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Earthing Calculations

ElectaCourse.com
1
2005 Last Updated August 2006

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R1

Ze

R2
2

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R1

Ze

Zs

R2

Total Impedance Zs = Ze + (R1+R2)

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Where:
Ze is the external earth fault
loop impedance in ohms ()
Typical values based on a
100A service are:
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TN-S system
0.8
TN-C-S system
0.35
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The resistance of the final

circuit phase conductor
The resistance of the final
circuit protective conductor

Unit of measurement, the

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Indirect shock calculations

A circuit is wired in pvc multicore 70
C sheath
(thermoplastic) with copper conductors having phase
and cpc sizes of 2.5/1.0mm2 respectively.
The length of circuit is 30 metres and protection
is by a 20A BS 88 cartridge fuse.
If the value of Ze = 0.7and disconnection is to occur
within 0.4 seconds check for indirect shock protection.

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Length of final circuit 30 metres

2.5/1.0mm 2
70
C sheath

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TABLE 9A

(Page 158 OSG)

Values of resistance for copper and aluminium

conductors and of R1 + R2 at 20C in m/metre
Cross-sectional area
(mm 2)
Phase
conductor

1
1
1.5
1.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
4

Protective
conductor

1
1.5
1
1.5
2.5
-

Resistance/metre
or (R1+R2)/metre m/m )
Copper

18.10
36.20
12.10
24.2
7.41
25.51
19.51
14.82
4.61

Aluminium

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30 metres

25.51m
per metre

Total R1 + R2 = 25.51 mx 30 metres = 765.3 m

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Electrical resistance increases

with temperature rise

Ambient temperature Heat generated by Heat produced by

current flow
other circuit conductors
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Increase of resistance with temperature

Remember! Resistance
increases with
temperature rise

70
C

20
C

R1 + R2 @ 70
C

R1 + R2 @ 20
C
Multiplied by 1.2 gives
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Table 9C (Page 160 OSG)

Conductor temperature factors

Conductor installation

Conductor insulation
70
C 85
90
C
C
pvc rubber thermosetting

Not incorporated in a
cable and not bunched
- notes 1,3

1.04

1.04

1.04

Incorporated in a cable
or bunched - note 2, 3

1.2

1.26

1.28

Twin & c.p.c

Trunking

Conduit
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Value of R1 + R2 calculated at 20
C
To allow for temperature rise multiply
by 1.2
Therefore 765.3 m x 1.2 = 918.36 m
Convert to ohms () = 918.36 m/1000

0.918
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Calculating Zs
Corrected value of R1+R2 = 0.918

Zs = Ze + (R1 + R2) = 0.7 + 0.918 = 1.618

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Comparing Results

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The calculated value of total

impedance Zs must not be
greater than tabulated values in

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Maximum permitted values of Zs

41B1 - maximum values of Zs for fuses
where disconnection is to be within 0.4 seconds

41B2 - maximum values of Zs for circuit breakers

41D - maximum values of Zs for fuses
where disconnection is to be within 5.0 seconds
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Where to find maximum values of Zs

Tables 41B1 - page 45

Tables 41B2 - page 46

Tables 41D - page 48
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Table 41 B1
Extract only - Not full table
Values of Zs for 0.4 seconds disconnection
(a) General purpose (gG) fuses to BS 88 Parts 2 and 6

Rating
(amperes)

Zs (ohms) 8.89

10

16

5.33

2.82

20

25

1.85 1.50

32
1.09

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Comparing Results
Corrected value of R1+R2 = 0.918
Zs = Ze + (R1 + R2) = 0.7 + 0.918 = 1.618
To allow disconnection to be achieved
within 0.4 seconds the calculated value
must be within the tabulated value
Tabulated value 1.85 Greater Than
Therefore circuit complies

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Disconnection
Times

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Fixed equipment within the main equipotential zone

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Fixed equipment outside the main equipotential zone

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Socket outlet circuits feeding equipment

located within the main earthed
equipotential zone

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Socket outlet circuits feeding portable

equipment intended to be used outside
of the main earthed equipotential zone

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