CYMGRD For Windows: September 2000

CYMGRD for Windows
USER'S GUIDE AND REFERENCE MANUAL
September 2000
CYMGRD for Windows
 1995-2000 CYME INTERNATIONAL INC.
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CYMGRD for Windows
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 ....................................................................................................................1
GETTING STARTED ..............................................................................................................................1

1.1 General introduction .......................................................................................................................1
1.2 Software and hardware requirements .............................................................................................1
1.3 Installing CYMGRD for Windows....................................................................................................2
1.4 CYMGRD analysis modules ...........................................................................................................3
1.5 Interactive data entry......................................................................................................................3
1.6 First-time user ................................................................................................................................4
1.7 Dividing the grid in elements ..........................................................................................................4
1.8 How to use CYMGRD.....................................................................................................................4
1.9 Creating Projects and Studies ........................................................................................................5
1.9.1 The "Project" menu ..................................................................................................................6
1.10 The menu bar of CYMGRD .........................................................................................................8
1.11 The ribbons ..................................................................................................................................8
1.12 The Windows menu....................................................................................................................12
CHAPTER 2 ..................................................................................................................15
SOIL RESISTIVITY AND SAFETY ASSESSMENT.............................................................................15

2.1 Soil resistivity measurements and soil models..............................................................................15
2.2 Soil resistivity. Methodology and algorithm...................................................................................16
2.3 The "SOIL" menu .........................................................................................................................17
2.3.1 The “Soil >> Input data” command.........................................................................................18
2.3.2 The "Soil >> Import from" command ......................................................................................19
2.3.3 The "Soil >> Calculate" command..........................................................................................19
2.3.4 The "Soil >> Visualize" command ..........................................................................................20
2.4 The "SAFETY ASSESSMENT" analysis.......................................................................................21
2.5 The "Graphic Parameters" option .................................................................................................22
CHAPTER 3 ..................................................................................................................23
THE GRID MODULE.............................................................................................................................23

3.1 General introduction .....................................................................................................................23
3.2 Electrode types and terminology...................................................................................................23
3.3 Grounding system structure and location ......................................................................................24
3.4 The "Grid" menu...........................................................................................................................24
3.4.1 The “Grid >> Input data >> Installation” command .................................................................24
3.4.2 The “Grid >> Input data >> Electrodes” command .................................................................26
3.4.3 Geometrical station layout.....................................................................................................30
3.4.4 The Grid >> Input data >> Merge with... command ................................................................30
3.4.5 The Grid >> Input data >> Import from... command ...............................................................31
3.4.6 The Grid >> Calculate command ...........................................................................................32
3.4.7 The Grid >> Visualize command ............................................................................................32
3.4.8 The Grid >> Graphic parameters dialog box ..........................................................................33
3.5 Examining the tabular results file..................................................................................................34
CYMGRD for Windows
CHAPTER 4 ..................................................................................................................37
THE PLOT MODULE ............................................................................................................................37

4.1 General introduction .....................................................................................................................37
4.2 The Contours menu......................................................................................................................37
4.2.1 The "Contours >> Calculate" command .................................................................................37
4.2.2 The "Contours >> Calculate" mouse command ......................................................................39
4.2.3 The "Contours >> Visualize" command ..................................................................................41
4.2.4 The "Contours >> View report" command ..............................................................................41
4.2.5 The "Contours >> Rename" command ...................................................................................41
4.2.6 The "Contours >> Delete" command ......................................................................................41
4.2.7 The "Contours >> Parameters" command ..............................................................................42
4.2.8 Inspecting contour plots .........................................................................................................44
4.3 The Profile menu..........................................................................................................................45
4.3.1 The "Profile >> Calculate" command .....................................................................................45
4.3.2 The "Profile >> Calculate" mouse command ..........................................................................47
4.3.3 The "Profile >> Visualize" command ......................................................................................48
4.3.4 The "Profile >> View report" command ..................................................................................48
4.3.5 The "Profile >> Rename" command.......................................................................................48
4.3.6 The "Profile >> Delete" command ..........................................................................................48
4.3.7 The "Profile >> Parameters" command ..................................................................................49
4.3.8 Inspecting potential profile plots .............................................................................................50
APPENDIX I.....................................................................................................................1
EXAMPLE STUDIES...............................................................................................................................1
Most commonly used functions ............................................................................................................1
Keyboard arrows...............................................................................................................................1
Using the mouse in 3-D display.........................................................................................................1
Double-click......................................................................................................................................1
Tile/Auto-tile .....................................................................................................................................1
Print/Print all.....................................................................................................................................1
Save .................................................................................................................................................1
Example 1: Primary electrode only.....................................................................................................18
1.1 Resistivity analysis of the substation soil.....................................................................................2
1.2 Safety assessment analysis ........................................................................................................4
1.3 Grounding installation data entry.................................................................................................6
1.4 Surface potential analysis with the PLOT module......................................................................11
1.5 Potential profile analysis along an axis with the PLOT module ..................................................15
Example 2: Primary, return and distinct electrode ..............................................................................18
2.1 Grounding installation overview ................................................................................................18
CYMGRD for Windows
APPENDIX II....................................................................................................................1
Comparison with the IEEE80 Guide .....................................................................................................1
APPENDIX III...................................................................................................................1
CADGRD - The CYMGRD - AutoCAD Interface module .......................................................................1

1.00 Program Summary ......................................................................................................................1
2.00 Drawing a station ground grid with AutoCAD ................................................................................2
2.1 General.......................................................................................................................................2
2.2 Drawing the GRID Layout using AutoCAD:..................................................................................3
2.3 Illustrative example...................................................................................................................10
3.00 Validation & Update of the AutoCAD drawing ............................................................................20
3.1 Validating the AutoCAD drawing. ..............................................................................................20
3.2 Updating the AutoCAD drawing.................................................................................................24
4.00 IMPORTING from AutoCAD to CYMGRD...................................................................................26
5.00 EXPORTING from CYMGRD to AutoCAD ..................................................................................29
6.00 Working with CADGRD ..............................................................................................................31
CYMGRD for Windows
Chapter 1
GETTING STARTED
1.1 General introduction
CYMGRD for Windows assists engineers who design grounding facilities for substations and
buildings. Firstly, it determines the resistivity of the soil from measured values. The engineer
may instruct CYMGRD to interpret the data as though the soil were of uniform resistivity or as
though it consisted of two horizontal layers of different resistivity.
Secondly, it computes the tolerable Step and Touch Voltages per IEEE Standard 80. The
user defines the fault current magnitude and duration, the thickness and resistivity of a layer of
material (such as crushed rock) applied to the soil surface, and the body weight.
Thirdly, it displays the layout of the grounding grid continuously as the engineer positions
conductors and rods. It is also possible to define other buried conductors not directly connected
to the grid.
Finally, it calculates voltages resulting from a ground fault and displays them in different
colors in two or three dimensions, making it easy to evaluate the safety of personnel and
equipment in and around the grounding grid.
The results of alternative grid designs may be displayed simultaneously for comparison.
1.2 Software and hardware requirements
CYMGRD can be used with Windows 3.1, WorkGroups for Windows 3.11, Windows NT, or
Windows 95. Platforms using 100% Windows 3.1 emulation, such as OS/2 version 3.0 (Warp),
are equally supported.
The minimum hardware requirements are:
• Pentium computer;
• 32 MB RAM;
• 20 MB free memory on the hard disk;
• A Microsoft mouse or equivalent;

• A color monitor with Super VGA and a graphic card supporting 256 colors or more
• Any printer or plotter supported by Windows
Chapter 1 - Getting Started 1

CYMGRD for Windows
1.3 Installing CYMGRD for Windows
The CYMGRD package includes the installation CD and one protection key which plugs
into the parallel port on your computer. You cannot operate the program without the key
in place. You can, however, install it.
1. Start Microsoft Windows.
2. Insert the CYME CD into the CD-ROM reader.
3. The installation program should start automatically after a few seconds.
If it does not start by itself, use Windows Explorer to inspect the main directory of
the CYME CD. Locate the icon “Setup32” and double-click on it.
4. Click on the option to “Install Products or Demos”.
5. Choose English and then your version of Windows.
6. Choose CYMGRD from the list of software names.
7. Follow the prompts and screen instructions.
8. Insert the hardware key into the line printer port (e.g., LPT1). Please refer to the
document sent along with the CYME CD package for "Setting Up the Protection
Key". Users of Windows NT must also install the proper driver.
2 Chapter 1 - Getting Started

CYMGRD for Windows
1.4 CYMGRD analysis modules
The functions described in the General Introduction (section 1.1) are divided among three
analysis modules which may be accessed from the menu bar or the ribbon (see section 1.12):
The SOIL module interprets the soil resistivity measurements using either a two-layer or
uniform soil model. To permit easy verification of the quality of the soil model, CYMGRD plots
the measured and calculated resistivity on the same graph. The maximum allowable step and
touch voltages are calculated according to IEEE Standard 80. All results are communicated to
the GRID and PLOT modules (see below).
The GRID module calculates the current diffused by every piece (“element”) of conductor in
the grounding grid. The potential at the surface of the soil is determined from these results. You
may define the grid one conductor at a time and also by using groups of conductors arranged in
rectangular sub-grids. Similarly, you may add grounding rods one at a time or in groups. The
station layout can be displayed in 2 or 3 dimensions. Other buried conductors such as water
pipes or neighboring grounding structures may also be defined, so as to include their effects on
the passage of fault current and the resulting surface voltages. At your option, you may include
or exclude these other structures from the calculations, for comparison purposes. The same
applies to the grounding rods.
1. The PLOT module displays the results of the soil resistivity and surface potential analysis on
the screen. Color-coded contour plots of surface potentials may be presented in 2 or 3
dimensions. Another option is to calculate the Step and Touch Voltages along a straight line
in any direction and plot the variation on the same graph with the maximum allowed values.
Both options allow easy identification of hazardous areas where the tolerable voltages are
exceeded. These graphics can be routed to a printer or a plotter.
1.5 Interactive data entry
CYMGRD features the standard Windows interface and conventional mouse-clicking

operations. The Menu will change depending on the active Module.
Note: Users of the DOS version of CYMGRD may directly import their data files for soil
resistivity analysis and grid layout and installation. See section 2.3.2.

CYMGRD for Windows
1.6 First-time user
If you have not used CYMGRD before, we suggest you read this manual before performing a
grounding study, to familiarize yourself with the capabilities of the program. Illustrated step-by-
step examples have been included in Appendix I, to help you learn how to use CYMGRD.
Note: The README.TXT file may include important information as well. Please read the
contents of this file before operating the program.
1.7 Dividing the grid in elements
The surface potential analysis module (GRID) models the grid by dividing its conductors and
rods into smaller segments, called "elements". These elements are the basic units that diffuse
the injected fault current into the ground. Using a higher number of smaller elements may give
greater calculation precision. However, the total number of elements in any grounding study
cannot exceed 2500, including the main (“primary”) grid and any other (“return” or “distinct”)
electrodes.
1.8 How to use CYMGRD
CYMGRD is designed to facilitate grounding studies that assess the safety levels of existing
grids or support the design of new ones.
Verifying existing grids
1. For existing grids, soil measurements may be available from the original design. If the soil
model has already been determined and remains valid, it may not be necessary to enter the
measurements in the SOIL module. The thickness and resistivity of the soil layers may be
entered directly. (Note that conducting paths provided by existing grid conductors may bias
any new resistivity measurements.)
2. Using the available soil model, take into account the presence of high resistivity surface
material (e.g. crushed rock) and determine the maximum permissible touch and step voltages
using the SAFETY ASSESSMENT command in the SOIL module.
3. Enter the station grid and electrode data and find the ground potential rise (GPR) and station
resistance using the GRID analysis module.
4. Use the PLOT module to find touch and step potentials in specific area(s) of interest.
5. Judge the adequacy of the existing grounding system.
6. If the grid is not adequate, return to step 3 and make the necessary changes to the grid layout
by adding or removing conductors and rods.

CYMGRD for Windows
Designing a new grid

1. Obtain the resistivity measurements using the Wenner technique. Note that the SOIL
resistivity analysis module supports only Wenner measurements.
2. Activate the SOIL analysis module. Determine the soil model to be used by entering the
resistivity measurements and performing the calculations.
3. Using the newly obtained soil model, take into account the presence of high resistivity surface
material, and calculate the maximum permissible touch and step voltages using the SAFETY
ASSESSMENT command of the SOIL module.
4. Follow steps 3, 4, 5 and 6 under Verifying Existing Grids, above.
1.9 Creating Projects and Studies
As soon as CYMGRD is activated for the first time, by double clicking its icon on the desktop,
the program displays blank soil resistivity and station layout templates, menu, ribbon and status
bars, as shown below.

