Evaluation of Several Grounding Approaches in the Distribution Network
Mohammed Tiro
Mohammed Tiro, Department of Electrical Engineering, Saudi Electricity Company, Jeddah (Western Area), Saudi Arabia.
Manuscript received on 01 September 2025 | First Revised Manuscript received on 14 September 2025 | Second Revised Manuscript received on 23 September 2025 | Manuscript Accepted on 15 October 2025 | Manuscript published on 30 October 2025 | PP: 43-45 | Volume-15 Issue-1, October 2025 | Retrieval Number: 100.1/ijeat.A469415011025 | DOI: 10.35940/ijeat.A4694.15011025
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© The Authors. Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering and Sciences Publication (BEIESP). This is an open access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Abstract: Distribution line grounding systems are mostly installed to lower touch and step potentials and lightning-induced outages. Reliability may suffer when the grounding system malfunctions, and operations and maintenance funds may be diverted to investigate and rectify the issues at a higher cost to the utility. Grounding systems present several difficulties. The variety of building materials and soil types makes corrosion a highly complex problem. The two most common ground electrode configurations are vertically driven ground rods and horizontally positioned counterpoise. Frequently, topography, soil conditions, or rights-of-way access determine which is used. Furthermore, theft and rising construction costs, driven by utility requirements, have created a new challenge: the need for alternative grounding materials. This technical update identifies factors that could impact the service life of a grounding system and help utilities estimate the service life. Site visit will be used to measure the ground resistance and propose alternative grounding materials.
Keywords: Ground System, Ground Material, Outages, Reliability, Lighting.
Scope of the Article: Electrical and Electronics