7/1/2024 Guide on

Grounding
Analysis Using
CDEGS

Harikrishnan Prakash
Grounding
Grounding, also commonly referred to as grounding, is a crucial aspect of electrical systems, ensuring
the safety and stability of electrical installations. While the terms "grounding" and "earthing" are used
interchangeably, with North America favoring the former and the rest of the world opting for the latter, the
underlying principles remain consistent across the globe.

General definition: Making an electrical connection to the mass of the earth through a conductive
material.

Types of Grounding/Earthing:

System Grounding:
• Primarily associated with current-carrying conductors, such as the neutral point of transformers or
generators.
• Essential for the overall security and reliability of the electrical system.

Subtypes of System Grounding:

• Solid Grounding
• Resistance Grounding
• Inductance Grounding
• Peterson Coil Grounding

Equipment Grounding
• Focuses on creating an electrical connection with non-conductive surfaces.
• Primarily implemented for the safety of human life, animals, and property.
• A vital component in preventing electrical shocks and minimizing the risk of fire.

Lightning protection Grounding

• Specialized grounding to protect structures and systems from lightning strikes.
• Involves directing the immense energy of lightning safely into the ground, preventing damage to
the structure.

Static Grounding
• A unique form of grounding designed to mitigate the buildup of static electricity.
• Particularly crucial in industries where static discharge could pose significant risks, such as in fuel
storage or chemical processing.

In conclusion, grounding, or earthing, is a fundamental practice in electrical engineering that

encompasses various types tailored to specific needs. Whether ensuring the safety of individuals and
property or maintaining the stability of electrical systems, grounding plays a pivotal role in the seamless
functioning of our technologically driven world. Understanding the nuances of each type of grounding is
essential for engineers, electricians, and anyone involved in the design and maintenance of electrical
systems.
 Calculation of ground resistance
In the determination of ground resistance, the Earth is
conceptualized as a hemisphere with the grounding
electrode positioned at its center. Grounding
resistance refers to the resistance encountered from
the earth electrode to various depths within the
ground. For ease of computation, the soil resistivity is
assumed to be uniform across all regions.

Imagine the current emanating from the center of the

earth electrode diffusing uniformly in all directions,
reflecting the consistent electrical nature of the soil. At
every depth, the surface of the hemisphere maintains
equal potential, essentially transforming this surface
into a thin conductor.

Expressed mathematically, the radius of this

hemisphere is denoted as 'r' [m]. Consequently, the
surface area 'A' [m²] is precisely half of the entire
spherical surface area, defined by the formula:

A = 2 ∗ π ∗ r2

To account for the minute thickness (Δr) of

soil adhered to the surface of the
hemisphere, the resistance (ΔR) of this thin
layer can be calculated using the resistivity
of the soil (ρ).

The formula for determining the resistance

(ΔR) in this context is given by:

ρ ∗ dr
ΔR =
A

The resistance (R) of a segment of earth between depths R1 and R2 can be expressed using the
integral of resistivity (ρ) with respect to the radial distance (dr) over the surface area (2πr2):

𝑅2
ρ ∗ dr ρ 1 1
𝑅=∫ 2
= ∗[ − ]
𝑅1 2πr 2π 𝑅1 𝑅2

When considering the ground resistance (R) at a depth of R1 where R2 tends towards infinity, the
expression simplifies to:
ρ
𝑅=
2π ∗ R1
Soil Resistivity Measurements

Soil resistivity is a critical factor in designing grounding systems, as it influences the overall resistance of
the grounding system to the earth. According to IEEE 80, accurate measurement of soil resistivity is
essential to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the grounding system. The primary method used for
measuring soil resistivity is the Wenner four-point method, which involves placing four equally spaced
electrodes in a straight line on the soil surface.

In the Wenner method, a current is passed between the outer two electrodes, while the potential
difference is measured between the inner two electrodes. The resistivity of the soil is then calculated
using the formula:

4 𝜋𝑎𝑅
ρa =
2𝑎 𝑎
1+ +
√{4𝑎 + 𝑏 } √{𝑎 + 𝑏 2 }
2 2 2

• ρa is the apparent resistivity of the soil in Ω-m.

• R (V/I) is the measured resistance in Ω.
• a is the distance between adjacent electrodes in m.
• b is the depth of the electrodes in m.
• V is the voltage measured between the voltage probes.
• I is the current passed through the current probes.

