20th January 2006,

IEE; Malaysia Branch, Subang Jaya

Earthing from the dual Perspectives of

Power Distribution (IEC60364) & EMC (IEC61000-5-2)

A presentation by
Evening lecture Ir. Looi Hip Peu
organised by

Institute of Electrical
No. 23, Jalan SS21/34,
Engineers, Malaysia Damansara Utama,
Branch 47400 Petaling Jaya
Selangor, MALAYSIA
CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION – Wiring Standards

EARTHING FOR POWER DISTRIBUTION

IEC60364 – Description & Parts dealing with Earthing

Definitions of Earth System – IT, TT, TN-S, TN-C
Selection of Earthing System

EARTHING FOR EMC

IEC61000 series – EMC Standards
Definitions EMC terms and phenomena
Earthing for EMC
INTRODUCTION – Wiring Standards
Two dominant wiring standards in the
world:
Europe
dominate the IEC
which is the
dominant standard International Electrotechnical Commission
in power electrical. Commission Electrotechniques Internationale
Meждунмародная Электротехнмическая
Комиссия

North
mainly
Americacountries
under American
influnce.
 INTRODUCTION – Wiring Standards
More than 90% of the world now subscribed to the ISO/IEC Standard
 INTRODUCTION – Wiring Standards

National Electrical Code®

British IEE (UK) 16th NFPA-70 (USA)
Edition – BS7671 IEC 60364
INTRODUCTION – Wirings Standards

Two Perspectives towards Wiring Standards under IEC

Power Distribution; IEC 60364 “Electrical Installation of

Buildings”, Fundamental Principles deals with
Power distribution systems
Protection for Safety
Generally phenomena at power frequencies

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC); IEC 61000 series

Ability of devices/ equipment/ systems to work within
its electromagnetic environment..
Include high frequency phenomena
INTRODUCTION – Wirings Standards

Protection for Safety takes

precedence over EMC
measures.

Earthing measures under

IEC60364 is not sufficient by
themselves to fulfil EMC
requirements .
EARTHING FOR POWER DISTRIBUTION
IEC60364 “Electrical Installation of Buildings”
Part 1 – Fundamental Principles
Part 4 – Protection for Safety
Part 4-41 – Protection against electric shock
Part 4-42 – Protection against thermal effect
Part 4-43 – Protection against overcurrent
Part 4-44 – Protection against electromagnetic & voltages disturbance

Part 5 – Selection and erection of electrical equipment

Part 5-51 – Common Rules
Part 5-52 – Wiring Systems
Part 5-53 – Isolation, switching and control
Part 5-54 – Earthing arrangement
Part 5-55 – Other Equipment

Part 6-61 – Verification and Initial Verification

EARTHING FOR POWER DISTRIBUTION
PARTS OF IEC60364 DEALING WITH EARTHING

Part 1 – Clause 312.3 (Definition of TT, TN, IT system)

Parts 4-41; Clause 413.4 (protection by earth-free local

equipotential bond).

Parts 4-44; Earthing system is prescribed as protection

against over-voltages in many clauses.

Parts 5-54; Selection and erection of equipment –

Earthing arrangements, protective conductors and
protective bonding conductors
EARTHING FOR POWER DISTRIBUTION – BASIC CONCEPTS

IN THE EARLY DAYS, NEUTRAL WAS UNEARTHED

Earthing of metal frame reduces exposure to

dangerous fault currents and helps prevent electric
shock due to indirect contact.
Earthing of NEUTRAL reduces incidence of high
voltage to frame.
 SAFE CONTACT VOLTAGE Zone 4
Risk of Cardiac Arrest
c2

a b c1 c3
Zone 1
Perceptio
n
Zone 2
Discomfort 4
1 3
Zone 3
2
Muscular
Contractio
n

Fig. 3 – Time/Current Zones of AC Effects (15Hz to 100Hz) on Persons as in IEC 60479-

1.
C1: likelihood 5% C2: likelihood >50% C3: likelihood>95%
 SAFE CONTACT VOLTAGE

Protection for safety include measures which

prescribe safe contact voltages and automatic
disconnection time. The concept of safe contact
voltage came from studies on electric current
through the human bodies. These studies started
from the early 20th century up to the 1950s. IEC479
contains the accumulated data condensed in
useful format. .
 EARTHING FOR POWER DISTRIBUTION
DEFINITIONS – DIRECT & INDIRECT CONTACT

