NUE 505A

Electrical systems safety

Assessment preparation
2
Protection devices
Time (sec) Circuit Breaker Types
103

Thermal Section
102
Magnetic Section
10 B

10-1
4.5
Current (x IRATED)
Time (sec) Circuit Breaker Types

103

Thermal Section
102

10 New Magnetic
C operation
1

10-1
7.5
Current (x IRATED)
Time (sec) Circuit Breaker Types
103

Thermal Section
102

10
New Magnetic
1 D operation

10-1
12
Current (x IRATED)
RCD,s
Residual Current Device RCD
Safety Switch
A/s N

IN Supply
IA When the circuit is in good condition.
(No Earth Faults)
(I active = I neutral) = No Flux = No Induced EMF

LOAD Supply to the Load is Maintained

 RCD with Earth Fault

A/s N


Supply
When an Earth Faults occurs.

(I active  I neutral) = Flux in Core = Induced EMF

The fault is Isolated

LOAD
 Safety Switch
A/s N

Supply
A person can receive a shock with a
“Safety Switch” installed
Not Another point to consider: An RCD rated at
Earthed 40Amps will not trip (like a C/B) if say
52Amps will to flow through the device.
 3 RCD 3 LOAD
L2
L3
L1
N

Supply

LOAD
 3 RCD 1 LOAD

A N

Supply

LOAD
Max Demand
Calculations
Domestic Lighting
Max Demand
Calculations
Domestic Power
Max Demand
Calculations
Domestic Appliances
Max Demand
Calculations
Domestic Multi-phase
Max Demand
Calculations
Non-Domestic Lighting
A Small motel installation
contains the following
Max Demand
Calculations
Non-Domestic Power
 A factory has the following
loading, calculate the maximum
demand consideration.
Max Demand
Calculations
Non-Domestic Appliances
 A factory has the following
three-phase loads,what would
be the loading for a maximum
demand calculation.
Cable selection
 Cable selection
based on voltage
drop
Voltage drop
Single-phase
Voltage drop
Multi-phase
 Conductor size
based on voltage
drop
Overall multi-phase
voltage drop
calculation
 Fault loop
impedance
 AS/NZ 3000:2000 - 1.7.4.3.3

 The earth system impedance, and the Trip

characteristic of the protective device must be such
that if;
 A fault of negligible impedance occurs (active to
earth - short circuit)
 Automatic disconnect of the supply (high enough fault
current to operate the protective device)
 Within a specified time
6.3.3.2.1
AS/NZS 3000:2000 Amendment
6.3.3.2.2
 The Fault Loop

3 Phase
Supply N/L

1. The impedance needs to be low enough, to allow

a high enough fault current, to operate the
protective device, within a given time period.
(6.3.3.2.2)
2. The Earth Loop Impedance is matched to the
Protective Device Tripping Characteristics.
 Earth System
  There are three ways to determine whether
fault loop impedance is OK:
 1. Measure fault loop impedance at the load.
(Compare values against Table B4.1 of
AS3000)
 2. Calculate the maximum length allowable for
the FSC, and come in under that.
 3. Measure the A/A-E impedance.
(Compare it to Table 3.2 AS3017)
 Earth System
There are three ways to determine whether
fault loop impedance is OK:

1 Measure the Fault Loop Impedance…

 Earth System
16A

Load

N/L

MEN Link must be left intac

♦ ZLOOP = ZACTIVE + ZEARTH + Z NEUTRAL + Z TX

♦ All these will limit current and dictate
the fault current that will flow.
Earth System
Time (sec) Circuit Breaker Types

