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Home / Technical Articles / How to Determine Correct Number of Earthing Electrodes (Strips, Plates and Pipes) – part 1

Introduction

Number of Earthing Electrode and Earthing Resistance depends on the resistivity of soil and time for fault current to pass through (1 sec or 3 sec). If we divide the area for earthing required by the area of one earth plate gives the number of earth pits required.

How to Determine Correct Number of Earthing Electrodes (Strips, Plates and Pipes) - part 1
How to Determine Correct Number of Earthing Electrodes (Strips, Plates and Pipes) – part 1

There is no general rule to calculate the exact number of earth pits and size of earthing strip, but discharging of leakage current is certainly dependent on the cross section area of the material so for any equipment the earth strip size is calculated on the current to be carried by that strip.

First the leakage current to be carried is calculated and then size of the strip is determined.

For most of the electrical equipment like transformer, diesel generator set etc., the general concept is to have 4 number of earth pits. 2 no’s for body earthing with 2 separate strips with the pits shorted and 2 nos for Neutral with 2 separate strips with the pits shorted.

[pullquote_left]The Size of Neutral Earthing Strip should be capable to carry neutral current of that equipment.
The Size of Body Earthing should be capable to carry half of neutral Current.[/pullquote_left]

For example for 100kVA transformer, the full load current is around 140A.

The strip connected should be capable to carry at least 70A (neutral current) which means a strip of GI 25x3mm should be enough to carry the current and for body a strip of 25×3 will do the needful. Normally we consider the strip size that is generally used as standards.

However a strip with lesser size which can carry a current of 35A can be used for body earthing. The reason for using 2 earth pits for each body and neutral and then shorting them is to serve as back up. If one strip gets corroded and cuts the continuity is broken and the other leakage current flows through the other run thery by completing the circuit.

Similarly for panels the no of pits should be 2 nos. The size can be decided on the main incomer circuit breaker.

For example if main incomer to breaker is 400A, then body earthing for panel can have a strip size of 25×6 mm which can easily carry 100A.

Number of earth pits is decided by considering the total fault current to be dissipated to the ground in case of fault and the current that can be dissipated by each earth pit. Normally the density of current for GI strip can be roughly 200 amps per square cam. Based on the length and dia of the pipe used the number of earthing pits can be finalized.


1. Calculate numbers of pipe earthing

A. Earthing resistance and number of rods for isolated earth pit
(without buried earthing strip)

The earth resistance of single rod or pipe electrode is calculated as per BS 7430:

R=ρ/2×3.14xL (loge (8xL/d)-1)

Where:

ρ = Resistivity of soil (Ω meter),
L = Length of electrode (meter),
D = Diameter of electrode (meter)

Example:

Calculate isolated earthing rod resistance. The earthing rod is 4 meter long and having 12.2mm diameter, soil resistivity 500 Ω meter.

R=500/ (2×3.14×4) x (Loge (8×4/0.0125)-1) =156.19 Ω.

The earth resistance of single rod or pipe electrode is calculated as per IS 3040:

R=100xρ/2×3.14xL (loge(4xL/d))

Where:

ρ = Resistivity of soil (Ω meter),
L = Length of electrode (cm),
D = Diameter of electrode (cm)


Example:

Calculate number of CI earthing pipe of 100mm diameter, 3 meter length. System has fault current 50KA for 1 sec and soil resistivity is 72.44 Ω-Meters.

Current Density At The Surface of Earth Electrode (As per IS 3043):

  • Max. allowable current density  I = 7.57×1000/(√ρxt) A/m2
  • Max. allowable current density  = 7.57×1000/(√72.44X1) = 889.419 A/m2
  • Surface area of one 100mm dia. 3 meter Pipe = 2 x 3.14 x r x L = 2 x 3.14 x 0.05 x3 = 0.942 m2
  • Max. current dissipated by one Earthing Pipe = Current Density x Surface area of electrode
  • Max. current dissipated by one earthing pipe = 889.419x 0.942 = 837.83 A say 838 Amps
  • Number of earthing pipe required = Fault Current / Max.current dissipated by one earthing pipe.
  • Number of earthing pipe required = 50000/838 = 59.66 Say 60 No’s.
  • Total number of earthing pipe required = 60 No’s.
  • Resistance of earthing pipe (isolated) R = 100xρ/2×3.14xLx(loge (4XL/d))
  • Resistance of earthing pipe (isolated) R = 100×72.44 /2×3.14x300x(loge (4X300/10)) = 7.99 Ω/Pipe
  • Overall resistance of 60 no of earthing pipe = 7.99/60 = 0.133 Ω.

