eni spa

exploration & production division

COMPANY SPECIFICATION

EARTHING AND LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM

20210.VAR.ELE.SDS

Rev. 4 March 2012

04 GENERAL REVISION TEEL SCANFERLINI FASOLI 03/2012

REV. DESCRIPTION COMPILED VERIFIED APPROVED DATE

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FOREWORD

Rev. 0 Sheets 32
December 1995
Issue in conformity to E.E.C. directives
This specification replaces and supersedes the following specification:
06680.VAR.ELE.SPC: General specification – Earthing and lightning protection systems

Rev. 1 Sheets 32
July 2003
Issue for normative references revision and contents conformity

Rev. 2 Sheets 31
June 2008
General revision

Rev. 3 Sheets 28
March 2010
General revision

Rev. 4 Sheets 31
March 2012
Added approval table

List of revised and / or added paragraphs in respect to previous issue:

Paragraph 1.2 General Revision Normative References

Paragraph 2.2.1 Added Voltage levels
Paragraph 2.11 Ergonomics
Paragraph 2.12 Safety
Paragraph 2.13 Quality assurance and management requirements
Paragraph 2.14 Inspection and Testing additional requirements
Paragraph 2.15 Documentation

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INDEX

1. GENERAL ........................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 SCOPE ................................................................................................................................ 5
1.2 REFERENCE INTERNAL STANDARDIZATION DOCUMENTATION, CODES AND
RULES................................................................................................................................. 5
1.2.1 Codes.................................................................................................................................. 5
1.2.2 Laws, Decrees, Directives ................................................................................................ 5
1.2.3 Internal standardization Documents ............................................................................... 5

2. FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS ....................................................................................... 6

2.1 DEFINITIONS...................................................................................................................... 6
2.2 SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS .................................................................................... 6
2.2.1 Voltage Levels ................................................................................................................... 6
2.3 GRAPHIC SYMBOLS AND IDENTIFICATION TAGS ........................................................ 6
2.4 OPERATING ENVIRONMENT............................................................................................ 6
2.5 MEASUREMENT UNITS..................................................................................................... 6
2.6 EARTH SYSTEM DESIGN.................................................................................................. 6
2.6.1 General criteria .................................................................................................................. 6
2.6.2 Scopes of the earth electrode ........................................................................................ 10
2.6.3 Selection criteria for earth electrode type .................................................................... 11
2.6.4 Earth electrode fabrication precautions ....................................................................... 13
2.7 EXECUTION OF EARTH SYSTEM DESIGN.................................................................... 14
2.7.1 HV substations ................................................................................................................ 14
2.7.2 MV and LV substations ................................................................................................... 14
2.7.3 Field electric equipment ................................................................................................. 15
2.7.4 Metal structures, equipment and interconnecting....................................................... 16
2.7.5 Poles, framed structures, towers, industrial stacks or chimneys ............................. 16
2.7.6 Buildings .......................................................................................................................... 16
2.7.7 Metal fences ..................................................................................................................... 16
2.7.8 Process instrumentation, data and telecommunication processors......................... 17
2.7.9 Connections of tankers - vessels - mobile containers of flammable materials........ 17
2.7.10 Fixed offshore platforms ................................................................................................ 17
2.7.11 Cathodically protected structures ................................................................................. 18
2.8 EXECUTION OF LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM .................................................. 19
2.8.1 Electrically continuous reinforcement bars ................................................................. 19
2.8.2 Metal structures, piping, equipment, rails .................................................................... 20
2.8.3 Tanks ................................................................................................................................ 20
2.8.4 Poles, framed structures, stacks and towers............................................................... 21
2.8.5 Non-metallic industrial stacks ....................................................................................... 21
2.8.6 Masonry and reinforced concrete buildings with insulated roofing.......................... 22
2.8.7 Metal buildings with conducting roofings .................................................................... 22
2.8.8 Bridges for mains, oil pipelines, gas pipelines, water pipelines, etc. ....................... 23

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2.9 SIZING OF COMPONENTS.............................................................................................. 24

2.9.1 General ............................................................................................................................. 24
2.9.2 Materials and dimensions of normal earth electrode elements ................................. 24
2.9.3 Materials and dimensions of natural earth electrodes ................................................ 25
2.9.4 Materials and dimensions of earth wires and of normal protections ........................ 25
2.9.5 Materials and dimensions of earth wires and of natural protections ........................ 26
2.9.6 Materials and dimensions of wires for equipotential connections............................ 27
2.10 BOUNDARY CONDITIONS, LIMITS AND EXCLUSIONS................................................ 27
2.10.1 Applicability ..................................................................................................................... 27
2.10.2 Limits and exclusions ..................................................................................................... 27
2.11 ERGONOMICS.................................................................................................................. 27
2.11.1 Noise Level....................................................................................................................... 27
2.11.2 Accessibility..................................................................................................................... 27
2.12 SAFETY............................................................................................................................. 27
2.12.1 General requirements ..................................................................................................... 27
2.12.2 Protection against indirect contacts ............................................................................. 28
2.12.3 Protection against direct contacts ................................................................................ 28
2.13 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS.................................. 28
2.14 ISPECTION AND TESTING ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS......................................... 28
2.14.1 Type Test .......................................................................................................................... 28
2.14.2 Acceptance Test .............................................................................................................. 28
2.14.3 Special Test...................................................................................................................... 29
2.15 DOCUMENTATION........................................................................................................... 29
2.15.1 Bid Documentation.......................................................................................................... 29
2.15.2 Documentation to be approved ..................................................................................... 29
2.15.3 Documentation relevant to penalties application ........................................................ 29
2.15.4 Documentation for Company’s use............................................................................... 29
2.15.5 Testing Documentation .................................................................................................. 29
2.15.6 Final Technical Documentation ..................................................................................... 29
2.16 LOCATION OF EARTHING SYSTEM COMPONENTS (FIG. 2.16-1).............................. 30

3. METHOD OF COMPANY STANDARS REQUEST / INFORMATION ............................. 31

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1. GENERAL

1.1 SCOPE
This Specification sets out the minimum requirements and general criteria for the design,
construction and installation of earthing and lightning protection systems in on-shore and off-shore oil
plants.
The design shall be in compliance with the requirements of the documentation issued by the
Company and with the mentioned Laws and Normative references.
In any case, good engineering practices shall be applied, especially as far as safety and accident
prevention are concerned.

1.2 REFERENCE INTERNAL STANDARDIZATION DOCUMENTATION, CODES AND

RULES
Materials and equipment shall fully comply with all requirement fixed by the following rules, laws,
decrees and internal standardization documents

1.2.1 Codes
All system, equipment and materials shall be in compliance with the rules valid in the country where
they shall be installed.
Rules applicable to Eni standard are listed in Company Specification:

- List of Rules applicable to electrical standards 20235.DOC.ELE.ELN.

Applying the above mentioned Company Specification Contractor / Supplier shall verify the validity of
every single standard (latest available version) and besides they shall verify new eventually issued
rules to be applied

1.2.2 Laws, Decrees, Directives

All Law, Act. Decree, issued by local Entities and Authorities under which equipment shall be
installed, shall be applied

1.2.3 Internal standardization Documents

Company Standard / ENI Standard are defined ENI E.&.P. internal Standardization Documents

All System, equipment and materials shall comply with documents detailed in the Company
Specification

- Electrical Standard List 20236.DOC.ELE.ELN

Contractor / Supplier shall verify the validity of every single specification (latest available issue) and
they shall verify new eventually issued regulations to be applied

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2. FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS

2.1 DEFINITIONS
For definitions reference shall be made to the Normative references in paragraph 1.2.

2.2 SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS

For symbols and abbreviations reference shall be made to the Normative references in paragraph
1.2.

