Document Number: ECP 11-0503

Version: 1.0
Date: 15/07/2013


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ENGINEERING COMMISSIONING PROCEDURE

ECP 11-0503

EARTHING COMMISSIONING PROCEDURE

Network(s): EPN, LPN, SPN

Summary: This document details the testing and commissioning procedures for secondary
distribution substation earthing.

Originator: Stephen Tucker Date: 15/07/2013

Approved By: Steve Mockford Approved Date: 31/07/2013

Review Date: 31/01/2018

This document forms part of the Companys Integrated Business System and its requirements are mandatory throughout UK
Power Networks. Departure from these requirements may only be taken with the written approval of UK Power Networks
Director of Asset Management. If you have any queries about this document please contact the originator of the current issue.

Document History
(The document history notes below are intended as a guide only and may not cover all of the changes. If you wish to make use
of this document it should be read in full.)

Version Date Details Originator
1.0 02/05/2013 Original Stephen Tucker







Earthing Commissioning Procedure Document Number: ECP 11-0503
Version: 1.0
Date: 15/07/2013

UK Power Networks 2013 All rights reserved 2 of 5
Contents
1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 3
2 Scope ....................................................................................................................... 3
3 References ............................................................................................................... 3
4 Abbreviations and Definitions ................................................................................ 3
5 Equipment ................................................................................................................ 4
6 Inspection ................................................................................................................ 4
7 Measurements ......................................................................................................... 4
8 Drawing .................................................................................................................... 4
9 Test Equipment ....................................................................................................... 4
10 Asset Data ................................................................................................................ 5
11 Certification ............................................................................................................. 5

Earthing Commissioning Procedure Document Number: ECP 11-0503
Version: 1.0
Date: 15/07/2013

UK Power Networks 2013 All rights reserved 3 of 5
1 Introduction
1.1 This document details the testing and commissioning procedures for secondary
distribution substation earthing that shall be satisfied before the site can be
accepted as fit for service and energisation.
1.2 This procedure shall be carried out by the Commissioning Engineer or his
appointed representative, who shall be an Authorised Person having appropriate
training and experience.
1.3 This procedure shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the UK
Power Networks Distribution Safety Rules.
1.4 This procedure shall be carried out having regard to the requirements and
recommendations of the manufacturer. If conflict exists between the requirements
of the manufacturer and those of UK Power Networks the matter shall be referred
to Asset Management (or your UK Power Networks nominated contact).
1.5 The results of all observations, tests, adjustments and all relevant remarks shall be
recorded on the appropriate test form.
2 Scope
2.1 This procedure applies to all secondary distribution substations.
2.1 This procedure is intended for use by UK Power Networks field staff, contractors
and external connection providers.
3 References
3.1 This procedure should be read in conjunction with the following references:
UK Power Networks Distribution Safety Rules.
ECS 06-0024 Earthing Testing and Measurements.
3.2 This procedure should be used with the following test forms:
ECP 11-0503a Earthing Test Form.
4 Abbreviations and Definitions
4.1 The following abbreviations are used throughout this procedure.
Term Definition
NetMap UK Power Networks graphical information system (GIS)

Earthing Commissioning Procedure Document Number: ECP 11-0503
Version: 1.0
Date: 15/07/2013

UK Power Networks 2013 All rights reserved 4 of 5
5 Equipment
5.1 The following equipment is required to carry out the tests detailed in this procedure.
Refer to ECS 06-0024 Earthing Testing and Measurements for details of suitable
instruments.
Four-terminal composite earth tester and leads or
Clamp type earth tester.
6 Inspection
6.1 Record the substation and earthing design details on the test form.
6.2 Carry out a visual inspection of the earthing system as detailed below.
HV earth rods and grading electrodes installed.
LV earth installed (HOT site only).
Neutral/earth link installed (COLD site only) or removed (HOT site only).
Switchgear connected to the main earth terminal.
Transformer connected to the main earth terminal.
Rebar connected to the main earth terminal.
LV cabinet/pillar/board connected to main earth terminal.
Metallic fence correctly earthed and connected to main earth terminal if
applicable.
Metallic gates correctly earthed and connected to main earth terminal if
applicable.
All other ancillary items of equipment/metalwork bonded to main earth terminal
if applicable.
All earths have a separate connection on to the main earth terminal and are
labelled.
7 Measurements
7.1 Measure the HV earth resistance using a four-terminal composite earth tester or
clamp type earth tester, in accordance ECS 06-0024, and compare with the design
value.
7.2 Measure the LV earth resistance (HOT site only) using a four-terminal composite
earth tester or clamp type earth tester, in accordance ECS 06-0024, and compare
with the design value.
8 Drawing
8.1 Mark up a NetMap drawing showing the location of the earthing or provide a
suitable sketch.
9 Test Equipment
9.1 Record the purpose, make, type and serial number of all test equipment used
during commissioning on the test form.
Earthing Commissioning Procedure Document Number: ECP 11-0503
Version: 1.0
Date: 15/07/2013

UK Power Networks 2013 All rights reserved 5 of 5
10 Asset Data
10.1 If the site is HOT send the substation details to the
earthingenquiries@ukpowernetworks mailbox to enable the site to be recorded in
the substation earthing database.
10.2 Send a copy of the marked up NetMap plot (or sketch of the earthing system) to UK
Power Networks Network Records team.
11 Certification
11.1 When all the tests have been satisfactorily completed, sign and date the test form.
Place a copy of the test form on-site in a plastic wallet and in a secure location.