SECTION 26 05 26 - GROUNDING AND BONDING

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.1 RELATED DOCUMENTS

A. Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including Conditions of Contract

and Division 1 Specification Sections, apply to this Section.

B. The following Sections contain special requirements that relate to this Section:

1. Division 2 Section "Underground Ducts and Utility structures for Electrical

Systems.
2. Division 26 Section "Basic Electrical Materials and Methods".
3. Division 26 Section "Medium Voltage Cables and Low Voltage Electrical
Power Conductors and Cables".

1.2 SUMMARY

A. This Section includes complete installations to earth every source of energy and to
provide protective earthing and equipotential bonding, based on the TN-S system
arrangement, including:

1. Medium voltage switchgear or Ring Main Unit earthing

2. Transformer neutral earthing.
3. Standby generator neutral earthing.
4. Telecommunications, control, security and life safety systems
5. Main earthing terminals or bars.
6. Exposed conductive parts of electrical equipment.
7. Extraneous conductive parts.
8. Building main integrated ring electrode.

Earthing requirements specified in this Section may be supplemented by special

requirements of systems described in other Sections.

1.3 DEFINITIONS

A. The following terms used on the Drawings and in the Specification are equivalent
and may be used interchangeably: "earth" and "ground"; "earthing" and
"grounding".

B. Earth: Conductive mass of the Earth whose electric potential at any point is
conventionally taken as zero.

C. Earth Electrode: Conductor or group of conductors in initial contact with, and

providing electrical connection to, Earth.

D. Exposed Conductive Part: Any part which can be readily touched and which is not a
live part, but which may become live under fault conditions.

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 E. Extraneous Conductive Part: Any conductive part not forming part of the electrical
installation such as structural metalwork of a building, metallic gas pipes, water
pipes, heating tubes etc. and non-electrical apparatus electrically connected to them
i.e. radiators, cooking ranges, metal sinks etc. and non-insulating floors and walls.

F. Protective Conductor: Conductor used for some measure of protection against

electric shock and intended for connecting together any of the following parts:

1. Exposed conductive parts.

2. Extraneous conductive parts.
3. Earth electrode(s).
4. Main earthing terminal or bar(s).
5. Earthed point of the source(s).

G. Electrically Independent Earth Electrodes: Earth electrodes located at such distance

from one another that maximum current likely to flow through one of them does not
significantly affect the potential of the other(s).

H. Main Earthing Terminal or Bar: The terminal or bar provided for the connection of
protective conductors, including equipotential bonding and functional earthing
conductors if any to the means of earthing.

I. Equipotential Bonding: Electrical connection to put exposed and extraneous

conductive parts at a substantially equal potential.

J. Earthing Conductor: Protective conductor connecting main earthing terminal or bar

of an installation to earth electrode or to other means of earthing.

1.4 SUBMITTALS

A. Product Data: Prior to ordering materials, submit data for approval including, but
not limited to, manufacturer’s catalogues for each type of product indicated
including the following:

1. Ground rods.
2. Connecting clamps.
3. Earthing conductors, protective conductors, earth terminal bar, and bonding
conductors.
4. Connectors and other accessories
5. Exothermic welding kits and tools.

B. Qualification Data: For firms and persons specified in "Quality Assurance" Article
to demonstrate their capabilities and experience. Include lists of completed projects
with project names and addresses, names and addresses of architects/engineers and
owners, and other information specified or required by Engineer.

C. Field Test Reports: Submit written test reports to include the following:

1. Test procedures used and test conditions.

2. Test results that comply with requirements.
3. Results of failed tests and corrective action taken to achieve test results that
comply with requirements.

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 D. Shop and Construction Drawings: Submit drawings for approval including, but not
limited to, the following:

1. Overall earthing schematic indicating cross sectional area of all earthing,

protective and bonding conductors.

2. Overall earthing layout indicating earthing provisions at substations,

generator rooms, switchgear, distribution panelboards etc., identifying fittings
used, insulation, plates and marking, passage and routing of earthing
conductors, conduit, sleeves, grooves, niches etc., giving sizes and
dimensions of component parts, and exact location of earth pits, rods and
details of installation and connections, and exact routing of buried earthing
conductors with indication of cross-section, depth of laying and covering.

E. Records: Submit the following:

1. Scaled drawings, as-installed, showing actual layout and specification of all

components of earthing system.
2. Nature of soil and any special earth arrangements etc.
3. Date and particulars of soil conditioning method and agents if used.

F. Samples: Submit samples of conductors, grounding rods, clamps, and earth terminal
bar, as requested by Engineer.

G. Final earthing design calculations for approval.

1.5 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. Installer Qualifications: Engage an experienced installer who has specialized in

installing lightning protection systems similar in material, design and extent to those
indicated for this Project and whose work has resulted in installations with a record
of successful in-service performance.