2.2.1 Voltage Levels

In the present specification the traditional definitions regarding Low, Medium, High Voltage is applied.
Even if international IEC / EN standard simplify defining LV up to 1 kV AC and apply HV for level over
1kV AC, for clearness within Eni documents the following definitions are maintained:
- BT or LV for voltage up to 1 kV in AC (Low Voltage)
- MT or MV for voltage over 1 kV in AC and up to 52 kV in AC (Medium Voltage)
- AT or HV for voltage of and over 66 kV in AC (High Voltage)

2.3 GRAPHIC SYMBOLS AND IDENTIFICATION TAGS

For graphic symbols, codes and identification tags reference shall be made to the Normative
references in paragraph 1.2 and the standards and procedures indicated in the Project
Documentation.

2.4 OPERATING ENVIRONMENT

The components of the earth system shall be designed and manufactured according to the
environmental conditions of the place of installation specified in the Project Documentation.

2.5 MEASUREMENT UNITS

The measurements units adopted shall comply with the International System (I. S.).
Measures in inches are generally allowed for the diameters of conduits and fittings.

2.6 EARTH SYSTEM DESIGN

For design of earthing and lightning systems, the design criteria given in above mentioned normative
reference shall be considered. Herebelow, reference to some general descriptive parts shall be
made.

2.6.1 General criteria

The earthing systems shall be designed, when applicable, for the following aims:
– operating earthing of electric systems (when required);
– protection against direct contacts;
– protection against the accumulation of electrostatic charges;
– protection against lightnings.

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In explosion or fire-hazard areas, they shall also have the aim of closing the fault loop and/or earth
any dispersion current so as to avoid sparks or overheatings that may cause explosions or fires.

2.6.1.1 Operating earthing

It is the earthing of specific points of the electrical systems in order to allow the equipment to operate
or to enable a safer and more regular running of the systems.

Generally, the operating earthing of the electric systems shall be carried out by earthing the star
point of the secondary side of distribution transformers, with a resistor for medium voltage power
grids and directly for low voltage ones.

The earthing of the transformer star point for low voltage grids shall be carried out within the main
distribution board (power centre) connecting the neutral bar with the board protective earthing bars
(PE), realising a TN-C-S-type diagram as defined in the reference standards.

A proper and independent system with insulated unipolar conductor (PE) shall deal with the functions
relevant to the earth fault current and the protection conductor. Each of these system shall be sized
in accordance with the maximum earth fault currents relevant to the involved circuits, shall be such to
minimize the inductance in the faulted circuits (path common to the phase conductors one) and shall
be directly branched from the boards protective earthing bars (PE) or the substation rings (PE).

Particular requirements for the earthing of instrumentation systems shall be dealt with in another
document.

2.6.1.2 Protective earthing against indirect contacts of I category systems (Uo ≤ 1000 V a.c.
and 1500 V d.c.)
It is the protective earthing system which is co-ordinated with the protection devices of electrical
circuits in order to limit voltages to the values imposed in the normative references which are not
dangerous for people.
Should the power supply be automatically interrupted in case of earth fault, particular attention shall
be paid to the co-ordination between the neutral earthing system of the electrical system and the
characteristics of the conductors and of the circuits protection devices.

a) TN System

The TN system (star or neutral point of the system is directly connected to earth; the exposed
conductive parts shall be connected at the star point of the system by protective earthing conductor)
is commonly used in industrial plants.
The TN-C system (protection wire in common with the neutral wire) shall normally not be used unless
its use is agreed upon time by time, or for specific plant applications.
Generally the TN-C-S system shall be used with neutral and protection functions joint in a single wire
which goes up to the distribution substation, and with neutral and PE functions differentiated starting
from the circuit protection switches which exit the substation towards the plants.
Once the neutral function and the protection function are separated, they shall no longer be joint in a
single wire in any point further down the one where the separation has been carried out.
In the latter case, the following relation shall be complied with:

Zs · Ia ≤ Uo

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where:

Zs is the impedance, expressed in ohm, of the fault ring which includes the source, the wire
active up to the fault point and the protection wire between the fault point and the source

Ia is the current, expressed in Ampere, which causes the automatic tripping of the protective
device within the time indicated in Table 2.6-1 for terminal circuits protected by device with
rated current up to 32 A; for other circuits, the conventional interruption time shall not exceed
5 s.

Ia is the Idn if residual current device is used.

Uo is the rated A.C. voltage expressed in Volt r.m.s., between phase and earth.

Table 2.6-1: Maximum times of interruption for I Category systems

( Uo ≤ 1000 V A.C. and Uo ≤ 1500 V D.C.)

System rated voltage Maximum interruption Maximum interruption

Uo time for a.c. system time for d.c. system
(V) (s) (s)
from 50 to 120 0.8 Not required
from 120 to 230 0.4 5
from 230 to 400 0.2 0.4
> 400 0.1 0.1

If interruption time does not comply with times listed in the table 2.6-1 or 5 s if applicable, a local
equipotential bonding of all exposed conductive parts and extraneous conductive parts, including the
concrete reinforcing steel bars, shall be provided (supplementary equipotential bonding).
Note: the local equipotential bonding is in any case always advisable.

For the circuits feeding transportable devices (mobile or portable) by means or without plug sockets,
interruption time should rate the indication in Table 2.6-1, if of Class I.

In case of Class II transportable devices, these are already protected for construction against indirect
contacts.

For complete case study, refer to reference standards.

b) TT system

It shall be used when the earthing system is considered as separate from that of the power supply
substation where the transformer star point is connected (typical case of plants supplied by the
Distribution Unit) and the earth electrode is required to disperse into the ground the earth fault
currents.
In this case, the following relation shall be satisfied for the RA resistor of the earthing system:

RE · Idn ≤ UL

where:

RE is the earth electrode resistance, expressed in Ohm.

Idn is the residual differential current, expressed in Ampere.
To obtain the selectivity for distribution circuits, the tripping time of differential current
protective device may be up to 1 s.
UL Generally is 50 V a.c. and 120 V d.c.

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c) IT system

It is used in special cases.

No live parts of the system, including the neutral, are earthed, while the exposed conductive parts
are connected to the same earth electrode.
In this case the following relation shall be satisfied:

RE · Id ≤ UL

where:

RE is the earth electrode resistance, expressed in Ohm, to which exposed conductive parts are
connected

Id is the fault current, expressed in Ampere, in case of first fault between a phase conductor
and an exposed conductive part. The value of Id takes into account dispersion current to
earth and the total impedance to earth of the electric system.

In this case, a device shall be provided with an alarm for the control of the insulation, to
signal the insurgence of a first fault between a live part and exposed conductive parts, whilst
in case of second fault between phase conductor and earth the intervention of the
protections shall be guaranteed within 5 s.

Subsequent conditions should be verified for maximum interruption time admitted for the
second earth fault (Regulation reference CEI 64/8-4).