103

Thermal Section
102
Magnetic Section
10 B

10-1
1x 4
Current (x IRATED)
Time (sec) Circuit Breaker Types

103

Thermal Section
102

10 New Magnetic
C operation
1

10-1
1x 7.5
Current (x IRATED)
Time (sec) Circuit Breaker Types

103

Thermal Section
102

10
New Magnetic
1 D operation

10-1
1x 12.5
Current (x IRATED)
Earth System
16A

Load

N/L

MEN Link must be left intact

Earth System
16A Active

Load

N/L

Earth

MEN Link must be left intact

•Total maximum allowable
Fault Loop Impedance = 1.92Ω

• Cold Fault Loop Impedance = 1.92x0.8

= 1.54Ω

• If supply is 240V per phase, then multiply

Z by 240/230, or 1.04:
Fault Loop Impedance = 1.54 x 1.04
= 1.60Ω

• If RCD protection is used, AS3000,

rule 6.3.4.2.1 (2) states that if the RCD
operates during the FLI test, the test
result is considered satisfactory.
 Earth System
There are three ways to determine whether
fault loop impedance is OK:

1 Measure the Fault Loop Impedance…

2. Calculate the maximum length allowable

for the Final Sub Circuit and come in under
that.
 Earth System
16A

Load

N/L

Where the length and CSA
of the mains is not known,
we may assume that 80% of
the voltage drop under fault
conditions will occur in the
final sub-circuit (B5.2.1b).
With 80% of voltage drop here
in a fault, the FSC must have
80% of the total Fault Loop
Impedance.
•Maximum length allowable for any given circuit
can be calculated from (B5.2.2):

0.8 x VNOM x CSAACTIVE x CSA EARTH

LMAX =
ITRIP x  x (CSAACTIVE + CSA EARTH)

 = 22.5 x 10-3 ohm-mm2/metre for Copper

= 36 x 10-3 ohm-mm2/metre for Aluminium

• This gives the maximum length allowable for

any given circuit.
(Page 237 AS3000)
 Earth System
There are three ways to determine whether
fault loop impedance is OK:

1 Measure the Fault Loop Impedance…

2. Calculate the maximum length allowable

for the Final Sub Circuit and come in under
that.
3. Measure the A/A-E impedance.
(Compare it to Table 3.2 AS3017)
 AS3017:
Testing and
Inspection
Guidlines

Notes:
1. It is cold resistance.
2. It is for FSC only.
3. There are still holes…
MAIN SWITCHBOARD

Load
But what if the cable/CB
size is not there on that
table?
Say, 300mm2 orange circ. cable supplying a 415V,
350A, 3-phase motor through underground conduit
140mtrs away. C/B is 400A type “C”.

1. CCC of 300mm2 cable = 415A

2. Determine the current required to cause instantaneous

operation of the C/B.
• 7.5 x 400 = 3000A

3. Determine the (hot) fault loop impedance

• 240/3000 = 0.08

4. Total circuit Cold FLZ = 0.08 x .8 = 0.064

5. Final Sub-Circuit FLZ (cold) = 0.064 x 0.8 = 0.0512

Say, 300mm2 orange circ. cable supplying a 415V,
350A, 3-phase motor through underground conduit
140mtrs away…

7. Measure the actual loop impedance.

MAIN SWITCHBOARD

Load

A I  5A
Z = V/I

V
Say, 300mm2 orange circ. cable supplying a 415V,
350A, 3-phase motor through underground conduit
140mtrs away…

But what if you are wanting to install the cable, and you
want to know if everything is OK?

1. Size of earth: 120mm2 (from AS3000 table 5.1)

2. Find Impedance actual of A-E loop on FSC.

Z
XL

R
Note that including XL of the cable only
comes into play above 120mm2
Say, 300mm2 orange circ. cable supplying a 415V,
350A, 3-phase motor through underground conduit
140mtrs away…

But what if you are wanting to install the cable, and you
want to know if everything is OK?