B. Standards: Carry out work in accordance with the following:

1. IEC 60364-1, IEC 60364-5-51 and IEC 60364-5-55/AMD and IEC 60364-4-
41: Electrical Installations in Buildings.
2. Latest edition IEE Regulations for Electrical Installations in Buildings –
London.
3. ANSI/IEEE/std 80: IEEE Guide for Safety in AC Substation Grounding.
4. ANSI/IEEE/Std 81: IEEE Guide for Measuring Earth Resistivity, Ground
Impedance, and Earth Surface Potential of a Grounding System.
5. BS 7430: Code of Practice for Earthing.
6. DIN VDE 0141: Earthing Systems for Power Installations with Rated Voltages
above 1 kV.
7. BS EN 13601 Copper and copper alloys. Copper rod, bar and wire for general
electrical purposes.
8. BS EN 13601: Specification for copper for electrical purposes. Rod and bars.
9. BS EN 1057: Copper and copper alloys. Seamless round tubes for water and
gas in sanitary and heating applications.
10. BS EN 12449: Copper and copper alloys. Seamless round tubes for general
purposes.
11. BS EN 12451: Copper and copper alloys. Seamless, round tubes for heat
exchangers.

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 12. BS 7668: Specification for weldable structural steels. Hot finished structural
hollow sections in weather resistant steels.
13. BS EN 60228: Specification for conductors in insulated cables and cords.
14. BS EN 10029: Specification for tolerances on dimensions, shape and mass for
hot rolled steel plates 3 mm thick or above.
15. BS EN 10025-1 , BS EN 10025-3 and BS EN 10025-4: Hot-rolled products
in weldable fine grain structural steels. Delivery conditions for
thermomechanical rolled steels.
16. BS EN 10025-1 and BS EN 10025-3:1: Hot-rolled products in weldable fine
grain structural steels. Delivery conditions for normalized/normalized rolled
steels.
17. BS EN 10025-1 and BS EN 10025-3: Hot-rolled products in weldable fine
grain structural steels. Delivery conditions for thermomechanical rolled
sheets.
18. BS EN 10025-1 and BS EN 10025-5: structural steels with improved
atmospheric corrosion resistance. Technical delivery conditions.
19. BS EN 10210-1: Hot finished structural hollow sections of non-alloy and fine
grain structural steels. Technical delivery requirements.
20. BS EN 10025-1: Plates and wide flats made of high yield strength structural
steels in the quenched and tempered or precipitation hardened conditions.
General delivery conditions.
21. BS EN 10025-1 and BS EN 10025-6: Plates and wide flats made of high
yield strength structural steels in the quenched and tempered or precipitation
hardened conditions. Delivery conditions for quenched and tempered steels.
22. : Plates and wide flats made of high yield strength structural steels in the
quenched and tempered or precipitation hardened condition. Delivery
conditions for precipitation hardened steels.
23. BS EN 10025-1 and BS EN 10025-2: Hot rolled products of non-alloy
structural steels. Technical delivery conditions.
24. BS 7655-1-5: Specification for insulating and sheathing materials for cables.
Elastomeric insulating compounds. Flame retardant composites.
25. BS 7655-0: Specification for insulating and sheathing materials for cables.
General introduction.
26. BS EN 50525-1 and BS EN 50525-2-31 and BS EN 50525-2-51: Electric
cables. PVC insulated, non-armoured cables for voltages up to and including
450/750 V, for electric power, lighting and internal wiring.
27. ISO 630-1, ISO 630-2, ISO 630-3 and ISO 630-4: Structural steels.
28. IEC 60502-1: Extruded solid dielectric insulated power cables for rated
voltages from 1 kV to 30 kV.
29. ITU: Directives concerning the protection of telecommunications lines against
harmful effects from electricity lines.

C. Comply with BS EN 62305 for lightning protection system.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS AND SYSTEMS

2.1 MANUFACTURERS:

A. Approved Manufacturers: Subject to compliance with requirements, provide

products by one of the following:

1. Furse (England)

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 2. Wallis (England)
3. G.E.C. (England)
4. BICC (England)

2.2 SOIL SURVEY AND CALCULATIONS

A. The Contractor shall carry out an earth resistivity survey on each site and report in
writing to the Engineer in accordance with the approved program. The report shall
detail the methods and instruments used and the results of the surveys. Based on the
results the Contractor shall include in the report his proposals for the resistivities to
be used in the design of the earthing system.

B. The value of resistivities to be used in the design of the earthing system shall be
subject to the Engineer’s approval.