B. Earthing resistance and number of rods for isolated earth pit
(with buried earthing strip)

Resistance of earth strip (R) As per IS 3043:

R=ρ/2×3.14xLx (loge (2xLxL/wt))


Example:

Calculate GI strip having width of 12mm , length of 2200 meter buried in ground at depth of 200mm, soil resistivity is 72.44 Ω-meter.

  • Resistance of earth strip(Re) = 72.44/2×3.14x2200x(loge (2x2200x2200/.2x.012)) = 0.050 Ω
  • From above calculation overall resistance of 60 no of earthing pipes (Rp) = 0.133 Ω.
    And it connected to bury earthing strip. Here net earthing resistance = (RpxRe)/(Rp+Re)
  • Net eatrthing resistance = (0.133×0.05)/(0.133+0.05) = 0.036 Ω

C. Total earthing resistance and number of electrode for group
(parallel)

In cases where a single electrode is not sufficient to provide the desired earth resistance, more than one electrode shall be used. The separation of the electrodes shall be about 4 m. The combined resistance of parallel electrodes is a complex function of several factors, such as the number and configuration of electrode the array.

The total resistance of group of electrodes in different configurations as per BS 7430:

Ra=R (1+λa/n) where a=ρ/2X3.14xRxS

Where:

S = Distance between adjustment rod (meter),
λ = Factor given in table below,
n = Number of electrodes,
ρ = Resistivity of soil (Ω meter),
R = Resistance of single rod in isolation (Ω)

Factors for parallel electrodes in line (BS 7430)
Number of electrodes (n)Factor (λ)
21.0
31.66
42.15
52.54
62.87
73.15

8

3.39
93.61
103.8

For electrodes equally spaced around a hollow square, e.g. around the perimeter of a building, the equations given above are used with a value of λ taken from following table.

For three rods placed in an equilateral triangle, or in an L formation, a value of λ = 1.66 may be assumed.

Factors for electrodes in a hollow square (BS 7430)
Number of electrodes (n)Factor (λ)
22.71
34.51
45.48
56.13
66.63
77.03
87.36
97.65
107.9
128.3
148.6
168.9
189.2
209.4

For Hollow square total number of electrodes (N) = (4n-1).

The rule of thumb is that rods in parallel should be spaced at least twice their length to utilize the full benefit of the additional rods. If the separation of the electrodes is much larger than their lengths and only a few electrodes are in parallel, then the resultant earth resistance can be calculated using the ordinary equation for resistances in parallel.

In practice, the effective earth resistance will usually be higher than calculation.

Typically, a 4 spike array may provide an improvement 2.5 to 3 times. An 8 spike array will typically give an improvement of maybe 5 to 6 times.

The  Resistance of Original Earthing Rod will be lowered by Total of 40% for Second Rod, 60% for third Rod,66% for forth rod.

Example:

Calculate Total Earthing Rod Resistance of 200 Number arranges in Parallel having 4 Meter Space of each and if it connects in Hollow Square arrangement. The Earthing Rod is 4 Meter Long and having 12.2mm Diameter, Soil Resistivity 500 Ω.


First Calculate Single Earthing Rod Resistance:

  • R = 500/ (2×3.14×4) x (Loge (8×4/0.0125)-1) =136.23 Ω.

Now calculate total resistance of earthing rod of 200 number in parallel condition:

  • a = 500/(2×3.14x136x4) =0.146
  • Ra (Parallel in Line) =136.23x (1+10×0.146/200) = 1.67 Ω.

If earthing rod is connected in Hollow square than rod in each side of square is 200 = (4n-1) so n = 49 No.

Ra (in hollow square) =136.23x (1+9.4×0.146/200) = 1.61 Ω.

Originally published atElectrical Notes – Calculate Numbers of Plate/Pipe/Strip Earthings (Part-1)

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Jignesh Parmar

Jignesh Parmar has completed M.Tech (Power System Control), B.E (Electrical). He is member of Institution of Engineers (MIE), India. He has more than 20 years experience in transmission & distribution-energy theft detection and maintenance electrical projects.

