
Page 1
Rev. 11-A-063018
SE-330 Neutral-Grounding-Resistor Monitor
1. GENERAL
1.1 Modern Resistance-Grounded Systems
A high-resistance-grounded system uses a neutral-grounding
resistor (NGR) with a low let-through current to limit the ground-
fault current. This is an improvement from low-resistance and
solidly grounded systems, which do not use NGRs and therefore
have a ground-fault flash hazard that can cause substantial point-
of-fault damage. High-resistance grounding eliminates these
problems. Modern ground-fault protection reliably operates at low
current levels. Furthermore, the probability of an arc-flash incident
is significantly reduced in high-resistance-grounded systems.
NGR selection depends on system charging current and whether
the system is an alarm-only or a tripping system. Alarm-only
systems are usually restricted to system voltages up to 5 kV with
NGR let-through currents of 5 A or less. Occasionally, alarm-only
systems up to 15 kV and 10 A are used, however, these systems
are not common because a ground fault on such a system tends
to escalate to a phase-to-phase fault before the ground fault can
be located and cleared. Consult Canadian Electrical (CE) Code rule
10-302, National Electric Code (NEC)* 250.36, and NEC 250.186 for
application details.
System charging current is the capacitive current that flows
to ground when a bolted ground fault occurs. This current can
be calculated or measured. For small systems, the magnitude of
charging current may be conservatively estimated as ½ A per 1,000
kVA in low-voltage systems and 1 A per 1,000 kVA in medium-
voltage systems.
In an alarm-only system or in a tripping system without selective
coordination, use an NGR with a let-through current larger than the
system charging current. Set the pick-up current of ground-fault
devices at or below 50% of the NGR let-through current.
In a tripping system with selective coordination, use ground-fault
devices that have a definite-time characteristic to achieve time
coordination. Use the same pick-up current for all ground-fault
devices, which must be a larger value than the charging current
of the largest feeder. Select an NGR with a let-through current
between five and 10 times the pick-up current of the ground-fault
devices.
Do not use a grounding transformer with a low-voltage resistor:
• The combined cost of a transformer and a low-voltage resistor
is more than the cost of a resistor that is rated for line-to-
neutral voltage.
• A transformer saturated by a ground fault through a rectifier
can make ground-fault protection inoperative.
• Transformer inrush current up to 12 times the rated current can
cause a voltage that is larger than expected.
• A parallel transformer winding makes it difficult to monitor
NGR continuity.
• A transformer can provide the inductance necessary to cause
ferroresonance if the NGR opens.
Following these guidelines will reduce the flash hazard, reduce
point-of-fault damage, achieve reliable ground-fault protection, and
ensure a stable system not subject to ferroresonance.
1.2 SE-330 NGR Monitoring
The SE-330 is a microprocessor-based NGR monitor that detects
NGR failures and ground faults in resistance-grounded systems and
is compliant with the 2018 CE Code. The SE-330 measures NGR
resistance, NGR current, and transformer or generator neutral-to-
ground voltage. The components required to monitor an NGR are
an SE-330, a 20- or 100-kΩ ER-series sensing resistor, and a current
transformer (CT).
Power-circuit elements (other than neutral-connected NGRs)
that purposefully connect the power system to ground are often
not compatible with SE-330 NGR monitoring. These elements
include single-phase grounding transformers, grounded-wye-
primary potential transformers, and grounded-wye-primary power
transformers.
The SE-330 continuously measures NGR resistance in an
unfaulted system. It will trip on resistor fault if the NGR resistance
varies from its calibrated value. When a ground fault occurs, voltage
is present on the neutral. NGR current will flow if the NGR is healthy.
The SE-330 will trip on ground fault if fault current exceeds the GF
TRIP LEVEL setting for an interval equal to the GF TRIP TIME setting.
However, if the NGR fails open during a ground fault, it is possible
for fault resistance to satisfy the NGR resistance measurement. To
detect this double-fault condition, the SE-330 measures neutral
voltage. If neutral voltage exceeds the VNTRIP LEVEL setting and if
NGR current is less than 5% of the CT rating, the SE-330 will trip on
resistor fault. If the resistor-fault circuit is tripped and the neutral
voltage exceeds the VNTRIP LEVEL setting for an interval greater
than the GF TRIP TIME setting, the ground-fault circuit will also trip.
Ground-fault current is sensed by a CT with a 1- or 5-A secondary,
or by a CT (ELCT5-x or ELCT30-x) with a 50-mA secondary. The trip
level of the ground-fault circuit is adjustable from 2 to 100% of the
CT rating. The trip time is adjustable from 0.1 to 10.0 seconds.
The SE-330 has four output relays. With firmware version 3.00 or
higher, relays K1, K2, and K3 can be assigned to one of the following
functions (using SE-MON330 version 4.0 or higher):
• Ground Fault (GF);
• Resistor Fault (RF);
• Enhanced Health Status (HEALTH);
• GF + RF;
• GF + RF + HEALTH; or
• DISABLED.