2.6.1.3 Earthing for protection against indirect contacts in II and III category systems (Uo >
1000 V c.a.)
It is the earthing system which is co-ordinated with the protection devices of electric circuits in order
to limit contact and passage voltages to values not exceeding those indicated in Table 2.6-2.

Table 2.6-2: Maximum admissible contact voltages / fault recovery time for II and III Category
systems (Uo > 1000 V a.c. and Uo > 1500 V d.c.)

MAXIMUM MAXIMUM FAULT

ADMISSIBLE EARTH INTERRUPTION TIME
CONTACT VOLTAGE tF (s) )
UTp (V)
80 10
100 1,1
125 0,72
150 0,64
220 0,49
300 0,39
400 0,29
500 0,20
600 0,14
700 0,08
800 0,04

The measuring of contact and passage voltages values is not needed if:

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– the total earth voltage value, determined by measuring and calculating, does not exceed the
value UTp of admissible earth contact voltage;
– the plant is part of a global earth system (the case is generally restricted to concentrated urban
or industrial areas).

2.6.1.4 Protection against the accumulation of electrostatic charges

It is the protection system which is aimed at draining electrostatic charges which may have formed
on contact surfaces of bodies or chemically different substances, by means of equipotential bonding
between exposed and extraneous conductive parts (e.g. conduits, tanks etc.) to earth.
The accumulation of electrostatic charges inside tanks, process equipment etc. are not the object of
this document.

2.6.1.5 Lightning protection system (LPS)

Lightning protection system (LPS) is the complete system used to reduce physical damage due to
lightning flashes to a structure.
It consists of the following systems:
– external lightning protection system:
part of the LPS consisting of an air-termination system, a down-conductor system and an earth-
termination system;
– internal lightning protection system:
part of the LPS consisting of lightning equipotential bonding and/or electrical insulation of
external LPS;

The lightning protection is characterised by:

– class of LPS (Class I, II, III, IV) = Lightning Protection Level (LPL);
– protection system efficiency;
– number of dangerous events ND for a structure;
– Tolerable risk (RT).

External lightning protection system is not required when the risk is tolerable.
In this case, however, internal protection system might be required.
Internal LPS shall always be provided in case of presence of essential electrical systems. In the
absence of systems of this type, an internal LPS may be installed anyway, relating to the possible
economic damage resultant by flashes effects.
Further details regarding protection of electronic systems are found with document
20531.VAR.STA.PRG.

2.6.2 Scopes of the earth electrode

The earth electrode shall perform the following functions:
– to constrain (by means of direct link or impedance, mainly purely resistive) the potential of
specific points (generally the star point) of the electric systems which are located within the area
of the electrode in question;
– to create a reference potential which coincides with the earth potential;
– in grid electrodes, to convey the faults currents to the neutral point of the systems which unfold
inside the electrode area (TN diagrams);

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– to disperse currents due to faults in the insulation of systems whose earth is outside the
electrode area (TT diagrams) and of those systems which are not connected to the electrode
itself (IT diagrams);
– to disperse electrostatic charges;
– to disperse currents coming from excessive voltage dischargers;
– to disperse the currents conveyed to earth by the gear which captures lightnings.

2.6.3 Selection criteria for earth electrode type

Within the same plant, building, concentrated area etc., the electrode shall be one and shall satisfy
the normative requirements provided for the above aims.

The instrumentation earthing shall be connected to the general earthing system. Further details
regarding this argument are found with document 20532.VAR.STA.PRG.

The electrode shall be generally of the grid type that is constituted by bare wires buried horizontally
at a depth of at least 0.5 m and interlinked so as to create a grid.

The electrode can be constituted by normal elements only (that is installed on purpose), natural
elements only (that is parts existing in the plant for other reasons) or by the combination of the two.

When necessary, earthing rods can be used in addition to the earthing grid both to reduce step and
touch voltages along the perimeter of the grid and/or to reach soil layers with lower values of electric
resistivity.

In particular:
– if the ratio between soil surface resistivity and resistivity of the lower layers turns out to be much
higher than 1 (approximately 10), the picket elements shall be installed deep down in the soil
layers which have low resistivity;
– when the potential gradients in relation to the passage and contact voltages must be reduced,
the picket elements shall be installed, vertically or obliquely, at the limit of the grid electrode.

Within HV substations area, where it exists, the grid shall be realised with close spacing (5m x 5m) in
order to guarantee the dispersion of high earth fault currents and to avoid potential hazardous
gradients.
On the contrary, rings around buildings, plant units, electric substations, tanks etc. shall have
variable dimensions depending upon their geometry, generally at a distance of 0.5 m up to 1 m.

The sides can be different from one another but their ratio shall not be higher than 2.

Should the potential gradients at the external limit of the grid electrode be so high that they are
dangerous for people or animals strangers to the installation, the grid electrode shall stop a few
metres before the enclosure (3 - 15 m).
In this case an independent electrode shall be provided for the fence and the relevant electrical
equipment, e.g. fence lighting etc; generally, this electrode is a horizontal conductor directly buried
near the fence.

Furthermore, in the above mentioned areas, additional procedures shall be followed in order to
reduce the potential gradients within the limits allowed by the normative references by means of
asphalt covering or pebble covering (having a thickness of not less than 5 cm); should this still not be
enough, such areas shall be segregated.

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The above can happen only when the electrode is called upon to disperse into the ground high
currents (e.g. HV substations).

All metal structures inside the area relevant to the earth electrode shall be connected to the earth
electrode itself.

In its configuration and development, the electrode shall guarantee protection as required by the
Normative reference, applying the formulas therein included.

In order to ensure protection against atmospheric discharges, the rings constituting the grid shall be
placed at 0.5 m, at least, beneath the surface and at a horizontal distance of 0.5 m up to 1 m from
the perimeter of the protected structure.
The other sides constituting the grid shall leave from the above mentioned rings.

In case of electrodes of type A (horizontal elements or vertical elements, connected with each down-
conductor) the length of every element shall not be inferior to that of:

I1 for radial horizontal elements

0,5 I1 for vertical or radial elements

Where I1 is a value derivable from Table 2.6-3 depending upon resistivity of soil and level of
protection required.

In case of electrodes of type B (ring around the protected structure, or foundation earth electrode)
the circle radius of the earth electrode embracing area shall satisfy the following relation:

re > I1

When the required value of I1 is higher than r vertical and horizontal elements should be added. The
minimum lengths shall respectively be as follows:

lv = (l1 – re) / 2 and lr = l1 – re

The number of added elements should not be inferior to that of down-conductors and in any case not
inferior to 2.
They shall be uniformly distributed around the perimeter starting from the vertexes where they exist.

I1(p) = 0,0286 ρ – 8.5714 [m] Level I

I1(p) = 0,0214 ρ – 12.1429 [m] Level II

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Table 2.6-3: Minimum length l1 of each earth electrode according to soil resistivity and class
of LPS (taken from Italian standard CEI EN 62305-3)

2.6.4 Earth electrode fabrication precautions

The definition of the fabrication characteristics of the earth electrode shall take into account problems
of corrosion due to the intrinsic aggressiveness of the soil and/or caused by stray currents and
galvanic couples, in order to guarantee the integrity and efficiency of the earth electrode over time.
With this respect, the following choice criteria shall be followed:

a) all the components of the electrode shall be made of the same metal (or alloy), if possible, or of
metals (or alloys) very close in the electrochemical scale; therefore, when choosing the earth
electrode material, also the material of the buried structures to which it will have to be connected
shall be taken into account.

b) all buried connections, both between elements of the earth electrode and between the earth
electrode and the structures, shall be insulated to avoid contacts with the soil (electrolyte).

c) all buried metal structures that are not to be connected with the earth electrode, even indirectly,
shall be kept away from any part of the earth electrode, and they should not be simultaneously
accessible for the other masses (the distance of about 5-6 m is advisable).

