Technical Specification for Earthing and Bonding at EART-03-003

Secondary Substations Issue No. 2

1. SCOPE

This technical specification describes SPEN’s requirements for earthing and bonding systems at
secondary substations. This includes all HV/LV substations, HV only substations, HV pole-mounted
installations, HV customer substations and IDNO/DNO shared substations up to and including 11 kV.

This specification allows SPEN to demonstrate compliance with relevant national and international
standards as well as statutory legislation and licence conditions. This document has been issued to
align with latest releases of the ESQCR, BS EN 50522, ENA TS 41-24 and ENA EREC S34.

2. ISSUE RECORD

This is a Reference document. The current version is held on the EN Document Library.

It is your responsibility to ensure you work to the current version.

Issue Date Issue No. Author Amendment Details

25th Feb 2020 1 Kevin Butter This document replaces EART-02-003. This
Stephen Batten document is significantly different to EART-
Eric Paalman 02-003 to reflect changes to ESQCR, BS
EN Standards and ENA Technical
Specifications
29th Feb 2024 2 Ian Hancock Revised design and delivery process in line
with the new SPEN Distribution Substation
Earthing Design Tool. Amendments to the
standard earthing arrangements and
separation distances. Greater guidance for
ICP’s and IDNO’s. Addition of delivery
responsibility matrix, information required for
specialist earthing studies and EPR
calculation examples.

3. ISSUE AUTHORITY

Authors Owner Issue Authority

Name: Ian Hancock Name: Jon Ruiz De Aguirre Name: Fraser Ainslie
Title: Lead Engineer Title: Substations Manager, Title: Head of Engineering
Engineering Design and Engineering Design and Design and Standards
Digitally signed by Fraser
Standards Standards Ainslie
DN: cn=Fraser Ainslie,
o=SPEnergyNetworks,
ou=Processes and
Technology,
email=fraser.ainslie@spener
gynetworks.co.uk, c=GB
Date: 2024.05.07 11:32:03
+01'00'

4. REVIEW

This is a Reference document which has a 5 year retention period after which a reminder will be issued
to review and extend retention or archive.

5. DISTRIBUTION

This document is part of the Construction Virtual Manual maintained by Document Control but does not
have a maintained distribution list. This document is also published to the SP Energy Networks website.

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6. CONTENTS

1. SCOPE ....................................................................................................................................... 1
2. ISSUE RECORD ........................................................................................................................ 1
3. ISSUE AUTHORITY .................................................................................................................. 1
4. REVIEW ..................................................................................................................................... 1
5. DISTRIBUTION .......................................................................................................................... 1
6. CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................... 2
7. REFERENCE AND RELATED DOCUMENTS .......................................................................... 4
8. DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................................ 5
9. FOREWORD .............................................................................................................................. 7
9.1 Legacy Practice for Earthing at Secondary Substations ............................................................. 7
9.2 Modern Practice for Design of Earthing at Secondary Substations ........................................... 7
9.3 Standard Earthing Arrangements .................................................................................................. 8
10. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 8
10.1 Earth Fault Current .......................................................................................................................... 8
10.2 Earth Potential Rise (EPR) .............................................................................................................. 9
10.3 Touch Potential .............................................................................................................................. 10
10.4 Step Potential ................................................................................................................................. 13
10.5 Transfer Potential .......................................................................................................................... 13
10.6 Stress Voltage ................................................................................................................................ 14
10.7 Equipment Bonding....................................................................................................................... 14
10.8 Target Resistance .......................................................................................................................... 15
10.9 Network Contribution .................................................................................................................... 15
10.10 Global Earthing System (GES) ..................................................................................................... 16
11. FAULT CURRENTS APPLICABLE TO DESIGNS OF EARTHING SYSTEMS ..................... 17
11.1 Functional Requirements (Ratings of HV Earthing Conductors and Earth Electrodes).......... 17
11.2 Safety Requirements (Calculation of EPR for Touch Potentials and Step Potentials) ............ 18
12. EPR LEVELS AND LIMITS FOR STEP AND TOUCH POTENTIALS ................................... 19
13. SUBSTATION EARTHING DESIGN PROCEDURE ............................................................... 23
13.1 Preliminary Design Approach ...................................................................................................... 23
13.2 Ground-mounted Substations ...................................................................................................... 31
13.3 Pole-mounted Installations ........................................................................................................... 32
14. SPECIAL SITUATIONS REQUIRING ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS .................................. 32
14.1 Secondary Substations in High Risk Areas ................................................................................ 32
14.2 Provision of Building Services / Auxiliary Supplies to High EPR Sites .................................... 32
14.3 Secondary Substations Located Within a Grid or Primary Substation ..................................... 34
14.4 Secondary Substations Near Railways ........................................................................................ 34
14.5 Secondary Substations Near Conductive Pipelines ................................................................... 34
14.6 Lightning Protection Systems ...................................................................................................... 34
15. STANDARD EARTHING ARRANGEMENTS ......................................................................... 34
15.1 Conductor Size and Type – Ground-mounted Substation ......................................................... 35
15.2 Conductor Size and Type – Pole-mounted Substation .............................................................. 35
15.3 LV Earthing Conductors ............................................................................................................... 36
15.4 Bonding Conductors ..................................................................................................................... 36

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15.5 Buried Earth Electrodes ................................................................................................................ 36

15.6 Earth Rods ..................................................................................................................................... 37
15.7 Ground-Mounted Substations ...................................................................................................... 37
15.8 Pole-mounted Installations ........................................................................................................... 47
16. INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................................... 57
16.1 General ........................................................................................................................................... 57
16.2 Earth Electrode System ................................................................................................................ 57
16.3 Main Earth Bar ............................................................................................................................... 58
16.4 Cable Sheaths/Screen Connections ............................................................................................ 58
16.5 Metallic Fences and Gates ............................................................................................................ 58
16.6 Metallic Doors ................................................................................................................................ 59
16.7 Pole-mounted Installations with Surge Arresters ....................................................................... 59
16.8 Pole-mounted Equipment with Operating Mechanisms Accessible from Ground Level ........ 59
16.9 Pole-mounted Equipment with Operating Mechanisms not Accessible from Ground Level .. 59
17. MEASUREMENTS, TESTING AND INSPECTION ................................................................. 60
17.1 General ........................................................................................................................................... 60
17.2 Inspection ....................................................................................................................................... 62
17.3 Earth Resistance Measurement ................................................................................................... 62
18. ASSESSMENT OF THIRD-PARTY DESIGNS AND ICPS ..................................................... 62
APPENDIX 1 – INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR A SECONDARY SUBSTATION SPECIALIST
EARTHING STUDY ........................................................................................................................ 64
APPENDIX 2 – EPR CALCULATION EXAMPLES ....................................................................... 66
A) Low EPR Calculation Example ..................................................................................................... 66
B) High EPR Calculation Example .................................................................................................... 67
C) Extremely High EPR Calculation Example .................................................................................. 69

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7. REFERENCE AND RELATED DOCUMENTS

This specification makes reference to, or implies reference to, the following documents. This document
is intended to amplify and/or clarify the requirements of those documents where alternative
arrangements are permitted by those documents and/or where further information is required.

It is important that users of all standards, specifications and other listed documents ensure that they
are applying the most recent editions together with any amendments. For dated references, only the
edition cited applies. For undated references, the edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) valid at the date of issue of this specification applies.

ESQCR Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations

The Electricity Supply Regulations 1988 (withdrawn – replaced by ESQCR)

BS EN 50522 Earthing of power installations exceeding 1 kV A.C.

BS EN 62305-1 Protection against lightning

BS 7671 Requirements for Electrical Installations. IET Wiring Regulations

ENA TS 41-24 Guidelines for the design, installation, testing and maintenance of main
earthing systems in substations

ENA EREC G12 Requirements for the application of protective multiple earthing to Low Voltage
networks

ENA EREC S34 A guide for assessing the rise of earth potential at electrical installations

ENA EREC S36 Identification and recording of 'hot' sites – joint procedure for Electricity Industry
and Communications Network Providers

ENA EREC S41 Guidance on transferred voltages from earthing systems

ENA TS 37-2 Public Electricity Network Distribution Assemblies

EART-01-002 Low voltage earthing policy and application guide

SWG-03-026 Specification for low voltage fuse boards and network pillars

ENA TS 43-94 Earth rods and their connectors

ENA EREC G88 Principles for the planning, connection and operation of electricity distribution
networks at the interface between distribution network operators (DNOs) and
independent distribution network operators (IDNOs)

QUAL-12-304 Network Data SAP Input Sheet - Ground Mounted Substation Details

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8. DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of this specification, the following definitions shall apply and are reproduced in italic
font throughout this document:

Backup Protection Protection set to operate following failure or slow operation of primary
protection. (See Normal Protection also).
Bonding Conductor A protective conductor providing equipotential bonding between items of
metalwork.
Design Engineer An engineer who is trained and competent to apply the Standard Earthing
Arrangement designs contained in this technical specification but is not
able to carry out bespoke earthing studies for Extremely High EPR or
high risk assessments. Typical responsibilities will include, design of
distribution substations, overhead lines etc.
Delivery Engineer A trained and competent engineer whose responsibilities include
construction and commissioning distribution substations, overhead lines
etc.
Earth The conductive mass of earth whose electric potential at any point is
conventionally taken as zero.
Earth Electrode A bare conductor or group of bare conductors buried directly in the earth
to provide a direct electrical connection with the general mass of earth.
This includes earth rods driven into the ground, bare stranded
conductors, bare earth tape and mesh.
Earth Electrode Resistance The resistance of an Earth Electrode with respect to Earth.
Earth Fault A fault causing current to flow in one or more earth-return paths.
Typically, a single phase to earth fault, but this term may also be used to
describe two-phase and three-phase faults involving earth.
Earth Fault Current (IF) The worst-case steady state RMS current to earth, resulting from a single
phase to Earth Fault. Not to be confused with Ground Return Current
(IGR).
Earth Fault Current Fault current used to calculate the size of Earthing Conductors and Earth
(Design) Electrodes based on the system design limit of fault current.
Earth Potential Rise (EPR) The difference in potential which may exist between a point on the ground
(or UE) and a remote Earth in the event of an Earth Fault. Formerly known as
RoEP (Rise of Earth Potential).
Earthing Conductor A conductor connecting the Main Earth Bar of an installation to the Earth
Electrode system or connecting the Main Earth Bar to plant and
equipment.
Earthing Specialist A competent earthing designer as determined by knowledge, skills,
training and experience such that each earthing design is subject to a
technical check and professional review process. Typical responsibilities
would include using suitable modelling software to undertake detailed
analysis of networks and provide a full bespoke HV/LV earthing design.
Earthing System The complete interconnected assembly of Earthing Conductors and
Earth Electrodes.
Earth Terminal Earth connection point found on transformers, HV switchgear and LV
cabinets / fuse boards which connects to the Main Earth Bar.
Effective Radius The radius of surrounding cable connected network which is effective in
providing Network Contribution. The Effective Radius is dependent on
the soil resistivity. Low values of soil resistivity will result in a lower
effective radius as all the fault current will flow into the earth before we
reach this point. Additional network beyond this radius can be ignored as
it has a negligible effect on reducing the Network Contribution value any
further.
Extremely High EPR A site with EPR exceeding 2.33 kV and requiring special measures (i.e.
special design and equipment) to ensure safety. (See section 12.1.3).

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Global Earthing System An Earthing System of sufficiently dense interconnection such that all
(GES) items are bonded together and all rise in voltage together under fault
conditions. No true earth reference exists and therefore Step Potentials
and Touch Potentials are limited.
Ground Return Current The proportion of Earth Fault Current returning through soil via the
(IGR) general mass of earth.
High EPR An EPR greater than Low EPR but not exceeding 2.33 kV. (See section
12.1.2).
Hot / Cold Site A Hot site is defined as one which exceeds EPR limits specified in EREC
S36. For secondary substations sites (with long clearance times), if the
EPR exceeds 430 V then it shall be classified as a Hot Site.
Low EPR The upper limit of Low EPR will be determined by the type and extent of
the low voltage network the new substation supplies. For the purposes
of this document, this is defined as an EPR less than or equal to 430 V
for substantial new PME networks (such as a new housing estate with
multiple earth electrodes) or less than or equal to 233 V for new SNE
networks. (See section 12.1.1).
Main Earth Bar The Main Earth bar provides a recognised earth connection / reference
point which is connected to the earth terminals and serves the purpose
of allowing the local substation earth resistance to be measured using a
clamp meter as well as helping operational personnel to determine if the
earthing is intact when entering a substation.
Maximum Permissible The maximum permissible Touch Potential related to the appropriate HV
Touch Potential (UTp) fault clearance time (ENA TS 41-24: 9.5.2 Touch potential on LV system
as a result of an HV fault).
Network Contribution The Earth Electrode effect of the wide area HV (and LV) interconnected
network. Large networks provide multiple parallel Earth Electrodes which
can provide a relatively low resistance path to earth. (See section 10.9).
Normal Protection Clearance of a fault under normal circumstances. This includes relay
operating time and circuit breaker opening time for all foreseeable faults.
This time assumes that faults will be cleared by normal upstream
protection and does not allow for e.g. stuck circuit breakers or other
protection failures / delays.
SPEN Distribution A macro enabled Microsoft EXCEL workbook to assist Design Engineers
Substation Earthing Design to determine if Standard Earthing Arrangements are appropriate. (See
Tool section 13.1.3).
Standard Earthing These are standard designs of typical ground-mounted substations and
Arrangement pole-mounted installations used in SPEN with a pre-designed layout of
Earthing System. The Step and Touch Potentials (as a % of EPR for each
standard layout) have already been established by modelling or
calculation.
Step Potential (US) Voltage between two points on the ground surface that are 1 m distant
from each other where 1 m is considered to be the stride length of a
person. (See section 10.4).
Stress Voltage Voltage difference between two segregated Earthing Systems, which
may appear) across insulators/ bushings or cable insulation etc. (See
section 10.6).
Target Resistance The resistance of the substation local Earth Electrode system determined
by policy or design. (See section 10.8).
Touch Potential (UT) Voltage appearing between a person’s hands and feet, or across both
hands when conductive parts are touched simultaneously. (See section
10.3).
Potential transferred by means of a conductor between an area with a
Transfer Potential significant EPR and an area with little or no EPR and results in a potential
difference between the conductor and earth in both locations. (See
section 10.5).

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9. FOREWORD

This document has been revised to reflect significant changes in legislative and industry standards and
specifications relating to earthing and changes in equipment types currently employed. The main
changes that have led to the revision of this specification include:

i. Changes to earthing practices as outlined in Electrical Safety, Quality, and Continuity

Regulations (ESQCR), in particular, with regard to secondary substations.
ii. UK Adoption of BS EN 50522, in particular with reference to acceptable Touch Potential and
Step Potential limits.
iii. Revision of ENA TS 41-24 that reflect changes to earthing practice for alignment with BS EN
50522.
iv. Changes to the requirements for Protective Multiple Earthing systems (PME) as outlined in
ENA EREC G12.
v. The extensive use of plastic sheathed cables as compared to lead sheath cables.

9.1 Legacy Practice for Earthing at Secondary Substations

For ground-mounted substations, the legacy practice in SPEN (and other DNOs) was to install HV and
LV Earthing Systems with an HV Earth Resistance of 40 Ω and an LV Earth Resistance of 20 Ω.

If the combined Earth Resistance of the HV and LV Earthing Systems (including Network Contribution
from HV and LV cable sheaths) was less than 1 Ω, then it was permissible to combine the HV and LV
Earthing Systems. The “1 Ω Rule” practice was based on the requirements of The Electricity Supply
Regulations 1988.

No perimeter Earth Electrodes were installed around the substation. This approach relied heavily on
contributions from PILC cables radiating away from the substation, often passing under the operator’s
position. Since the lead sheath and steel armour/tapes of the cable are in contact with the ground (even
where hessian servings are used), these cables provided a degree of potential grading (thus reducing
Touch Potentials) as well as reducing the combined earth resistance of the substation.

9.2 Modern Practice for Design of Earthing at Secondary Substations

The Electricity Supply Regulations, 1988 were replaced by the ESQCR in 2002 and the legacy “1 Ω
Rule” is no longer relevant.

The ESQCR state that the owner of the HV network shall ensure that, “the earth electrodes are
designed, installed and used in such a manner to prevent danger occurring in any low voltage network
as a result of any fault in the high voltage network”.

BS EN 50522 provides criteria for design, installation, testing and maintenance of Earthing Systems of
electrical power installations with nominal voltage above 1 kV. This standard is applicable to substations
and pole/tower installations and requires that the installation operates safely under all conditions and
ensures the safety of human life in any place to which persons have legitimate access.

ENA TS 41-24 was revised in November 2018 to reflect the changes to earthing practice as outlined in
ESQCR and to align with BS EN 50522. This recognises that the “1 Ω Rule” no longer fully complies
with UK standards so this practice has now been withdrawn.

The requirements of this specification are based on compliance with the latest issues of ESQCR, BS
EN 50522, ENA TS 41-24 and ENA EREC S41.

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9.3 Standard Earthing Arrangements

The approach used by this specification is based on the adoption of “Standard Earthing Arrangements”
wherever possible. The standard designs for ground mounted substations have been evaluated to
ensure a Touch Potential of no greater than 10% of EPR is experienced during an HV fault. Standard
Earthing Arrangements showing the Earthing System to be installed at typical ground-mounted
substations and pole-mounted installations are given in section 15.

This process allows the Design Engineer to choose a SPEN Standard Earthing Arrangement based on
particular scenarios such as substation location, system fault levels and Network Contribution. It is
anticipated that this procedure will be appropriate for the vast majority of situations.

However, there will be some situations where Standard Earthing Arrangements are not suitable and a
detailed study shall be carried out by an Earthing Specialist.

10. INTRODUCTION

An Earthing System shall be installed at every substation and designed so that there is no danger to
persons.