Indirect Contact Direct Contact

Is when a person comes into is when person
indirect contact with live comes into direct
conductors through the metal contact with live
 EARTHING FOR POWER DISTRIBUTION
DEFINITIONS – TT, IT, TN-C & TN-S SYSTEMS

IEC60364 earthing – 2 letters:

1. 1st letter Transformer neutral:
(i) “T” for connected
(ii) “I” for isolated
(b) 2nd letter; Frame earth:
(i) “T” for directly connected to
earth
(ii) “N” for connected to the neutral
at the origin of installation.
 DEFINITIONS – TN-C, TN-S, TN-CS SYSTEMS

The TN System can

also be sub divided
into sub system by the
addition of a 3rd letter:
TN-C; N & PE are
common (PEN)
TN-S;
N & PE are separate
TN-C-S;
Where TN-C occurs up
-stream and TN-S
downstream
DEFINITIONS – TT, IT, TN-C & TN-S SYSTEMS
Various sub system can co-exist within one system.
DEFINITIONS – TT, IT, TN-C & TN-S SYSTEMS
Multiple co-existence of earth systems, e.g. data system with
IT earth downstream of a TN-S.
For 230/400V
networks, Ud at
around (0.8Uo/2)
would exceed
the limit of safe
voltage even in
dry conditions
(UL=50V). Short TN
circuit protection
device (SCPD)
required.
In a TN system, the occurrence of a
fault will cause contact voltage to
exceed the safe limit prescribed. It is
also from this theoretical treatment
that the PE is prescribed to run
together with the phase conductors T
(Rph~Rpe). N

The length of the cable should also be restricted to

ensure that the threshold sensitivity of the protective
device is not exceeded (earth loop impedance too
high).
Earth impedances are
normally of the same
magnitude (about
10Ω), Ud would be
around 0.8Uo/2
exceeding limit of safe
voltage (UL).
RCD would be
mandated. Threshold TT
of RCD would also be
less than Ido and
disconnection less
than 1sec.
 In a TT system similar dangerous
contact voltage will develop in the
event of a fault. The TT system has
the following features:
1. Earth loop impedance do not
depend on the length of cables T
(useful for public utility with long T
distribution lines) – an advantage
1. Further
compared subtodivision of TT system is allowed where frame
the TN system;
earth may be common or separate as the PE is not a
common reference point for the installation.
2. A frame to winding fault on the transformer at substation
(at MV side) may however transmit dangerous voltages
downstream.
 IT –1st
fault

2 possibilities – high
impedance earthed
neutral and un-
earthed neutral
Both case, Ud would
be within safe limit
(less than 1V).
Contant monitoring
of insulation failure
required (PIM).
 IT – 2nd Fault

If 1st fault not cleared,

a 2nd fault will cause
failure similar to TN
fault; i.e. Ud ~ 0.8
Uo/2
 IT –1st fault IT – 2nd Fault

On first fault, the contact voltage will be within safe limits due to
the absence of a low earth return-loop impedance.
However if the first fault do not clear, a second fault will carry
dangerous consequences. Case treatment are as follows:
1. Where frame earth are interconnected, the fault will be similar
to a TT fault;
2. Where frame earth are not interconnected, fault will be similar
to a TN system.
 Network/Operation Criteria
Continuity of service critical and
maintenance service available
Continuity of service critical and
consistent maintenance service NOT
available
Continuity of service NOT critical;
competent maintenance services
available.
Continuity of service NOT critical;
competent maintenance service NOT
available.
Fire hazard critical and maintenance
services available.
System Chosen /Preferred
IT chosen
No satisfactory solution, TT
preferred as discrimination tripping
is easier to implement and damages
lesser with respect to TN.
TN-S chosen (rapid repairs and
extension easily performed).
No satisfactory solution, TT system
preferred.
IT and use of 5mA RCD
OR TT system
 Network/Operation Criteria System Chosen /Preferred
Special features; very long networks TT preferred
Special features; Standby Power Supply TT preferred

Special features; Load sensitive to high TT preferred OR

load currents (e.g. motors) IT can be acceptable

Special features; Low natural insulation TN-S preferred.