When the spacing b between the voltage probes is small compared to a (the spacing between the
current and voltage probes), the formula for soil resistivity simplifies. This scenario is often the case in
practical applications. The simplified formula is:
𝑉
ρ = 2πa ∗
I

This method is preferred due to its simplicity and accuracy in various soil conditions. It provides a reliable
means of obtaining a soil resistivity profile, which can be used to design an effective grounding system.
It's crucial to conduct these measurements at multiple depths and locations to account for soil
heterogeneity and to develop an accurate soil model.
Example of soil resistivity measurement using Wenner method:

Probe Depth of Resistance Apparent Resistance Apparent

Spacing (m) Probe (m) (Ω) Resistivity (Ωm) (Ω) Resistivity (Ωm)
1 0.2 21.49 135 22.07 138.7
2 0.3 10.55 132.6 16.84 211.6
5 0.3 2.08 65.3 3.966 124.6
10 0.3 0.77 48.4 0.949 59.6
20 0.3 0.4 50.3 0.42 52.8
50 0.3 0.13 40.8 0.163 51.2
100 0.3 0.08 50.3 0.07 44
150 0.3 0.06 56.5 0.05 47.1
 RESAP
The RESAP module in CDEGS is used for the analysis and design of grounding systems, where
modeling the soil accurately is crucial for determining the performance of the grounding system. Here’s
how the process of modeling soil typically unfolds in RESAP:

Step 1: Data Input

Define the configuration of electrodes for the grounding system within the RESAP module. This includes
specifying the layout of grounding conductors, rods, or grids that will be analyzed against the modeled
soil.

Step 2: Once the data is input, hit the Compute button to process the soil model. The RESAP module will
use the provided electrode configuration and soil parameters to calculate the grounding system's
interaction with the soil.

Step 3: After computing, hit the Plot button to visualize the soil model. This plot will display the resistivity
profile, providing a clear picture of how the system is expected to perform.

Metric/Logarithmic X and Y LEGEND

3
10
Measured Data
Computed Results Curve
Soil Model

Measurement Method..: Wenner

RMS error...........: 9.114%

Layer Resistivity Thickness

Number (Ohm-m) (Meters)
====== ============== ==============
Air Infinite Infinite
2 149.5543 2.134449
Apparent Resistivity (Ohm-meters)

3 41.63514 6.978436
4 48.67416 Infinite
10 2

10 1
10 -2 10 -1 10 0 10 1 10 2 10 3 RESAP <Ashfield TS >

Inter-Electrode Spacing (meters)

[Date: 2024/ 6/30, Time: 7:14:24]

Valid License No: 2568 S/N 1573448913 Customer: Tetra Tech Canada Inc SES CDEGS
 Ground Potential Rise

Ground Potential Rise (GPR) or Earth Potential Rise is a

phenomenon that occurs when large amounts of electricity enter the earth. This is typically caused when
substations or high-voltage towers fault, or when lightning strikes occur (fault current). When currents of
large magnitude enter the earth from a grounding system, not only will the grounding system rise in
electrical potential, but so will the surrounding soil as well.
“The maximum electrical potential that a substation grounding grid may attain relative to a distant
grounding point assumed to be at the potential of remote earth. This voltage known as GPR is equal to
the maximum grid current times the grid resistance” (IEEE 80, 2013).

Ground potential at a depth of R1 from the surface of the earth can be written as:

If ∗ ρ
𝐸𝑝 = 𝐼𝑓 ∗ 𝑅 =
2π ∗ R1

Where:
• Ep is the ground potential at a specified depth [V],
• If is the ground fault current passing through the grounding conductor [A],
• ρ is the resistivity of the soil [Ω*m],
• R1 is the distance from the surface where Ep is calculated [m].

From this equation, it’s clear that ground potential is maximum when R1 is minimum ie, near the
grounding conductor.

The voltages produced by a Ground Potential Rise or Earth Potential Rise event can be hazardous to
both personnel and equipment. As described earlier, soil resistivity which will allow an electrical potential
gradient or voltage drop to occur along the path of the fault current in the soil. The resulting potential
differences will cause currents to flow into all nearby grounded conductive bodies, including concrete,
pipes, copper wires and people.

Step and Touch potential

“The difference in surface potential experienced by a person bridging a distance of 1m with the feet
without contacting any grounded object” (IEEE 80, 2013).

Notice the two imaginary points identified in below figure as P1 and P2. Voltage of P1 relative to remote
earth is V1 and that of P2 is V2. If the distance between P1 and P2 is 1m and a person put one foot at
P1 and another at P2 then he will experience a step voltage of (V2-V1).
“The potential difference between ground potential rise [GPR] and the surface potential at the point
where a person is standing while at the same time having a hand in contact with a grounded structure”
(IEEE 80, 2013).
 When a fault occurs in a substation and ground
current flows into the buried ground grid, potential of
ground grid in the substation is elevated to value
equal to GPR. Since all the metallic objects in the
substation are bonded to the same ground grid, all
metallic objects (steel beams, transformers
enclosures etc.) also attain GPR voltage. Now,
surface potential (potential where a person is
standing) can have another potential depending on
the GPR profile (shape of GPR curve from point of
fault to remote earth location). Depending on GPR
profile there could be difference in potential (voltage)
between metallic object that person is touching and
surface potential where he is standing. This voltage
difference is known as touch potential or touch
voltage.