1. Size of earth: 120mm2 (from AS3000 table 5.1)

2. Find Impedance actual of A-E loop on FSC.

Active: XL = 0.0732/km (Table 30, AS3008)
= 0.010248 for 140mtrs

R@750C = 0.0778/km (Table 35, AS3008)

R@200C = 0.0778 x 0.8 x 0.14
= 0.0087136 for 140mtrs
Say, 300mm2 orange circ. cable supplying a 415V,
350A, 3-phase motor through underground conduit
140mtrs away…
•Earth: XL = 0.0743/km
= 0.010402 for 140mtrs

R@750C = 0.188/km
R@200C = 0.188 x 0.8 /km
=0.1504
R for 140mtrs = 0.021056
Say, 300mm2 orange circ. cable supplying a 415V,
350A, 3-phase motor through underground conduit
140mtrs away…
• Active XL = 0.010248
R = 0.0087136

• Earth XL = 0.010402
R = 0.021056

XEARTH
Z = 0.0362 XA + XE = 0.02065
XACTIVE

REARTH RACTIVE

RA + RE = 0.0298
 Last Step…:
4. Is Loop Z < Maximum Allowable Z?

Z = 0.0362 Z = 0.0512

• Remember that a type C breaker trips at 7.5 times its rating?

This figure is only an approximation. It can be anywhere between
5 and 10 times its rating…

• Remember too, that we took the FSC as having 0.8 of the total
circuit impedance? This is an approximation too.
 Remember the last question?

Q: Why do we want a low resistance earth

wire?
To CREATE a high enough fault current to
trip the protective device.

To ensure that we do create a high enough

fault current, fault loop impedance must be
low enough.
 AS3017:
Testing and
Inspection
Guidlines
 A Simplified Circuit
We need to look at a complete loop (circuit)

3 Phase
Supply N/L

The current path includes the:

Supply Transformer, Distribution System, Mains,
Protection Device, Final Sub-Circuit including the Load
 B5.1 Maximum Circuit Length

• This process is used to calculate the

maximum circuit length (FSC) taking into
consideration:
– The rating and type of Protection device
– The CSA of the Active conductor
– The CSA of the Earthing conductor
– The route length of the Final sub-circuit.
• A variation of this process may be used to
determine an exact value of the FSC’s
impedance, and prove the earth continuity.
 Zext B5.2.1 Zint

3 Phase
Supply

0.8 Uo There will always be more than

Zint =
Ia 80% of the Nominal Voltage
AS/NZ3000:2000 B5.2.1 b
 Isolation,
disconnection
and
reconnection
procedures
 Safe Isolation
1. Assess the need for isolation
2. Notify others
3. Determine how to isolate the circuit
4. Test the supply is present & test meter
5. Isolate the supply. (switch, fuse, C/B etc)
6. Attach danger tags or locks
7. Test that you have isolated the correct
circuit
8. Test your meter again
 MEN
Connection
 MEN System
Recent studies have shown that 95% of
electricians do not fully understand the MEN
system.

This figure comes from the Electrical

Contractors Association of Queensland who were
conducting training sessions throughout
Queensland during 1998.

They asked electricians to draw a MEN system

and explain it. Only 5% could!!!
 Consumer
Mains MAIN SWITCHBOARD

Circuit Protective
Main Switch Devices

Neutral Link Earth Link

MEN
Connection
 Consumer
Mains MAIN SWITCHBOARD

Circuit Protective
Main Switch Devices

Neutral Link
MEN
Connection

So why do we earth the

neutral at the board?
 Direct Earthing System
16A
0.2

Load
FAULT

0.3

23

RTOTAL= 23.5 IFAULT = V/R Q: Will the

= 240/23.5 fuse blow?
 10A
 MEN Earthing System
16A
0.2

Load
FAULT
0.5 N/L

0.3

23

RRETURN = 0.5//23 RTOTAL= 1 IFAULT = V/R Q: Will the

 0.5 = 240/1 fuse blow?
= 240A
 Q: Why do we want a low resistance earth
wire?

