, alteration or repair, such electric supply line shall not be reconnected
to the system until the supplier or the owner has applied the test prescribed
under rule 48.
(2) The provision of sub-rule (1) shall not apply to overhead lines except,
overhead insulated cables unless the Inspector otherwise directs in any
particular case.
61 Connection with earth: (1) the following provisions shall apply to the
connection with earth of systems at low voltage in cases where the voltage
normally exceeds 125 Volts and of systems at medium voltage: -

[(a)

Neutral conductor of a 3-phase, 4-wire system and the middle

conductor of a 2-phase, 3-wire system shall be earthed by not less than
two separate and distinct connections with a minimum of two
different earth electrodes or such large number as may be necessary
to bring the earth resistance to a satisfactory value both at the
generating station and at the sub-station. The earth electrodes so
provided, may be inter-connected to reduce earth resistance. It may
also be earthed at one or more points along the distribution system or
service line in addition to any connection with earth which may be at
the consumers premises.]

(b)

In the case of a system comprising electric supply lines having

concentric cables, the external conductor of such cables shall be
earthed by two separate and distinct connections with earth.

The connection with earth may include a link by means of which the
connection may be temporarily interrupted for the purpose of testing
of for locating a fault.

(d)

(i)

In a direct current three wire system, the middle conductor

shall be earthed at the generating station only, and the current
from the middle conductor to earth shall be continuously
recorded by means of a recording ammeter, and if any time the
current exceeds one-thousandth part of the maximum supply
current immediate steps shall be taken to improve the
insulation of the system.

(ii)

Where the middle conductor is earthed by means of a circuit

breaker with a resistance connected in parallel, the resistance
shall not exceed 10 ohms and on the opening of the circuit
breaker, immediate steps shall be taken to improve the
insulation of the system, and the circuit breaker shall be
reclosed as soon as possible.

(iii)

The resistance shall be used only as a protection for the

ammeter in case of earths on the system and until such earths
are removed. Immediate steps shall be taken to locate and
remove the earth.

(e)

In the case of alternating current system, there shall not be inserted in

the connection with earth, any impedance (other than that required
solely for the operation of switchgear of instruments), cut-out or
circuit breaker, and the result of any test made to ascertain whether
the current (if any) passing through the connection with earth is
normal, shall be duly recorded by the supplier.

(f)

No person shall make connection with earth by the aid of, nor shall he
keep it in contact with, any water main not belonging to him, except
with the consent of the owner thereof and of the Inspector.

(g)

Alternating current systems, which are connected with earth as

aforesaid, may be electrically inter-connected:
Provided that each connection with earth is bonded to the metal
sheathing and metallic armouring (if any) of the electric supply lines
concerned.

(2)

The frame of every generator, stationary motor, portable motor, and

the metallic parts (not intended as conductors) of all transformers and
any other apparatus used for regulating or controlling energy at all
medium voltage energy consuming apparatus shall be earthed by the
owner by two separate and distinct connections with earth.

[(3)

All metal castings or metallic coverings containing or protecting any

electric supply line or apparatus shall be connected with earth and
shall be so joined and connected across al junction boxes and other
openings as to make good mechanica l and electrical connection
throughout their whole length.
Provided that where the supply line is at low voltage, this sub-rule
shall not apply to isolated wall tubes or to brackets, electroliers,
switches, ceiling fans or other fittings (other than portable hand lamps
and portable and transportable apparatus) unless provided with earth
terminal and to Class-II apparatus/appliances.
Provided further that where the supply is at low voltage and where
the installations are either new or renovated, all plug sockets shall be
of the three-pin type, and the third pin shall be permanently and
efficiently earthed.
Explanation: The words Class-II apparatus/appliance will have the
same meaning as assigned to these words in the relevant ISS.]

[(4)

All earthing systems shall: (a) consist of equipotential bonding conductors capable of
carrying the prospective earth fault current and a group of
pipe/rod/plate electrodes for dissipating the current to the
general mass of earth without exceeding the allowable
temperature limits as per relevant Indian Standards in order
to maintain all non-current carrying metal works reasonably

at earth potential and to avoid dangerous contact potentials

being developed on such metal works.

