NPQS

E3 - Earthing & Bonding

National Productivity and Quality Specifications (NPQS)

E3 - Earthing & Bonding

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NPQS
E3 - Earthing & Bonding

CONTENTS
Page
SECTION E3-10, SUB-STATION & SYSTEM EARTHING

1.
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4

PRELIMINARIES AND GENERAL CLAUSES

Scope
Related Sections & interfaces
Standards & Codes
Trade preliminaries

1
1
1
1
2

2.
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
Overall resistance to earth
Substation earthing systems
Calculation for particular service criteria
General requirements
LV system neutral to earth connection

2
2
2
2
2
3

3.
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8

MATERIALS
Earth rods and couplings
Earth mats
Inspection pits
Conductors and connectors
Earth bars
Protective earth systems
Functional ('Clean') earth systems
Main equipotential bonding

3
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4

4.
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5

WORKMANSHIP
Earth rod installation and interconnection
Connection to metal reinforcement or structures
Protective and functional earth conductors
Connections
Items requiring special consideration

4
4
5
5
5
5

5.
5.1
5.2

VERIFICATION AND SUBMISSIONS

Soil resistivity test
Testing and commissioning

6
6
6

SECTION E3-20, EARTHING & BONDING IN LV INSTALLATIONS

1.
1.1
1.3
1.4

PRELIMINARIES AND GENERAL CLAUSES

Scope
Standards & Codes
Trade preliminaries

7
7
7
8

2.
2.1
2.2

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
Distribution Earthing
Equipotential Bonding

8
8
9

3.

MATERIALS

10

4.

WORKMANSHIP

10

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5.
5.1
5.2

VERIFICATION AND SUBMISSIONS

Soil resistivity test
Testing and commissioning

10
10
10

PROJECT SPECIFIC DATA SHEETS (PSD)

12

1.

12

PSD E3-10, SUBSTATION & SYSTEM EARTHING

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E3 - Earthing & Bonding

ELECTRICAL WORKS SPECIFICATION,

WORK PACKAGE E3, EARTHING & BONDING
SECTION E3-10, SUB-STATION & SYSTEM EARTHING
1.

PRELIMINARIES AND GENERAL CLAUSES

Read this specification with Preliminaries and all other contract documents.

1.1

Scope
This Specification and the associated Project Specific Data specify the
requirements for fixed earthing system for low voltage (LV) and high voltage (HV)
electricity supply systems, and equipment earthing within substations where an
LV supply is derived from a transformer supplied from an external source at HV.

1.2

Related Sections & interfaces

Read this work section in conjunction with the relevant requirements of the other
work sections as follows:
Except where this section of the Specification dictates otherwise, carry out
installation and termination of LV cables in accordance with
E6-20 Low Voltage Power Cables
See also
E3-10 Substation and system earthing - Project Specific Data
E3-20 Earthing & Bonding in LV Installations

1.3

Standards & Codes

1.3.1

General

Unless otherwise agreed by the SO/Engineer, the works are to comply with the
relevant requirements of the Standards and Codes listed below or referenced in
the body of the specification. Materials or products manufactured in accordance
with alternative Standards and Codes may be proposed for approval by the
SO/Engineer, provided it can be demonstrated that the materials or products
comply with the requirements of the specified standards. All Standards and
Codes quoted are current version, unless specific year references are noted.
Provide earthing arrangements to comply with the requirements of BS 7430, SS
CP16 and the general requirements of SS CP5.
1.3.2

Local Authorities

Ensure that the works shall comply with the relevant authority regulations and
directions.
Where the terms testing authority, approving authority, relevant authority,
local authority or local authorities are used in this section, the bodies referred
to are as follows:
Energy Market Authority (EMA)
SP Services Ltd
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Fire Safety & Shelter Bureau

SPRING Singapore
1.4

Trade preliminaries
1.4.1

Operation and Maintenance Manual

Provide full information for inclusion in the O & M Manual.

1.4.2

Contractor Designs & Submissions

Where design verifications or design works & submissions are required to be

carried out by the Contractor, either in this specification or in Project Specific
Data, employ a suitably qualified QP to carry out and endorse the designs.

2.

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

2.1

Overall resistance to earth

Ensure that the resistance to earth of the complete earthing system is not more
than one ohm. During installation, measure the resistance to earth and install
additional and / or longer electrodes until the required value is obtained.
Read the layout and number of earth electrodes shown on the drawings only as a
guide and not as implication that the system indicated will achieve the required
value. The costs of any increase in the numbers or lengths of earth electrodes
are deemed to be included in this contract.