Range of tolerable current as per IEEE 80-2013

Effects of an electric current passing through the vital parts of a human body depend on the duration,
magnitude, and frequency of this current. The most dangerous consequence of such an exposure is a
heart condition known as ventricular fibrillation, resulting in immediate arrest of blood circulation.

1 mA - Threshold of Perception: This is the minimum current level at which a person begins to perceive a
tingling sensation in their hands or fingertips, indicating the presence of electrical current.

1 mA to 6 mA - Let-Go Currents: Within this range, currents may be unpleasant but generally do not
impair muscle control. Individuals can still release an energized object they are holding.

9 mA to 25 mA - Painful Range: Currents in this range can cause pain and make it challenging to release
energized objects. Severe contractions may impact breathing, but effects are typically reversible upon
current interruption.

60 mA to 100 mA - Danger Zone: At these levels, there is a risk of ventricular fibrillation, heart stoppage,
or inhibited respiration, leading to potential injury or death. Immediate CPR by a trained individual is
crucial after ensuring safety.
Hence, the purpose of grounding design is to keep shock currents below the fibrillation threshold. If
shock currents can be kept below this value by a carefully designed grounding system, injury or death
may be avoided.

Tolerable Body current limit:

• IB is the rms magnitude of the current • ts is the duration of the current exposure in
through the body in A seconds
 Procedure for Grounding Study using CDEGS.
Step 1: Extract Ground Grid

Find Grounding electrical layout plan view and extract just the ground conductors and ground rods into a
separate AutoCAD file.
• Before importing, keep only the ground grid and delete everything else. (Right click-> select
similar)
• Always define two layers (or more depending on various depths), one for horizontal conductors
and one for vertical ground rods and define proper depth so that we don’t need to do that in
CDEGS separately.
• Select the conductor ->define Elevation (or Center Z) as depth of the layer.
• Always keep the earth grid at origin. (Use move command)

Step 2: To import AutoCAD file into MALZ module.

• File-> import-> Select autocad file.

• Only select the layers that you want.

• Define which layer is main conductor and which one is main rod.
 • Go to settings and define rod height. (Depth of rod from ground grid).

Step 3: Define soil model in MALZ.

Define soil model either by importing or by user defined layers.

Step 4: Find Grid Impedance.

Introduce an energization of 1<0 A on a small conductor near the main transformer to find Ground Grid
impedance.

• Click the Save & Run button. The system will begin processing the data, which may take some
time depending on the complexity of the model.

• Once processing is complete, use the SESResultsViewer to analyze the results. This tool will
display the output in a user-friendly format, allowing you to evaluate the performance of your
design.

• Hit Report and you should be able to see the Impedance of Ground Grid.
Step 7: Find Split Current.

Open FCDIST to model Transmission line shield wires.

Transmission lines carry large currents, and during faults or abnormal conditions, significant portions of
these currents can enter the ground. Modeling transmission line parameters allows for an accurate
assessment of how these currents are distributed between the line and the ground grid.

• Convert ground grid impedance to rectangular form and input to Grid Impedance tab.

• Add infinite layer soil resistivity under Average Soil Characteristics tab.

• Add terminals based on the number of circuits connected to the substation.

• Select the correct model of T-line shield wire, Input Fault current contribution to the substation,
Span length, Tower impedance and proper coordinates of tower arms based on T-line model.
Example of a T-Line tower structure:

• After modelling all the T-line circuits, hit Process followed by View Plots and Reports
FCDIST will compute the Total Earth Current through the ground grid based on the accuracy of the
model.

Step 8: Energize the conductor with the calcuated Earth Current.

Step 9: Generate profiles.

Create 1x1 meter square profiles over the substation area to evaluate step and touch potentials,
ensuring comprehensive coverage as per IEEE 80 guidelines.

Note: To evaluate touch potential, use the "fill minimal surface" option with a 0-meter border offset since
there's no need to check touch voltages outside the substation. For step potential, use the “Fill Bounding
Box” option with a 20-meter border offset to ensure that step voltages outside the substation are
computed accurately.

Step 10: Save and Run.

Step 11: Analyze the results with SESResultsViewer.

GPR Plot (No need to generate profile for GPR)

Touch Voltage Plot:

Step Voltage Plot: