Traditional earth fault limits, earth loop impedances and protection clearance time ‘rule of thumb’ do not always result in safe or compliant systems.
Find out more below or download as a PDF version.
A Typical Underground Example
A typical 1000V underground supply system commonly has a 5A earth fault limit. The cables feeding outlet control and the load are often protected by earth continuity relays with a 45Ω pilot earth loop impedance limit. Allowing for the pilot resistance of the installed cable length, could see the total return earth impedance for an earth fault in the load as high as 75Ω.
Worst case touch voltage is: 75/(115+75)*577 = 228V
Total clearance time for outlet E/L:
- Earth leakage relay 50 msec (instantaneous)
- Interposing relay delay 20 msec
- Breaker/contactor delay 130 msec
= a total clearance time of 200 msec
The scenario is typical of underground practice as the key operating parameters are consistent with values allowed in standards
- 5A earth fault limit
- 45 Ohm earth return impedance limit
The potential touch voltage clearance times are to the right of the safe area of the wet area curve (Lp) in AS/NZS4871.
What you need to do
The 2012 changes to AS/NZS4871 are more significant than generally appreciated. Traditional parameter values available under standards are not necessarily ‘safe’ when configured into a practical system.
Removal of prescriptive limits on key parameters including earth fault limits, trip settings and clearance times, requires all design settings to be examined from first principles.
Regardless of whether they fall below the wet area curve or not, all protection parameters should be justifiable as being as low as reasonably practical.
How to get there
- Complete an audit of your system against the requirements of AS/NZS4871
- Carefully consider the fundamental parameters including:
• Earth fault limitation
• Return earth impedance limit
• Tripping ratio and total clearance times - Review underground substations for compliance against AS/NZS4871 and Safety Bulletin SB11-04 (variable speed drives and fitment of wideband earth leakage)
How Ampcontrol can help
Not sure where to start or need some help with an audit? Ampcontrol have a range of services available to help you.
Electrical engineering support: Ampcontrol’s electrical engineering team have the experience and expertise to understand and evaluate your electrical system. We can undertake protection and electrical distribution studies and provide electrical design advice.
Onsite support: Ampcontrol’s underground and HV service teams are available to conduct AS/NZS4871 audits. Our trained service technicians and electrical engineers audit your site, provide standardised documentation of audit findings, and provide recommendations for any issues identified.
Training: We provide practical training modules including how to set and configure electrical protection equipment as well as high voltage maintenance program requirements. Our training packages are custom designed to your site installation and include reference materials. Training can be conducted on a scheduled basis to ensure your staff remain up to date with requirements.