The Earthing System shall be designed to avoid damage to equipment due to excessive potential rise
and potential differences within the Earthing System and due to excessive currents flowing in auxiliary
paths not intended for carrying Earth Fault Current.

The term “Earthing” generally describes connection to the general mass of earth using a dedicated
Earth Electrode. The related term, ‘Bonding”, means connecting items together so they are at equal
potential. A well-designed Earthing System provides both Earthing and equipotential Bonding.

The main functions of an Earthing System are to:

i. Limit the voltage rise (and voltage differences) on exposed metalwork under fault conditions so
as to reduce risk of shock to operators and members of the public who might be nearby.
ii. Ensure that any Earth Fault Current is carried safely back to the source substation without
causing damage to any equipment such that system protection operates quickly.

Additionally, for secondary substations, the Earthing System serves to:

i. Prevent dangerous potentials appearing on the customers’ LV neutral/earth terminals.

ii. Comply with the requirements for substation LV earthing described in ENA EREC G12 and
EART-01-002.

10.1 Earth Fault Current

In case of a fault directly to earth, Earth Fault Current will flow. A path is required to allow sufficient
Earth Fault Current to flow back to its source (i.e. the Primary substation). This allows system protection
to operate and disconnect the supply. This current will cause heating in all conductors which form a
path for the Earth Fault Current. An important part of the path is the buried Earth Electrode at the
substation which will be required to carry part (or all) of the Earth Fault Current.

The Earthing Conductors and Earth Electrodes shall be able to withstand the maximum expected Earth
Fault Current as described in section 11.1.

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10.2 Earth Potential Rise (EPR)

During the passage of Earth Fault Current, the substation buried Earth Electrode will be subjected to a
rise in voltage. This is called Earth Potential Rise (EPR) and is dependent on the magnitude of Earth
Fault Current in combination with the Earth Electrode Resistance.

Potential gradients develop in the surrounding ground area and these are highest adjacent to the Earth
Electrode. The EPR reduces to approximately zero (or true earth potential) at some distance from the
Earth Electrode. Figure 1 shows the potential gradient caused by an EPR (where one Earth Electrode
is installed).

The ESQCR require that danger will not arise on the LV system as a consequence of HV faults. If the
HV and LV Earthing Systems are connected, in event of HV Earth Faults, the resultant EPR will be
impressed on the LV neutral / earth (secondary transformer star point) and this voltage will ultimately
be transferred to a customer’s LV earthing terminal. To avoid this danger, the HV and LV Earthing
Systems shall be separated if the EPR exceeds particular limits. (These limits are given in section 12).

The three main design parameters relating to the consideration of EPR when designing a substation
Earthing System are:

i. Touch Potential,
ii. Step Potential and
iii. Transfer Potential.

A person could be at risk if they can simultaneously contact parts at different potential, thus, in a well-
designed system, the potential differences between metallic items shall be kept to safe levels regardless
of the level of EPR.

10 5 0 5 10

Figure 1 – Potential Gradient due to EPR (with Single Earth Electrode)

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10.3 Touch Potential

This term describes the voltage appearing between a person’s hands and feet, or across both hands.
Hand to foot Touch Potential arises from the fact that the EPR at a person’s hands can be somewhat
higher in value than that present at their feet. If an earthed metallic structure is accessible, a person
standing on the ground and touching the structure will be subject to a Touch Potential. This is
demonstrated in Figure 2.

The limits for Touch Potentials are given in section 12.1.4.

The value of Touch Potentials is not only influenced by the EPR but also depends on the arrangement
of the Earthing System and buried Earth Electrodes. By comparing the EPR gradients in Figure 2 and
Figure 3, represented by the blue line in each, it can be seen that the action of installing a perimeter
Earth Electrode buried around the substation (Figure 3) significantly reduces the potential gradient of
the EPR (i.e. kV/m) compared to an installation utilising an Earth Electrode buried at a single point
(Figure 2). This solution reduces the maximum Touch Potential that staff (and members of public) may
be exposed to.

Hand-to feet Touch Potentials can be further reduced by installing an Earth Electrode bonded to the HV
metalwork and buried at a relatively shallow depth immediately below the position that the operator will
stand when operating HV switchgear or other plant. This is often referred to as a “Earth mat” or “Stance
Earth”.

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EPR reduces from its

maximum at the point of
fault to approximately
zero (true earth
potential) at some
distance from the Earth
Electrode

% of EPR

Figure 2 – Touch Potential Gradient (Single Earth Electrode)

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EPR reduces from its

maximum at the point
of fault to
approximately zero
(true earth potential)
at some distance from
the Earth Electrode

% of EPR

Figure 3 – Touch Potential Gradient (Perimeter Earth Electrodes Around Substation)

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10.4 Step Potential

This term describes the voltage between two points on the ground surface that are 1 m distant from
each other (which is considered to be the stride length of a person). The potential gradient in the ground
is greatest immediately adjacent to the buried Earth Electrode so the maximum Step Potential will be
experienced by a person who has one foot on the ground of maximum EPR and the other foot one step
towards true earth.

The permissible limits for Step Potential are usually much higher than for Touch Potential. As a
consequence, if a substation is safe against Touch Potential, it will normally be safe against Step
Potentials.

Figure 4 shows an example where staff or public can be exposed to Step Potentials.

The limits for Step Potentials are given in section 12.1.5.

EPR reduces from its

maximum at the point of
fault to approximately
zero (true earth potential)
at some distance from the
Earth Electrode

Figure 4 – Example of Step Potential

10.5 Transfer Potential

A metallic object having some length (e.g. fences, pipes or cables) may import or export a potential into
or out from the site. By such means a remote, or true earth (zero potential) can be transferred into an
area of High EPR or vice-versa. This is called Transfer Potential.

For example, a long metal substation fence may export EPR out of the site to the end of the fence,
where it may pose an electric shock hazard to somebody standing on soil at true earth potential.
Similarly, a metallic water pipe or cable may import a zero-volt reference into a substation, where local
potential differences may be dangerous. Bonding the cable or pipe to the substation Earthing System
may reduce risk in the substation but may create a problem elsewhere. Isolation units or insulated
inserts are typical solutions that may need to be considered. Figure 5 shows an example of the risks
associated with Transfer Potential.

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In secondary substations, the consideration of Transfer Potentials is particularly important given that
LV neutral/earth conductors may be connected to, or close to, HV Earthing Systems or other LV
Earthing Systems, and consequently these conductors could export a Transfer Potential in to customer
installations (e.g. on to a customer’s LV earthing terminal).

The limits for permissible Transfer Potential relate to shock risk (Touch Potential and Step Potential)
and are given in sections 12.1.4 and 12.1.5.
The person’s feet in the substation are at a potential
higher than the true earth potential of zero volts. The
person’s feet at the remote location are much closer to
true earth potential and therefore exposed to a greater
potential difference between their hands and feet.

Figure 5 – Example of Risk of Transfer Potential (Cable Installed from Substation to Remote Location)

10.6 Stress Voltage

A further consideration relating to magnitude of EPR is “Stress Voltage”. The Stress Voltage is the
voltage which appears across any two points in a substation or connected circuits (e.g. voltage between
two Earthing Systems).

If HV and LV Earthing Systems are combined, Stress Voltage limits are unlikely to be exceeded in the
substation. If the HV and LV Earthing Systems are segregated, then the Stress Voltage includes the
difference in potential between the HV and LV Earthing Systems and may be assumed equal to the
EPR of the substation.

The limits for Stress Voltage and typical equipment that may be exposed to this voltage are described
in section 12.1.6.

10.7 Equipment Bonding

Any exposed, normally un-energised metalwork, within a substation may become live by consequence
of a system insulation failure so can present a safety hazard to personnel. It is a function of the Earthing
System to eliminate such hazards by solidly bonding together all such metalwork

All normally accessible metalwork within a substation is connected together and to the Main Earth Bar,
using a Bonding Conductor (or Earthing Conductor). This is to ensure that all adjacent, exposed
metalwork remains at a similar potential during fault conditions.

The size of Bonding Conductors that shall be employed is given in sections 15.1 and 15.2.

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10.8 Target Resistance

For normal (typical) network scenarios, the approach taken by SPEN in this specification for designing
the Earthing System is to use Standard Earthing Arrangements (see section 15). Then, provided certain
conditions are met, specified values of the local substation Earth Electrode Resistance can be utilised
that will provide compliance with voltage limits for Step and Touch Potentials. The resistance specified
for each case is termed “Target Resistance”.

The Target Resistance is the measured resistance that must be achieved when the buried Earth
Electrode system has been installed at the secondary substation being considered. This is the
resistance without any Network Contribution. (Section 10.9 describes the effect of Network Contribution
which may be provided from interconnected substations cables etc.)

This approach is intended to minimise calculation effort, based on normal (typical) scenarios. By
employing the Target Resistance approach, the local HV Earth Electrode system for the substation shall
have a sufficiently low resistance to ground to ensure reliable operation of the circuit protection and to
limit the EPR (and consequently Touch and Step potentials) to acceptable levels. This technique is
useful as it is a readily understood parameter that can be achieved and tested by installers of the
Earthing System.

10.9 Network Contribution

In urban areas in particular, the substation may be interconnected to many other substations by an
underground cable network and these substations can have the effect of reducing the overall HV
network earth resistance (RB). The effect from the rest of the HV network on the overall HV network
earth resistance is termed “Network Contribution” and is a very important consideration when
calculating the substation EPR.

Once the HV cable sheaths / screens are connected to the substation local Earth Electrode, the overall
substation HV earth resistance will be reduced because any remote Earthing Systems from the
underground distribution network contribute in parallel with the substation local Earth Electrode. Large
networks provide multiple parallel electrodes which can provide a relatively low resistance path to earth
and the Network Contribution can be significant (i.e. providing a low resistance). A representation of
how interconnected secondary and primary substations (with parallel connected Earth Electrodes)
provide a Network Contribution that results in a lower overall HV network earth resistance is shown in

Figure 6 – Network Contribution from Interconnected Secondary and Primary Substations

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In case of pole-mounted installations, it can generally be assumed that there will be no Network
Contribution and consequently no reduction in the overall HV network earth resistance. Therefore, the
EPR is calculated from the local Earth Electrode Resistance only (i.e. the local Earth Electrode system
installed at that particular pole-mounted substation). This can also be the case for ground-mounted
substations which are fed from overhead line networks and depends if other secondary substations are
connected to the same section of HV cable as the substation being considered.

10.10 Global Earthing System (GES)

A Global Earthing System (GES) is defined as “An Earthing System of sufficiently dense interconnection
such that all items that are bonded together rise in voltage simultaneously under fault conditions. No
true earth reference exists and therefore safety voltages are limited”.

In a GES, the ground is saturated with metallic electrode contributions in the form of LV and HV Earthing
Systems, metallic cable sheaths or bare conductors (e.g. pipes) laid direct in soil. In such a system, the
soil surface potential will rise in sympathy with that of bonded steelwork under fault conditions. The
equivalent Earthing System created by the interconnection of local Earthing Systems ensures that there
are no dangerous Touch Potentials. Essentially this is the premise of Network Contribution.

Networks within a GES by definition operate with combined HV /LV Earthing Systems.

Typical examples where a GES exists are:

i. Substations feeding city centre or densely built up areas with distributed low and high voltage
Earthing Systems.
ii. Substations feeding suburban area with many distributed Earth Electrodes interconnected by
protective conductors of low voltage system.
iii. Substation with a large number of nearby substations.
A representation of a GES is shown in Figure 7, where it can be seen that there is a large urban area
with multiple substations (and associated Earth Electrodes) interconnected by underground cables
offering a low resistance Network Contribution.

Section 10.9 describes how Network Contribution is considered and explains the impact of
interconnected primary and secondary substations.

Figure 7 – Example of a Global Earthing System (GES)

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11. FAULT CURRENTS APPLICABLE TO DESIGNS OF EARTHING SYSTEMS

This section outlines the values of Earth Fault Current that shall be used when designing an Earthing
System. These are summarised in Table 1 and explained in detail in the relevant sub sections.

Document
Design Criteria Earth Fault Current and duration
section
Functional Requirements
Rating of HV Earthing Maximum HV System Earth Fault Current (Design)
11.1
Conductors and HV Earth Backup Protection operation time of 3 s
Electrodes
Safety Requirements
Ground Return Current (IGR) based on % of maximum Earth
Calculation of EPR Levels
Fault Current calculated for faults at the node point for 11.2
for Touch and Step
secondary substation. Normal Protection operating time of 1 s
Potentials

Table 1 – Earth Fault Currents to be Employed in Calculations

The Earthing System shall remain intact and be able to pass the maximum Earth Fault Current at any
fault location back to the system neutral. The design of the Earthing System shall ensure that the
passage of this Fault Current does not result in any thermal or mechanical damage to conductors or
insulation and facilitate correct operation of the source circuit-breaker. These are the functional
requirements of an Earthing System.

Additionally, the Earthing System shall be able to pass Earth Fault Current whilst maintaining Touch
Potentials and Step Potentials within the permissible limits defined in sections 12.1.4 and 12.1.5. This
is also a functional requirement of an Earthing System.

11.1 Functional Requirements (Ratings of HV Earthing Conductors and Earth Electrodes)

BS EN 50522 requires that “The Earthing System, its components and Bonding Conductors shall be
capable of distributing and discharging the fault current without exceeding thermal and mechanical
design limits based on Backup Protection operating time”.

All above ground HV Earthing Conductors and buried HV Earth Electrodes shall be capable of carrying
the maximum HV System Earth Fault Current (Design), based on the Backup Protection operation time,
without any damage (i.e. the design shall take account of possible failure of the primary protection
system). The HV System Earth Fault Current (Design) levels that shall be used when selecting the
rating of HV Earthing Conductors are given in Table 2.

The buried Earth Electrode shall retain its functional properties at all times (i.e. both its current carrying
capability and its value of resistance to earth). For these reasons, the temperature rise of the Earth
Electrode and the density of current dissipation to the soil, during the passage of fault current, needs to
be considered. Thermal requirements are satisfied by appropriate choice of conductor material and
cross-sectional area. Surface current density requirements are satisfied by ensuring sufficient surface
area of the buried Earth Electrode.

HV System Earth Fault

Note Situation Fault duration
Current (Design)
i Ground-mounted 13.1 kA 3s
ii Pole-mounted 4 kA 3s
iii Pole-mounted 8 kA 3s

Table 2 – HV Earth Fault Current (Design) Levels Used to Calculate Size of HV Earthing/Bonding
Conductors and Earth Electrodes

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Notes:
i. At ground-mounted secondary substations, the HV Earthing Conductor and buried HV Earth
Electrode shall be able to withstand the HV System Earth Fault Current (Design) level of 13.1
kA for a duration of 3 seconds. This shall include rural and urban locations.
ii. At pole-mounted secondary installations, an HV System Earth Fault Current (Design) level of 4
kA for a duration of 3 seconds shall generally be employed for the vast majority of pole-mounted
sites in SPEN. This is based on these largely being situated in rural locations with low fault
levels and the relatively large impedance on overhead line conductors. The Design Engineer
shall calculate the fault level at the location to determine that fault level does not exceed this
value.
iii. In cases where pole-mounted secondary installations are installed close to Primary
Substations, or at locations where the Earth Fault Current may exceed 4 kA, an HV System
Earth Fault Current (Design) of 8 kA shall be employed.

11.2 Safety Requirements (Calculation of EPR for Touch Potentials and Step Potentials)

An effective Earthing System is essential to ensure the safety of persons in, and close to substations,
and to minimise the risk of danger on connected systems beyond the substation boundaries. The most
significant hazard to humans is that sufficient current may flow through the heart to cause ventricular
fibrillation. The basic criteria adopted in this specification for the safety of people are those prescribed
in BS EN 50522.

The design of the Earthing System shall comply with the safety criteria (Touch and Transfer Potentials)
which are a function of Earth Fault Current and fault duration.

11.2.1 Earth Fault Current used to Calculate EPR Level

The Earth Fault Current used to calculate the EPR level for Touch Potentials and Step Potentials is the
maximum steady state Earth Fault Current that the installation will experience under fault conditions.
This is the prospective single-phase to earth (line to ground) RMS fault current at 90 ms that has been
calculated for faults at the secondary substation HV busbar. Consideration shall be given to future
network alterations and alternative running arrangements. A margin should be added to allow for future
changes without detailed assessment (e.g. typical 15% increase, unless more accurate information is
available).

Note: In most cases this is likely to be lower than the maximum system fault level used to
calculate the rating of HV Earthing Conductors and Earth Electrodes. This will result in a more
realistic assessment of EPR.

11.2.2 Ground Return Current

Where secondary substations are connected to a primary substation via underground cables with no
overhead line sections between the primary and the secondary substation, the cable screen/sheath
provides a metallic return path for the Earth Fault Current.

The remainder of Earth Fault Current will return through soil to the neutral connection at the primary
substation. Further guidance is given in ENA EREC S34. Only the component of Earth Fault Current
returning to source via the Earth Electrode into the soil is used to calculate the EPR. This called the
Ground Return Current (IGR) and is a fraction of total Earth Fault Current (IF).

For complete underground cable networks between primary and secondary substation, 30% of the
Earth Fault Current is assumed to return to primary through the soil (i.e. IGR = 30 % x IF). If any overhead
line is introduced, or other measures to break sheath continuity, IGR will be 100% of IF.

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12. EPR LEVELS AND LIMITS FOR STEP AND TOUCH POTENTIALS

The design of the Earthing System must comply with the safety limits for Touch Potential and Step
Potential along with insulation withstand between different systems which will tend to restrict the
acceptable level of EPR. Where the EPR exceeds the Stress Voltage of equipment then mitigation is
required in the form of recognised specific and additional measures.

For pole-mounted transformers, the HV metalwork is placed out of reach to ensure that staff and public
are not exposed to hazardous Touch Potentials so a High EPR can be tolerated on the HV steelwork.
Additionally, the LV Earth Electrode system is separated from the HV Earth Electrode system to avoid
potentially dangerous voltages being transferred to a customer’s LV earthing terminal.

