Title :
Distribution system grounding fundamentals
Author :
Thomas, Edward S. ; Dagenhart, John B. ; Barber, Richard A. ; Clapp, Allen L.
Author_Institution :
Utility Electr. Consultants, Raleigh, NC, USA
Abstract :
This article is an overview of the various relationships between neutral currents, ground currents, electrode impedances, and voltage potentials that are encountered in the operation of multi-grounded wye distribution systems. This system continuation is the most commonly used configuration among U.S. domestic utilities. Voltages range from 4.16/2.4 kV to 34.5/19.9 kV. The most common system voltages are 15- and 25-kV class systems with nominal operating voltages on rural systems generally being 12.47/7.2 kV and 24.9/14.4 kV. The article aims to review the relationships that might be encountered due to system grounding and provide an overview of common installations and their relative effectiveness.
Keywords :
earthing; electric impedance; installation; power distribution protection; power utilisation; 15 kV; 19.9 kV; 2.4 kV; 25 kV; 34.5 kV; 4.16 kV; US domestic utilities; distribution system grounding; electrode impedances; ground currents; grounding fundamentals; installations; multigrounded wye distribution systems; neutral currents; voltage potentials; Bonding; Conductivity; Conductors; Earth; Electrodes; Grounding; Integrated circuit interconnections; Power system interconnection; Soil; Voltage;
Journal_Title :
Industry Applications Magazine, IEEE
DOI :
10.1109/MIA.2005.1502475