C. The surveys shall show the variation of resistivity across the site and with the depth
below the site. The Contractor shall consider if there is a need to model the resistivity
in two layers and if there is any advantage in the use of long rods. The surveys shall
also determine the depth and nature of any underlying rock, which may limit the
depth for driving earth rods or if boring will be necessary for installing earth rods.

D. The weather conditions prior to and at the time of the surveys shall be recorded in the
report and an assessment made of the seasonal variations in resistivity based on
meteorological data for the area. The program for the project should, as far as
possible, time the resistivity surveys to take place during a dry season.

E. The report should also state if there are any indications that the ground is corrosive to
copper or if there is any risk of galvanic corrosion on other metal structures in the
neighbourhood.

F. The report shall be approved by the Engineer before proceeding with the design of the
earthing system.

G. The calculations shall be submitted for approval prior to commencing the design of
the earthing systems.

2.3 EARTH ELECTRODE SYSTEM DESIGN

A. Design Calculations:

1. The design of the earth electrode systems shall be based on the approved
earth resistivity data and the system’s fault currents and their duration.
2. The design calculations shall be to the approval of the Engineer and shall be
based on the methods given in the standards listed. The calculations shall
include the following parameters:-

a. Earth resistance of the whole system of its components.

b. Earth potential rise.
c. Step, touch and mesh potentials inside and outside the perimeter fence.
d. Requirements for a high resistance surface layer.
e. Conductor ratings.

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 3. The earth potential rises shall not exceed the ITU limits appropriate to the
classification of the system unless special precautions are taken to cater for
transferred potentials.
4. Step, touch and mesh potentials shall be within the limits calculated in
accordance with the standards given in IEEE 80 and BS 7430 for the
proposed surface layer. The formula for allowable body current shall be used
for 50 Kg body weight.

B. Earth Electrode:

1. The earth electrode system shall compose of interconnected earthing rods

driven into the ground or installed in bored holes. The design calculations
shall identify the required number of interconnected rods to achieve the
required resistance to earth.
2. Rods shall be installed inside the perimeter fence to enclose the maximum
possible area compatible with the earthing of any metallic fence. (The
spacing between rods shall not be less than twice their length, unless rating
considerations determine otherwise). The rods shall be interconnected by
bare copper conductors to form a ring. .
3. Rods installed in bored holes may be used to reach lower resistivity ground
strata at depths beyond the reach of driven rods or where rock is encountered
and it is not possible to drive rods. After installing the rod the bored hole
shall be back-filled with a low resistivity liquid mixture that shall not shrink
after pouring to ensure good contact between the rod and the ground for the
life of the installation.
4. The resistance and rating of individual rods and the combined resistance of
the groups of rods in the proposed design shall be calculated and the rating of
the interconnecting conductors shall not be less than that of the main grid
conductor.
5. The calculation of potentials in the design of the complete installation shall
be made without the group of rods with the lowest estimated resistance to
simulate the condition with the group disconnected for testing.

C. Reinforcing Steel:

1. The reinforcing steel in the foundations of buildings containing the primary

electrical equipment may be used as auxiliary electrodes subject to the
approval of the Engineer. The Contractor shall show in the design
calculations that the fault currents and dc. stray currents will not damage the
structure.
2. Steel reinforcing mesh in the floors of the building may also be used for the
control of step and touch potentials within the building subject to the
approval of the Engineer.

D. Conductors Outside Perimeter Fence:

1. If the design calculations show that the step and touch potentials outside the
perimeter fence, gate or wall exceed the limits then additional bare
conductors shall be buried in the ground outside the fence in the form of rings
encircling the whole site.
2. The distance of the conductors from the fence and the depth shall be
determined in the design to ensure that step and touch potentials are within
the limits.
3. The minimum conductor size shall be 70 mm2 and shall be connected to the
fence or the earth electrode with 70 mm 2 conductors at each corner of the site

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 and at intervals of not more than 100 m. These conductors shall not be
included in the calculations called for above.

E. Gas Insulated Switchgear:

1. The earthing of gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) installations shall be subject

to special considerations regarding step and touch potentials in accordance
with the standards listed. However, the earthing conductor shall be yellow-
green colored PVC insulated stranded copper conductor of minimum overall
conductor size of 300 mm2. The connection shall be at multiple points.

2.4 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

A. Component parts of earthing system are to include the following:

1. Earth electrode (rods, tapes etc.)

2. Main earthing terminals or bars, equipotential earthing bar, and
supplementary equipotential earthing bar.
3. Earthing conductors.
4. Protective conductors.
5. Equipotential bonding conductors.
6. Electrically independent earth electrodes for special systems.
7. Accessories and termination fittings, bonding, welding kits and other
materials.