In case of ground-mounted substations, the design of the Earthing System shall ensure that Touch and
Step Potentials are acceptable. These are ultimately some fraction of EPR. The EPR for a secondary
substation is calculated in the conventional manner by multiplying the Ground Return Current (IGR) by
the overall HV network earth resistance (RB). EPR = IGR×RB.

The overall HV network earth resistance (RB) shall include the reduction in resistance provided by the
Network Contribution (if any) from the underground distribution network in parallel with the substation
Earth Electrode.

Touch Potential and Step Potential limits are dependent on the fault duration and hence the total fault
disconnection time including protection and circuit breaker operation. The additional foot contact
resistance presented by different types of surfaces (e.g. soil, concrete, etc.), will also effect the limits.

Permissible touch potential limits for typical HV fault clearance times and a range of situations / surface
conditions are stated in Table 1 of ENA TS 41-24. For definitions of EPR which follow in this document,
a standard clearance time of 1 second applies and a scenario of a person wearing shoes on soil or
outdoor concrete has been used. The fault duration used when considering acceptable EPR levels,
shall be the Normal Protection operating time of 1 s, rather than slow Backup Protection operation
clearance time of 3 s. This is in accordance with guidance given in ENA TS 41-24 to meet safety criteria.

12.1.1 Low EPR

In the case of a person wearing shoes on soil or outdoor concrete and an HV fault clearance time of 1
s, Low EPR is defined in Table 1 of ENA TS 41-24 as an EPR ≤ 233 V.

However, BS EN 50522 introduces the concept of an F-factor which relates to the percentage of EPR
that will appear as a Touch Potential on the LV network. It also relates to the potential grading that will
occur within an installation and the decay in exported potential along a multiple earthed neutral
conductor. HV and LV earthing systems shall only be combined if the EPR does not exceed F x UTp,
where UTp is the permissible Touch Potential related to the appropriate HV fault clearance time (ENA
TS 41-24: clause 9.5.2 Touch potential on LV system as a result of an HV fault). A value of F=1 shall
be used unless new customers are fed from a substantial PME network such as a new housing estate
with multiple earth electrodes. Where a substantial PME network exists then a value of F=2 shall be
used.

This leads to a changeable definition of Low EPR which depends on the F factor applied. For an F-
factor of 2, the upper Low EPR limit becomes 466 V rather than 233 V.

Additionally, ENA EREC S36 sets thresholds for maximum EPR to ensure that telecommunications and
other systems are not adversely impacted by substation EPR. For secondary substations (i.e. with long
clearance times), the EPR must be limited to 430 V to be considered as a “Cold Site”. Otherwise special
precautions must be employed.

The terms “Hot” and “Cold” have been used in the past as a convenience (on the basis that many “Cold
“sites will achieve safe step/touch limits) but do not relate directly to safe design limits for Touch
Potentials and Step Potentials in substations. Modern standards refer to High EPR and Low EPR sites

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in an attempt to move away from the reliance on third party / telecommunications standards, and so the
terms Hot Sites and Cold Sites are not used in this document.

For simplicity and interchangeability with what are termed “Cold Sites” in ENA EREC S36, SPEN has
decided to utilise 430 V as a limit for Low EPR sites where the F-factor is 2 to provide an additional
margin of safety whilst still complying with telecoms requirements.

Table 3 summarises some Low EPR limits for an F-factor of 1 and 2.

Maximum Touch Potential Low EPR Limit Low EPR Limit

Situation/ Surface condition
(UTp) (F-factor = 1) (F-factor = 2)
Shoes on soil or outdoor concrete 233 V 233 V 430 V
Shoes on 75 mm chippings 259 V 259 V 518 V
NOTES:
The values of maximum touch potential are taken from Table 1 of ENA TS 41-24 for an HV fault clearance time
of 1 second.
Barefoot scenarios are applicable for some situations outside substation areas; refer to section 14 (special
situations).

Table 3 – Maximum Permissible Touch Potential (UT)

Where reasonably practicable, the EPR at ground-mounted sites shall be limited to Low EPR, in which
case the HV and LV Earthing Systems can be combined. Figure 8 shows a typical example of the link
used to interconnect the HV steelwork earth (LV cabinet frame earth) and LV Neutral bar inside the LV
cabinet in a close coupled GRP substation. The link is shown in its closed position which acts to combine
the HV and LV earthing systems together.

Figure 8 – Typical HV/LV Link Inside LV Cabinet (Link in Closed Position)

In some high risk sites the touch potential limit and consequently the maximum EPR can be
substantially less for a 1 s HV protection clearance time as a person subjected to a touch
potential may not be wearing shoes on soil or outdoor concrete. For example, in the case of a
swimming pool where people will be barefoot in wet areas, the maximum permissible touch
potential limit is 80 V. In these cases, a specialist study must be undertaken.

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12.1.2 High EPR

For the purpose of this document High EPR, is defined as an EPR greater than the relevant Low
EPR limit defined above but not exceeding 2.33 kV.

For ground-mounted substations where the EPR is classified as high, the HV and LV Earthing Systems
shall be segregated.

In the case of ground-mounted substations, segregation of the HV and LV Earthing Systems is achieved
by opening the HV/LV Earthing link inside the LV cabinet. If this link is removed, a separate LV earthing
electrode is required. The LV Earth Electrode Resistance shall not exceed 20 Ω in accordance with
EART-01-002.

12.1.3 Extremely High EPR

For the purpose of this document an Extremely High EPR, is defined as an EPR greater than
2.33 kV.

In the case of pole-mounted installations or ground-mounted substations which are fed from overhead
lines there will be no benefit of cable sheath/screens for a proportion of Earth Fault Current to return to
the source Primary substation. Therefore, the EPR may approach the system phase-earth voltage.
Extremely High EPR is defined in this specification as an EPR greater than 2.33 kV.

An upper limit to EPR is imposed by the dielectric withstand provided by insulation (and/or physical
separation) between the HV and LV Earthing Systems (i.e. Stress Voltage). This withstand capability
ensures that the LV Earthing System remains insulated from HV steelwork when the HV steelwork is
raised to an elevated potential during fault conditions. The limiting factor can be the insulation inside
the LV cabinet, transformer LV bushings, or the transformer windings themselves. The insulation on
this equipment experiences a voltage stress under HV fault conditions. See section 12.1.6 regarding
limits for Stress Voltage.

If the EPR at ground-mounted substations exceeds 2.33 kV, then the HV and LV Earthing Systems
shall be segregated and a specialist earthing study shall be carried out.

Additional precautions shall also be taken at these sites, particularly where LV supplies are
brought into the substation. (See sections 14.2 and 15.8.4).

12.1.4 Touch Potential Limits

Touch Potential is calculated by multiplying the EPR by a % value which is based on the design of the
substation Earthing System. This % multiplier is influenced to a small degree by the depth of the Earth
Electrode and the proximity of other earthed metalwork, but for design purposes can be taken as fixed
for each layout.

The limits for Touch Potentials are set out in ENA TS 41-24 and are summarised in Table 3 for a 1 s
HV clearance time and a soil or outdoor concrete surface. In operational areas it can be assumed that
people are wearing shoes. Therefore, based on a 1 s clearance time, and for substations with outdoor
concrete, a maximum Touch Potential of 233 V is appropriate.

12.1.5 Step Potential Limits

The limits for Step Potentials are summarised in Table 4 – Step Potential Limits . The limits for Step
Potential have been recently revised in national standards and are now much higher than previously.
As a result, compliance with Touch Potential in Table 3 will almost certainly provide acceptable Step
Potentials in and around the substation for individuals wearing footwear.

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Situation/ Surface condition Maximum Step Potential

Shoes on soil or outdoor concrete 17.5 kV
NOTE: As for Touch Potential, these limits are calculated according to fibrillation thresholds. Immobilisation
or falls / involuntary movements could occur at lower voltages. In general, compliance with Touch Potential
limits will achieve safe Step Potentials.

Table 4 – Step Potential Limits

12.1.6 Stress Voltage Limits

In cases where the HV and LV Earthing Systems are segregated, the Stress Voltage between the HV
and LV Earthing Systems can be assumed to approach the EPR of the substation.

The limits for Stress Voltage are based on the insulation withstand of the HV and LV equipment
employed in the substation. The insulation withstand levels of this equipment must be adequate to
ensure that, in the event of an HV fault in a High EPR substation, the insulation does not breakdown
causing the EPR on the HV Earthing System to be transferred to the LV Earthing System.

For High EPR ground-mounted substations where the HV and LV Earthing Systems have been
segregated, the EPR will not exceed 2.33 kV and it is unlikely that Stress Voltage limits will be exceeded.

For pole-mounted substations and in ground-mounted substations with Extremely High EPR, the EPR
(and consequently the Stress Voltage imposed on the insulation of HV and LV equipment) may
approach the system phase-earth voltage (i.e. 6.35 kV for 11 kV system). The Design Engineer shall
ensure that the equipment employed in these installations is suitable for this application. Any new
equipment purchased by SPEN is rated to 7 kV. Historically this may not be the case (see notes in
Table 5 below).

The typical equipment that may be exposed to a Stress Voltage in event of an Earth Fault at a secondary
substation and the insulation withstand limits that apply to this equipment is listed in Table 5.

Insulation Withstand
Equipment Details Limits
(Present Specification)
i LV neutral busbar/connections Between the LV earth/neutral busbar and
7 kV
in LV fuse cabinets the metal enclosure/frame
ii LV neutral bushing of pole- Between the LV bushing and transformer
7 kV
mounted transformers tank
iii LV neutral connections of Between the LV connections and the
7 kV
ground-mounted transformers transformer tank
iv Low and high voltage cable HV and LV cables with PVC or MDPE over
7 kV
sheaths sheaths
v The electrical installation used (e.g. heating, lighting, battery charger
for building services and supplies etc.) 1.2 kV
auxiliary supplies
NOTES:
i. LV fuse cabinets and wall-mounted boards in compliance with ENA TS 37-2 in accordance with SPEN
specifications can be employed in ground mounted substations, including at Extremely High EPR sites.
ii. Pole-mounted transformers purchased before 2019 may have a lower insulation withstand value of only 3 kV
and shall not be used unless it can be established that the LV rated insulation withstand voltage of the
transformer meets the 7 kV requirement.
iii. Some older ground-mounted transformers may have a lower withstand value of only 3 kV. At Extremely High
EPR sites (e.g. ground-mounted substations fed from overhead line networks), the Design Engineer shall
confirm the LV rated insulation withstand voltage of the transformer.
iv. Can be used for general (normal) ground-mounted and pole-mounted applications without having to be
installed in ducts. In some special circumstances (e.g. LV supplies to High EPR sites) additional ducts may be
required.
v. Designed in accordance with BS 7671 and requires special consideration in substations (see section 14.2).

Table 5 – Stress Voltage Limits

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13. SUBSTATION EARTHING DESIGN PROCEDURE

This section describes the procedure to be used when carrying out a design of a secondary substation
Earthing System.

The design of the Earthing System for ground mounted equipment shall ensure that Touch and Step
Potentials are kept within acceptable limits. The Touch Potentials (based on a % of EPR have been
pre-calculated for SPEN Standard Earthing Arrangements (see section 15). So, provided certain
conditions are met and a pre-determined ‘Target Resistance’ value is employed, then this will ensure
Step and Touch Potentials are kept within permissible limits.

13.1 Preliminary Design Approach

An initial assessment shall be made by following the design process set out in Figure 9 below. This will
establish if a standard earthing design can be utilised. However, sites with higher fault levels, overhead
line sections, small Network Contribution or high soil resistivity can be particularly onerous and may
require an extensive and disproportionately expensive Earthing System. In cases where installations
do not meet relevant criteria, a more detailed assessment shall be carried out by an earthing specialist.
Refer to Appendix 1 of this document for the information an earthing specialist will require to complete
a bespoke study.

13.1.1 Earthing System Design for Abnormal Running Arrangements

There may be situations where altering the running arrangements of the network will cause the EPR at
a substation to change. This may be particularly true where a substation is fed from an underground
cable network on one side of the normal split point but could be fed during abnormal running
arrangements from an overhead line. In these situations, consideration shall be given to the frequency
and duration of the abnormal conditions. If it is anticipated that the abnormal condition will only be in
place infrequently during fault repair, it will only be necessary to consider the normal running
arrangement for the earthing design. However, for circuits where abnormal conditions are planned or
occur on a more regular basis, both the normal and abnormal running arrangements shall be taken into
account.

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Figure 9 – Earthing Design Process

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13.1.2 4 Step Approach to Design of Ground Mounted Substation Installations

Unless a new installation is one of the special situations described in section 14, it may be possible to
achieve a Low EPR or High EPR (i.e. <=2.33 kV) and still achieve the safe touch and Step Potential
limits by utilising a standard design detailed in section 15. This overall process is shown in the design
flow chart (Figure 9) but can be broadly divided into the 4 main steps detailed in sections 13.1.4 to
13.1.7.

13.1.3 SPEN Distribution Substation Earthing Design Tool

The SPEN Distribution Substation Earthing Design Tool and supporting training videos are available for
download via hyperlinks in the Substation Civils tab of the HV/LV Design Approval Guidance Template.
This can be accessed via the SP Energy Networks website Information for ICPs and IDNOs - SP Energy
Networks. The tool requires inputs for soil resistivity, fault current and LV earthing arrangement on the
‘General Inputs’ tab. The ‘Local Earthing’ tab helps determine the electrode design required to achieve
a 10 Ω Target Resistance based on a selection of 4 different substation types. The ‘Network
Contribution’ tab facilitates determination of the Network Contribution using a quadrant-based approach
which is illustrated in the examples contained in section 13.1.6. The ‘Outputs’ tab then calculates the
EPR based on all the previous inputs and highlights the relevant Low EPR, High EPR or Extremely
High EPR status.

The background tab allows modification of the fault clearance time, the percentage of current added for
fault level headroom and the percentage of overall fault current deemed to return through the ground
rather than via cable sheaths. Care should be taken to ensure the fault current does not already have
15% uplift applied before entering the value into the ‘General Inputs’ tab. ICP’s should not modify
these settings unless agreed with the SP Energy Networks Designer responsible for their
project. SP Energy Networks designers shall only modify these settings if they have sufficient
knowledge and experience to make this decision and they understand the implications of these
changes. Note for ICP’s – Refer to section 18 for information required in your design approval
submission.

13.1.4 Step 1 – Soil Resistivity Assessment

A knowledge of soil resistivity allows the Design Engineer to estimate the extent of the Earth Electrode
system required to achieve a given Target Resistance. This can inform decisions on whether a design
is practicable / economic, or whether it is reasonable to achieve a Low EPR site.

The most accurate way to establish soil resistivity at a particular location is to measure it using the
Wenner method as described in ENA TS 41-24. However, this is only usually carried out in difficult or
problem areas, or when designing a larger (primary or grid) substation. Online data sources such as
the British Geological Survey (BGS) website will provide details of soil types. This information can then
be compared to the corresponding soil resistivity value in Ωm using Table 6. The BGS data may also
contain borehole records in the vicinity of the proposed substation location. This can be used to provide
further support to the value selected. The soil resistivity data set from BGS has been obtained under
licence and can be accessed as a layer within UMV.

Typical Soil Resistivity Values (Source – ENA TS 41-24)

Soil Type Resistivity (Ωm)
Loams, garden soils etc. 5 – 50
Clays 10 – 100
Chalk 30 – 100
Clay, sand and gravel mixture 40 – 250
Marsh, peat 150 – 300
Sand 250 – 500
Slate and slatey shales 300 – 3,000
Rock 1,000 – 10,000

Table 6 – Typical Soil Resistivity Values

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13.1.5 Step 2 – Local Electrode Resistance Assessment

A Target Resistance of 10 Ω for the HV Earth Electrode and 20 Ω for the LV Earth Electrode shall be
designed for the new installation independently of any Network Contribution or customer Earthing
System. To achieve a standard design as described in section 15.7.1, a perimeter electrode, 4 earth
rods (one at each corner of the substation) and a steel rebar in the foundation (or grading electrode
under the operators standing position) bonded to the main earth bar will be required as a minimum.
Additional horizontal electrode may also be required in areas of higher soil resistivity or if the depth of
rods specified in Table 7 cannot be achieved due to ground conditions. In these instances, additional
analysis by an earthing specialist may be necessary to ensure high voltage contours under fault
conditions do not adversely affect other low voltage Earthing Systems.