To CREATE a high enough fault current to trip

the protective device.
 Consumer
Mains MAIN SWITCHBOARD

NORMAL
Main Switch
Circuit Protective
Devices LOAD CURRENT

Load
Neutral Link Earth Link
Low R
MEN
Connection

Typical
Earth stake to Earth
resistance
= 30 - 2k
 MAIN SWITCHBOARD

FAULT
Main Switch
Circuit Protective
Devices CURRENT

Load
Neutral Link Earth Link
Low R
MEN
Connection

A Low Resistance earth

CREATES
A high fault current.
 Consumer
Mains MAIN SWITCHBOARD

Circuit Protective
Main Switch Devices

Load
Neutral Link Earth Link
MEN
Connection

What are the values given by AS3000

on earth resistance?
 Consumer
Mains MAIN SWITCHBOARD

Circuit Protective
Main Switch Devices

Load
Neutral Link Earth Link
MEN
Connection

2 maximum
2 maximum
 Consumer
Mains MAIN SWITCHBOARD

Circuit Protective
Main Switch Devices

Load
Neutral Link Earth Link
MEN
Connection

“The resistance of the protective

< 0.5 earthing conductors shall be
(6.3.3.2.2) low enough to permit the
passage of current
necessary to operate the
overcurrent protective device”
(6.3.3.2.2)
Why Test

133
 MAIN SWITCHBOARD

Circuit Protective
Devices

OPEN Load
CIRCUIT Neutral Link Earth Link
MEN
Connection

134
 MAIN SWITCHBOARD
NORMAL
LOAD
Circuit Protective
Devices CURRENT

Load
Neutral Link Earth Link

Everything operates
OK!!!
135
 MAIN SWITCHBOARD

FAULT
Circuit Protective
Devices CURRENT

Load
Neutral Link Earth Link
MEN
Connection

THEREFORE
ButFAULT
CURRENT
RESISTANCE
WILL TO
BE
VERY
EARTH
LOWIS
USUALLY HIGH.
136
 MAIN SWITCHBOARD

FAULT
Circuit Protective
Devices CURRENT

Load
Neutral Link Earth Link
MEN
Connection

AND PROTECTION
WILL NOT TRIP.

137
 MAIN SWITCHBOARD

FAULT
Circuit Protective
Devices CURRENT

Load
Neutral Link Earth Link
MEN
Connection

NOTE THAT IF ACTIVE IS SHORTED TO EARTH,

ALL EARTHS ARE LIVE!!!

138
 MAIN SWITCHBOARD

FAULT
Circuit Protective
Devices CURRENT

Load
Neutral Link Earth Link
MEN
Connection

NOTE ALSO THAT UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS

EVERYTHING ELSE WILL STILL WORK OK!!!

139
 MAIN SWITCHBOARD DISTRIBUTION BOARD 1 DISTRIBUTION BOARD 2

Main Switch Circuit Protective Circuit Protective Circuit Protective

Devices Earthing Bar Devices Earthing Bar
Devices

Neutral Link Neutral Link Neutral Link

Sub Mains Sub Mains

Open Circuit
MEN Connection Main
Earthing
Conductor

Sub Mains

AS3000
5.6.6b(iv)
What happens on
Distribution Boards
Circuit
Protective
Devices
DISTRIBUTION

when the MSB MEN

Earthing Bar BOARD 3
Neutral Link

link open-circuits?

140
 What happens when
incoming Active and
Neutral are swapped?

141
 A N
Consumer
Mains MAIN SWITCHBOARD

Circuit Protective
Devices

Load
MEN Neutral Link Earth Link
Connection

LIVEN UP:
-Earth stake
-Water pipes
-Taps
-Sink
-Cases of appliances
142
 MAIN SWITCHBOARD DISTRIBUTION BOARD 1 DISTRIBUTION BOARD 2

Main Switch Circuit Protective Circuit Protective Circuit Protective

Devices Devices Earthing Bar Devices Earthing Bar

N
A Neutral Link Neutral Link Neutral Link

Sub Mains Sub Mains

Main
Earthing
Conductor

Sub Mains

What happens on
Distribution Boards
`
when Main Active
Circuit
Protective
Devices DISTRIBUTION
Earthing Bar BOARD 3

and Main Neutral

Neutral Link

are swapped?
143
 What happens when the
Main Neutral
 goes Open Circuit?