B. Earth electrode is to consist of one or more earth rods, interconnected by buried

earthing tape or cable, which is to have a total combined resistance value, during
any season of the year and before interconnection to other earthed systems or
earthing means, not exceeding 2 ohms for power network (Unless otherwise
indicated on the drawings). Distance between two rods is not to be less than twice
the length of one rod driven depth.

C. Functional earth electrode is to be provided separately from, but interconnected to,

other earth electrode(s) through suitably rated (470 V) spark gap. Functional earth
electrodes are to be used for earthing electronic equipment (communication
equipment, digital processors, computers, medical areas etc.) as required by the
particular Section of the Specification and recommendation of manufacturer.

D. Alternative Earth Electrode: other types of earth electrode may be used, after
approval, including:
1. Copper plate(s)
2. Tape mats (strips).

E. Main earthing bar is to be provided at point of service entrance or main distribution

room, and as described in the Specification or shown on the Drawings. Connect all
earthing conductors, protective conductors and bonding conductors to the main
earthing bar. Provide two insulated main earthing conductors, one at each end of
the bar, connected via testing joints to the earth electrode at two separate earth pits.
Conductor is to be sized to carry maximum earth fault current of system at point of
application with final conductor temperature not exceeding 160 deg. C for at least 5
seconds. Main earthing conductors are to be minimum 120 mm2 or as otherwise
required by the particular Section of the Specification.

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 F. The main earth bar shall be in the form of a ring or rings of bare conductors
surrounding or within an area in which items to be earthed are located. Where 2 or
more rings are installed they shall be interconnected by at least two conductors which
shall be widely separated.

G. Testing joints (test links) are to be provided, in an accessible position, on each main
earthing conductor, between earthing terminal or bar and earth electrode.

H. Protective conductors are to be separate for each circuit. Where protective

conductor is common to several circuits, cross-sectional area of protective
conductor is to be the largest of the conductor sizes.

1. Selection of sizes is to be in accordance with IEE Regulations.

I. Protective conductors are not to be formed by conduit, trunking, ducting or the like.
Where armored cable is specified and armor is steel, it may be used as a protective
conductor, if approved and if not otherwise shown on the Drawings.

J. Continuity of Protective Conductors: Series connection of protective conductor

from one piece of equipment to another is not permitted. Extraneous and exposed
conductive parts of equipment are not to be used as protective conductors, but are to
be connected by bolted clamp type connectors and/or brazing to continuous
protective conductors which are to be insulated by molded materials.

1. Conductor sheaths shall be of yellow-green coloured PVC to meet the

requirements of BS 6004 or IEC 60502-1 Grade ST1 with a minimum
thickness of 1.5 mm.

K. Bare strip conductors only shall be used for earth electrodes or voltage control
meshes.

L. Conductors buried in the ground shall normally be laid at a depth of 1000 mm

below the underground power cables in an excavated trench. The backfill in the
vicinity of the conductor shall be free of stones and the whole backfill shall be well
consolidated.

M. All conductors not buried in the ground shall be straightened immediately prior to
installation and supported clear of the adjacent surface.

N. Earth Fault Loop Impedance: For final circuits supplying socket outlets, earth fault
impedance at every socket outlet is to be such that disconnection of protective
device on over-current occurs within 0.4 seconds. For final circuits supplying only
fixed equipment, earth fault loop impedance at every point of utilization is to be
such that disconnection occurs within 5 seconds.

1. Use appropriate tables and present same for approval by the Engineer (IEE
Regulations).

O. Supplementary Equipotential Bonding: Connect all extraneous conductive parts of

the building such as metallic water pipes, drain pipes, other service pipes and
ducting, metallic conduit and raceways, cable trays and cable armor to nearest
earthing terminals by equipotential bonding conductors. Cross-section of protective
bonding conductor shall not be less than half of the protective conductor connected
to respective earthing terminal with a minimum of 6-mm2 copper conductor and not
greater than 25 mm2 copper conductor.

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 1. Individual components of metallic structures of plant shall be bonded to
adjacent components to form an electrically continuous metallic path to the
bonding conductor.
2. Small electrically isolated metallic components mounted on non-conducting
building fabric need not be bonded to the main earth bar.
3. Bolted joints in metallic structures including pipework, which do not provide
direct metallic contact shall be bridged by a bonding conductor or both sides
of the joint shall be separately bonded to earth unless the joint is intended to
be an insulated joint for cathodic protection or other purposes.