The distance shall be increased:

– when the structures consist of pipes which carry dangerous fluids and when, at the same time,
the earth electrode also has the task of leaking the fault currents of category III TT systems (> 30
kV);
– when the structures are provided with cathodic protection or have high insulation values in
respect of the earth (e.g. telephone cables).

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In installation with limited extension, if technically possible, and in particular when the installations
may be subjected to stray currents, a cathodic protection system may be required - ad/or it may be
convenient to provide - for the whole of the earth electrode.

In the installations protected with cathodic protection systems, possible increases of the earth
electrode resistance over time, due to polarisation of the earth electrode itself, shall be taken into
account (the resistance value shall be checked every year).

In relation to the hypothesis to protect cathodically even the earth plant, it shall be appropriate to take
into account its very realisation, to avoid the above phenomena and to decrease the protection
current, with dispersing agent, in galvanized steel flat twin cable (plait) instead of copper plait cable.
The flat twin cable shall be connected directly to the cathodic protection system.

2.7 EXECUTION OF EARTH SYSTEM DESIGN

2.7.1 HV substations
The earth electrode shall always be of the grid type and can be integrated with earthing rods.
If not otherwise indicated by the Company, the grid mesh shall be 5 m x 5 m.

Surge arresters shall be connected with short routes and, in any case, with large elbow bendings, to
the earth electrode or the transformer box if installed on the latter.

The equipment, the machines, the surge arresters etc. and every other metal structure shall be
connected to the earth electrode by means of two earth wires.

Air insulated high voltage substation shall be protected against lightning by means of overhead
earthing wires.

The frame structures supporting the of overhead earthing wires can be used as natural down-
conductor, provided their metallic continuity is proved.

2.7.2 MV and LV substations

A buried bare-wire ring shall be provided around the electric substations; the ring shall be connected
to the general earth electrode of the plant in at least four points and also to a second ring of bare
conductor (e.g. copper plate) or insulated conductor integrated with earthing bars and laid along the
internal perimeter of the switchboard room or of the relevant cables room.

The susbstation metal structures and/or concrete reinforcement bars shall be electrically bonded as
specified in point 2.8.1. and shall be connected to the earth electrode.

In substations with concrete flooring, with a pre-welded metal grid, the grid shall be connected to the
earth electrode by means of earthing bars.For neutral earthing criteria, see Document No.
20218.VAR.ELe.SDS “Neutral grounding criteria in low and medium voltage systems”.

The earthing of the substation electric equipment and switchboards shall be connected to the
substation internal ring.

It will not be normally necessary to adopt particular protections against lightning for electric
substations provided that the building metal structures and concrete reinforcement bars are
connected to the earth electrode.

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2.7.3 Field electric equipment

They shall be protected against effects of indirect contacts as follows:

a) Medium voltage equipment shall be connected to the earth electrode by means of two different
earthing bars through two different conductors;

b) Low voltage equipment, including sockets, shall be connected to the earth electrode by means of
one earthing bar through one conductor.
The connection of the local control station can also be realised through branching off the earth
connection terminal of the controlled equipment (e.g. motor).
For low voltage equipment on metal structures, the structures themselves shall be normally used
as a supplentary equipotential conductor and/or PE conductor provided their metallic continuity is
guaranteed;

c) switchboards and controlboards in field shall be provided with a earth bolt or an earthing bar to
which all PE conductors relevant to the downstream equipment and feeders shall be connected
along with the earthing of the boards structures themselves;

d) luminaries shall be connected to the earth bolt or earthing bar of the relevant switchboard by
means of a PE conductor which is part of the feeding wiring which has a cross section area
equal to that of the phase conductors;

e) luminaries and small power equipment installed outside the area relevant to the earth electrode,
but which are still in the immediate vicinity (e.g. fence lighting), shall be protected with residual
current devices; furthermore, they shall be connected to the fence earthing system, where it
exists, or shall be earthed with a dedicated earth electrode, made of a horizontally buried bare
wire, at least 10 m long, or by a rod;

f) mobile and portable equipment shall be protected against the effects of possible indirect contacts
in different ways depending on the type:
– portable tools and lamps shall be supplied at a maximum voltage of 50 V between phases
through the safety transformer;

– mobile equipment that cannot be supplied as above shall be supplied at a maximum voltage of
500 V between phases and TN-S system.

The protection shall be mainly carried out by means of circuit breakers with residual current
devices.
In these conditions, the task of protection shall be given to the coordination between the fault
loop impedance and the protective devices. In order to limit the fault currents and therefore the
contact stresses, sometimes it may be necessary to install an insulation transformer which limits
current on its own.
All mobile and portable equipment shall be fed by power sockets at the normal voltage (e.g.
400/230V) and the transformer shall be provided for each equipment connection as a standard.

g) field electric equipment shall be individually protected if subject to direct lightning.

Note: regarding the points d) and e), as an alternative, luminaries, small power equipment and
relevant cables shall be of double-insulation type which do not require earthing connection.

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2.7.4 Metal structures, equipment and interconnecting

Any metal structures, equipment, columns, tanks, rails etc. which are inside the area relevant to the
earth electrode shall be suitably connected to the earth electrode through earthing conductors or
through other metal structures (see fig. 1, paragraph 2.10.).

Any metal structures, rails, pipes, cables armour, etc. entering or leaving the plant earth electrode
shall be interrupted by means of insulating joints.
Any cable armour and screen shall be earthed at one end only and insulated at the other end.

In respect of electrostatic charges and lightning, all pipes entering or leaving a structure (e.g. plant
unit or building) shall be connected to the earth electrode at the entrance and/or exit; furthermore,
their metallic continuity shall be verified and in case it is not guaranteed, equipotential connections
shall be installed.

The metallic interruption shall be realised a few meters outside the area relevant to the earth
electrode.
For pipe-lines entering or leaving the earth electrode, the connection by means of two insulating
joints shall be evaluated case by case, also considering the presence of cathodic protection.
Any use of voltage limiting devices shall be evaluated case by case.

2.7.5 Poles, framed structures, towers, industrial stacks or chimneys

Poles, framed structures, towers, industrial stacks and chimneys, especially if metallic or with
concrete reinforcing bars, shall be connected to the earth electrode in ways which are similar to
those described earlier in point 2.7.4. and the electrical equipment installed on them shall be
correctly connected to the earth electrode.

2.7.6 Buildings
A bare-wire ring, horizontally buried at a minimum depth of 0.5 m and at a distance of 0.5 m up to 1
m, shall be provided around buildings. The ring shall be connected to the general earth electrode of
the system in at least two points by means of an earthing terminal or earthing bar.

The main metallic structures of buildings shall be connected at regular intervals, not exceeding 20-25
m, to the above mentioned ring, alongside the reinforcing bars of concrete. Also the exposed
conductive parts and the extraneous conductive parts large shall be connected to the ring through
earthing bars.