144
 Consumer
Mains

MAIN SWITCHBOARD

Circuit Protective
Devices

Load
Neutral Link Earth Link
OPEN
CIRCUIT
Neutral

145
Consumer
Mains MAIN SWITCHBOARD

LOAD
CURRENT
Circuit Protective
Devices

Load
Neutral Link Earth Link

146
Consumer
Mains MAIN SWITCHBOARD

LOAD
CURRENT
Circuit Protective
Devices

Load
Neutral Link Earth Link

147
 Consumer
Mains MAIN SWITCHBOARD

Circuit Protective
Low
Lo Voltage
load Resistance
Voltages... Devices

Load
Neutral Link Earth Link

Hi stake - earth
High Resistance:
Voltage
High Voltage on
30 - 2k
Earth System
148
 Consumer
Mains MAIN SWITCHBOARD

Circuit Protective
Low
Lo Voltage
load Resistance
Voltages... Devices

Load
Neutral Link Earth Link

Hi stake - earth Livens:

High Resistance:
Voltage -Taps,
High Voltage on
30 - 2k -Sinks
Earth
-Water System
pipes
-Metal cases of appliances
149
 Consumer
Mains

MAIN SWITCHBOARD

Circuit Protective
Devices

All
Loads
Neutral Link Earth Link

Q: What causes “tingles” on taps?

150
 Consumer
Mains

MAIN SWITCHBOARD

VDN=4V
Circuit Protective
Devices

All
Loads
Neutral Link Earth Link

Q: What causes “tingles” on taps?

151
 Consumer
Mains

MAIN SWITCHBOARD

0V
Circuit Protective
Devices

All
Loads
Neutral Link Earth Link

4V

Q: What causes “tingles” on taps?

152
 TEST EQUIPMENT
REQUIRED (AS3017 1.6.2)
• High Voltage Insulation Resistance Tester
• Low reading ohmmeter (0.5-5)
• Voltage Present Indicator
• Trailing lead (of known resistance).
• Fault Loop Impedance tester
• RCD Tester
 TEST EQUIPMENT
REQUIRED (AS3017 1.6.2)
• Test for dead device.
– Category 1: electronic
– Category 2: Single Phase boards
– Category 3: Three Phase DB / MSB
– Category 4: Three Phase power lines
 TESTS
• Visual
• Earth Continuity
• Insulation Test
• Polarity
• Correct circuit connections
• Fault Loop Impedance check
• RCD test
 Step 1: Visual
Examination
1. General
2. Consumer Mains
3. Switchboards
4. Wiring Systems
5. Electrical Equipment
6. Earthing
 General Requirements
Clause No. What to look for
2.9.6
No exposed live parts. E.g. no
excessive removal of insulation at terminations, terminal covers in place etc.
Double insulation maintained where required. E.g. no single insulation in
ceiling above light fittings, no more than 100mm single insulation in wall
behind accessories, insulating shrouds installed where required.
1.9
All equipment is approved/compliant with Australian Standards and in good
condition. E.g. no unsafe/damaged or non-compliant equipment installed.

158
 Consumer Mains
Clause No. What to look for
emand current of the installation with some capacity to spare. As a guide: 16mm2 (or paral

159
 Switchboard
Clause No. What to look for
Switchboard is in a suitable location. E.g. At appropriate height
t protection is installed. E.g. Correct circuit breaker ratings for each sub-circuit conductor a
Main switch/es is/are appropriate for installation. E.g. current raring
Neutral bars/links marked for identification. E.g. Main N/L, RCD N/L
hboard wiring correctly fixed. E.g. to hinged panel and at back of board to minimise flexing a
board layout and marking. E.g. Correct marking of main switch/es, circuit breakers and corr