Local Electrode Resistances for Various Substation Types (Source SPEN Earthing Calculator)
Earth Additional
Overall
Soil Resistivity Rod Horizontal
Substation Type Resistance
(Ωm) Length Electrode
(Ω)
(m) (m)
16 GRP Close Coupled Substation 1.2 0 1.95
(4 earth rods, 3m x 3m perimeter electrode)
Standard Brick 11kV Substation 1.2 0 1.64
(4 earth rods, 4.15m x 3.69m perimeter electrode)
Rectangular Double RMU/Transformer 1.2 0 1.19
(4 earth rods, 5m x 8m perimeter electrode)
Square Double RMU/Transformer 1.2 0 1.27
(4 earth rods, 6m x 6m perimeter electrode)
32 GRP Close Coupled Substation 1.2 0 3.90
(4 earth rods, 3m x 3m perimeter electrode)
Standard Brick 11kV Substation 1.2 0 3.27
(4 earth rods, 4.15m x 3.69m perimeter electrode)
Rectangular Double RMU/Transformer 1.2 0 2.37
(4 earth rods, 5m x 8m perimeter electrode)
Square Double RMU/Transformer 1.2 0 2.54
(4 earth rods, 6m x 6m perimeter electrode)
64 GRP Close Coupled Substation 1.2 0 7.79
(4 earth rods, 3m x 3m perimeter electrode)
Standard Brick 11kV Substation 1.2 0 6.54
(4 earth rods, 4.15m x 3.69m perimeter electrode)
Rectangular Double RMU/Transformer 1.2 0 4.74
(4 earth rods, 5m x 8m perimeter electrode)
Square Double RMU/Transformer 1.2 0 5.09
(4 earth rods, 6m x 6m perimeter electrode)
125 GRP Close Coupled Substation 2.4 5 8.87
(4 earth rods, 3m x 3m perimeter electrode)
Standard Brick 11kV Substation 1.2 5 8.92
(4 earth rods, 4.15m x 3.69m perimeter electrode)
Rectangular Double RMU/Transformer 1.2 0 9.27
(4 earth rods, 5m x 8m perimeter electrode)
Square Double RMU/Transformer 1.2 0 9.93
(4 earth rods, 6m x 6m perimeter electrode)
200 GRP Close Coupled Substation 1.2 20 9.53
(4 earth rods, 3m x 3m perimeter electrode)
Standard Brick 11kV Substation 1.2 20 8.87
(4 earth rods, 4.15m x 3.69m perimeter electrode)
Rectangular Double RMU/Transformer 1.2 10 9.48
(4 earth rods, 5m x 8m perimeter electrode)
Square Double RMU/Transformer 1.2 10 9.90
(4 earth rods, 6m x 6m perimeter electrode)

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Local Electrode Resistances for Various Substation Types (Source SPEN Earthing Calculator)
Earth Additional
Overall
Soil Resistivity Rod Horizontal
Substation Type Resistance
(Ωm) Length Electrode
(Ω)
(m) (m)
300 GRP Close Coupled Substation 2.4 40 9.26
(4 earth rods, 3m x 3m perimeter electrode)
Standard Brick 11kV Substation 1.2 40 9.28
(4 earth rods, 4.15m x 3.69m perimeter electrode)
Rectangular Double RMU/Transformer 1.2 30 9.51
(4 earth rods, 5m x 8m perimeter electrode)
Square Double RMU/Transformer 1.2 30 9.78
(4 earth rods, 6m x 6m perimeter electrode)

Table 7 – Local Electrode Resistances for Various Substation Types

Table 8 shows the resistance for a given horizontal Earth Electrode length laid in ground of various soil
resistivity values.

Horizontal Earth Electrode Resistance (Ω) (i)

Soil Resistivity
Conductor Length
25 Ωm 50 Ωm 100 Ωm 150 Ωm 200 Ωm 300 Ωm 400 Ωm 500 Ωm
10 m 3.6 7.3 14.6 21.9 29.2 43.8 58.3 72.9
25 m 1.8 3.5 7.0 10.5 14.0 21.0 28.0 35.0
50 m 1.0 2.0 3.9 5.9 7.9 11.8 15.8 19.7
100 m 0.5 1.1 2.2 3.3 4.4 6.6 8.8 11.0
150 m 0.4 0.8 1.5 2.3 3.1 4.6 6.2 7.7
200 m 0.3 0.6 1.2 1.8 2.4 3.6 4.8 6.0
250 m 0.2 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0
Notes:
i. Conductor resistance calculated using formulae R7 from ENA EREC S34 and Earth Electrode
Resistance calculated using formulae R4 from ENA EREC S34.

Table 8 – Horizontal Earth Electrode Resistance

Table 9 shows the resistance for a vertically driven earth rod of a given length for various soil resistivity
values.

Total Resistance provided by vertically driven rod (Ω) (i)

Rod
Length 25 Ωm 50 Ωm 100 Ωm 150 Ωm 200 Ωm 300 Ωm 400 Ωm 500 Ωm
(m)
1.2 17.9 35.8 71.6 107.4 143.2 214.7 286.3 357.9
2.4 10.1 20.2 40.4 60.6 80.8 121.2 161.5 201.9
3.6 7.2 14.4 28.7 43.1 57.4 86.1 114.9 143.6
4.8 5.6 11.2 22.5 33.7 45.0 67.5 90.0 112.5
6.0 4.6 9.3 18.6 27.9 37.2 55.8 74.3 92.9
7.2 4.0 7.9 15.9 23.8 31.8 47.7 63.6 79.5
8.4 3.5 7.0 13.9 20.9 27.8 41.7 55.6 69.6
9.6 3.1 6.2 12.4 18.6 24.8 37.2 49.6 62.0
10.8 2.8 5.6 11.2 16.8 22.4 33.6 44.8 56.0
12 2.6 5.1 10.2 15.3 20.4 30.6 40.8 51.1
Notes
i. The earth rod resistance has been calculated using formulae R1 from ENA EREC S34.

Table 9 – Resistance Provided by Vertically Driven Rod

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13.1.6 Step 3 – Network Contribution Assessment

Network Contribution is the term given to multiple parallel Earth Electrodes interconnected to a
substation via metallic cable sheaths. In isolation and depending on the magnitude of the fault current,
a substation electrode with a Target Resistance of 10 Ω could result in a relatively High EPR. However,
when considering the parallel paths via cable sheaths to other nearby substations in a large surrounding
network, the overall Earth Electrode Resistance can be substantially reduced.

The Network Contribution element is difficult to establish accurately at the design stage. It is often
impractical to measure the Network Contribution in Global Earthing Systems (GES) given the presence
of existing metallic conductors in the ground and the difficulty in carrying out a fall of potential
measurement in areas with predominantly roads and footpaths. Therefore, unless connected to a GES,
the level of Network Contribution provided by the local network shall be confirmed by measurement as
described in section 17. However, in many cases a conservative estimate can be made to expedite the
design process.

In older networks, Network Contribution may be provided by lead sheathed (PILC / PILC SWA) cables
that are in contact with the surrounding soil such that they effectively reduce the combined earth
resistance of the substation (cables with electrode effect). In new conurbations where modern
installations utilise non PILC cabling, the value of applicable Network Contribution may also be based
on the number of substations interconnected via the cable screens. Both of these contributions are only
effective within a given radius, the size of which is dependent on the soil resistivity (refer to definition of
effective radius in section 8).

Network must be connected via underground metallic cable sheaths to provide network
contribution. If there is a section of overhead line breaking a circuit, any network beyond this
point will not contribute to reducing the overall electrode resistance value.

The tables below show the maximum Network Contribution (i.e. that providing the lowest possible Earth
Resistance value) that may be expected in various scenarios. The tables provide estimates for different
combinations of network density for both PILC and non PILC cable types across a range of soil
resistivity. The tables work on a quadrant-based approach, with each quadrant representing a portion
of the existing network surrounding the new substation. Each additional quadrant provides additional
contribution, therefore lowering the overall resistance value. The tables also assume that cables of
the given type extend through the quadrant all the way to the limit of the effective area. If this is
not the case (e.g. cable network runs only 800 m in an effective area of 1600 m) then the
resistance value will be higher than those shown in the tables.

The parameters are conservative to necessarily err on the side of caution to ensure that the design is
safe.

Network
Network Network Network
Contribution
Soil Contribution Contribution Contribution
Effective Area Minimum Earth
Resistivity Minimum Earth Minimum Earth Minimum Earth
Radius (m) Resistance (Ω)
(Ωm) Resistance (Ω) Resistance (Ω) Resistance (Ω)
Three
One Quadrant Two Quadrants Four Quadrants
Quadrants
16 300 0.08 0.04 0.03 0.02
32 500 0.11 0.06 0.04 0.03
64 800 0.17 0.08 0.06 0.04
125 1100 0.24 0.12 0.08 0.06
200 1600 0.35 0.18 0.12 0.09
300 2000 0.44 0.22 0.15 0.11

Table 10 – PILC Cables – High Density & HV & LV Network Contribution

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Network
Network Network Network
Contribution
Soil Contribution Contribution Contribution
Effective Area Minimum Earth
Resistivity Minimum Earth Minimum Earth Minimum Earth
Radius (m) Resistance (Ω)
(Ωm) Resistance (Ω) Resistance (Ω) Resistance (Ω)
Three
One Quadrant Two Quadrants Four Quadrants
Quadrants
16 300 0.24 0.12 0.08 0.06
32 500 0.31 0.15 0.10 0.08
64 800 0.45 0.23 0.15 0.11
125 1100 0.66 0.33 0.22 0.16
200 1600 0.96 0.48 0.32 0.24
300 2000 1.19 0.6 0.4 0.3

Table 11 – Non PILC Cables – High Density & HV & LV Network Contribution

Network
Network Network Network
Contribution
Soil Contribution Contribution Contribution
Effective Area Minimum Earth
Resistivity Minimum Earth Minimum Earth Minimum Earth
Radius (m) Resistance (Ω)
(Ωm) Resistance (Ω) Resistance (Ω) Resistance (Ω)
Three
One Quadrant Two Quadrants Four Quadrants
Quadrants
16 300 0.09 0.04 0.03 0.02
32 500 0.12 0.06 0.04 0.03
64 800 0.17 0.09 0.06 0.04
125 1100 0.25 0.13 0.08 0.06
200 1600 0.36 0.18 0.12 0.09
300 2000 0.45 0.23 0.15 0.11

Table 12 – PILC Cables – Medium Density & HV & LV Network Contribution

Network
Network Network Network
Contribution
Soil Contribution Contribution Contribution
Effective Area Minimum Earth
Resistivity Minimum Earth Minimum Earth Minimum Earth
Radius (m) Resistance (Ω)
(Ωm) Resistance (Ω) Resistance (Ω) Resistance (Ω)
Three
One Quadrant Two Quadrants Four Quadrants
Quadrants
16 300 0.34 0.17 0.11 0.09
32 500 0.42 0.21 0.14 0.11
64 800 0.62 0.31 0.21 0.15
125 1100 0.89 0.45 0.30 0.22
200 1600 1.31 0.65 0.44 0.33
300 2000 1.61 0.81 0.54 0.40

Table 13 – Non PILC Cables – Medium Density & HV & LV Network Contribution

Network
Network Network Network
Contribution
Soil Contribution Contribution Contribution
Effective Area Minimum Earth
Resistivity Minimum Earth Minimum Earth Minimum Earth
Radius (m) Resistance (Ω)
(Ωm) Resistance (Ω) Resistance (Ω) Resistance (Ω)
Three
One Quadrant Two Quadrants Four Quadrants
Quadrants
16 300 0.09 0.04 0.03 0.02
32 500 0.12 0.06 0.04 0.03
64 800 0.17 0.09 0.06 0.04
125 1100 0.25 0.12 0.08 0.06
200 1600 0.36 0.18 0.12 0.09
300 2000 0.45 0.23 0.15 0.11

Table 14 – PILC Cables – Low Density & HV & LV Network Contribution

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Network
Network Network Network
Contribution
Soil Contribution Contribution Contribution
Effective Area Minimum Earth
Resistivity Minimum Earth Minimum Earth Minimum Earth
Radius (m) Resistance (Ω)
(Ωm) Resistance (Ω) Resistance (Ω) Resistance (Ω)
Three
One Quadrant Two Quadrants Four Quadrants
Quadrants
16 300 0.76 0.38 0.25 0.19
32 500 1.26 0.63 0.42 0.31
64 800 2.50 1.25 0.83 0.62
125 1100 4.94 2.47 1.65 1.23
200 1600 9.75 4.87 3.25 2.44
300 2000 14.41 7.20 4.80 3.60

Table 15 – Non PILC Cables – Low Density & HV & LV Network Contribution

13.1.7 Step 4 – Calculation of EPR

ENA TS 41-24 provides details of the maximum Touch Potential a person can withstand for a given
protection clearance time. For the standard design approach, a maximum HV protection clearance time
of 1 second shall be used. The standard design assumes a High EPR of 2.33 kV will result in a Touch
Potential of no greater than 233 V (i.e. 10% of EPR). This meets the requirements of permissible Touch
Potential for someone wearing shoes on soil or outdoor concrete.

Figure 10 – Permissible Touch Potentials vs Fault Clearance Times

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Consider the simple underground cable circuit in Figure 11 below:

PRIMARY SECONDARY SECONDARY

SUBSTATION SUBSTATION SUBSTATION
UNDERGROUND
CABLE CIRCUIT
33kV 11kV

CABLE SHEATH
RETURN CURRENT
TOTAL EARTH
FAULT CURRENT
(IF)

PRIMARY NETWORK
SUBSTATION LOCAL EARTH EARTH CONTRIBUTION
EARTH RESISTANCE POTENTIAL RESISTANCE
RESISTANCE (RTG <= 10Ω) RISE (EPR) (RNC)

TOTAL
GROUND
RETURN
CURRENT
(IGR)

Figure 11 – Passage of Fault Current in an Underground Cable Circuit

For a high voltage Earth Fault in the secondary substation the rise in earth potential (EPR) on the
Earthing System will be defined by:

IGR = GR% x IF
EPR = IGR x RB

IGR = Ground Return Current

IF = Total Earth Fault Current
RB = Resistance of secondary substation earth electrode in parallel with any network
contribution
GR% = Percentage of the total Earth Fault Current which returns through the general mass of
earth

The percentage of the total fault current assumed to return via the metallic cable sheaths of
underground cables is 70%. The remaining 30% will pass into the soil through any interconnected
substation earth electrodes and any PILC/PILC SWA cable sheaths which connect them together. To
make this assumption, there can be no break in the cable sheath metallic earth by an overhead line.
High voltage overhead lines do not have an earth wire so if this is the case, 100% of the total fault
current will flow through the soil and back to the primary substation earth electrode.

The preferred method to calculate EPR is to use the SPEN Distribution Substation Earthing
Design Tool. However, examples of manual calculations for Low EPR, High EPR and Extremely
High EPR are provided in Appendix 2.

13.2 Ground-mounted Substations

For ground mounted systems, the Design Engineer shall:

i. Apply the SPEN Standard Earthing Arrangement detailed in section 15.7 based on the EPR
determined from the design flow chart in Figure 9. Ideally a scenario to achieve a Low EPR
should be selected if conditions permit this.

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ii. Select a Target Resistance of 10 Ω for the HV Earth Electrode and 20 Ω for the LV Earth
Electrode.

13.3 Pole-mounted Installations

For pole mounted installations the Design Engineer shall:

i. Choose a SPEN Standard Earthing Arrangement from the types specified in section 15.8.
ii. Select a Target Resistance of 20 Ω for the HV Earth Electrode and 20 Ω for the LV Earth
Electrode.
iii. Ensure the HV Earth Electrode is installed (as far as reasonably practicable) away from often
frequented livestock areas.

14. SPECIAL SITUATIONS REQUIRING ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS

14.1 Secondary Substations in High Risk Areas

The Touch Potential and Step Potential limits given in section 12.1.4 and 12.1.5 are applicable for the
vast majority of substation sites. However, the following sensitive locations require special
consideration:

i. Close to areas where people may be expected to be barefoot (gardens, outdoor play areas)
and/or at wet locations such as swimming pools, paddling pools, showers, schools/nurseries
etc.
ii. Within 20 m of a fuel filling station, e.g. to supply forecourt electric vehicle chargers.
iii. Close to concentrations of livestock (e.g. stables, milking parlours, pens etc.)

Higher risk situations can occur when LV and HV Earthing Systems are combined in ground mounted
substations fed by overhead lines. This risk is further elevated when such substations supply the
sensitive locations outlined above. The combination of high or Extremely High EPR and higher risk
factors for people with wet feet, combustion of flammable fuel or livestock can present a significant
danger which should be addressed. At such sites special precautions may be justified to eliminate or
minimise the risk. Such precautions may involve careful site selection, positioning of the HV Earth
Electrode in a direction away from the area of concern or burying the electrode as deep as practicable.

Where possible, secondary substations shall not be installed near to such high-risk areas. If this is
unavoidable, then a detailed design assessment shall be undertaken by an Earthing Specialist to
optimise the location of the substation Earth Electrode to control the risk.

14.2 Provision of Building Services / Auxiliary Supplies to High EPR Sites

High EPR sites are required to be operated with segregated HV/LV Earthing Systems (i.e. HV/LV Link
shall be left opened). Where building service or auxiliary supplies (e.g. for substation heating, lighting,
RTU or battery charger supplies) are installed at High EPR sites, then additional precautions are
required to avoid the High EPR being exported onto the LV network and to avoid Operators coming into
contact between different Earthing Systems.

This includes situations where an external (i.e. remotely earthed) LV supply is brought into the
substation from the LV network or where the LV supply is taken directly from the local LV cabinet or
fuse-board. The insulation withstand of the equipment (i.e. Stress Voltage) shall be verified to ensure
that that breakdown between LV phase/neutral/earth to HV steelwork earth cannot occur internally.

Light switches, power sockets and conduits etc shall preferably be plastic. Alternatively, metallic light
switches, conduits and sockets shall be bonded to the HV Earthing system. Additionally, the following
precautions should be taken based on the type of equipment utilised.

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Equipment With Integrated Power Socket

On LV cabinets fitted with a 13 A socket, the LV isolator switch on the LV cabinet/LV fuse board
controlling the 13 A socket shall be opened and padlocked at all High EPR sites. Some older LV
cabinets/fuse boards may not be fitted with an isolator switch, and in this case, the 13 A sockets shall
be disconnected. If the Design Engineer can establish by calculation that the EPR will not exceed the
relevant Low EPR limit and the Stress Voltage of the 13 A socket will not be exceeded (see section
12.1.6) then the isolator switch can be left closed and socket can remain connected.

Equipment With Separate LV Supplies (e.g. Battery Charger, Sockets, Conduits and Light Switches)

An isolation transformer shall be installed between the LV system and the substation building
service/auxiliary supply installation unless the Design Engineer can establish by calculation that the
EPR will not exceed the relevant Low EPR limit. A diagram of the isolation transformer installation is
shown in Figure 12. SWG-03-026 provides details on isolation transformers and ratings to be used at
substations for providing building service and auxiliary supplies. Table 16 provides guidance on rating
of isolation transformer (where required) depending on EPR Level.