2.2

Substation earthing systems

Connect the HV equipment to the external HV earthing system via earth cables
sized to comply with the requirements of SS CP 16. In such situations, connect
the HV and LV earthing systems to effectively form a single system. Ensure that
the overall resistance to earth of this system does not, upon completion, exceed
1 ohm.

2.3

Calculation for particular service criteria

Where particular service requirements are indicated in the Project Specific Data,
for example where the earthing system may be subjected to long-duration loading
or long-time overloading, provide calculations to show that the proposed system
is suitable to satisfy these requirements. It is expected that this may require the
retention of a specialist Sub-contractor.

2.4

General requirements
Where an independent earthing system is provided install the main earth
electrode network such that individual components can be isolated for inspection
and testing. Where it is not practical to test individual components, divide the
main earth network into two separate halves such that each half can be tested
individually.
Ensure that no materials or component parts of the earthing system are smaller
than the minimum dimensions required by BS 7430.

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2.5

LV system neutral to earth connection

Ensure that the connection(s) between the LV system neutral or transformer and
generator star points are as indicated in the Project Specific Data Sheets or on
the drawings.

3.

MATERIALS

3.1

Earth rods and couplings

Provide Earth rods complete with a layer of electrolytic copper molecularly
bonded onto a steel core. Ensure that the copper has a minimum thickness of
0.25mm. Provide rods of circular cross-section with a nominal diameter of 16mm.
Ensure that rods are threaded at both ends to permit coupling multiple rods
together. Roll threads onto the rod such that the steel core is not exposed.
Couple rods together with aluminium bronze couplings. Ensure that the coupling
length completely encloses the threads.
Provide a removable steel driving head to permit the rods to be driven into the
ground without damage.

3.2

Earth mats
Where earth conditions do not permit the use of rods as electrodes, form the
earth electrode from an earth mat comprising 25mm x 3mm bare copper lattice or
solid copper plate or 95mm bare stranded copper lattice, buried in trenches such
that the buried depth, where practicable, is not less than 450mm.
Copper strip or stranded cable may be installed in the same trenches as HV/LV
cables, providing they are separated from all other cables and services by a
distance not less than 300mm.

3.3

Inspection pits
Provide inspection pits to be either galvanised steel with a galvanised lid or
concrete with a concrete lid as specified in the Project Specific Data. Permanently
identify lids with the wording "EARTH ROD". Ensure that lids are capable of
carrying the load indicated in the Project Specific Data.

3.4

Conductors and connectors

Connect Earth rod electrodes together with 25mm x 3mm bare copper tape.
Connect the tape to the earth rod electrodes by means of a purpose made clamp
meeting the requirements of SS 322 complete with a permanent label with the
wording ELECTRICAL EARTH DO NOT REMOVE.
Ensure that the final connections from the earthing electrodes to the main earth
bar are as specified in the Project Specific Data.

3.5

Earth bars
Manufacture Earth bars from hard drawn high conductivity copper. Ensure that
the dimensions, number of disconnecting links and minimum number of
connection ways are as indicated in the Project Specific Data Sheets or drawings.
Supply Earth bars complete with porcelain or epoxy insulators fixed onto a steel
mounting plate. Unless indicated on the drawings, mount earthing bars at a
height of 450mm above finished floor level.

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Ensure that the diameter of fixing holes does not exceed one third of the width of
the earth bar. Where this is not possible, make the connection to a copper flag
bolted to the earthing bar.
3.6

Protective earth systems

Provide a minimum of two connections from the earthing systems to the main
earth bar. Make the connections to the earth bar via disconnecting links to permit
testing of the earthing network.
Ensure that the final connections from the earthing electrodes to the main earth
bar are as specified in the Project Specific Data.
Connect protective earth bars to the main earth bar. Ensure that the type, size
and insulation of the conductors are as indicated on the drawings or in the Project
Specific Data. Ensure that the insulation material is green/yellow in colour.
Identify all connections to the main protective earth bar with permanent labels.

3.7

Functional ('Clean') earth systems

Connect each functional earth bar to the main earth bar via a separate conductor.
Ensure that the type, size and insulation of the conductor is as indicated on the
drawings or in the Project Specific Data. Ensure that the insulation material is
cream in colour.
Identify all connections to the main functional earth bar with permanent labels.

3.8

Main equipotential bonding

Install Main equipotential bonding conductors from the main protective earth bar
to the services indicated on the drawings or in the Project Specific Data. Ensure
that the type, size and insulation of the conductor is be as indicated.
Identify all connections to the main functional earth bar with permanent labels.

