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Grounding in Electrical Power Distribution Systems

This one and one-half day seminar is based on ANSI/IEEE Standard #80 “IEEE Guide for Safety in AC Substations Grounding”. It builds on the theoretical fundamentals of grounding and provides the participant with the practical knowledge and application to design and test the grounding system to ensure safety for those who work on the system as well as the public.

In particular, the tolerable current for the human body and the maximum allowable step, touch and ground potential rise will be explained. Analysis of ground fault currents and how to effectively ground the system components will be discussed.

Two study cases illustrate the complexity and specific grounding problems that may be encountered in some territories and the implications of various solutions to meet the Canadian Electrical Code.

Who Should Attend

This seminar is designed for engineers and technologists who are engaged in the design of power distribution system installations.

What’s Included

A bound set of notes will be provided. Snacks, refreshments and lunch will be freely available to all attendees.

Instructors

Wallas H. Khella, Ph.D., P.Eng.

Wallas has spent 13 years in industrial plants, followed by 25 years with Ontario electrical utilities. He has a thorough knowledge of overhead and underground distribution systems, distribution substations and protective devices. Over the last 30+ years, Wallas has taught various courses in Power System Engineering as part of the Continuing Educational Program of The University of Toronto for the IEEE and to several professional development organizations in Canada and abroad.

Seminar Agenda

Workshop starts at 8:30 AM and concludes at 3:00 PM. Lunch and snacks are provided. Attendees will receive an email about a week before the start of seminar that will provide more details on the course.

Topics covered in the seminar include:

  • Introduction and Purpose of Grounding
    • System Grounding
    •  Equipment Grounding
  • Sources of Voltage Rise on System Components
  • Tolerable Limits for Body Current
  • Analysis of Grounding Systems
    • Grounding Standards and References
    • Calculation of Step and Touch Voltages
    • Analysis of Ground Grid Fault Current
    • Grounding Electrodes and Mats
  • Soil Considerations
    • Characteristics (Moisture and Temperature)
    • Chemical Content
    • Crushed Stone
    • Measurement of Soil Resistivity
    • Methods to Lower Soil Resistivity
      • Methods to Improve Ground Resistance
  • Selection of Conductors and Connectors
    • Thermal Capacity
    • Mechanical Strength
    • Connector Types
  • Grounding of System Components
    • Distribution Substations
      • Soil Resistivity
      • Ground Grid Resistance
      • Ground Potential Rise
      • Touch Voltage
      • Step Voltage
    • Overhead Distribution System
    • Underground Distribution System
    • Service Entrance Equipment
  • Special Considerations & Hazards
    • Switch Handles
    • Switch Handles
    • Distribution Poles (Wood, Concrete, & Steel)
    • Fences
    • Cable Shields & Concentric Neutral Grounding
    • Surge Arresters
    • Grounding Transformers
    • Portable Protective Grounds
  • Ground Grid Maintenance
    • Visual and Manual Inspection of Grounding Systems
    • Testing Methods and Equipment
  • Ground Fault Protection
    • Ground Fault Sensing
    • Requirements for GFP
  • Study Cases
    • Case Study #1
      • Exploring alternatives for reducing the high grounding resistance at SS site.
      • Interconnecting with the system neutral as a solution.
      • Calculation of induced voltage on joint use communication cable.
    • Case Study #2
      • Ground grid calculations using IEEE #80 Equations for a large interconnecting substation.