Earthing System Design

The correct sizing of high voltage earthing (grounding) conductors is crucial for the safe and efficient operation of any electrical system. The size of the grounding conductor should be determined based on the maximum fault current that the system is likely to experience. As well as the voltage level and the type of earthing system being used.

In general, the grounding conductor should be sized to carry the maximum fault current for a specified duration without overheating or causing damage to the conductor or surrounding equipment. This can be determined using industry-standard calculation methods and guidelines. Such as those provided by the National Electric Code (NEC) or the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

What size conductors should I use?

There a simple table I can use for this HV high voltage earthing design project. These are great questions and often asked. This post answers these questions together with the choice of conductor materials and jointing method within a high voltage earthing design project.

Assessing conductor size is entirely dependent on the electrical configuration and the load that the conductor must take. For example, an above-ground bonding conductor serves to transfer current with minimal voltage drop, from A to B. A directly buried conductor has an additional purpose. That of leaking the fault current or voltage into the local geology (as part of an electrode).