EDS 06-0014 Secondary Substation Earthing Design

Document Number: EDS 06-0014
Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
THIS IS AN UNCONTROLLED DOCUMENT, THE READER MUST CONFIRM ITS VALIDITY BEFORE USE
ENGINEERING DESIGN STANDARD
EDS 06-0014
SECONDARY SUBSTATION EARTHING DESIGN
Network(s): EPN, LPN, SPN
Summary: This standard details the earthing design requirements for secondary distribution
substations.
Author: Stephen Tucker Date: 09/11/2018
Approved By: Paul Williams Approved Date: 23/11/2018
This document forms part of the Company’s Integrated Business System and its requirements are mandatory throughout UK
Power Networks. Departure from these requirements may only be taken with the written approval of the Director of Asset
Management. If you have any queries about this document please contact the author or owner of the current issue.
Circulation
UK Power Networks External
☒ Asset Management ☒ UK Power Networks Services
☐ Capital Programme ☒ Contractors
☒ Connections ☒ ICPs/IDNOs
☐ Health & Safety ☐ Meter Operators
☐ Legal ☒ G81 Website
☒ Network Operations
☐ Procurement
☐ Strategy & Regulation
☒ Technical Training
Secondary Substation Earthing Design Document Number: EDS 06-0014
Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
Revision Record
Version 4.0 Review Date 23/11/2023

Date 09/11/2018 Author Stephen Tucker
Reason for update: Document revised to include updated earthing arrangements, BS EN 50522
safety voltage limits and to clarify points raised by internal and external designers.
What has changed:
 Earthing changes from EBB 07-0050 incorporated.
 All supporting data moved to EDS 06-0012.
 Design criteria added (Section 4).
 Design flowcharts Figure 6-1 and Figure 7-1 revised (Section 6 and 7.1).
 Further detail on the use of earthing piles included (Section 7.3 and 10.4).
 BS EN 50522 touch and step voltage limits introduced (Section 7.5).
 Transfer voltage calculation requirement clarified (Section 7.7).
 Electrode surface area current density calculation clarified (Section 7.9).
 Further guidance on earthing at existing substations included (Section 9).
 GRP arrangements revised to align with EDS 07-3102 (Section 8).
 Customer supply arrangement revised (Section 8.5).
 Metalwork bonding requirements enhanced (Section 10.5).
 Revised guidance on substations near livestock, railways, cathodic protection systems, fuel filling
stations and lightning protection systems included (Section 11).
 Earthing report example updated (EDS 06-0014F).
 Earthing arrangement models updated (EDS 06-0014G).
 Ground return current and electrode surface area current density moved to EDS 06-0012.
EDS 06-0014C ‘Design and Construction Form’ withdrawn.
Document reviewed and review date extended

Updated to ensure consistency with EDS 07-0102 and ECS 06-0023.
 Design flowchart revised (Section 7.1).
 Lower rebar connection removed from all earthing arrangements (Section 8.1).
 Integral and basement substation design with embedded mesh introduced (Section 8.4).
 Use of network contribution (Section 7.6), explanation of ground return current (Appendix H) and
worked example from ICP addendum incorporated (Appendix F).
 Pipelines (Section 11.11) and fuel filling stations (Section 11.13) added to special situations.
 Standard arrangement resistances and touch/step voltage percentages revised, typical ground
return current values added, touch/step voltage limits updated to include tarmac and longer fault
clearance times and typical network contribution values included.
 Simple rod and conductor electrode options added (Appendix B).
 Design form revised (Appendix C).
 Use of vertical steel piles (Section 7.6) and surface current density calculation added (Appendix I).
Document completely revised.
Reclassification of document from Earthing Design Manual Section 4.
© UK Power Networks 2018 All rights reserved 2 of 54

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018

Version 1 (previously Earthing Manual Section 5) withdrawn and interim guidance provided.
Date 31/03/2008 Author Stephen Tucker/
Rob Weller
Original.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
Contents
1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 7
2 Scope ....................................................................................................................... 8
3 Abbreviations .......................................................................................................... 8
4 Design Criteria ......................................................................................................... 9
5 Design Requirements .............................................................................................. 9
6 Preliminary Earthing Assessment ........................................................................ 10
7 Design Procedure .................................................................................................. 11
7.1 Overview ................................................................................................................. 11
7.2 Information Requirements ....................................................................................... 11
7.3 Earth Resistance ..................................................................................................... 13
7.4 EPR Calculation ...................................................................................................... 14
7.5 Safety Calculations .................................................................................................. 15
7.6 Combined HV/LV Earths and Network Contribution ................................................. 17
7.7 Transfer Voltage Calculation ................................................................................... 18
7.8 HOT Site Assessment ............................................................................................. 18
7.9 Electrode Surface Area Current Density Calculation................................................ 19
8 Existing Substation Earthing Assessment Procedure........................................ 29
9 Standard Earthing Arrangements ........................................................................ 20
9.1 Overview ................................................................................................................. 20
9.2 GRP and Brick-Built Substations ............................................................................. 21
9.3 Padmount (including Micro and Compact) Substations ............................................ 23
9.4 Integral, Basement and Raft Substations ................................................................. 24
9.5 Customer HV Supplies and Associated Substations ................................................ 26
9.6 Outdoor Substations ................................................................................................ 29
9.7 Asset Replacement and Enhancement .................................................................... 29
10 Installation Requirements ..................................................................................... 29
10.1 General ................................................................................................................... 32
10.2 Electrode System .................................................................................................... 32
10.3 Earth Bar ................................................................................................................. 33
10.4 Earth Piles ............................................................................................................... 33
10.5 Bonding ................................................................................................................... 34
10.6 Cables ..................................................................................................................... 40
10.7 Combined HV/LV Earths ......................................................................................... 40
10.8 Separate HV/LV Earths Additional Requirements .................................................... 40
11 Special Situations.................................................................................................. 42
11.1 General ................................................................................................................... 42

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
11.2 Substation Refurbishment and Asset Replacement/Enhancement .......................... 42

11.3 Secondary Substations within Grid or Primary Substations ..................................... 42
11.4 Supplies to Higher Voltage (Grid and Primary) Substations, National Grid and HOT
Sites ........................................................................................................................ 43
11.5 Supplies from Grid or Primary Substations with a High EPR ................................... 43
11.6 Substations near Livestock/Horses or other High Risk Locations ............................ 44
11.7 Mobile Phone Base Stations Associated with Transmission Towers ........................ 44
11.8 Substations Located Near Tower Lines ................................................................... 44
11.9 Substations Located Near Railways ........................................................................ 45
11.10 Substations Located Near Telephone Exchanges ................................................... 45
11.11 Substations Located near Pipelines ......................................................................... 45
11.12 Substations Located near Cathodic Protection Systems .......................................... 46
11.13 Substations Located near Fuel Filling Stations ....................................................... 46
11.14 IDNO Substations .................................................................................................... 46
11.15 HV Generator Connections (including Solar and Wind Farms) ................................ 47
11.16 Customer’s Lightning Protection .............................................................................. 47
12 Earthing Design Assessment ............................................................................... 48
12.1 External Connection Providers ................................................................................ 48
12.2 UK Power Networks ................................................................................................ 48
13 References ............................................................................................................. 49
13.1 UK Power Networks Standards ............................................................................... 49
13.2 National and Industry Standards.............................................................................. 49
14 Dependent Documents.......................................................................................... 50
Appendix A – UK Power Networks Supporting Data ...................................................... 51
Appendix B – Typical Electrode Systems ....................................................................... 52
Appendix C – Earthing Design Form ............................................................................... 54
Appendix D – Earthing Design Assessment Form ......................................................... 54
Appendix E – Secondary Substation Earthing Design Tool .......................................... 54
Appendix F – Earthing Design Example .......................................................................... 54
Appendix G – Standard Secondary Substation Arrangement Voltage Profiles ............ 54

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
Figures
Figure 6-1 – Preliminary Earthing Design Assessment........................................................ 10

Figure 7-1 – Earthing Design Procedure Flowchart ............................................................. 12
Figure 7-2 – Transfer Voltage ............................................................................................. 18
Figure 8-1 – GRP or Brick-built Substation Earthing Arrangement for a COLD Site ........... 21
Figure 8-2 – GRP or Brick-built Substation Earthing Arrangement for a HOT Site .............. 22
Figure 8-3 – Padmount Substation Earthing Arrangement .................................................. 23
Figure 8-4 – Standard Design Approach for Integral and Basement Substation .................. 25
Figure 8-5 – Typical HV Supply and Customer Substation Arrangement for a COLD Site ... 27
Figure 8-6 – Typical HV Supply and Customer Substation Arrangement for a HOT Site ..... 28
Figure 9-1 – Existing Substation Earthing Assessment Flowchart ....................................... 30
Figure 9-2 – Typical Existing Substation Earthing Options .................................................. 31
Figure 10-1 – Typical Pile Earthing ..................................................................................... 33
Figure 11-1 – Options for Supplies to Higher Voltage Substations ...................................... 43
Figure 11-2 – LV Supply from a Grid or Primary Substation with a High EPR ..................... 44
Tables
Table 10-1 – Earth Electrodes............................................................................................. 32

Table 10-2 – Bonding Conductors ....................................................................................... 34
Table 10-3 – Requirements for Earthing of Metallic Fences, Gates and Door ..................... 35
Table A-1 – Data Sources for Earthing Design Calculations................................................ 51
Table B-1 – 1Ω, 10Ω and 20Ω Earth Electrode Options ...................................................... 52
Table B-2 – Earth Rod Resistance based on Soil Resistivity ............................................... 53
Table B-3 – Earth Conductor and Lattice Earth Mat Resistance based on Soil Resistivity .. 53

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
1 Introduction
This standard details the earthing design requirements for secondary distribution substations.
It is intended to provide guidance for UK Power Networks designers/planning engineers and
external connection providers to ensure that designs satisfy the requirements of the latest
standards.
The construction of the earthing for secondary substations is detailed ECS 06-0023.
The earthing arrangements have been developed to cover a range of standard substation
designs and are supported by a standard design procedure to allow optimal earthing designs
to be produced. There will be some situations where standard arrangements are not suitable,
and it is the responsibility of the designer/planning engineer to exercise a degree of judgement,
and to seek help from an earthing specialist if the appropriateness of a standard arrangement
is in doubt.
The legacy approach to secondary substation earthing design was based on one or two earth
rods and combining HV and LV earths if the measured earth resistance was less than 1 ohm.
These rules relied on metallic sheathed cables providing a grading effect (hence controlling
touch and step voltages) and reducing the overall substation earth resistance (hence reducing
the earth potential rise) together with low values of earth fault current.
However many parts of UK Power Networks have high earth fault levels that require additional
earthing measures. Furthermore, plastic sheathed cables have been in use for many years
and the composition of the cable network is changing; the previous grading benefit provided
by metallic sheath cables can no longer be exploited at new and refurbished sites. Although
more robust earthing arrangements can overcome some of these limitations the magnitude of
the earth fault levels remains, therefore the legacy approach can no longer be justified and
more detailed attention to earthing design is required.
This standard is based on the principles of ENA TS 41-24 and BS EN 50522, and seeks to
achieve an earthing design with acceptable touch and step voltages and a low earth potential
rise to allow the HV and LV earths to be combined. The main requirements include:
 A buried ring electrode around the site or an embedded mesh to control the touch and step
voltages.
 Calculation of a site specific earth resistance to achieve acceptable touch and step
voltages and allow the HV and LV earths to be combined.
 In some situations additional earth electrode consisting of buried conductor and/or rods
may be required to achieve the calculated earth resistance.
 Dedicated vertical piles designed for earthing may be used in place of earth electrode
and/or standard vertical piles may be used as supplementary earthing in additional to earth
electrode.
 The contribution of the wider network may be used to supplement the main earthing
system if appropriate; however the touch and step voltages shall be safe before any
network contribution is considered.
 The earthing systems for substations supplied directly from an overhead line network may
require additional precautions (e.g. additional ring electrode and/or a concrete or tarmac
surround) to achieve acceptable touch and step voltages.
 Conductor sizing is based on a common approach to all three network areas.
 The earthing arrangements are included in the EDS 07-3102 suite of substation civil
drawings.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
2 Scope
This standard applies to the earthing design for all new secondary substations and existing
secondary substations where a material alteration is to take place, e.g. switchgear
replacement, fencing replacement etc. on the 20kV, 11kV and 6.6kV distribution networks.
The principles may also be applied to the earthing for 3kV and 2kV substations.
Secondary substation earthing construction is covered in ECS 06-0023.
Further guidance for customers on substation earthing is available in EDS 06-0019.
The earthing design for pole-mounted equipment, LV networks (including LV overhead