CYMGRD for Windows
The various analysis modules are not yet visible on the menu bar because a "Project" and a
"Study" need to be defined first. This can also be seen in the status bar of the program (last two
lines at the bottom of the screen) which is completely blank, where Prj stands for PRoJect name,
Sty for STudY name, GPR for Ground Potential Rise, Etch for maximum permissible TouCH
voltage, and Estp for maximum permissible STeP voltage.
Note: You can modify the window display by using the command Window >> Display
mode.
1.9.1 The "Project" menu

The "Project" activity allows you to define a “Project”, a “Study”, and a working “directory”. A
"Project" contains one or more studies, each of which might be an alternative design for the
same grid. The "Project" and its associated studies may be kept in the default directory
(\CYMGRD.WIN), or in an alternate sub-directory.
Open a study by using commands in the Project menu. The steps to open a study are:
1. Define your working directory;
2. Choose a system of units (Imperial or Metric);
3. Create a project (or Open an existing one);
4. Create a study.
Note: You cannot save a Project if there are no studies related to it.
The "Directory" command.

The "Directory" command defines the working directory. Initially, it is \CYMGRD.WIN, but
when you start the program, CYMGRD will always point to the last directory used in the previous
session. Click on the directory command to specify a new working directory.

CYMGRD for Windows
The "Units" command.

The "Units" command allows you to select the Metric or the Imperial system. For instance
you can enter the station geometry using either meters or feet. In the current study, you can
switch the “Units” settings at any time without affecting the input data or the results.
Note: Some previous versions of the program used only the metric measurement system.
Therefore, the program will have to recalculate the station gradient and the soil model of
any older study created when switching to the imperial system. However, once this step
is completed, switching between the two measurement systems will not require any
further recalculations.
The "Project" commands.

Once the working directory and units of measurement have been specified, you can “Create”
a new project, "Open" an existing project, "Duplicate" the current project (copy it to another
project), or "Delete" the current project. When a project is deleted or duplicated, all studies
associated with that project are deleted or duplicated. If any of the commands are dimmed, they
are not currently accessible. For example, you cannot "Open" a project if no projects exist in the
active working directory. You can “Import” data directly from other projects to the current project,
or you can “Export” data to another project.
The "Study Management" commands.
Once a "Project" has been created or opened, the "Study" option then gives you access to the
"Study management” commands, which are similar to the "Project Management" commands.
You can “Create" a new study, “Open” a study that already exists, "Save" the contents of the
current study, use the "Save as" command to save the contents of the current study under
another name, or "Delete” the current study. A dimmed command is not currently accessible.
For example, you cannot “Open” a study if no study exists yet within the active project. By
default, when a project is opened, its last active study is also opened.

CYMGRD for Windows
1.10 The menu bar of CYMGRD
Once a project and study have been defined, the Menu bar and Ribbon will feature the
commands of the active Module. The GRID module is active by default. To select a different
module, click on the GRID module command and then click on the desired module in the list.
1.11 The ribbons
The most important commands have icons that can be found in the ribbons. Most icons are
common to all three ribbons, except the six icons in the center of the ribbon.
The icons for the three modules are located at the right side of the ribbon. When you launch
CYMGRD, the GRID module is opened by default. To change module, simply click on the
appropriate icon.
Icons common to all ribbons:
PROJECT menu
Equivalent to Project >> Directory. Click on this icon to select the working directory to
save your project and the related study.
Equivalent to Project >> Create. Click on this icon to create a new project.
Equivalent to Project >> Open. Click on this icon to open a project that has been saved
already. If you can’t find a project that you saved already, it might be in another working
directory.
Equivalent to Project >> Duplicate. Click on this icon to copy the contents of this
project to another project.

CYMGRD for Windows
Study sub-menu
Equivalent to Project >> Study >> Create. Click on this icon to create a study that will
be part of the current project.
Equivalent to Project >> Study >> Open. Click on this icon to open a study that has
already been saved in the current project.
Equivalent to Project >> Study >> Save. Click on this icon to save this study in its
related project.
SOIL menu
Equivalent to Soil >> Input data. Click on this icon to enter the Wenner measurements
needed to model a uniform or two-layer soil..
Equivalent to Soil >> Calculate!. Click on this icon to analyze the soil model.
Equivalent to Soil >> Visualize >> Soil model. Click on this icon to display the soil
model.
Equivalent to Soil >> Visualize >> Soil Analysis Report. Click on this icon to see the
soil analysis report. This icon is not accessible if the soil model hasn’t been calculated
first.
Equivalent to Soil >> Calculate! >> Safety Assessment. Click on this icon to calculate
the appropriate touch and step voltages.
Equivalent to Soil >> Safety Assessment Report. Click on this icon to see the safety
assessment report.

CYMGRD for Windows
GRID menu
Equivalent to Grid >> Input data >> Installation.... Click on this icon to see the
installation data dialog box.
Equivalent to Grid >> Input data >> Electrodes >> Conductors.... Click on this icon
to see the conductor data dialog box.
Equivalent to Grid >> Input data >> Electrodes >> Rods.... Click on this icon to see
the rod data dialog box.
Equivalent to Grid >> Calculate! Click on this icon to calculate the surface potential
gradient.
Equivalent to Grid >> Visualize >> Show station layout. Click on this icon to see the
station layout on the screen. This icon is very useful if the station layout has been
closed by mistake.
Equivalent to Grid >> Visualize >> Show grid analysis report. Click on this icon to
see the grid analysis report.

CYMGRD for Windows
PLOT menu
Equivalent to Contours >> Calculate!. Click on this icon to calculate the surface
potential and see the grid contours.
Equivalent to Contours >> Visualize. Click on this command to see the contour
window, if it was closed by mistake. If there are more than one contour, select a contour
from the list.
Equivalent to Contours >> View report or F2. Click on this icon to see that surface
potential report. If there are more than one contour, select a report from the list.
Equivalent to Profile >> Calculate!. Click on this icon to calculate the potential profiles.
You can calculate many profiles subsequently, by modifying the distance between two
steps or the surface of the area.
Equivalent to Profile >> Visualize.... Click on this icon to see the potential profiles. If
there is more than one profile, select a profile from the list.
Equivalent to Profile >> View report or F2. Click on this icon to see the potential profile
report. If there is more than one profile, select one from the list.
WINDOWS MENU:
Equivalent to Windows >> Copy to clipboard or the + key. Click on this command to
copy graphics or text (reports) to the clipboard.
Equivalent to Windows >> Print or Shift-P. Click on this icon to print the active window
Equivalent to Windows >> Print all windows or Ctrl-P. Click on this icon to print all
windows, including windows that have been minimized into icons.
HELP menu
Click on this icon to activate the Help function.

CYMGRD for Windows
1.12 The Windows menu
The "Show ribbon" command

This command allows you to hide the tool bar icons, so as gain more space for the study
windows.
The "Show status bar" command
This toggle allows you to display (or hide) the two lines at the bottom of the screen which
identify the project and study, as well as the values calculated for the ground potential rise (GPR)
and tolerable touch and step voltages.
The "Cascade" command
This command causes multiple windows to overlap such that the title bar of each is visible.
Display Mode must be set to “manual” to enable the Cascade command

The "Tile" command
This command displays multiple windows such that they do not overlap at all and each has an
equal area. If you close a window, the others will be tiled again automatically to fill the window.
Display Mode must be set to “manual” to enable the Tile command

The "Close all" command"
This command closes all the windows that are displayed, whether iconized or not.
The "Display mode" command
This command offers three options: a) Manual permits you to adjust the size of individual
windows and use the Cascade and Tile commands (see above); b) maximize forces the active
window to occupy the entire screen; c) auto tile forces all open windows to share the screen
equally.

CYMGRD for Windows
The "Copy to Clipboard" command

This command allows you to copy the contents of the active window (graphic or text) to the
Windows Clipboard. You may then insert the image into another application such as Write,
Paint, AutoCAD for Windows, etc. This feature is very useful for inserting CYMGRD results in
presentation texts and technical reports. If more than one window is open, click on the
appropriate window before selecting the “Copy to Clipboard” command.
Note: If you want to insert a graphic (soil model, grid, etc.) into a word processor
document, transfer it first into a graphics application (e.g. Paint) in order to retain its
format.
The "Print" command

This command prints the contents of the active window , whether graphics or text.
The "Print all" command
This command allows you to print the contents of all windows at once, whether iconized or
not. For example, if you have just completed the surface potential analysis, the station layout
window and the report window will be printed as well.
The "Page setup" command
This command allows you to specify the page layout for printing. You can adjust the top,
bottom, left, and right margins, in metric or imperial systems.
The "Printer setup" command
This command allows you to select and, if necessary, configure the printer for CYMGRD
graphs and report outputs.
The Window List
At the bottom of the Window menu appears a list of open windows (Soil Model, Grid Layout,
etc.) Clicking on one of these is one way to make it the active window. (The usual way is to
click inside the desired window.)

CYMGRD for Windows
Chapter 2
SOIL RESISTIVITY AND SAFETY ASSESSMENT
2.1 Soil resistivity measurements and soil models
CYMGRD uses statistical techniques to interpret soil resistivity measurements in order to

define the soil model for use in the subsequent analysis.
Note: All electrodes in a given study are assumed to be buried in the same soil.
Soil may have a uniform resistivity to a significant depth, but it is common to find that the soil
consists of (at least) two horizontal layers of different resistivities. Thus, CYMGRD offers a
choice between “uniform” and “two-layer” soil models. A two-layer model has an upper layer of a
definite depth and a lower layer of an infinite depth but with a different resistivity. CYMGRD
does not yet offer “multiple layer” soil models.
Of the various soil measurement techniques, CYMGRD supports only the Wenner technique,
in which the distance (a) between each pair of probes is equal.
A current I is injected and the resulting voltage V is measured by the voltmeter. The apparent
(measured) resistivity is given by
4πa(V I )
ρ= or ρ = 2πa(V I ) if a >> b
 2a a 
1 + − 
 a + 4b
2 2
a + b 
2 2

where b is the length of the probe.
Note: CYMGRD interprets only resistivity measurements. Resistance values are not
allowed.
Chapter 2 - SOIL RESISTIVITY AND SAFETY ASSESSMENT 15

CYMGRD for Windows
2.2 Soil resistivity. Methodology and algorithm
Let ρa be the apparent earth resistivity as computed by a two-layer model, ρ1 and ρ2 the
resistivity of the upper and lower soil layers, and h the thickness of the upper soil layer
(CYMGRD assumes that the thickness of the lower layer is infinite). The module will find ρ1, ρ2,
and h according to the mathematical equations described below. The results will be
automatically communicated to the GRID module which calculates the surface potentials.
K = reflection coefficient = (ρ2 - ρ1) / (ρ2 + ρ1)
n = integer varying from 1 to ∝

h = upper layer thickness
a = electrode spacing
ρ1, ρ2 = upper & lower soil layer resistivity
By finding ρ1, ρ2, and h, CYMGRD minimizes the following function:
where the sum spans all the available measurements.
ρmi = measured earth resistivity at probe distance Di
ρ(i) = computed earth resistivity at probe distance Di
Note: CYMGRD uses reduced gradient techniques to calculate the optimal model.
Hint: CYMGRD will identify measurements that do not fit the computed resistivity function
very well. In order to try to improve the accuracy of the soil model, you may remove one
or more such measurements from the input data and run the analysis again.
16 Chapter 2 - SOIL RESISTIVITY AND SAFETY ASSESSMENT

CYMGRD for Windows
2.3 The "SOIL" menu
To analyze soil resistivity and/or safety assessment, activate the SOIL module.
Click on Module in the main menu and select Soil from the list, or click on the SOIL icon .
Use the commands of the Soil menu, in order, from top to bottom.
Click on Input data to enter the Wenner-method soil measurements or click on Import from
to import the data files directly.
Hint: The Import function reads data from ASCII format text files. These files may have
been created by the DOS version of CYMGRD or may be created using any text editor.
Click on Calculate! > soil model to interpret the soil model and generate a report file.
Click on Calculate! > safety assessment to compute the tolerable Touch and Step voltages.

CYMGRD for Windows
2.3.1 The “Soil >> Input data” command

The dialog box shown below allows you to enter the probe distance and the corresponding
measured resistivity for each measurement made using the Wenner method.
First define whether the soil is uniform or two-layered. If the soil is uniform, CYMGRD will
find the average of the measurements. If you select a two-layer model, CYMGRD will analyze
the model as explained in section 2.2 above. In the example above, a two-layer soil model has
been selected.
1. Click on the Insert button
2. Enter the probe distance in the box marked Probe Distance, and its associated resistivity
value in the Resistivity box.
3. This set of values will then be registered in the table.
(To delete a set of values, position the highlight bar on it and click on the Delete button.)
4. Once all the sets of measurements are entered, click on the "OK" button.
5. Calculate the soil model, using the Calculate! > Soil Model command (section 2.3.3).
Note: You must enter at least one measurement for uniform soil. You must enter at least
three measurements for two-layer soil. CYMGRD can accept 100 measurements
maximum.
Note: for former users of CYMGRD for DOS: CYMGRD for Windows can read your old
resistivity data files. See the Import from command (section 2.3.2). You do not need to
enter old data again using the Input data command.

