PART 1 GENERAL AND COMMON ASPECTS

SECTION 18 EARTHING

FOREWORD
Earthing provides safety of persons and apparatus against earth faults. Any system is
characterized by the type of distribution system, which include types of systems of live
conductors and types of system earthing. The different types of earthing systems are also
covered under this Part 1/Section 18 of the Code.

1 SCOPE
This Indian Standard (Part 1/Sec 18) of the Code covers general requirements associated with
earthing in electrical installations. Specific requirements for earthing in individual installations
are covered in respective Parts of the Code.
NOTE — This Section shall be read in conjunction with the provisions of IS 3043.

2 REFERENCES
The standards listed below contain provisions, which through reference in this text, constitute
provisions of this standard. At the time of publication, the editions indicated were valid. All
standards are subject to revision, and parties to agreements based on this standard are
encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions of the standards.

IS No./International
publications Title
732: 2019 Code of practice for electrical wiring installations (fourth revision)
3043: 2018 Code of practice for earthing (second revision)
Protection against lightning: Part 3 Physical damage to structures and life
IS/IEC 62305-3: 2010 hazard

3 GENERAL REMARKS
NOTES
1 Only AC systems is considered in this section.
2 For information on functional earthing system please refer 4.5.4.5.5 of IS 732.

3.1 Basic Purpose of Earth Fault Protection

The occurrence of an earth fault in an installation creates two possible hazards:

a) Firstly, voltages appear between exposed conductive parts and extraneous conductive
parts, and if these parts are simultaneously accessible, these voltages constitute a shock
hazard, this condition being known as indirect contact.
b) Secondly, the fault current that flows in the phase and protective conductors of the
circuit feeding the faulty equipment may be of such a magnitude as to cause an
excessive temperature rise in those conductors, thereby creating a fire hazard.

3.2 The protective measure known as earthed equipotential bonding and automatic
disconnection of the supply is intended to give a high degree of protection against both hazards.
The choice of protective device used to give disconnection is influenced by the type of system
of which the installation is part, because either:
 a) the earth fault loop impedance has to be low enough to allow adequate earth fault
current flow to cause an overcurrent protective device (for example, a fuse or circuit
breaker) in the faulty circuit to operate in a sufficiently short time; or

b) where it is not possible to achieve a low enough earth fault loop impedance,
disconnection may be initiated by fitting a residual current device (RCD) of 30 mA
rating.
3.3 The subject of earthing covers the problems associated with connection of exposed
conductive part of installations to the main earthing terminal of that installation and achieving
automatic disconnection of supply before the fault voltage creates a shock hazard. The terms
earth and earthing have been used in this Code, irrespective of reliance being placed on the
earth itself, to denote a low impedance return path of the fault current. As a matter of fact, the
earth now rarely serves as a part of the return circuit but is being used mainly for fixing the
voltage of system neutrals.

3.4 Earthing shall generally be carried out in accordance with the requirements of latest Central
Electricity Authority (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2010 as
amended from time to time, and the relevant regulations of the electricity supply authority
concerned.

3.5 In cases where direct earthing may prove harmful rather than provide safety (for example,
high frequency and mains frequency coreless induction furnaces), relaxation may be obtained
from the competent authority.

3.6 All connections shall be carefully made. If they are poorly made or inadequate for the
purpose for which they are intended, loss of life or serious personal injury may result. It is
recommended that the value of any earth fault loop impedance shall be such as to conform to
the degree of shock protection desired.

3.7 It is recommended that a drawing showing the earthing system be prepared for each
installation.
3.8 No addition to the current-carrying system either temporary or permanent, shall be made,
which will increase the maximum available earth fault current or its duration until it has been
ascertained that the existing arrangement of earthing system are capable of carrying the new
value of earth fault current which may be obtained by this addition.

3.9 No cut-out, link or switch other than a linked switch arranged to operate simultaneously on
the earthed or earthed neutral conductor and the live conductors shall be inserted on any supply
system. This however, does not include the case of a switch for use in controlling a generator
or a transformer or a link for test purposes.

3.10 As far as the value of the earth resistance is concerned, the objective from the point of
safety consideration is not to attain minimum value of the earth resistance as is sometimes
understood. But the consideration should be whether there is adequate co-ordination between
the practically obtainable value of the earth fault loop and setting of the protective relays.

3.11 Independent Earthing

An earthing arrangement may be considered electrically independent of another earthing
arrangement if a rise of potential with respect to earth in one earthing arrangement does not
cause an unacceptable rise of potential with respect to earth in the other earthing arrangement.

4 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
4.1 System Earthing

4.1.1 Earthing of system is designed primarily to preserve the security of the system by
ensuring that the potential on each conductor is restricted to such a value as is consistent with
the level of insulation applied. From the point of view of safety, it is equally important that
earthing should ensure efficient and fast operation of protective gear in the case of earth faults.

Commonly used system earthing are TN, TT and IT.

First letter – Relationship of the power system to earth:

T = direct connection of one point to earth;
I = all live parts isolated from earth, or one point connected to earth through a high impedance.