P. Main Equipotential Bonding: Main incoming and outgoing water pipes and any
other metallic service pipes are to be connected by main equipotential bonding
conductors to main earth terminal or bar. Bonding connections are to be as short as
practicable between point of entry/exit of services and main earthing bar. Where
meters are installed, bonding is to be made on the premise side of the meter. Cross-
sections of conductors are not to be less than half that of the earthing conductor
connected thereto, and minimum 6 mm2.

Q. Identification: Connection of every earthing conductor to earthing electrode and

every bonding conductor to extraneous conducting parts is to be labeled in
accordance with the Regulations, as follows:

1. SAFETY ELECTRICAL CONNECTION - DO NOT REMOVE.

R. Identification: Protective and earthing conductors are to be identified by

combination of green-and-yellow colors of insulation or by painting bar conductors
with these colors, as approved.

S. Identification: Source earthing conductor (or neutral earthing conductor) is to be

identified along its entire length by continuous black insulation labeled 'neutral
earthing'.

T. Exposed external earth / grounding conductor connection joints are to be protected

from corrosion with grease caps or Denso tape (dbituminous tape) or approved
equal.

U. The earthing and lightning protection system for any new extension shall be suitably
connected to the existing system.

2.5 GROUNDING CONDUCTORS

A. Buried Earth Conductors: Bare copper conductors and is to be sized to carry

maximum earth fault current of system as per earthing calculations.

B. Earthing Conductors: Insulated or bare copper conductor as described in the

Specification for the particular application and is to be sized as per earthing
calculations.

C. Protective Conductors: Single core stranded annealed copper, PVC insulated cables,
having rated insulation grade compatible with circuit protected, or to be a conductor
forming part of a multi-core cable, color coded.

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 D. Protective Bonding Conductors: Bare copper strip conductor, annealed stranded
copper cable or flexible strap (flexible braid) of cross-sectional area as described in
Article "General Requirements" hereof.

E. Main Earthing Bar: Hard drawn copper, 40 x 4 mm where formed into a closed
loop, and 50 x 6 mm where open-ended. Earth bar is to be labeled 'Main Earth Bar'
and is to be drilled, for connection of conductors, at a spacing not less than 75 mm,
and is to be supplied with copper alloy bolts, nuts and washers and wall mounting
insulators.

F. Disconnecting links shall comprise a high conductivity copper PVC insulated link
supported on two insulators mounted on a galvanized steel base for bolting to the
supporting structure. The two conductors shall be in direct contact with the link and
shall not be disturbed by the removal of the link. Links for mounting at ground
level shall be mounted on bolts embedded in a concrete base.

G. Disconnecting links mounted at incoming service level and the connections at the
earth rods shall be enclosed in concrete inspection pits, with concrete lids, installed
flush with the ground level.

2.6 CONNECTOR PRODUCTS AND EARTHING ACCESSORIES

A. Copper or copper alloy, purpose made, of approved design, compatible with points
of connection, and of adequate cross-section and current carrying capacity.

B. Connections to metallic structures for earthing conductors and bonding conductors

between electrically separate parts of a structure shall be either by direct exothermic
welding or by bolting using a stud welded to the structure. Drilling of a structural
member for a directly bolted connection shall only be carried out to the approval of
the Engineer.

1. Bolted Connectors and Clamps: Bolted-pressure-type connectors and clamps,

or compression type. Bolts, nuts and washers are to be high quality phosphor
bronze or copper silicon alloys. Bolted connections are not permitted in run
of the earthing conductors unless approved by the Engineer.
2. Welded Connectors: Exothermic-welded type, in kit form, and selected per
manufacturer's written instructions. Welded connectors are to be used only in
unaccessible locations and at “T” joints, to the approval of the Engineer.

C. Bi-metallic connectors shall be used between conductors of dissimilar materials and

insulating material shall be interposed between metallic fittings and structures of
dissimilar materials to prevent corrosion.

D. When the reinforcing in concrete is used as a part of the earthing system the fittings
used to provide a connection point at the surface of the concrete shall be
exothermically welded to a reinforcing bar. This fitting shall be provided with a
bolted connection for an earthing conductor. The main bars in the reinforcing shall
be welded together at intervals to ensure electrical continuity throughout the
reinforcing.

E. No connections shall be made to reinforcing bars and other steelwork which do not
form part of the earthing system and are completely encased in concrete.

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2.7 GROUNDING ELECTRODES

1. Minimum Length of Rod: 3 m, with 17.2 mm diameter extendible as

necessary to obtain required earth resistance.
2. Rods, and driving caps and tips shall abut at couplings to ensure that the
couplings and screw threads are not subject to driving forces. All screw
threads shall be fully shrouded at the couplings.

