High voltage earthing: Are you compliant?

These surveys have focussed on the site’s request to confirm that a safe environment is created to limit the possible electric shock hazard that could arise during an electrical fault. Surveys ensure compliance with the British Standard relating to High Voltage Earthing, BS EN 50522: Earthing of power installations exceeding 1kV.

EA Technology says in three steps it can help companies ensure compliance with British Standards and the HSE.

•  HV earthing surveys begin with a measurement to confirm the site resistance and then by calculation EA Technology can calculate the voltage rise that could occur during an electrical fault.

•  The next step is to confirm that all HV equipment on site has an adequate low resistance connection to earth. This is a significant part of gaining compliance with the British Standard, with measurements undertaken with a High Current/Low Resistance Ohmmeter.

•  Individual substation surveys complete the scope of works that include a detailed visual survey by earthing experts to identify any immediate safety issues. A suite of measurements is usually undertaken to allow calculation of possible electric shocks that could happen during an electrical fault.