[61A

(b)

limit earth resistance sufficiently low to permit adequate fault

current for the operation of protective devices in time and to
reduce neutral shifting

be mechanica lly strong, withstand corrosion and retain

electrical continuity during the life of the installation. All
earthing systems shall be tested to ensure efficient earthing,
before the electric supply lines or apparatus are energized.

(5)

All earthing system belonging to the supplier shall in addition, be

tested for resistance on dry day during the dry season not less than
once every two years.

(6)

A record of every earth test made and the result thereof shall be kept
by the supplier for a period of not less than two years after the day of
testing and shall be available to the Inspector or any other officer
appointed to assist the Inspector and authorized under sub-rule (2) of
Rule 4A when required.
Earth leakage protective device The supply of energy to every
electrical installation other than low voltage installation below 5kW
and those low-voltage installations which do not attract the provisions
of section 30 of the Indian Electricity Act, 1910, shall be controlled by
an earth leakage protective device so as to disconnect the supply
instantly on the occurrence of earth fault or leakage of current:
Provided that the above shall not apply to overhead supply lines
having protective devices which are effectively bonded to the neutral
of supply transformers and confirming to rule 91 of I.E. Rules, 1956.]

62

Systems at medium voltage: Where medium voltage supply system is

employed, the voltage between earth and any other conductor forming
part of the same shall not, under normal circumstances, exceed lowvoltage.

64

Use of energy at high and extra-high voltage:

(2) [(a) [(ii) The following minimum safety working clearances shall
be maintained for bare conductors or live parts of any apparatus in
outdoor substations, excluding overhead lines of HV and EHV
installations:

Highest System Voltage (kV)

12
36
72.5
145
245
420
800

Safety Working Clearance (Metres)

2.6
2.8
3.1
3.7
4.3
6.4
10.3

Notes:
(1)

The above values are valid for altitude not exceeding 1000 Metres (m).
A correction factor of 1.25 per cent per 100metre is to be applied for
increasing the clearance for altitudes more than 1000m. and up to
3000m.

(2)

The above safety working clearances are based on an insulation

height of 2.44m. which is the height of lowest point on the insulator
(where it meets the earthed metal) from the ground.

(3)

Safety Working Clearance is the minimum clearance to be

maintained in air between the live part of the equipment on one hand
and earth or another piece of equipment or conductor on which it is
necessary to carry out the work, on the other.

(4)

The highest system voltage is defined as the highest rms phase-tophase voltage, which occurs under normal operating conditions at any
time and at any point of the system. It excludes voltage transients
(such as those due to system switching) and temporary voltage
variations due to abnormal system conditions (such as those due to
fault conditions or the sudden disconnect ion of large loads).]

Where transformer or transformers are used, suitable provision shall

be made, either by connecting with earth a point of the circuit at the
lower voltage or otherwise, to guard against the danger by reason of
the said circuit becoming accidentally charged above its normal
voltage by leakage from or contact with the circuit at the higher
voltage.

[(3)

All EHV apparatus shall be protected against lightning as well as

against switching over voltages. The equipment used for protection
and switching shall be adequately co-ordinated with the protected
apparatus to ensure safe operation as well as to maintain the stability
of the inter-connected units of the power system.]

64A Additional provisions for use of energy at high and extra-high voltage: The
following additional provisions shall be observed where energy at high or
extra-high voltage is supplied, converted, transferred or used:
(1) Interlocks: Suitable interlocks shall be provided in the following cases:

66

(b)

Isolators and the corresponding earthing switches shall be interlocked

so that no earthing switch can be closed unless and until the
corresponding isolator is in open position.

(e)

All gates and doors, which give access to live parts of an installation
shall be interlocked in such a way that these cannot be opened unless
the live parts are made dead. Proper discharging and earthing of
these parts should be ensured before any person comes in close
proximity of such parts.

(f)

Where two or more generators operate in parallel and neutral

switching is adopted, interlock shall be provided to ensure that
generator breaker cannot be closed unless one of the neutrals is
connected to the earthing system.

(2)

Protection: All systems and circuits shall be so protected as to

automatically disconnect the supply under abnormal conditions: The
following protection shall be provided, namely: -

(b)

Earth-fault/earth-leakage protection to disconnect the supply

automatically if the earth fault current exceeds the limit of current for
keeping the contact potential within the reasonable values.

