IEEE 1246-2020

IEEE 1246-2020 is the guide for temporary protective grounding systems used in substations, addressing how grounding assemblies are selected, applied, and managed for electrical safety. In substation environments, temporary grounds are a practical safeguard during maintenance, switching, and outage work, helping reduce the risk of accidental energization and hazardous induced voltages. This standard is especially relevant where components, circuits, and power system equipment must be worked on under controlled, documented conditions.

IEEE 1246-2020 overview

This technical document focuses on temporary protective grounding practices for substations, where reliable grounding methods are essential to safe work execution. IEEE 1246-2020 helps define a consistent framework for grounding system considerations, including application in power, energy, and industrial electrical settings. By addressing the function of temporary protective grounds rather than permanent installation design, it supports more disciplined planning around maintenance work, equipment isolation, and worker protection in high-energy environments.

Typical use cases

This standard is commonly used when substations are taken out of service for inspection, repair, testing, or component replacement. It is relevant to grounding jumpers, clamps, bus connections, and other temporary protective grounding equipment used around switching devices, conductors, and related substation apparatus. Utilities, industrial facilities, and engineering teams may refer to IEEE 1246-2020 when establishing work procedures for de-energized zones, especially where grounded work boundaries must be clear and dependable.

Why this standard matters

Temporary grounding practices have a direct impact on personnel safety and operational control, so a clear standard helps reduce variability in the field. IEEE 1246-2020 supports more consistent selection and use of grounding systems, which can improve coordination between design, maintenance, and outage planning activities. It also helps organizations align procurement and work procedures with a defined technical basis, lowering the chance of avoidable errors during substation work and supporting safer, more repeatable practices.

• Temporary protective grounding for substations
• Grounding jumpers, clamps, and related assemblies
• Maintenance, outage, and switching work support
• Safety practices for de-energized equipment
• Technical guidance for consistent grounding application