4.

WORKMANSHIP

4.1

Earth rod installation and interconnection

Ensure that Earth rod electrodes are driven into the ground as near to the vertical
as possible. Use a removable driving head and coupling to prevent damage to
the earth rod.
Terminate Earth rod electrodes in a purpose-made pit to facilitate testing and the
connection to the earthing lead. Ensure that the electrodes are driven into the
ground to such a depth that the top of the final rod is easily accessible within the
inspection pit.
Where the ground consists of solid rock, drive the rods into boreholes to form the
earth electrode. Ensure that each borehole is filled with conducting material
before insertion of the rod. Tamp the conducting material into the borehole to
prevent voids forming especially in the lower parts of the borehole.
Ensure that the spacing between adjacent earth rods is a minimum of twice the
total length of the rod.
Connect Earth rod electrodes together with 25mm x 3mm bare copper tape
buried at a depth of not less than 300mm.

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Make each connection between an earth rod and the connecting tape using a
separate clamp.
Avoid joints in the connecting tape or in the final connection to the main earth bar.
Where joints are unavoidable, for example if the length of a connection is greater
than the maximum obtainable length of conductor, make the joint in an inspection
pit. Buried joints are not permitted.
Welded joints are permitted only with the written approval of the SO/Engineer.
Make welded joints using a proprietary exothermic molecular welding process,
carried out strictly in accordance with the manufacturers instructions using
purpose-made tools and equipment provided by the manufacturer.
4.2

Connection to metal reinforcement or structures

Where the structural reinforcement is used as the earthing system, make the
connections at the earth point provided for such purpose. Breaking of concrete is
not permitted without the written approval of the SO/Engineer.
Where equipotential bonding connections are made to metal reinforcement or
structures, make the connection using purpose made clamps. Drilling or welding
is not permitted.

4.3

Protective and functional earth conductors

Ensure that conductors are installed parallel to the building lines, whilst
maintaining a minimum route length.
Where a number of conductors follow the same route, install the conductors on a
galvanized cable tray, fixed with purpose made cleats. Protective and functional
earth conductors may be installed on the same tray.

4.4

Connections
Make connections between main earthing terminal or bars, equipment earthing
terminals, etc, and stranded copper cables with appropriate compression type
lug, bolt, nut and lock washers. Ensure that contact surfaces are thoroughly
cleaned and tinned.
Ensure that sockets lugs, bolts, nuts, washers, screws, rivets, clamps, cleats or
other items which come into direct contact with copper conductors, bars, strips,
cables etc, are non-ferrous and manufactured from brass, bronze or other
suitable conducting material which will not cause electrolytic or other corrosion.
Where connections occur between copper and galvanized structures, ensure that
contact surfaces are, additionally, tinned and after completion compounded to
exclude moisture. Install all conductors, cables, strip, bars, lugs, etc, in visible
and serviceable positions.
Make connections to pipework using clamps to SS 322.

4.5

Items requiring special consideration

Connect metal doors, fences or gates within 2m of a substation earthing system
to the main substation earthing network. Make connection at regular intervals not
exceeding 20m, by 95mm PVC insulated cable. Bond gate posts together via
below ground connection to ensure that potential gradients across the posts do
not arise.
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5.

VERIFICATION AND SUBMISSIONS

5.1

Soil resistivity test

Measure the soil resistivity using the 4-pin Wenner method and submit the results
to the SO/Engineer prior to installing the earth electrodes.

5.2

Testing and commissioning

Measure the earth electrode resistance and earth-loop impedance of the
completed earthing system to verify that the system has been installed to the
requirements of this specification and code requirements.
Ensure that Test equipment has been calibrated within the last 12 months and
provide copies of valid calibration certificates for the SO/Engineer.
Provide the test results, endorsed by an EMA Licensed Electrical Engineer
(LEE), to the SO/Engineer.

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ELECTRICAL WORKS SPECIFICATION

WORK PACKAGE E3, EARTHING & BONDING
SECTION E3-20, EARTHING & BONDING IN LV INSTALLATIONS
1.

PRELIMINARIES AND GENERAL CLAUSES

Read this specification with Preliminaries and all other contract documents.

1.1

Scope
This Specification details the requirements for earthing and bonding in low
voltage (LV) installations. It does not replace any requirements stipulated in SS
CP5 and SS CP16.