All generators with rating of 100kVA and above shall be protected

against earth fault/earth leakage. All generators of rating 1000kVA
and above shall be protected against faults within the generator
winding using restricted earth fault protection or differential
protection or by both.

Metal sheathed electric supply lines Precautions against excess leakage: (1)

The following provisions shall apply to electric supply lines (other

than overhead lines) for use at high or extra-high voltage: -

(a)

The conductors shall be enclosed in metal sheathing, which shall be

electrically continuous and connected with earth, and the conductivity
of the metal sheathing shall be maintained and reasonable precautions
taken where necessary to avoid corrosion of the sheathing.

Provided that in the case of thermoplastic insulated and sheathed

cables with metallic armour, the metallic wire or tape armour shall be
considered as metal sheathing for the purpose of this rule.
Provided further that this rule shall not apply to cable with
thermoplastic insulation without any metallic screen or armour.

67

(b)

The resistance of the earth connection with metallic sheath shall be

kept low enough to permit the controlling circuit breaker or cutout to
operate in the event of any failure of insulation between the metallic
sheath and the conductor.

Where an electric supply line as aforesaid has concentric cables and

the external conductor is insulated from an outer metal sheathing and
connected with earth, the external conductor may be regarded as the
metal sheathing for the purposes of this rule, provided that the
foregoing provisions as to conductivity are complied with.

Connection with earth: - [(1) All non-current carrying metal parts associated
with HV/EHV installation shall be effectively earthed to a grounding system
or mat which will (a)
(b)
(c)

limit the touch and step potential to tolerable values

limit the ground potential rise to tolerable values so as to prevent
danger due to transfer of potential through ground, earth wires, cable
sheath, fences, pipe lines, etc.
maintain the resistance of earth connection to such a value as to make
operation of the protective device effective.

(1A)

In the case of star-connected system with earthed neutral or deltaconnected system with earthed artificial neutral point

(a)

The neutral point of every generator and transformer shall be earthed

by connecting it to the earthing system as defined in rule 61 (4) and
hereinabove by not less than two separate and distinct connections:
Provided that the neutral, point of a generator may be connected to
the earthing system through an impedance to limit the fault current to
the earth:
Provided further that in case of multi-machine system, neutral
switching may be resorted to, for limiting the injurious effect of
harmonic current circulation in the system;

(b)

In the event of an appreciable harmonic current flowing in the neutral

connection so as to cause interference with communication circuits,
the generator or transformer neutral shall be earthed through
suitable impedance;

In case of the delta connected system, the neutral point shall be

obtained by the insertion of a grounding transformer and current
limiting resistance or impedance wherever considered necessary, at
the commencement of such a system.]

(2)

Single-phase high or extra-high voltage systems shall be earthed in a

manner approved by the Inspector.

(3)

In the case of a system comprising electric supply lines having

concentric cables, the external conductor shall be the one to be
connected with earth.

(4)

Where a supplier proposes to connect with earth an existing system

for use at high or extra-high voltage, which has not hitherto been so
connected with earth, he shall give not less than fourteen days notice
in writing together with particulars, to the telegraph-authority, of the
proposed connection with earth.

(5)

(a)
Where the earthing lead and earth connection are used only in
connection with earthing guards erected under high or extra-high
voltage overhead lines where they cross a telecommunication line or a
railway line, and where such lines are equipped with earth leakage
relays of a type and setting approved by the Inspector, the resistance
shall not exceed 25 .
(b)
Every earthing system belonging either to the supplier or to the
consumer shall be tested for its resistance to earthy on a dry day
during dry season, not less than once a year. Records of such tests
shall be maintained and shall be produced, if required, before the
Inspector or any other officer appointed to assist him and authorized
under sub-rule (2) of rule 4A.

(6)

68

Insofar as the provisions of rule 61 are consistent with the provisions

of this rule, all connections with earth shall also comply with the
provisions of that rule.

General conditions as to transformation and control of energy: - (1) Where

energy at high or extra-high voltage is transformed, converted, regulated or
otherwise controlled in sub-stations or switch-stations (including outdoor
sub-stations and outdoor switch-stations) or in street-boxes constructed
underground, the following provisions shall have effect:

(2)

69

Where energy is transformed, suitable provisions shall be made,

either by connecting with earth a point of the system at the lower
voltage or otherwise, to guard against the danger by reason of the said
system becoming accidentally charged above its normal voltage by
leakage from a contact with the system at the higher voltage.

