Induced Sheath Voltage and Cable Bonding Design

Single core cables induce a voltage along their own screens. Earth the screen at both ends and the voltage drives a circulating current, which is loss and derates the cable. Earth it at one end and the voltage stands at the open end, where it has to be low enough to be safe to touch. Bonding design is choosing between those, and proving the section lengths that follow.

When You Need It

  • · Single core cables are being used at 33 kV and above, which is most substation and export circuits
  • · A route is long enough that single point bonding may not hold the standing voltage within the limit
  • · A DNO has asked for the standing voltage to be demonstrated
  • · Cable losses matter to the energy yield and the bonding arrangement has not been examined

Standards Applied

CIGRE TB 283CIGRE TB 347ENA ER C55IEC 60287

The report states the clause and the edition it works to, so the calculation can be reproduced by whoever reviews it.

What You Get

Standing voltage per phase for the formation as designed, with the outer phases identified as governing where the formation is flat
The maximum section length that holds the limit, and the bonding arrangement recommended
Circulating current loss and the resulting derating where solid bonding is proposed
A bonding schematic with link box positions, and where limiters are needed, where they go and why

The standing voltage limit in GB practice is commonly 65 V under normal load, per ENA ER C55, but operators and clients do specify lower. We confirm the figure that applies to your connection rather than assuming it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the free calculator enough for a design?

It answers a single circuit under balanced load, which is the right first check. A design has to deal with the real section lengths and joint bay positions, parallel circuits inducing into each other, earth fault conditions, and the energy duty on any sheath voltage limiters. Those are not calculator work.

Single point or cross bonding?

Single point is simpler and cheaper and works until the section gets long. Cross bonding cancels the voltage across three minor sections and lets the route run further, at the cost of link boxes and the discipline to get the transposition right. The section length calculation tells you which one you are in.

Request a Cable Sizing Study

A free calculator answers one question at standard conditions. A study takes the actual route, burial depth, soil resistivity, grouping and load profile, and gives you a signed report you can issue to the DNO or the client. We take single calculations as readily as full cable system designs.

Or call 07951 651 013 or email enquiries@stardeltapower.co.uk