A form of contractual agreement between an issuer and a recipient for access to and work on, or within the relevant minimum approach distance of, equipment that has been isolated for work other than under a test permit. Under an access permit, the recipient and their work party have temporary access for work activities to specific isolated equipment, which is in a defined state. (Relevant minimum approach distance is that which would apply if the equipment was live).

Electrical bonding and grounding are crucial safety measures in electrical systems, with bonding ensuring electrical continuity and equal potential between metallic parts, while grounding provides a path for fault currents to flow safely to the earth.

Consumer Energy Resources are resources/ equipment owned by the consumer, that can generate, store or change when energy is used.

1. In a PED, these cables connect the ground clamp to the rest of the PED system either directly to the Line Clamp or via a junction block.
2. Cables that connect the grounding clamps to the earth, ensuring a continuous path for electrical currents.

Electrical earthing, also known as grounding, is a safety measure that connects the non-current-carrying parts of an electrical system to the earth, providing a safe path for fault currents to flow and preventing electric shocks.

The Electricity Engineers’ Association (EEA) is a professional association for Electricity Engineers based in New Zealand.

It acts as an advocate for the electricity supply industry to government, regulators, stakeholders, other professional bodies and media.

The EEA also facilitates independent forums to enable debate and engagement on industry, engineering, technical, and safety issues.

It publishes technical guides, safety guides, standards and industry reports.

The EEA represents New Zealand in the national and international standards development process.

An equipotential zone (EPZ) is an area where all metal work is at the same electrical potential. This will prevent alternative current paths through personnel by eliminating voltage differences.

Fault current is the abnormal, high current flow through an electrical system that occurs during a fault condition, such as a short circuit, and is significantly larger than the normal operating current.

n the context of line mechanics working with live lines, “glove and barrier” refers to a safety method where workers wear insulated gloves and protective barriers to work safely on energized high-voltage lines.

These are used to provide a safe working area by dissipating electrical charges.  They are often used in conjunction with other grounding equipment.

Electrical grounding, also known as earthing, is a safety measure that connects an electrical system to the earth, providing a safe path for excess current to flow in case of a fault, thus preventing electric shocks and equipment damage.

An operating pole designed to be permanently attached to a line or ground clamp.

HSE stands for Health, Safety and Environment.

HSEQ stands for Health, Safety, Environment and Quality

Any voltage exceeding 1000 V a.c. or 1500 V d.c.

Hydrovac excavation is a means of soil extraction through vacuum when using pressurized water or air for breaking ground. This method of excavation is referred to as “soft excavation technology” and is commonly accepted as being equivalent or safer than hand digging around underground facilities.

Equipotential bonding is the preferred method of protecting workers and members of the public from injuries due to electrical contact and step voltage potential when working on energised electrical apparatus. The aim is to keep all workers, equipment and plant at the same potential to mitigate the risk of current flow by establishing an equipotential zone.

Equipotential bonding is required if electrical underground cables are shown:

• In the intended excavation area or within a perimeter zone of the intended excavation area if the underground cable/cables have been identified using plans only.
• In the intended excavation area or within a smaller perimeter zone of the intended excavation area if the underground electrical cable/cables have been identified using a mark out (using an appropriate location device).

IEC 61138:2007 is an international standard that applies to flexible cables used for portable earthing and short-circuiting equipment. These cables are insulated with materials such as ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or silicone rubber (SiR).

The standard specifies the types of cables and their code designations, as well as the test methods to ensure their reliability and safety. These test methods are detailed in other IEC standards like IEC 60227-2, IEC 60245-2, IEC 60811, and IEC 62230.

See also IEC 61230.

It represents the energy dissipated as heat due to the resistance of the PED during a fault.

The Joule Integral, often written as I²t, is crucial for portable earthing devices because it measures the energy dissipated in the device during a fault condition. This value helps determine the device’s ability to withstand high fault currents without failing.

In practical terms, the Joule integral ensures that the earthing device can handle the thermal and mechanical stresses caused by short-circuit currents. This is essential for maintaining safety and preventing damage to both the device and the electrical system.

A jumper is a single cable with connecting devices, such as clamps or bolts, at both ends. The connecting devices don’t have to be the same.

Depending on its application, it can be called different names.

When one end is connected to a de-energised line and the other to an earth, then it can be called a “single phase earthing device”.

When it is used to electrically connect two metallic objects so that they are at the same voltage, then may be called a “bonder”.

Line Clamps are devices used to secure a cable to an overhead line.

Line Clamp designs can use different mechanisms for securing the cable to the line.

There are generally two types of securing systems:

Screw types:  Where the clamp is tightened by turning a screw or threaded spindle.  The end of the spindle can be tightened using different systems.

At Betacom Earthing, our spindles can be fitted with bayonet fittings, shotgun fittings, t-handles or screwdriver handles.  Screw type systems reliably secure the cable to the overhead line.

Snap-on types:  The jaws of the clamp are spring loaded and quickly activated by hooking the upper jaw over the overhead line.

A line mechanic, also known as a lineman or linesman, installs, maintains, and repairs overhead and underground power lines, ensuring the safe and reliable delivery of electricity.

• They erect or replace power poles, string cables between poles, pylons, and buildings, and install underground cabling.
• They test lines and circuits, locate and repair faults, and repair or replace cables.
• They install electricity transformers and connect equipment to an electric network.
• They are responsible for ensuring the safety of themselves and the public when working with electricity and power lines.
• Line mechanics work in various weather conditions, at heights, and may be required to work longer hours, including early mornings and evenings, and be on call or do shift work.

Any voltage exceeding 50 V a.c. or 120 V ripple free d.c. but not exceeding 1000 V a.c. or 1500 V d.c.

An approved device used to electrically interconnect all de-energised LV conductors.

The deliberate act of interconnecting de-energised LV conductors together to bring conductors to the same potential.

Operating poles for portable earthing devices are insulated tools, typically made from materials like fiberglass or PVC, designed to ensure electrical safety. They are used to install and remove portable earthing devices, operate disconnect switches, and perform maintenance tasks such as tree trimming and conductor cleaning.

They come in various lengths and configurations, including telescopic and sectional designs, and are manufactured to meet specific technical standards like ENA 41/21, IEC 60855, and ASTM F711, ensuring reliable performance and safety in their applications.

Ratio of the maximum peak current to its rated current.

A portable earthing device in the power industry is a safety tool used to temporarily connect electrical equipment or conductors to the ground (earth) during maintenance or repair work. This ensures that any residual electrical energy is safely discharged, protecting workers from electric shock and preventing equipment damage.

These devices are designed to withstand high fault currents and are typically used in situations where permanent earthing systems are not available or practical. They are essential for ensuring safety in electrical installations and maintenance operations.

PPE is anything used or worn by a person (including clothing) to minimise risks to the person’s health and safety.

A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is a set of step-by-step instructions for performing a routine activity, ensuring consistency and compliance within an organization.

A restricted area, enclosed by a security fence or other secure boundary, containing normally live conductors and/or other exposed live equipment.

The permit for work on equipment that has been isolated for work where the modification of safety measures may be necessary and where procedures are required to control hazards created by the introduction of energy sources for the work, e.g. testing. Under a test permit, the recipient and their work party have temporary access for work activities to specific isolated equipment, which is in a defined state.