ABOUT THIS COURSE
This course provides advanced, field-ready training in Equipotential Zone (EPZ) grounding within substations, using hands-on tabletop modeling and real-world fault scenarios. It’s designed for journeyman linemen, substation technicians, apprentices, switching coordinators, supervisors and safety professionals.
Participants will leave able to design, defend, and execute a safe substation grounding plan under high-fault current conditions. By utilizing a variety of presentation materials, content delivery appeals to a wide audience of diverse learning styles. This also allows each session to be tailored to the specific learning environment and the education and experience of the learners. This is not an attempt to bluster the learner with electrical engineering principles or bore them to death with a slide deck. PowerPoint training retention is very low – this approach is much more effective.
THIS COURSE COVERS
Learning Outcomes:
Apply EPZ principles in transmission and distribution substations Evaluate fault current magnitude and duration effects
Identify hazardous potential differences within the yard
Design effective bonding strategies beyond 'grid only' assumptions Build defensible grounding plans using realistic switching scenarios
Covered Subjects:
EPZ Fundamentals – Substation Specific
Fault current behavior in grid-fed yards
Step vs. touch potential inside gravel surfaces
X/R ratio and asymmetrical fault impact
Why ground grid does not equal worker equipotential
Substation hazards: rigid bus gaps, transformer tank rise, induction, backfeed, parallel current paths
Grounding strategy comparison: single-point vs. bracket grounding
Grid-only misconceptions
Metallic bonding within reach envelope
Ground lead impedance and current division
Multi-crew, multi-source fault simulation
Transmission and distribution backfeed
Mobile equipment in yard
Adjacent energized bay induction
Worker voltage exposure control
Fault duration vs. conductor heating
Effective zone radius
Induction and parallel path hazards
'Connected to ground' vs. 'Equipotential'
Tabletop Exercise 1 – 115 kV Disconnect Replacement
Identify isolation points
Install protective groundsBond structure, bus, and worker zone
Establish effective EPZ mat area
Address adjacent energized equipment
Instructor injects simulated fault conditions and hidden hazards
Tabletop Exercise 2 – Power Transformer Bushing Replacement
Transmission source contribution
Delta tertiary backfeed
Station service supply
Breaker failure and delayed clearing Complete EPZ plan for elevated work and tank access
PLAN TRAINING FOR
YOUR CREW
LOCATION
In-Person Training at Your Location
Recommended Class Size
20-40 people
COST
$3200 per day + travel costs
$2900 per day + travel costs for 2 consecutive days in same location
$2700 per day + travel costs for 3+ consecutive days in same location
REQUEST TRAINING
PLAN TRAINING FOR YOUR CREW
Fill out the request form and we'll reach out to confirm availability, discuss your group size, location, and schedule a date that works for you.
THIS COURSE
Substation EPZ Grounding