2.7.7 Metal fences

Metal fences which are inside the earth electrode area shall be connected to the latter at least in two
points and, in any case, every 20-25 m.
The plant perimeter fence which is in the area immediately surrounding the plant earth electrode may
be particularly exposed to the danger of touch voltages; therefore, may be advisable that it be made
of non-metallic materials (e.g. masonry, pre-cast concrete elements etc.), to be evaluated case by
case.

Metal fences located outside the plant earth electrode area without electric devices shall not be
connected to the plant earth electrode if their resistance to the earth is more than 1000 Ω and far
from plant exposed conductive (the distance of about 5-6 m is advisable).

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On the contrary, in case of electric gates or lighting, the fence shall be connected to the plant earth
electrode, or, if the fence is far from the plant earth electrode, a proper local earth electrode shall be
provided buried under the fence itself.
Where electric gates and/or lighting affect only a small part of the fence, the affected fence shall be
insulated from the other parts and earthed with a proper local earth electrode.

2.7.8 Process instrumentation, data and telecommunication processors

All exposed conductive parts shall be connected to the plant earth electrode by means of earthing
bars.

All protective earthing conductors shall be connected to the protective earthing bar located in the
control board. This protective earthing bar shall be connected to the plant earth electrode by means
of at least two insulated conductors.

The functional earthing, when foreseen, shall be of low disturbance type and in any case shall be
connected to the plant earth electrode by means of at least two insulated conductors laid next to
each other and connected to the plant earth electrode in the same point or in two very close points.

Surge arresters, suitably located for safety reasons, shall be used where necessary for lightning
protection and in presence of remote peripheral instruments which exchanges signals with the
central system, where dangerous overvoltages may occur.

For further instructions refer to the relevant document 20532. VAR.STA.PRG.

2.7.9 Connections of tankers - vessels - mobile containers of flammable materials

Tankers, vessels and mobile containers of flammable materials shall be connected to the fixed
filling/discharging equipment and earthed. by means of special devices, e.g. pliers, before the
flammable materials are transferred.

The special devices shall be in Ex safety execution suitable for the operation hazardous area.

The devices shall be of the anti-tearing type which unlocks automatically in case it is forgotten, and
they shall be provided with a stopping device, e.g. auxiliary contacts, for the control of permissions
and/or locks (of pumps etc.).

2.7.10 Fixed offshore platforms

Fixed platforms with all-welded steel structure can be considered as an electrically continuous unit
connected to earth by the platform legs, the foundation poles, the wells pipes and sea water
(corresponding to a single natural electrode).
Deck structure is considered as principal equipotential bonding conductor (EQP) and, therefore,
realisation of supplementary equipotential bonding (EQS) with insulated conductors shall not be
normally required.
Therefore, exposed conductive parts and extraneous conductive parts which are already connected
to the deck structure shall be considered as equipotentially bonded; however, their equipotentiality
shall be checked and guaranteed.

Dangerous potential differences may occur only when there are connections coming from onshore
which are not directly connected to the platform structure.

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To guarantee protection against indirect contacts, lightnings and electrostatic discharges, only the
connection of exposed and extraneous conductive parts to the platform structure shall be required.

This can be done by means of equipotential connections to the earthing bars to which also any earth
of the electric systems shall be connected, e.g. neutral point of TN systems.

It shall be ensured that the resistance to earth of metal pipings for fluids which may lead to the
formation of electrostatic charges, and installed in hazardous areas, is not higher than 1 MΩ.

Various metal parts, not being exposed conductive parts, such as framework of doors, windows, etc.
should not be connected to the equipotential system.

When the platform is constituted by prefabricated modules, each module shall be provided with
earthing bars which shall be connected with the equipotential conductors.

2.7.11 Cathodically protected structures

Within a plant, building, concentrated area etc., provided with a single earthing system, the structures
receiving cathodic protection by impressed current systems which are in hazardous areas, shall be
connected to the nearest exposed or extraneous conductive parts. The piping track upstream of
insulation joint (in the plant exit) shall be, in any case, earthed through a surge arrester in order to
guarantee earth insulation under normal conditions.

Metal structures, pipes and rails, buried and exposed, to or from the area, with cathodic protection,
shall be provided with at least one insulating joint located outside the plant earth electrode, and with
surge arresters.

In pipes and lines outside the plants (water system, gas and oil pipelines etc.) the parts with cathodic
protection which are exposed out of ground in explosion risk hazardous areas, can be considered as
being earthed even if they have not been intentionally connected to earth. See Figure 2.7-1.

In the line rooms which contain motor-driven valves, in metallic continuity with the conduit, the motor
controlling the valve does not need to be connected to the earth system.

Protection against indirect contacts for earths inside the room shall be guaranteed by protection
"through electric separation” with insulation transformer.

The connection between metal pipes with flammable fluids which are part of onshore or sub-sea
plants, and similar pipelines on board vessels shall be realised interposing a joint or an insulating
element so as to avoid electric continuity during connections and disconnection operation.

The above shall apply also when the vessel is connected to the earthing system.

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Figure 2.7-1: Pipeline with cathodic protection, earthing of exposed and extraneous
conductive parts in hazardous areas

2.8 EXECUTION OF LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM

2.8.1 Electrically continuous reinforcement bars

Steelwork within reinforced concrete structures is considered to be electrically continuous
provided that the major part of interconnections of vertical and horizontal bars are welded or
otherwise securely connected. Connections of vertical bars shall be welded, clamped or
overlapped a minimum of 20 times their diameters and bound or otherwise securely connected.
For new structures, the connections between reinforcement elements shall be specified by the
designer or installer, in cooperation with the builder and the civil engineer.
For structures utilizing steel reinforced concrete (including pre-cast, pre-stressed reinforced units),
the electrical continuity of the reinforcing bars shall be determined by electrical testing between the
uppermost part and ground level. The overall electrical resistance should not be greater than 0,2 Ω,
measured using test equipment suitable for this purpose. If this value is not achieved, or it is not
practical to conduct such testing, the reinforcing steel shall not be used as a natural down-conductor.
In this case it is recommended that an external down-conductor be installed: in the case of structures
of pre-cast reinforced concrete, the electrical continuity of the reinforcing steel shall be established
between individual adjacent pre-cast concrete units.

Bars of plinths, foundations or other structures buried in reinforced concrete can be considered as
natural earth electrodes.
In any case, where present, natural earth electrodes shall be connected to the plant earth electrode.
The connection shall be realised by means of steel plates or rods welded to the concrete reinforcing
bars at least in two points.

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2.8.2 Metal structures, piping, equipment, rails

Exposed structures and equipment which are interconnected by pipelines sufficiently close together
shall be considered as one building (structure) as far as lightnings are concerned, provided their
equipotentiality is made.

For this reason, all exposed and extraneous conductive parts shall be metal connected to one
another; the connection can be realised through pipelines, structures etc., or by equipotential
bondings provided on purpose.

Metal sheets with a thickness > 4 mm, metal structures having cross section area > 200 mm² and 20
mm of overlapping, and pipelines with a thickness 2.5 mm, provided they do not contain dangerous
fluids shall be considered natural air-terminations.
In case of equipment, structures, tanks and piping with flammable fluids inside, the minimum
thickness is higher and a different material is used: 4 mm for steel, 5 mm for copper and 7 mm for
aluminium.
However, they shall be protected by normal air-termination system if their internal overtemperature,
in the point of impact of the flash, is dangerous for the fluids contained or conveyed.