Second letter – Relationship of the exposed-conductive-parts of the installation to earth:

T = direct electrical connection of exposed-conductive-parts to earth, independently of the earthing of any point
of the power system;

N = direct electrical connection of the exposed-conductive-parts to the earthed point of the power system (in a.c.
systems, the earthed point of the power system is normally the neutral point or, if a neutral point is not available,
a line conductor).

Subsequent letter(s) (if any) – Arrangement of neutral and protective conductors:

S = protective function provided by a conductor separate from the neutral conductor or from the earthed line (or,
in a.c. systems, earthed phase) conductor.
C = neutral and protective functions combined in a single conductor (PEN conductor).

NOTES
1 TN/TT system, safety is achieved by Automatic disconnection of supply.
2 IT system ensure continuity of supply during first fault. This can be used for application such as hospitals, control system, safety
supplies, etc. Monitoring of insulation and rectification of first fault as quick as possible is essential.
3 TN system – A system having one or more points of the source of energy directly earthed, the exposed conductive-parts of the
installation being connected to that point by protective conductors.
4 TN-C system – A system in which neutral and protective conductors are combined in a single conductor throughout the system.
5 TN-S system – A system having separate neutral and protective conductor throughout the system.
6 TN-C-S system – A system in which neutral and protective conductors are combined in a single conductor in part of the system.
7 TT system – A system having one point of the source of energy directly earthed, the exposed conductive-parts of the installation
being connected to the earth electrodes electrically independent of the earth electrodes of the source.
8 IT system – A system having no direct connection between live parts and earth, the exposed conductive parts of the electrical
installation earthed independently or collectively.

4.1.2 In a TN/TT system, neutral shall be earthed only at one place except in a TN-C-S system
with PME. In a TN-C-S system with PME, combined neutral and PE conductor (called as PEN
conductor) shall be earthed at the source, at the distribution and at origin of installation. Neutral
shall not be earthed downstream the origin of installation.
NOTES
1 Origin of installation is also called as point of commencement of supply.
2 Distribution means the points in between the source and origin of installation.
3 In a.c. systems, the earthed point of the power system is normally the neutral point or, if a neutral point is not available, a
 line conductor

4.2 Equipment Earthing

4.2.1 The objective of equipment earthing is to ensure effective operation of the protective gear
in the event of leakage through such metal work, the potential of which with respect to
neighboring objects may attain a value which would cause danger to life or risk of fire.

4.2.2 The earth fault loop impedance should be such that when any fault occurs against which
earthing is designed to give protection, the protective gear will operate to make the faulty
portions of circuit harmless. In most cases such operation involves isolation of the faulty circuit
by circuit-breaker or fuses.

4.3 Earthing of Installations in Buildings

4.3.1 Disconnection time for earth fault: The maximum allowed disconnection time (t in
seconds) during fault derived from IS 3043 are given in Table 1 below.

Table 1 Maximum Allowed Disconnection Times

(Clause 4.3.1)

Sl no. Prospective Condition 1 (DRY) Condition 2 (WET)

Touch
Z1 I t Z2 I t
Voltage Uc
(Ω) (mA) (s) (Ω) (mA) (s)
(V)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8)
i) 50 1725 29 5.000 925 54 0.470
ii) 110 1535 72 0.360 730 151 0.180
iii) 220 1375 160 0.170 575 383 0.035
1 Dry or moist locations, dry skin and significant floor resistance.
2 Wet locations, wet skin and low floor resistance.

4.4 Safety by Protective Equipotential Bonding and Automatic Disconnection of the

Supply

4.4.1 The two aims of this protective measure are to:

a) ensure that when an earth fault occurs, the voltages appearing between exposed
conductive parts and extraneous conductive parts in the location are minimized; and
b) ensure rapid disconnection of the circuit in which that earth fault occurs.

4.4.2 In order to reduce voltage appearing between exposed and extraneous conductive parts,
protective equipotential bonding zones are created by connecting exposed and extraneous
conductive parts to the MET of the zone.

4.4.3 An installation may consist of number of zones for instance, when an installation supplies
number of buildings, equipotential bonding is necessary in each building so that each
constitutes a zone having a reference point to which the exposed conductive parts of the circuits
and extraneous conductive parts in that building are connected. Large buildings shall have
several zones with in the building
4.4.4 Rapid disconnection of the circuit in which the earth fault occurs is met by limiting the
upper value of the earth fault loop impedance of each circuit to a value determined by the type
and current rating of the protective device concerned such that, on the occurrence of an earth
fault (assumed to be of negligible impedance), disconnection will occur before the prospective
touch voltage reaches a harmful value.

4.4.5 It is recommended that the maximum sustained voltage developed under fault conditions
between exposed metal required to be earthed and the consumer’s earth terminal shall not
exceed 32 V rms.

