Grounding systems protect electrical installations and personnel.
In substations grounding serves several important purposes.
Fault Current Dissipation
When a fault occurs large currents flow through equipment. Grounding directs these currents safely into the earth.
Personnel Safety
Grounding limits touch voltage and step voltage. These voltages appear during faults and may cause injury.
Equipment Protection
Sensitive equipment such as relays and control panels require stable grounding references.
Lightning Protection
Grounding systems safely discharge lightning currents.
Substation grounding systems typically use copper conductors buried in the soil. The design depends on soil resistivity and expected fault current levels.