CYMGRD for Windows
2.3.2 The "Soil >> Import from" command

Use this command to import the soil measurements from data files created with DOS
versions of CYMGRD. Once imported, the measurement values will be saved as part of the
active study.
2.3.3 The "Soil >> Calculate" command

This command calculates the resistivity of the upper and lower layers of soil as well as the
thickness of the upper layer. (The lower layer is assumed infinitely thick). In the case of a
uniform soil, it calculates the average of the resisitivity measurements.
A tabular report of results will appear. At the bottom, it identifies the error between the
measured and calculated resistivities at each of the probe distances given. The RMS error is
computed to indicate the degree of correspondence between the calculated soil model and the
measured values. It is calculated from:
N
∑ error2 (i)
RMS error = i
N
Once the resistivity measurements have been interpreted, the resulting soil model is made
available to the SAFETY ASSESSMENT analysis (Section 2.4) and to the surface potential
analysis (GRID module, Section 3.4.3).
Note: If the analysis has already been performed, this command will not be accessible.

CYMGRD for Windows
2.3.4 The "Soil >> Visualize" command

This command displays the calculated resistivity curve along with the resistivity
measurements, for comparison. You should consult this resistivity curve window before you
accept the soil model. See the example below.
The program will automatically indicate measurements that feature RMS errors exceeding the
average RMS error of the statistical fit. These are so-called “doubtful points”.
The calculated points are represented by a blue curve. Measured points are marked with
red circles, while doubtful points are marked with red X’s (see legend, bottom left of the
screen). The resulting soil model is also shown on the rightmost part of the graph legend.
You can track the curve with the mouse. Select any point on the curve with the cursor to
see the probe distance and the calculated apparent resistivity values under the graph.

CYMGRD for Windows
2.4 The "SAFETY ASSESSMENT" analysis
Use this command to calculate the maximum permissible touch and step voltages.
The “Safety assessment” calculations comply with standard North American practice as
described in the "IEEE Guide for Safety in AC Substation Grounding", 1986 edition. They take
into account:
• Body weight of the shock victim (by default equal to 50 kg).
• The thickness and resistivity of material (e.g., crushed rock) placed on the surface of the soil.
• Soil resistivity of Upper and Lower layers, and thickness of Upper layer.
• Shock duration (0.1 seconds by default).
CYMGRD uses the following equations, taken from IEEE 80 (1986), to calculate the
maximum permissible touch and step voltages.
For a 50 Kg body weight:
E touch = (1000+1.5Cs(h,k)Ps)0.116/ t
E step = (1000+6Cs(h,k)Ps)0.116/ t
E touch = (1000+1.5Cs(h,k)Ps)0.157/ t
E step = (1000+6Cs(h,k)Ps)0.157/ t
where:
⇒ t is shock duration in sec.
⇒ Cs(h,k) is the derating factor when high resistivity surface material is present. The
reduction factor Cs is a function of the reflection factor k and the thickness of the
upper layer h.
⇒ ρs is the resistivity of the surface material in ohm-m.

CYMGRD for Windows
Once the calculations are completed, the safety results window appears.
These factors can either be calculated or obtained from graphs according to the IEEE 80
Guide. CYMGRD obtains these factors by calculating the infinite summation up to a given
accuracy.
Transferring the safety analysis results to other modules
CYMGRD automatically transfers the maximum permissible touch and step voltages
calculated by the SAFETY ASSESSMENT to the graphical analysis module (PLOT). In the
above sample dialog box, you can see that this option is active by default.
2.5 The "Graphic Parameters" option
Use these options to remove or display the legend, the reference lines or the markers.
Removing the legend allows more space for the resistivity curve.

CYMGRD for Windows
Chapter 3
THE GRID MODULE
The GRID module is used to calculate the grounding system’s resistance and ground potential
rise (GPR) and also the potential gradients at the soil surface. You may use these results to
optimize the grid design and also to evaluate the safety of personnel.
3.2 Electrode types and terminology
CYMGRD supports three types of grounding systems. The first is the grid, called the primary
electrode. The second type, called a return electrode, is a nearby electrode through which
some of the current dissipated in the soil through the primary electrode returns to the network.
Finally, the third type, the distinct electrode, is not connected to the primary or return electrode
but may be subjected to the influence of their electric fields. Although return and distinct
electrodes are not often found as components of a grounding system, it is sometimes necessary
to represent them.
The Primary electrode
This is the grounding grid being analyzed. You may build it up out of conductors and rods.
Symmetrical arrangements are easier to input. Asymmetrical arrangements (one conductor or
rod at a time) may also be entered.
The Return electrode
If two grounding grids are in the vicinity of each other, and current injected to ground at the
first grid returns to the system via the second, then the second grid is a Return Electrode. The
presence of a Return Electrode will alter the surface potential distribution.
You can model the Return electrode in the same way that you model the primary electrode.
Even a single rod can serve as a Return electrode. In addition, you must enter the current
absorbed by the return electrode, in Amperes. This value must be negative. You may easily
compare results with and without the Return electrode.
Chapter 3 - THE GRID MODULE 23

CYMGRD for Windows
The Distinct electrode

Conductive structures like pipelines, cable sheaths, or building foundations which are near a
grounding installation, but not connected to the electric network are Distinct electrodes.
Hint: If the substation fence is not bonded to the grounding grid, model the fence posts
as distinct electrodes. Otherwise, model them as part of the Primary electrode.
You model the Distinct electrode in the same way that you model the primary electrode.
Even a single rod or buried conductor can act as a Distinct electrode.
You must define whether or not all elements of the distinct electrode have the same potential.
They have the same potential if they are connected together. If the Distinct electrode is made of
insulated sections, they do not have the same potentials.
3.3 Grounding system structure and location
CYMGRD is capable of analyzing grounding systems of either symmetrical or asymmetrical

configuration. A grounding system is made of conductors, which the program divides into
“elements” for the purpose of the calculations. If a two-layer soil model is used, then grid
conductors must be located in one or the other layer. Rods may be located partly in both layers.
3.4 The "Grid" menu
In the GRID module, you can describe the geometrical arrangement of all grid conductors and
rods for all three types of electrode, if desired. Visualize the grid layout on screen, and calculate
the ground potential rise and the total grid resistance, using the soil model and specified fault
current.
Activate the GRID module by clicking on the GRID icon at the extreme right of the
Ribbon, or by clicking on Module in the menu and selecting GRID from the list.
3.4.1 The “Grid >> Input data >> Installation” command

This command allows you to define the grounding system components. First enter a name
for the station (optional) in the header field. Then, enter the injected ground (fault) current. If
necessary, you may change the values for upper layer thickness, upper layer resistivity, and
lower layer resistivity.
Hint: The ground current is the fault current flowing into the ground. All or part of it
flows in the grounding grid. Part of it may flow in the ground wires and counterpoises of
all the transmission lines converging on the site. See Parallel Z, below.
24 Chapter 3 - THE GRID MODULE

CYMGRD for Windows
The upper layer thickness, upper layer resistivity and lower layer resistivity values are
transferred by default from the SOIL module, if a soil analysis has been made prior to the
surface potential analysis. If not, you can enter any appropriate soil model directly.
Note: If you select a uniform soil model, enter the same resistivity for both soil layers with
an arbitrary upper layer thickness (100m is the limit).
If a return electrode is present, enter the return electrode current. If not, set the current to 0.
The equivalent resistance in parallel with the grounding grid, Parallel Z, is the total equivalent
resistance (in ohms) of the sky wires and counterpoises of all the lines connected to the
substation. The ground current is divided between these two resistances. To direct all the ground
fault current into the grid, set Parallel Z to 9999 Ω . The Enable option for
Primary/Return/Distinct rods & conductors are used to select these for the Grid analysis.
Finally, click on the distinct electrode check box if all the elements of the distinct electrode
have the same potential (assuming a distinct electrode is present). If the distinct electrode is
made of isolated elements, make sure this box is clear.
Note: If you change any of the Enable rods/conductors settings above, you will have to
recalculate the ground potential rise and grid resistance (Section 3.4.6).

CYMGRD for Windows
3.4.2 The “Grid >> Input data >> Electrodes” command

Use this command to define the geometrical arrangement of the grounding installation, using
the grid conductors and rods dialog boxes. Although you can enter them in any order, it is more
convenient to enter conductor data first and then the ground rods data.
Build up the complete grid using arrays of conductors and rods. There are 4 kinds of array:
a) symmetrically arranged grid conductors,
b) asymmetrically arranged grid conductors,
c) symmetrically arranged ground rods, and
d) asymmetrically arranged ground rods.
All types are explained in the following sections.

Symmetrically arranged grid conductors
This type of array is usually rectangular, with a number of conductors laid out along the long
and short axes, so as to create a grid. CYMGRD assumes that symmetrically arranged grid
conductors are buried horizontally and oriented along two perpendicular axes (the X and Y axes
in the graphic window). The spacing between conductors is assumed to be equal along each
axis, but the spacing along the Y axis can be different from the spacing along the X axis.

CYMGRD for Windows
A symmetrical grid dialog box is shown above. Note that the check box “Symmetric” has
been checked (þ). The following set of data defines a symmetrically spaced grid:
It is part of the Primary, Return or Distinct electrode. Choose one by clicking.

• The number of grid conductors parallel to the X axis (horizontal on the display)
• The number of grid conductors parallel to the Y axis (vertical on the display).
• The number of elements per conductor, for conductors parallel to the X and Y axis.
• Burial depth (the distance between the soil surface and the center of the conductor).
Note: A positive value of Z denotes a position below the surface of the soil.
• Conductor diameter.
• The coordinates (X1,Y1) and (X2,Y2) of two opposite corners of the array.
Asymmetrically arranged grid conductors
An asymmetrically arranged conductor is a single straight conductor stretched between two

points defined by coordinates (X1,Y1,Z1) and (X2,Y2,Z2). Each conductor may have a different
diameter.
An asymmetrical grid dialog box is shown above. Note that the check box “Symmetric” has
NOT been checked. The following set of data defines an asymmetrical grid:
• It is part of the Primary, Return or Distinct electrode. Choose one by clicking.
• The coordinates (X1,Y1,Z1) and (X2,Y2,Z2) of the two ends of each conductor. Conductors
may be inclined with respect to the soil surface, which CYMGRD assumes to be horizontal.

CYMGRD for Windows
• The number of elements for each conductor.
• The conductor diameter.
Note: Both ends of a grid conductor must be in the same layer of soil.
Symmetrically arranged ground rods
A symmetric array of ground rods covers a rectangular area in which rods are located in rows
parallel to the X axis and all rods in a row are equally spaced. All rods defined in the same array
have the same burial depth, length and diameter.
A symmetric rods dialog box is shown above. Note that the check box “Symmetric” has been
checked (þ). The following set of data defines symmetrically arranged ground rods:
• Coordinates (X1,Y1) and (X2,Y2) of two opposite corners of the area where the rods are
placed.
• Number of rows of rods. (“Parallel to the X axis” means “horizontal” on the display.)
• Number of ground rods per row (along the X axis).
• Ground rod length.
• Burial depth (the distance between the soil surface and the top of the rods)
Note A positive value of Z denotes a position below the surface of the soil.
• Ground rod diameter.

CYMGRD for Windows
Asymmetrically arranged ground rods
An asymmetric array of ground rods is a single row of equally spaced rods. The position of
the head of the first rod is given by the coordinates (X1,Y1,Z1) and the position of the last rod in
the row, by the coordinates (X2,Y2,Z2). The head of each rod in between lies on the straight line
between these two points. All rods defined in the same array have the same length and
diameter. If a single rod is specified (Number of Rods along axis = 1), then enter only the starting
point coordinates (X1,Y1, Z1).
A dialog box for asymmetrically arranged ground rods is shown above. Note that the check
box “Symmetric” has NOT been checked. The following set of data defines a row of rods:
• Coordinates (X1,Y1,Z1) and (X2, Y2, Z2) of the two ends of the row of rods.
• The number of rods in the row.
• The number of elements in the upper soil layer (per rod).
• The number of elements in the lower soil layer (per rod).
• The rod length.
• The rod diameter.

CYMGRD for Windows
3.4.3 Geometrical station layout
Using different layouts

Build up the grounding grid layout by using combinations of the four types of arrangements
described above. Do the same for the Return and Distinct electrodes if necessary. For more
explanations on the use the various layouts, refer to Appendix I.
Note: Electrodes are color-coded in the graphic window. Primary electrodes are red,
Return electrodes are blue and Distinct electrodes are pink.
Adding and removing entries

Click on the Insert button and enter the data for the first entry of a given type of array.
To delete an entry, click on it in the list to highlight it and click on the Delete button.
Editing data from the list
Scroll through the list of entries by clicking on the scrollbar, or click on the item
to be edited so that it is highlighted. Then click in the data boxes and type in the new data.
Reviewing and verifying the data
When you select a conductor (or a ground rod) in the list with the cursor, it is highlighted in
yellow on the grid layout, so that you may see which electrode you have selected. This is
particularly useful when erroneous coordinates have been entered and you wish to correct them.
If you click on the Disable button, the selected electrode is hidden from view in the grid
layout window (and will be ignored in subsequent calculations). To see it again, click on the
Enable button.
3.4.4 The Grid >> Input data >> Merge with... command
Use this command to merge the active study with another one, in order to display more than
one grid in the same window (or to combine two sections of the same grid). Click on the
Directory, Project and Study buttons to select the appropriate study. Make sure that the
conductors and rods coordinates are not the same (i.e., no overlapping conductors), otherwise
when you try to calculate, an error message will appear and a report will identify the elements
that are superimposed.