networks) and customer LV installations are covered respectively in EDS 06-0015,
EDS 06-0016 and EDS 06-0017.
3 Abbreviations
Term Definition
CNE Combined Neutral Earth. A CNE cable has a combined neutral and earth
metallic outer sheath with a covering and is most commonly used in a
PME (protective multiple earthing) LV earthing system
COLD Site A COLD site is a grid, primary or secondary substation where the earth
potential rise is less than 430V or 650V (for high reliability protection with
a fault clearance time less than 200ms)
EPR Earth Potential Rise. EPR is the potential (voltage) rise that occurs on any
metalwork due to the current that flows through the ground when an earth
fault occurs on the HV or LV network. Note: Some current will flow
through the cable sheath back to the source and some will flow through
the ground, it is only the current that flows through the ground that causes
the earth potential rise. Historically this has also been known as rise of
earth potential (ROEP).
HOT Site A HOT site is a grid, primary or secondary substation where the earth
potential rise is greater than 430V or 650V (for high reliability protection
with a fault clearance time less than 200ms)
IDNO Independent Distribution Network Operator
NetMap UK Power Networks graphical information system (GIS)
RCD Residual Current Device
SNE Separate Neutral Earth. An SNE cable has separate neutral and earth
conductors. Generally the neutral conductor is a fourth core and the earth
conductor forms a protective sheath.
Step Voltage The voltage difference between a person’s feet assumed to be 1m apart
Touch Voltage The voltage difference between a person’s hands and feet when standing
up to 1m away from any earthed metalwork they are touching
Transfer Voltages The voltage transferred by means of a conductor between an area with a
significant earth potential rise and an area with little or no earth potential
rise, and results in a voltage difference between the conductor and earth
in both locations

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
4 Design Criteria
The most general, and overriding requirement is that the installation shall be designed to
prevent danger, as required by ESQC Regulations. In terms of earthing, this equates to
prevention of electric shock and fire/thermal damage throughout the lifetime of the installation.
The design and installation of an appropriate earthing system will ensure that a suitably low
impedance path is in place for earth fault currents and minimise touch and step voltage
hazards.
The main objectives are to:
a) design and install an earthing system that provides sufficient safety with regard to touch
and step voltage limits;
b) conform with the requirements of UK Power Networks earthing standards, BS EN 50522

and BS 7430; and
c) satisfy UK Power Networks that the site is safe to energise and operate.
5 Design Requirements
Substation earthing provides the following function:
 To pass the fault current during an earth fault back to the system neutral and operate the
source protection.
 To prevent dangerous voltages appearing at the substation and causing danger to staff or
the public.
 To prevent dangerous voltages appearing on the customers’ LV neutral/earth.
 To comply with the requirements for substation LV earthing for PME systems.
To satisfy this the following design requirements shall apply:
 A maximum HV electrode earth resistance of 10Ω to operate the HV protection.

 A maximum earth potential rise of 2kV.
 A ring electrode (or embedded mesh) enclosing and bonded to all equipment and rebar
bonding to ensure the touch and step voltages are within acceptable limits.
 Earth electrode sizes based on source earth fault levels.
 The earth potential rise limited to 430V as far as reasonably practicable (provided the HV
protection operates within 1 second for faults at the substation), to allow the HV/LV earths
to be combined and prevent dangerous voltages appearing on the LV system; if this limit
cannot be satisfied the HV/LV earths shall be separated.
 A maximum LV earth resistance of 20Ω (in accordance with ENA EREC G12) where a
separate LV earth is required.
 Touch voltage within the acceptable limits using the substation standalone electrode
system only2 and shall not rely on any parallel contribution from the network.
 The proposed earthing system can be achieved on-site to avoid re-design at the time of
installation.
Refer to EDS 06-0012 for a more detailed explanation of earth potential rise, the voltage limits
and the associated calculations.
2 This should ensure that the touch and step voltages within and around the substation are safe for the expected
life of the substation no matter how the network changes.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
6 Preliminary Earthing Assessment

A preliminary earthing assessment for a secondary substation should be carried out using the
flowchart in Figure 6-1 to determine if there are any external factors that are likely to affect the
earthing design.
START
Overhead site? Yes Refer to EDS 06-0015
No
Existing
secondary substation or fence Yes Refer to Section 9
replacement?
No
Located
Grid or primary Use combined HV/LV earth
within grid or primary Yes No
substation HOT? connected to site earth
site?
Use combined HV/LV earth

No connected to site earth
Yes
(not suitable for providing
external supplies)
Refer to Section 11 then carry

Special situation? Yes
out earthing design
No
Propose
Discuss design with UK Power
use of piles for earth electrode Yes
Networks before starting
system?
No
Consider use of earthing

Joint site with customer? Yes specialist to carry out detailed
design
No
Non-standard/bespoke Employ earthing specialist to

Yes
earthing arrangement? carry out detailed design
Carry out earthing design in

No
accordance with Section 7
Figure 6-1 – Preliminary Earthing Design Assessment

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
7 Design Procedure
7.1 Overview
An overview of the secondary substation earthing design procedure is shown in Figure 7-1.
The flowchart includes references to the sections that follow to provide further detail on each
of the steps in the flowchart.
The earthing design tool (Appendix E) should be used by UK Power Networks staff to carry
out the earthing design to ensure that it complies with this standard and the design is correctly
documented.
UK Power Networks designers and planning engineers shall provide the following for all
secondary substation projects:
 A completed earthing design form.

 A completed earthing construction form.
 A copy of the relevant earthing arrangement drawing from EDS 07-3102.
External connection providers shall provide the information detailed in Section 12 to allow UK
Power Networks to assess the design.
Note: If a non-standard design is required an earthing specialist shall be employed to carry out the appropriate
design and calculations and produce a supporting repor and drawing.
7.2 Information Requirements
The following information is required to design a secondary substation earthing system:
 Source grid/primary substation earth fault level and earth resistance value.
 Earth fault level at the new secondary substation.
 Source substation classification (HOT/COLD) and the associated earth potential rise for
HOT sites.
 Details of the cable or overhead line network between the source and the new secondary
substation including lengths, types, and the cable sheath cross-section and material
(where appropriate) etc.
 Distance of the secondary substation from the source substation.
 Soil resistivity at secondary substation location.
 Fault clearance time for an earth fault at the new substation.
Refer to Appendix A for UK Power Networks data sources.
Where required UK Power Networks will provide the network specific data to enable an
external connection provider to design a suitable secondary substation earthing system.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
7.2
EDS 06-0014 Obtain Data
Section, Table, Appendix #
9.1
Select substation earthing
arrangement
Standard substation Employ earthing specialist to

Yes No
arrangement suitable? carry out design
7.3 7.4
Determine secondary Determine ground return
Recalculate earth resistance
substation earth resistance current
7.5 7.4
Determine touch voltage limit Install additional earth
Calculate EPR electrode to reduce earth
for fault clearance time
resistance or consider
different design
7.5
EPR <2x touch
No Calculate touch voltage
voltage limit?
Yes Touch voltage

Yes No
< touch voltage limit?
Earth resistance
No
<10 ohms?
Re-evaluate design or
Is design achievable consider use of earthing
Yes No
on-site? specialist to carry out detailed
design
Yes
7.6 7.6
EPR < 430V? No Evaluate network contribution Re-calculate EPR
No
Yes
Yes EPR <430V?
Source 7.7
No
substation EPR >430V
Yes Calculate transfer voltage
and supplied via
continuous cable? EPR <2kV?
No Yes
Use separated HV/LV earths,
Use combined HV/LV earth
No EPR < 430V? Yes calculated HV resistance and
with calculated HV resistance
20 ohm LV earth resistance
7.9 7.8
Check electrode surface
COLD Site HOT Site
current density
Document design and

Specify additional buried earth
No Acceptable? Yes determine electrode and other
electrode
earthing requirements
Figure 7-1 – Earthing Design Procedure Flowchart

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
7.3 Earth Resistance
Determine the earth resistance as follows:
1. Select a standard earthing arrangement based on the type of secondary substation (e.g.
GRP, brick-built, integral, padmount. timber fence etc.) from Section 8. The designs use
2.4m earth rods but additional (or longer) rods and electrodes can be used to provide the
desired value of earth resistance.
2. Estimate the substation HV electrode resistance (RSecSub) for the substation earthing
arrangement and the soil resistivity.
Standard substation earthing arrangement earth resistance data is available form

EDS 06-0012 Appendix A.
Soil resistivity data is available from the Earthing Design Tool or NetMap3 (refer to
EDS 06-0018 for further information) or the British Geological Survey.
3. Dedicated vertical piles which have been specifically designed for earthing may be used
in place of earth rods for integral and basement substations which form part of an overall
building design. This approach shall be agreed and the design approved by UK Power
Networks before commencing work. Refer to Section 10.4 for information.
4. If the earth resistance is greater than 10 ohms, longer earth rods or additional earth
electrode should be considered to reduce the earth resistance further.
3 UK Power Networks GIS system.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
7.4 EPR Calculation
Calculate the EPR as follows:
1. Determine the source (primary or grid) substation earth resistance (or assume 0.1 ohms if
not available).
Grid and primary substation earthing data is available from the asset register. Refer to
Appendix A for further information.
2. Determine the earth fault current at the secondary substation (If). If the earth fault level at
the secondary substation is not available the earth fault level at the source substation will
provide a good (but pessimistic) approximation.
Refer to Appendix A for further Information on obtaining earth fault levels.
3. Calculate the percentage of fault current (%Igr) that will flow through the ground.
 For overhead supplied sites, or sites with any overhead line in the supply circuit, a
ground return current of 100% shall be used.
 For entirely cable supplied sites a ground return current of 40% of the total earth fault
current can be assumed as a first estimate or a more accurate value can be calculated.
Refer to EDS 06-0012 Appendix E for calculation methods and equations.
Note: It is likely that there are multiple cable types between the secondary substation and the source
substation. The initial calculation should be based on the smallest size cable; however modelling each cable
separately will provide a more accurate value and a lower value of EPR.
4. Use this percentage (%Igr) to calculate the value of the ground return current Igr:
Igr = %Igr × If
5. Use the calculated value of Igr and the value of RSecSub to calculate the EPR for the site:
EPR = Igr × RSecSub

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
7.5 Safety Calculations
The touch and step voltages shall be based on the EPR calculated using the standalone earth
resistance from the substation earthing arrangement and any additional earth electrode. The
parallel earth resistance contribution from the network shall not be used in the safety
calculations.
The touch and step voltages are calculated as follows:
1. To calculate the touch voltage and determine whether it is acceptable the following
information is required:
 Proposed earthing arrangement for the secondary substation.