160
 Wiring Systems
Clause No. What to look for
uctor sizes. E.g. adequate current carrying capacity for circuit/load, 2.5mm2 minimum for s
Adequate support and fixing of cables where required. E.g. surface wiring.
fixed or passing through holes within 50mm of underside of floor is protected by RCD or me
sing through holes within 50mm of ceiling material or ceiling fixing support is protected of by

161
d or passing through holes within 50mm of underside of roof material is protected by RCD o
sing through holes within 50mm of surface of wall is protected by RCD or mechanical protec
Wiring in location where it is ‘deemed likely to be disturbed is fixed to prevent undue sag
/trunking or junction box, except for switchboard wiring and in wall cavities for up to 100mm
ductors twisted, single conductors doubled back, no excess insulation removed, damaged in

162
 Electrical Equipment
Clause No. What to look for
4.3.11 Stove circuit has a ‘functional switch’ installed in appropriate location.
sories installed in accordance with safe and sound practice. E.g. accessible for operation, a
nt is suitable for the conditions to which it is likely to be exposed. E.g. weatherproof fittings

163
 Earthing
Clause No. What to look for
MEN link correctly installed.
MEN link is correct size.
ated at extremity of Main Neutral Link and Main Neutral terminated in next adjacent termina
Correct location of Earth Electrode. i.e. outside, exposed to the weather.
Correct termination and protection of Main Earth at electrode.
Correct size of Main Earth and Protective Earthing Conductors.
Correct size Equipotential Bonding Conductor.
conductors protected against ‘becoming displaced, damaged or cut’ as appropriate to ‘expec
All earth conductor terminations comply with clause 3.7.
Correct use of 1 or 2 screw terminal connections as required.

164
 Initial Procedures
• Open all Main Switches.
• Turn C/B’s off / remove fuse wedges.
• Disconnect the Main Neutral, and Main
Earth from the Neutral link.
Consumer
Mains MAIN SWITCHBOARD

Circuit Protective
Devices
Light

Earth Link
Neutral Link
 STEP 2: Earth Continuity

• From Main Earth to Earth Electrode: <0.5

• Make sure all FSC earth resistance values are
under the value of table 3.2 of AS 3017.
• OR
• Make sure all FSC are under the maximum
length allowable and have good continuity…
 Consumer
Mains MAIN SWITCHBOARD

Circuit Protective
Devices
Light

Earth Link
Neutral Link

Known resistance
 STEP 3: Insulation Resistance

1. Consumer Mains:
Disconnect any service bonding conductor:
• Test between Main Earth and
• 1. Main Active with main switch ON.
• 2. Main Neutral

• Result: >1M
STEP 3: Insulation Resistance

2. Final Subcircuits:
With all C/B’s ON or fuse wedges IN, and all
switches in the installation ON:
• Test between Main Earth at
Switchboard and:
• The Active Conductors of circuits
which require testing: >1M
• The Neutral Conductors of circuits
which require testing: >1M
Consumer
Mains MAIN SWITCHBOARD

Circuit Protective
Devices
Light

Neutral Link Earth Link

Consumer
Mains MAIN SWITCHBOARD

Switched Active
Circuit Protective
Devices
Light

Neutral Link Earth Link

 STEP 3: Insulation Resistance
• Where heater elements are tested:
>10k
 STEP 4: Polarity Tests
• Checks:
• 1. Polarity of mains or submains.
• 2. C/B’s and single pole switches operate in
Active.
• 3. Polarity socket outlets
 STEP 5: Correct Circuit
Connections
• Check that under normal operation
earths do not carry current.
• There is no interconnection of
conductors between different circuits.
 MAIN SWITCHBOARD DISTRIBUTION BOARD 1 DISTRIBUTION BOARD 2

Main Switch Circuit Protective Circuit Protective Circuit Protective

Devices Earthing Bar Devices
Earthing Bar
Devices
A
N
Neutral Link Neutral Link
Neutral Link
Sub Mains
Sub Mains

MEN Connection

Sub Mains

`
Circuit
Protective
Devices DISTRIBUTION
Earthing Bar BOARD 3
Neutral Link
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