CYMGRD for Windows
3.4.5 The Grid >> Input data >> Import from... command
This command allows you to import a file containing the required data for a grounding
analysis. Data files from DOS versions of CYMGRD can thus be used in the windows version.
Since the DOS version produces an ASCII data file with all the required information, you do not
have to enter the data interactively.
Note: CYMGRD for Windows does not save its data in a separate file but as an integral
part of a study; to retrieve it, you need to open the study. See section 1.10.1.
When you import a DOS file to CYMGRD you may want to check for Conductor/Rod overlaps.
Note that during calculations CYMGRD will also check for possible Conductor/Rod overlaps.
To check for Conductor overlaps:
Click on Grid >> Input Data >> Electrodes >> Conductors.
Scroll through the list of entries starting from the first conductor, by clicking on the
scrollbar. For example, if the current conductor overlaps with conductor # 2, you will obtain the
following message:
You can click on the Delete button to remove the element or the Disable button to hide from
view in the grid layout window (and will be ignored in subsequent calculations).
You can repeat the same procedure to check for Rod overlaps.

CYMGRD for Windows
3.4.6 The Grid >> Calculate command

This command calculates the grid resistance, ground potential rise, and the current diffused
into ground by the various elements of the grounding installation.
Once the calculations are complete, a dialog box appears showing the ground potential rise,
primary electrode resistance, and total impedance of the installation. (This last item includes the
effect of the Parallel Z.)
CYMGRD automatically calculates the threshold levels for the surface potential contours
based on the GPR. (See the PLOT module). Click on the “OK” button.
3.4.7 The Grid >> Visualize command

This command allows you to see the station layout in 2D or 3D view, depending on the
parameters setting for the station grid. It is active when you are entering data for the grid layout,
so that CYMGRD continually updates the grid layout as you enter the data.

CYMGRD for Windows
3.4.8 The Grid >> Graphic parameters dialog box

In this dialog box, you can select the display settings for the grounding installation.
Show primary electrode displays the Primary electrode (the grounding grid). To remove the
Primary electrode from view temporarily, click on the check box to remove the check mark.
Show return electrode displays the Return electrode. To remove the Return electrode from
view temporarily, click on the check box to remove the check mark.
Show distinct electrode displays the Distinct electrode. To remove the Distinct electrode
from view temporarily, click on the check box to remove the check mark.
Hide all rods removes the grounding rods from the display. To remove the rods from view
temporarily, click on the check box to place a check mark.
Reference lines will extend the axis tick marks across the entire length and height of the grid
layout display if active (þ). These lines may aid you in detecting data entry errors. By default,
CYMGRD does not display the lines.
Axes to scale is active (þ) by default. Deactivate it only to aid visibility if the grid is very
long and narrow.
2D / 3D View allows you to view the grid layout in 2 or 3 dimensions. By default, CYMGRD
displays the layout in 2D view, as shown above. If you select 3D instead, the 3D parameters will
become accessible. You can define an elevation angle from x-y to indicate the inclination of
the layout in relation to the X-Y plane (default = 25), an azimuthal angle about z to indicate the
clockwise rotation angle around the Z axis, and a camera distance to indicate the depth of the
perspective (default = 5).

CYMGRD for Windows
Note: To display the graphic parameters dialog box, you can also double-click the left
mouse button inside the grid layout window.
When finished, click on "OK" to activate all the selected options or "Cancel" to remove any
changes you made. Clicking on "Defaults" resets all the values to their original settings.
3.5 Examining the tabular results file
This file contains important and useful information. The file begins by showing the
coordinates for each of elements of the grid conductors, their length and diameter along with the
current diffused.
Next, the total length and radius of conductor elements is indicated.
A list of ground rod elements follows, along with the total length of the rods.
The report will indicate that the calculation was "successful" if no errors were found.
Otherwise, CYMGRD identifies the erroneous data to correct.

CYMGRD for Windows
Finally, at the very end of the results, CYMGRD indicates the ground potential rise, grounding
resistance of the primary electrode, and total impedance of the installation. The total impedance
of the installation is the parallel combination of the calculated grid resistance and the parallel
resistance entered in the installation data dialog box.
Important note: Normally, all elements of the grounding installation diffuse a positive
current into the ground.
However, the calculations might indicate that the current diffused into the ground by one
or more elements is zero. This means that CYMGRD found that each such element
diffused a (small) negative current. This situation is due to numerical instability. To
avoid this problem, change the number of elements in the affected conductors (or rods)
so that these elements are about as long as other elements in other conductors in the
grid.
If this happens, CYMGRD will indicate in the grid calculation window the number of the
element which diffused the largest negative current into the ground, along with its
coordinates. Furthermore, the program will calculate the sum of all the negative currents
and compare it with the total injected fault current. This is the meaning of the error that
is shown along with the element. If the error exceeds a few percent, the number of
elements should be changed as explained above.
Experience has shown that the negative current is a very small fraction of the injected
fault current and that the error introduced in calculating the station resistance and GPR is
negligible. Simulations performed after changing the number of elements in conductors
indicate no change in the overall results, apart from correcting the negative currents.

CYMGRD for Windows
Chapter 4
THE PLOT MODULE
Use the PLOT module to calculate and view the results of the surface potential analysis. The
graphic outputs allow you to examine the performance of grid areas by inspecting them on the
screen. Graphic displays include equipotential contour lines and potential profiles (gradients).
Hint: Before running the PLOT module, make sure to compute the tolerable Step and
Touch voltages as well as the GPR (Grid Potential Rise). These values are necessary to
any analysis of safety. See Sections 2.3.1 and 3.4.6.
4.2 The Contours menu
Use this menu to generate equipotential contour plots in 2D or 3D view. You cannot use the
"Calculate" command unless the station GPR and total resistance to ground have been
calculated first in the GRID module (see Section 3.4.6).
4.2.1 The "Contours >> Calculate" command

Click on the Calculate command to see the dialog box below. By default an area large
enough to encompass all electrodes will be analyzed. If you wish, you may restrict the analysis
to a smaller (rectangular) area. To do so, enter the coordinates (X1, Y1) and (X2, Y2) of the
lower left and upper right corners of the desired area.
Chapter 4 - THE PLOT MODULE 37

CYMGRD for Windows
Hints:
1) In this way, you may examine potentials outside the grid area.
2) See Section 4.2.2 for a way to select the area using the mouse.
The number of intervals along each axis indicates the number of subdivisions of the
selected area, for calculation purposes. If you need more accurate calculations, increase the
number of intervals (60 maximum). The calculation time will increase accordingly.
Once you have entered the coordinates and the intervals, click on “OK” to begin the
calculations. When finished, CYMGRD displays a new window to show the resulting
equipotential lines.
38 Chapter 4 - THE PLOT MODULE

CYMGRD for Windows
4.2.2 The "Contours >> Calculate" mouse command

An alternative to using the menu command “Calculate” (Section 4.2.1) is to use the mouse:
1. In the grid layout window, position the mouse at one corner of the area of interest.
2. Click the left button, hold it down, and drag the cursor over the area to be analyzed.
Notes:
1) The display must be in 2D. If the display is in 3D, double-click in the station layout
window. The parameters dialog box will appear. Select 2D view.
2) If you click and hold the left button of the mouse, you can use the arrow keys on the
keyboard to move the cursor very accurately.

CYMGRD for Windows
Release the left mouse button. A dialog box will appear. Select 2D equipotential plot.
1. If you select an equipotential plot, the coordinates dialog box will appear
2. Enter a title to replace the default title (optional).
3. Click on OK. The program will begin the calculations and will display the resulting
equipotential plot.
Note: To display a contour in 3D view, double-click in the contour window. When the
parameter dialog box is displayed, select 3D.

CYMGRD for Windows
4.2.3 The "Contours >> Visualize" command

Use the "visualize" command to view contour plots which have already been generated. The
list box contains the names of all the graphs within the current study. Meaningful names are
easier to locate subsequently. If you choose a title that already exists, it WILL NOT overwrite
the first plot (ex: the list can contain two “surface potential plot #1”).
Notes:
1) The gray “X” displayed along with the equipotential contours indicates the location(s)
with the lowest surface voltage (highest touch voltage). More than one point may
share the lowest voltage if the grid is symmetrical.
2) Dark red denotes a more dangerous voltage level than bright red.
4.2.4 The "Contours >> View report" command

The “View report” command replaces the entire contents of the active contour graph window
with a tabular report. To return to the graphic plot, you must select this command a second time.
A check mark appears to the left of the menu item when the contour graph window is in the
“View report” mode.
4.2.5 The "Contours >> Rename" command

Use this command to rename contour graphs which have already been generated. A box will
appear, listing the names of the contour plot windows. Click on the appropriate contour name
and then click on “Rename." Enter the new name in the space provided and click on “OK."
Once you have renamed the desired contour plots, click on “Done” to exit this list box.
4.2.6 The "Contours >> Delete" command

Use the "Delete" command to delete contour graphs which have already been generated. A
box will appear, listing the names of the contour plot windows. Click on the appropriate name
and click on “delete”. Once you have deleted the desired contour plots, click on “Done” to exit
this list box.

CYMGRD for Windows
4.2.7 The "Contours >> Parameters" command

Use this command to define the parameters for the contour plots.
You can specify these parameters either globally or within the active window. Globally, the
selected parameters will become the default parameters for all contour plots displayed by the
program. If you wish to modify the parameters for a single plot window, click in that window to
make it the active one, and then select the active window option. The changes made to the
parameters will apply only to the active plot window. The contour parameters dialog box is
further explained below.
Note: The active window option is disabled if the active window does not contain a
contour plot.

CYMGRD for Windows
Number of contour levels allows you to select the number of equipotential contour levels
which will be displayed. Click on the up and down arrow symbols to increase or decrease the
setting.
Touch or Surface potentials tells CYMGRD to display touch or surface potential contour
plots. Touch potential is the difference between the ground potential rise (GPR) and the surface
potential. Click on the appropriate check box. By default, CYMGRD generates touch potential
contour plots.
Solid filled fills the space between the contour lines with the appropriate colors. It might be
useful when the safety threshold is between two adjacent equipotential contours. Click on the
option to activate it. By default, CYMGRD does not display solid filled graphs.
Show wire mesh fits a flexible grid to the shape of the contours for added clarity. This option
is available only with the solid filled graphs option. By default, CYMGRD does not display a wire
mesh.
Show labels adds labels to the equipotential lines on screen, to identify the voltage. By
default, CYMGRD displays labels for the equipotential lines.
Reference lines extends reference lines from the axes to cover the grid area. By default,
CYMGRD does not display reference lines.
Show substation superimposes the grid conductors and rods on the equipotential contours.
It is a very useful feature to identify danger points on the grid. By default, CYMGRD displays the
substation layout.
Axes to scale preserves the X and Y axes ratio when displaying the plot. Click on the option
to disable it. By default, CYMGRD draws the axes to scale.
Elevation angle to x-y plane rotates the 3D view of the grid about the edge with the highest
y-axis coordinate. Click on the up and down arrows to increase and decrease the angle. By
default, CYMGRD sets this angle at 25 degrees.
Azimuthal angle about Z rotates the 3D view of the grid about the Z-axis. Click on the left
and right arrows to increase and decrease the angle. By default, CYMGRD sets this angle at
215 degrees.
Camera distance adjusts the perspective in 3D view. The closest view is “1” and the farthest
is “10”. By default, CYMGRD sets this distance at 5.
Note: For more details on 3D commands, see Appendix 1.