 Substation surface type.
 Calculated value of EPR.
 Fault clearance time.
What fault clearance time to use?
The fault clearance time is the sum of the protection relay (source or upstream) and the
circuit-breaker operating times. A value of 1s can be used for 11kV circuits but is likely to
be pessimistic and provide onerous touch voltage limits.
Alternatively the actual protection clearance time can be calculated (refer to EDS 06-0012
for calculation methods) and the circuit-breaker operating time of either 100ms (oil) or
50ms (SF6 or vacuum).
Note: For overhead line supplied substations it is permissible to use the pole-mounted recloser protection to achieve
acceptable touch voltages provided there is sufficient backup from the source protection and/or chipping/concrete/tarmac
surface covering is installed.
2. Calculate the touch voltage using the following formula:
VTouch = EPR × %Touch
VStep = EPR × %Step
where %Touch and %Step are the percentage of the EPR at which the maximum touch and
step voltage can occur.
Standard substation earthing arrangement touch and step percentage data is

available from EDS 06-0012 Appendix A. Otherwise they can be calculated using
computer simulation software.
Note: If the design does not use a UK Power Networks standard earthing arrangement then the earthing
electrode system shall be modelled by an earthing specialist to determine the touch and step voltages.
3. Check whether the touch voltage (VTouch) and step voltage (VStep) is less than the acceptable
limits (VTouchLimit and VStepLimit).
BS EN 50522 touch and step limits are available from EDS 06-0012.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
4. If the touch or step voltage exceeds the limits further work is required to reduce the
substation resistance and the EPR. The value of RSecSub can be calculated using the
equation below. However as the value of resistance changes the proportion of current
returning through earth it will be necessary to repeat the steps in Section 7.3 to recalculate
the EPR. It may be necessary to repeat this several times to determine actual values of
resistance and EPR.
If the substation is supplied directly from the overhead line network additional precautions
may be required (e.g. additional ring electrode and/or a 150mm concrete or tarmac
surround) to achieve acceptable touch voltages.
RSecSub = VTouchLimit ÷ Igr
Note 1: A design cannot be accepted or approved if the touch and step voltages exceed the applicable limits.
Note 2: Tarmac should only be used as a last resort at outdoor substations i.e. padmount or timber fence
installations to achieve compliance due to the ongoing maintenance requirements.
5. Using the results of the calculations above determine the additional earth electrode
(conductor, rods etc.) requirements using Appendix B.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
7.6 Combined HV/LV Earths and Network Contribution
If the EPR value is less than 430V the HV and LV earths may be combined, however to
achieve this it may be necessary to further reduce the overall earth resistance of the
substation.
An underground cable network consisting of interconnected substations and metallic sheath

cables can provide a low earth resistance that will be in parallel with resistance of the installed
earthing system. Provided the substation earth resistance is below 10 ohms and the touch
and step voltages are within the applicable limits the network contribution may be used to
achieve a low overall earth resistance and an EPR value below 430V to allow the HV and LV
earths to be combined.
A conservative contribution can be determined through inspection of the network to

understand the number of interconnected substations and the lengths/types of cable.
Alternatively, measurements or engineering experience can be used to determine a more
accurate value.
Network contribution assessment methods and supporting data is available form

EDS 06-0012 Appendix G.
The EPR can be recalculated as follows:
1. Assess the network contribution through inspection or measurement.
2. Recalculate the EPR using the substation earth resistance in parallel with the network
earth resistance (RSecSub // RNetwork):
Rb = RSecSub // RNetwork
EPR = Igr × Rb
If it is not considered practical to achieve a low enough earth resistance to limit the EPR to
430V:
 The design shall be based on reasonably practical installation with an earth resistance to
ensure the EPR is below 2kV.
 Separate HV and LV earths shall be installed.
 The extent of the 430V zone and its impact on other LV electrodes and properties shall be
evaluated.
 The site shall be classified as HOT (refer to Section 7.8).
In integral and basement substations the resistance contribution from vertical steel piles may
also be used to supplement the main earthing system provided they are installed in
accordance with Section 10.4. The resistance of the vertical piles is included in the calculations
in a similar way to the Network Contribution above.
Note 1: If the LV supply is only supplying the substation the HV and LV earths shall always be combined.
Note 2: Further design work may be required if HV/LV earth segregation is not possible due to presence of HV/LV
PILC cables.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
7.7 Transfer Voltage Calculation
If the secondary substation is supplied from a source substation where the EPR is greater
than 430V (or 650V for high reliability protection) it is necessary to calculate the transfer
voltage (EPR Transfer ) from the source substation, if the secondary substation is:
 Entirely cable fed from a source substation and;

 Either the first substation on the circuit or within 500m of the source substation. Any
intermediate substations may be disregarded to simplify the calculations.
132/11(6.6)kV or 33/11(6.6)kV ZCircuit 11(6.6)kV/400V

Source Substation Secondary Substation
EPRSource RA ZB EPRTransfer
Figure 7-2 – Transfer Voltage
1. Obtain the necessary cable data.
Cable data for the transfer voltage calculation is available from EDS 06-0012 Appendix I.
2. Calculate the transfer voltage using the following formula.
ZB
EPR Transfer = EPR Source × ( )
ZCircuit + ZB
3. If the transfer voltage is greater than 430V separate HV and LV earths shall be installed.
7.8 HOT Site Assessment
If the EPR is greater than 430V the secondary substation shall be classified as a HOT site.
The HOT/COLD site classification is mainly applicable to third party infrastructure, refer to
EDS 06-0012 for further information.
The details of any HOT site shall be sent to UK Power Networks Asset Management
(earthingenquiries@ukpowernetworks.co.uk) so that they can be recorded in the asset
register. Openreach (or another telecommunication company) may also need to be notified
(refer to Section 11.10 further details).

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
7.9 Electrode Surface Area Current Density Calculation
The surface area of the earth electrode in contact with the ground should be sufficient to pass
the fault current without the ground around the electrode drying out and increasing in
resistance.
The standard earthing arrangements when used with the criteria detailed in this standard
generally satisfy the minimum surface area requirements and therefore detailed calculations
for each project are not required. However where vertical piles are used to supplement the
earthing system and the installed electrode is minimal the surface area calculations shall be
carried out.
Note: The surface area of the piles or rebar shall not be considered as electrode in these calculations as excessive
current flow into these structures can result in structural damage unless they have been specifically designed as
earthing piles (refer to Section 10.4).
The Electrode Surface Area Current Density can be calculated using the formulae given in
EDS 06-0012 Appendix H.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
8 Standard Earthing Arrangements

8.1 Overview
This section details the earthing arrangements for the standard secondary substation designs.
The arrangements include HV and LV (if required) earthing for the following types of ground-
mounted substation:
 New COLD site design for GRP, brick-built and outdoor substations (Section 8.2).
 New HOT site design for GRP brick-built and outdoor substations (Section 8.2).
 Compact or micro pad-mount substations without an enclosure (Section 8.3).
 Integral and basement substations (Section 8.4).
 Customer substations (Sections 8.5).
 Existing outdoor substations (Section 8.6).
The earthing arrangements have been incorporated into the standard substation design
drawings contained in EDS 07-3102.
Standard substation earthing arrangement earth resistance data is available from

EDS 06-0012 Appendix A together with a full list of EDS 07-3102 earthing drawings.
Note: Plots showing the touch and step voltages across the substations with standard earthing arrangements are
included in Appendix G.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
8.2 GRP and Brick-Built Substations
The general earthing arrangement for GRP, brick-built and outdoor7 substations with a
combined HV/LV earth (COLD site) is shown in Figure 8-1 and with separate HV/LV earths
(HOT site) in Figure 8-1. Refer to EDS 07-3102 for specific designs.
1 1
Combined HV/LV Earths
Neutral/Earth Link In
Transformer
6
To LV Cable
Neutral To HV
LV Earth
5
RMU
8
7
3 4 4
Earth Bar
Additional HV Earth
Electrode/Rods 2 2
(as required to achieve Note: Only main equipment
earth resistance) bonding is shown
LV CNE Cable
HV Earth Electrode LV Earth

Primary Fault Level Bare Copper Conductor Bare Copper Tape
n/a
Up to 8kA 70mm2 25mm x 3mm
Up to 12kA 120mm2 (or 2 x 70mm2) 25mm x 4mm
n/a
Up to 15kA 2 x 70mm2 25mm x 6mm
1 - 2.4m earth rods at rear corners

2 - Alternative internal 2.4m earth rods in place of external ones for brick-built substations
3 - Perimeter earth electrode around the outer edge of foundation buried at a depth of 500-600mm
4 - Earth electrode connecting each side of outer loop to main earth terminal
5 - Connection to reinforcement rebar/mesh
6 - Equipment bonding
7 - Earth bar (perimeter earth ring connections adjacent to each other allow clamp meter measurements)
8 - Neutral/Earth link in place
Figure 8-1 – GRP or Brick-built Substation Earthing Arrangement for a COLD Site
7 Outdoor secondary substations are not generally used for new build, however they may be used in specific
situations, e.g. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, when GRP and brick-built designs are not suitable.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
1 1
Separate HV/LV Earths
Neutral/Earth Link Out
Transformer 9
6
To LV Cable
Neutral To HV
LV Earth
5 To LV
RMU
8 Earth
7
3 4 4
9
Earth Bar
Additional HV Earth
Electrode/Rods 2 2
(as required to achieve Note: Only main equipment
earth resistance) bonding is shown
HV/LV Separation
(8m minimum)
LV Earth Connection (Insulated)
LV Earth Electrode/Rods
LV CNE Cable (max resistance 20Ω)

Primary Fault Level Bare Copper Conductor Bare Copper Tape LV earth connection – 70mm2 PVC
Up to 8kA 70mm 2
25mm x 3mm covered stranded copper conductor
Up to 12kA 120mm2 (or 2 x 70mm2) 25mm x 4mm LV earth electrode – 70mm2 bare
Up to 15kA 2 x 70mm 2
25mm x 6mm stranded copper conductor
1 - 2.4m earth rods at rear corners

2 - Alternative internal 2.4m earth rods in place of external ones for brick-built substations
3 - Perimeter earth electrode around the outer edge of foundation buried at a depth of 500-600mm
4 - Earth electrode connecting each side of outer loop to main earth terminal
6 - Equipment bonding
7 - Earth bar (perimeter earth ring connections adjacent to each other allow clamp meter measurements)
8 - Neutral/Earth link removed
9 - Warning labels
Figure 8-2 – GRP or Brick-built Substation Earthing Arrangement for a HOT Site

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
8.3 Padmount (including Micro and Compact) Substations
The earthing arrangement for a compact/micro substation without an enclosure is shown

below. These are generally installed on the overhead network and therefore the HV and LV
earths shall be separated. However if the EPR is less than 430V, the HV and LV earths may
be combined. Both arrangements are shown in Figure 8-3.
Refer to EDS 07-3102 for specific designs.
Note: If the compact substation is installed in a GRP enclosure the standard arrangements shown in Section 8.2
shall be used.
Separated 1 1 Separate HV/LV Earths

HV/LV Earths Neutral/Earth Link Out
9 LV HV
6 Neutral Earth
9
3
To HV Earth
7 Electrode
To LV Earth
Electrode
4
To LV Cable
5 5 Neutral and Sheath
HV/LV Separation
2 2 (8m minimum) LV Earth Electrode/Rods
Additional HV Earth
Electrode/Rods LV Earth Connection (max resistance 20Ω)
(as specified )
LV CNE Cable
Combined 1 1
HV/LV Earths
Combined HV/LV Earths
Neutral/Earth Link In
8
6 LV HV
3 Neutral Earth
8
To HV Earth
Electrode
5 5
Additional HV Earth 2 2
Electrode/Rods
(as specified )