47 Comments


  1. Tush
    Sep 16, 2022

    How to Calculate feeder to feeder, Down Stream Fault Level from
    (transformer to Main Panel to Sub Panel to MSB DB to Light Switch Board)


  2. Exer Lexis
    Jan 25, 2022

    Hello,
    Any reply on the issue of lambda=10?
    Can’t understand either.


  3. Amit Pitroda
    Apr 20, 2021

    Please let me know how to calculate the withstand capacity of a group of earthing?


  4. vinod kinekar
    Sep 23, 2020

    Dear Sir,
    Shall we know why chemical earthing is better than plate earthing and what are its IS, IES standards.

    Regards,

    Vinod Kinekar


  5. Kdhinde
    Sep 22, 2020

    Surface area of one 100mm dia. 3 meter pipe= 2×3.14 x r x L

    Please how did you get valve of r to be 0.05?


  6. manikanta
    Jul 10, 2020

    Pls advise how you got Lambda λ equals to 10 from the equation of the Ra:
    Ra (Parallel in Line) =136.23 x (1+10×0.146/200) = 1.67 Ω.

    Now calculate total resistance of earthing rod of 200 number in parallel condition:

    a = 500/(2×3.14x136x4) =0.146
    Ra (Parallel in Line) =136.23x (1+10×0.146/200) = 1.67 Ω.


  7. Mantu Gond
    Aug 07, 2019

    I want to knowledge of electrical fields about their electrical equipment.. Etc


  8. Engr. Sajo Olawande
    Jun 23, 2019

    Please i have the following parameters after my due calculations carried out,

    Size of Generator——————–250Kva
    Panel Rating ———————–350A
    Cable size—————————–240sqMM
    Earthing Cable (guess)————120sqMM(Half)
    please sir i was now asked to calculate the following:

    Do the earthing electrode resistance design as per BS 7430 or IS- 3040/43 to meet the reuse R¬< 1.0U.
    a. Determine the earth rod diameter/length
    b. The total number of earth rod to be used.


  9. Justina
    Mar 08, 2019

    Thanks for the lecture. At least I have gotten something from it. How do I calculate the fault current in 1*15MVA, 33/11kv substation


    • Vijay Kumar
      Nov 25, 2019

      V secondary = 11kV
      %Z = ___?
      I secondary= ((150×1000)/(Sqrt of 3*11000))
      =_____ kA
      Isc =(I secondary / %Z)
      =____kA


  10. Mostafa abd-ellatif
    Feb 04, 2019

    The you for your generousity


  11. sameer
    Mar 31, 2018

    Sir,

    Is the number of earth pits get reduced if I use copper clad steel (250 micron) instead of GI for vertical electrode.


  12. karthick
    Mar 10, 2018

    would u please tell me sir that how could have select the transformer neutral pit and strips


  13. fxjxf
    Jan 12, 2018

    There are a lot of mistakes in either the given Formulas or the calculations. So please, get them corrected.


  14. N K Wattas
    Oct 26, 2017

    I think it is improper to calculate the size of earthing strip on the basis of rating of main incomer.The short ckt rating of the system should be taken into consideration.The earthing strip should be able to carry fault current for 1 sec.


  15. ADEL
    Jul 20, 2017

    GOOD SUBJECT


  16. True Power
    Jul 13, 2017

    We are leading manufacturer and suppliers of high quality chemical earthing electrode manufacture,copper bonded electrode manufacture,pure copper earthing electode manufacture,gi chemical electrode manufacture and chemical earthing Compounds meeting industry standards for residential, commercial and industrial sectors.We specialize in installation and testing highly conductive, corrosion free Earthing system as well as lightning protection system. Our services extend to private businesses (large and small) as well as Government agencies ranging from Domestic, state to national levels.


  17. Amit
    Jul 10, 2017

    Hi Sir
    Our Company is construction company, and we construct building by latest Technic by using puff i.e metallic wall, so please tell me how much earth pit required as per area.


  18. vivek
    Apr 08, 2017

    Dear Sir
    why same unit is not used for length and diameter in below formula?
    please reply
    R = 100×72.44 /2×3.14x300x(loge (4X300/10))


    • Krisanto B. Libradilla
      Sep 04, 2018

      R = 100×72.44 /2×3.14x300x(loge (4X300/10)) can’t find the same answer as yours. How do you get the answer?