Pole type substations: - Where platform type construction is used for a pole
type sub-station and sufficient space for a person to stand on the platform is
provided, a substantial hand-rail shall be built around the said platform and
if the hand-rail is of metal, it shall be connected with earth.
Provided that in case of pole type sub-station on wooden supports and
wooden platform, handrail shall not be connected with earth.

71

Additional provisions for supply to high voltage luminous tube sign

installation: (1) Any person who proposes to use or who is using energy for
the purpose of operating a luminous tube sign installation, or who proposes
to transform or who is transforming energy to a high voltage for any such
purpose, shall comply with the following conditions(d)

The secondary circuit shall be permanently earthed at the

transformer and the core of every transformer shall be earthed.

(e)

Where the conductors of the primary circuit are not in metallic

connection with the supply conductors (e.g. where a motor-generator
or a double-wound converter is used), one phase of such primary
circuit shall be permanently earthed at the motor-generator or
converter or at the transformer.

[(ee)

An earth leakage circuit breaker of sufficient rating shall be provided

on the low voltage side to detect the leakage in such luminous tube
sign installations.]

72

Additional provisions for supply to high voltage electrode boilers

73

Supply to X-Ray and high frequency installation

88

Guarding of Overhead Lines

90

Earthing of Overhead line supports

94 to 108

Electric Traction

109 to 132

Mines and Oil fields

CEIG, Kerala Guidelines

EHV Substations:
1. All EHV apparatus shall be protected against lightning as well as switching
over voltages [IE Rule 64 (3)]. Surge diverters of appropriate rating with
surge counters shall be provided for lines. In addition to these, separate surge
diverters shall be provided for transformers. All the equipment in the yard
shall come under lightning shield coverage.
2. Minimum protection as shown below shall be provided for lines,
transformers and busbars:
EHV Lines: Over current & Earth fault Relays having highest elements
Transformers: Over current & Earth fault Relays having highest elements
both at primary and secondary sides.
REF and Differential Protections
HV Feeders: Over current & Earth fault Relays having highest elements
3. Earth mat shall be provided in the EHV substations to limit touch voltage,
step voltage to tolerable and safe values. [Modified IER 67(1) (a)].
4. Granite jelly of 45mm size shall be spread to a thickness of 150mm uniformly
in the yard and extended outside the fencing to a minimum width of 1.5m.
Transformer Installations:
1. Lightning arrestors shall be provided between AB switch and D.O./H.G.Fuse
2. Phase to earth clearance at AB Switch shall be 610mm (for 11kV).
3. The minimum clearance from ground to the 11kV bushings of the
transformer shall be 2.6m.
4. Minimum phase to earth clearance of busbars in the 11kV panel shall be
80mm.
5. In unitized substations, earthing switch, if any, attached to the ABSFU, shall
be at the outgoing side. This earthing switch and the 11kV ABSFU shall be
properly interlocked to prevent accidental closing of earthing switch, when
the ABSFU is in ON position.
HV Motors: Protection shall include Earth fault Protection.

HV Generators:
1. Neutral of the generator may be earthed through earthing transformer or
NGR. If NGR is used, it shall be rated for 30s.
2. If resistance or transformer earthing is adopted for neutral, cables shall be
rated for voltage same as that of unearthed system.
3. Protection shall include: Earth fault relay, Standby earth fault relay using
CT in neutral earthing conductor, REF Relay & Rotor earth fault relay.
Earthing Standards:
1. Minimum fault level at 11kV side shall be assumed 150MVA for all earthing
design.
2. Number of earth electrodes required shall be calculated for fault current at
11kV side.
3. Duration of fault current shall be taken as 3 sec. for earthing design at HT
installations.
4. Maximum earth resistance at HT premises shall be limited to 1.0 Ohm.
5. Earth mat shall be provided for EHT premises for limiting step voltage and
touch voltage to tolerable values. Conductor size and mesh size may be
designed for fault duration of 1.0 second and 0.5 second respectively.
6. All earth electrodes shall be interconnected using the conductors of largest
size in the earthing system.
7. All non-current carrying metal parts of equipment s shall be double earthed
using conductors of adequate size.
8. Transformer and generator neutral shall be double earthed. One
independent earth electrode shall be provided for neutral earthing. Links
shall also be provided in neutral earthing conductor. Generator neutral shall
be earthed at control panel.
9. Lightning Arrestor shall be connected to a separate earth electrode using No.
6 SWG Cu. The L.A Earth electrode may be interconnected with other earth
electrodes.
10. If fault current exceeds 6kA, plate earth electrodes shall be used.