Primary Fault Level Bare Copper Conductor Bare Copper Tape LV earth connection – 70mm2 PVC
Up to 8kA 70mm2 25mm x 3mm covered stranded copper conductor
Up to 12kA 120mm2 (or 2 x 70mm2) 25mm x 4mm LV earth electrode – 70mm2 bare
Up to 15kA 2 x 70mm2 25mm x 6mm stranded copper conductor
1 - 2.4m earth rods at rear corners 500mm behind plinth

2 - 2.4m earth rods at front corners 500mm in front of the plinth
3 - Perimeter earth electrode around the substation, extending 500mm on all sides, buried at a depth of 500mm
and connected to the earth rods
4 - Earth electrode connecting each side of outer loop to the main earth terminal
5 - Earth electrode in two places between the earthing ring and the earth terminal, passing directly underneath
the positions where an operator is required to stand to open the front cover and carry out operations
7 - Neutral/Earth link removed 8 - Neutral/Earth link in place 9 - Warning labels
Figure 8-3 – Padmount Substation Earthing Arrangement

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
8.4 Integral, Basement and Raft Substations
The standard arrangements shown Section 8.2 should be used wherever possible. However
where the substation is situated within a building or on a raft, it is usually impracticable to
install one of these arrangements. In these situations a standard approach shall be applied
using earth rods installed through the substation floor or in the basement, external electrodes
underneath the HV cable, vertical piles and an embedded mesh within the floor screed (to
control the touch and step voltages).
It is not usually possible to separate the HV and LV earths, so it is important to achieve an

EPR value of less than 430V (COLD site) so that they can be combined. If the EPR is greater
than 430V or if the building or its electrical supply will interact with Network Rail, London
Underground or other electrified travel infrastructure, a bespoke design is necessary, involving
an earthing specialist.
The earthing design should include the following elements which are illustrated in Figure
8-4 (a):
 2 to 4 vertical earth rods through the substation floor (Figure 8-4 (b)) or the basement
(Figure 8-4 (c)) directly into natural soil, to achieve a sufficiently low earth resistance for a
low EPR.
 Alternatively dedicated vertical earthing piles may be used in place of earth rods (refer to
Sections 7.3 and 10.4).
 An embedded mesh in a thin layer of concrete (Figure 8-4 (d)) to control the touch voltages
around the equipment.
The following options, where practical, may be used to supplement the above:
 Install at least 20-50m of bare copper electrode underneath the HV cable, directly into
natural soil.
 Install bare copper electrode in the soil at a depth of approximately 500mm, adjacent or
up to 1m away from the outer walls of as many sides of the UK Power Networks part of
the building as possible. Wherever practicable, this shall include the wall adjacent to the
HV switchgear.
 Incorporate the earth contribution from vertical piles near the substation into the design
(Sections 7.3 and 10.4).
The standard approach outlined above should cover the majority of integral, basement and
raft substations; however advice from an earthing specialist should be sought at an early stage
for more complex installations.
Note: Where the earth rods are installed in the basement, the connections between these and the substation shall
be mechanically protected in either steel conduit or steel trunking. Additionally the basement area where the rods
enter the natural soil shall be accessible to UK Power Networks for testing and maintenance purposes.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
Substation
1b 1a
2
2
Transformer
(b) Earth Rod Installation through
Substation Floor into Soil
Main Earth Terminal 6
5
LV RMU Substation
2 4 Basement
1c
2
1b 1a
(c) Earth Rod Installation through

Basement into Soil
(a) Overall Earthing Arrangement
1a - Main earth rods (length to be determined by calculation based on

target resistance value and soil resistivity)
1b - Optional additional earth rods to help achieve overall low resistance
1c - Optional bare earth electrode laid with incoming HV cables to help
achieve overall low resistance
2 - Connections to mesh embedded within concrete floor screed - two per
each sheet of mesh
3 - Main earth bar
4 - Wall-mounted earth ring above floor level/below door tread to aid
connections
5 - Main equipment bond (not all equipment shown)
6 - Doorframe and door bonding (d) Embedded Mesh within Floor
Screed
Figure 8-4 – Standard Design Approach for Integral and Basement Substation

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
8.5 Customer HV Supplies and Associated Substations
The earthing system for an HV supply and any associated customer substation will usually
consist of parts provided by UK Power Networks and parts provided by the customer. The
objective is to design an earthing system that satisfies the safety requirements with an
acceptable degree of redundancy and, wherever possible, an EPR less than 430V to allow
the customer to combine the HV and LV earths if required.
Note: UK Power Networks is not responsible for a HV customer’s earthing arrangements but has a duty of care to
ensure that the customer’s system will not be dangerous in the event of a HV fault.
The UK Power Networks substation shall be designed in accordance with Section 7 using a
suitable earthing arrangement from Section 8.
The customer substation will be subjected to the same network operating conditions as the
UK Power Networks substation and therefore the customer substation earthing system should
be designed, as a minimum, to control the touch and step voltages and ensure safety in and
around their installation.
This approach should ensure that UK Power Networks and customer earthing systems are
each adequate to ensure safety in the absence of the other system. The customer system
shall not be reliant on UK Power Networks earth system for safety (and vice-versa) since the
integrity of either system can be subject to external influences.
The HV cable screen should be bonded to both earthing systems to provide a return path for
any fault current. The customer may rely upon the cable sheath connection for current return
to source, i.e. they do not need to assume 100% ground return current.
Additionally if the UK Power Networks and customer substations are within 10 metres of each
other the earthing systems should be combined via duplicate earth connections bolted onto
the earth bar in each substation. Clear labelling shall be provided at both locations warning of
earth system inter-connection. The connection points shall be clearly labelled and bolted to
facilitate disconnection under controlled conditions should this be necessary.
In some situations, it may be necessary to rely on combined systems to ensure safety of both
systems (i.e. where safety of each system in isolation cannot economically and/or practically
be achieved). In such cases, the systems shall be combined as described above, and the
customer substation earthing system shall be constructed to UK Power Networks standard (in
terms of conductor sizing, method of installation and touch/step requirements). However care
is needed if the customer system should become decommissioned or compromised.
Once independent safety is achieved the combined resistance of both earthing systems can
be used to calculate the final EPR. If the EPR is below 430V the customer HV and LV earths
can be combined and the site classified as COLD.
The situation is more complex if the EPR exceeds 430V and the site is classified as HOT. It
may be possible to separate the customer HV and LV earthing systems at all points by a
minimum of 8m and ensure that they cannot be interconnected but precautions may also be
required to ensure that a person cannot contact both earth systems simultaneously. Therefore
it is recommended that an earthing specialist is consulted to ensure the earthing arrangement
is acceptable and satisfies the relevant safety criteria.
Examples for COLD and HOT sites are shown in Figure 8-5 and Figure 8-6.
Note: If the EPR is greater than 430V the transfer voltage requires special consideration especially if there are
metallic boundary fences or metallic buildings in the vicinity.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
UK Power Networks Substation Customer Substation

1 Separate 1
buildings or
enclosure Additional
Note: 3 3 electrode/rods
Equipment (if required)
bonding not
shown 7 7 LV
RMU MU HV TX
6
5
Additional 8
electrode/rods 3
8
(if required) 3 4 4 1
1 2 2
Customer LV SNE Cables

1 1
Common
building or Additional
Note: 3 enclosure electrode/rods
3
Equipment (if required)
bonding not
shown 7 7 LV
RMU MU HV TX
6
Additional
electrode/rods 3
1 2 2
1 - 2.4 m earth rods at 2 corners of substation (alternatively they can be installed internally)
2 - HV electrode around the outer edge of foundation buried at a depth of 500-600mm
3 - HV electrode connecting outer loop to earth bar
4 - Multiple connections to reinforcement rebar/mesh
5 - Connection between UK Power Networks and Customer substations if within 10 metres
6 - Neutral-earth link in place
7 - HV cable screen bonded to earth at both ends
8 - Warning labels
Figure 8-5 – Typical HV Supply and Customer Substation Arrangement for a COLD Site

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
HOT ZONE
1 Separate 1
buildings or
enclosure
Note: 3 3
Equipment
bonding not
shown 7 7 LV
RMU MU HV TX
6
5
Additional 8
electrode/rods 3
8
1 2 2 HV/LV
Separation
(8m minimum)
LV Earth Cable (Insulated)
HOT ZONE
1 Common 1
building or
enclosure
Note: 3 3
Equipment
bonding not
shown 7 7 LV
RMU MU HV TX
6
Additional
electrode/rods 3
1 2 2
HV/LV
Separation
(8m minimum)
LV Earth Cable (Insulated)
1 - 2.4 m earth rods at 2 corners of substation (alternatively they can be installed internally)
2 - HV electrode around the outer edge of foundation buried at a depth of 500-600mm
3 - HV electrode connecting outer loop to earth bar
4 - Multiple connections to reinforcement rebar/mesh
5 - Connection between UK Power Networks and Customer substations if within 10 metres
6 - Neutral-earth link removed
7 - HV cable screen bonded to earth at both ends
8 - Warning labels
Figure 8-6 – Typical HV Supply and Customer Substation Arrangement for a HOT Site

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
8.6 Outdoor Substations
Outdoor (open compound) secondary substations are no longer constructed except in Areas
of Outstanding Natural Beauty. For these a close boarded fence is required. Refer to
EDS 07-3102 for specific designs.
9 Existing Substation Earthing Assessment Procedure

The earthing at all existing substations shall be reviewed during asset replacement or
enhancement (e.g. supply upgrades) to ensure that it satisfies current earthing standards.
However any earthing enhancement should be proportional to the actual work being carried
out and be practical to install.
The flowchart in Figure 9-1 provides guidance on the application of this approach.
Note: Further work is being carried out into the provision of suitable and practical earthing systems for existing
substations and a further revision to this document will be published once complete.
The earthing system should be based around the design procedure in Section 7 using a
standard arrangement from Section 8 but where this is not practical the earthing system should
seek to achieve as much of the following as possible, using the excavations available for the
remedial work:
 Buried bare electrode around the equipment at a depth of around 0.5m and connected to
the main earth bar. It is especially important to ensure that there is bare electrode under
the operator’s standing position – particularly if metallic sheathed cables have been
removed or disconnected in this area.
 Short lengths of buried earth electrode where metallic sheathed cables are replaced with
plastic cables during a switchgear change.
 A grate or mesh under the operator’s standing position if buried electrode is not practical.
 An embedded and bonded mesh (brick-built, integral and basement type substations).
 One or two earth rods connected to the buried earth electrode or the main earth bar.
 Bonding of all equipment to the main earth bar.
 Appropriate bonding and/or earthing of any metallic fence or gate.
Some examples are shown in Figure 9-2.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
START
Connections
Yes
work?
No
LV to HV/LV Carry out earthing Enhance existing

substation Yes design using earthing earthing arrangement
conversion? tool to replicate design
*Minimum
*Minimum ofof 55 connected
connected substations
substations
and
and 1000m
1000m ofof PILC
PILC cable
cable or
or aa minimum
minimum
No of
of 10
10 connected
connected substations
substations
Cable
Asset
fed or connected
replacement or Yes No
No to large* cable
reinforcement? Implement agreed
network?
design
No Yes
Refer to Distribution
Check existing earthing and Planning
Fence measure resistance of earth
replacement rods using clamp meter
only?
No Discuss options with
designer/planner
Overall
Cable
earth resistance No
Yes excavation?
<10 ohms?
No
Earthing
arrangement
Ensure fence is
matches
earthed and bonded in
design?
accordance with the
earthing standards Yes
Yes
Yes
Install earth electrode Measure earth

with cable resistance
Excavation Earth
around Install additional
resistance less
Yes switchgear? No earthing to reduce No
than design
resistance
value?
Install buried grading

