ARCHIVES OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING VOL. 64(3), pp.

361-370 (2015)

DOI 10.2478/aee-2015-0028

Induced sheath voltages in 110 kV power cables

– case study*

STANISLAW CZAPP, KRZYSZTOF DOBRZYNSKI,

JACEK KLUCZNIK, ZBIGNIEW LUBOSNY

Gdansk University of Technology

Faculty of Electrical and Control Engineering
ul. Narutowicza 11/12,80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
e-mail: {stanislaw.czapp /krzysztof.dobrzynski}@pg.gda.pl
e-mail: {jacek.klucznik /zbigniew.lubosny}@pg.gda.pl
(Received: 31.09.2014, revised: 10.12.2014)

Abstract: This paper considers electric shock hazard due to induced sheath voltages in
110 kV power cables. The purpose of this paper is to find an optimal configuration of the
power cable system, taking into account electric shock hazard and ability of the system to
transfer maximal power. A computer simulations on a computer model of the local power
system, comprising high voltage power cables, were carried out. This model enables to
analyse various configurations of the metallic cable sheaths bonding and earthing (single-
point bonding, both-ends bonding, cross-bonding) and their impact on induced voltages
in the cable sheaths. The analysis presented in the paper shows, that it is possible to find
an optimal configuration of the complicated power cable system, in terms of electric
shock hazard, maximal power transfer as well as economic aspects.
Key words: electric shock hazard, induced voltages, power cables, power system

1. Introduction

The induced voltages in the concentric metallic sheaths of high voltage power cables are
discussed in [1-6]. The value of these voltages mainly depends on a length, construction and
configuration of the cables. In general, the induced voltages in cable sheaths may be calcu-
lated according to the following expressions:
⎛ 1 2mAB2
3 2mCA ⎞
U As = jω ⋅ I ⋅ 2 ⋅ 10 − 7 ⎜⎜ − ln +j ln ⎟, (1)
⎝ 2 d ⋅ m CA 2 d ⎟⎠

⎛ 1 4m ⋅ m 3 2mBC ⎞
U Bs = jω ⋅ I ⋅ 2 ⋅10− 7 ⎜⎜ + ln AB 2 BC + j ln ⎟, (2)
⎝ 2 d 2 mAB ⎟⎠

*
This is extended version of a paper which was presented at the 23th Symposium on Electromagnetic
Phenomena in Nonlinear Circuits, Pilsen, Czech Republic 02-04.07, 2014.

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⎛ 1 2mBC2
3 2mCA ⎞
U Cs = jω ⋅ I ⋅ 2 ⋅ 10 − 7 ⎜⎜ − ln −j ln ⎟, (3)
2 d ⋅ m 2 d ⎟
⎝ CA ⎠

where: UAs, UBs, UCs, – induced voltages in sheath of the cable in phase A, B and C respec-
tively, I – load current in the cable conductor, d – geometric mean sheath diameter, mAB, mBC,
mAC – axial spacing of phases A and B, B and C, A and C respectively.
In practice, sheaths of high voltage cables can operate with:
• single-point bonding,
• both-ends bonding,
• cross-bonding.
Single point bonding is the simplest configuration of sheaths but can be dangerous for per-
sons because of the highest value of induced voltages at the unearthed end. Special measures
must be applied in substations for persons safety then. Both-ends bonding eliminates electric
shock hazard due to induced voltages but this arrangement is rather not acceptable, because
current-carrying capacity of the cables significantly decreases (due to power loss in the
sheaths [7-9]) – in some cases over 50%. Cross-bonding reduces induced voltages at the un-
earthed end but it complicates structure of the power lines.
In this paper induced sheath voltages (in steady-state condition) in 110 kV underground
power transmission system comprising three parallel cables per phase are considered. The
cross-section of each conductor is equal to 2000 mm2 and each concentric sheath is equal to
95 mm2. Maximum ability of the system to power transfer is searched for. The total length of
the power line is 1000 m. Figure 1 presents the overall structure of the analysed transmission
system (assumed by an investor).
Cross-bonding
C1 Sh1 T1 (A), 500 m T1 (B), 500 m

D
C2 Sh2

Sh3 D
C3

U
2D
E1 E2 E3
Cross-bonding
C1 Sh1 T2 (A), 500 m T2 (B), 500 m

D
C2 Sh2

D
C3 Sh3

2D U
E1 E2 E3
Cross-bonding
C1 Sh1 T3 (A), 500 m T3 (B), 500 m

D
C2 Sh2

D
C3 Sh3

U
E1 E2 E3

A B C A B C

Fig. 1. Structure of the analysed transmission system; C1, C2, C3 – conductors in phase A, B and C
respectively; Sh1, Sh2, Sh3 – sheaths in phase A, B and C; E1, E2, E3 – possible points of earthing, T1(A),
T1(B), T2(A), T2(B), T3(A), T3(B) – sections of parallel cables, U – analysed sheath-to-earth voltage