Figure 12 – Isolation Transformer Installation

Combined/ Isolator
Isolation
EPR level Segregated Switch Comments
transformer
Earthing Position
Low EPR Combined Not required Closed See section 12.1.1
High EPR Segregated 4 kV Rated Open Limited by
Insulation transformer neutral
Level (Stress insulation. See
Voltage) section 12.1.3 and
12.1.6
Extremely Segregated 7 kV Rated Open See section 12.1.3
High EPR Insulation
Level (Stress
Voltage)

Table 16 – Limits for Installation of Isolation Transformer

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14.3 Secondary Substations Located Within a Grid or Primary Substation

Where dedicated secondary substations are installed inside grid or primary substations this may utilise
one of the Standard Earthing Arrangements given in section 15. Two connections shall be made
between the secondary substation Main Earth Bar and grid or primary substation Main Earth Bar. The
secondary substation HV and LV Earthing Systems shall be combined. This is acceptable for High EPR
sites where the secondary substation only feeds the primary substation auxiliary supply.

Secondary substations inside grid/primary substations shall not be used to supply customers.

14.4 Secondary Substations Near Railways

Secondary substations located near to, or providing supplies to, railway infrastructure (especially AC or
DC electrified systems) shall be referred to an Earthing Specialist who will assess the additional risks.
The Design Engineer shall liaise with both the Earthing Specialist and the railway infrastructure owner
as necessary to ensure that the Earthing System employed at the site is appropriate.

14.5 Secondary Substations Near Conductive Pipelines

Where practicable, secondary substations (and their Earth Electrodes) should not be installed within 50
m of a conductive pipeline. Where this is unavoidable, the pipeline operator shall be approached to
obtain construction details and operator requirements. An Earthing Specialist shall also be consulted to
assess the impact of the substation on the pipeline under steady state and fault conditions. The
assessment required will depend on the type of pipeline and the corrosion mitigation measures
employed (e.g. cathodic protection).

14.6 Lightning Protection Systems

Lightning protection design is covered in BS EN 62305-1. If a lightning protection system is connected

to the substation Earthing System at a High EPR site, it is possible that dangerous potentials can be
exported around the site under HV fault conditions.

Building or site lightning protection systems may be connected to the secondary substation HV Earthing
System providing that:

i. The lightning protection system has an independent earth resistance of 10 Ω or lower (before
connection to the SPEN Earthing System);
ii. The substation is a Low EPR site.

If the above statements are not satisfied guidance shall be sought from an Earthing Specialist.

15. STANDARD EARTHING ARRANGEMENTS

This section provides detailed arrangements and layouts for Standard Earthing Arrangements that shall
be employed in SPEN.

The Standard Earthing Arrangements have been developed to cover a range of typical ground-mounted
substations and pole-mounted installations used in SPEN. There will be some situations where standard
arrangements are not suitable, and it is the responsibility of the Design Engineer to exercise a degree
of judgement, and to seek help from an Earthing Specialist if there is any doubt that the use of the
Standard Earthing Arrangement is not appropriate at that site.

For ground mounted substations, SPEN’s Standard Earthing Arrangement is designed to achieve a
Touch Potential of 10% or less of EPR. Therefore, if EPR is limited to 2.33 kV (see section 12.1.2), the
Touch Potential will not exceed 233 V. Standard Earthing Arrangements are not defined for Extremely
High EPR sites, i.e. EPR greater than 2.33 kV. For Extremely High EPR sites, a specialist earthing
study will be required in all cases.

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For pole-mounted transformers, the HV metalwork is placed out of reach to ensure that staff and public
are not exposed to hazardous Touch Potentials. Standard Earthing Arrangements ensure sufficient
separation of the LV and HV earth electrode systems to avoid potentially dangerous voltages being
transferred to a customer’s LV earthing terminal.

If it is particularly difficult to achieve the Target Resistance at a site due to particularly onerous ground
conditions or installation is not practicable, the designer shall seek advice from an Earthing Specialist.

15.1 Conductor Size and Type – Ground-mounted Substation

The conductor size and type for each element of a ground mounted substation earthing installation is
detailed in Table 17 below. Refer to sections 15.3-15.6 for further details.

The minimum size of HV Earthing Conductors used in all ground-mounted secondary substations is
based on being able to carry the Earth Fault Current (Design) level of 13.1 kA for a duration of 3
seconds.

Voltage Installation Type – Ground Above or Conductor Size & Type

Mounted Substation Below Ground?
HV HV Main Earth Bar Above 25 mm x 6 mm Bare Copper Tape or 50 mm x
4 mm Bare Aluminium Tape (bare Copper not
to be used above ground in locations where
there is a high risk of metal theft)
HV Equipment Equipotential Above 120 mm2 PVC Covered Stranded Copper
Bonding
Ancillary Equipment Above 16 mm2 PVC Covered Stranded Copper
Equipotential Bonding
HV Perimeter Loop Below 70 mm2 Bare Stranded Copper
Electrode
Additional Horizontal Below 120 mm2 Bare Stranded Copper
Electrode
HV Rods (minimum of 1 at Below Copper Clad Steel Rods – Shank Diameter
each corner of the perimeter 14.2 mm (Nominal Diameter 16 mm)
electrode)
LV LV Transformer Star Point Above 70 mm2 PVC Covered Stranded Copper
Bonding
LV Buried Electrode Below 70 mm2 Bare Stranded Copper (use 70 mm2
PVC Covered Stranded Copper if HV/LV
segregation is required)
LV Rods Below Same specification as HV rods

Table 17 – Conductor Sizes and Types for Ground-mounted Substations

15.2 Conductor Size and Type – Pole-mounted Substation

The conductor size and type for each element of a pole mounted substation earthing installation is
detailed in Table 18 below. Refer to sections 15.3-15.6 for further details.

The minimum size of HV Earthing Conductors used at pole-mounted secondary installations is based
on the HV System Earth Fault Current (Design) level applicable to the site (see section 11.1). A level
of 4 kA for a duration of 3 seconds can be employed for the vast majority of pole-mounted sites in
SPEN. 70 mm2 copper will carry 7.4 kA as a single connection and 12.4 kA when duplicated. This is
based on a temperature rise of 250°C above 30°C ambient.

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Installation Type – Pole Mounted Substation Conductor Size & Type

HV Electrode on Pole 70 mm2 PVC Covered Stranded Copper

HV Buried Electrode 70 mm2 Bare Stranded Copper
HV Rods Copper Clad Steel Rods – Shank Diameter 14.2 mm
(Nominal Diameter 16 mm)

Table 18 – HV Conductor Sizes and Types for Pole-mounted Substations

The size of LV Earthing Conductors that shall be used is given in Table 19.

Installation Type – Pole Mounted Substation Conductor Size & Type

LV Electrode on Pole 70 mm2 PVC Covered Stranded Copper

LV Buried Electrode to Achieve Segregation 70 mm2 PVC Covered Stranded Copper
from HV Buried Electrode
LV Buried Electrode 70 mm2 Bare Stranded Copper
LV Rods Same specification as HV rods

Table 19 – LV Conductor Sizes and Types for Pole-mounted Substations

The size of Earthing Conductors detailed allow for a maximum temperature rise of 250°C and are
appropriate for bolted connections. These are based on Backup Protection operation. All main items of
plant that may be subjected to HV Earth Fault Current (e.g. transformers, HV switchgear, HV metering
units, HV cable screens/sheaths etc.) shall be connected to the substation Main Earth Bar using suitably
rated Earthing Conductors. This may be achieved by using a fully rated single conductor or duplicate
conductors.

15.3 LV Earthing Conductors

The LV Earth Electrode shall be connected to the neutral bar in the LV fuse-cabinet/pillar/board or
neutral terminal of a pole-mounted transformer using a PVC insulated stranded copper conductor.

15.4 Bonding Conductors

Any exposed normally un-energised metalwork within a substation which may become live can present
a safety hazard to personnel.

All current carrying items of equipment including HV switchgear, LV fuse-cabinet/pillar/board and LV

ACB shall have an earth terminal connected to the Main Earth Bar using an independent connection.

All other ancillary equipment (e.g. control units, RTUs, battery chargers etc.) shall be earthed to the
appropriate Earth Terminal using a minimum of 16 mm2 insulated copper earthing conductor (or
equivalent). The purpose of such bonds is to form an equipotential zone, i.e. to eliminate hand-to-hand
voltages, but not to carry significant current.

Small extraneous parts not likely to attain any rise in potential (e.g. small window frames, handrails etc.)
need not be bonded at secondary substations.

15.5 Buried Earth Electrodes

For all installations, bare Earth Electrodes shall be buried at least 0.6 m below ground level to provide
an effective electrical connection with the general mass of earth shall have sufficient surface area to
carry the current into soil.

On underground Earth Electrodes, bolted connections shall not be used.

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HV Earth Electrodes have sufficient thermal rating to be able to carry fault currents up to the value of
HV Earth Fault Current (Design) for that system.

The HV Earth Electrodes used at ground-mounted substations shall have a sufficient thermal capacity
to be able to withstand the HV System Earth Fault Current (Design) level of 13.1 kA for 3 s. This may
be achieved by using a fully rated single conductor. Alternatively, duplicate conductors can be used
where specified (e.g. where a ring of perimeter Earth Electrodes are buried around the substation as
shown in Figure 13 and Figure 15) and the size of single conductor can then be reduced accordingly.
In ground-mounted substations, a ring of bare copper is laid around the substation to form the perimeter
loop Earth Electrode. Thus, if 70 mm2 is employed then this provides an equivalent Earth Electrode
cross section of 140 mm2.

15.6 Earth Rods

As a minimum, HV Rods should be installed 1 at each corner of the perimeter electrode. The rods
generally come in sections of 1.2 m and can be screwed together to make longer rods as required.
Rods should be of copper clad steel construction with a nominal diameter (B) of 16 mm and shank
diameter (A) 14.2 mm in accordance with ENA TS 43-94.

Shank Diameter – A Nominal Diameter – B Nominal Length

(mm) (mm) (m)
14.2 16 1.2

Table 20 – Earth Rod Dimensions

15.7 Ground-Mounted Substations

15.7.1 Overview

The Earthing System arrangement for ground-mounted substations is based on a buried Earth
Electrode system which includes a ring of bare copper conductor (“perimeter electrode”) encapsulating
all exposed metalwork to provide an area of lower Touch Potentials within the substation. The perimeter
electrode shall be installed at a depth of 600 mm or greater to ensure it remains in stable (wet/damp)
soil. In the event that a perimeter electrode cannot be installed and the site is not Low EPR, a detailed
earthing study is required.

The perimeter ring is supplemented by four earth rods located at each corner, primarily to reduce earth
resistance. These rods may be driven deeper to reduce the substation resistance. Where it is not
practical to drive one or more of the rods then the Design shall include lengths of horizontally laid
electrode, e.g. installed in cable trenches, to replace the effect of the rods and to achieve the Target
Resistance. Where it is not practical to install rods or horizontal electrodes a detailed earthing study is
required.

The steel rebar in the concrete foundation slab shall also be bonded to the main earth bar. However, in
cases where the operator would not stand inside the structure to undertake switching activity, it is not
necessary to bond the foundation rebar in the plinth to the main earth bar. In such instances, e.g. a
close coupled GRP substation, an Earth Electrode shall be installed under the operator position instead.
This ensures that the HV switchgear can only be operated while standing above the Earth Electrode.

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This grading electrode or “Earth mat” shall be buried no greater than a maximum depth of 300 mm in
accordance with ENA TS-41-24.

In the Standard Earthing Arrangements, where the substation enclosure is non-metallic, the perimeter
electrode may be installed closely around the edge of the foundation. Special situations, where the
substation enclosure is metallic, (e.g. pad mount substations) are not covered by the Standard Earthing
Arrangement and in these situations, a detailed earthing study is required.

Internal connections shall connect from the perimeter Earth Electrode to all items of plant via the Main
Earth Bar. These internal connections function as an Earthing Conductor if not in contact with soil, or
an Earth Electrode otherwise.

Touch Potentials may be further reduced by connection of horizontal reinforcing bars in the foundation
and by an additional loop of horizontal Earth Electrode in front of the substation in the areas where
doors open, and an operator is most likely to be present.

The main parameters that can be varied by the Design Engineer are the length of earth rods, and the
extent of any additional Earth Electrodes (if any) installed outside the footprint of the substation. No
other variations of the Standard Earthing Arrangements are permitted.

All SPEN standard ground-mounted designs achieve a Touch Potential of 10% or less of EPR. The
maximum EPR for these must in any case not exceed 2.33 kV, but will usually be limited to lower values
dependent on floor/ground covering.

For substations which are not Low EPR, there may exist a Touch Potential hazard if the metalwork (or
anything connected to it) can be touched from outside the substation. The highest risk will most likely
be to members of public. In these situations, care shall be taken in selecting a substation location and
avoiding placement of HV electrodes in the vicinity of other LV earthing systems. Metallic fences may
also present a risk (see section 16.5). Where possible, all equipment shall be housed within a GRP
enclosure to completely eliminate this risk to the public. The risk to operators with access inside the
substation will be managed by the design of the Earthing System.

Where the LV and HV Earthing Systems require to be segregated then separation between the HV and
LV Earthing Systems shall be provided by installing an insulated LV Earthing Conductor between the
substation and LV Earth Electrode system.

At High EPR, sites a minimum separation distance in soil shall be provided between the HV and LV
Earthing Systems as defined in Table 21 below. It is important to consider separation distance of the
HV earthing system from both the LV earthing electrodes associated with the new substation installation
and any other existing LV earthing electrodes in the vicinity, particularly LV PILC cables. The separation
must also be observed from any LV earth connected metalwork, e.g. lampposts and other street
furniture. If the separation distances cannot be achieved in practice, then a full earthing design shall be
carried out by an Earthing Specialist to determine if a smaller separation distance can be achieved.

Table 21 provides segregation distances for each standard earthing arrangement substation type. The
distances vary depending on the type of LV earthing system employed. Care should be taken to
consider all LV earthing system types in the vicinity (e.g. a PME housing site could be the new
installation, with existing PILC LV cables in close proximity to the new substation HV electrode).

When considering the segregation of the new HV and LV earthing systems, the route and insulated
length of LV earthing conductor are important. However, achieving sufficient separation between the
new HV earthing electrode and any existing LV earthing electrodes may prove more difficult to manage.
The location of the new substation is of paramount importance and should be considered at design
stage. Additional horizontal HV earth electrodes may also transfer high EPR to existing LV electrodes
some distance away from the substation, so the route of these electrodes must be designed to maintain
the minimum required separation distance along its entire length. Consideration should also be given
to any future development where the HV electrode may subsequently be in proximity to LV earth
electrodes.

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At Extremely High EPR sites, minimum separation will be confirmed by an Earthing Specialist design.

The insulated LV Earthing Conductor shall be kept separate from HV cables and HV Earth Electrodes
In line with normal practice, it is usual to route the LV Earthing Conductor in the same trench as outgoing
LV cables.

Minimum Separation Distance of HV/LV for Cable Fed

Substation
Substation Arrangement
PME (TN-C-S) Public LV SNE (TN-S) Private LV
Network Network
GRP Close Coupled Substation
(4 earth rods, 3m x 3m 8m 12 m
perimeter electrode)
Standard Brick 11 kV
Substation
10 m 15 m
(4 earth rods, 4.15m x 3.69m
perimeter electrode)
Rectangular Double
RMU/Transformer
15 m 23 m
(4 earth rods, 5m x 8m
perimeter electrode)
Square Double
RMU/Transformer
15 m 23 m
(4 earth rods, 6m x 6m
perimeter electrode)

Table 21 – Minimum Separation Distance Between HV and LV Earthing Systems for Standard Secondary
Substation Earthing Arrangements (For mixed PME/SNE networks, use SNE values)

When installing cable tails with pot ends on spare fuse ways of LV boards, the tails should be
of sufficient length to ensure that the Earth Electrode in the pot end is not at risk of transfer
potential from the HV Earthing System.

The Standard Earthing Arrangements for ground-mounted substations are based on the following
design criteria:

i. Touch Potentials and Step Potentials shall be below permissible limits (refer to sections 12.1.4
and 12.1.5).
ii. The EPR shall be limited as defined in section 12.1.1 where reasonably practicable. Sites which
satisfy this requirement are defined as having a Low EPR. In which case, the HV and LV
Earthing Systems are combined. It is permitted to install an HV Earthing System only in this
case (see Figure 13). The HV/LV Earthing link inside the LV cabinet shall be closed.
iii. Where the EPR cannot be limited to Low EPR, then reasonable steps shall be taken to limit the
EPR to 2.33 kV (see section 12.1.2). These sites are considered to be High EPR sites and the
HV and LV Earthing Systems shall be segregated in soil by at least the distance specified in
Table 21 for the appropriate substation arrangement. The HV/LV Earthing link inside the LV
cabinet shall be opened.
iv. In some exceptional situations (e.g. ground-mounted substations fed from overhead lines with
no Network Contribution), it may not be practicable to limit the EPR to 2.33 kV (see section
12.1.3). These sites are considered to be Extremely High EPR sites. In these cases, the HV
and LV Earthing Systems shall be separated in soil by a distance specified by an Earthing
Specialist design. The HV/LV Earthing link inside the LV cabinet shall be opened. A special
substation design shall be chosen capable of operating with an EPR up to 6.35 kV.
v. The HV Earth Electrode Resistance shall not exceed 10 Ω. This value is necessary to provide
reliable and fast protection operation during Earth Faults.

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vi. The LV Earth Electrode Resistance shall not exceed 20 Ω in accordance with EART-01-002.
vii. Earthing Conductors and Earth Electrodes shall be of sufficient size to safely carry the
maximum Fault Current (Design) of 13.1 kA for 3 s. (See sections 11.1 and 15.1).

15.7.2 GRP with Combined HV and LV Earthing Systems

The Standard Earthing Arrangement for GRP substations with combined HV and LV Earthing Systems
(i.e. Low EPR site) is shown in Figure 13 and Figure 14. This is the usual and preferred arrangement
for urban areas (e.g. GES locations) where EPR is low.

In GES locations, it is permissible to install an HV Earthing System and HV Earth Electrode system
only.

The HV/LV Earthing link inside the LV cabinet shall be CLOSED.

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HV/LV Earth Link

(CLOSED Position)

Perimeter Loop buried 600

mm or greater

Additional HV Earth
Electrode/Rods
(as specified)

“Earth mat” 300 mm max depth

below operator position

1 70 mm2 Bare HV Earth Electrode.