Install embedded
electrode around
mesh or grate in front
equipment and under
of switchgear Yes
operator position
Ensure all new and existing equipment is bonded to a common earth terminal
Ensure any new or existing metallic fence and/or doors are earthed and bonded in accordance with the earthing standards
Figure 9-1 – Existing Substation Earthing Assessment Flowchart

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
1 1 Earth rods
Transformer Transformer Buried bare copper earth

2 electrode ring around the
equipment
Switchgear
Switchgear
1 Buried bare copper earth
HV
HV
electrode in front of the
3
switchgear where an
operator stands
LV Pillar
LV Pillar
4 Wall mounted earth bar
5 Embedded mesh
Connection to earth terminal
(a) Equipment Replacement Only (b) Transformer Upgrade
1
Transformer Transformer
Switchgear
HV
3 LV RMU
LV Pillar
1 2
Grate/Mesh under
Operator Position Steel Grate
(d) Switchgear Replacement Only -

(c) Switchgear Replacement Only
Steel Grate or Mesh
1 1
1 1
Transformer
Transformer
LV RMU
LV RMU 2
3
4
5 Embedded Mesh
within Floor Screed
(e) New Switchgear/Transformer - (f) New Switchgear/Transformer –

Ring Electrode Embedded Mesh
Figure 9-2 – Typical Existing Substation Earthing Options

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
10 Installation Requirements
This section details the general earthing requirements for all new and modified earthing
installations.
 If combined HV/LV earthing is installed then the requirements in Sections 10.1 to 10.7
shall apply. The HV and LV earthing should be bonded together as described in Section
10.7.
 If it has been determined that separated HV and LV earthing is to be installed then the
requirements of Section 10.8 shall also apply in addition to Section 10.1 to 10.6.
10.1 General
The theft of copper earthing has been a significant nationwide problem. Therefore the earthing
system shall be designed and constructed to ensure that it is secure and not vulnerable to
theft. To aid this aluminium conductor or tape shall be used for all above ground earthing
wherever appropriate and practicable.
10.2 Electrode System
The earth electrode system shall provide the basic functional earthing for the site so that it is
SAFE without any contribution from the network to which it is to be connected. The earth
electrode system shall therefore consist of the following:
 Bare copper clad earth rod electrodes using the minimum sizes specified in Table 10-1.
Dedicated earthing piles may also be used (refer to Section 10.4).
 A ring of bare earth electrode buried around the perimeter of the substation at a depth of
500-600mm.
 Alternatively where it is not practical to install a buried perimeter electrode (e.g. integral
and basement substations) an embedded mesh within the floor screed may be used.
 A minimum of two earth rods installed on two corners of the substation (or alternatively
internally) and connected to the perimeter ring.
 Two connections from the perimeter earth ring (or each embedded mesh) onto a dedicated
substation earth bar.
 An earth electrode passing underneath any switchgear or LV operating position and
connected to the outer electrode. This may be omitted if it can be shown that rebar (or
equivalent) or an insulated or earthed operator platform is providing this function.
 Connections to the rebar or reinforcement mesh. The rebar shall not extend where it might
be within 2m of LV metalwork or other earthed metalwork if the substation is HOT.
 Additional electrode and rods, as necessary, to achieve the required earth resistance.
Table 10-1 – Earth Electrodes
Function Source Bare Copper Stranded Bare Copper Tape

Fault Level9 Conductor
HV Earth Electrode Up to 8kA 70mm2 25mm x 3mm

Up to 12kA 120mm2 (or 2 x 70mm2) 25mm x 4mm
Up to 15kA 2 x 70mm2 25mm x 6mm
Earth Rod Electrode Any 1m or 1.2m Copper Clad Rods (16mm or 19mm diameter)
9 The earth fault level at the grid or primary substation supplying the secondary substation.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
10.3 Earth Bar
All earth connections shall be labelled and connected via separate connections to a dedicated
earth bar (GRP/brick-built designs) or marshalling bar or tape (integral/basement designs)
which in turn shall be connected to the main transformer/switchgear earth terminal to allow:
 Operational personnel to determine if the earthing is intact when entering the substation.
 The earthing to be easily identified.
 The earth resistance to be measured using a clamp meter.
Note: At new enclosed substations the HV earth bar within the LV cabinet/pillar shall not be used to marshal the
earthing connections as access, particularly at IDNO substations, to the LV cabinet/pillar is not always available.
However it is acceptable to use the HV earth bar within the LV cabinet/pillar at existing outdoor sites for all earth
connections to prevent theft.
10.4 Earth Piles
Dedicated vertical foundation piles which have been specifically selected or designed for
earthing may be used as earth electrode instead of earth rods.
Standard vertical piles are generally not suitable for use as dedicated earth electrodes but
they may be used to supplement the installed electrode system provided the surface area
current density requirements (Section 7.9) have first been satisfied by the installation of
dedicated copper rods/electrode.
High current may flow through the piles during an earth fault therefore the use of piles for
earthing shall be agreed with UK Power Networks. The developer/customer is responsible for
providing suitable connection points to the piles and shall accept full liability for their use within
the earthing system. A typical arrangement is shown in Figure 10-1.
The piles shall be connected as detailed in ECS 06-0022 which includes sample drawings.
Figure 10-1 – Typical Pile Earthing

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
10.5 Bonding
10.5.1 Equipment Bonding
All current carrying items of equipment including the switchgear, LV pillar/cabinet/board and
ACB shall be bonded to the transformer (or switchgear) earth terminal using an independent
connection. The minimum size of the bonding conductors is detailed in Table 10-2.
All other non-current carrying items of equipment (e.g. control units, RTUs, battery chargers
etc.) shall be bonded to the main earth terminal using a minimum of 35mm2 covered aluminium
cable, 16mm2 covered stranded copper cable or equivalent10.
Table 10-2 – Bonding Conductors
Function Source Covered Stranded Cable Tape

Fault Level
Below Ground Up to 8kA 70mm2 Copper 25mm x 3mm Copper

Electrode or Above
Ground Bonding Up to 12kA 120mm2 (or 2 x 70mm2) Copper 25mm x 4mm Copper
Up to 15kA 2x 70mm2 Copper 25mm x 6mm Copper
Above Ground Up to 8kA 120mm2 Aluminium 25mm x 6mm Aluminium
Bonding
Up to 15kA 240mm2 Aluminium 40mm x 6mm Aluminium
10 Minimum conductor sizes based on BS EN 50522.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
10.5.2 Metallic Fences, Gates and Doors
Metallic fences, gates and doors require special attention as they can be touched by both staff
and public. The risks that need to be managed are the touch voltage for persons making
contact inside or outside of the substation and hand-to-hand voltages between these items
and the earthed substation equipment. Table 10-3 outlines the various options to reduce the
risks for HOT and COLD sites.
Table 10-3 – Requirements for Earthing of Metallic Fences, Gates and Door
Item Action for COLD Site Action for HOT Site
Metal fence/gate within 2m of Bond to substation Either:

earthed substation equipment, earthing system Install an insulating barrier to prevent
including gates in the open or simultaneous contact
closed position
Or:
Bond to substation earthing system
and assess/control touch voltages
outside of fence – see Section 10.5.2.1
Metal door/frame within 2m of Bond to substation Either:
earthed substation equipment, earthing system Install an insulating barrier to prevent
including door in the open or simultaneous contact
closed position
Or:
Bond to substation earthing system
and assess/control touch voltages
outside door – see Section 10.5.2.3
Metal fence/gate greater than Bond to substation Do not bond to earthed substation
2m from any earthed substation earthing system equipment. Apply separate earthing
equipment, including door in the system – see Section 10.5.2.1
open or closed position
Metal door/frame greater than Bond to substation Do not bond to earthed substation
2m from any earthed substation earthing system equipment. Apply separate earthing
equipment, including door in the system – see Section 10.5.2.3
open or closed position

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
10.5.2.1 Metallic Fences and Gates
1. For all installations:
 Each metallic gate shall be bonded to the gatepost using flexible 35mm2 covered
stranded aluminium cable or 16mm2 covered stranded copper cable or tinned copper
braid.
 Each pair of gateposts shall be bonded together using flexible 35mm2 covered
stranded aluminium or 16mm2 covered flexible stranded copper cable (unless the
frame is a single piece ‘goalpost’ type arrangement).
 An earth rod shall be installed either side of any overhead line crossing.
2. If a metallic fence is installed within 2m of accessible earthed equipment the following

additional requirements apply:
 The fence shall be connected to the HV earth.

 At HOT sites, a grading electrode of 70mm2 bare copper cable or 25mm x 4mm bare
copper tape shall as a minimum be installed under the fence line, or just inside (or
outside), ideally at a depth of 500mm (300mm minimum) and connected to the fence;
this is to protect staff and the public from dangerous touch voltages. Ideally, and if
practicable the grading electrode should be installed outside the fence at a distance of
300-500mm away from the fence (in some situations the designer will specify an
outside grading electrode, in which case an electrode underneath or inside the fence
line is unacceptable).
3. If a metallic fence is installed greater than 2m from accessible earthed equipment the
following additional requirements apply:
 At COLD Sites is shall be connected to the HV earth.

 At HOT sites, it shall not be connected to the HV earth. Instead a single earth rod
shall be installed at each corner fence/gate post (and every 5m at larger sites) and
connected to the fence to eliminate stray voltages. These electrodes, and any fence
foundations, should be kept clear of any buried metallic sheathed cables.
10.5.2.2 Third Party Metallic Fences
Third party metallic fences shall not be directly connected to the substation enclosure or fence
and shall be segregated from any metalwork connected to the substation earth by a minimum
of 2m. Where this is not possible an insulating or standoff fence panel shall be introduced into
the fence line to maintain separation as detailed below:
 Any insulating panel inset into a fence-line shall be at least 2m long to prevent any
individual bridging the panel and simultaneously touching two separate earthing systems.
 If a metallic panel is to be supported on stand-off insulators, the panel shall be at least 2m
in length with insulators at both ends, to create a fully floating panel. It is not sufficient
simply to insulate at one end as this will create a touch voltage risk between the two parts
of the fence.
 Sections of fence which are intended to be separate from other sections shall not be
inadvertently connected together via anti-climbing guards, barbed wire, or similar. Nor
should they be earthed to security lights along the fence line.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
10.5.2.3 Metallic Doors
1. For all installations:
 Each metallic door shall be bonded to the framework using flexible 35mm2 aluminium
or 16mm2 copper covered stranded cable or tinned copper braid.
2. If metallic doors are installed within 2m of equipment or other earthed metalwork the
following additional requirements apply:
 The door framework shall be bonded to the HV earth using 35mm2 aluminium or
16mm2 copper covered stranded cable.
At HOT sites:
 A loop of 70mm2 bare copper cable or 25mm x 3mm bare copper tape shall as a
minimum be installed directly under the door at a depth of 300mm to 500mm. If
practicable it should be outside the door, 1m from the door front and 500mm beyond
each door frame as shown below. Each end of the loop shall be connected to the
existing HV electrode using bare copper conductor. The complete loop shall be
covered with a 100mm of concrete to provide protection against damage or theft.
 Alternatively, a steel or copper mesh may be installed in concrete at a depth of 200mm
to 300mm, covering the same area as above.
 If the area outside of the doors is tarmac the grading electrode may be omitted.
3. If metallic doors are installed greater than 2m from equipment or other earthed metalwork
the following additional requirements will apply:
 The door frame and doors shall not be connected to the HV earth.
 A driven earth rod (1m minimum) shall be installed at each door hinge post and
connected to the post to eliminate stray voltages. The rods shall be kept clear of any
buried earthing or metallic sheathed cables.
10.5.2.4 Fence, Gate and Door Replacement
The requirements of the previous sections also apply to fence, gate and door replacement;
however ECS 06-0023 provides a more practical approach that is more suited to replacement
at existing substations.
Care should be exercised when replacing wooden fencing with a metallic type (e.g. Pallisade,
Expamet, 358 etc.) since its bonding requirements are more onerous, and it is unlikely that a
fence earthing system will exist. It is not sufficient simply to replace wooden panelling with
metallic, nor is it sufficient to merely bond metallic fence panels together above ground without
a buried electrode system.
Metallic fences even if painted or powder coated shall be considered as bare metal unless
covered in an approved insulated coating that will not degrade over time.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
10.5.3 Building Façade with Metallic Cladding or Panels
The earthing of metallic cladding or panels installed on a building façade requires careful
consideration to ensure that a) a high EPR is not exported from the substation to larger area
where public may be present and b) that metalwork connected to different earthing systems
(i.e. building LV earth and substation HV earth) cannot be touched at the same time.
The risks and solutions are similar to fences, in that the earthing systems may be bonded
together or segregated provided that appropriate precautions are taken to control voltage
differences in the substation and around the building.
In most cases it will not be practical to isolate the cladding as typically it will be fixed to a metal
substructure which is (deliberately or fortuitously) bonded to the LV earth. For a COLD
substation with combined HV/LV earths this gives rise to an acceptable risk but for HOT sites,
where the building structure/cladding is likely to be connected to the LV earth, special
measures are needed to ensure that HV and LV earths remain safely separated.
There are several options available to achieve this and each situation needs to be individually
assessed to determine the most appropriate solution.
1. Bond all building cladding/panels together, connect to the substation earthing system and
install a grading electrode around the substation/building to control the touch voltage.
2. Bond the cladding/panels in immediate vicinity of substation to the substation earthing

