20

Practical Grounding, Bonding, Shielding and Surge Protection

On the other hand, a low-resistance grounding is designed for ground fault currents of
100 A or more with values of even 1000 A being common. The value of ground fault
current is still far lower than three-phase system fault currents. This method is most
commonly used in industrial systems and has all the advantages of transient limitation,
easy detection and limiting severe arc or flash damages from happening.

2.7

Point of grounding
In most three-phase systems, the neutral point at source (a generator or transformer) is
connected to ground. This has the advantage of minimum potential of the live terminals
with reference to ground.
In the case of generators, which are almost always star (wye) connected, the neutral point
is available for grounding. However, in the case of transformer substations, a neutral may
not always be available as the winding may be delta connected. In such cases, it will be
necessary to obtain a virtual neutral using a device called grounding transformer.
Grounding transformers are generally of two types viz. zig-zag connected transformer
with no secondary winding and a wye-delta transformer. Figure 2.7 shows a zig-zag
grounding transformer.

Figure 2.7
Zig-zag grounding transformer

The transformer primary winding terminals are connected to the system, which has to
be grounded. The neutral point of the transformer is grounded solidly or through an
impedance depending on the type of grounding selected. Under normal conditions, the
transformer behaves like any other transformer with open circuited secondary (no-load)
and draws a small magnetizing current from the system. The impedance of the
transformer to ground fault (zero sequence) currents is however extremely small. When
one of the lines develops a ground fault, the current is only restricted by the grounding
impedance. Thus, the system behaves virtually in the same manner as any system with

Grounding of power supply system neutral 21

grounded source neutral. Figure 2.8 shows this behavior. The ground fault current
flowing in the faulted line divides itself into three equal parts flowing through each phase
winding of the transformer.

Figure 2.8
Behavior of a zig-zag connected transformer during a ground fault

The other type of grounding transformer is a wye-delta connected transformer. The

primary winding terminals of the transformer are connected to the system, which is to be
grounded, the neutral of the primary is connected to the ground and the secondary delta is
either kept open or can be connected to a three-phase three-wire supply system as
required (refer to Figure 2.9).
This type of transformer too presents a low-impedance path to the flow of zero
sequence currents due to the circulating path offered by the secondary delta winding. This
enables the ground fault current to flow through the primary and to the ground through
the grounding impedance. Figure 2.10 illustrates this action.
British Standard BS: 7671:2000 (IEE Wiring regulations) discusses the grounding of
low-voltage installations in detail and has provided a method of classifying supply
systems based on the type of grounding adopted as well as the method used to extend the
system ground to consumer installations. The standard also discusses the comparative
merits of the different types of systems for specific applications (refer to Appendix A for
details of this classification).

2.8

Other challenges
In the above discussions, we dealt with systems having a single source. However, when
more than one source is involved (such as multiple generators or a mix of generators and
transformers), grounding of neutrals becomes even more of a challenge. The guiding
principles are still the same, viz. the need for limiting the fault current to safe but easily
detectable values and the prevention of transient over-voltages during a ground fault.

22

Practical Grounding, Bonding, Shielding and Surge Protection

Figure 2.9
Stardelta grounding transformer

Figure 2.10
Behavior of stardelta grounding transformer during system ground faults

In the case of power distribution systems with several voltage levels separated by
transformers, it is necessary to establish neutral grounding for each individual system,
taking into consideration the principles cited above and the characteristics of each system.

Grounding of power supply system neutral 23

Neutral grounding of electrical systems within large mobile equipment having their
own step down transformers presents further complexities. These are however beyond the
scope of this book and are not therefore elaborated.

2.9

Summary
In this chapter, we discussed various types of grounding electrical systems and the
considerations that govern the choice. We have also seen how a virtual neutral point can
be established through indirect means using a grounding transformer. Different types of
supply systems based on neutral wiring practices were reviewed.