Safety: a very important factor in cost-optimal low-voltage distribution network design

A new method is developed for low-voltage distribution network design. It enables the electricity distribution companies to calculate more accurately when engineering power distribution networks. The method is based on the calculation of cost-optimal low-voltage cable diameters and correction for contact safety considerations. The paper introduces a phase-neutral-ground network model that includes all longitudinal and mutual impedances of the cable conductors. Contact safety of this network model is validated by means of measurements in practice. The available results of field experiments show that the results were always on the safe side