system (HV) and install a grading electrode in front of the substation doors and the bonded
cladding/panels to control the touch voltage. Ensure there is a 2m separation or an
insulating barrier between the bonded cladding/panels and any non-bonded
cladding/panels.
3. Bond the cladding/panels to substation door frame and ensure the door frame and doors
are not bonded to the substation earthing system. Ensure a 2m separation inside the
substation between any equipment/metalwork bonded to the substation earthing system
and substation doors (and building structure etc.). Install warning labels to advise of the
non-standard bonding. If 2m is not possible, insulation/barriers may be considered.
Note: It is recommended that an earthing specialist is consulted on the most appropriate solution.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
10.5.4 Ducting and Ventilation Shafts
Metallic ducts and ventilation shafts passing through indoor secondary substations provide an
electrical path between the inside and outside of the substation. If they are bonded to the HV
earth, they could transfer voltage outside the substation zone and may pose a risk to the
general public. Generally it is impractical to install measures to control touch and step voltages
where these vents emerge.
Therefore one of the following approaches, in order of preference12, shall be taken to minimise
risk to the public:
 Bond the ducts and ventilation shafts to the HV earth (unless the site is HOT), and install
them such that they are out of reach where they emerge from the substation. To achieve
this they shall be higher than 3m above ground or other foothold.
 Leave the ducts and ventilation shafts un-bonded, and install them such that there is no
possibility of other metalwork (e.g. opening doors) making contact with the ducts or vents
and no possibility of a simultaneous touch contact between the ducts and the HV
equipment that is normally operated. As a further precaution a warning label can be
installed.
 Use insulated ducts.
10.5.5 Pipework and other Metalwork
The substation and its associated earthing system shall be segregated from all metal pipework
above or below ground by a minimum of 2m unless it is bonded to the LV earth.
If the substation is classified as HOT refer to Section 10.8.
10.5.6 Ancillary Metalwork
At COLD sites, all other exposed and normally un-energised metalwork inside the substation
perimeter (e.g. ventilation ducts, staircases etc.) within 2m of other earthed metalwork shall
be bonded to the main earth using 16mm2 covered copper cable or equivalent to avoid any
voltage differences between different items of metalwork13.
At HOT sites, all such metalwork shall be bonded in the same way, except if the metalwork
might give rise to risk outside the substation, in which case the advice of an earthing specialist
shall be sought. Often the decision on whether to bond, or otherwise, needs to be backed up
by appropriate risk assessment. See also the guidance for ventilation shafts below.
Note: Metal frames and other metallic parts that form part of a GRP enclosure or that support a GRP grating are
excluded and may be left un-bonded.
12 The risk to the public can be reduced by leaving the ducts and ventilation shafts un-bonded. However this may
introduce a touch voltage risk to staff inside the substation since the ducts and vents may act as a remote earth
and will therefore be at a different voltage to HV earth during fault conditions; the risk is the occurrence of an HV
fault while staff are on site and bridging a gap between the HV earth and the duct. This risk is thought to be
extremely small and is outweighed by the risk to public which may occur if the systems are bonded. It is likely that
duct fans etc. or other fortuitous contact will provide connection to the LV earth in any case,
13 Minimum conductor sizes based on BS EN 50522.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
10.6 Cables
All HV cable earth screens shall be bonded to the transformer or switchgear earth terminal.
All LV cables shall be bonded as follows:
 CNE cables - the outer sheath of the cable shall be connected to the neutral bar in the LV
pillar/cabinet in accordance with Section 4 of the LV Cable Jointing manual.
 SNE cables - the outer sheath and armouring shall be bonded together and connected to
the neutral bar in the LV pillar/cabinet/board. The neutral conductor shall be connected to
the neutral bar in the LV pillar/cabinet/board in accordance with Section 4 of the LV Cable
Jointing manual.
10.7 Combined HV/LV Earths
At COLD sites an LV electrode is not required. The LV neutral/earth link in the LV cabinet,
pillar or board, that bonds the LV neutral/earth to the substation HV earth, shall be in place so
that the HV and LV earths are combined.
10.8 Separate HV/LV Earths Additional Requirements
If the substation has an EPR greater than 430V it shall be classified as HOT and the additional
requirements detailed in this section shall be applied where necessary.
Extra care is required to ensure that:
 All earthed metalwork is more than 2m from any other metalwork, pipework etc.
 Separate HV and LV earths are not inadvertently combined.
 Any additional PME earth electrodes are installed outside the 430V zone.
 All properties with LV supplies are outside the 430V zone.
10.8.1 LV Earth
A separated LV earth electrode shall be:
 Selected to provide a resistance of 20Ω or less.

 Separated from any HV electrode by at least 8m.
 Installed under an LV main cable in the cable trench wherever practicable to enhance its
security.
 Connected to the neutral bar in the LV pillar/cabinet using 70mm2 covered copper
conductor (and laid under the LV cable) in accordance with the LV Cable Jointing manual.
If an existing substation with metallic sheathed HV and LV cables is being replaced with a new
one it may not be possible to separate the HV and LV earths and further work is required to
achieve an EPR below 430V to allow them to be combined.
10.8.2 Neutral-Earth Link
The HV/LV neutral-earth link shall be removed.
10.8.3 Warning Notices for Separated Earths
Where the HV and LV earths are separated, warning labels as detailed in ECS 06-0023 shall
be installed next to the neutral-earth connection and on the site as required.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
10.8.4 Lighting and Socket Supplies
Generally, at secondary substations classified as HOT, the HV and LV earths are separated;
therefore, care is required when providing power and lighting supplies to ensure that an
operator cannot touch metalwork connected to different earthing systems at the same time.
Therefore, at secondary substations classified as HOT:
 An isolation transformer with a minimum 5kV insulation rating shall be used to supply the
consumer unit and used for lighting and RTU supplies only.
 Light switches and conduits shall preferably be plastic; metallic light switches and conduits
shall not be installed within 2m of any metalwork bonded to the HV earth.
 All 13A sockets shall be disconnected or removed from LV fuse cabinets and LV pillars.
At padmount type secondary substations, it is not usually practical to carry out the above but
as a minimum the socket shall be disconnected or isolated. If the padmount substation is
installed in an enclosure, the enclosure power and lighting may also be omitted.
Refer to ECS 06-0023 for further information on the practicalities of carrying this out on site.
Note: The provision of LVAC supplies shall be in accordance with EDS 08-1112 and substation electrical services
shall comply with EDS 07-1119.
10.8.5 Street Lighting Columns
New substations with separate HV and LV earths shall not be installed within 2m of street
lighting columns or other street furniture. An 8m separation is also required between the street
lamp column and the HV earthing system.
However where this is impractical the columns shall be earthed via a separate earth rod
installed adjacent to the column and shall not use the neutral/earth of a PME service. This will
usually necessitate the use of a RCD in the street columns/furniture to ensure adequate
disconnection time for LV faults.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
11 Special Situations
11.1 General
This section provides further details on specific earthing circumstances that may be
encountered when designing secondary substation earthing.
 Substation refurbishment and asset replacement/enhancement (Section 11.2).

 Secondary substations associated with higher voltage substations (Section 11.3).
 Supplies to/from HOT sites (see Section 11.4 and 11.5).
 Substations near livestock/horses or other high risk locations e.g. outdoor swimming pools,
showers, zoos, locations where footwear is not worn etc (Section 11.6).
 Supplies to mobile phone masts (Section 11.7).
 Substations located near tower lines (Section 11.8).
 Substations located near railways (Section 11.9).
 Substations located near to telephone exchanges (Section 11.10).
 Substations located near pipelines (Section 11.11).
 Substations located near cathodic protection systems (Section 11.12).
 Substations located near fuel filling stations (Section 11.13).
 IDNO substations (Section 11.14).
 HV generator connections (Section 11.15).
 Customer’s lightning protection (Section 11.16).
11.2 Substation Refurbishment and Asset Replacement/Enhancement
When work is carried out at substations, e.g. civil refurbishment, asset replacement or
enhancement, the earthing shall be reviewed, and brought in line with current requirements;
however the earthing enhancement should be proportional to the work being carried out and
be practical to install.
The earthing should, where possible, be based around the standard arrangements shown in
Section 8 using the guidance in Section 9.
Metallic fences, gates and doors require particular attention to ensure that they are correctly
bonded in accordance with Section 10.5.2.
11.3 Secondary Substations within Grid or Primary Substations
Generally where a secondary substation is located within the earthing system of a grid or
primary substation a detailed earthing design is not required. A standard earthing arrangement
should be used and be connected to the higher voltage substation earthing system via
duplicate connections.
The standard earthing arrangements for new grid and primary substations detailed in
EDS 06-0013 include a provision for a secondary substation.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
11.4 Supplies to Higher Voltage (Grid and Primary) Substations, National Grid and
HOT Sites
For supplies to HOT sites and all National Grid sites refer to EDS 08-2108 before carrying out
the earthing design to determine a suitable supply and earthing arrangement.
Acceptable arrangements for supplies to COLD grid and primary substations are shown in
Figure 11-1.
Grid or Primary Substation Grid or Primary Substation
Site LV Supply
Site LV
Supply
HV/LV Other LV
Earth Supplies
Other LV HV/LV
Supplies Earth
HV Network HV Network
Figure 11-1 – Options for Supplies to Higher Voltage Substations
11.5 Supplies from Grid or Primary Substations with a High EPR
Supplies shall not be taken from a grid or primary substation with an EPR greater than 430V
(or 650V for high reliability protection) without the approval of Asset Management. However
Figure 11-2 shows an arrangement which may be used, with care, to provide an LV supply
from a secondary substation provided the following criteria are satisfied:
 The EPR shall not exceed 2kV.