B. Tape Mats: Where earth rods are not likely to be used, earth electrode is to consist
of parallel and perpendicular copper strip, 2.4 m apart, welded together by
exothermic welds to form a grid. Tape is to be 25 x 2.5-mm strip conductor.

C. Earth Pit: Precast, square or circular section concrete handhole (minimum 450 mm
internal diameter), with concrete cover, and extending to about 150 mm below top
of earth rod. Earth pit is to be provided for each earth rod where connected to an
earthing conductor. Cover is to have inset brass plate with inscription 'Earth Pit - Do
Not Remove'.

PART 3 - EXECUTION

3.1 TRANSFORMER SUBSTATION EARTHING

A. MV switchgear is to have separate main earthing bar connected to framework or

earth bar of each item by PVC insulated stranded copper conductor and the earth-
electrode by two insulated or bare earthing conductors, one at each end of bar, via
testing joints. Earthing conductor is to be minimum 150 mm2 unless size determine
otherwise.

B. Outdoor ring main units, which are individually mounted, are to be connected to
earth electrode by 2 insulated earthing conductor, bolted at earthing terminal.

C. LV switchgear is to have separate main earthing bar connected to framework or

earth bar of each item by PVC insulated stranded copper conductor and the earth
electrode at two extreme ends by 2 insulated or bare earthing conductors through
testing joints. Earthing conductor size is to be minimum 240 mm2 unless size
determine otherwise.

D. Transformer earthing terminal is to be connected to MV main earthing bar by

insulated copper earthing conductor not less than 20 mm2 per 100 kVA of
transformer rating, with a minimum of 35 mm2.

E. Transformer neutral (star point) is to be connected by insulated earthing conductor

(color black) to LV side main earthing bar. Neutral earthing conductor is to be
sized for maximum earth fault current for 5 seconds with final conductor
temperature not exceeding 160 deg. C or sized not less than 30 mm2 per 100 kVA
of transformer rating, and with a minimum of 50 mm2. Where a neutral is directly
connected to earth electrode, an insulated disconnecting device is to be provided at
the transformer.

F. Lightning arresters are to be directly connected to earth electrode, following the

shortest path. Each lightning down conductor is to be connected at a dedicated
earth rod.

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3.2 EARTHING OF MAIN DISTRIBUTION BOARDS, PANELBOARDS,
LIGHTING INSTALLATIONS AND WIRING ACCESSORIES

A. Main earthing bar is to be provided in main distribution room and connected to

earth electrode by two insulated conductors (minimum 120 mm2) via testing joints.

B. Earthing bars of main distribution boards are to be connected, by bare earthing

conductor, directly to main earthing bar at main distribution Distribution, lighting
and power panelboards are to be connected by protective conductors run together
with incoming feeder cable, connecting earth terminals in panelboards with
respective main distribution board earthing bar.

C. Socket outlets are to be earthed by protective conductor looped around with the
branch circuit and connected to earth terminal within socket outlet box and to which
socket outlet terminal is to be connected.

D. Final Ring Sub-Circuits: Protective conductor of every final ring sub-circuit is to be

in the form of a ring having both ends connected to earth terminal at origin of
circuit in panelboard.

E. Lighting fixtures and other exposed conductive parts of electrical installations, such
as switches, heaters, air conditioning units etc. are to be connected by protective
earth conductors to earthing terminals of respective panelboards.

3.3 GENERATOR PLANT EARTHING

A. Generator neutral (star point) is to be connected by insulated earthing conductor

through the neutral earthing link or device to separate earthing bar. Neutral earthing
conductor is to be suitably sized to carry maximum earth fault current for time it
takes the system protection to operate with final conductor temperature not
exceeding 160 deg. C, but not less than 30 mm2 per 100 kVA of generator rating,
with a minimum of 50 mm2.

B. Generator earthing terminal is to be connected to main earthing bar by bare copper

conductor of cross section not less than 20 mm2 per 100 kVA of generator size,
with a minimum of 35 mm2.

C. Switchgear (ATS) and Control Gear: Earthing terminals or bars of switchgear and
control gear are to be connected by separate protective conductors to respective
normal and emergency main distribution board earth bars.

D. Extraneous conductive parts including steel frames, battery racks, day-tank, pumps
and piping are to be connected by bare copper earthing conductors to main earth bar
in compliance with bonding regulations.

3.4 MECHANICAL PLANT ROOMS AND FIXED MACHINERY

A. Main earthing bar or loop is to be conveniently located in mechanical plant rooms,

and connected by earthing conductors to exposed conductive parts of motor control
centre at its earthing bar, and to motors, switches and other electrical equipment etc.
at their earthing terminals, using 20 x 2 mm bare copper strips or 35 mm2 bare
copper conductor (minimum size) or as required to carry maximum earth fault
current for 1 second with final conductor temperature not exceeding 200 deg. C.