(furnace) OR very large HF filters
(computers).
Special features; control and monitoring IT for continuity of service OR
systems TT for enhanced equipotentiality
EARTHING FOR POWER DISTRIBUTION
COST
● IT System the most expensive; due to requirement of
protective insulation monitoring (PIM)
● TT System is the cheapest
CONTINUITY OF SERVICE
● IT has the best solution for continuity of service; in
some countries (France) it is mandatory to use IT
system in critical installation (hospital)
● TN System prone to tripping.
MAINTENANCE
● TN is easiest to maintain. Proficiency of service
technician can be lower
● TT require higher skill maintenance,
● IT require skill maintenance. However incidence of
EARTHING ARRANGEMENT PART 5-54

Part 5-54 describe requirement for

● Earthing arrangement (electrodes
& earthing conductors
● Protective conductors (size/ type
etc)
● Equipotential bonding conductors
Earthing arrangement can be for
● Functional purposes
● Protective purposes
 EARTHING ARRANGEMENT PART 5-54
Cross sectional Minimum cross sectional area of the corresponding
areas of line protective conductor (mm²)
conductors If the protective conductor If the protective conductor is
S is of the same material as not of the same material as
(mm²) the line conductor the line conductor
S < 16 S K1/K2 x S
16 < S < 35 16 a K1/K2 x 16
S > 35 S/2 a K1/K2 x S/2
Where
K1 is the value of k for the line conductor, selected from table A54.1 or from the tables of
IEC50364-4-43 according to the resistance of the conductor and insulation.
K2 is the value of k for the conductor selected from tables A 54.2 to A54.6 as applicable
a
for a PEN conductor the reduction of the cross section area is permitted only in
accordance with the rules for sizing of the neutral conductor (see IEC 60364-5-52).
 EARTHING ARRANGEMENT PART 5-54

Cross sectional Minimum cross sectional area of the corresponding

areas of line protective conductor (mm²)
conductors If the protective If the protective conductor
S conductor is of the is not of the same material
(mm²) same material as the as the line conductor
line conductor
S < 16 S K1/K2 x S
16 < S < 35 16 a K1/K2 x 16
S > 35 S/2 a K1/K2 x S/2

This table in effect requires that PE be the 5th cable in

wiring systems where the PE will is separate from the N in
the TN-S system which is commonly implemented within
buildings in Malaysia. Where a TT system is implemented
(i.e. when the PE will not run from the source to the load),
a 5th cable from source to load may not be required.
EARTHING ARRANGEMENT PART 5-54

S = cross section area (mm²)

I = prospective fault curren from fault of negligible
impedance flowing through a protective device.
T = operating time of protective device and
K = factor dependent on material of protecive
conductor (Annex A of Part 5-54).
EARTHING ARRANGEMENT PART 5-54

The previous table prescribing size of PE and

calculation of PE using formula in effect permit
the use of other metal as PE (e.g. steel
armouring of cables, cable tray, metal conduit
etc.). However in such case, the designer and/or
installer will have to ensure that the cross
sectional area of the metal used comply with the
formula above (or prescription table for P.E. in
EARTHING ARRANGEMENT PART 5-54

Types of P.E. approved

● Conductors in multi core cables
● Insulated or bare conductors in a common enclosure
with live conductors
● Fixed installed bare or insulated conductors
● Metallic cables sheath, cable screen, cable armour,
wirebraid, concentric conductors, metallic conduit
subject to compliance with 543.2.2.
In China, Italy, UK etc cable trays and ladders can be used as
PE.Types of P.E. not approved [543.2.3]

● Water pipes
● Support wire …others
EARTHING IN
SUBSTATION
 EARTHING SYSTEMS

Franc
e

Earthing system for public distribution (though not covered in

the MSIEC60364) is discussed as they have impact on internal
wiring systems. The figure above shows an example of a
distributed earth system. The system is technically a TT system
 Identify
the
Malaysia difference
between
both
scheme!

UK
 ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY

EMC – DEFINITION
THE ABILITY OF A DEVICE, EQUIPMENT OR SYSTEM TO
FUNCTION SATISFACTORILY IN ITS ELECTROMAGNETIC
ENVIRONMENT WITHOUT INTRODUCING INTOLERABLE
DISTURBANCES TO THAT ENVIRONMENT OR TO OTHER
EQUIPMENT
Emission A
ipment X

Susceptibility B
Equipment A Equipment B

Equipmen
Electromagnetic
Equipment M t
Environment
EMC – IEC 61000 SERIES DEALS WITH EMC
PART 1 – GENERAL
Part 1-1; General (Introduction, fundamental principles, safety)
Part 1-2; Definitions, terminology
PART 2 – ENVIRONMENT
Description of the Environment
Classification of the Environment
Compatibility Levels
PART 3 – LIMITS
Emission Limits
Immunity Limits
PART 4 – TESTING & MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES
Measurement Techniques
Testing Techniques
PART 5 – INSTALLATION and MITIGATION GUIDELINES
Installation Guidelines
Mitigation methods and device
PART 6 – GENERIC STANDARDS
PART 7 - MISCELLANEOUS
 EMC – BASIC
CONCEPTS