When the above conditions are not fulfilled, they shall not be considered as natural air-terminations
and, therefore, they shall be protected, if necessary, by a normal air-termination system (vertical
rods, guard cables, grid).
Once the equipotentiality has been guaranteed, equipment and pipelines shall be considered natural
down-conductors.
However, for metal sheet covers where it is not important to prevent puncture, hot spot or ignition
problems, 0.5 mm thickness of steel may be acceptable.

In these conditions, the entirety of the equipment, pipelines and structures shall be connected to the
earth electrode in every corner and about every 25 m along the sides.
All connections shall be realised by means of an earth terminal.

2.8.3 Tanks
Metal tanks with a roof thickness of 2.5 mm which do not contain dangerous or flammable fluids, with
respect to atmospheric discharges, shall be considered as natural air-terminations and down-
conductors.
In case with dangerous or flammable fluids inside, the minimum thickness of roof is higher and a
different material is used: 4 mm for steel, 5 mm for copper and 7 mm for aluminium.

However, they shall be protected by air-terminations if their internal overtemperature in the point of
impact with the lightning is dangerous for the fluids contained or conveyed.

When the above conditions are not fulfilled, they shall not be considered as natural air-terminations
and down-conductors and, therefore, shall be protected.

In order to protect them, they shall be connected to the earth electrode and all mobile parts (floating
roofs, stairs etc.) shall be connected to the fixed parts.
For floating roofs, the connection to the fixed part shall be multiple all around the roof, using a special
sliding contacts; a single conductor is not generally adequate.

All connections to the earth electrode shall be uniformly spaced out along the perimeter with a
distance that shall not exceed 25 m and with a minimum of 2 m.

The earth electrode shall be normally constituted by a bare conductor buried around the tank at a
distance ranging between 0.5 - 1.5 m.

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2.8.4 Poles, framed structures, stacks and towers

These kinds of metal structures with a thickness > 2.5 mm shall be considered as natural air-
terminations.

The metallic continuity between the various elements shall be checked and equipotential connections
shall be provided if necessary; after that, they may be considered natural down-conductors.
In these conditions, the structures shall be connected to the earth electrode, and each connection
shall have a section which complies with the indications of Table 2.8-1.

With respect to poles, the connection shall be only one provided it is protected against mechanical
damages.

Metallic stacks shall be considered as natural air-termination and down-conductor systems similarly
to what has been pointed out for other structures.

For metallic stacks, the reinforcement of the foundation shall be considered as natural earth
electrode provided that at least two connections are guaranteed between the stack structure and the
reinforced concrete bars.

Piles, framed structures, stacks and towers can be considered as vertical metal rods for the
protection of any other equipment installed nearby.

Table 2.8-1: Minimum cross sections of air-terminations and down conductors

MATERIALS
ALUMINIUM ALLOY
COPPER HOT-DIP GALVANISED
TYPE (note 1)
STEEL
Rod iron or
massive 50 mm2 50 mm2 50 mm2
conductor
50 mm2 50 mm2
Plait 50 mm2
wires elem. ∅ 1.7 mm wires elem. ∅ 1.7 mm
Metal strap 50 mm2 50 mm2 50 mm2
or band thickness 2 mm thickness 2,5 mm thickness 3 mm

NOTES. (1) It can be used only upon authorisation by the Company.

2.8.5 Non-metallic industrial stacks

Reinforced concrete stacks shall be protected against atmospheric discharges by a grid, integrated
by vertical rods and placed at the top of the stack, connected to the reinforcement which will act as
natural down-conductor provided that the grid is made of electrically continuous bars.
Should the reinforcement not be able to carry out the above task, two normal down-conductors shall
be installed, possibly buried in the reinforced concrete.

Normal down-conductors shall be interconnected to one another by ring conductors located:

– at the top of the stack;
– every 25 m along the descent;
– at the base of the stack, at such a height that the length of the connection between the ring and
the earth electrode does not exceed 5 m.

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The reinforcement of the foundation shall be considered as a natural earth electrode provided that it
is made of electrically continuous bars; however, a normal ring earth electrode shall always be
provided and connected to the earth electrode around it in at least 4 points.

At least 2 earth terminals shall be provided for measurements.

Any electrical line installed on the stacks (signalling aerial obstruction), shall be protected by a metal
tube connected, even indirectly, to the reinforced concrete metal structure.
Metal ladders shall be connected to the reinforced concrete bars at least every 7 m vertically.
The metallic walkways shall be connected to the reinforced concrete bars in at least two points.

2.8.6 Masonry and reinforced concrete buildings with insulated roofing

Protection against atmospheric discharges for buildings with tile, slate, reinforced concrete roofing
etc., when necessary, shall be of the grid type.

In case a possible damage to the roofing has been taken in consideration, the roofs metal tie beams
and the floor reinforced bars, which are electrically continuous, can be used as pick-up gear.

Pick-up gear shall be connected to the earth electrode with down-conductors located in the building
vertex and along the walls, not distant more than 25 m from each other and at regular intervals.

When the buildings’ gutters are higher than 25 m, the down-conductors shall be connected to
horizontal conductors equally distant from each other and from the gutter, at intervals which shall be
not greater than 25 m.

Before being connected to the earth electrode, down-conductors shall be connected to an earth
electrode.

The earth electrode shall be normally constituted by a horizontal conductor buried around the
building in a ring shape at a distance of 0.5 - 1.5 m.
In reinforced concrete buildings, the reinforced bars can be used as down-conductors provided they
are electrically continuous.

The foundations reinforcement bars shall be considered as natural earth electrodes and as the only
electrodes provided that they are electrically continuous.

Metal casings, metal gutters, bars of main structures, also those inside the building, bars of roofing
and any metal parts of large dimensions located inside the building shall be connected to the
earthing systems.

In building constructed with prefabricated reinforced concrete structures, special connection points
shall be provided in order to join, after the installation, the reinforced bars of each single element by
means of u-bolts.

2.8.7 Metal buildings with conducting roofings

Lightning protection for metal buildings having conductor roofing shall be similar to that provided for
masonry buildings.

To avoid the perforation risk the thicknesses shall be as those indicated for piping and tanks
depending upon the type of material. In this case the metal roofing shall be considered natural pick-
up gear and, therefore, the normal gear (grid etc.); inferior thickness are allowed in case the risk of
perforation has been taken in consideration.
The following minimum thicknesses are allowed:

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Table 2.8-2: Conductors roofing (minimum allowed thicknesses)

Material mm
Galvanised 0,5
steel
Stainless steel 0,4
Copper 0,3
Aluminium 0,7
Zink 0,7
Lead 2

As for the roofing, also the building’s main metal structures can be considered as natural down-
conductors and, therefore, the normal ones shall be omitted provided that previous criteria are
complied with and the metal continuity of the structures is guaranteed perhaps with special U-bolts.

2.8.8 Bridges for mains, oil pipelines, gas pipelines, water pipelines, etc.
Pipelines shall normally be provided with cathodic protection; therefore they shall be kept separated
from the soil and the main structures of the bridge.

The separation shall be obtained with insulating material on the support seatings or with insulating
rollers.

The main metal structures, when above the mains, shall be considered as natural pick-up gear if they
have a transversal section > 200 mm².

These structures shall be normally earthed by means of a picket in each pile and each anchoring
block.

In bridges with a light further away than 50 m, two pickets shall be used instead of one for each pile
and each anchoring block.