CYMGRD for Windows
2D view and 3D view allow you to select the view by clicking on them. In 2D view, the 3-
dimensional display options will be disabled. By default, CYMGRD displays graphs in 2D view.
Thresholds allows you to set the voltage at which the contour colors change.
Touch potential grading thresholds are calculated from the maximum allowable touch
voltage calculated in the SOIL module. The thresholds are listed in ascending order. Below
level #1, the touch potential contour lines will be green. Between level #1 and level #2, blue.
Between level #2 and level #3, purple. Above level #3 (normally equal to the maximum
allowable touch voltage), the contour lines appear in shades of red. (The most dangerous values
would be dark red and NOT bright red.)
Hint: You may of course change the thresholds.
Surface potential grading thresholds are calculated from the maximum allowable touch
voltage calculated using the SOIL module and the grid GPR calculated using the GRID module.
The thresholds are listed in descending order. Above level #1, the surface potential contour lines
will be green. Between level #1 and level #2, blue. Between level #2 and level #3, purple.
Below level #3 (normally equal to the difference between the GPR and the maximum allowable
touch voltage), the contour lines will appear in shades of red. (The most dangerous value would
be dark red and NOT bright red).
Hint: You may of course change the thresholds.
Equally spaced levels simply divides the interval given by the maximum and minimum
potentials in four equal sub-intervals and color codes them accordingly.
When finished, click on "OK" to put all the selected options in effect or "Cancel" to remove
any changes you made. Clicking on "Defaults" retrieves the original threshold values calculated
by the SOIL and GRID modules.
Note: If only a small section of the station is analyzed (see sections 4.2.1 and 4.2.2), the
threshold span should be narrow to get a better display of voltage differences.
4.2.8 Inspecting contour plots

You can track the contours with the mouse by clicking on them. Slide the mouse along the
contours to see the coordinates and voltage of a specific point (values appear at the bottom of
the screen). The cursor position is displayed simultaneously in the grid layout window, for
identification purposes.

CYMGRD for Windows
4.3 The Profile menu
Use the Profile menu to generate touch, step or surface potential profiles along a straight line
in any direction. Most of the commands are the same as in the Contour menu.
4.3.1 The "Profile >> Calculate" command

When selected, the “Calculate” command first displays a dialog box to define the
coordinates of the starting point (X1, Y1) and ending point (X2, Y2) of the straight line. Since it is
a surface potential analysis, you do not have to enter a Z coordinate.
The step interval defines the distance between the two feet of the shock victim, for the
purpose of displaying the step voltage between two points along the profile. This value should
be realistic (e.g., 1m). Click on “OK“ to begin the calculations. CYMGRD will display the resulting
potential profile plot.

CYMGRD for Windows
The potential profile displays three pairs of curves, as a function of distance along the
selected direction:
The ground potential rise (GPR) and Surface Potential, in RED.
The maximum allowable Touch potential and the actual Touch potential, in BLUE.
The maximum allowable Step potential and the actual Step potential, in GREEN.
CYMGRD reports the numerical values of GPR and the tolerable touch and step voltages in
the bottom right-hand corner. Recall that these values come from the SOIL module results.
Hazardous locations may be identified as those places where the actual touch or step voltage
(curved line) exceeds the calculated tolerable maximum (flat line).
Notes:
1) If you do not specify a "maximum touch potential", or if it has not been previously
calculated, its flat line will not appear on the graph.
2) You may slide the cursor along the curves to see the values at different distances.

CYMGRD for Windows
4.3.2 The "Profile >> Calculate" mouse command

Instead of specifying the starting and ending points of the profile via the Calculate menu
command, you may simply draw the straight line using the mouse, as follows:
Notes:
1) The display must be in 2D. If the display is in 3D, double-click in the station layout
window. In the parameters dialog box, select 2D view.
2) If you click and hold the left button of the mouse, you can use the arrows on the
keyboard to move the cursor very accurately.
In the station layout window, position the mouse at the starting point of interest. Click the left
button, hold it down, and drag the cursor to draw the straight line. In the example below, the
ending point is (34.51, 39.21).
1. Release the left mouse button. A dialog box will appear. Select Potential profile plot.

CYMGRD for Windows
4.3.3 The "Profile >> Visualize" command

Use the "Visualize" command to display potential profile plots already generated. The list box
contains the titles of all the current study plots. Meaningful titles are easier to locate
subsequently. If you choose a title that already exists, it WILL NOT overwrite the first plot (i.e.,
the list can contain two surface potential plot #1).
4.3.4 The "Profile >> View report" command

The “View report” is a toggle command that replaces the entire contents of the active profile
graph window with a tabular report. To return to the graphic, you must select this command a
second time. A check mark appears to the left of the menu item when the profile graph window
is in the “View report” mode. This command is disabled if no profile has been calculated.
4.3.5 The "Profile >> Rename" command

Use this command to rename profile graphs already generated. A list of profiles will be
displayed. Click on the appropriate profile name and then on “Rename”. Enter the new name in
the space provided and click on “OK”. Once you have renamed the desired profiles, click on
“Done” to exit this list box.
4.3.6 The "Profile >> Delete" command

Use the "Delete" command to delete profile graphs already generated. In the list box, select
the appropriate profile and click on “Delete”. Once you have deleted the desired profiles, click
on “Done” to exit this list box.

CYMGRD for Windows
4.3.7 The "Profile >> Parameters" command

Use this command to define the parameters for the profile plots.
You can specify these parameters either globally or within the active window. Globally, the
selected parameters will become the default parameters for all future profile plots generated by
the program. If you wish to modify the parameters for a single plot window, first click inside that
window to make it the active one, and then select the active window option. The changes made
to the parameters will apply only to the active plot window. The profile parameters dialog box is
further explained below.
Note: The active window option is disabled when the selected window is not a profile
plot.
Show markers will identify the curves using symbols (squares and triangles). By default,
CYMGRD displays markers. To hide them, click to remove the check mark.
Show legend displays the legend at the bottom of the graphic. Click on the check box to
disable it. By default, CYMGRD displays the legend. However, CYMGRD will not display the
legend if the "Show markers" option is disabled.
Reference lines will extend lines from the tick marks on the axes of the graph. Click on the
option to activate it. By default, CYMGRD does not display the reference lines.
Surface potentials includes the surface potential and GPR curves in the graphic when active
(þ). Click on its check box to disable it. By default, CYMGRD will display the surface potential
curve.

CYMGRD for Windows
Touch potentials includes the maximum and actual touch potential curves in the graphic
when active (þ). Click on its check box to disable it. By default, CYMGRD will display the touch
potential curve.
Step potentials includes the maximum and actual step potential curves in the graphic when
active (þ). Click on its check box to disable it. By default, CYMGRD will display the step
potential curve.
When finished, click on "OK" to put all the selected options in effect or "Cancel" to remove
any changes you made. Click on "Defaults" if you want to reset all the values to their default
settings.
4.3.8 Inspecting potential profile plots

Before generating potential profile plots along a given axis, it is advisable to run the SOIL
module to determine the maximum permissible touch and step potentials for the soil conditions
(see Chapter 3, section 3.4.3).
Up to six curves can be generated for each potential profile plot, depending on the potential
profile parameters' settings.
You can track the curves with the mouse by clicking on them. Slide the mouse along the
curve to see the distance and the voltage between a specific point and the starting point (values
appear at the bottom of the screen).
You can also have the absolute coordinates of a specific point along the axis. In order to do
this, track the curve with the mouse while holding down the left mouse button. The label
"Location (X, Y)" will appear above the narrow cursor, and the coordinates will replace the
distance and voltage values. In this way, you can link the potential of a point with its coordinates.
The same applies for the step potential curve. However, since the step potential is the difference
between the surface potentials of two consecutive points, the coordinates displayed define the
second point.

CYMGRD for Windows
Appendix I
EXAMPLE STUDIES
In this appendix, you will find 3 step-by-step sample studies. We have also described the most
commonly used functions in order to make your work easier.
Most commonly used functions
Keyboard arrows
In 2-D display, you can use the arrow keys to move the cursor slowly in the display windows. Put
the cursor in the appropriate window first.
Using the mouse in 3-D display
In 3-D display (in the PLOT module), you can use the mouse to rotate and elevate the plot. Click
on the LEFT button and hold it down while moving the mouse. You might need some practice to
become accustomed to it. If you want to move the mouse more slowly, click on the LEFT button,
hold it down and use the keyboard arrow keys. To change the camera distance, click on the left
button and hold it down. Then, click on the RIGHT button and hold it down too while moving the
mouse up and down.
Double-click
If you double-click the left mouse button, the parameter dialog box of the active window will
appear.
Tile/Auto-tile
You will find this command in the “Window” menu. It divides the screen in equal segments in
order to allocate the same viewing area to all windows. Use the auto-tile setting under “Display
mode” to tile the desktop contents automatically whenever a window is opened or closed.
Print/Print all
You will find the “Print” commands in the “Window” menu. You can print the active window
(“Print” command) or the contents of all visible windows (“Print all” command).
Save
When you activate CYMGRD, it automatically opens the last project that was loaded. If you
want to create a new project based on the last one, use the “Duplicate” command and give a
specific title to the new project. If you wish to create a completely new project, use the “Create”
command and then give a specific title to the new project. Use the “Study >> Save” command
to save a study. If you try to exit CYMGRD without saving your study, a dialog box will appear,
offering to save the current study.
Appendix I - EXAMPLE STUDIES 1

CYMGRD for Windows
Example 1: Primary electrode only
Step-by-step instructions for data entry, analysis and graphic display follow. The first example is
a grounding grid (primary electrode) with grounding rods.
1.1 Resistivity analysis of the substation soil
Among the various techniques used for soil resistivity measurement, CYMGRD supports the
Wenner technique. Suppose that the following measurements were obtained in the area where
the grounding system will be installed.
Note: CYMGRD interprets only resistivity measurements. It does not accept resistance
values.
DISTANCE (m) RESISTIVITY (Ω -m)

2.00 276
4.00 288
7.00 263
10.00 157
13.00 140
16.00 129
19.00 117
22.00 102
25.00 99
The soil is not uniform; therefore, we must perform a resistivity analysis to obtain the parameters
of the two-layer soil model necessary for further analysis.
Follow the steps below:
1. Activate the CYMGRD program.
2. Use the Project >> Create command and enter a project name (e.g., Project1).
3. Click OK.
4. Use the Project >> Study >> Create command to create a study. Enter a name (e.g.,
Study1). The menu bar will be a different one.
5. The default module is GRID. Click on Module >> Soil.
6. Click on Soil >> Input data.
7. In the Soil data dialog box, you may enter a name for the analysis (e.g., Resis1).
8. Click on the diamond marked Two-layer to select it. (It is active by default anyway.)
9. Click on the Insert button and enter each measurement (probe distance and resistivity)
Repeat for each set of data (see section 2.3.1).
2 Appendix I - EXAMPLE STUDIES

CYMGRD for Windows
10. Upon verifying the data entered, click “OK”. In the Soil model window, the program will
display the registered points.
11. Click on SOIL >> Calculate! >> Soil model. The resistivity curve, the thickness and
resistivity of the upper layer and the resistivity of the lower layer are displayed in the soil
model window.
12. CYMGRD also presents a tabular report in a separate window. Close that window.

CYMGRD for Windows
Note: “Doubtful points” are those measurements which are far enough away from the
computed resistivity curve that the error between them and the curve exceeds the
average RMS error between all the measured points and the curve. Normally, you
might consider removing one or more “doubtful” measurements and performing
the resistivity analysis again. For this example, however, continue using the
current results.
By default, both the Safety Assessment and the Surface Potential analyses make use of this soil
model. However, you can modify the soil model parameters (H, upper ρ, lower ρ) if desired.
1.2 Safety assessment analysis
Once you have the soil model, the next step is to define safety criteria for the substation.
To run the safety assessment analysis, follow these steps:
1. Click on Soil >> Calculate! >> Safety assessment.
2. In the Safety parameters dialog box, the program enters the soil model data by default. Let
us use the default values for the other data (50 kg body, 200mm of 1000Ω -m crushed rock
on the surface, 100 msec shock duration).
Note: The lower layer thickness is not needed as it is considered to be infinite.

3. Verify the data and click on “OK” to calculate the reduction factor Cs(h,k), the maximum
allowable touch and step voltages.

CYMGRD for Windows
CYMGRD uses the following equations, taken from IEEE 80 (1986), to calculate the maximum
permissible touch and step voltages.
E touch = (1000+1.5Cs(h,k)Ps)0.116/ t
E step = (1000+6Cs(h,k)Ps)0.116/ t
E touch = (1000+1.5Cs(h,k)Ps)0.157/ t
E step = (1000+6Cs(h,k)Ps)0.157/ t
where:
• t is shock duration, in seconds.
• Cs(h,k) is the derating factor when high resistivity material is present at the soil surface. It is
a function of the reflection factor k and the thickness of the surface material layer h.
• s is the resistivity of the surface material, in ohm-m.
Once completed, the results of the safety analysis appear. In our particular example the
computed values are as follows:
The program communicates the maximum permissible touch and step voltages, calculated in the
safety assessment analysis, to the graphic module (PLOT). The option is active by default, as
shown in the above sample dialog box.
4. Click OK. The Safety Assessment Report will appear in a separate window. You could print
it via Window >> Print. Otherwise, close the window.