● EMC deals with HF

phenomena
● HF phenomena
modify the
charact-eristics of
electrical
installations
EMC – BASIC
CONCEPTS

EMC differs fundamentally from

power distribution as it includes
HF phenomena.
Higher frequency however will
translate to higher impedance in
cables and system components.
DEFINITION – ELECTROMAGNETIC DISTURBANCE
 DEFINITION – ELECTROMAGNETIC DISTURBANCE

The Environment can be

characterised by a controller
and device exchanging
signals via a media (e.g.
The controller/device exist in an environment
cable).
which has electromagnetic emitters and
susceptible devices.
EM disturbance is defined as any electro-
magnetic phenomenon capable of impairing
DEFINITION – ELECTROMAGNETIC DISTURBANCE

Any Electromagnetic
phenomenon capable of
impairing the performance of a
device, equipment or system.
ELECTRO - MAGNETIC

Electric (E) Magnetic (H)

Field Field
 DEFINITION – TYPES OF EM INTERFERENCE
L.F. 0 < Freq. < 1–5MHz Chiefly in conducted form. Long duration,
Interference may be continuous. Harmonics
H.F. Freq. > 30MHz Chiefly in radiated form (through air). Pulse
Interference 10nsec. Rectifiers
Harmonics Multiple 50Hz, 3rd, Harmonics are mainly LF interference and are
5th, 7th, 11th therefore conducted. Source are non-linear
loads (rectifiers, electronics, fluorescent
lamps etc.
Transients 5ms rise, 50ms Conducted but are also easily injected into
pulse duration; neighbouring cables by radiation. High speed
Over-V > 4kV. switching of mechanical or electronic
switches. Lightning, earth faults,
commutation failure etc.
Electrostatic 5ns rise, 60ns Charge transfer between surfaces especially
Discharge pulse duration; synthetic materials (plastics, fabric etc).
 DEFINITION – TYPES OF EM INTERFERENCE
LV Mains Voltage fluctuat- LV Interference
Interference ions, dips, surges, Power failure, overloads, short circuit
failures
 DEFINITION – LV MAINS INTERFERENCE
Phenomenon Amplitude of Duration of fault Origin
variations
V Fluctuation ΔU < 10% ● Arc Furnaces;
(slow variation) ● Welding machines;
Flicker
ΔU < 10% ● Frequent starting of large loads
V Surge ΔU < 10% ● Switching of large loads (motors,
(fast variation) furnaces, boilers etc).
V Dip 10% < ΔU < 10ms – 500ms ● Powering up of large loads (motors,
100% large transformers etc)
● short circuit on main LV dist.
Brief power ΔU = 100% Brief 10ms– 1min ● Powering up inrush current of large
failure Long 0.3s – 1min loads (motors, large transformers
Permanent >1min etc)

Surge Voltage ΔU > 10% Impulsive ● Accidental (connection mistake)

● MV system origination
 DEFINITION – COUPLING
Interference
Source or Susceptible
COUPLING
Emitter equipment

Coupling is the
conduit in which
EM disturbances
act on suscep-
tible equipment.
 DEFINITION – TRANSMISSION MODE
DIFFERENTIAL MODE
i
Senso
Controller U U = differential mode voltage
r
i

COMMON MODE
i1
Senso
Controller i2
r

Cp = stray capacitance U U Cp

i1 + i 2
U = Common mode voltage
 DEFINITION – TRANSMISSION MODE

Differential mode (or series-mode) currents

travel along one of the conductor, flows through
the equipment and return via another conductor.
Common mode currents flow along all the
conductors in the same direction and
return via frame connection through stray
capacitance.
Common mode interference is the most
common problem (in EMC) as the
EMC – PARTS OF IEC61000 DEALING WITH
EARTHING
Part 5–1; Part 5 Installation and mitigation guidelines –
Section 1; General considerations.
4.7.2 – Protection concept
Protected zones are global or distributed.
Protection measures include earth shielding, filters,
SPD etc.
Part 5–2; Part 5 Installation and mitigation guidelines –
Section 2; Earthing and cabling.
Clause 5 – Earthing and Bonding
– Earthing for lightning, personnel safety; installation
protection & EMC
 EMC – IEC61000-5-1 – PROTECTION CONCEPT