  19. MANOJ KUMAR
    Apr 01, 2017

    Dear Sir , In above problems , in formulae there is natural logarithm i.e. ln , what in calculation you are using log base 10 ???????


  20. vineeth paul
    Nov 03, 2016

    Sir i have a doubt regarding the earthing.
    One of my work site, the earth resistance requirement is less than 3 ohm. The site is a low tension project. I don’t know how to calculate the number of earth pit for that site. Please tell me the equation to find out the no. of earth pit required. The power is available from electricity board transformer having 160 kVA. Please help me.


  21. Sachin Agarwal
    Jul 20, 2016

    Dear Sir,
    You wrote that for 100kVA transformer, 70A would be neutral current which means a strip of GI 25x3mm should be sufficient. But, as i know Strip should be sized as per neutral fault current because I is fualt current in strip sizing formula as per IS 3043.

    Formula : S=I x root t / K

    Kindly clear.


    • Bilal
      Aug 22, 2016

      The Formula you have mentioned is for Short circuit current. I believe the size of the copper tape was selected based on its ‘Ampacity’ (Capacity to carry current). This information can be found in the catalog.


  22. Taher
    Jun 20, 2016

    Hi. Very useful info, thank you. I think there may be an error in how you interpreted the loge formula for the calculation of electrode resistance. Your calculations work out if you use log10 but not natural log (log e). Please re-check


  23. Khaled Az
    May 02, 2016

    Dear Mr. Raj,

    Pls advise how you got Lambda λ equals to 10 from the equation of the Ra:
    Ra (Parallel in Line) =136.23 x (1+10×0.146/200) = 1.67 Ω.

    BR


  24. Ronak Desai
    Mar 21, 2016

    Dear Sir,

    Usefull information every time getting from your articles.

    I need information on Cu. bonded earth electrode and GI earth electrode fault current carrying capacity.

    We are facing issues of GI earth electrode corrosion so we need to change with Cu. bonded earth electrode with carbon base back fill compound.


  25. DILIPKUMAR DESAI
    Jan 05, 2016

    Nowadays chemical type Earth Electrodes are popular.
    I want to design an Earthing system based on chemical type Earth Electrodes, for which no standard is available..
    Can I get guidance for the design?

    DILIPKUMAR D DESAI


    • Amit Kumar
      Dec 02, 2016

      Dear Sir,

      Thanks for your question.

      Chemical Maintenance free earthing is based on the IEC standrad 62561-1,2 & 6. The seletion of earth electrode is as per the standrad current rating as well as fault current. May I know for what rating of equipment you are going to use. regards
      Amit Kumar


  26. a. m
    Dec 12, 2015

    hello, please tell me how did you get the lamda factor 10 for 200 electrodes in the last example. The table has no.s up to 20 electrode for hollow square shape. thanks


  27. IK
    Nov 28, 2015

    V Nice work done !! congratulations to share the knowledge. Quick note the values I got for the calc is 136 not 156.

    Thanks


  28. john
    Nov 10, 2015

    HI…I can’t get a hang of it on how I input the “Loge ((8×4/0.0125)-1)” formula so I tried to use e as the base of log…my first thought that my calculation is a mistake so i tried to the internet and I still can’t get the result of 136.23 Ω….pls help me…i would be grateful …thank you


  29. A.GALAL
    Nov 02, 2015

    please if the above equation depend on the total area or because some different equation depend on surface area


  30. sandeep
    Oct 04, 2015

    Dear Jignesh,

    I had some doubt regarding earthing of generators and assosiated service pillar.

    I have 3 x1000kVa generator and soil resistivity of 27 Ohm-M. I had done a calculation and found out 19 pits required and each pit of 20mtr long electrode of dia 17.2mm.

    I just want to confirm whether my calculation is right or wrong.

    I look forward for your reply

    Thanks


  31. Badru
    Jun 04, 2015

    Is it right for a domestic building to bond the main earthing of the building to the earthing for the lightning arestor ?


  32. Stormy
    May 13, 2015

    Sir,

    I just to know if touch and step voltage is still applicable on areas like piperacks? Are we only going to compute the required earth rods in this areas (piperack)?


