Ground fault distribution on overhead transmission lines

2006

When a ground fault occurs on an overhead transmission line in a power network with grounded neutral, the fault current returns to the grounded neutral through the tower structures, ground return paths and ground wires. This paper presents an analytical method in order to evaluate the ground fault current distribution in an effectively grounded power network. The effect of soil resistivity, ground resistance of towers and power line configuration, on the magnitude of return currents, has been examined.