Distribution line safety grounding: parametric analysis

Abstract

This paper presents key results of a parametric analysis which quantifies and compares the effectiveness of different safety grounding methods on overhead, radial, distribution systems operating at voltages up to 86.6 kV. The analysis, comprising approximately 10000 computer simulations, studied direct energization and magnetic field induction scenarios (load and fault conditions), systems with and without grounded neutrals, and the influence of a large number of system parameters on work site voltages. This paper presents, in graphical form, the ranges of voltages resulting from variations in the parameters studied and discusses these results. These can be used to evaluate lineman safety on a large variety of overhead distribution systems.