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Vol. 64 (2015) Induced sheath voltages in 110 kV power cables – case study 363

The cables are in a flat formation. Distance between adjacent cables (C1-C2 and C2-C3)
inside the section is equal to the outside diameter of the cable (D in Fig. 1). Distance to
adjacent cables between sections is equal to twice of the outside diameter of the cable (2D in
Fig. 1). The standard [10] defines permissible touch voltages UTp and permissible prospective
touch voltages UvTp (with additional resistances in earth path) as a function of time (Fig. 2).

5000
(5)
UTp 4500
UvTp
[V] 4000
3500
(4)
3000

2500
(3)
2000

1500
(2)
1000
(1)
500
80 V
0
0,01 0,1 1 10
t [s]

Fig. 2. Permissible touch voltage UTp (curve 1), and permissible prospective touch voltages UvTp
(with additional resistances – curves 2, 3, 4, 5) in high voltage substations [10]

For time exceeding 10 s – if no additional resistances in earth path – the permissible touch
voltage UTp is equal to 80 V. This value is a representative value in the considered case. The
cables and sheaths configuration is accepted when the induced voltages do not exceed 80 V.
The analysis was performed for the following configurations of the transmission system
(for explanation of the symbols see Fig. 1):
• W1a: sheaths bonding and earthing in E1, cross-bonding in E2, cables configuration in
sections T1, T2 and T3: C1-C2-C3, power transmission capacity 880 MW,
• W2a: sheaths bonding and earthing in E1, cables configuration in sections T1, T2 and T3:
C1-C2-C3, power transmission capacity 880 MW,
• W2b: sheaths bonding and earthing in E2, cables configuration in sections T1, T2 and T3:
C1-C2-C3, power transmission capacity 880 MW,
• W2c: sheaths bonding and earthing in E1 and E3, cables configuration in sections T1, T2
and T3: C1-C2-C3, power transmission capacity 420 MW,
• W3a: sheaths bonding and earthing in E1, cross-bonding in E2, cables configuration in
sections T1, T3: C1-C2-C3, and T2: C3-C2-C1, power transmission capacity 880 MW,
• W4a: sheaths bonding and earthing in E1, cables configuration in sections T1, T3: C1-C2-C3,
and T2: C3-C2-C1, power transmission capacity 880 MW,
• W4b: sheaths bonding and earthing in E2, cables configuration in sections T1, T3: C1-C2-C3,
and T2: C3-C2-C1, power transmission capacity 880 MW,
• W4c: sheaths bonding and earthing in E1 and E3, cables configuration in sections T1, T3:
C1-C2-C3, and T2: C3-C2-C1, power transmission capacity 420 MW.

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2. Analysis of the induced voltages

The analysis of the induced voltages was performed with use of DIgSILENT PowerFactory®
software. The sheath voltages and load currents in the cable conductors were calculated for the
above mentioned configurations.
When configuration W1a is used (Fig. 3), induced voltage is relatively low in all cable
sheaths. The permissible value of voltage (80 V) is exceeded, but slightly, in sheath Sh1 of the
section T2 and sheath Sh3 of the section T3.

a)
Cross-bonding
C1 Sh1 T1 (A), 500 m T1 (B), 500 m

C2 Sh2

C3 Sh3

U
E1
Cross-bonding
C1 Sh1 T2 (A), 500 m T2 (B), 500 m

C2 Sh2

C3 Sh3

U
E1
Cross-bonding
C1 Sh1 T3 (A), 500 m T3 (B), 500 m

C2 Sh2

C3 Sh3

U
E1

A B C A B C

b)
  120
Sh1 Sh2 Sh3

80
U [V]

40

0
(T1) (T2) (T3)
cable section

Fig. 3. Configuration W1a (a) and induced voltages in cable sheaths Sh1, Sh2, Sh3 of sections T1, T2,
T3 (b); cables configuration in T1, T2, T3: C1-C2-C3; U – analysed sheath-to-earth voltage

For cables configuration in T2: C3-C2-C1 induced sheath voltages have risen (Fig. 4) in
comparison to configuration in T2: C1-C2-C3 and in majority of cable sheaths these voltages
significantly exceed 80 V.