11. If soil resistivity is < 60 ohm-m, only copper shall be used as earthing
conductor.
12. Distance between plate earth electrodes shall be 8m minimum.
13. Distance between pipe earth electrodes shall be 5m minimum.
14. Minimum distance between earth electrode and adjacent civil structure shall
be 1.5m.
15. In location of SBs, DBs, etc., sub earth buses of 25 x 3 mm2 Copper may be
provided.
16. All joints in earthing connections shall be properly tinned.
17. Following guidelines shall be adhered to, when GI earthing is adopted:
a) GI strips used for earthing shall be minimum 6mm thick and hot dip
galvanized.
b) If round GI conductors are used, it shall have double the calculated
area of cross section.
c) The minimum cross sectional area of the GI shall be 50 mm2
d) Where a copper conductor is to be joined to GI, the joints should be
tinned to prevent electrolytic action.
e) If atmosphere is corrosive, GI conductors shall not be used for
earthing.
f) Joints shall be invariably done by means of welding except in such
locations where intermittent disconnection of joints is necessitated for
testing purpose, or for the earthing connection to the body of the
equipment s, etc.
g) Barium chromate or Zinc Dichromate treatment should be done at
the welds. Joints should be provided with coating alternative layers of
red oxide and aluminium. Joints are to be covered with hot bitumen.
Also, jute band covering of adequate thickness is to be made on the
portion of the earthing susceptible to higher corrosion and
environmental influence.
h) The area of strip electrode thus covered with bitumen and jute should
not be reckoned for the calculation of area of dissipation for the fault
current.
i) In places where the resistivity is very high and atmospheric corrosion
is not significant, even ordinary steel conductors shall be permitted.
j) Earthing system with GI conductors should be subjected to a through
physical examination after a period of 10 years and modifications
made if found necessary on such examination.
k) Joints using GI conductors should be welded as far as possible and
kept separated from air by a thick coating of tar or similar non-

hygroscopic material. In case bolted joints cannot be avoided, there

should be a minimum of 2 bolts for sizes up to 25mm x 6mm, 3 bolts
for sizes up to 31mm x 6mm and zig zag bolting for large sizes.
18. Following guidelines shall be adhered to when covered aluminium is used for
earthing:
a) Aluminium should not be used for final underground connections to
earth electrode.
b) Aluminium shall be used below ground only if efficiently protected or
sheathed against contact with soil and moisture. PVC covering shall
be allowed.
c) Where a copper conductor is to be joined to aluminium conductor, the
joints should be tinned to prevent electrolytic action.
d) Sharp bends required in aluminium strips shall be formed by the use
of a bending machine.
e) Aluminum to aluminium joints on strip conductor shall be arc welded
using either the Tungsten inert arc or metal inert gas techniques. Oxyacetylene gas welding or bracing shall also be allowed.
f) Round and rectangular conductors can be joined with bolted clamps.
Rectangular conductors can be joined or terminated by drilling and
bolting.
g) When making a bolted type joint, the surface of the aluminium strip
should be cleaned thoroughly by wire brushing and greased or an
approved jointing compound applied immediately to both mating
surfaces. Bolts should then be tightened and all excess grease or
compound wiped off and discarded.
h) Aluminium conductor connections to equipment s should, whereas
possible, be in the vertical plane. Surface preparation of aluminium
and making of the joint should be as previously described. The
finished joint should be protected by bitumastic paint.
i) Earthing shall confirm to IS 3043-1987
j) Earthing grid should be run at a minimum depth of 50cm below the
ground.
MV Cables: Glands at both ends of armoured cables shall be earthed.
Generators running in parallel:
1. Neutral switching facility shall be provided.
2. Neutral of largest capacity generator shall only be connected to the system.
3. Neutral of largest capacity generator shall only be earthed. Neutrals of other
generators running in parallel shall be in floating condition.
4. Also, ensure that generator breakers can be made ON only if functional
neutral is earthed.

