High voltage earthing

Over the past 16 years EA Technology has undertaken earthing surveys throughout the UK and at locations as diverse as Bermuda, the Outer Hebrides and even the outback of Australia. In recent months the High Voltage Earthing team have been extremely busy undertaking HV earthing surveys at numerous UK industrial sites.

These recent surveys have focused 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.

Here are the three steps that we can help you make to ensure your compliance with British Standards and the HSE.

Step 1: Site resistance measurement

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

Step 2: Site continuity

The next step is to confirm that all HV equipment within the 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.

Step 3: Individual Substation Surveys

Individual substation surveys complete the scope of works that include a detailed visual survey by EA Technology earthing experts to identify any immediate safety issues. The company also undertakes a suite of measurements to allow calculation of possible electric shocks that could happen during an electrical fault.

Any defects are recorded at the time of the survey, with a full report produced detailing all measurements together with recommendations to ensure a safe working environment.