 The LV earth electrode shall be installed outside the 430V (or 650V) contour.
 The LV cable and LV earth cable shall have an insulated sheath and be installed in an
insulated duct (both rated to withstand the maximum EPR of the site) inside the 430V (or
650V) contour. A 650V sheath withstand may be assumed for covered cables in the
absence of manufacturer’s data.
 The screens/armours of all outgoing LV cables shall be isolated from the substation
metalwork.
 Any outgoing LV metallic sheathed/armoured cables shall be replaced with a cable with
an insulated sheath for the length of their passage through the 430V (or 650V) contour.
 Appropriate labelling shall be applied. Refer to EDS 08-2108 for examples.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
Grid/Primary
Substation
430(650)V
Contour
Insulated Duct and

Cable Screen LV Supplies
Outside
8m 430V Contour
HV Earth LV Earth
HV Network
Figure 11-2 – LV Supply from a Grid or Primary Substation with a High EPR
11.6 Substations near Livestock/Horses or other High Risk Locations
Substations near livestock/horses or other high risk locations e.g. outdoor swimming pools,
showers, zoos, locations where footwear is not worn etc. shall be avoided if possible.
If unavoidable, the electrode system shall be located away from where humans and animals
are likely to be and shall be installed at a minimum depth of 1m and separated from any of the
above by a minimum of 1m.
For situations where electrode is already installed in these areas, or where such areas are
unavoidable, an earthing specialist should be employed to carry out computer modelling to
calculate the step voltages and the results used to determine suitable mitigation strategy. The
target voltage gradient in soil should not exceed 25V/m14.
11.7 Mobile Phone Base Stations Associated with Transmission Towers
For supplies to mobile phone base stations mounted on 132kV, 275kV or 400kV transmission
towers refer to EDS 08-2109 before carrying out the earthing design.
11.8 Substations Located Near Tower Lines
Secondary substations shall, where possible, not be situated within 50m of a 400kV, 275kV
or 132kV tower. However if the substation is situated within 50m of a tower the earthing system
requires special consideration and an earthing specialist should be employed to calculate the
transfer voltage from the tower line.
14Animals are particularly susceptible to voltage gradients in soil and ENA 41-24 Issue 2 suggests that voltage
gradients (e.g. around remote electrodes or structures placed in fields) not exceeding 25V/m will generally not
result in animal fatality.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
11.9 Substations Located Near Railways
Substations, and the associated power cables and earthing system, should ideally be
segregated from railways by a minimum of 50m (DC railways) or 10m (AC railways).
If 50m is not practical for DC railways, a reduced 10m clearance is permissible provided that
additional (sacrificial) electrode is installed to minimise the effects of DC erosion. One method
is to double the rods and electrode that would normally be installed, accepting this will erode
over time.
If it is not possible to satisfy the above requirements or there is any doubt an earthing specialist
should be employed to carry out more detailed calculations and determine a suitable mitigation
strategy to guard against export voltages or DC leakage.
For further information on LV supplies to railway installations refer to EDS 06-0017.
11.10 Substations Located Near Telephone Exchanges
If the substation is HOT and within 10m15 of a telephone exchange Openreach (or the
appropriate telecommunication company) shall be informed and the appropriate information
provided. For further guidance refer to EDS 06-0002 (internal) or ENA EREC S36 (external).
11.11 Substations Located near Pipelines
Substations, and the associated power cables and earthing system, should ideally be
segregated from pipelines by a minimum of 50m in accordance with BS 50443:2011.
If this is not possible it will be necessary to employ an earthing specialist to carry out a detailed
earthing study to:
 Calculate the voltage rise on the pipeline closest to the substation.

 Plot the voltage contours around the substation to determine the worst case voltage
difference.
 Calculate the current density around the substation and the resultant current ‘collected’ by
the pipeline.
These findings should be presented to the pipeline operator to allow them to decide if the
voltage rise and collected current require any mitigation on their part.
15 Source ENA EREC S36.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
11.12 Substations Located near Cathodic Protection Systems
Cathodic protection systems use a DC voltage to reduce corrosion on the pipeline/structure.

The method usually relies on rectifier units or buried sacrificial anodes to impress a voltage
on the structure which causes DC current to return to a buried electrode(s) associated with
the installation.
Substations or other metalwork close to this current path can provide a parallel (low
impedance) return path for DC currents. Where such stray currents exit the substation
earthing system they will cause erosion of the electrode.
Because the exact location of cathodic protection electrodes/rectifiers/anodes may be

unknown, it is recommended that all substations are sited at least 50m from any plant or
equipment connected to a cathodic protection installation.
Where this is not possible, a separation of 10m may be used, provided arrangements can be
made to test the substation earthing system at yearly intervals. Alternatively, additional
electrode should be installed (as for railway systems) to provide some sacrificial material.
Despite this, simple non-intrusive testing may not reveal the loss of material below soil until
the electrode system is so depleted as to require complete replacement.
Therefore advice from an earthing specialist should be sought for all substations within 50m
of an installation with cathodic protection.
11.13 Substations Located near Fuel Filling Stations
Substations and the associated earthing system shall be segregated from a petrol or gas filling
station LV earthing system by a minimum of 20m16 to avoid the transfer of voltage between
the earthing systems.
Additional requirements relate to the provision of PME earthing to these installations (refer to
EDS 06-0017).
These requirements also apply to other types of fuel storage e.g. oil or hydrogen. BS EN 60079
provides additional guidance for electrical installations within or close to potentially explosive
atmospheres.
11.14 IDNO Substations
Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) substations shall be designed to the

standards detailed in this document and IDNOs shall be encouraged to use the standard
arrangements and design a site with an EPR below 430V wherever possible.
UK Power Networks cannot insist on a particular value of EPR or whether combined/separated

LV earth is used as UK Power Networks is not responsible for the substation or the LV network.
However the substation shall be safe for UK Power Networks staff to enter and operate in and
this shall be demonstrated in the design submission.
For further guidance on IDNOs and inset networks refer to EDS 08-1101.
16 Based on BS EN 50522 Section 6.1.3.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
11.15 HV Generator Connections (including Solar and Wind Farms)
Refer to EDS 06-0019 before carrying out the earthing design for substations associated with
embedded or distributed generators.
The earthing system for a secondary substation for a HV generator connection shall be
designed in accordance with this standard. The earthing system associated with the generator
shall be designed in accordance with industry and national standards, however if the generator
earthing system forms an integral part of the UK Power Networks’ substation earthing system
it shall also be designed in accordance with this standard.
11.16 Customer’s Lightning Protection
Lightning protection is covered by BS EN 62305 (protection against lightning). BS EN 62305-3

specifies that the resistance of the lightning protection system (LPS) should not exceed 10Ω
and that it is preferable to have a single integrated earthing system. Therefore provided the
customer's lightning system does not exceed 10Ω and the UK Power Networks earthing
system EPR does not exceed 430V they should be connected together at the substation earth
bar. The connection point shall be clearly labelled and bolted to facilitate disconnection under
controlled conditions in the future should this be necessary.
The LPS will contribute to the overall earthing system but should not be relied upon, therefore
the UK Power Networks earthing system shall be designed to operate safely without this
contribution.
Note:
 There will be an electric shock risk between the two earthing systems if the connection between them is broken.
 If the two earthing systems are not bonded then care is required to ensure that metalwork connected to the
two earthing systems cannot be touched simultaneously.
 If the two earthing systems are not bonded then during lightning strike conditions a flashover may occur
between the lightning conductors and any pipework or conductor (including cables within the customer’s
installation) connected to the earth terminal.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
12 Earthing Design Assessment

12.1 External Connection Providers
12.1.1 Overview
External connection providers shall provide an earthing arrangement drawing and supporting
earthing design report as detailed in Sections 12.1.2 and 12.1.3 to enable UK Power Networks
to assess the secondary substation earthing design.
Earthing designs that do not include sufficient information or that do not meet the minimum
requirements specified in this standard may be unsafe and shall not be granted design
approval.
12.1.2 Earthing Drawing
An earthing arrangement drawing shall include as a minimum:
 Substation layout with earthing arrangement.

 Main earth electrode(s) and depth.
 Additional earth electrode required to obtain the earth resistance value.
 Earth rods.
 Rebar/reinforcement connections.
 All bonding to equipment, metalwork etc.
 Type and sizes of earth electrode, earth rods, bonding conductors etc.
 Warning labels.
 Site boundary and the position of any metallic fencing, street furniture or other metallic
buildings or structures.
12.1.3 Earthing Report
The earthing design report (refer to Appendix F for example) shall include as a minimum:
 Base data and source.

 Value of required earth resistance.
 Ground return current.
 Earth potential rise (EPR) calculations.
 Touch and step voltage calculations and/or supporting voltage contour plots.
 Transfer voltage calculations if relevant.
 Details of any additional precautions that are required.
12.1.4 Further Information
For further information on earthing design refer to the following national standards:
ENA TS 41-24, ENA EREC S34 and BS EN 50522.
12.2 UK Power Networks
A form to assist UK Power Networks designers with the assessment of a secondary substation
earthing design is included in Appendix D.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
13 References
13.1 UK Power Networks Standards
EDS 06-0001 Earthing Standard

EDS 06-0002 HOT Site Management (internal document only)
EDS 06-0012 Earthing Design Criteria, Data and Calculations
EDS 06-0013 Grid and Primary Substation Earthing Design
EDS 06-0015 Pole-mounted Equipment Earthing Design
EDS 06-0016 LV Network Earthing Design
EDS 06-0017 Customer LV Installation Earthing Design
EDS 06-0018 NetMap Earthing Maps (internal document only)
EDS 06-0019 Customer EHV and HV Connections (including Generation) Earthing
Design and Construction Guidelines
ECS 06-0022 Grid and Primary Substation Earthing Construction
ECS 06-0023 Secondary Distribution Network Earthing Construction
EDS 07-1119 Substation Electrical Services
EDS 07-3102 Secondary Substation Civil Design Standards
EDS 08-1101 Guidance for the Application of ENA Engineering Recommendation G88
and G81 Inset Networks (IDNO's and other licenced DNO's)
EDS 08-1112 Substation LVAC Supplies
EDS 08-2108 Supplies to HOT Sites and National Grid Sites
EDS 08-2109 LV supplies to Mobile Phone Base Stations Mounted on 132, 275 and
400kV Towers (internal document only)
13.2 National and Industry Standards
ENA TS 41-2417 Guidelines for the Design, Installation, Testing and Maintenance of Main
Earthing Systems in Substations
ENA EREC G1217 Requirements for the Application of Protective Multiple Earthing to Low
Voltage Networks
ENA EREC G7817 Recommendations for Low Voltage Supplies to Mobile Phone Base
Stations with Antennae on High Voltage Structures
ENA EREC S3417 A Guide for Assessing the Rise of Earth Potential at Substation Sites
ENA EREC S3617 Procedure to Identify and Record HOT Substations
BS EN 50443:2011 Effects of Electromagnetic Interference on Pipelines caused by High
Voltage a.c. Electric Traction Systems and/or High Voltage a.c. Power
Supply Systems
BS EN 50522 Earthing of Power Installations Exceeding 1kV AC
BS EN 62305 Protection against Lightning
BS EN 60079 Explosive Atmospheres
17 ENA documents available from http://www.dcode.org.uk/annexes.html or www.energynetworks.org.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
14 Dependent Documents
EOS 04-0035 Compact Substations
EDS 06-0001 Earthing Standard
EDS 06-0002 HOT Site Requirements (internal document only)
EDS 06-0012 Earthing Design Criteria, Data and Calculations
EDS 06-0013 Grid and Primary Substation Earthing Design
EDS 06-0015 Pole-mounted Equipment Earthing Design
EDS 06-0016 LV Network Earthing Design
EDS 06-0017 Customer LV Installation Earthing Design
EDS 06-0018 NetMap Earthing Maps (internal document only)
EDS 06-0019 Customer EHV and HV Connections (including Generation) Earthing
Design and Construction Guidelines
ECS 06-0023 Secondary Distribution Network Earthing Construction
EDS 07-3102 Secondary Substation Civil Design Standard
EDS 08-0148 Appendices to ENA ER G81
EDS 08-1112 Substation LVAC Supplies
EDS 08-2108 Supplies to HOT Sites and National Grid Sites
EDS 08-3100 HV Customer Demand and Generation Supplies