(Installed around the perimeter of substation and immediately in front of HV switchgear at
operator position)
2 120 mm2 PVC Insulated Earthing Conductor.
(Used to connect all plant to Main Earth Bar)
3 16 mm2 PVC Insulated Bonding Conductor.
Used to bond ancillary equipment (e.g. RTU) to Main Earth Bar
4 Transformer Tank HV Main Earth Bar.
5 LV Neutral /LV Earth terminal inside LV fuse cabinet.
6 HV Earth terminal inside LV fuse cabinet/On RMU.
(HV/LV Link CLOSED)
7 HV earth rods. As many as required to achieve 10 Ω resistance.
(Positioned at each corner as standard and if required along the HV cable pit)

Figure 13 – Earthing Arrangement for GRP Substation in a GES – Combined HV and LV Earths

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HV/LV Earth Link

(CLOSED Position)

Additional HV Earth
Electrode/Rods
(as specified)
Perimeter Loop buried 600 “Earth mat” 300 mm max depth
mm or greater below operator position

1 70 mm2 Bare HV Earth Electrode.

(Installed around the perimeter of substation and immediately in front of HV switchgear at operator
position)
2 120 mm2 PVC Insulated Earthing Conductor. Used to connect all plant to Main Earth Bar.
3 16 mm2 PVC Insulated Bonding Conductor.
(Used to bond ancillary equipment (e.g. RTU) to Main Earth Bar)
4 Transformer Tank HV Main Earth Bar.
5 LV Neutral /LV Earth terminal inside LV fuse cabinet.
6 HV Earth terminal inside LV fuse cabinet/On RMU.
(HV/LV Link CLOSED)
7 HV earth rods. As many as required to achieve 10 Ω resistance.
(Positioned at each corner as standard and if required along the HV cable pit)
8 13 A Socket Isolator Switch.
This can be left closed (EPR will be less than Low EPR). See section 12.1.6

Figure 14 – Earthing Arrangement for GRP Substation in a GES – Combined HV and LV Earths (Front
Elevation View)

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15.7.3 GRP Substation with Segregated HV and LV Earthing Systems

The Standard Earthing Arrangement for GRP substations with segregated HV and LV Earthing Systems
(i.e. High EPR site) is shown in Figure 15 and Figure 16. This arrangement shall be employed where it
is not possible to achieve a Low EPR.

A separate LV Earth Electrode system segregated from the HV Earth Electrode system by the distance
specified in Table 21 (in soil) for the appropriate substation arrangement, shall be installed using an
insulated cable and connected to the LV neutral bar inside the LV cabinet.

Outside of GES, confirmation of the design EPR is required by measurement on site. Even if the EPR
is established to be low at the design stage, a segregated HV and LV Earthing System shall be installed.
A decision may then be made on completion of testing to combine the HV/LV Earthing Systems if Low
EPR can be achieved.

For High EPR sites, the HV/LV Earthing link inside the LV cabinet shall be OPENED.

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HV/LV Earth Link

(OPEN Position)

Perimeter Loop buried 600

mm or greater

Additional HV Earth
Electrode/Rods
(as specified)

Separation
of LV/HV
Earths
(Table 21)

“Earth mat” 300 mm max depth

below operator position

1 70 mm2 Bare HV Earth Electrode.

(Installed around the perimeter of substation and immediately in front of HV switchgear at
operator position)
2 120 mm2 PVC Insulated Earthing Conductor.
(Used to connect all plant to Main Earth Bar)
3 16 mm2 PVC Insulated Bonding Conductor.
(Used to bond ancillary equipment (e.g. RTU) to Main Earth Bar)
4 Transformer Tank HV Main Earth Bar.
5 LV Neutral /LV Earth terminal inside LV fuse cabinet.
6 HV Earth terminal inside LV fuse cabinet/On RMU.
(HV/LV Link OPEN)
7 HV earth rods. As many as required to achieve 10 Ω resistance.
(Positioned at each corner as standard and if required along the HV cable pit)
8 70 mm2 PVC Insulated LV Earthing Conductor.
(Shall provide a separation to HV Earthing Electrode system in accordance with the distance
specified in Table 21)
9 70 mm2 Bare LV Earth Electrode.
10 LV earth rod.

Figure 15 – Earthing Arrangement for GRP Substation – Segregated HV and LV Earths

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HV/LV EarthLink
HV/LV Earth Link
(OPEN Position)
(OPEN Position)

Additional HV
Additional HV Earth
Earth
Electrode/Rods
Electrode/Rods
Separation of (asspecified)
(as specified)
LV/HV Earths Perimeter Loop buried 600 “Earth mat” 300 mm max depth
(Table 21) mm or greater below operator position

1 70 mm2 Bare HV Earth Electrode.

(Installed around the perimeter of substation and immediately in front of HV switchgear
at operator position)
2 120 mm2 PVC Insulated Earthing Conductor.
(Used to connect all plant to Main Earth Bar)
3 16 mm2 PVC Insulated Bonding Conductor.
Used to bond ancillary equipment (e.g. RTU) to Main Earth Bar
4 Transformer Tank HV Main Earth Bar.
5 LV Neutral /LV Earth terminal inside LV fuse cabinet.
6 HV Earth terminal inside LV fuse cabinet/On RMU.
(HV/LV Link OPEN)
7 HV earth rods. As many as required to achieve 10 Ω resistance.
(Positioned at each corner as standard and if required along the HV cable pit)
8 70 mm2 PVC Insulated LV Earthing Conductor.
(Shall provide a separation to HV Earthing Electrode system in accordance with the
distance specified in Table 21)
9 70 mm2 Bare LV Earth Electrode.
10 LV earth rod.
11 13 A Socket Isolator Switch.
This shall be Opened and Locked if EPR Exceeds Low EPR (see section 12.1.6)

Figure 16 – Earthing Arrangement for GRP Substation – Segregated HV and LV Earths (Front Elevation
View)

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15.7.4 Ground-Mounted Substation for Sites with an Extremely High EPR

The Standard Earthing Arrangements are not applicable at Extremely High EPR sites and the Design
Engineer shall consult an Earthing Specialist to ensure that the design of the Earthing System is
appropriate to control Touch and Step Potentials within permissible limits. Soil resistivity measurements
will be required to determine the most effective Earthing System design.

15.7.5 Customer HV Supplies and Associated Substations

SPEN is not responsible for network assets beyond its ownership but has a duty of care to ensure that
the customer’s system will not become hazardous to SPEN staff under fault conditions. The SPEN and
customer Earthing Systems are often physically close to each other and the effect of one on the other
cannot be overlooked. Interconnection of the two Earthing Systems is the preferred option unless the
alternative can be justified (i.e. it has been demonstrated as the safest option).

The SPEN and Customer HV Earthing Systems shall be designed to meet the fundamental
requirements for an Earthing System as described in section 11.1 of this specification and shall satisfy
the requirements of ENA TS 41-24. These requirements shall be met independently of each other. The
Earthing Systems, their components and Bonding Conductors shall be capable of distributing and
discharging the fault current without exceeding thermal and mechanical design limits based on Backup
Protection operating time.

If this is satisfied, then the two Earthing Systems shall be connected together via two designated
connections that are duly labelled. Note that, if the combined Earthing System results in a High EPR
then the associated precautions shall be applied to both the SPEN and Customer sites. (e.g.
segregation of LV Earth/Neutral Earthing System at the customer substation, precautions to control
Transfer Potentials onto other metallic services, etc.).

Where it is not practicable to achieve the safety requirements for Touch Potential and Step Potential
limits via the SPEN Earthing System alone, a specialist earthing study shall be undertaken. If it is
established by a specialist study that the substation may rely on the Customer’s Earthing System to
satisfy safety requirements, this is only permissible under the following conditions:

• The substation feeds a single customer only.

• A connection agreement is signed by the customer and contains a clause which requires them
to maintain the earth resistance established at the commissioning stage for the duration of the
connection.
• The customer Earthing System must be constructed to a similar standard to SPEN
requirements.

The SPEN project manager shall discuss the expected EPR with the customer or their specialist
and agree on whether it is appropriate to combine the SPEN HV and customer’s LV earthing
systems together.

15.7.6 Earthing Arrangement for HV Substations Integral to Another Building

In these circumstances it is unlikely to be practical to install a permitter earth loop around the substation
and therefore not possible to fully comply with the Standard Earthing Arrangements. Where the EPR of
the site can be assessed without doubt to be Low EPR, it is permissible to install earth electrodes on
one side of the substation only provided the Target Resistance can be achieved. For all other cases, a
detailed earthing design shall be carried out by an Earthing Specialist.

15.7.7 Earthing for LV only Substations

Some substations may be equipped with an LV board and no transformer or HV switchgear. For new
LV only substations, an HV earthing assessment shall be carried out to determine the EPR classification
in the same way an HV equipped substation would be assessed. For low or High EPR situations,

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segregated HV and LV earthing systems shall be installed in accordance with the requirements set out
in this specification. For Extremely High EPR situations, UMV shall be annotated to confirm that an HV
earthing system has not been installed. If the substation is ever equipped at HV, a revised earthing
assessment shall be carried out to validate that the existing earthing system is fit for purpose.

15.7.8 Securing Land Rights for Horizontal Earthing Electrodes

In some cases, extended horizontal electrodes may be specially designed to ensure safe Touch
Potential and Step Potential within ground mounted substations. These electrodes may subsequently
be at risk from third party damage and future development activities. They may also present a danger
of Transfer Potential to any future LV supplies in that vicinity. In the case of ground mounted substations,
an easement or servitude must be obtained prior to energisation of the asset.

For overhead line HV earthing systems, Touch Potentials are controlled by design and are in locations
where the probability of future development and third party damage is much lower. However, care
should be taken at design and delivery stage to ensure the landowners are aware of the potential risks
to livestock. Earthing electrode routes should be designed in accordance with the requirements set out
in section 14.

15.7.9 IDNO HV Supplies and Associated Substations

In the case of IDNO/SPEN shared secondary substations, the IDNO takes overall control and ownership
of the HV and LV earthing systems (see section 5.5 of ENA EREC G88). The IDNO shall demonstrate
that the substation Earthing System is designed such that in both normal and abnormal conditions there
is no danger to persons. The IDNO shall confirm that the Earthing System is designed and installed to
avoid damage to equipment due to excessive potential rise and potential differences within the earthing
system (Stress Voltage), and due to excessive currents flowing in auxiliary paths not intended for
carrying Earth Fault Current. All earthing designs shall comply with the requirements of ENA TS 41-24.
The main requirements are to satisfy Touch Potential limits, and NOT export dangerous potentials onto
the LV network.

The ICP will agree with the IDNO on whether it is appropriate to combine the HV and LV earthing
systems together.

15.7.10 Asset Replacement

For high risk sites (section 14), additional advice shall be sought from an Earthing Specialist.

15.8 Pole-mounted Installations

15.8.1 Overview

The guidance in this section is based on the use of wood poles. Earthing of overhead equipment using
metallic poles, masts or towers is not covered by this specification and will require an assessment by
an Earthing Specialist. At pole-mounted installations, it is not practicable to achieve Low EPR levels
(see section 12.1.1). Therefore, all HV steelwork shall be sited out of reach. Additionally, HV Earthing
Conductors shall be insulated and provided with mechanical protection for a minimum height of 3 m or
above the height of the anti-climbing device (whichever is greater). The Earthing Conductors shall also
be insulated for a minimum of 1 m below ground level to avoid damage from ploughing etc.

It is also a standard requirement that HV and LV Earthing Systems shall be segregated at all pole-
mounted substations. These precautions ensure that Touch Potential is less of an issue, therefore the
HV Earthing System serves three main purposes:

i. To ensure the HV protection operates rapidly in the event of an Earth Fault.

ii. To prevent EPR reaching levels where flashover (to LV system) can occur.
iii. To provide some protection to transformer windings during lightning events.

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The HV Earth Electrode Resistance (i.e. resistance from HV steelwork to the general mass of earth)
shall not exceed 20 Ω. Additionally, where surge arresters are installed, the HV Earth Electrode
Resistance shall not exceed 10 Ω (see section 16.7). SPEN’s 11 kV network is directly earthed,
therefore a 20 Ω Earth Electrode system will allow sufficient Earth Fault current to flow back to the
primary substation to ensure the HV protection operates quickly enough. A 20 Ω earth resistance also
limits the likelihood of back flashover during lightning surges and resultant transformer winding failure.

The HV Earth Electrode shall be installed at least 1 m below ground level to ensure as far as reasonably
practicable that Step Potentials directly above the Earth Electrode system remain below permissible
limits under Earth Fault conditions. The HV Earth Electrode may consist of bare horizontal Earth
Electrodes (i.e. bare copper conductor) laid in a trench, vertical earth rods or a combination of the two.
Sufficient Earth Electrodes shall be installed to achieve the required earth resistance. The horizontal
Earth Electrodes will be more effective where there is an underlying high resistivity material such as
rock. Vertical driven earth rods will be more effective where there is lower resistivity material beneath
the surface, e.g. wetter material below the water table.

All support steelwork and the transformer tank shall be connected using PVC insulated HV Earthing
Conductors sized in accordance with section 15.2. The PVC insulated HV Earthing Conductor shall be
installed down the pole and connected to an HV Earth Electrode.

All pole-mounted transformers currently being purchased by SPEN have a rated insulation withstand
voltage capability between the LV bushing and transformer tank of 7 kV in accordance with recent
SPEN specifications. This ensures that in the event of an HV fault, the resultant EPR will not be sufficient
to cause a flashover to the LV system (see section 12.1.6 covering Stress Voltage limits).

Note: Some older pole-mounted transformers may have a lower insulation withstand value of only 3 kV
(see section 12.1.6 covering Stress Voltage limits). Pole-mounted transformers purchased before 2019
may have a lower insulation withstand value of only 3 kV and shall not be used unless it can be
established that the LV rated insulation withstand voltage of the transformer meets the 7 kV
requirement.

LV Earth Electrodes shall have a maximum resistance of 20 Ω in accordance with EART-01-002.

The LV Earth Electrode shall be installed a minimum of 20 m from the HV Earth Electrode either by
installing the LV Earth Electrode at the first pole away from the pole-mounted transformer (see Figure
18) or by using an insulated conductor between the pole and the LV Earth Electrode system (see Figure
19). This increased separation distance compared to ground-mounted substation reflects the possible
occurrence of a very high EPR being imposed on the pole-mounted steelwork and HV Earth Electrodes
as a result of an Earth Fault. Traditional practice in SPEN has been to provide an 8 m separation, but
a separation distance of 20 m is now employed based on computer modelling to demonstrate that
acceptable limits for LV transfer are not exceeded for typical soil resistivity conditions. Figure 17
includes an example of how to establish the 20 m separation between the LV Earth Electrode and the
HV Earth Electrode.

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Figure 17 – Pole-mounted Transformer HV/LV Earthing Separation

If PILC type LV cables are installed on the pole, these usually cannot be isolated from earth and so it is
necessary to ensure that the HV Earth Electrode is sited more than 20 m from the pole and insulated
within this distance.

Consideration shall be given the effect of Step Potentials on horses and other livestock. Where
practicable the HV Earth Electrodes shall be located away from areas of high animal usage (e.g. water
troughs, milking parlours etc.). Where this is not possible a more detailed assessment of Step Potentials
and/or risk assessment is required by an Earthing Specialist.

The Standard Earthing Arrangements for pole-mounted installations are based on the following design
criteria:

i. All pole-mounted substations shall be designed with separate HV and LV Earthing Systems
and shall be separated by at least 20 m.
ii. The HV Earth Electrode earth resistance shall not exceed 20 Ω in order to provide reliable
protection operation. (Where surge arresters are installed, the HV Earth Electrode earth
resistance shall not exceed 10 Ω).
iii. The LV Earth Electrode earth resistance shall not exceed 20 Ω to comply with EART-01-002.
iv. The HV Earth Electrode and Earthing Conductors shall be of sufficient size and surface area to
safely carry fault current at that site (see sections 15.2, 15.3 and 15.5).
v. EPR on pole-mounted steelwork can approach system phase-to-earth voltage, which in some
situations might be close to 6.33 kV. All LV equipment shall be suitably insulated and separated
from HV equipment to prevent flashover during HV fault conditions.

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15.8.2 Pole-mounted Transformer with LV Overhead Line

The Standard Earthing Arrangement for a pole-mounted transformer with LV overhead line is shown in
Figure 18.

The HV Earth Electrode and HV Earthing Conductor shall be installed as described in section 15.8.1.

The separation between the buried HV and LV Earth Electrodes is effectively achieved by locating the
LV Earth Electrode at the base of the first LV pole positioned greater than 20 m away from the
transformer pole. The LV Earth Electrode shall be connected to the overhead line neutral conductor
using an insulated Earthing Conductor with minimum cross section of 70 mm2.

Figure 18 – Pole-mounted Transformer with LV Overhead Line

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15.8.3 Pole-mounted Transformer with LV Cable

The Standard Earthing Arrangement for a pole-mounted transformer with LV cable is shown in Figure
19. The HV Earth Electrode and HV Earthing Conductor shall be installed as described in section 15.8.1.

The LV neutral terminal of the transformer shall be connected to earth using an insulated LV Earthing
Conductor installed on the opposite side of the pole to the HV Earthing Conductor. (Where an H-pole
is used the HV and LV Earthing Conductors shall be installed on different poles). The insulated LV
Earthing Conductor shall be extended underground for a minimum of 20 m, separated from the HV
Earth Electrode and connected to an LV Earth Electrode of bare copper with a maximum earth
resistance of 20 Ω.

The LV Earth Electrode system may be installed in the same trench as the LV cable and, in a similar
way to the HV Earth Electrode, a combination of horizontal and vertical electrodes may be used to
provide the required earth resistance of 20 Ω.

Figure 19 – Pole-mounted Transformer with LV Cable

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15.8.4 HV Cable Termination (with Surge Arresters)

The Standard Earthing Arrangement for an HV cable termination with surge arresters is shown in Figure
20.

