A Computer Study and Model Demonstration of Safety Ground Locations During High Voltage Line Maintenance

A digital computer study was performed to help determine whether safety grounds should be placed at the work site or at adjacent towers. Literature reviews and approximate formulas were used in addition to detailed computer simulation. During an accidental line energization, single-phase, single-point grounding reduces phase-to-tower voltages, and on that basis is the prefered method, but measures must be taken to counteract the ground level step and touch potentials. After the study, a working three-phase transmission line model was constructed to help demonstrate the study results to linemen.