4.5 TN System (Earth Fault Loop Impedance is Important for Automatic Disconnection
of Supply During Earth Fault)

4.5.1 The characteristics of the protective devices and the cross-sectional area of conductors
shall be so chosen that if a fault of negligible impedance occurs anywhere between a phase
conductor and a protective conductor or exposed conductive part, automatic disconnection of
the supply will occur within the minimum possible safe time. The time of operation would
depend on the magnitude of the contact potential. As a general rule, 65 V may be cleared within
10 s and voltages of the order of 240 V and above shall be cleared instantaneously

This requirement is met if:

Zs × Ia < Uo
Where,
Zs = fault loop impedance,
Ia = current ensuring the automatic operation of disconnecting device, and
Uo = conventional voltage limits.

4.5.2 In order that the devices will give thermal protection to the protective conductor &
considering the tolerance requirement in IS 732, the condition of automatic disconnection is
met if the fault loop impedance satisfies

2 𝑈𝑜
𝑍𝑠(𝑚) = ∗
3 𝐼𝑎
Where,
Zs(m) = the measured impedance of the fault current loop starting and ending at the point of fault (Ω);
Uo = the line conductor to earthed neutral voltage (V); and
Ia = the current causing the automatic operation of the protective device within the stipulated
disconnection time.

4.5.3 Where the measured value of the fault loop impedance exceeds 2Uo/3Ia, a more precise
assessment of compliance with IS 732 is recommended.

4.5.4 Recommended Maximum Earth Fault Loop Impedance Values for MCB’s - Zs(m)
(see Table 2)

Table 2 Maximum Allowed Earth Fault Loop Impedance for MCB’s

(Clause 4.5.4)

MCB rating in
6 10 16 20 25 32 40 50 63 80 100 125
Amps
 ZS in Ω (Type B
5.11 3.07 1.92 1.53 1.23 0.96 0.77 0.61 0.49 0.38 0.31 0.25
MCB)
ZS in Ω (Type C
2.56 1.53 0.96 0.77 0.61 0.48 0.38 0.31 0.24 0.19 0.15 0.12
MCB)
ZS in Ω (Type D
1.28 0.77 0.48 0.38 0.31 0.24 0.19 0.15 0.12 0.10 0.08 0.06
MCB)

4.6 TT system (Resistance of earthing system is important for automatic disconnection

of supply during earth fault)

All exposed conductive parts collectively protected by the same protective device shall be
interconnected by protective conductors with an earth electrode common to all those parts.
Where several protective devices are used in series, this requirement applies separately to all
the exposed conductive parts protected by each device. For compliance with the requirement,
the following shall be fulfilled:

RA × Ia < UC

Where,

R = resistance of the earthed system for exposed conductive parts,

A

Ia = operating currents of the disconnecting series device or settings of shunt relays, and
Uc = conventional voltage limit (50 V in general case and 32 V in case of relays with time lag).

NOTES
1 Earth fault loop impedance explained in 4.5 of this section cannot be fulfilled in TT system. Series disconnecting devices or
shunt relays (for example, RCCB / ELCB / CBCT and ELR) shall be used for earth fault protection.
2 The maximum allowed residual current of these protective device is 30 mA for human protection and 300 mA for protection
against fire due to earth fault.

4.6.1 Maximum earth electrode resistance in TT system protected by RCD’s and limit touch
voltage < 50 V (refer Table 14 and 24.4 of IS 3043).

a) 30 mA RCD = 1666 Ω
b) 300 mA RCD = 166 Ω

4.7 IT System

The IT power system has all live parts isolated from earth or one point connected to earth
through an impedance. The exposed-conductive-parts of the electrical installation are earthed
independently or collectively.

The fault current is then low in the event of a single fault to an exposed conductive part or to
earth and automatic disconnection in accordance is not imperative provided the condition in
4.7.1 is fulfilled. Provisions shall be taken, however, to avoid risk of harmful
pathophysiological effects on a person in contact with simultaneously accessible exposed
conductive parts in the event of two faults existing simultaneously.

4.7.1 Exposed conductive parts shall be earthed individually, in groups, or collectively. The
following condition shall be fulfilled:
 RA ×ΔId ≤ 50 V
Where,

RA is the sum of the resistance in Ω of the earth electrode and protective conductor for the exposed
conductive parts.
Id is the fault current in A of the first fault of negligible impedance between a line conductor and an exposed
conductive part. The value of Id takes account of leakage currents and the total earthing impedance of the
electrical installation.

4.7.2 If IT system is used for continuity of supply, an insulation monitoring device (IMD) shall
be provided to indicate the occurrence of a first fault from a live part to exposed conductive
parts or to earth. This device shall initiate an audible and/or visual signal which shall continue
as long as the fault persists. It is recommended that a first fault be eliminated with the shortest
practicable delay.

NOTE — For other conditions on IT system, refer 4.2.11.6 of IS 732 and Fig. 6 of this Part/section of NEC.

4.8 Selection of Devices for Automatic Disconnection of Supply

In general, every circuit is provided with a means of overcurrent protection. If the earth fault
loop impedance is low enough to cause these devices to operate within the specified times (that
is, sufficient current flows earth under fault conditions), such devices may be relied upon to
give the requisite automatic disconnection of supply. If the earth fault loop impedance does not
permit the overcurrent protective devices to give automatic disconnection of the supply under
earth fault conditions, the first option is to reduce that impedance. It may be permissible for
this to be achieved by the use of protective multiple earthing system (PME).