The HV Earth Electrode and HV Earthing Conductor shall be installed as described in section 15.8.1.
The HV Earth Electrode and Earthing Conductor shall have a minimum cross-section of 70 mm2.

To ensure the effectiveness of the surge arresters, the HV Earthing Conductor shall be installed as
straight as possible down the pole avoiding sharp bends to an HV Earth Electrode with maximum earth
resistance of 10 Ω in accordance with section 16.7.

Figure 20 – HV Cable Termination with Surge Arresters

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15.8.5 HV Cable Termination with Surge Arresters and HV Fuse Unit

The Standard Earthing Arrangement for an HV cable termination with surge arresters and HV fuse unit
is shown in Figure 21.

The HV Earth Electrode and HV Earthing Conductor shall be installed as described in section 15.8.1
and shall have a maximum earth resistance of 10 Ω in accordance with section 16.7. The HV Earthing
Conductor and Earth Electrode shall have a minimum cross-section of 70 mm2.

In accordance with section 16.9, the HV Earth Electrode shall be installed at least 5 m away from the
pole at a location where the Operator will not be standing when carrying out any live HV switching
operations.

Figure 21 – HV Cable Termination with Surge Arresters and HV Fuse Unit

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15.8.6 Metal Enclosed Pole-Mounted Load Break Switch Disconnector (PMSW)

The Standard Earthing Arrangement for a PMSW (with surge arresters) is shown in Figure 22.

The HV Earth Electrode and HV Earthing Conductor shall be installed as described in section 15.8.1
and shall have a maximum earth resistance of 10 Ω in accordance with section 16.7. The HV Earthing
Conductor and Earth Electrode shall have a minimum cross-section of 70 mm2.

In accordance with section 16.9, the HV Earth Electrode shall be installed at least 5 m away from the
pole at a location where the Operator will not be standing when carrying out any live HV switching
operations.

PMSW

Figure 22 – Metal Enclosed Pole-mounted Load Break Switch Disconnector (PMSW)

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15.8.7 Pole-mounted Auto-Recloser (PMAR) with High-level Control Unit

The Standard Earthing Arrangement for a PMAR with high-level control unit is shown in Figure 23.

The HV Earth Electrode and HV Earthing Conductor shall be installed as described in section 15.8.1
and shall have a maximum earth resistance of 10 Ω in accordance with section 16.7. The HV Earthing
Conductor and Earth Electrode shall have a minimum cross-section of 70 mm2.

In accordance with section 16.9, the HV Earth Electrode shall be installed at least 5 m away from the
pole at a location where the Operator will not be standing when carrying out any live HV switching
operations.

Figure 23 – PMAR with High Level Control Unit

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15.8.8 Hook Stick Operated Air Break Switch Disconnector (ABSD) and HV cable

It is now permissible to install an ABSD on an earthed pole using the earthing arrangement specified in
this section. Legacy air break switches need to have the earthing system reviewed as it must conform
to the new earthing specification.

The Standard Earthing Arrangement for a hook stick operated ABSD and HV cable is shown in Figure
24.

The HV Earth Electrode and HV Earthing Conductor shall be installed as described in section 15.8.1
and shall have a maximum earth resistance of 10 Ω in accordance with section 16.7. The HV Earthing
Conductor and Earth Electrode shall have a minimum cross-section of 70 mm2.

In accordance with section 16.9, the HV Earth Electrode shall be installed at least 5 m away from the
pole at a location where the Operator will not be standing when carrying out any live HV switching
operations.

Figure 24 – Hook Stick Operated ABSD and HV Cable

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16. INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS

16.1 General

Section 15 describes the Standard Earthing Arrangements and associated reference drawings. This
section provides additional guidance on construction aspects.

If the standard design does not achieve the Target Resistance, additional Earth Electrodes may be
installed to augment the Standard Earthing Arrangements. Typical options include laying bare
conductor in trenches or extending the rod electrodes. Where additional Earth Electrodes are necessary
to reduce the substation earth resistance, it may be installed as follows:

i. Extended substation earth rods. The length of the two substation earth rods may be
increased to reduce the earth resistance. This will be especially effective where the rods
penetrate into a soil layer of lower resistivity, for example where they extend beneath the water
table. The hardness of the ground will determine how far rods can practically be driven; where
the achievable depth is limited alternative methods will be required (see below). In extreme
circumstances, and where there is evidence of low resistivity material at greater depths,
installation of deeper rods may be considered but will be at increased cost.

ii. Extended horizontal Earth Electrode. An effective way to reduce earth resistance is to extend
the Earth Electrode beyond the substation using horizontal electrodes buried in a trench. This
may be cost-effectively achieved if the electrode can be laid beneath HV cables while
excavations are available. Horizontal electrodes are typically most effective over the first two to
three hundred metres. If two trenches are available (a minimum of 90o apart) then it is most
effective to run two electrodes of length L in different directions than a single electrode of length
2L in one direction. Horizontal HV Earth Electrodes must be kept away from LV electrodes and
metallic sheathed cables (by the distance specified in Table 21 for the appropriate ground
mounted substation arrangement or by 20 m for pole mounted installations) if HV and LV
systems are segregated (e.g. High EPR or Extremely High EPR sites).

iii. Extended horizontal Earth Electrode with earth rods. Adding vertical earth rods to a
horizontal electrode can also be effective, especially where the rods penetrate into low
resistivity material. Where this arrangement is employed the rods should be spaced no closer
than twice their length.

If horizontal electrodes are utilised in cases of High EPR or Extremely High EPR, care must be
taken to ensure the EPR is not transferred to high risk sites (see section 14) or other LV earthing
systems.

16.2 Earth Electrode System

Buried Earth Electrode systems shall be of bare copper conductors, sized to meet the requirements of
section 15.1 for ground mounted or 15.2 for pole mounted installations.

Where the soil is known to be acidic or alkaline (pH outside of the range 6 – 10) or otherwise corrosive
to copper then the electrode shall be surrounded with 150 mm of imported neutral soil.

Joints shall be made using an Approved method. These are shown in Table 22.

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Joint Type Jointing Method

Tape to tape Brazing or Exothermic weld
Circular conductor to circular conductor Approved compression tool or exothermic weld
Copper to steel rebar connection Exothermic weld or mechanical clamp wrapped to
prevent moisture ingress.
Horizontal electrode to vertical rod Exothermic weld or mechanical clamp wrapped to
prevent moisture ingress.
Note: Before wrapping in Denso tape, ensure components are sufficiently dry.

Table 22 – Jointing Methods for Buried Earth Electrodes

16.3 Main Earth Bar

All earth connections shall be labelled and connected via separate connections to a dedicated Main
Earth Bar which in turn shall be connected to the earth terminal on transformers, HV switchgear and LV
cabinets/fuse boards. The purpose of the Main Earth Bar is to help Operational personnel to determine
if the earthing is intact when entering the substation, to provide a recognised earth connection/
reference point and to allow the local substation earth resistance to be measured using a clamp meter.
This requirement must be balanced with theft prevention and clips / coverings / resin used as necessary
to prevent unauthorised removal.

16.4 Cable Sheaths/Screen Connections

All HV cable sheaths/screens/armour shall normally be connected to the substation HV Earthing System
to ensure the safety of operators and public. In some special situations, alternative sheath bonding
arrangements may be employed as determined by the Design Engineer.

The standard approach in SPEN is to use three single-core cables to connect into each cable box. Each
screen is connected via a bolted lug to a small earth bar inside the cable box, thus providing a robust
connection. This arrangement differs from that used by many other DNOs and IDNOs (and which may
be offered by switchgear manufacturers) where a single bolted connection is used for the bunched
sheaths. It is important that the more secure SPEN arrangement is used because the 11 kV system in
SPEN is directly earthed and Earth Fault Current can approach 13.1 kA unlike other UK DNOs.
Standard single bolted connections are not permissible for SPEN designs as they do not offer the
robustness and reliability necessary for SPEN’s solidly earthed network.

16.5 Metallic Fences and Gates

New substations with metallic fences and gates shall not be installed beneath overhead line conductors.
For legacy sites, the preferred approach is to divert or underground the line to remove the hazard. As
a last resort, if an overhead line passes directly over the fence, fully rated conductor (120 mm2) shall
be used on the fence connections / rods 1 m either side of the crossing to account for the possibility of
the overhead conductor dropping onto the fence.

The preferred approach is not to bond the metallic fence to the substation earth bar as this will export
an EPR outside the substation and may cause a touch potential hazard to someone touching the fence.
However, it is also a requirement to ensure safe touch potentials within the confines of the substation.
Where practical, substation fences shall be constructed so that electrical hazards are designed out.
This can be achieved using non-metallic fence materials or by locating the metallic fence ≥ 2 m from
any earthed substation equipment as this corresponds to the maximum expected arm span of a person.
Fence gates should be designed to open outwards where possible to avoid any infringement of the 2
m clearance. Sufficient space should be allocated in front of the gates to avoid opening onto the footpath
or highway.

If separation cannot be achieved, any metallic fence within 2 m of substation metalwork will present a
touch potential hazard. In such cases, the metallic fence shall be bonded to the substation Earthing
System to protect anyone who has access to metalwork inside the substation. A bridging conductor

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shall also be installed between each set of gateposts and a flexible earth strap between the gatepost
and gate. Bonding to the substation HV Earthing System shall be via an HV Earthing Conductor of
minimum cross section of 16 mm2. At Low EPR sites this is sufficient. At High EPR sites an additional
horizontal Earth Electrode shall be installed along the full length of the fence and connected to the
substation HV earth and fence. For substation perimeter fences, this electrode should consist of a ring
bonded to the substation Main Earth Bar at two points. This should be offset from the fence by between
0.5 m and 1 m. For Extremely High EPR sites, a specialist design shall be carried out.

No third-party metallic fences shall be connected to the substation fence unless continuity is broken,
e.g. via a 2 m section of non-metallic fence or a ‘floating’ metallic fence section mounted either end on
stand-off insulators.

Due to the more onerous installation and ongoing maintenance requirements, metallic fences shall be
avoided where practicable at High EPR secondary substation sites.

16.6 Metallic Doors

Metallic substation doors and frames shall not be bonded to the substation HV Earthing System at Low
EPR sites. For High EPR sites, substation doors and frames shall preferably be made of wood.
However, if a metallic substation door and frame must be used to provide additional security at a High
EPR site, then a specialist study will be required.

16.7 Pole-mounted Installations with Surge Arresters

Unless a low impedance to earth connection is provided, the effectiveness of surge arresters could be
impaired and high transient potentials can appear on the equipment being protected by the surge
arrester. Surge arresters shall be sited as close as practical to the terminals of the plant, (e.g. cable
termination, PMAR,PMSW). The maximum HV earth resistance shall not exceed 10 Ω for satisfactory
operation of the surge arrester. (This is in line with the preferred 10 Ω value in BS EN 62305-1 for high-
frequency lightning earth electrodes).

The insulated HV Earthing Conductor shall be installed as straight as possible down the pole avoiding
sharp bends. NOTE: where an operator may carry out HV switching operations at that pole (see
section 16.9), the HV Earth Electrode shall be installed 5 m away from the pole.

At pole-mounted installations with surge arresters, the HV Earthing Conductor and Earth Electrode shall
have a minimum cross section of 70 mm2.

16.8 Pole-mounted Equipment with Operating Mechanisms Accessible from Ground Level

Equipment such as PMARs, sectionalisers, and ABSDs with a low level earthed metallic control box or
switch mechanisms can present hazardous Touch and Step Potentials. For this reason, these
arrangements are no longer employed in SPEN and are not covered in this specification.

16.9 Pole-mounted Equipment with Operating Mechanisms not Accessible from Ground
Level

It is generally considered that the probability of an Earth Fault occurring whilst an individual happens,
by chance, to be walking across the HV Earth Electrode at the same time, is extremely small and
therefore, in most circumstances no special precautions are required.

However, on poles with earthed equipment where an Operator may carry out HV switching operations
this may create unacceptable Step Potential hazards should this action result in an HV Earth Fault. In
such cases the HV Earth Electrode shall be installed at least 5 m away from the pole at a location where
the Operator will not be standing when carrying out any live HV switching operations. Examples where
this precaution is required include the following arrangements:

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i. PMARs
ii. PMSWs
iii. Hook –stick operated ABSDs with HV cables
iv. HV fuse-units with HV cable

17. MEASUREMENTS, TESTING AND INSPECTION

17.1 General

Measurements and inspection are required during installation and commissioning of a secondary
substation to ensure that the requirements of this specification have been met. The delivery process
set out in Figure 25 below should be followed to establish that the earthing has been installed in
accordance with the Standard Earthing Arrangement and that the Target Resistance has been
achieved.

The Delivery Engineer is responsible for ensuring a standard design is appropriate. If it becomes
apparent during measurement and testing that the EPR will be greater than anticipated at design stage,
appropriate action must be taken to resolve any issues prior to energisation. The following scenarios in
Table 23 may apply:

Scenario Responsible Party

Measuring local Earth Measuring overall earth Decision to segregate
Electrode Resistance resistance if not a GES HV/LV earthing systems
SPEN fully adopted SPEN Delivery SPEN Delivery SPEN Delivery Engineer.
HV/LV substation Engineer. Engineer.
installed by SPEN
SPEN fully adopted HV SPEN Delivery SPEN Delivery SPEN Delivery Engineer
customer metered supply Engineer. Engineer. to advise the customer
installed by SPEN where that the site is not Low
the customer owns the EPR and that
HV/LV transformer segregation of their HV
and LV earthing systems
is required.
SPEN fully adopted ICP – SPEN Delivery SPEN or ICP Delivery SPEN Delivery Engineer.
HV/LV substation Engineer to witness Engineer responsible for
installed by ICP tests if possible but energisation to provide
always review results to access to sites for ICP’s
ensure target resistance competent person to
is achieved. carry out testing and
validate EPR.
SPEN fully adopted HV ICP – SPEN Delivery SPEN or ICP Delivery SPEN Delivery Engineer
customer metered supply Engineer to witness Engineer responsible for to advise the customer
installed by ICP where the tests if possible but energisation to provide that the site is not Low
customer owns the HV/LV always review results to access to sites for ICP’s EPR and that
transformer ensure target resistance competent person to segregation of their HV
is achieved. carry out testing and and LV earthing systems
validate EPR. is required.
IDNO/DNO shared ICP – SPEN Delivery SPEN or ICP Delivery SPEN or ICP Delivery
substation where the Engineer to witness Engineer responsible for Engineer to advise the
IDNO adopts the tests if possible but energisation to provide ICP that the site is not
transformer and LV board always review results to access to sites for ICP’s Low EPR. ICP to discuss
and SPEN adopt the HV ensure target resistance competent person to segregation of the
switchgear is achieved. carry out testing and IDNO’s HV and LV
validate EPR. earthing systems and
action accordingly.

Table 23 – Delivery Responsibility Matrix

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Figure 25 – Delivery Process to Confirm EPR

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17.2 Inspection

Following installation of the Earthing System a visual inspection shall be undertaken by the Delivery
Engineer to check the following aspects:

i. The standard HV Earth Electrode has been installed including horizontal ring electrode, earth
rods, additional electrode (as required), rebar connections if applicable, Main Earth Bar and
equipment connections.
ii. Ancillary metalwork bonded to Main Earth Bar including any metal doors.
iii. Correct earthing of any metallic fencing.
iv. At High EPR sites: The HV and LV Earthing Systems have been segregated and a separate
LV Earth Electrode installed.
v. At Low EPR sites: The HV and LV Earthing Systems have been combined.
vi. At Extremely High EPR sites: Approved equipment, GRP enclosure and Touch/Step Potential
control measures, as described in 15.7.4.

Any defects found shall be rectified prior to energisation.

17.3 Earth Resistance Measurement

Measurements of the Earth Electrode Resistance shall be made after completion of the installation to
confirm that the design Target Resistance for the newly installed local Earth Electrode has been
achieved.

Additionally, the value of resistance provided by the local network (i.e. Network Contribution shall be
measured by measuring the combined overall Earth Electrode Resistance (i.e. the total Earth Electrode
Resistance) of the complete installation once all HV cable sheath/screen connections have been
terminated.

It is important that the measurements are carried out using industry recognised methods and equipment
and results recorded. As a minimum, the following measurements shall be made:

i. Local HV Earth Electrode Resistance in isolation.

ii. LV Earth Electrode Resistance in isolation (At High EPR and Extremely High EPR sites only).
iii. Value of overall Earth Electrode Resistance (i.e. RB) to confirm level of Network Contribution.
(It is not necessary to measure this at GES locations (see section 10.10).

Where the measured value of local Earth Electrode and/or network contribution resistance exceed the
design values the Design Engineer shall be consulted who shall confirm if criteria for standard earthing
scenarios (and adoption of Standard Earthing Arrangement) is still valid.

18. ASSESSMENT OF THIRD-PARTY DESIGNS AND ICPS

Evidence of an adequate HV earthing design shall be provided at design approval stage. This document
aims to facilitate substation earthing design for HV substations by use of standard designs in situations
where EPR <=2.33 kV. For Extremely High EPR cases or high-risk areas such as petrol stations,
livestock areas and wet room areas, special consideration should be given and in most cases a
specialist bespoke earthing study will be necessary to plot the EPR contours. SPEN has developed an
earthing tool to help Design Engineers establish the suitability of standard earthing designs (see section
13.1.3). The tool and supporting training videos are available for download via hyperlinks in the
Substation Civils tab of the HV/LV Design Approval Guidance Template. This can be accessed via the
SP Energy Networks website Information for ICPs and IDNOs - SP Energy Networks.

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We will accept an estimated value of soil resistivity based on soil type data taken from the British
Geological Survey map viewer and the associated resistivity values taken from section 5.4.1 of ENA
TS 41-24.

If a standard design is appropriate, a copy of the tool populated with the site-specific data should be
uploaded with your design approval binder. You should include supporting evidence for estimation of
soil resistivity and Network Contribution. Alternatively, a copy of your bespoke earthing report from an
earthing specialist should be uploaded.