  33. Sathish R
    Mar 20, 2015

    Dear Sir’s, Can any one help with the details of – How many Equipment Earthing/ Body Earthing can be connected or allowed to one single earth pit.


    • Donald
      May 11, 2015

      Just be careful with the calculation and design of your electrode systems. One of the biggest issues with multiple earthing points at any equipment is the potential to have circulating currents. I found the best way to design an suitable electrode system is to produce a spreed sheet with all the different methods and play with the input data until you have a working solution that can realistically constructed.


  34. Abdelnaser Yousef
    Feb 24, 2015

    R=500/ (2×3.14×4) x (Loge (8×4/0.0125)-1) =156.19 Ω
    The result Wrong , it must be 136.315


  35. Pius Chombo Victor
    Jan 28, 2015

    Thanks
    But the most important thing I think is to determine the soil resistivity. Because this varies and depends on the nature of the soil.


  36. Kartik Sanghi
    Jan 07, 2015

    Can you help us with our earthing requirement. We have setup a new test room with some panels, HV test set etc. We require earthing for these and need to achieve less than 1 ohm. We have thought about making 4 pits for earthing. But we are not completely sure how to proceed. Can you give us an overview on how to proceed.


  37. PRAKASH L
    Sep 22, 2014

    Dear Sir,

    I am electrical Designer past 9 years.
    as per past experience i did the design the following
    1) for Example 500 kVA Trans former & 500 kVA DG set installed in one of the project
    I given 2 No Body Earthing GI plate for Transformer &2 Nos NE eathing CU for Transformer
    & DG also same like 2 BE & 2 NE

    I want to know How to calculate the
    No of the Eath pit calculation

    Kindly send to us my mail id

    it useful for me

    Regards

    L.Prakash


  38. D BADRINARAYANAN
    Aug 21, 2014

    Yes I am an electrical engineer with over 37 years experience in Transmission & Distribution system & Thermal Power Plant Electrical systems in Design & Engineering field.
    1.For EHV substations we design Earthing systems as per IEEE80 considering Soil resistivity, system fault current,duration then Conductor sizing, step, touch and mesh voltage and finally Total grid resistance etc.
    2.My present requirement is for a Wind Electric Generator Unit Substation (a Collector Substation at 33kV level) i.e. below the respective WEG, comprising a step up Transformer to 33kV, VCB, CT, PT, ISOLATOR and LA etc mounted on steel structures over concrete foundation. Nothing but a mini size WEG Unit Substation with a max. of 33kV system voltage. So, for this type of mini or small WEG unit SSs what type earthing system are recommended and please throw me some light on the same with full details such as calculation, recommendation and any document in support of the same.
    Mob.9789836525


  39. khan mohammad
    Jan 28, 2014

    Hi, i am an EEE- engineer.
    how i can download it.

    best regards


  40. Bob Rathbone
    Jan 03, 2014

    Great article, just a couple of issues. In the opening picture the main earthing lead is shown with a spiral twist in it, this acts as an inductor on AC and may limit the earth fault current flowing during a fault. If this electrode is the main electrode of a ‘TT’ system, as defined in BS 7671, the top of the earth electrode must be covered by an insulating cover. This is to avoid any person or animal receiving a shock by touching the electrode during a fault. It would improve the safety and effectiveness of the eart electrode by allowing the top of the electrode to be below ground level. BS 7671 requires that a label should be fitted to the earthing lead at the connection to the electrode with the wording ‘Safety electrical earth, do not remove.
    The theory is good but practial issues are not adequately adressed.


  41. nmr
    Jun 10, 2013

    AT LAST MY PROBLEM WAS SLOVED BY THE THIS AUTHOR BUT THERE IS MISTAKE IN THE FORMULA IN PART -II FOR CALCULATION OF NO OF ELECTRODES. FORMULA SAYS SOME THING BUT EXAMPLE SAYS SOME VALUES PL CORRECT THE SAME.


  42. nadji youcef
    Apr 09, 2013

    Merci pour tous ce que vous présenter comme idées, mais la traduction de la langue anglaise à la langue française et en général déformée, car la zone dont nous dépendent est francophone, c’est pour cela que nous trouvons des difficultés pour récolter convenablement vos cours et vos conseils.
    Salutations distinguées
    NADJI Youcef

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