4.9 Exposed conductive parts to be earthed are:

a) all metalwork associated with wiring system (other than current-carrying parts)
including cable sheaths and armour, conduit, ducting, trunking, boxes and catenary
wires,
b) the exposed metalwork of all Class I fixed and portable current-using equipment, and
c) the exposed metalwork of transformers used in the installation other than those that are
an integral part of equipment.

NOTE — Exposed conductive parts that (because of their small dimensions or disposition) cannot be gripped or contacted by a
major surface of the human body (that is, a human body surface not exceeding 50 mm × 50 mm) need not be earthed if the
connection of those parts to a protective conductor cannot readily be made and reliably maintained. Typical examples of such parts
are screws and nameplate, cable clips and lamp caps. Fixing screws for non-metallic accessories need not be earthed provided there
is no appreciable risk of the screws coming into contact with live parts.

4.10 Extraneous conductive parts to be earthed are:

a) metallic pipes supplying services into the building (for example, gas, water);
b) metallic central heating and air-conditioning systems;
c) structural extraneous conductive parts, if accessible in normal use;
d) metallic reinforcements of constructional reinforced concrete, if reasonably practical;
and
e) lighting protection system as per IS/IEC 62305-3.

4.11 Minimum Cross-sectional Areas of Protective Conductors

The cross-sectional area of every protective conductor shall satisfy the conditions for automatic
disconnection of supply and be capable of withstanding mechanical and thermal stresses caused
by the prospective fault current.
NOTE — Sizing of protective conductors refer 5.4.3 of IS 732.

4.12 Types of Protective Conductors

Protective conductors may consist of one or more of the following:

a) conductors in multicore cables;

b) insulated or bare conductors in a common enclosure with live conductors;
c) fixed installed bare or insulated conductors; and
d) metallic cable sheath, cable screen, cable armour, wirebraid, concentric conductor,
metallic conduit, subject to their electrical continuity shall be assured by construction
or by suitable connection so as to ensure protection against mechanical, chemical or
electrochemical deterioration.

NOTE — Where overcurrent protective devices are used for protection against electric shock, the protective conductor shall be
incorporated in the same wiring system as the live conductors or be located in their immediate proximity.

4.13 Following metal parts are not permitted for use as protective conductors or as protective
bonding conductors:

a) metallic water pipes;

b) metallic pipes containing potentially flammable materials such as gases, liquids,
powder;
c) constructional parts subject to mechanical stress in normal service;
d) flexible or pliable metal conduits, unless designed for that purpose;
e) flexible metal parts; and
f) support wires; cable trays and cable ladders.
NOTE — Examples of a protective conductor include a protective bonding conductor, a protective earthing conductor and an
earthing conductor when used for protection against electric shock.

4.14 Electrical Continuity of Protective Conductors

Protective conductors shall be suitably protected against mechanical damage, chemical or

electrochemical deterioration, electrodynamic forces and thermodynamic forces. Every
connection (for example, screwed connections, clamp connectors) between protective
conductors or between a protective conductor and other equipment shall provide durable
electrical continuity and adequate mechanical strength and protection. Screws for connecting
protective conductors shall not serve any other purpose. Joints shall not be made by soldering.

NOTE — All electrical connections should have satisfactory thermal capacity and mechanical strength to withstand any
combination of current/time which may occur in the conductor or in the cable/enclosure with the largest cross-sectional area.

4.15 Protective Equipotential Bonding

Protective equipotential bonding is made by connecting extraneous conductive parts in a

building to the main earthing terminal of the installation by protective bonding conductors.
Where such conductive parts originate outside the building, they shall be bonded as close as
practicable to their point of entry within the building.
 EC - exposed conductive part (Panel board body)
MET - main earthing terminal
SS - structural steel (extraneous conductive part)
W - metallic water pipe (extraneous conductive part)
TT - earth electrode in a TT or IT system
TN - other means of earthing in a TN system eg.
connection to earthed point of the power system

1 - circuit protective conductor

2 - main protective bonding conductor
3 - earthing conductor
4 - supplementary protective bonding conductors
(additional bonding if required)

1,2,3,4 - protective conductors

FIG. 1 ILLUSTRATION OF EARTHING AND PROTECTIVE CONDUCTORS

FIG. 2 MAIN AND ADDITIONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPOTENTIAL BONDING

4.16 Examples of earth electrodes which may be used are:

a) concrete-embedded foundation earth electrode;
NOTE — For more information, see Annex C.
b) soil-embedded foundation earth electrode;
c) metallic electrode embedded directly in soil vertically or horizontally (for example,
rods, wires, tapes, pipes or plates);
d) metal sheath and other metal coverings of cables according to local conditions or
requirements;
e) other suitable underground metalwork (for example, pipes) according to local
conditions or requirements; and
f) welded metal reinforcement of concrete (except pre-stressed concrete) embedded in the
earth.
4.17 When selecting the type and embedded depth of an earth electrode, consideration shall be
given to possible mechanical damage and to local conditions to minimize the effect of soil
drying and freezing.