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 Conductors are to be securely fixed, recessed in floor grooves or niches, or fixed to
walls by appropriate staples. Earth bar or loop is to be securely fixed to building
wall with copper or brass saddles.

B. Main earthing bar or loop is to be connected at two extremely separate points to

earth electrode, directly through two test joints by insulated earthing conductors, or
connected to main earth bar by protective conductors.

C. Motor and other equipment earth terminals are to be connected also by protective
earth conductors of each branch circuit to earth terminal/bar at motor control centre,
panel or distribution unit.

3.5 ROAD LIGHTING

A. Earthing Cables: separate protective earthing cables for lighting column circuits are
to be run with power circuit, terminated at LV supply position in lighting control
panel and looped into column earthing terminals. The last column is to be bonded
via an earthing bolt to a single 14 mm diameter copper covered steel rod, 2.5 m
long, driven into ground adjacent to column. Bonding is to be 16 mm2 stranded
bare copper conductor.

B. Connections between rods and earthing conductors are to be made by the Cadweld
process producing a fused joint. Bolted connections may be used for connection to
removable items of equipment only.

3.6 SIGNAL AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

A. Signal and Communication Systems: For telephone, alarm, voice and data, and
other communication systems, provide 16mm2 minimum insulated grounding
conductor in raceway from grounding electrode system to each service location,
terminal cabinet, wiring closet, and central equipment location.

1. Service and Central Equipment Locations and Wiring Closets: Terminate

grounding conductor on a 6.4-by-50-by-300-mm grounding bus.
2. Terminal Cabinets: Terminate grounding conductor on cabinet grounding
terminal.

3.7 EARTHING AND BONDING MULTICORE CABLES

A. The metallic sheath and armor of multicore cables shall be bonded together and
earthed.

B. Cable earthing conductors shall be copper strip with appropriate section laid in
formed cable trenches or ducts, or fixed to walls, concrete or steel work, by means
of clamps or claw type cleats, appropriately secured into suitable wall plugs or
tapped holes. The spacing of fixings shall not be greater than 1 m. Where earth strip
is buried or laid in positions in which there is danger of corrosion it shall be
provided with a corrosion-proof serving of extruded thermo-plastic or self-adhesive
PVC tape which for short lengths may be hand applied on Site.

C. The Contractor shall connect, unless otherwise instructed, all cable sheaths and
armor, supporting steel work and the metal enclosure of sealing boxes, joints, etc.,

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 to the main earth bar by suitable branch connections which may be of bare or
insulated stranded conductor as required to suit the cable system.

D. Concentric type bonding leads of suitable impedance shall be employed where

necessary . The bonding and earthing system shall be subject to the approval of the
Engineer and shall be designed to meet the subsequent maintenance requirements.

3.8 EARTHING OF FENCES

A. Method: Metallic fences shall be separately earthed unless they come within 1.8 m of
any equipment or structure above the surface of the ground, which is connected to the
main earthing system. If the separation of 1.8 m cannot be obtained the fence shall be
bonded to the earthing system.

B. Separately Earthed Fences: The earthing of a fence shall be provided by connecting

certain metallic fence posts to an earth rod by a copper conductor. The earth rod shall
be driven adjacent to the posts inside the fence line to a depth of not less than 3.0 m.
Where no metallic posts are provided the earth rods shall be connected directly to the
metal wires, mesh or other components of the fence.

C. Bonded Fences: Fences which need to be bonded to the main earthing system of the
installation shall be connected by copper conductors to the nearest accessible point on
the main earthing system at each point where the fence comes within 1.8 m of any
electrical equipment. Bonds shall also be made to each corner post, below the outer
phase conductors of overhead line connections passing over the fence, at each gate
and at intervals of not more than 100 m.

D. Bonding of Fence Components:

1. Fences made up of bolted steel or other metallic components do not require

bonding between components. Where such fences have non-metallic
components bonds shall be installed to maintain continuity between metallic
components. Reinforced concrete components shall be treated as being non-
metallic.
2. Longitudinal wires for supporting other fence components or for anti-
climbing guards and the wires of chain link shall be directly bonded to each
fence earth electrode or to each bond to the main earthing system.
3. Metallic components on masonry, brick, concrete or similar boundary wall
shall be treated in the same manner as metallic fences.
4. Wire fence components coated for anti-corrosion protection or PVC coated
fence shall be earthed in accordance with this Clause.

E. Gates: The fixed metallic components on both sides of the gate shall be directly
bonded together by a copper conductor installed under the surface of the access way.
Flexible conductors shall be installed to bond the moving parts of the gates to the
metallic fixed parts. An earth rod or a bond to the main earthing system shall be
installed at each gate.