GLOBAL PROTECTION BY SINGLE BARRIER

A C
Protective device
against conducted
disturbance
B D

Shield
 EMC – IEC61000-5-1 – PROTECTION CONCEPT

GLOBAL PROTECTION BY A C
SINGLE BARRIER B D

All equipment within the protected zone enjoys

immunity from EM disturbances. The
understanding of protected zone is also important
in the design of equipotential zones.
In this illustration, a single barrier filters out
conducted EM interference. Barrier refers to EM
protective device which may be filters, surge
protection device (SPD) etc.
 EMC – IEC61000-5-1 – PROTECTION CONCEPT

GLOBAL PROTECTION BY MULTIPLE/ CASCADED

BARRIERS

A C
Protective device
against conducted
disturbance
B D

Shield

protection device and shielding strength can be

designed in cascade to provide an “inner” protection
 EMC – IEC61000-5-1 – PROTECTION CONCEPT

CONCEPT OF DISTRIBUTED PROTECTION

Shield
Protective device

A C

B D
Shielded
cable
Units C & D are protected but A
& B are not protected.
 EMC – IEC61000-5-1 – PROTECTION CONCEPT

CASE STUDY – A, B, C & D are protected

Metal deck roof

unshielded and steel bars in
cable concrete act as
D shield

C Shielded
cable
A B

Equipotential
bond Interlink between
earth electrodes
 EMC – IEC61000-5-1 – PROTECTION CONCEPT

PROTECTION COMPROMISED DUE TO INAPPROPRIATE

CABLE ROUTE AND PLACEMENT OF SPD
Source of EM
Timber rafter
“pollution”, cross
and timber roof
interference from
NO SHIELDING
incoming cables
unshielded D Overhead
to internal cables.
cable cable

C
A Steel bars in
concrete act
as shield
 EMC – IEC61000-5-2 – EARTHING & CABLING

IEC61000–5–2 – MITIGATION MEASURES FOR EMC

ALLOW FOR TWO MAIN TOPICS:
● Earthing
● Cable selection
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF EARTHING:
● The primary goal of earthing is to assure safety [5.1]
● The secondary goal of earthing is to serve as a
common voltage reference and to contribute to the
mitigation of disturbances in installation with sensitive
and interconnected impedance.
L.F. and H.F. equipotential bonding of exposed
conductive parts (frame) is the golden rule in EMC.
 EMC – EARTHING DESIGN PRINCPLES FOR EMC

MISCONCEPTION OF DEDICATED, INDEPENDENT OR

ISOLATED EARTH CS = “Clean Earth”
PE = Power Earth
CS PE LPS = Lightning CS PE
LPS LPS

Independent earth electrode Single earth electrode

Attempt to obtain a “clean” earth
network (e.g. to be used as a
reference for signals. The earth
electrodes have not been bonded.
THIS IS NOT SUITABLE FOR EMC
Attempt to obtain a “clean” earth
network (e.g. to be used as a
reference for signals. The earth
electrodes have not been bonded.
THIS IS NOT SUITABLE FOR EMC
EMC – EARTHING DESIGN PRINCPLES FOR EMC

RECOMMENDED EARTH ELECTRODES & EARTH

NETWORK FOR SAFETY AND EMC.
Power & Communication
LPS
earth as needed Horizontal bonding
necessary for multi-
storey building

LPS down-drops

Multiple bonded earth electrodes

EMC – EARTH MESH AS EARTH PLANE

Provide an earth plane at each floor or area.

Interconnect all metal structure of building to mesh.

Provide specially fine mesh in area of sensitive equipment

EMC – IEC61000-5-2 – EARTHING & CABLING
 EMC – IEC61000-5-2 – EARTHING & CABLING

Frame Connection
Loops is the surface
area enclosed between
a functional cable
(power supply, control,
communication etc)
and the nearest
conductor or frame
earth
EMC – IEC61000-5-2 – EARTHING & CABLING

MINIMISE Frame Connection Loops

Cabi Power supply

net Devi
ce
S1

Power supply S3 S2 C
o
nt
Machi ro

X
l
ne
 AVOID Earthing exposed conductive parts in a star configuration

Cabin
et
Cabin
et Cabin
et

X
Cabin
Cabin et Cabin
et et

Cabin
Cabine
et
t
Cabine
t

X Cabin
et X
Cabine
t
 20th January 2006,
IEE; Malaysia Branch, Subang Jaya

Earthing from the dual Perspectives of

Power Distribution (IEC60364) & EMC (IEC61000-5-2)

Ir. Looi Hip Peu

No. 23, Jalan SS21/34,

Damansara Utama,
47400 Petaling Jaya
Selangor, MALAYSIA
admin@mektricon.com