4.18 Consideration shall be given to electrolytic corrosion when using different materials in an
earthing arrangement. For external conductors (for example, earthing conductor) connected to
a concrete-embedded foundation earth electrode, the connection made from hot-dip galvanized
steel shall not be embedded in the soil (galvanised steel earth electrodes in soil are subjected
to accelerated corrosion when connected with steel in reinforcement).

4.19 The earthing arrangement shall not rely on a metallic pipe for flammable liquids or gases
as the earth electrode and their buried length shall not be considered when dimensioning the
earth electrode.

4.20 Earth electrodes shall not be directly immersed in water of a stream, river, pond, lake or
Protection against electric shock, as stated in 4.2 of IS 732, shall not be adversely affected by
any foreseeable change of the earth electrode resistance (for example, due to corrosion, drying
or freezing).

4.21 Where the supply to an installation is at high voltage, requirements concerning the
earthing arrangements of the high voltage supply and of the low-voltage installation shall also
comply with 4.5.2 of IS 732.

4.22 The requirements for earthing arrangements are intended to provide a connection to earth
which:
a) is reliable and suitable for the protective requirements of the installation;
b) can carry earth fault currents and protective conductor currents to earth without danger
from thermal, thermo-mechanical and electromechanical stresses and from electric
shock arising from these currents;
c) if relevant, is also suitable for functional requirements;
d) is suitable for the foreseeable external influences, for example, mechanical stresses and
corrosion.

4.23 The connection of various conductors in an earthing system shall be soundly made and
electrically satisfactory. The connection shall be by exothermic welding, pressure connectors,
clamps or other suitable mechanical connectors. Mechanical connectors shall be installed in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Where a clamp is used, it shall not damage
the electrode or the earthing conductor.

5 EARTHING OF INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL PREMISE

5.1 Earthing system in the premises of consumers at voltages above 230 V should be designed
as a PME system with separate protective conductor (TN-S). Protective multiple earthing
system is made in order to reduce the earth fault loop impedance and to ensure reliable
disconnection of supply during an earth fault by the OCPD. In PME system, neutral of the
supply transformer and the non-current carrying metal parts in the system are interconnected
by the common earth grid in addition to the separate protective conductor.
5.2 There is no need to design the vertical earth electrodes (such as rods and plates) in soil for
the appropriate thermal withstand capacity, assuming the total fault current to be passing
through these earth electrodes. System recommended in IS 3043 is a TN-S system with PME,
where the neutral of the source and exposed conductive parts in the installation are solidly
connected to the MET and an earthing grid. In this interconnected system, earth fault current
is returned to the neutral mostly through the interconnected system consisting of the PE
conductor and earth grid.

5.3 The disposition of the earth electrodes and the extent and size of earth grid will always
depend upon the disposition of plant electrics. The layout should be done in such a manner as
to keep the earth continuity resistance to within the stipulated figure. Depending upon the
disposition of the plant electrics, an optimum number of earth electrodes are provided as
anchorages for the earth grid.

5.4 Protective Earth (PE) conductor shall run as close as possible and parallel to line conductors

5.5 The continuity resistance of the earth return path through the earth grid should be
maintained as low as possible (depending up on the fault loop impedance of that part of the
circuit) and in no case greater than one ohm.

5.6 In case of EHT substations, where there is possibility of the ground potential attaining very
high values (of the order of 5 kV and above) in the event of an earth fault, the earth grid design
should be based on the tolerable limits of the potential gradient in the substation area, and the
step and touch potential due to fault conditions.

FIG. 3 SYSTEM WITH SEPARATE EARTH CONDCUTOR (TN-S) PROTECTIVE MULTIPLE

EARTHING (PME).
6 EARTHING OF LOW VOLTAGE ELECTRIC SUPPLY BY SUPPLIER (PUBLIC
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY FROM A COMMON TRANSFORMER)

6.1 TN-C-S with Protective Multiple Earthing

Commonly used system in low voltage electricity supply system of electricity suppliers, is TN-
C-S with protective multiple earthed (PME) system (Fig 4). In this system the neutral and
protective conductors of electrical supply undertaking are combined. The PEN conductor,
which is referred to as a combined neutral and earth (CNE or PEN) conductor, is earthed at the
source and extremities of the distribution mains and point in between. Multiple earthing of the
PEN conductor ensures that if the conductor becomes open circuit for any reason (probably cut
or snapped), exposed-conductor parts remain connected to earth, under such conditions the
supply voltage between the installation line and neutral conductor is substantially reduced.

FIG. 4 TN-C-S SYSTEM WITH PROTECTIVE MULTIPLE EARTHING (PME)

6.2 TT Network

Low voltage electricity supply system of electricity suppliers also uses TT network (see Fig.
5). In this system one or more points of the source of energy directly earthed and the exposed
and extraneous conductive parts of the installation are connected to a local earth electrode or
electrodes are electrically independent of the source earth. Every consumer installation shall
be protected with an RCD of not less than 30 mA for earth fault protection at the origin of
installation.
 Fig. 5 TT system
NOTES
1 In TT system RCD is used for earth fault protection at the origin of installation. (TT system shall not be used without RCD at origin
of installation).
2 Methods to limit the temperory over voltage (power frequency stress voltage) at the consumer premise are explained in 2 of Section
13 of this part of the Code. Suitable measures shall be implemented by the electricty supplier to ensure the maximum allowed
temperory over voltages are with in the limits specified in 7.4 and Table 3 of this section.