5. Synchronizing breakers/neutral switches/contactors shall be electrically

operating type having remote switching facility.
6. Earthing conductor size shall be designed considering fault current
contribution by all generators running in parallel.
Portable generators:
1. Single-phase generators up to 4kVA rating are treated as portable
generators.
2. A residual current device (ELCB) having an operating time of 20ms at a
residual current of 30mA shall be provided.
3. In single-phase generators, one terminal shall be connected to earth and
designated as neutral.
4. All exposed metalwork of the generator shall be adequately connected to the
earth terminal.
Trolley mounted Generators:
1. (a)

In case of DG sets which are used as a standby source to be changed

over to an earthed system or vice versa, the neutral and body of the
generator shall be earthed to 2 separate and distinct earth electrodes
as per standards.

(b)

An equipotential bonding conductor shall be formed in the

vehicle/carriage by interconnecting the generator, engine, control
panel and other metallic parts of the carriage with conductor of
adequate size.

The equipotential bonding conductor shall be connected to the ground

earth electrode system. 2 Nos. earth electrodes of 38m diameter and
2.5m long with necessary interconnecting earthing conductors shall be
kept in the van/carriage for driving the earth electrodes at places
where the supply is used as a standby.

2. In the case of generator sets in which supply is used as an isolated/separate

source, earthing to the ground is not required. But, continuity conductors
shall be taken from the equipotential bonding conductor of the
vehicle/carriage, for the return of the fault current. The neutral and body of
the generator shall be connected to the chassis/equipotential-bonding
conductor.
3. (a)

Where supply is extended for off-shore works in dredgers/pontoons,

etc., earth grid/equipotential bonding conductor of the dredge,
pontoon, etc., shall be connected to the generator earthing system
provided on the shore with insulated conductor of adequate size.

(b)

Alternately, one core of the 4-core cable to the generator from the
offshore equipment shall be treated as earthing conductor.

The generator body and the neutral shall be connected to at least 3

earth electrodes as per standards. For marine applications, only
marine cables shall be used for extending supply to the offshore
carriage.

4. The sub switchboards shall be earthed as per standards by running earth

continuity conductors.
5. Suitable ELCBs shall be provided for each feeder separately or as a group
for protection against earth leakage.
MV Motors: Standard size of earthing conductors:
Motor Rating
kW

HP

0.75
1.5
2.25
3.75
5.5
7.5
9.3
11.2
15
18.7
22.5
26
30
37.5
45
55
59
67.5
75
90
110
131
150
185

1
2
3
5
7.5
10
12.5
15
20
25
30
35
40
50
60
75
80
90
100
125
150
175
200
250

mm
3.251
3.251
3.251
3.251
3.251
3.251
3.251
3.251
3.251
3.251
4.877
4.877
4.877
4.877
5.893
5.893
6.910
6.910
6.910
6.910
7.620
7.620
7.620
25 x 3

Earth Conductor
Copper
SWG
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
6
6
6
6
4
4
2
2
2
2
1 or 0
1 or 0
1 or 0
--

Alu.
mm2
25
25
25
25
25
25
25
25
25
25
35
35
35
35
50
50
70
70
70
95
120
120
120
185

High Rise Buildings:

1. A building that is more than 15m in height shall be categorized as high rise
building. Height shall be taken from cellar to top floor. Machine room, lift,
water tank etc. may be excluded.
2. Low set E/F protection using neutral CT is not to be insisted for
transformers feeding high-rise buildings, where LT metering is adopted. But,
ELCBs shall be provided for all DBs and motor loads except for fire pump
motors.
3. Lightning protection shall be provided for high-rise buildings as per IS 2309.
(a) Structure having a base area not exceeding 100mm 2 need have only
one down conductor.
(b) For structure having base area exceeding 100mm2, the number of
down conductors shall be the smaller of the following:
(i)
One plus additional one for each 300mm2 or part thereof in
excess of first 100mm2.
(ii)
One for each 20m of perimeter of the structure protected.