Step and Touch Voltage Safety Calculator | Grounding System Analysis Tool

    Created by Md jony islam

    substation step voltage analysis tool

    Calculate step and touch voltage potentials for electrical grounding system safety. Analyze fault currents, soil resistivity, and grid parameters to ensure compliance with IEEE standards. Controlling the voltage at the grounding connections is necessary for safety, so step and touch voltage calculations are included during the engineering of the electrical grounding system. They determine the greatest electric difference a person may receive from someone or something grounded during a ground fault. Engineers use the resulting calculations to plan grounding systems that meet IEEE Standard 80 for safety when dealing with soil resistivity, fault current strength, clearing time, and surface material layers.

    free step touch voltage safety calculator online

    Step and Touch Voltage Calculator

    Calculate safe step and touch voltage limits for grounding systems

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    Fault Parameters

    Body Parameters

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    What is the Step and Touch Voltage Safety?

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    step potential hazard calculator tool

    Frequently Asked Questions - substation step voltage analysis Conversion FAQs:

    How to test step potential?

    The ground resistance tester (often a fall-of-potential tool) is placed about 1 meter apart at a person’s step distance on the soil’s surface near the grounding system. An amount of voltage is provided to the ground, and the difference in potential between the two places is examined to represent the results of walking by a faulted system. A determination is made during a fault by testing whether the voltage between a person’s feet is within safety limits.

    What is step potential?

    The voltage difference seen between points on the ground that are one meter apart and connected by a step is called step potential, and it mostly forms when a fault current flows into the earth. A person who gets close to a grounding system during a fault may be seriously shocked by the voltage difference. Assessing this value at the beginning of substation grounding system work and testing makes sure people are protected.

    What is the difference between GPR and touch voltage?

    GPR is the complete increase in ground voltage seen in a faulted system, measured against a ground far away. It’s the difference between the voltage on a grounded thing (like a fence or equipment housing) and the voltage beneath the feet of a person touching the object. On an electronic system, GPR matters, but touch voltage is about the safety of workers and is specific to each point they touch.

    How is touch potential calculated?

    Touch potential means taking the voltage that lies between a grounded component and a spot on the earth, 1 meter away from the component, and gives an estimate. The equation is almost always: V_touch = V_object − V_ground (with both equal to 1 m). The galvanic resistance value depends on the soil’s resistivity, how much current travels through faults, and the design of grounding equipment. In grounding studies, calculations usually adopt IEEE Std 80 or comparable methods.

    How to calculate step potential?

    V_step is found by applying the formula V_step = ρ × I_f / (2π × d), with RTSOUR resisting soil current, fault current I_f, and feet-to-fault distance of d (around 1 m). For this model, it is assumed that the current flowing from a fault propagates outwards uniformly in the soil. More advanced methods, such as software or field tests, can more accurately determine stratification in multi-layered soil or complex ground grids. Comparing current flows to the limits found in IEEE or IEC standards.

    About the Author

    Md Jony Islam

    Md Jony Islam: Multidisciplinary Engineer & Financial Expert:

    Md. Jony Islam is a highly skilled professional with expertise in electronics, electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering, as well as finance. Specializing in transformer service and maintenance for 33/11kV substations, he ensures reliable and efficient electrical systems. His mechanical engineering skills drive innovative designs, while his financial acumen supports effective project budgeting. With a strong foundation in civil engineering, he contributes to robust infrastructure development. Md. Jony Islam's multidisciplinary approach ensures efficiency, quality, and reliability across all projects.