If the main metal structures are not above the mains and the latter have a thickness respectively
inferior to that of 4 mm, if in iron, 5 mm if in copper and 7 mm if in aluminium, and contain dangerous
or flammable fluids, or are < 2.5 mm, the pick-up gear shall be realised with a guard cable.

In case of pipelines assembled on metal structures and electrically insulated from the latter, the
protection shall be completed with the addition of a surge arrester between the pipeline and the
earthed metal reinforcement in an easily accessible point but also where the distance between the
structures is small.

This aims to convey to earth any overvoltages present in the pipeline and due both to lateral
discharges between the metal structure and the pipeline in case of atmospheric discharge, and to
induced overvoltages caused for instance by parallelism with high voltage electric lines.

When rather large (over 100m) watercourses need to be crossed or when the main is placed on
aerial support (e.g. tunnel pipelines) the possibility to insert a dielectric joint on each end of the aerial
section of the main shall be assessed and the intermediate section of the main shall be considered
as a metallic structures to be tightly connected to earth along with the all support metal structure.

Any exposed short section of the pipeline (for branches, junction etc.), if they have a thickness
respectively inferior to that of 4 mm, if in iron, 5 mm if in copper and 7 mm if in aluminium and contain
dangerous or flammable fluids, or are < 2.5 mm shall be suitably protected against direct lightnings.
This type of system, generally located within a limited and enclosed area, shall be protected by
means of guard cables.

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2.9 SIZING OF COMPONENTS

2.9.1 General
The main components of an earthing system are:
– earth electrode elements;
– earth wires and protective earthing conductors;
– equipotential bondings;
– air-termination system and down-conductor system, only for protection against lightning.

2.9.2 Materials and dimensions of normal earth electrode elements

Normal earth electrode elements can be:
– of horizontal type, ring or grid (in metal strap, plait, rod iron);
– of rod type;
– a combination of the above two.

Unless the characteristics of the soil require the use of other material, Earth electrode elements can
be made of:
– galvanized steel;
– bare copper;
– tinned copper.
Dimensions can be those indicated in Table 2.9-1.

Table 2.9-1: Minimum cross section areas and thicknesses of earth electrode elements

MATERIALS
COPPER-SHEATHED
HOT-DIP GALVANISED STEEL
TYPE COPPER
STEEL (note 2)
External diameter 25 mm
External diameter 20 mm thickness: 2 mm
Tubular thickness: 2 mm 14 mm dia.
(note 1)
thickness: 3 mm
Section bar - Transversal dimensions:
(L, T,...) -----
50 mm

14 mm dia.
Round rod 15 mm dia. 16 mm dia.
50 mm2 90 mm2
Metal strap thickness: 2 mm thickness: 3 mm -----

70 mm2
50 mm2
wires elem. 1.7 mm
Plait wires elem. 1.7 mm -----

NOTES. (1) Soft steel.

(2) It can be used only upon authorisation by the Company.

Copper sheath obtained by means of electrolytic sediment and subsequent
drawing, or by means of hot rolling at the softening temperature for metals.
Copper minimum thickness: 250 μm.

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2.9.3 Materials and dimensions of natural earth electrodes

The following shall be considered natural earth electrodes:
– the metal elements of foundations, floorings, electrically continuous reinforced concrete
structures;
– the metal jackets of wells;
– buried conduits;
– tanks buried or laid on the ground;
– A.C. or steel foundation piles.

Water distribution pipes (whose electric continuity is not always guaranteed), pipes containing
flammable or explosive substances and pipes containing gasses or vapours shall not be normally
considered natural earth electrodes. Natural earth electrodes shall be considered as elements of the
earth earth electrode together with or in place of normal earth electrodes, if they are not removable, if
their electric continuity is guaranteed and if they have minimum dimensions as indicated in Table
2.9-1 for normal earth electrodes.
Natural earth electrodes having minimum dimension which are inferior to those indicated in Table
2.9-1 shall be connected to the earthing system in any case to avoid dangerous stresses due to fault
currents that may run through them.

2.9.4 Materials and dimensions of earth wires and of normal protections

a) Normal earth wires can be made of copper, galvanized steel or other material which is a good
conductor.
They shall be constituted by bare or insulated wires which are not part of the same cable of the
phase wires.

b) Normal protection wires can be made of copper, galvanized steel or any other material which is
a good conductor.

They can be constituted by:

– a conductor which is part of the same cable or the same conduit of the phase wires
(supplementary conductor or concentric conductor);
– a bare or insulated conductor which is not part of the same cable and not inserted in the same
conduit of the phase wires (valid only for fixed installations);
– a cable metal sheath, provided it has the right dimensions for this function (normally metal
sheaths are not);
– heavy rigid steel conduit.

c) Protection wires shall be sized by means of calculation, as indicated in c1) or chosen as

indicated in c2), but always according to the worse condition between the two following:

1) The minimum cross section area of a PE conductor (mm²) shall be determined by means of the
following formula:

( I2 t ) 1/2
S =
K

where I is the fault current in [A], t is the time of recovery in [s] and K is a constant of the
insulating material.

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2) More simply, the minimum sizing indicated in Table 2.9-2 can apply.

d) Earth wires shall be sized according to the formula indicated in c1) and they shall always have a
minimum section of:
– 16 mm² if the wires are made of insulated copper or steel, protected against corrosion;
– 25 mm² if the wires are made of bare copper, not protected against corrosion;
– 50 mm² if the wires are made of steel, not protected against corrosion.

Table 2.9-2: Minimum cross section areas for normal protection wires

PLANT PHASE WIRES MINIMUM SECTION OF

SECTION CORRESPONDING PROTECTION WIRES
S (mm2) S (mm2)
S
S Not part of the same cable and not
S>6 Part of the same cable or inserted in the same conduit with
inserted in the same conduit minimum:
≤ 2.5 if protected;
≤ 4 if not protected mechanically

S ≤ 16 S

16 < S ≤ 35 16

S > 35 S/2

NOTES: The minimum section shown refers to protection wires of the same
material of those of phase.
If different, the section shall be such to provide equivalent conductivity

2.9.5 Materials and dimensions of earth wires and of natural protections

– Metal cable pipes and conduits

– bars’ metal sheaths
– metal structures and the like

shall be considered natural earth and protection wires.

Natural earth and protection wires can be made of any metal which is good conductor.

Their minimum sizes shall at least be equivalent to those of normal earth and protection wires.

Natural earth and protection wires can be taken into consideration alongside with or in place of the
normal ones, if they are not removable, if their electric continuity is guaranteed, perhaps with
equipotential connections, and if they are protected against corrosions and mechanical damages.

In any case, in TN systems, metal structures shall not be used as protection conductor (PE) back to
the neutral; on the other hand, conduits, trays and bars’ metal sheaths can be used for that aim
provided their continuity is always guaranteed, perhaps with normal equipotential connections.

ENGINEERING COMPANY STANDARD

This document is property of Eni S.p.A Exploration & Production Division.
It shall neither be shown to Third Parties not used for purposes other than those for which it has been sent
 20210 VAR.ELE.SDS
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exploration & production division Sheet 27 of 31

2.9.6 Materials and dimensions of wires for equipotential connections

They shall be normally made of copper, galvanized steel or stainless steel, but they can also be
made of light alloy or some other material with good conductivity.