For all secondary substations that will be partly or fully adopted by SPEN or where SPEN staff will be
required to access, the third-party Design Engineer shall demonstrate compliance with the general
requirements set out in this document. The third-party Design Engineer shall provide sufficient
documented evidence for SPEN to assess compliance prior to design approval being granted.

For IDNO/DNO shared substations where the IDNO is responsible for the earthing system, the IDNO
may take a similar approach to SPEN in establishing a set of their own standard substation earthing
designs. If this is the case, the ICP should provide details of the expected Touch Potential as a
percentage of EPR. An assessment of EPR as described above will also be required.

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APPENDIX 1 – INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR A SECONDARY SUBSTATION SPECIALIST

EARTHING STUDY

The following information will be required for a bespoke earthing study to be carried out. Explanatory
notes are provided below the table, referred against the numbering in the table.

Required Information: Minimum Response

1 A suitable UMV based plan showing the proposed substation
location together with any associated network alterations
(underground cable / overhead line routes).
2 Site specific soil resistivity measurement data.
3 Where applicable, an earth resistance measurement from a
substation near the proposed connection to help establish the
‘network contribution’ to the earth impedance. Alternatively, a
geographical plan of any connected underground network to
allow this to be simulated (UMV access).
4 Single phase to Earth Fault current at the proposed connection
point.
5 Details of the circuit types between the source Primary
Substation and the proposed connection point.
6 Earth Fault clearance time for a single phase to Earth Fault at
the proposed connection point.
7 The EPR at the source Primary Substation (only if there is a
direct underground cable connection between it and the
proposed connection point).
8 General substation layout drawing.
Required Information: Additional
9 Where a more detailed assessment of transfer voltages from
HV to LV earthing systems is required further details of the
proposed / existing LV earthing network is required, i.e. LV
cable routes and associated PME earth electrodes.

Notes

1. This will allow the location to be determined, any site measurements to be planned and provide an
overview of the proposed scheme. Proposed cable routes will be the preferred routes for any
extended earth electrodes that may be required during the design. Where separated HV / LV
earthing systems are required, the plan will also be used to check for adequate separation to any
existing parts of the LV earthing system, properties, etc.

2. It is recommended that soil resistivity measurement data is obtained from a minimum of two
locations as near to the proposed substation location as practical that is free of buried metallic
services. The recommended method is the Wenner Array to a minimum of 36 m spacing and further
details can be found in ENA TS 41-24.

3. Where the proposed substation will connect into an existing underground network it is useful to
determine the ‘network contribution’, i.e. the parallel earth resistance provided by the substation
electrodes, PILC cables, etc. Where practical, it can be useful to measure this at the nearest
suitable existing substation using the fall-of-potential method, details of which are available in ENA
TS 41-24. Network contribution can also be estimated using the assumptions provided in section
13.1.6 or by detailed simulation. The latter requires a geographical plan of the existing cable
network, i.e. data from UMV.

4. To provide a realistic assessment, the Earth Fault current should be calculated at the proposed
connection point using a suitable network model. This should include the effect of the source
impedance, line impedance and earth resistance at the source and faulted substations. Use of the
Earth Fault current at the Primary Substation will introduce overestimation of the EPR at the
proposed secondary substation which may result in uneconomic overdesign.

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5. Where there is an underground cable connection between the proposed substation and the source
Primary Substation a significant proportion of the Earth Fault current will return to source via the
cable sheath / screen. Details of the main underground cable sections along the route will allow the
ground return current to be calculated.

6. This specification employs a standard fault clearance time of 1 s which determines the touch voltage
limits that apply to the design. Where a faster clearance time can be reasonably justified, i.e.
calculated based on site-specific protection settings, then higher touch voltage limits can be justified
that may alleviate adverse earthing impact in some circumstances.

7. A High EPR during an Earth Fault at a Primary Substation may be transferred along the sheaths of
underground cables to the proposed secondary substation, providing the cable sheaths are
continuous. Knowledge of the maximum EPR at the Primary Substation allows the transfer voltage
seen at the proposed substation to be calculated and allow a safety assessment. If the EPR at the
Primary Substation is below the applicable touch voltage limit (or twice the touch voltage limits
where there are PME LV networks) then this calculation is not required.

8. This may simply involve a reference to the SPEN Standard Earthing Arrangement being used. If
the proposed substation is a non-standard design a general equipment layout together with a
foundation layout is useful for earthing design purposes.

9. This information is only required where the EPR is high and it is challenging to achieve sufficient
separation between HV and LV earthing systems. More detailed characterisation of the LV earthing
network allows this to be added to simulations so that more accurate HV to LV transfer voltage
calculations can be made. The LV network details may be available from UMV with assumptions
made as to the locations of PME electrodes following SPEN installation policy.

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APPENDIX 2 – EPR CALCULATION EXAMPLES

The following examples demonstrate how to perform EPR calculations manually for ground mounted
secondary substations as opposed to using the SPEN Distribution Substation Earthing Design Tool
(13.1.3).

A) Low EPR Calculation Example

The following example is for a new GRP close coupled substation (underground cable fed) within a
Global Earthing System (GES) (10.10). The proposed LV Earthing System is separate neutral earth
(SNE) and the high voltage protection clearance time is 1s.

The first step is to carry out a soil resistivity assessment for the proposed substation location (13.1.4).

Soil type is established using the British Geological Survey (BGS) website as a loam / clay mix. A value
of 50 Ωm is therefore assumed from Table 6 in section 13.1.4 (Table A1 provides the relevant extract
from Table 6). Soil resistivity can also be determined by using the integrated soil resistivity layer within
UMV.
Soil Type Resistivity (Ωm)
Loams, garden soils etc. 5 – 50
Clays 10 – 100

Table A1: Extract of Typical Soil Resistivity Values (Table 6 Section 13.1.4)

The second step is to establish the local electrode resistance for the GRP close coupled substation
type for a soil resistivity of 50 Ωm. A value of 7.79 Ω is therefore assumed from Table 7 in section 13.1.5
(Table A2 provides the relevant extract from Table 7).

Earth Additional
Overall
Soil Resistivity Rod Horizontal
Substation Type Resistance
(Ωm) Length Electrode
(Ω)
(m) (m)
64 GRP Close Coupled Substation 1.2 0 7.79
(4 earth rods, 3m x 3m perimeter electrode)

Table A2: Extract of Local Electrode Resistances for Various Substation Types (Table 7 Section 13.1.5)

The third step is to carry out a network contribution assessment 13.1.6 . In this example, the surrounding
network is a high density HV/LV GES type system with mostly PILC SWA cable type to the north of the
development and greenfield land to the south. Taking a circle of effective radius 650 m around the point
of connection to the existing network and splitting this into 4 quadrants, the network contribution can be
estimated using Table 10 from section 13.1.6 (Table A3 provides the relevant extract from Table 10).
In this case the soil resistivity of 50 Ωm falls approximately halfway between the 32 Ωm and 64 Ωm
lines in table A3. This would give an effective radius of 650 m ([500 m+800 m] / 2) and a network
contribution of 0.07 Ω ([0.06 Ω+0.08 Ω] / 2) when taking account there are two full quadrants of
surrounding network (those to the north and nothing in the south).
Network
Network Network Network
Contribution
Soil Contribution Contribution Contribution
Effective Area Minimum Earth
Resistivity Minimum Earth Minimum Earth Minimum Earth
Radius (m) Resistance (Ω)
(Ωm) Resistance (Ω) Resistance (Ω) Resistance (Ω)
Three
One Quadrant Two Quadrants Four Quadrants
Quadrants
32 500 0.11 0.06 0.04 0.03
64 800 0.17 0.08 0.06 0.04

Table A3: Extract of ‘PILC Cables – High Density & HV & LV Network Contribution’ (Table 10 Section
13.1.6)

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The fourth and final step is to calculate the EPR (13.1.7).

IGR = GR% x IF
EPR = IGR x RB

IGR = Ground Return Current

IF = Total Earth Fault Current
RB = Resistance of secondary substation earth electrode in parallel with any network
contribution
GR% = Percentage of the total Earth Fault Current which returns through the general mass of
earth

Line-Ground Symmetrical RMS Fault current at 90 ms is provided by SPEN and in this case = 4.252 kA

Earth Fault Current (IF) = 4.252 x 1.15 = 4.89 kA (includes 15% increase in fault level headroom)

% current return via ground = 30% since fed by underground cable network (70% goes back to the
primary source through continuous metallic cable sheath)

Ground return current (IGR) = 0.3 x 4.89 = 1.467 Ka

Local electrode resistance = 7.79 Ω (Calculated in step 2)

Network contribution = 0.07 Ω (Calculated in step 3)

Overall earth resistance (RB) = (7.79 x 0.07) / (7.79 + 0.07) = 0.069 Ω

EPR = IGR x RB = 1467 x 0.069 = 101 V

Given that the proposed LV earthing system will be separate neutral earth (SNE) and the high voltage
protection clearance time is 1s; the threshold for Low EPR is therefore 233 V. The Low EPR limit would
be 430 V if an extensive CNE/PME LV network was installed. However, in this example the SNE system
means a limit of 233 V should be used.

EPR <=233 V so this is a Low EPR substation – LV and HV earths will be combined and a
standard design for GRP close coupled subs with a perimeter earth electrode, earth rods and
grading electrode under the operators standing position may be used. Measurements are
required to confirm local target resistance upon installation as specified in section 17. Network
contribution measurements are not required in this case as the substation is connected to a
GES.

B) High EPR Calculation Example

The following example is for a new Square Double RMU/Transformer type substation (underground
cable fed). The proposed LV Earthing System will be an extensive Protective Multiple Earth (PME) /
Combined Neutral Earth (CNE) network and the high voltage protection clearance time is 1 s.

The first step is to carry out a soil resistivity assessment for the proposed substation location (13.1.4).

Soil type is established using the British Geological Survey (BGS) website as clay, sand and gravel
mixture. A value of 200 Ωm is therefore assumed from Table 6 in section 13.1.4 (Table B1 provides the
relevant extract from Table 6). Soil resistivity can also be determined by using the integrated soil
resistivity layer within UMV.

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Secondary Substations Issue No. 2

Soil Type Resistivity (Ωm)

Clay, sand and gravel mixture 40 – 250

Table B1: Extract of Typical Soil Resistivity Values (Table 6 Section 13.1.4)

The second step is to establish the local electrode resistance for the Square Double RMU/Transformer
type substation for a soil resistivity of 200 Ωm. A value of 9.90 Ω is therefore assumed from Table 7 in
section 13.1.5 (Table B2 provides the relevant extract from Table 7).

Local Electrode Resistances for Various Substation Types

Earth Additional
Overall
Soil Resistivity Rod Horizontal
Substation Type Resistance
(Ωm) Length Electrode
(Ω)
(m) (m)
200 Square Double RMU/Transformer 1.2 10 9.90
(4 earth rods, 5m x 8m perimeter electrode)

Table B2: Extract of Local Electrode Resistances for Various Substation Types (Table 7 Section 13.1.5)

The third step is to carry out a network contribution assessment 13.1.6. In this example, the surrounding
network is a sparse HV/LV system with mostly polymeric cable type to the north, east and south of the
development and greenfield land to the west. Taking a circle of effective radius 1600 m around the point
of connection to the existing network and splitting this into 4 quadrants, the network contribution can be
estimated using Table 15 from section 13.1.6 (Table B3 provides the relevant extract from Table 15).
In this case the soil resistivity of 200 Ωm would give an effective radius of 1600 m and a network
contribution of 3.25 Ω) when taking account there are three full quadrants of surrounding network (those
to the north, east and south with nothing in the west).

Network
Network Network Network
Contribution
Soil Contribution Contribution Contribution
Effective Area Minimum Earth
Resistivity Minimum Earth Minimum Earth Minimum Earth
Radius (m) Resistance (Ω)
(Ωm) Resistance (Ω) Resistance (Ω) Resistance (Ω)
Three
One Quadrant Two Quadrants Four Quadrants
Quadrants
200 1600 9.75 4.87 3.25 2.44

Table B3: Extract of ‘Non PILC Cables – Low Density & HV & LV Network Contribution’ (Table 15 Section
13.1.6)

The fourth and final step is to calculate the EPR (13.1.7).

IGR = GR% x IF
EPR = IGR x RB

IGR = Ground Return Current

IF = Total Earth Fault Current
RB = Resistance of secondary substation earth electrode in parallel with any network
contribution
GR% = Percentage of the total Earth Fault Current which returns through the general mass of
earth

Line-Ground Symmetrical RMS Fault current at 90 ms is provided by SPEN and in this case = 2.12 kA

Earth Fault Current (IF) = 2.12 x 1.15 = 2.44 kA (Includes 15% increase in fault level headroom).

% current return via ground = 30% since fed by underground cable network (70% goes back to the
primary source through continuous metallic cable sheath)

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Ground return current (IGR) = 0.3 x 2.44 = 0.732 kA

Local electrode resistance = 9.90 Ω (Calculated in step 2)

Network contribution = 3.25 Ω (Calculated in step 3)

Overall earth resistance (RB) = (9.90 x 3.25) / (9.90 + 3.25) = 2.45 Ω

EPR = IGR x RB = 732 x 2.45 = 1793 V

Given that the proposed LV earthing system will be protective multiple earth (PME) and the high voltage
protection clearance time is 1 s; the threshold for Low EPR is therefore 430 V which is dependent on
an extensive CNE/PME LV network being installed. The Low EPR limit would be 233 V if there was a
limited PME LV network or an SNE network was installed. However, in this example the extensive PME
system means a limit of 430 V can be used.

EPR >430 V and EPR <2.33 kV so High EPR – LV and HV earths will be segregated and a standard
design with a perimeter earth electrode, earth rods and bonded rebar may be used.

Measurements to be confirmed upon installation as required in EART-03-003 Section 17.

C) Extremely High EPR Calculation Example

The following example is for a new Square Double RMU/Transformer type substation (underground
cable fed). The proposed LV Earthing System will be a Protective Multiple Earth (PME) / Combined
Neutral Earth (CNE) network and the high voltage protection clearance time is 1 s.

The first step is to carry out a soil resistivity assessment for the proposed substation location (13.1.4).

Soil type is established using the British Geological Survey (BGS) website as clay, sand and gravel
mixture. A value of 200 Ωm is therefore assumed from Table 6 in section 13.1.4 (Table C1 provides the
relevant extract from Table 6). Soil resistivity can also be determined by using the integrated soil
resistivity layer within UMV.

Soil Type Resistivity (Ωm)

Clay, sand and gravel mixture 40 – 250

Table C1: Extract of Typical Soil Resistivity Values (Table 6 Section 13.1.4)

The second step is to establish the local electrode resistance for the Square Double RMU/Transformer
type substation for a soil resistivity of 200 Ωm. A value of 9.90 Ω is therefore assumed from Table 7 in
section 13.1.5 (Table C2 provides the relevant extract from Table 7).

Local Electrode Resistances for Various Substation Types

Earth Additional
Overall
Soil Resistivity Rod Horizontal
Substation Type Resistance
(Ωm) Length Electrode
(Ω)
(m) (m)
200 Square Double RMU/Transformer 1.2 10 9.90
(4 earth rods, 5m x 8m perimeter electrode)

Table C2: Extract of Local Electrode Resistances for Various Substation Types (Table 7 Section 13.1.5)

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 Technical Specification for Earthing and Bonding at EART-03-003
Secondary Substations Issue No. 2

The third step is to carry out a network contribution assessment 13.1.6. In this example, the surrounding
network is a sparse HV/LV system with mostly polymeric cable type to the north of development and
greenfield land to the east, south and west. Taking a circle of effective radius 1600 m around the point
of connection to the existing network and splitting this into 4 quadrants, the network contribution can be
estimated using Table 15 from section 13.1.6 (Table C3 provides the relevant extract from Table 15).
In this case the soil resistivity of 200 Ωm would give an effective radius of 1600 m and a network
contribution of 9.75 Ω) when taking account there is only one full quadrant of surrounding network (only
one to the north with nothing to the east, south and west).

Network
Network Network Network
Contribution
Soil Contribution Contribution Contribution
Effective Area Minimum Earth
Resistivity Minimum Earth Minimum Earth Minimum Earth
Radius (m) Resistance (Ω)
(Ωm) Resistance (Ω) Resistance (Ω) Resistance (Ω)
Three
One Quadrant Two Quadrants Four Quadrants
Quadrants
200 1600 9.75 4.87 3.25 2.44

Table C3: Extract of ‘Non PILC Cables – Low Density & HV & LV Network Contribution’ (Table 15 Section
13.1.6)

The fourth and final step is to calculate the EPR (13.1.7).

IGR = GR% x IF
EPR = IGR x RB

IGR = Ground Return Current

IF = Total Earth Fault Current
RB = Resistance of secondary substation earth electrode in parallel with any network
contribution
GR% = Percentage of the total Earth Fault Current which returns through the general mass of
earth

Line-Ground Symmetrical RMS Fault current at 90 ms is provided by SPEN and in this case = 2.12 kA

Earth Fault Current (IF) = 2.12 x 1.15 = 2.44 kA (Includes 15% increase in fault level headroom).

% current return via ground = 30% since fed by underground cable network (70% goes back to the
primary source through continuous metallic cable sheath)

Ground return current (IGR) = 0.3 x 2.44 = 0.732 kA

Local electrode resistance = 9.90 Ω (Calculated in step 2)

Network contribution = 9.75 Ω (Calculated in step 3)

Overall earth resistance (RB) = (9.90 x 9.75) / (9.90 + 9.75) = 4.91 Ω

EPR = IGR x RB = 732 x 4.91 = 3594 V

EPR >2.33 kV so Extremely High EPR. A bespoke design is required. A standard earthing design
will not be possible to safely control step and touch potentials. Refer to section 12 for more
details on EPR levels and limits. Refer to Appendix 1 for the information required for a secondary
substation specialist earthing study.

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