CYMGRD for Windows
1.3 Grounding installation data entry

In our example, the grounding grid is rectangular and symmetrical (meshes of equal area). It is
150 m long and 80 m wide. All conductors are buried at a depth of 0.5 m. Seven (7) conductors
lie parallel to the X-axis and five (5) parallel to the Y-axis. For analysis purposes, the conductors
parallel to the X-axis are subdivided in 4 segments and those parallel to the Y-axis, in 2
elements.
The diameter of all the conductors is 0.0134m. The grounding installation is in parallel with a
resistance of 25 ohms from overhead sky wire and counterpoise resistance. The fault current is
2500 A. Finally, twelve (12) grounding rods are connected to the grounding grid at the
perimeter. The rods are 6.00 meters long, with diameter 1.9 cm (0.75 in.).
1. Click on Module >> GRID.
2. Click on Grid >> Input data >> Installation...
3. In the Installation dialog box, enter data according to the figure below:
Note: Since there is no return electrode, the return current is 0.

CYMGRD for Windows
4. Verify the data entered and click on “OK”.

5. Click on Grid >> Input Data >> Electrodes >> Conductors.
You can enter the grid and the rods in any order, but it is better to enter the grid layout first and
then the ground rods. CYMGRD supports symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangements of
conductors and rods. Electrodes (primary, return or distinct) consist of combinations of these
arrangements.
6. Click on “Grid >> Input data >> Electrodes >> Conductors” & click on the Insert button.
Enter the primary conductor data as shown in the dialog box below. (Do not forget to click
on the Symmetric check box and on the diamond left of Primary to select it):

CYMGRD for Windows
7. Click on the bar, in the lower left corner of the conductors dialog
box.
8. Click on the Insert button. Enter rod data as shown in the dialog box below (do not forget to
click on the Symmetric check box and on the diamond left of Primary to select it):
Note: The Rod depth is the distance from the surface of the earth to the top of the rods.
9. Click on the Insert button again, to add another set of rods (one at (0;40) and one at
(150;40))

CYMGRD for Windows
10. Click to remove the check mark next to Symmetric, and enter the following data:
11. Click on OK to finish.

CYMGRD for Windows
12. Optional. To display the grid layout in 3 dimensions, double-click the left mouse button
anywhere inside the Grid Layout window. The Graphic Parameters dialog box will appear.
Click on the 3D View radio button, and click OK.
13. Click on the “Grid >> Calculate!” command to compute the ground potential rise (GPR) and
ground resistance (Rg) values.
Note: During the calculations, a timer gives you an indication of the speed of processing.
14. Click on OK. A tabular report will appear, listing the positions of the various pieces of
conductor, the current diffused by each, and the GPR and resistance values. You may print
the report via Window >> Print. Otherwise, close the window.

CYMGRD for Windows
1.4 Surface potential analysis with the PLOT module

Use the PLOT module to see the results of the analysis in graphical form. These graphic outputs
make it very easy to study specific areas of interest in the installation. You may see the surface
potential contours or the surface potential profile in any desired direction.
1. Click on “Module >> PLOT”.
2. Click on “Contours >> Calculate!” to define the lower left and upper right corners of the
rectangular area over which the contours are to be plotted.
Note: If you have not yet calculated the installation's GPR and total resistance to
ground, CYMGRD will offer to do that first.
Adjust the area as shown above, so as to view the potentials in the surrounding area outside
the grid as well. You may change the title, too.
3. Click on “OK” to begin the calculations. When the calculations are complete, the potential
contours will be superimposed on the grid layout in a new window. (See next page.)
4. Optional. Repeat steps 2 and 3 with #intervals = 21 for more precision.

CYMGRD for Windows
5. Double-click the left mouse button anywhere inside the Contour Plot. The Graphic
Parameters dialog box will appear. Click to activate the options shown, including 3D view.
6. Click on the “Thresholds“ button.

CYMGRD for Windows
With this option, you can set the thresholds for color coding of the equipotential lines. Use
color-coding to identify danger areas within and around the substation layout. Shades of red
indicate the highest touch potentials.
Touch Potential Grading

The program calculates these three thresholds from the maximum allowable touch voltage
calculated in the soil resistivity analysis module (SOIL). The thresholds are listed in ascending
order. Threshold #3 is the highest and is equal by default to the maximum allowable touch
voltage. Touch potential contours valued at or above this level appear in shades of red. Blue or
green sections are less dangerous.
Surface Potential Grading
The program calculates these three thresholds from the maximum allowable touch voltage
calculated in the SOIL module and the station GPR calculated in the GRID module. The
thresholds are listed in descending order. Threshold #3 is the lowest and is equal to the
minimum absolute surface potential. Surface Potential contours valued at or below this level
appear in shades of red. Blue or green sections are less dangerous.
Hint: The sum of the surface potential thresholds and the touch potential thresholds should
always equal the station GPR.

CYMGRD for Windows
7. Click “OK” to return to the Graphic Parameters dialog box. Click “OK” there to return to the
display, which will now be in 3 dimensions.
It is now easy to see how the Touch Voltage rises rapidly at the edges of the grid
8. Inside the Surface Potential Plot window, click and hold down the left mouse button. Move
the mouse to rotate the drawing. Release the button. Repeat to get a different view.
9. Optional. View the absolute Surface Potential instead of the Touch Voltage. Repeat step 5
and choose “Surface Potential”.

CYMGRD for Windows
1.5 Potential profile analysis along an axis with the PLOT module
Use the potential profile module to generate touch, step or surface potential profiles along
different axes. An axis is defined by its starting and ending coordinates.
1. Click on “Profile >> Calculate!”. The following dialog will appear.
2. Modify the data as shown above, in order to extend the profile beyond the borders of the
grid.
Hint: You can also define the desired axis with the mouse (see Sections 4.3.2 and 4.3.3).
You must also define a step size. The program uses this step size to calculate the step
potential profile along the axis of interest. If the spacing is equal to the normal span
between the two feet of someone walking along the axis, then the difference of the surface
potential between two adjacent points is the Step Voltage. There is a limit of 200 points, so
try to make sure the length of the axis does not exceed 200 times the step interval.

CYMGRD for Windows
3. Click on OK to calculate the potential profile along the specified axis and to view the
resulting curves.
There is a maximum of six potential profile curves (3 pairs). By default, CYMGRD shows the
Touch Potential and Maximum Allowed Touch Voltage (in blue) and the Step Potential and
Maximum Allowed Step Voltage (in green). You may request the Absolute Surface Potential and
the GPR as well (in red).
4. Double-click the left mouse button anywhere inside the Potential Profile plot. The Profile
Graphics Parameters dialog box will appear. Click on Surface Potentials, to place a check
mark there, and click OK.

CYMGRD for Windows
5. Arrange the windows so that the Grid Layout and Potential Profile windows are visible. (Use
Window >> Tile.)
6. Now slide the mouse cursor sideways inside the Potential Profile window. You should see
the cursor position indicated simultaneously on the Grid Layout, as shown above. This
feature can help you identify hazardous areas more easily.

CYMGRD for Windows
Example 2: Primary, return and distinct electrode
The second example is a substation grid without rods. A ground fault occurs within the
substation, and another electrode at a certain distance from the grid absorbs the current injected
to the grid. This electrode becomes a return electrode. We will analyze the potential profile along
a selected axis with and without the return electrode. We will also analyze the effect of a distinct
electrode without a return electrode.
2.1 Grounding installation overview
The following data applies to this installation:
• The soil is known to be uniform with a resistivity of 100 Ω -m.
• The grounding grid is square (10m x 10m), with its origin at (X1=0.0m, Y1=0.0m)
• The grid conductors are buried at 0.5 meters, with 4 parallel conductors along the X axis
partitioned in 4 elements each and 5 parallel conductors along the Y axis partitioned in 3
elements each. The diameter of the (#4/0 AWG) grid conductors is 1.34 cm (0.528 in.)
• There is no surface treatment (crushed rock, for instance).
• All the current contributes to the station potential rise. (Parallel impedance of 9999 Ω .)
• The return electrode is a rod with a diameter of 0.2 meters and a length of 1 meter,
positioned 45 meters away from the grid. We will assume the top of the rod is at the surface
of the earth (Z1 = 0.0).
• The current injected to the grid is 100 amps and since the return electrode absorbs it all, the
return electrode current is -100.0 amps.
• The distinct electrode is an old water pipe, 30cm in diameter and 20m in length.
The steps to enter data are similar to those in Example 1 of this Appendix.
1. To create a new study, click on “Project >> Create”. Enter a name. Click on “OK”.
2. Click on “Project >> Study >> Create”; enter a study name and click on “OK”.
Since the soil model is already known, we do not need to calculate it. We do need to compute
the Tolerable Touch and Step voltages, however.
3. Click on “Module >> SOIL” and select “Soil >> Calculate >> Safety Assessment”.

CYMGRD for Windows
Since the soil is uniform, the “upper and lower layers” have the same resistivity and the
thickness of the upper layer is arbitrary. There is no surface layer, so put its thickness to
zero. To be conservative, use 50 kg body weight. See the dialog box below.
Click on “OK” to calculate the Touch and Step voltages, for use in the GRID and PLOT
modules.
Click on “OK” to acknowledge the results, and close the report window.
Minimize the Soil Model window, since we do not need it.

CYMGRD for Windows
4. Click on “Module >> GRID”.

5. Click on “Grid >> Input data >> Installation...”. The installation data dialog box will
appear.
Enter data as shown below. You may use the TAB key to move from one field to the next, but do
not click on “OK” until all the data are entered.

CYMGRD for Windows
6. Build the primary grounding electrode.

Click on “Grid >> Input data >> Electrodes >> Conductors”:
Click on the Insert button & enter the data shown in the dialog box above. The counter will
indicate 1/1. Proceed to step 7 without clicking on “OK”.
7. Build the return electrode.

Click on “Ground Rods > > ” (bottom left): the “Ground Rods” dialog box will appear.
Disable the Symmetric option by clicking on it once, if necessary.
Click on the diamond left of “Return”.
Click on the Insert button & enter data as shown in the dialog box below.

CYMGRD for Windows
Click on “OK”. (We will add the distinct electrode later.)

CYMGRD for Windows
8. Calculate the GPR and resistance.

Click on “Grid >> Calculate!”. Once finished, the GPR and resistance appear.
Click on “OK” to acknowledge the results. Close the grid calculation results window.
9. Calculate the potential profile. Choose “Module >> PLOT”.

Click on “Contours >> Calculate!”.
Enter data as shown in the dialog box below. You may change the title. Here, we extend the
boundaries of the area over which the contours will be computed, so as to include some of
the area beyond the grounding grid. We also increase the precision of the calculation by
increasing the number of intervals.
Click on “OK”. The calculations proceed, and CYMGRD draws a two-dimensional plot.

CYMGRD for Windows
10. Change to 3D view.

Once you see the curves, double-click inside the plot window to display the Graphic Parameters
dialog box. Activate the following options:
• Surface Potential instead of Touch Potential.
• Solid Filled
• Show Wire Mesh
• 3D View
Click on “OK”. Maximize the window if necessary. The plot will look like this:
The surface potential is relatively uniform over the surface of the grounding grid, drops off
rapidly between the grid and the return electrode, and attains a very large negative value in the
vicinity of the latter, due to its high resistance.

CYMGRD for Windows
11. Exclude the return electrode. Choose “Module >> GRID”.

Click on “Grid >> Input data >> Installation”. The installation data dialog box will appear.
Click to remove the check mark (þ) next to “Enable return conductors” & “Enable return
rods”. The program will no longer consider the return electrode in the calculations.
Click on “OK”. Now, because of the change to the grid, CYMGRD notifies you that the
potential plot no longer corresponds to the electrodes.
Click on the ‘Save changes in a new study’ button. The study with the Return electrode
will be saved and a new study without it will be opened.
Give a name for the new study, for example:
Click on “OK”.

CYMGRD for Windows
12. Click on “Grid >> Calculate!”. The GPR and the resistance values are now slightly higher.
Click on “OK” to acknowledge, and close the report window.
13. In the PLOT module, click on “Contours >> Calculate”. Adjust the area as before.
Click on “OK”.
14. Double-click inside the plot window and activate the same options as before, namely:
• Surface Potential instead of Touch Potential.
• Solid Filled
• Show Wire Mesh
• 3D View
Click on “OK”.

CYMGRD for Windows
The surface potential plot is much different now because the high-resistance return electrode is
absent. The surface potential remains relatively uniform over the grid, and then falls off
exponentially to zero outside the grid.
Optional. Minimize the Soil Model and Grid Layout windows. Close any open report windows.
Use the “Window >> Tile” command to display the two cases simultaneously. In the example
shown below, 2D View has been selected for both.

CYMGRD for Windows
15. Add a distinct electrode.

The distinct electrode is a 30 cm pipe, 20 meters long, buried at a depth of 3 m.
In the GRID module, click on “Grid >> Input data >> Electrodes >> Conductors”.
Click on Insert button. The counter will indicate (2/2).
Edit this copy as shown below. Make sure to click on “Distinct”.
Click on “OK”. We now have a primary electrode and a distinct electrode.