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
Appendix A – UK Power Networks Supporting Data

The data required to carry out the earthing design for secondary substations detailed in this
document is available from the Substation Earthing Design Tool. With the exception of soil
resistivity this information is also available to external connection providers via the Substation
Earthing Design Tool or their UK Power Networks nominated contact.
Table A-1 lists the original data sources.
Table A-1 – Data Sources for Earthing Design Calculations
Data UK Power Networks Source
Source substation earth fault current DigSilent PowerFactory

Secondary substation earth fault current Relevant HV/LV network modelling tool
Source substation earth resistance Asset Register (refer to EDS 06-0001) or use
0.1Ω if no measured value available
Source substation classification (HOT or COLD) Asset Register (refer to EDS 06-0001)
Circuit details NetMap, GROND, DPlan
Source protection details Asset Register
Secondary substation standard earthing EDS 06-0012 Appendix A
arrangements
Secondary substation soil resistivity NetMap (refer to EDS 06-0018)

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
Appendix B – Typical Electrode Systems

Table B-1 shows various options for achieving HV and LV earth resistance values. Table B-2
and Table B-3 include the resistance of various lengths of earth rod, earth conductor and a
lattice earth mat in different soil resistivity.
Note: NetMap also contains earthing maps showing the earthing requirements to achieve 0.5 Ω, 1Ω, 10Ω and 20Ω
earths (refer to EDS 06-0018).
Table B-1 – 1Ω, 10Ω and 20Ω Earth Electrode Options
Typical Soil 1Ω Earth Resistance 10Ω Earth Resistance 20Ω Earth Resistance
Type/Soil
Resistivity (a) (b) (a) (b) (a) (b)
Loam 25Ωm 6 x 6m 11 x 2.4m 1 x 2.4m 1 x 2.4m 1 x 1.2m 1 x 2.4m

Chalk 50Ωm 13 x 6m 27 x 2.4m 1 x 6.0m 2 x 2.4m 1 x 2.4m 1 x 2.4m
Clay 100Ωm 34 x 4.8m 60 x 2.4m 3 x 4.8m 4 x 2.4m 2 x 4.8m 2 x 2.4m
Site specific design
<150Ωm 4 x 4.8m 7 x 2.4m 2 x 4.8m 3 x 2.4m
required
Sand,
Gravel, Site specific design
<200Ωm 5 x 4.8m 9 x 2.4m 3 x 4.8m 4 x 2.4m
Clay required
mix
>200Ωm Site specific design required
Slate,
Shale, 500Ωm Site specific design required
Rock
Column (a) Deep-driven Vertical and Horizontal Electrodes
denotes 5m
Each deep-driven vertical electrode comprises of 1.2m
rods coupled together to form the final vertical length
1.2 - 6m
e.g. 4.8m = 4 x 1.2m. Where there is more than one

rod required, the spacing between them is 5m 25. The
top of each electrode shall be at a minimum depth of
0.6m below ground level
Column (b) Short Vertical and Horizontal Electrodes
denotes Each short-vertical electrode comprises of 1.2m rods 3m
coupled together to form the final vertical length e.g.
2.4m
2.4m = 2 x 1.2m. Where there is more than 1 rod

required, the spacing between them is 3m 25. The top of
each electrode shall be at a minimum depth of 0.6m
below ground level
25To obtain the maximum effect from the rods the horizontal separation should be twice the length of
the rod; however uniform distances are quoted to make installation easier.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
Table B-2 – Earth Rod Resistance based on Soil Resistivity
Rod Resistance (Ω)26

No of
Length
Rods
(m) 25Ωm 50Ωm 100Ωm 150Ωm 200Ωm 300Ωm 400Ωm 500Ωm
1 1.2 17.9 35.8 71.6 107.4 143.2 214.7 286.3 357.9

2 2.4 10.1 20.2 40.4 60.6 80.8 121.2 161.5 201.9
3 3.6 7.2 14.4 28.7 43.1 57.4 86.1 114.9 143.6
4 4.8 5.6 11.2 22.5 33.7 45.0 67.5 90.0 112.5
5 6.0 4.6 9.3 18.6 27.9 37.2 55.8 74.3 92.9
6 7.2 4.0 7.9 15.9 23.8 31.8 47.7 63.6 79.5
7 8.4 3.5 7.0 13.9 20.9 27.8 41.7 55.6 69.6
8 9.6 3.1 6.2 12.4 18.6 24.8 37.2 49.6 62.0
9 10.8 2.8 5.6 11.2 16.8 22.4 33.6 44.8 56.0
10 12 2.6 5.1 10.2 15.3 20.4 30.6 40.8 51.1
11 13.2 2.3 4.7 9.4 14.1 18.8 28.2 37.6 47.0
12 14.4 2.2 4.4 8.7 13.1 17.4 26.1 34.8 43.6
13 15.6 1.9 3.8 7.7 11.5 15.4 23.1 30.8 38.5
14 16.8 1.8 3.6 7.2 10.9 14.5 21.7 28.9 36.2
15 18 1.8 3.6 7.2 10.7 14.3 21.5 28.7 35.8
16 19.2 1.7 3.4 6.8 10.2 13.5 20.3 27.1 33.9
17 20.4 1.6 3.2 6.4 9.6 12.8 19.3 25.7 32.1
Table B-3 – Earth Conductor and Lattice Earth Mat Resistance based on Soil Resistivity
Conductor/Mat Resistance (Ω)27

Length 25Ωm 50Ωm 100Ωm 150Ωm 200Ωm 300Ωm 400Ωm 500Ωm
10m 3.6 7.3 14.6 21.9 29.2 43.8 58.3 72.9
25m 1.8 3.5 7.0 10.5 14.0 21.0 28.0 35.0
50m 1.0 2.0 3.9 5.9 7.9 11.8 15.8 19.7
Conductor 100m 0.5 1.1 2.2 3.3 4.4 6.6 8.8 11.0
150m 0.4 0.8 1.5 2.3 3.1 4.6 6.2 7.7
200m 0.3 0.6 1.2 1.8 2.4 3.6 4.8 6.0
250m 0.2 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0
1m x 1m Lattice Mat in 13.2 26.3 52.6 79.0 105.3 157.9 210.6 263.2
Soil
1m x 1m Lattice Mat in 3.7 7.3 14.7 22.0 29.3 44.0 58.6 73.3
Earthing Compound
26Rod resistance calculated using formulae R1 from ENA EREC S34.

27Conductor resistance calculated using formulae R7 from ENA EREC S34 and earth mat resistance calculated
using formulae R4 from ENA EREC S34.

Version: 4.0
Date: 09/11/2018
Appendix C – Earthing Design Form

Earthing data, design and constructions forms (EDS 06-0014C) are available within the
secondary substation earthing design tool.
The earthing design and construction forms should be completed by the designer/planning
engineer and added to the work package with the appropriate EDS 07-3102 drawings.
Appendix D – Earthing Design Assessment Form

An earthing design assessment form is available as a separate document EDS 06-0014D.
Appendix E – Secondary Substation Earthing Design Tool

A secondary substation earthing design tool for use by UK Power Networks staff is available
via Citrix.
The earthing design tool can be requested via MyIT > Do you want something? > Software
Installs and Application Access > In-house Application Request. Type ‘substation’ into the
search box, select ‘Substation Earthing Design Tool’ (as shown below) and complete the
request in the usual way.
The earthing design tool is also available to ICPs; please the UK Power Networks Competition-
in-Connections team for further information.
A user guide is available via the Help button in the earthing design tool.
Appendix F – Earthing Design Example

An earthing design example including the information required to demonstrate that a design
is acceptable is available as a separate document EDS 06-0014F and may be used as a basis
to formally submit designs for assessment.
Appendix G – Standard Secondary Substation Arrangement Voltage Profiles

The voltage profiles including the touch and step voltages for the standard substation earthing
arrangements are available as a separate document EDS 06-0014G (internal document only).

EDS 06-0014 Secondary Substation Earthing Design

Uploaded by

Document Informationclick to expand document information

Document Informationclick to expand document information

Copyright:

Available Formats

EDS 06-0014 Secondary Substation Earthing Design

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

EDS 06-0014 Secondary Substation Earthing Design

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Document Number: EDS 06-0014

SECONDARY SUBSTATION EARTHING DESIGN

Network(s): EPN, LPN, SPN

Author: Stephen Tucker Date: 09/11/2018

Approved By: Paul Williams Approved Date: 23/11/2018

Version 4.0 Review Date 23/11/2023

Document reviewed and review date extended

Version 3.0 Review Date 28/07/2019

© UK Power Networks 2018 All rights reserved 2 of 54

Version 1.1 Review Date 31/12/2011

© UK Power Networks 2018 All rights reserved 3 of 54

© UK Power Networks 2018 All rights reserved 4 of 54

11.2 Substation Refurbishment and Asset Replacement/Enhancement .......................... 42

© UK Power Networks 2018 All rights reserved 5 of 54

Figure 6-1 – Preliminary Earthing Design Assessment........................................................ 10

Table 10-1 – Earth Electrodes............................................................................................. 32

© UK Power Networks 2018 All rights reserved 6 of 54

© UK Power Networks 2018 All rights reserved 7 of 54

Secondary substation earthing construction is covered in ECS 06-0023.

Further guidance for customers on substation earthing is available in EDS 06-0019.

The earthing design for pole-mounted equipment, LV networks (including LV overhead

© UK Power Networks 2018 All rights reserved 8 of 54

The main objectives are to:

b) conform with the requirements of UK Power Networks earthing standards, BS EN 50522

To satisfy this the following design requirements shall apply:

 A maximum HV electrode earth resistance of 10Ω to operate the HV protection.

© UK Power Networks 2018 All rights reserved 9 of 54

6 Preliminary Earthing Assessment

Overhead site? Yes Refer to EDS 06-0015

Use combined HV/LV earth

Refer to Section 11 then carry

Consider use of earthing

Non-standard/bespoke Employ earthing specialist to

Carry out earthing design in

Figure 6-1 – Preliminary Earthing Design Assessment

© UK Power Networks 2018 All rights reserved 10 of 54

 A completed earthing design form.

7.2 Information Requirements

The following information is required to design a secondary substation earthing system:

Refer to Appendix A for UK Power Networks data sources.

© UK Power Networks 2018 All rights reserved 11 of 54

Standard substation Employ earthing specialist to

Yes Touch voltage

EPR < 430V? No Evaluate network contribution Re-calculate EPR

Document design and

Figure 7-1 – Earthing Design Procedure Flowchart

© UK Power Networks 2018 All rights reserved 12 of 54

7.3 Earth Resistance

Determine the earth resistance as follows:

Standard substation earthing arrangement earth resistance data is available form

3 UK Power Networks GIS system.

© UK Power Networks 2018 All rights reserved 13 of 54

7.4 EPR Calculation

Calculate the EPR as follows:

Refer to Appendix A for further Information on obtaining earth fault levels.

EPR = Igr × RSecSub

© UK Power Networks 2018 All rights reserved 14 of 54