1.2

Related Sections & Interfaces

Read this work section in conjunction with the relevant requirements of the other
work sections as follows:
E3-10 Sub-station & System Earthing
Except where this section of the Specification dictates otherwise, carry out
installation and termination of LV cables in accordance with
E6-20 Low Voltage Power Cables
E6-30 Low Voltage Wiring Cables

1.3

Standards & Codes

1.3.1

General

Unless otherwise agreed by the SO/Engineer, the works are to comply with the
relevant requirements of the Standards and Codes listed below or referenced in
the body of the specification. Materials or products manufactured in accordance
with alternative Standards and Codes may be proposed for approval by the
SO/Engineer, provided it can be demonstrated that the materials or products
comply with the requirements of the specified standards. All Standards and
Codes quoted are the current version, unless specific year references are noted.
Ensure that the earthing arrangements comply with the requirements of BS 7430,
SS CP16 and the general requirements of SS CP5.
1.3.2

Local Authorities

Ensure that the works comply with the relevant authority regulations and
directions.
Where the terms testing authority, approving authority, relevant authority,
local authority or local authorities are used in this section, the bodies referred
to are as follows:
Energy Market Authority (EMA)
PowerGrid Ltd
SP Services Ltd
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Fire Safety & Shelter Bureau

SPRING Singapore
1.4

Trade preliminaries
1.4.1

Operation and Maintenance Manual

Provide full information for inclusion in the O & M Manual.

1.4.2

Contractor Designs & Submissions

Where design verifications or design works & submissions are required to be

carried out, either in this specification or in Project Specific Data, employ a
suitably qualified QP to carry out and endorse the Contractors designs.

2.

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

2.1

Distribution Earthing
Ensure that circuit protective conductors are formed wholly or partly by the
following:
a. a separate green/yellow insulated copper cable,
b. a dedicated conductor in a multi-core cable or busbar system,.
Where the circuit protective conductor is formed by two or more conductors in
parallel, ensure that all conductors are terminated at both ends of the circuit.
Do not use metal cable enclosures such as conduit or trunking systems used as
circuit protective conductors.
Ensure that the armouring of plastic sheathed cable is terminated in a suitable
compression gland.
Where conduits and cable glands of up to 25mm diameter terminate on
switchgear, distribution boards, starter panels or other apparatus, install brass
compression washers or zinc plated lockwashers to ensure an effective earth
connection. Ensure that the clearance of the hole does not exceed the nominal
thread diameter by more than one millimetre.
Where cable glands larger than 25mm diameter are used to terminate plastic
sheathed cables, install an earth tag. Connect the earth tag with the apparatus
earthing terminal with a protective conductor. Ensure that the earth tag is
manufactured from a high conductivity material compatible with the cable gland.
Ensure that the armouring of metal sheathed cables other than mineral insulated
types is securely clamped to the gland at the cable termination with a purposemade bolted clamp. Install a protective conductor to connect the armour clamp or
gland fixing bolts to the apparatus earthing terminal.
Terminate multi-core mineral insulated cables in a purpose-made gland fitted with
an earth tail seal. Ensure that the earth tail is connected to the apparatus earthing
terminal without intermediate joints. Identify earth tails identified by a green/yellow
PVC sheath or sleeving.

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Where any metal sheathed and/or armoured cables are terminated on an

'Industrial' type switchboard by means of a cable gland having a thread diameter
greater than 25mm, ensure that a separate protective conductor is installed to
connect the sheath and/or armouring to the switchboard earthing terminal.
Where metal sheathed and/or armoured multi-core cables are terminated on a
unit motor starter panel or local isolator by means of a cable gland having a
thread diameter greater than 25mm, install a separate protective conductor to
connect the incoming and outgoing sheaths and/or armouring to the starter panel
or isolator earthing terminal. Similarly connect the motor frame to the supply
cable sheath and/or armouring.
Connect the earth terminal of all socket outlets to the main protective conductor
of the final circuit.
2.2

