Ground ROD

2005
AC substation earthing calculation software
When designing earthing systems for AC substations, it is essential that the local environment and perimeters are
free from the possibility of causing electric shock, and provide a low impedance path for fault and earth leakage
currents. To ensure the correct and safe design of earthing grids, various standards have been developed to calculate
safe touch and step voltages.
ERA Technology is the UK agent for Ground ROD 2005, a Microsoft Excel

spreadsheet which performs calculations
complying with all relevant standards providing the essential data to specify earthing systems quickly and efficiently.
Ground Rod 2005 can perform earthing calculations in accordance with any of the following standards, ensuring
compliance and design safety:
BS 7354 -1990
EA Technical Specification 41-24
IEEE Standard 2000/1986
key benefits
Some of the key benefits of the Ground ROD 2005 software are:
multiple choice of standards for assessment, with viewable results against each standard for comparison
automatic notification of anomalies with data entry ie. unsuitable depths
incorporates multiple system voltages from 1kV upwards
uses multiple or specific earth resistance tests ie. Wenner etc
unique ability to include three different overhead line types
enables comparisons between allowable and actual voltages ie. safety voltage, touch and distance
unique function allows the assessment of up to 4 grids simultaneously, separated by user defined distance
produces data entry forms for use on site
engineering consultancy services
A Cobham Group Company
calculation results
Ground ROD 2005 includes a set of equations
providing calculation results consistent with EPRI
EL-3099, including:
grid resistance touch voltage
grid current step voltage
grid voltage rise HOT distance
mesh voltage allowable touch and step
voltages
other features
Ground ROD 2005 comes in a very easy-to-use format
and can generate detailed calculation printouts for
insertion into reports. The spreadsheet also provides a
host of peripheral information such as formulae and
guidance on AC substation earthing design.
Other features provided in Ground ROD 2005 are:
Wenner and Tagg slope test reports
inclusion of overhead line earthing, cables
and local earthing
calculation of the surface voltage profile over
and beyond the grid corners
inclusion of up to 4 grids at a site taking
into account their relative spacing
facility to check voltage differences for a grid
containing different mesh sizes
example screenshots
why ERA?
As well as supplying the Ground ROD 2005
softwareERA provides design and consultation services
onAC substation earthing systems using Ground ROD
2005 in combination with our expertise in power
systems. Ground ROD 2005 also compliments ERAs
ERACS suite of power system analysis software.
Ref. ECS 09.11.05
ERA Technology Ltd
Cleeve Road
Leatherhead
Surrey KT22 7SA UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1372 367007
Fax: +44 (0) 1372 367009
E-mail: info@era.co.uk
www.era.co.uk
FM1303
ERA Technology
ERA Technology works at the leading edge of many
advanced technologies. The business was founded in 1920
and today provides specialist, high value-added,
technology-based services including design and
development, testing, assessment and expert advice.
ERA's services reduce technical and commercial risk,
improve the operational performance of engineering
infrastructure assets, and enhance the competitiveness of
products and systems.
Please visit the ERA website: www.era.co.uk
A Cobham Group Company