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Case Studies: Earthing in

Transmission and Distribution

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Case Study-1: Measurements of earth-
resistance of the distribution transformers:
Table-1: Earth resistance sample
measurements
S. No. Range of earth resistance No of DTs
1 1 to 5 ohms 168
2 5 to 10 ohms 42
3 10 to 15 ohms 12
4 15 to 20 ohms 11
5 20 and above 16
Total Distribution Trx 249
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Case Study-1: Measurements of earth-
resistance of the distribution transformers:
Observations:
1. The maximum neutral to earth voltage at the
consumer premises on the appliance is found
to be to the tune of 30volts,
2. In one case, there were frequent voltage
fluctuations causing failure of lamps,
3. In another case, the phase and neutral
voltage was abnormally high on R-phase, and
low on Y&B-phases of the same transformer,
4. In one of the cases, the LT cable was hot and
kit-kat failure was observed. Cont.. 3
Case Study-1: Measurements of earth-
resistance of the distribution transformers:
Observations:
5. In case of one of the transformers feeder end-
pole earth-wire was giving mild shock.
Examination:
On digging the earth-station it was found that the
earth wire was damaged.
Neutral connection in side the transformer was
damaged.
Failure of coil insulation inside of the
transformers.
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Case Study-1: Measurements of earth-
resistance of the distribution transformers:
Root cause:
Earth- conductor used as neutral in few houses,
Earth-conductor was loose at earth electrode,
L&F on UPS-single phase.
Remedial measures:
Frequent check on 3ph currents and neutral
current, and balance them,
Frequent check on current on earth as well as
neutral conductor,

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Case Study-2: Sample measurements in PSEB:

Table-2
S. No. No of Earth resistance
Distribution Min Max
Transformers
1 15 1.03 19.89
2 19 2.56 367
3 8 5.68 303
4 15 9.2 1535

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Case Study -2: Sample measurements
Observations:
1. Within a span of five years of service, the GI
wire connecting the transformer body to earth
got rusted.
2. Some locations the earth conductor at earth
electrode was twisted.
3. Some locations the earth conductor at earth
electrode was broken.
4. At one location the earth conductor at neutral
has multiple connections.
Cont
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Case Study-2: Sample measurements in PSEB:
Root cause:
Lack of awareness of importance of earth wire,
Attitude about quality of job,
No written procedure to be followed as a part of
transformer installations.
Remedial measure:
Bring awareness at lower levels,
Call the supplier and give a demonstration to
linemen,
Introduce work instructions for making an earth-
stations, and maintenance,
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Yearly inspection by third party,
Recommended values of earth resistance of
Distribution Transformers
REC standard recommends less than 2 ohms for
pole mounted substations,
Electrical Inspectors insists upon earth electrode
resistance less than 1 ohm,
The earth electrode resistance value also carries
importance from the point of view of full
protection by lighting arrestors against lightning,
IE rules 1956 does not recommend the value, but
insists on keeping the safe touch potential less
than 523V and step potential less than 1510V.
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AND FINALLY!

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