F. Potential Control Outside Fences:

1. Where the approved design calculations show that the touch or step potentials
outside the fence or boundary wall would otherwise be excessive, bare
copper conductors shall be buried in the ground outside the fence or
boundary wall at such depths and spacings as are shown in the approved

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 design calculations to give acceptable touch and step potentials. The
conductors shall form complete rings surrounding the installation and each
ring shall be bonded to the adjacent ring and to the fence at each corner.
Below the outer phase conductors of overhead line connections passing over
the fence, at each gate and at intervals of not more than 100 m. In this case
separate earth electrodes are not required for the fences.
2. If the boundary fence or wall is substantially non-metallic the rings of
conductors shall be bonded to the main earth system at each corner of the site
and at intervals of not more than 100 m. Any metallic components on such
boundary fences or walls shall be bonded to the earthing system in
accordance with this Specification.
3. If the boundary fence is metallic and is not within 1.8 m of any part of the
main earthing system or equipment bonded thereto the fence and outer
conductor rings shall not be connected to the main earthing system unless the
approved design calculations show otherwise.
4. Any meshes formed by bonding the outer conductors to the main earthing
system shall be sub-divided by additional conductors, if required, to give
acceptable touch, step and mesh potentials.

G. Conductors: All conductors used for earthing and bonding the fences and components
and for outer rings shall have a cross-sectional area of not less than 185 mm2 copper.
1.

3.9 INSTALLATION

A. Continuity: Ensure that complete earthing system is electrically continuous and

mechanically secure.

B. Earth Rods: While siting earth rods, ensure that resistance areas associated with
individual rods do not overlap. Earth rods are to be located at a distance greater than
600 mm from foundations of buildings. Where rock is encountered, a hole of
sufficient size is to be drilled before lowering the rod. Conductive filler such as
Marconite or Bentonite or equal filler that will not corrode, is to be provided around
the rod.

C. Buried earthing conductors are to be laid at a depth not less than 0.8 m from ground
surface.

D. Earthing conductors are to follow shortest path between earth rods and main
earthing terminals or bars, and are to run in PVC conduit (duct) fastened to
building structure by approved supports and extending 0.2 m above level, and are to
be protected against mechanical damage and corrosion.

E. Protective Conductors: Separate protective conductors, which are not part of a

cable, are to be fixed on same support or drawn into same conduit as circuit
conductors.

F. Protective Bonding: Remove any non-conductive paint, enamel or similar coating at

threads, contact points and surfaces and ensure that bonding is made by fittings
designed to make secure bonds.

3.10 CONNECTIONS

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 A. Protection against Corrosion: Protect bolted connections against corrosion either by
filling with vaseline or coating with a special anti-corrosion compound and proper
capping.

B. Connections: Earth connections are to be readily accessible. If inaccessible earth

connection is permitted, approved exothermic welding or brazing technique is to be
employed.

C. Connections: Where earth connections between dissimilar metals must be made, use
bimetallic fittings and protect by coating with moisture resisting bituminous paint or
compound, or by wrapping with protective tape to exclude moisture.

D. Exothermic-Welded Connections: Comply with manufacturer's written instructions.

Welds that are puffed up or that show convex surfaces indicating improper cleaning
are not acceptable.

E. Tighten screws and bolts for grounding and bonding connectors and terminals
according to manufacturer's published torque-tightening values. If manufacturer's
torque values are not indicated, use those specified in applicable Standards.

3.11 FIELD QUALITY CONTROL

A. Combined resistance of earth electrodes is to be measured during dry season and

checked against specified resistance.

B. Excessive Ground Resistance: If resistance to ground exceeds specified values,

notify Engineer promptly and include recommendations to reduce ground
resistance.

C. Electrical continuity of all earthing and protective conductors including main and
supplementary equipotential bonding conductors is to be checked.

D. Earth fault loop impedance of all circuits is to be measured and checked against
calculated impedance figures.

E. Operation of residual current protective devices is to be checked.

3.12 GRADING AND PLANTING

A. Restore surface features, including vegetation, at areas disturbed by Work of this

Section. Reestablish original grades, unless otherwise indicated. If sod has been
removed, replace it as soon as possible after backfilling is completed. Restore areas
disturbed by trenching, storing of dirt, cable laying, and other activities to their
original condition. Include application of topsoil, fertilizer, lime, seed, sod, sprig,
and mulch. Comply with Division 2 Section "Landscaping." Maintain restored
surfaces. Restore disturbed paving as indicated.

END OF SECTION 26 05 26

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