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Vol. 64 (2015) Induced sheath voltages in 110 kV power cables – case study 365

Similarly to configuration W1a (in terms of values of induced voltages) is configuration

W2b (Fig. 5). One can see that only in two cases (in sheath Sh1 of the section T1 and in sheath
Sh3 of the section T3) induced sheath voltages exceed 80 V. This excess is slight. In other
sheaths the voltage is less than 80 V.

a)
Cross-bonding
  C1 Sh1 T1 (A), 500 m T1 (B), 500 m

C2 Sh2

C3 Sh3

U
E1
Cross-bonding
C1 Sh1 T2 (A), 500 m T2 (B), 500 m

C2 Sh2

C3 Sh3

U
E1
Cross-bonding
C1 Sh1 T3 (A), 500 m T3 (B), 500 m

C2 Sh2

C3 Sh3

E1

A B C A B C

b)
Sh1 Sh2 Sh3
120

80
U [V]

40

0
(T1) (T2) (T3)
cable section

Fig. 4. Configuration W3a (a) and induced voltages in cable sheaths Sh1, Sh2, Sh3 of sections T1, T2, T3
(b); cables configuration in T1, T3: C1-C2-C3 and T2: C3-C2-C1; U – analysed sheath-to-earth voltage

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a)
Sh1 T1 (A), 500 m T1 (B), 500 m
  C1

C2 Sh2

C3 Sh3

U
E2

C1 Sh1 T2 (A), 500 m T2 (B), 500 m

C2 Sh2

C3 Sh3

U
E2

C1 Sh1 T3 (A), 500 m T3 (B), 500 m

C2 Sh2

C3 Sh3

U
E2

A B C A B C

b)
  120
Sh1 Sh2 Sh3

80
U [V]

40

0
(T1) (T2) (T3)
cable section

Fig. 5. Configuration W2b (a) and induced voltages in cable sheaths Sh1, Sh2, Sh3 of sections T1, T2,
T3 (b); cables configuration in T1, T2, T3: C1-C2-C3; U – analysed sheath-to-earth voltage

The highest values of induced sheath voltage are for configuration W4a (Fig. 6). Single-
point bonding in E1 and cables configuration in T2: C3-C2-C1 make that induced voltage, for
power transfer 880 MW, is higher than 225 V for 6 from 9 sheaths. It is not acceptable value.
Negligible values of induced voltages are achieved for both-ends bonding of cable sheaths
(configurations of the transmission system W2c). However, this configuration can not also be
accepted – for both-ends bonding the sheath circulating current appears (Fig. 7) and because
of huge power losses the system is able to transmit only power not exceeding 420 MW (48%
from 880 MW). The same values of induced voltages are for configuration W4c.

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Vol. 64 (2015) Induced sheath voltages in 110 kV power cables – case study 367

a)
C1 Sh1 T1 (A), 500 m T1 (B), 500 m

C2 Sh2

C3 Sh3

U
E1

C1 Sh1 T2 (A), 500 m T2 (B), 500 m

C2 Sh2

C3 Sh3

U
E1

C1 Sh1 T3 (A), 500 m T3 (B), 500 m

C2 Sh2

C3 Sh3

U
E1

A B C A B C

b)
  Sh1 Sh2 Sh3
240

200

160
U [V]

120

80

40

0
(T1) (T2) (T3)
cable  section

Fig. 6. Configuration W4a (a) and induced voltages in cable sheaths Sh1, Sh2, Sh3 of sections T1, T2,
T3 (b); cables configuration in T1, T3: C1-C2-C3 and T2: C3-C2-C1; U – analysed sheath-to-earth
voltage

The accumulative results of the induced sheath voltages and load currents calculations are
presented in Figure 8. The voltage values are presented for full current-carrying capacity of
the cables. For such a condition the maximum induced voltages are achieved.
Figure 9 presents limit of the power that can be transmitted while the induced voltages do
not exceed 80 V. The optimal configuration i.e. allowing to transfer maximum power – while
limiting induced sheath voltages to 80 V – is configuration W2b. The power transfer is equal
to 830 MW (94% from 880 MW) in this case. The configuration W1a is acceptable as well.
The system is able to transmit 800 MW (91% from 880 MW) then.

