Load currents and short-circuit currents in high-voltage power cable lines are sources of the induced voltages in the power cables’ concentric metallic sheaths. When power cables operate with single-point bonding, which is the simplest bonding arrangement, these induced voltages may introduce an electric shock hazard or may lead to damage of the cables’ outer non-metallic sheaths at the unearthed end of the power cable line. To avoid these aforementioned hazards, both-ends bonding of metallic sheaths is implemented but, unfortunately, it leads to increased power losses in the power cable line, due to the currents circulating through the sheaths. A remedy for the circulating currents is cross bonding—the most advanced bonding solution. Each solution has advantages and disadvantages. In practice, the decision referred to its selection should be preceded by a wide analysis. This paper presents a case study of the induced sheath voltages in a specific 110 kV power cable line. This power cable line is a specific one, due to the relatively low level of transferred power, much lower than the one resulting from the current-carrying capacity of the cables. In such a line, the induced voltages in normal operating conditions are on a very low level. Thus, no electric shock hazard exists and for this reason, the simplest arrangement—single-point bonding—was initially recommended at the project stage. However, a more advanced computer-based investigation has shown that in the case of the short-circuit conditions, induced voltages for this arrangement are at an unacceptably high level and risk of the outer non-metallic sheaths damage occurs. Moreover, the induced voltages during short circuits are unacceptable in some sections of the cable line even for both-ends bonding and cross bonding. The computer simulations enable to propose a simple practical solution for limiting these voltages. Recommended configurations of this power cable line—from the point of view of the induced sheath voltages and power losses—are indicated.

For protection against electric shock in low voltage systems residual current devices are commonly used. However, their proper operation can be interfered when high frequency earth fault current occurs. Serious hazard of electrocution exists then. In order to detect such a current, it is necessary to modify parameters of residual current devices, especially the operating point of their current transformer. The authors proposed the modification in the structure of residual current devices. This modification improves sensitivity of residual current devices when high frequency earth fault current occurs. The test of the modified residual current device proved that the authors’ proposition is appropriate.

The paper discusses two evaluation methods of single pole auto-reclosing process effectiveness in HV transmission lines. Secondary arc current and recovery voltage calculation results obtained by load flow calculation are compared to the results obtained by the time domain simulations. Moreover, a nonlinear secondary arc model implementation is presented. The paper presents the study results for the three types of EHV transmission lines: single circuit, double circuit and double circuit with shunt reactors. The authors indicate, that precise representation of secondary electric arc in power system studies can lead to different conclusion than analysis carried out on simplified arc models.

Fast development of various types of converters makes their utilization in industry and in domestic installations very common. Due to converters, an earth fault current waveform in modern circuits can be distorted or its frequency can be different than 50/60 Hz. Frequency of earth fault (residual) current influences tripping of residual current devices which are widely used in low voltage systems. This paper presents the behaviour of residual current devices when residual current of frequency lower than 50 Hz flows. The results of the analysis have shown that many of commonly used residual current devices are not able to detect residual current when its frequency is significantly lower than 50 Hz. Thus, protection against electric shock may not be effective.

In high voltage power cable systems a problem of induced sheath voltages exist. Due to these voltages electric shock and damage of non-metallic outer sheath of the cables may occur. Exposure to voltage of the outer sheath may be very high in case of earth fault with high value of earth current. In order to reduce induced sheath voltages an earth continuity conductor (conductors) along power cables is applied. Configuration of this conductor is very important for reducing induced voltages as well. This paper considers the effect of earth continuity conductor configurations on induced sheath voltages in power cables. The calculations of the voltages are based on a power cable system to be applied in a local power system.