Power System Grounding and Earthing Techniques Course

Training Outlines

Introduction

This course provides a systematic approach to power-system grounding and protective earthing. It covers neutral-grounding methods, soil characterisation, fault-current paths, electrode and grid design, touch and step safety, lightning interfaces, field testing and remediation.

Objectives

• Distinguish system grounding, protective earthing and bonding functions.
• Select appropriate neutral-grounding methods for power networks.
• Interpret soil-resistivity tests and develop multilayer soil models.
• Calculate ground-fault current distribution and conductor duty.
• Design electrodes and grids within touch and step voltage limits.
• Coordinate substation earthing with lightning and cable systems.
• Perform resistance, continuity and potential-gradient tests.
• Diagnose unsafe grounding performance and specify corrective measures.

Course Outlines

Day 1: Grounding Principles and Fault Behaviour

• Grounding terminology and objectives
• Electric-shock mechanisms
• Ground-fault current paths
• Earth-return impedance
• Bonding and equipotential zones
• Applicable standards and safety criteria

Day 2: Power-System Neutral Grounding

• Solidly grounded systems
• Resistance grounding methods
• Reactance and resonant grounding
• Ungrounded network behaviour
• Zero-sequence network analysis
• Grounding-method selection

Day 3: Soil Modelling and Electrode Design

• Wenner and Schlumberger measurements
• Seasonal and multilayer soil models
• Rods, rings, meshes and electrodes
• Conductor sizing and thermal duty
• Ground resistance calculation
• Material selection and corrosion

Day 4: Substation Safety and Integration

• Touch and step voltage limits
• Surface-layer derating
• Fault-current split and transfer potential
• Fence, structure and equipment bonding
• Lightning-protection interfaces
• Cable screens and remote earths

Day 5: Testing, Diagnosis and Remediation

• Fall-of-potential testing
• Clamp and selective measurements
• Continuity and integrity testing
• Potential-gradient surveys
• Grounding-system fault diagnosis
• Design verification and remediation plan