In protections against indirect contacts, the minimum section of the conductors shall correspond to
that of the protection wires with a minimum of 6 mm².

In protections against atmospheric discharges, the minimum section of the conductors shall
correspond to that of the down-conductors.

2.10 BOUNDARY CONDITIONS, LIMITS AND EXCLUSIONS

2.10.1 Applicability
This specification shall be considered as an integration for those aspects not specified in the Project
Documentation. The latter indicates limits of competencies, project data and the specific choices that
have been made.

2.10.2 Limits and exclusions

Any particular limits and exclusions shall be indicated in the Project Documents

2.11 ERGONOMICS
Equipment shall be designed according to ergonomics principles in order to improve system
performances.
Main issues to be evaluated shall be safety, being user friendly and environmental conditions such
as making access easier, lighting, noise level, vibrations, chemicals presence

2.11.1 Noise Level

System Overall noise level shall not exceed values fixed by applicable laws

2.11.2 Accessibility
Components accessibility during installation, erection, operation and maintenance shall be fully in
compliance with to relevant laws and standard. Moreover accessibility will be granted to authorized
personnel only according to relevant codes. Appropriate measures shall be provide to prevent
unauthorized people have access to the equipment

2.12 SAFETY

2.12.1 General requirements

Supplier shall assure that all equipment / materials subject of this specification shall be manufactured
according to the best practice and shall comply with all safety requirements fixed by laws, regulations
and reference codes applicable in the country and place of installation

ENGINEERING COMPANY STANDARD

This document is property of Eni S.p.A Exploration & Production Division.
It shall neither be shown to Third Parties not used for purposes other than those for which it has been sent
 20210 VAR.ELE.SDS
eni spa Rev. 4 March 2012
exploration & production division Sheet 28 of 31

2.12.2 Protection against indirect contacts

Earthing bars/plates and protective wrapping shall be installed on all equipment according to
applicable laws and codes.

2.12.3 Protection against direct contacts

Electrical circuit live parts shall be placed and protected in such a way that skilled and authorized
personnel only shall be able, with energized switchboard, to carry out the following operations
without direct contact danger:

- visual inspection of movement equipment

- Regulation and restoration relays and disconnecting switch, inspection of instruments and
signaling devices
- replacement of lamps, auxiliary fuses etc…
- Voltage, current measures and faults localization carried out with properly isolated and
designed
- Removal, for maintenance purpose, of parts of each de-energized circuit.

2.13 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS

Quality Assurance and/or Management additional requirements will be included in the management
specification attached to contractual documentation

2.14 ISPECTION AND TESTING ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Inspection & Testing required by Company are listed in the Inspection Data Sheet (I.D.S.) and are
classified as follows:

• type test
• acceptance test
• special test

Supplier / Contractor shall submit its inspection & testing plan, including available equipment
description, for approval.

2.14.1 Type Test

Type testing scope is to verify equipment conformity to reference codes and to original project.
Type testing will be carried out inspecting and testing a prototype at Supplier full charge

2.14.2 Acceptance Test

All testing shall be fully in compliance with attached IDS and reference codes.

ENGINEERING COMPANY STANDARD

This document is property of Eni S.p.A Exploration & Production Division.
It shall neither be shown to Third Parties not used for purposes other than those for which it has been sent
 20210 VAR.ELE.SDS
eni spa Rev. 4 March 2012
exploration & production division Sheet 29 of 31

2.14.3 Special Test

All inspection and testing not included in type and acceptance ones, but if required case by case at
Company sole judgment, are defined as special tests.
Whenever required they shall be included within project documentation.

2.15 DOCUMENTATION
Supplier shall transmit to Company, according to project requirements and schedule, all
documentation listed in required technical documentation data sheet (D.D.S.).
Documentation will be issued in the official language defined in relevant data sheet, adopting
symbols fixed by codes

2.15.1 Bid Documentation

Supplier shall include in its offer all information and documentation required by Data Sheet; if not
otherwise stated in the ITT (Invitation to Tender).

2.15.2 Documentation to be approved

Documentation requiring Company’s approval shall be listed in the ITT (Invitation to Tender). If not
listed, requirements include in relevant attached DDS shall be applied

2.15.3 Documentation relevant to penalties application

Documentation relevant to penalties application, if any, shall be listed in the ITT (Invitation to
Tender).

2.15.4 Documentation for Company’s use

All Documentation for equipment erection and connecting in field shall be supplied according to the
project schedule

2.15.5 Testing Documentation

Supplier shall submit to Company according to ITT (Invitation to Tender) requirements and schedule
all documentation relevant to type, acceptance, special test. If not otherwise stated, requirements
included in the attached DDS are applicable

2.15.6 Final Technical Documentation

If not otherwise specified in the project documentation, Final Technical Documentation, with the sole
exception of Supplier’s / Sub Supplier’s catalogues and publications, shall include the following
references:
• Supplier’s name
• Company’s name
• Unit identification tags, as defined by Company
• Document title
• Company’s job order references

ENGINEERING COMPANY STANDARD

This document is property of Eni S.p.A Exploration & Production Division.
It shall neither be shown to Third Parties not used for purposes other than those for which it has been sent
 20210 VAR.ELE.SDS
eni spa Rev. 4 March 2012
exploration & production division Sheet 30 of 31

and shall include the following as a minimum:

a) Erection Project and manuals
b) OperativeManuals
c) Maintenance Manuals
d) Two years operation spare parts list
Description and Drawings might be included in Supplier’s catalogues or brochure, subject to the
following requirements:
• Including all data and information required as final.
• If relevant to supplied types and if materials to be supplied are clearly defined among the
ones described in the document
Documentation to be approved by Company shall be duly included in the final documentation as
approved by Company

2.16 LOCATION OF EARTHING SYSTEM COMPONENTS (FIG. 2.16-1)

Figure 2.16-1: location of earthing system components

LEGEND

9 7 5 1 Intentional earth plate

8 8 8 2 Earth plate element

6
6
7 7 3
7 Earthing wire (E)
7 M M M
3 3 3 4 Protection wire (PE)

5 Equipotential connection

4 3 Earthing terminal or
6 marshalling point
5
3 Earthing connection
6 7 terminal
3 2
Metallic mass (exposed
8 conductice part)
2 Foreign metallic mass
9 (foreign conductive part)
2
1 1

NB: All wires at point 3-4-5 also perform the function

of earth plate if insulated

ENGINEERING COMPANY STANDARD

This document is property of Eni S.p.A Exploration & Production Division.
It shall neither be shown to Third Parties not used for purposes other than those for which it has been sent
 20210 VAR.ELE.SDS
eni spa Rev. 4 March 2012
exploration & production division Sheet 31 of 31

3. METHOD OF COMPANY STANDARS REQUEST / INFORMATION

For employees of Eni Exploration & Production Division:

• All documentation Company Standards, for ENI employees, is available
on follow ENI intranet:

http://wwweandp.eni.it/TSServices/ITEM/Standards-/index.asp

• To request technical information on this document write to

Community of Pratics Electrical / Automation / Instrumentation:

CopEleStau@eni.com

For the outside Companies:

• The outside Companies that in a contract with the contractor must
use the Company standards, they may request a copy of the
company standard at the Development manager of the contract.

ENGINEERING COMPANY STANDARD

This document is property of Eni S.p.A Exploration & Production Division.
It shall neither be shown to Third Parties not used for purposes other than those for which it has been sent