Equipotential Bonding
Ensure that metallic services including gas mains, water mains, dry risers, etc,
entering or leaving the building or structure are effectively bonded to the main
earthing terminal at their point of entry or exit. Make the connections to the
services with purpose-made earthing clamps to BS 951.
Bond metal pipes together at the point of entry to the building. Make connections
using purpose-made earthing clamps. Install a bonding conductor of
green/yellow PVC insulated stranded copper cable of size in accordance with SS
CP5 to connect the pipework to the earthing terminal in the local distribution
board.
Bond metal sinks, basins, etc, to any metallic pipes serving the sink or basin, to
the earth terminal of the distribution board, with purpose made earthing clamps.
Bond all cable tray, ladder, trunking etc entering or leaving substations to the
main earthing terminal. Install the type and size of the conductor as shown in the
drawings or in compliance to SS CP 5.
Bond all cable tray, ladder, trunking etc at each end to the earthing terminal of the
associated distribution board. Where cables supply distribution boards along the
run of the cable tray, ladder, trunking etc install a bonding conductor between the
cable tray, ladder, trunking, etc and the earthing terminal of the distribution board.
Ensure that the cross sectional area of bonding conductors is not less than half
that of the circuit protective conductor.
Where connections are made between sections of cable tray or trunking, install
the manufacturer's earth continuity link across the joint.
Where cable tray, ladders, trunking etc cross building expansion joints, install a
copper braid to ensure electrical continuity.
Where cable support systems are not installed in an electrically continuous run,
for example where the support system changes from ladder to tray, install a
bonding conductor to ensure electrical continuity.
Unless stated otherwise, provide conductors used to ensure electrical continuity
of cable support systems with a cross sectional area of not less than half that of
the largest circuit protective conductor of the circuits supported.
Bond the main support grid of all suspended ceilings to the earth terminal of
adjacent luminaires. Ensure that the bonding conductor is 2.5mm green/yellow
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PVC insulated stranded copper cable, connected to the support grid by means of
a compression type cable lug, nut, bolt and lockwashers. Ensure that sufficient
bare metal is exposed on the ceiling grid to ensure satisfactory electrical
continuity. Provide a minimum of one bonding connection for each 20M of
ceiling, excluding any fortuitous bonds provided by luminaires or other electrical
equipment.
Bond raised floors in accordance with the floor manufacturer's recommendation.
Provide a minimum of one bonding connection for each 10M of raised floor.
Provide bonding conductors of 4mm green/yellow PVC insulated stranded
copper cable. Where applicable, connect bonding conductors to fixed metalwork
forming part of the electrical installation, such as underfloor power trunking, cable
tray, etc. which is bonded to the earthing terminal in the distribution board.
Where there is no suitable fixed metalwork, daisy-chain the bonding conductors
together with a minimum of two conductors connected to the earthing terminal in
the distribution board.
Connect a copper braid bonding conductor across all insulating joints in metallic
ductwork and pipework.
Bond all metallic cladding on insulated pipework and ductwork to convenient fixed
metalwork forming part of the electrical installation. Ensure bonding conductors
are of insulated cable except where movement or vibration may be expected,
where copper braid shall be used.
Install all bonding conductors and connections so as to be clearly visible at all
times and not covered by lagging or be otherwise obscured.
Do not use bonding conductors of less than 2.5mm cross section.

3.

MATERIALS
Provide cables and wiring that meet the requirements of sections E6-20 and E630.
Provide purpose-made clamps for all connections to pipework.

4.

WORKMANSHIP
Install all cables and connections in accordance with sections E6-20 and E6-30.
Install all proprietary components fully in accordance with the manufacturer's
recommendations.

5.

VERIFICATION AND SUBMISSIONS

5.1

Soil resistivity test

Measure soil resistivity using the 4-pin Wenner method and submit the results to
the SO/Engineer prior to installing the earth electrodes.

5.2

Testing and commissioning

Carry out the following tests to verify that the system will meet the requirements
of SS CP 5, 16 and BS 7430:
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a. Measurement of earth-electrode resistance

b. Measurement of earth-loop impedance
Ensure that test equipment has been calibrated within the last 12 months and
provide copies of valid calibration certificates for the SO/Engineer.
After the Project Specific Data of tests has been approved by the SO/Engineer,
carry out all such tests and present the test results, which are to be endorsed by
an EMA Licensed Electrical Engineer (LEE), to the SO/Engineer.

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E3 - Earthing & Bonding

ELECTRICAL WORKS SPECIFICATION,

WORK PACKAGE E3, EARTHING & BONDING
PROJECT SPECIFIC DATA SHEETS (PSD)

1.

PSD E3-10, SUBSTATION & SYSTEM EARTHING

Job Title:
Purpose of Issue:
General Data
Unit Reference
Quantity
Location
System
Type

Electrical Data
LV system

HV system

System voltage

400

Earthing system type

Earthing method
Size of main earth bar

TT
Solid
75 x 6

Overall earth resistance

System voltage

22

For HV system

TNS

Earthing method
mm x mm

Size of main earth bar

Overall earth resistance

kV

Solid
75 x 6

mm x mm
1

Data to be submitted prior to commencement of Earthing Works

Soil resistivity (ohm-m)
Method of assessment: 4 pin werner method
No. of earthing points
Size of earth cables to comply with SS CP5
Main equipotential bonding:
Main water pipe
Main gas pipe

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