Step & Touch Voltage Analysis
Safety analysis and mitigation of hazardous step and touch potentials at electrical facilities.
Service Overview
Step and touch potential hazards represent one of the most serious safety risks at electrical facilities. During a ground fault event, dangerous voltages can appear on the surface of the earth near a grounding system — creating hazardous conditions for personnel who may be standing near the fault location (step potential) or touching grounded equipment (touch potential).
E&S Grounding Solutions performs comprehensive step and touch potential analysis using CDEGS computer modeling to evaluate the safety of grounding systems under fault conditions. Our engineers calculate the tolerable limits per IEEE 80 and compare them against the actual potentials predicted by the model — identifying areas where hazardous conditions exist and designing mitigation measures to bring the system into compliance.
Proper step and touch potential analysis is required by IEEE 80 for all new substation designs and is strongly recommended for existing facilities where personnel safety cannot be confirmed.
Key Benefits
- IEEE 80 compliant step and touch potential analysis
- CDEGS computer modeling for accurate fault condition simulation
- Identification of hazardous areas within and around the facility
- Mitigation design including ground grid modifications and surface treatment
- Personnel safety verification for existing and new facilities
- Written report with analysis results and mitigation recommendations
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+1 310-318-7151Our Process
Data Collection
Fault current levels, soil resistivity data, and facility grounding drawings gathered.
CDEGS Modeling
Complete grounding system modeled in CDEGS under fault conditions.
Potential Analysis
Step and touch potentials calculated and compared against IEEE 80 tolerable limits.
Mitigation Design
Ground grid modifications, surface treatment, and other mitigation measures designed as needed.
Report Delivery
Detailed report with analysis results, hazard maps, and mitigation recommendations.
Standards & Codes
Industries Served
Related Technical Articles
What is Step and Touch Potential and Reducing Resistance to Ground?
Step and touch potential are the two primary electrical safety hazards at substations and industrial facilities. Learn how they are calculated and reduced to safe levels per IEEE 80.
What Is Ground Potential Rise and Earth Potential Rise?
Ground potential rise during a fault event is the root cause of dangerous step and touch voltages. Learn how GPR is calculated and what it means for personnel safety.
How to Calculate Fault Current in Electrical Substation Grounding Design
Fault current is the starting point for every step and touch potential analysis. Learn the calculation method used by engineers to size the grounding system.
Understanding Soil Resistivity Testing for Electrical Grounding
Soil resistivity directly determines the magnitude of step and touch potentials. Learn why it must be measured before any safety analysis can be performed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is step potential?
Step potential is the voltage difference between two points on the earth's surface separated by one pace (approximately one meter) during a ground fault event. A person standing with feet at these two points completes a circuit through their legs, and if the voltage exceeds the tolerable limit per IEEE 80, it can cause injury or death.
What is touch potential?
Touch potential is the voltage difference between a grounded metallic structure and the earth's surface at the point where a person is standing while touching the structure. During a fault event, this voltage can exceed safe limits and cause electric shock. IEEE 80 defines tolerable touch potential limits based on body weight and fault duration.
When is a step and touch potential analysis required?
IEEE 80 requires step and touch potential analysis for all new substation grounding designs. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 requires employers to evaluate and mitigate step and touch potential hazards at electrical facilities. Analysis is also recommended for any existing facility where personnel safety cannot be confirmed.
How are step and touch potentials mitigated?
Step and touch potentials are mitigated through a combination of ground grid modifications (adding conductors or electrodes), surface treatment (crushed stone or asphalt), equipotential bonding, and personnel protective equipment. E&S Grounding Solutions uses CDEGS software to model each mitigation option and select the most cost-effective solution.
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