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a)
C1 Sh1 T1 (A), 500 m T1 (B), 500 m

C2 Sh2

Sh3 I sh
C3

U
E1 E3

C1 Sh1 T2 (A), 500 m T2 (B), 500 m

C2 Sh2

Sh3 I sh
C3

U
E1 E3

C1 Sh1 T3 (A), 500 m T3 (B), 500 m

C2 Sh2

Sh3 Ish
C3

U
E1 E3

A B C A B C

b)
  400
Sh1 Sh2 Sh3
350
300
250
Ish [A]

200
150
100
50
0
(T1) (T2) (T3)
cable section

Fig. 7. Configuration W2c (a) and circulating currents Ish in cable sheaths Sh1, Sh2, Sh3 of sections T1,
T2, T3 (b); U – analysed sheath-to-earth voltage

3. Conclusions

Induced sheath voltages depend on way of bonding and location of earthing of the cable
sheaths, and the cables transposition. For the analysed power transmission system, comprising
three parallel cables per phase, earthing in point E2 (sheaths ends not connected to E1 and E3
– Fig. 5a) without cross-bonding is the optimal configuration. This configuration enables to
transmit the highest level of power and the permissible touch voltage is not exceeded.

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Vol. 64 (2015) Induced sheath voltages in 110 kV power cables – case study 369

a)
  240
Sh1 Sh2 Sh3
200

160
U [V]

120

80

40

0
W1a W1a W1a W2a W2a W2a W2b W2b W2b W2c W2c W2c W3a W3a W3a W4a W4a W4a W4b W4b W4b W4c W4c W4c
(T1) (T2) (T3) (T1) (T2) (T3) (T1) (T2) (T3) (T1) (T2) (T3) (T1) (T2) (T3) (T1) (T2) (T3) (T1) (T2) (T3) (T1) (T2) (T3)

b)
  C1 C2 C3
1800
1600
1400
1200
1000
I [A]

800
600
400
200
0
W1a W1a W1a W2a W2a W2a W2b W2b W2b W2c W2c W2c W3a W3a W3a W4a W4a W4a W4b W4b W4b W4c W4c W4c
(T1) (T2) (T3) (T1) (T2) (T3) (T1) (T2) (T3) (T1) (T2) (T3) (T1) (T2) (T3) (T1) (T2) (T3) (T1) (T2) (T3) (T1) (T2) (T3)

Fig. 8. Induced voltages in cable sheaths Sh1, Sh2, Sh3 (a) and load current in cable conductors C1, C2,
C3 (b) for various configurations of the cables and sheaths – maximum power transmission (full current-
carrying capacity of the cables is achieved)

  Sh1 Sh2 Sh3

W1a W2a W2b W3a W4a W4b
800 MW 420 MW 830 MW 610 MW 310 MW 610 MW
80
U [V]

40

0
W1a W1a W1a W2a W2a W2a W2b W2b W2b W3a W3a W3a W4a W4a W4a W4b W4b W4b
(T1) (T2) (T3) (T1) (T2) (T3) (T1) (T2) (T3) (T1) (T2) (L3) (T1) (T2) (T3) (T1) (T2) (T3)

Fig. 9. Permissible power transmission and induced voltages in cable sheaths Sh1, Sh2, Sh3 for various
configurations of the cables and sheaths – criterion: induced voltages should not exceed 80 V

References
[1] CIGRE Working group B1.18, Special bonding of high voltage power cables (2005).
[2] IEEE Guide for Bonding Shields and Sheaths of Single-Conductor Power Cables Rated 5 kV
through 500 kV, IEEE Std 575™-2014.
[3] Czapp S., Principles of protection against electric shock in high voltage power lines. Automatyka
Elektryka Zaklocenia 13(3): 8-22 (2013), http://epismo-aez.pl/, (in Polish).
[4] Jung C.K., Lee J.B., Kang J.W. et al., Characteristics and reduction of sheath circulating currents
in underground power cable systems. Intern. Journal of Emerging Electric Power Systems 1(1):
1-17 (2004).

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370 S. Czapp, K. Dobrzynski, J. Klucznik, Z. Lubosny Arch. Elect. Eng.

[5] de Leon F., Major factors affecting cable ampacity. IEEE Power Engineering Society General Me-
eting (PES), (2006).
[6] Zhonglei Li, Du B.X., Wang L., Yang, C., Liu, H.J., The calculation of circulating current for the
single-core cables in smart grid. Innovative Smart Grid Technologies, ISGT, Asia, 21-24 May
(2012).
[7] Gouda O., Faraq A.A., Factors affecting the sheath losses in single-core underground power cables
with two-points bonding method. International Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering
(IJECE) 2(1): 7-16 (2012).
[8] Jung C.K., Lee J.B., Kang J.W., Xinheng Wang, Sheath circulating current analysis of a cros-
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(2007).
[9] Riba Riuz J.R., Garcia A., Morera X.A., Circulating sheath currents in flat formation underground
power lines, available at http://www.icrepq.com/icrepq07/217-riba.pdf. (accessed 16 June 2014).
[10] EN 50522:2010 Earthing of power installations exceeding 1 kV a.c.

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