sec.196Systems of earthing

sec.196 Systems of earthing

The works of an electricity entity must incorporate an earthing and protection system, to a recognised electricity supply industry standard, capable of ensuring the following— reliable passage of fault current; reliable passage of single wire earth return load currents to ground or source; reliable operation of circuit protection devices; safe step, touch and transfer potentials for all electrical equipment; appropriate coordination with the earthing and protection systems of other electricity entities; protection against likely mechanical damage, inadvertent interference and chemical deterioration; mechanical stability and integrity of connections. Without limiting subsection (1) , the following specific requirements apply for the works of an electricity entity— to stop, as far as practicable, a person suffering electric shock— if the multiple earthed neutral system of earthing is used—the neutral conductor of the system must be effectively earthed; and each non-current carrying exposed conductive part of an electric line or generating plant must be effectively earthed; each non-current carrying exposed conductive part of a substation must be effectively earthed; a system of earthing must be tested as soon as practicable after its installation to prove its effectiveness; a high voltage electric line must be protected by a suitable fuse, circuit breaker or equivalent device. Earthing is not required under subsection (2) (a) (ii) or (b) in circumstances where the electricity entity, in accordance with a recognised practice in the electricity industry, considers that for safety reasons earthing is not appropriate. (sec.196-ssec.1) The works of an electricity entity must incorporate an earthing and protection system, to a recognised electricity supply industry standard, capable of ensuring the following— reliable passage of fault current; reliable passage of single wire earth return load currents to ground or source; reliable operation of circuit protection devices; safe step, touch and transfer potentials for all electrical equipment; appropriate coordination with the earthing and protection systems of other electricity entities; protection against likely mechanical damage, inadvertent interference and chemical deterioration; mechanical stability and integrity of connections. (sec.196-ssec.2) Without limiting subsection (1) , the following specific requirements apply for the works of an electricity entity— to stop, as far as practicable, a person suffering electric shock— if the multiple earthed neutral system of earthing is used—the neutral conductor of the system must be effectively earthed; and each non-current carrying exposed conductive part of an electric line or generating plant must be effectively earthed; each non-current carrying exposed conductive part of a substation must be effectively earthed; a system of earthing must be tested as soon as practicable after its installation to prove its effectiveness; a high voltage electric line must be protected by a suitable fuse, circuit breaker or equivalent device. (sec.196-ssec.3) Earthing is not required under subsection (2) (a) (ii) or (b) in circumstances where the electricity entity, in accordance with a recognised practice in the electricity industry, considers that for safety reasons earthing is not appropriate.