TNQIT Electrical Trades

Revision Exercises MEN

1. What is the purpose of the “earthing system”

2. What is the purpose of the “protective earth”

3. What is the purpose of the earth electrode.

4. What is the purpose of the “MEN link”

5. What determines the addition of a MEN in a distribution board within a

building OR in outbuildings.

6. What is the essential differences between tariff 31 and 33.

7. If a domestic installation was seen to be a long distance from the

distribution transformer, would the resistance of the earth conductor
need to be lower or higher. How would the loop impedance of the power
circuit be effected.

Answers.
1. The earth system ensured a low resistance path to the star point of the supply
to ensure the protective device operates before a dangerous potential is
reached during earth faults.
2. The protective earth connects exposed metal on electrical equipment to the
earth system. The resistance is low to ensure the protective device operates so
that the touch potential at the exposed metal is a low value.
3. To ensure that in the event of a open circuit or disconnected neutral, the touch
voltage is held at a safe level by providing an alternative path for earth fault
current.
4. The MEN link connects the protective earths and main earth to the neutral so
that earth fault current can flow back to the star point via the mains neutral.
5. Are there any other MEN connections in the building. – Is there an earth wire
run with the mains. – Is the outbuilding the first MEN away from the main board.
– If the outbuilding is the second (or more) then are the neutrals soldered so
that the neutral path can not be opened.

6. Tariff 31 is the “night rate” and only operates for about 8 hours between
11.00pm and 6.00am. Tariff 33 is an “off peak” rate and provides about 18 hours
of supply over a 24 hour period. The supply is off during periods of peak load on
the supply system. Both are controlled by “ripple frequencies” transmitted
through the power line system to operate a special relay wired into the main
switchboard.
7. The loop impedance of the whole power circuit would be higher due to the longer
supply cable path. The Impedance of the protective earth would need to be
lower to ensure sufficient current flows to operate the protective device in the
required time.

398736232.doc