NEUTRAL POINT TREATMENT

Impact on Single-Phase Earth Fault Currents

Earth Fault Visualization in Distribution Systems

Understanding how different grounding methods behave under fault conditions is critical for grid safety, reliability, and operational continuity.

Explore our Earth Fault Visualization to compare isolated, solidly grounded, and compensated networks – and see how fault currents evolve in each scenario.

Earth Fault in Distribution Networks

3 Grounding Scenarios

How neutral point treatment affects fault current magnitude and arc extinction.

#1. EARTH FAULT IN

Solid Networks

Earth (ground) fault cases in solidly grounded networks require robust protection systems and fast disconnection of the faulty line.

In these scenarios, fault currents are often greater than 1,000 A. Therefore, robust protection systems and fast disconnection of the faulty line are required.

#2. EARTH FAULT IN

Isolated Networks

In isolated networks, fault currents are moderate (typically greater than 35 A), depending on network size.

Although the residual current is significantly lower than in solidly grounded networks, arcs may continue to burn, as the fault current is not actively suppressed.

#3. EARTH FAULT IN

Compensated Networks

Compensated networks use arc suppression coils to offset most of the fault current. As a result, the residual current self-extinguishes and remains below 35 A, significantly reducing potential damage.

This enables continuous operation during a single-phase fault.

Active Earth Fault Compensation

Trench ARCC® System

Our solution to reduce residual current below 0.5 A in under 85 ms – without tripping the line.

EARTH FAULT IN

Compensated Networks with ARCC®

Every earth (ground) fault poses a risk to equipment and the environment. By combining an earth fault detector and an inverter with an arc suppression coil, the residual current is actively reduced to less than 0.5 A in under 85 milliseconds.

This makes it the safest and most reliable solution for bushfire – and wildfire-prone areas.

Early fault compensation and rapid isolation without tripping ensure grid resilience and fire safety compliance.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR

ARCC® Wildfire Mitigation System