6.3 IT Network

The IT power system has all live parts isolated from earth or one point connected to earth
through an impedance. The exposed-conductive-parts of the electrical installation are earthed
independently or collectively.

FIG. 6 IT SYSTEM
7 EARTHING OF SYSTEM EXCEEDING 1 kV

7.1 Design of an earthing system can be accomplished as follows:

a) data collection, for example, earth fault current, fault duration and layout;
b) initial design of the earthing system based on the functional requirements;
c) determine if it is part of a global earthing system;
d) if not, determine soil characteristics e.g. specific soil resistivity of layers;
e) determine the current flowing into earth from the earthing system, based on earth fault
current;
f) determine the overall impedance to earth, based on the layout, soil characteristics, and
parallel earthing systems;
g) determine earth potential rise;
h) determine permissible touch voltage; if the earth potential rise is below the permissible
touch voltage and the requirements of Table 3 are met the design is complete;
j) if not, determine if touch voltages inside and in the vicinity of the earthing system are
below the tolerable limits;
k) determine if transferred potentials present a hazard outside or inside the electrical power
installation; if yes, proceed with mitigation at exposed location; and
m) determine if low-voltage equipment is exposed to excessive stress voltage, if yes,
proceed with mitigation measures which can include separation of HV and LV earthing
systems.

7.2 Once the criteria as per 7.1 have been met, the design can be refined, if necessary, by
repeating the above steps. Detailed design is necessary to ensure that all exposed conductive
parts, are earthed. Extraneous conductive parts shall be earthed, if appropriate.
NOTE — Flowchart of this design process is given in Annex D.

7.3 The structural earth electrode shall be bonded and form part of the earthing system. If not
bonded, verification is necessary to ensure that all safety requirements are met. Metallic
structures with cathodic protection may be separated from the earthing system. Precautions,
such as labelling, shall be taken to ensure that when such measures are taken, maintenance
work or modifications will not inadvertently nullify them.

7.4 Protection of low-voltage installations against temporary over-voltages due to earth faults
in the high-voltage system and due to faults in the low-voltage system shall be carried out as
per 4.5.2 of IS 732 so that tolerable limits of touch voltage (between exposed conductive parts
and earth) and power-frequency stress voltage (between exposed conductive part and live
conductor) recommendations in IS 732 are met with.

Table 3 Minimum Requirements for Interconnection of Low-voltage and High-voltage

Earthing Systems Based on EPR Limits
[Clause 7.1 h)]

Sl no. Type of LV System a,b EPR requirements

Touch Stress voltage c
Voltage
Fault Fault
duration duration
 tf < 5 s tf < 5 s

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

i) TT Not EPR < 1200 EPR < 250
applicable V V
ii) TN EPR < F . EPR < 1200 EPR < 250
UTP d e V V
NOTES
1 The typical value for F is 2. Higher values of F may be applied where there are additional connections of the
PEN conductor to earth. For certain soil structures, the value of F may be up to 5. Caution is necessary when
this rule is applied in soils with high resistivity contrast where the top layer has a higher resistivity. The touch
voltage in this case can exceed 50 percent of the EPR.
2 Indices given in the table:
a- For definitions of the type of LV system, see IS 732.
b- For telecommunication equipment, the ITU recommendations should be used.
c- Limit may be increased if appropriate LV equipment is installed or EPR may be replaced by local
potential differences based on measurements or calculations.
d- If the PEN or neutral conductor of the low-voltage system is connected to earth only at the HV
earthing system, the value of F shall be 1.
e- UTp is derived from Fig. 7

FIG. 7 PERMISSIBLE TOUCH VOLTAGE UTP

 ANNEX A
EXAMPLE OF EARTHING ARRANGEMENTS AND PROTECTIVE
CONDUCTORS

Key:
# Name
C Extraneous-Conductive-part
C1 Water pipe, metal from outside
C2 Waste water pipe, metal from outside
C3 Gas pipe with insulating insert, metal from outside
C4 Air-conditioning
C5 Heating system
C6 Water pipe, metal e.g in a bathroom
C7 Waste water pipe, metal e.g in a room
MDB Main Distribution Board
DB Distribution Board
MET Main Earth Terminal
SEBT Supplementary Equipotential Bonding terminal
T1 Concrete-embedded foundation earth electrode or soil-embedded foundation earth electrode
T2 Earth electrode for LPS if necessary
LPS Lightning Protection system (if any)
PE PE terminal(s) in the distribution board
PE/PEN PE/PEN terminal(s) in the main distribution board
M Exposed-conductive part
1 Protective Earthing conductor (PE)
1a Protective Conductor, or PEN conductor, if any, from supplying network
2 Protective bonding conductor for connection to the main earthing terminal
3 Protective bonding conductor for supplementary bonding
4 Down conductor of a lightning protection system (LPS) if any
5 Earthing conductor