Again, as in Step 11, CYMGRD notifies you that the potential plot no longer corresponds to
the electrodes because of the change to the grid.
Click on the ‘Save changes in a new study’ button. The study without the Distinct
electrode will be saved and a new study with it will be opened.
Give a name for the new study, for example: “Primary and Distinct”.
Click on “OK”.
Hint: If the distinct electrode disappears at this point, double-click inside the Grid Layout
window and click on the Show distinct option in the Graphic Parameters dialog box.
16. Click on “Grid >> Calculate!”. The GPR is almost unchanged.
Click on “OK” and close the grid calculation window.

CYMGRD for Windows
17. In the PLOT module, click on “Contours >> Calculate”. Replace the default title, and enter
the same coordinates as before:
Click on “OK”.
You can see how the Distinct electrode distorts the equipotential lines. (Compare the graphics in
the top left and bottom right corners below.)
You have now completed the tutorial. To exit, click on “Project >> Exit”.

CYMGRD for Windows
Appendix II
Comparison with the IEEE80 Guide
Appendix II is intended to provide the user with a comparison of the results obtained by
CYMGRD and the IEEE80 GUIDE, 1986 edition.
The following three examples will be documented:
♦ Example 1: Preliminary design stage
IEEE80 GUIDE, 1986 Edition, Page 182.
Square grid 70m x 70m, 100 meshes with no ground rods.
♦ Example 2: Improved design
Square grid 70m x 70m, 100 meshes with ground rods placed along the perimeter.
♦ Example 3: Finalized design
Rectangular grid 63m x 84m, 108 meshes with ground rods placed along the perimeter and
at selected places in the gird in an effort to further minimize surface touch potentials.
CYMGRD utilizes a finite element analysis algorithm which is more accurate than the
approximate formulas provided in the IEEE80 GUIDE. The finite element analysis algorithm
enables CYMGRD to analyze grounding systems of either symmetrical or asymmetrical
configuration of ground conductors and rods.
CASE NAME : Example 1: Preliminary design stage.
REFERENCE : IEEE80 GUIDE, 1986 Edition, Page 182.
SOIL MODEL : Uniform, soil resistivity = 400 ohm-meters.
SAFETY CALCULATIONS:
Input data:
Body weight 70 Kg
Crushed rock surface layer resistivity 2500 Ω -m
Crushed rock surface layer thickness 0.102 m
Clearing time 0.50 sec
Uniform soil resistivity 400 Ω -m
Appendix II -COMPARISON WITH THE IEEE80 GUIDE 1

CYMGRD for Windows
Results:
REFERENCE MAX. MAX. ALLOWABLE REDUCTION
ALLOWABLE STEP FACTOR CS
TOUCH
CYMGRD 750.03 Volts 2,334.01 Volts 0.634
IEEE Guide 80 746.00 Volts 2,320.00 Volts 0.630
GRID DESIGN ASPECTS:
Square grid 70m x 70m, 100 meshes with no ground rods as shown in the IEEE 80
EXAMPLE 1 STATION LAYOUT figure shown below.
Input data:
Square grid 70m x 70m, 100 meshes
Grid conductor diameter 0.01 m
Burial depth 0.5 m
Injected ground current 1,908 Amps
Results:
In the table that follows Rg and GPR signify the station resistance and ground potential rise.
REFERENCE RG GPR
CYMGRD 2.652 Ohms 5,059.92 Volts
IEEE Guide 80 2.680 Ohms 5,152.00 Volts
CASE NAME : Example 2: Improved design.
2 Appendix II - COMPARISON WITH THE IEEE80 GUIDE

CYMGRD for Windows
Input data:
Body weight 70 Kg
Uniform Soil Resistivity 400 Ω -m
Results:
REFERENCE MAX. ALLOWABLE MAX. ALLOWABLE REDUCTION FACTOR
TOUCH STEP CS
Square grid 70m x 70m, 100 meshes with ground rods placed along the perimeter as shown
in the IEEE 80 EXAMPLE 2 STATION LAYOUT figure shown below.
Input data:
Square Grid 70m x 70m, 100 meshes
Length of Ground rods 7.50 m
Ground rod diameter 0.01 m
Burial Depth 0.5 m
Results:

CYMGRD for Windows
REFERENCE RG GPR
CYMGRD 2.510 4,790.00 Volts
IEEE Guide 80 2.750 5,247.00 Volts
CASE NAME : Example 3: Finalized design.
Input data:
Body weight 70 Kg
Uniform Soil Resistivity 400 Ω -m
Results:
REFERENCE MAX. ALLOWABLE MAX. ALLOWABLE REDUCTION FACTOR
TOUCH STEP CS
4 Appendix II - COMPARISON WITH THE IEEE80 GUIDE

CYMGRD for Windows
Rectangular grid 63m x 84m, 108 meshes with ground rods placed along the perimeter and
at selected places in the gird in an effort to further minimize surface touch potentials, as shown
in the IEEE 80 EXAMPLE 3 STATION LAYOUT figure shown below.
Input data:
Rectangular Grid 70m x 70m, 100 meshes
Length of Ground rods 10.0 m
Ground rod diameter 0.01 m
Burial Depth 0.5 m
Results:
REFERENCE RG GPR
CYMGRD 2.288 Ohms 4,366.51 Volts
IEEE Guide 80 2.620 Ohms 5,000.00 Volts

CYMGRD for Windows
Appendix III
CADGRD - The CYMGRD - AutoCAD Interface module
1.00 Program Summary
CADGRD is a utility program conceived to allow the user to alternate between the AutoCAD and
CYMGRD environments. More specifically, CADGRD was conceived as a utility program to
supplement CYMGRD, the module that is dedicated to design grounding facilities for
transmission and distribution substations. For that reason CADGRD needs to be installed in the
same partition as CYMGRD, since it is called by CYMGRD itself.
CADGRD is not a substitute for AutoCAD. In fact, AutoCAD remains a firm software requirement
for CADGRD, because it is AutoCAD that will produce the necessary *.DXF and /or *.DWG files
that contain the pictorial description of the substation grid layout. Note however that all relevant
data for the engineering analysis of the substation grounding grid, besides the actual grid layout,
can also be entered via CADGRD following the same philosophy and input data patterns of the
CYMGRD data input interface. This is done by properly assigning attributes to the AutoCAD-
drawn entities using special data blocks supported by CADGRD.
The functionality of CADGRD can then be seen as:
CYMGRD invoking, at run time, CADGRD and importing the station data from *.DXF/*.DWG files
into the CYMGRD environment.
CYMGRD invoking, at run time, CADGRD and exporting the station data (already entered,
designed/optimized within CYMGRD), by producing the relevant *.DXF and/or *.DWG files
necessary for describing the grounding assemblies in the AutoCAD environment.
The advantages of this bilateral communication link between CYMGRD and CADGRD can be
summarized as follows:
• CYMGRD has now access to the powerful drawing facilities of the AutoCAD environment
with full support of its GUI data structures. CADGRD is simply the required vehicle of
information transfer.
• Grounding grid layouts can be entered independently and communicated to CYMGRD so

that an engineering analysis can proceed for verification, correction or further design
optimization.
Appendix III - CADGRD - The CYMGRD - AutoCAD Interface module 1

CYMGRD for Windows
• The engineering analysis results for designing a new or reinforcing/optimizing the design of
existing ground grids can now be efficiently exported in the AutoCAD environment without
any loss of information.
• Exchange of information between the AutoCAD and CYMGRD environment is rendered

transparent and seamless, even when different persons service either end of the link.
• All the above advantages can be harvested by drawing packages other than AutoCAD, under
the condition that the same *.DXF or *.DWG files are supported.
In what follows a description of the CADGRD utility is given for the AutoCAD environment. A
certain degree of familiarity with AutoCAD is assumed for the reader in order to present the
information in a concise manner and avoid duplicating AutoCAD user manual details.
This user’s guide should not therefore be used as an aid to comprehend the hereby implicated
AutoCAD functions but, instead, as a means to efficiently use CADGRD within the AutoCAD
environment.
2.00 Drawing a station ground grid with AutoCAD
2.1 General
To draw a GRID layout always start from the “CYMDEF.dwg” file, by activating AutoCAD.
No matter how many times the CADGRD program is activated it is this template it needs to use
to start a new drawing. This file is the default template used by CADGRD to start the
AutoCAD drawing and should never be overwritten. Furthermore, this file should reside in
the same directory as the CYMGRD program and should never be deleted. When the
station drawing is finalized within CADGRD make sure it is saved under another name.
The “CYMDEF.dwg” file contains seven layers, which are used to draw the GRID layout and
define the data for the CYMGRD analysis. These layers are also reserved in name and
function for CADGRD and should not be modified in any fashion. In fact, the very
functionality of CADGRD depends on them.
2 Appendix III - CADGRD - The CYMGRD - AutoCAD Interface module

CYMGRD for Windows
These seven layers are defined as:
DISTINCT DATA: Layer used to store data for the DISTINCT electrode Conductors/Rods
DISTINCT: Layer used for drawing the layout of the DISTINCT electrode
PRIMARY DATA: Layer used to store data for the PRIMARY electrode Conductors/Rods
PRIMARY: Layer used for drawing the layout of the PRIMARY electrode
RETURN DATA: Layer used to store the data of the RETURN electrode Conductors/Rods
RETURN: Layer used to draw the layout of the RETURN electrode
GENERAL: Layer used to define the general data NAME, SOIL Resistivity etc.
NOTE 1: The Grounding layout/Data should be drawn/defined in the appropriate layer, if they
are represented in a different layer, they might be ignored
NOTE 2: Please refer to CYMGRD utilization guide for definitions of the above used terms.
2.2 Drawing the GRID Layout using AutoCAD:
The GRID layout should be drawn in AutoCAD without any scaling factor. One unit in AutoCAD
drawing represents either 1 m or 1 ft in CYMGRD, depending upon the system unit (Metric or
Imperial) you define in the General Data Block. The coordinates (0,0,0) in AutoCAD correspond
to the coordinates (0,0,0) in CYMGRD grid layout.
NOTE: CYMGRD also recognizes both systems of units. Thus a grid entered via CADGRD say,
in metric units, is imported into CYMGRD as such respecting the system of units selected within
CADGRD. The same data could however be converted to Imperial units within CYMGRD. Upon
exporting the same grid layout to AutoCAD via CADGRD, the data will now be shown in Imperial
units.

CYMGRD for Windows
The entity for grid Conductors:
The Conductors are represented as Lines in AutoCAD via their end points coordinates (X1, Y1,
Z1) & (X2, Y2, Z2). The burial depth of the conductor ends (Z1 and/or Z2) is represented by a
negative Z coordinate.
NOTE: In CYMGRD the burial depth is always entered as a positive value. This apparent
inconsistency however, is automatically taken into account when data is transferred back and
forth from CYMGRD.
The diameter of the Conductor is defined in the Conductor Data Block, which is discussed later.
The entity for grounding rods:
A ground rod is represented as a “Circle” in AutoCAD with center coordinates (X, Y, Z). The Rod
length is defined by the “Thickness” of the Circle. A negative value of the “Thickness” represents
the Rod pointing downwards from the center (X, Y, Z).
The diameter of the Circle in AutoCAD drawing is only used for display purposes. The actual
diameter of the Rod used by CYMGRD is defined in the Rod Data Block, which is discussed
later.
NOTE: In CYMGRD the rod length is always entered as a positive value and is implicitly
assumed that the rod points downwards. This apparent inconsistency however, is automatically
taken into account when data is transferred back and forth from CYMGRD.

