What is required due to high fault current levels in substations?

Larger grounding cables and clamps are required in substations primarily due to the high fault current levels that can occur during fault conditions. When a fault occurs, such as a short circuit, the electrical current can spike significantly. These elevated current levels necessitate a robust grounding system to safely dissipate the energy into the ground and prevent hazards such as equipment damage, shock hazards to personnel, and fire risks.

Using larger grounding cables ensures that the system can handle the high fault currents without overheating or failing. Moreover, appropriately sized clamps are essential to maintain secure connections between the grounding system and various components, ensuring effective grounding performance. This increases the reliability and safety of the substation by helping mitigate the consequences of fault events.

Choosing smaller grounding cables or standard equipment would not provide adequate protection against high fault currents, making the overall system less safe. Thus, the requirement for larger components is critical in maintaining the integrity and safety of the electrical system within substations.