FIG. A-1 EXAMPLES OF EARTHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR FOUNDATION EARTH ELECTRODE,

PROTECTIVE CONDUCTORS AND PROTECTIVE BONDING CONDUCTOR
 ANNEX B
MINIMUM SIZE OF COMMONLY USED EARTH ELECTRODES, EMBEDDED IN
SOIL OR CONCRETE USED TO PREVENT CORROSION AND PROVIDE
MECHANICAL STRENGTH

Table B-1 Minimum Size of Commonly Used Earth Electrodes, Embedded in Soil or
Concrete Used to Prevent Corrosion and Provide Mechanical Strength

Sl Material Shape Diameter Cross Thickness Weight Thickness

no. and Surface Sectional of of
Area Coating Coating /
Sheating
mm mm2 mm g/m2
m
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8)
i) Steel Round wire 10
ii) embedded in Solid tape or 75 3
concrete strip
(bare, hot
galvanized or
stainless)
iii) Steel hot-dip Stripb or 90 3 500 63
c
galvanized shaped
strip/plate –
solid plate –
Lattice plate
iv) Round rod 16 350 45
installed
vertically
v) Round wire 10 350 45
installed
horizontally
vi) Pipe 25 2 350 45
vii) Stranded 70
(embedded
in concrete)
viii) Cross (290) 3
profile
installed
vertically
ix) Steel copper Round rod (15) 2000
sheathed installed
vertically
x) Steel with Round rod 14 250e
electro- installed
deposited vertically
xi) copper Round wire (8) 70
coating installed
horizontally
xii) Strip 90 3 70
installed
horizontally
xiii) Stainless Stripb or 90 3
Steel a shaped
strip/plate
xiv) Round rod 16
installed
vertically
xv) Round wire 10
installed
horizontally
xvi) Pipe 25 2
xvii) copper Strip 50 2
xviii) Round wire (25)d 50
installed
horizontally
xix) Round rod (12) 15
installed
vertically
xx) Stranded 1.7 for (25)d 50
wire individual
strands of
wire
xxi) Pipee 20 2
xxii) Solid plate (1.5) 2
xxiii) Lattice plate 2
NOTES
1 Values in bracket are applicable for protection against electric shock only, while values not in brackets are applicable for lightning protection
and for protection against electric shock.
2 Bare steel is not recommended in soil due to high corrosion.
3 The behaviour of a galvanized layer on steel in concrete is very complicated and can under certain conditions cause damage to the concrete
due to its dissimilar behaviour with steel in concrete. (also see IS 732).

4 Indices used in the table:

a- Chromium ≥16 percent, nickel ≥5 percent, molybdenum ≥2 percent, carbon ≤0.08 percent.
b- As rolled strip or slit strip with rounded edges.
c- The coating shall be smooth, continuous and free from flux stains.
d- Where experience shows that the risk of corrosion and mechanical damage is extremely low, 16 mm² can be used.
e- This thickness is provided to withstand mechanical damage of copper coating during the installation process. It may be reduced to
not less than 100 m where special precautions to avoid mechanical damage of copper during the installation process (for example,
drilling holes or special protective tips) are taken according to the manufacturer’s instruction.
 ANNEX C
ERECTION OF CONCRETE-EMBEDDED FOUNDATION EARTH ELECTRODES
(Clause 4.16)

C-0 CONCRETE-EMBEDDED FOUNDATION EARTH ELECTRODES

C-1 General

Concrete used for the foundations of buildings has a certain conductivity and generally a large
contact area with the soil. Therefore, bare metal electrodes completely embedded in concrete
can be used for earthing purposes, unless the concrete is isolated from the soil by use of a
special thermal insulation or other measures. Due to chemical and physical effects, bare or hot-
dip galvanized steel and other metals embedded in concrete to a depth of more than 5 cm are
highly protected against corrosion, normally for the whole life-time of the building.

Wherever possible, the conductive effects of the reinforcement of the building should also be
used. The production of a concrete-embedded foundation earth electrode during the erection of
the building may be an economical solution to obtain a good earth electrode of long standing
because:

a) it does not necessitate additional excavation works;

b) it is erected at a depth which is normally free from negative influences resulting from
seasonal weather conditions;
c) it provides a good contact with the soil;
d) it extends over practically all of the building’s foundation surface and results in the
minimum earth electrode impedance which can be obtained with this surface;
e) it provides an optimal earthing arrangement for lightning protection system purposes;
and
f) from the beginning of the erection of the building, it can be used as an earth electrode
for the electrical installation of the construction site.

Besides its earthing effect, the concrete-embedded foundation earth electrode provides a good
basis for the main protective bonding.

The following requirements and advice for the erection of a concrete-embedded foundation
earth electrode apply.

