Power Systems Technical Articles

Our experts continuously work on power systems problems, and we share solutions with Practical Reference Articles.

The main topics are earthing system modeling, power cable ratings, HV/LV electrical design, protective device coordination, and arc flash studies. We cover IEC and IEEE standards.

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5 mins read
Charging current in power cables is 10-20 times larger than for overhead lines. The maximum length of cable circuits is determined by their capacitance. This report provides equations and shows how critical cable length depends on voltage level, cable size and frequency.
12 mins read
Key earthing design concepts covered including Grid Potential Rise, design to reduce touch and step voltages, fault current distribution, effects of soil resistivity and use of rods to improve safety along with calculation and modelling examples.
7 mins read
The AC resistance of a cable conductor is always larger than the DC resistance. The primary reasons are ‘skin effect’ and ‘proximity effect’. Equations and example calculations are provided in this article.
2 mins read
The neutral conductor is required for each primary circuit, and there are rules in the Standards for its sizing.
8 mins read
Most power cables have a design life of between 20 to 30 years. If the cables are not fully loaded, they are expected to last beyond their design life. The insulation is the weakest part of a cable. Montsinger's Rule states: Insulation life is halved by a temperature increase of 8 to 10 ˚C. An example calculation using the Arrhenius equation is provided.
2 mins read
Voltage Drop Limits per the Wiring Rules AS/NZS 3000 as well as rules of thumb to assist with electrical design. Includes AC and DC voltage drop or rise limits.
4 mins read
There are two reasons, according to the standards, why crushed rock or gravel is laid in substations, as explained in this article.
4 mins read
Earthing rods improve earthing systems when driven into low resistivity soil layers. Due to the proximity effect the rule of thumb is earth rods should be separated by at least their driven length. Rods may be encased in concrete to lower their resistance. Equations are provided for hand calculations and these have been validated with numerical software.
8 mins read
Explore the factors affecting cable ampacity in trays, including thermal and electromagnetic effects. Learn calculation methods and best practices for safe power cable installations.
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