C-2 OTHER CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING THE USE OF CONCRETE-

EMBEDDED FOUNDATION EARTH ELECTRODES

If the building foundation is to be completely protected against loss of heat energy by insulating
it using non-conductive materials, or if the foundation is to use certain insulating measures
against water, for example, using plastic sheets of more than 0.5 mm thickness, earthing using
the foundation concrete is not viable. In such cases, the positive effect of metal reinforcement
for protective bonding may be used, and for earthing purposes another earthing arrangement
should be used, e.g. an additional concrete-embedded foundation earth electrode below the
isolated foundation, or an earthing arrangement around the building or a soil-embedded
foundation earth electrode.
C-3 CONSTRUCTION OF CONCRETE-EMBEDDED FOUNDATION EARTH
ELECTRODES

C-3.1 For concrete foundations without metal reinforcement, the concrete-embedded

foundation earth electrodes must be coordinated with the type and dimensions of the
foundation. One or more closed ring(s) or rectangles with dimensions up to 20 m and mutually
connected are preferred.

C-3.2 To avoid embedding of the electrodes in concrete at less than 5 cm depth, suitable means
for the distance of the electrode wiring above the ground should be used. If strips are used as
electrodes, they should be fixed set up on edge to avoid holes without concrete under the strip.
If reinforcement is present, the wiring should be fixed to it at intervals of not more than 5 m.
The connections should be made by exothermic welding, pressure connectors, clamps or other
suitable mechanical connectors. Mechanical connectors shall be installed in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions. Where a clamp is used, it shall not damage the electrode or the
earthing conductor. Connection devices or fittings that depend solely on solder shall not be
used independently, as they do not reliably provide adequate mechanical strength. The use of
keyed joints should be avoided.

C-3.3 The wiring of the concrete-embedded foundation earth electrode should have at least one
terminal lug for connection to the electrical system of the building, either leaving the concrete
inside the building to a suitable connection point (for example, to the main earthing terminal)
or ending at a special connection clamp embedded in concrete of a wall at its surface. At the
point of connection, the terminal lug must be accessible for maintenance and measuring
purposes.

For lightning protection and for buildings with special requirements concerning information
technology, more than one terminal lug of the foundation earth electrode, for example, for
lightning protection system down-conductors, may be needed.

For connections needed outside the foundation concrete going through the soil, corrosion
problems for steel wires need to be taken into account (see C-4). For such connections, it is
recommended that they should enter the concrete within the building, or outside at a suitable
level above ground level.

C-3.4 For the minimum cross-sectional area of electrodes including terminal lugs, the values
mentioned in Annex B apply. Connections must be soundly made and electrically satisfactory
(see 4.21).

C-3.5 Metal reinforcement of the foundations of the building may be used as an electrode
provided it is soundly connected according to 4.23. For welded connections the permission of
the responsible person for the structural design and analysis of the construction of the building
is required. Connections made by a wrapped iron wire only are not suitable for protection
purposes, but may be sufficient for EMC purposes for information technology. Prestressed
reinforcement must not be used as an electrode.

C-3.6 The wiring of the electrodes should not go over joints between different parts of larger
foundations. At such places, suitable malleable connectors should be installed outside the
concrete to provide the necessary electrical connections.
C-3.7 Concrete-embedded foundation earth electrodes of single foundations (for example, for
the construction of large halls) should be connected to other parts of the concrete-embedded
foundation earth electrode by using suitable earthing conductors. For embedding such
connections in the soil see C-4.

C-4 POSSIBLE CORROSION PROBLEMS FOR OTHER EARTHED

INSTALLATIONS OUTSIDE CONCRETE-EMBEDDED FOUNDATION EARTH
ELECTRODES

Attention is drawn to the fact that ordinary steel (bare or hot-dip galvanized) embedded in
concrete results in an electrochemical potential equal to that of copper embedded in the soil.
Consequently, there is a danger of electrochemical corrosion occurring to other earthing
arrangements made from steel embedded in the soil near the foundation and being in
connection with a concrete-embedded foundation earth electrode. This effect can also be found
with reinforced foundations of large buildings.

Any steel electrode must not be installed directly from foundation concrete into the soil except
for electrodes made from stainless steel or otherwise well protected by suitable prefabricated
protection against humidity. Hot-dip galvanized covering or protection by painting or other
similar materials later on is not sufficient for such purposes. Additional earthing arrangements
around and near such buildings should be made from other than hot-dip galvanized steel so as
to provide a sufficient life-time for this part of the earthing arrangement.

C-5 COMPLETION OF CONCRETE-EMBEDDED FOUNDATION EARTH

ELECTRODES

C-5.1 After preparing the electrodes and/or the connected reinforcement, but before the
concrete is poured, a survey and documented record of the arrangement should be made by a
skilled person. The documentation should contain a description, plans and photos and should
form a part of the whole documentation for the electrical installation (see IS 732).

C-5.2 Concrete used for the foundation should be made from at least 240 kg cement per m3
concrete. The concrete must have a suitable semi-liquid consistency to fill all holes below the
electrodes.
 ANNEX D

EARTHING SYSTEM DESIGN FLOW CHART FOR VOLTAGE EXCEEDING 1 kV

(Clause 7.2)

FIG. D-1 EARTHING SYS DESIGN FLOW CHART FOR VOLTAGE EXCEEDING 1 kV