CYMGRD for Windows
Data Blocks for the entities

Data blocks are used to define the data for the Conductors, Rods and Substation Grounding
analysis. The AutoCAD “INSERT” command can be invoked to bring up the Data insertion dialog
box as shown below:

CYMGRD for Windows
There are three insertion blocks supported by CADGRD :
Data Block #1: General Data Block (CY_GEN)
The General Data Block is used to define the following CYMGRD analysis parameters:
Then click on “NEXT” to view the remaining attributes:

CYMGRD for Windows
The above mentioned data is only used by CYMGRD and has no bearing at all to the intended
function of CADGRD. They can be left with their default values and when the grid layout is
imported to CYMGRD, they can be modified within CYMGRD in a relevant context. This
data is reserved to the proper layer (GENERAL) which should remain locked and should not
normally be modified within CADGRD. If one, however, decides to do so, the layer must be
unlocked and whatever data is entered within AutoCAD will then be transferred to CYMGRD.
The interested reader can review the CYMGRD reference guide for the exact definition of these
parameters.
Block #2: Conductor Data Block: (CY_GRID)
The Conductor Data Block is used to assign the following data:
# of elements : Number of elements in the conductor

Conductor diameter : Diameter of the conductor used for CYMGRD analysis
Conductor group no. : 0 - for “asymmetrical” conductor
: 1-9999 for “Symmetrical” conductors
Entity Handle : Unique AutoCAD ID to associate the conductor with its data block

CYMGRD for Windows
Conductor Group Number:
Each conductor is assigned a group number based on whether the conductor is part of a
symmetrical conductor assembly or not. This notion is borrowed from CYMGRD since CYMGRD
permits to enter many conductors exhibiting a certain pattern of symmetry as a data short cut.
Normally, a ground grid will feature symmetrically spaced as well as stand-alone conductors not
necessarily belonging to any symmetrical pattern. It is the latter that will feature a group number
of 0 and are hereby referred to as “Asymmetrical” conductors. A set of conductors with the same
group number (any number between 1-9999) are treated as a group of Symmetric conductors.
NOTE1: CADGRD will retain the symmetry of conductor assemblies as entered in CYMGRD so
long as this symmetrical pattern is not disturbed in any way within AutoCAD. If, for instance, a
symmetrical assembly of 3 conductors parallel to the X-axis with a certain spacing between them
has been defined in CYMGRD, this assembly will be retained within AutoCAD and transferred
back to CYMGRD if left as is. If however, any spacing of the original coordinates or even the
number of elements for any one of the 3 conductors is disturbed, the symmetrical assembly will
be broken down to its components and communicated back to CYMGRD as a new set of
asymmetrical conductors.
NOTE2: The number of elements per conductor is, again, a quantity used for electrical analysis
within CYMGRD. It bears no relevance to the intended functionality of CADGRD but it could be
crucial for actual CYMGRD simulations. A value of 1 is permissible when data for the grid is
entered for the first time via AutoCAD, and it remains up to the CYMGRD analyst to really set
this parameter. If, however, data are communicated to AutoCAD via CADGRD from CYMGRD,
this parameter should not be modified because the modified value will be passed again to
CYMGRD. A Symmetric group of conductors should feature at least a minimum order of 2x2 (4
conductors).
Block #3: Rod Data Block: (CY_ROD)
The Rod Data Block is used to assign the following data:
# of upper layer elements : Number of elements/Rod in the upper soil layer

# of lower layer elements : Number of elements/Rod in the lower soil layer
Rod diameter : Diameter of the Rod used for CYMGRD analysis
Enter group no. : 0 - “Asymmetrical” rods
:1-9999 - “Symmetrical” rods
Entity Handle : Unique AutoCAD ID to associate the Rod with its data block

CYMGRD for Windows
Rod Group Number:
Each Rod is assigned a group number based on whether the rod forms part of a symmetrical
assembly or not. This notion is borrowed, as for the conductors, from CYMGRD since CYMGRD
permits to enter many rods exhibiting a certain pattern of symmetry as a data short cut.
Normally, a ground grid will feature symmetrically spaced rods as well as stand-alone rods not
necessarily belonging to any symmetrical pattern. It is the latter that will feature a group number
of 0 and are hereby referred to as “Asymmetrical” rods. A set of rods with the same group
number (any number between 1-9999 but unique for a given group) are treated as a group of
Symmetric Rods. A Symmetric group of Rods should feature a minimum order of 2x2 (4 Rods).
Rods along the same line equidistantly spaced can still be entered with the same group
number in AutoCAD as if they were part of a “symmetrical” assembly. CADGRD will properly
support this data structure.
AutoCAD Entity Handle:
The entity handle is a unique ID used to couple the drawing element (Conductors/Rods) with
its associated Data Block. This coupling is important because vital data for the entity are
contained in the Data block. That is why an entity handle must be present for every data block. In
fact, every data block demands a distinct and unique handle.

CYMGRD for Windows
When the user places the data block for an entity anywhere in the drawing area, the handle
must be explicitly defined by the user. This can be laborious particularly if the drawing contains a
large number of entities, a situation very likely for sizeable transmission ground grids. In order
to circumvent this difficulty and render data entry easier, CADGRD can automatically
assign the entity handle assuming the Data blocks are inserted at their “proper insertion
points” in the AutoCAD drawing. A ‘proper insertion” point for the data block is considered for
the purposes of automated entity handle assignment to be any point of the entity itself. In order
for CADGRD to automatically assign the entity handles the “Update” activity needs to be invoked
for the drawing at hand before exporting it to CYMGRD.
If the grid data is imported from CYMGRD, it is CADGRD which will take care of both
assigning the entity handles and positioning the data blocks automatically.
NOTE: If, for any reason, the entity handle is not assigned, and the data block is present at
the proper insertion point, the entity handle will be assigned automatically.
2.3 Illustrative example
This following example illustrates the basic procedure using AutoCAD to draw the station
grounding grid layout.
The following hypothetical data apply to this installation:

• The soil is known to be uniform with a resistivity of 100 Ω -m.
• The grounding grid is square (10m x 10m), with its origin at (X1=0.0m, Y1=0.0m)
• The grid conductors are buried at 0.5 meters, with 4 parallel conductors along the X axis
partitioned in 3 elements each and 5 parallel conductors along the Y axis partitioned in 4
elements each. The diameter of the #4/0 AWG grid conductor wire is 1.34 cm (0.528 in.)
• There is no surface treatment (crushed rock, for instance).
• The injected current is absorbed entirely by the primary electrode. (Parallel Z= 9999 Ω .)
• There is a return electrode composed of a single grounding rod, with a diameter of 0.02
meters and a length of 1 meter, positioned 45 meters away from the grid. We will assume
the top of the rod is at the surface of the earth (Z1 = 0.0).
• The current injected to the primary electrode is 100 amps and the return electrode absorbs it
all, the return electrode current is -100.0 amps.

CYMGRD for Windows
To draw the above-depicted Grounding system start with the template file “CYMDEF.dwg” file.
This file, as pointed out earlier, is a reserved file and should only be used to begin a drawing, it
should always be resident in the directory of CYMGRD program and should never be overwritten
or moved.
Open the “CYMDEF.dwg” file using AutoCAD and rename the file as “PROJ2.dwg”. We begin by
drawing the primary electrode first. Thus,…
1. Set the Layer to “Primary”
2. Draw one Primary conductor parallel to X-axis and one parallel to the Y-axis:
Command: line
Specify first point: 0,0,-0.5
Specify next point or [Undo]: 0,10,-0.5
Specify next point or [Undo]: <ENTER>, for the X-axis
Command: line
Specify first point: 0,0,-0.5
Specify next point or [Undo]: 10,0,-0.5
Specify next point or [Undo]: <ENTER>, for the Y-axis

CYMGRD for Windows
REMINDER NOTE: When drawing the lines one may also want to use the standard commands
Zoom with a convenient associated option like “All” or “Extend” to have a clear view of the drawn
entities so far. This may be necessary when elements are first drawn far away from the
coordinates (0.0,0.0), because the CYMDEF.DWG file is configured to make the point
(0.0,0.0) visible right from the beginning.
At this point we need to specify the data blocks for the already entered 2 entities because
they will both be used later by the array command to create copies of themselves. By
specifying their data blocks, we will also properly duplicate the attributes of the entities.
3. Set the Layer to “Primary data”
4. Insert the conductor data block on the conductor parallel to the Y-axis.
Command: insert
Select CY_GRID on the Insert window
Specify insertion point or [Scale/X/Y/Z/Rotate/PScale/PX/PY/PZ/PRotate]:

CYMGRD for Windows
The insertion point can be any point along the conductor, but it must be on the conductor
(see NOTE below). As you move the cursor close to the conductor, the cursor will be highlighted
with a yellow square to indicate the insertion point. The reason the insertion point must be on
the conductor is that, if this is the case, the entity handle will automatically be assigned
by CADGRD for all entities in the group thus avoiding specifying the handle for a great
number of entities. Do not insert the data block at the END points of the line.
NOTE: It will help for this particular requirement of CADGRD to properly configure AutoCAD, at
least for the current session, to conveniently display the insertion point along the conductor. To
do that, exercise the command OSNAP and make certain that the following boxes ENDPOINT,
CENTER, NEAREST are checked ON.
Enter attribute values
# of elements <1>: 4
Conductor diameter <.01>: 0.0134
Enter group no (0 = none) <0>: 1
Enter Entity handle:<ENTER>
5. Insert the conductor data block on the conductor parallel to X-axis.

Command: insert
Select CY_GRID on the Insert window
# of elements <1>: 3

CYMGRD for Windows
Conductor diameter <.01>: 0.0134

6. Complete the Primary Grid layout by making arrays of the Primary conductors & Data blocks
It is well known that by exploiting this AutoCAD option, we enter more efficiently symmetrical
structures as the one we try to emulate in this example.
Command: array
Select the conductor parallel to Y-axis along with its Data block
Select objects: 1 found
Select objects: 1 found, 2 total
Select objects::<ENTER> (to denote end of selected objects)
Enter the type of array [Rectangular/Polar] <R>:<ENTER>

Enter the number of rows (---) <1>:<ENTER>
Enter the number of columns (|||) <1> 5
Specify the distance between columns (|||): 2.5

CYMGRD for Windows
Command: array
Select the conductor parallel to X-axis along with its Data block
Select objects: 1 found
Select objects: 1 found, 2 total
Select objects: <ENTER> to denote end of selected objects
Enter the type of array [Rectangular/Polar] <R>: <ENTER>
Enter the number of rows (---) <1>: 4
Enter the number of columns (|||) <1>:<ENTER>
Enter the distance between rows or specify unit cell (---): 3.33333

CYMGRD for Windows
At this point all relevant data for the primary electrode have been entered. The next step
is to proceed by entering the data for the return electrode.
7. Set the layer to “Return”
8. Draw the return rod at a distance 45 m away from the Grid
Command: circle
Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: 55,5,0
Specify radius of circle or [Diameter] <0.1000>: 0.5
9. Set the layer to “Return Data”
10. Insert the Rod Data block

CYMGRD for Windows
Command: insert
Select CY_ROD on the Insert window
The insertion point must be at the center of the circle. Move the cursor close to the center
to the Rod; the cursor will be highlighted with a yellow square to indicate the insertion
point.

# of upper layer elements <1>: 1
# of lower layer elements <1>: 1
Rod diameter <.01>: 0.02
11. Change the Thickness of the Circle (Return Rod) to –1.0 (Rod Length)
The Thickness is the way to specify the depth of the rod without resorting to full 3_d
description
Command: ddmodify

CYMGRD for Windows
Click on the Circle (Rod) and change the thickness to -1.0.

This completes the Return Electrode data entry.
The next entry will be for the General Data Block. This block must be inserted in the drawing
despite the fact that only the Title and the Metric/Imperial units are of real value for the
drawing itself. The rest of the data can assume any value and be modified in CYMGRD. The

CYMGRD for Windows
data contained in this data block pertain to the engineering analysis performed by CYMGRD and
have no direct relevance to the drawing itself.
12. Set the Layer to “General”
13. Insert the General Data Block
Command:insert
Select CY_GEN on the Insert window
Title: Example2
System units (M=Metric or I=Imperial ) <M>: M
Distinct electrode flag (0 or 1) <0>: 0
Return electrode current (A) <0>: -100
Upper layer depth (m) <1.0>: 100
Upper layer resistivity (Ohm-m) <100.00>: 100
Lower layer resistivity (Ohm-m) <100.00>: 100
Primary electrode current (A) <1.0>: 100
Parallel impedance (Ohm) <9999.0>: 9999.0
The completed Grid layout/ Data blocks is shown here:

CYMGRD for Windows
3.00 Validation & Update of the AutoCAD drawing
Once the AutoCAD drawing is completed, the Grid drawing must be first validated and then
Updated using the appropriate CADGRD validation module. This module can be accessed from
the CYMGRD folder from the Start menu (Windows) by selecting "CAD Interface Module
(CADGRD)". These activities are important since they supplement the drawing and render the
AutoCAD drawing ready to be imported to CYMGRD for analysis. Neither one should be omitted.
The AutoCAD/CYMGRD conversion module is shown below:
3.1 Validating the AutoCAD drawing.
The Validation option is used to verify the AutoCAD drawing. This will only highlight the errors
caused by the Grid layout, Data insertion points etc. More specifically the validation will address
the following salient aspects:
• Make certain that all entities have an associated data block.

CYMGRD for Windows
NOTE1: If a data block is not defined for a stand-alone entity, i.e. an entity that has not been
defined via the command “array”, CADGRD will assign a data block to that entity, identical
to the last valid data block of a similar stand-alone entity. In other words, if a data block is
missing for an individual rod, the data block for the last valid individual rod will be in effect. This
practice assures that once data for an individual rod/conductor is entered there is no need to
enter them again for a good number of like entities. Following this practice can be very efficient
but it could also lead to inadvertently assuming wrong data for a good number of entities. Unless
therefore one is certain, it is preferable to assign a data block to every entity.
NOTE 2: In the case a data block has not been assigned to a stand-alone entity and there is no
similar entity entered previously (so that CADGRD can draw a template data block as specified
in NOTE1), the internal default values of CADGRD for data blocks shall be used.
These defaults are as follows:
Stand-alone Conductor
# of elements in conductor = 1
Conductor diameter = 0.01
Stand alone Rod
# of rod elements in upper soil layer = 1

# of rod elements in lower soil layer = 1
Rod diameter = 0.01
NOTE3: If entities have been generated using the “array” command and no data block has been
assigned to the “seed entity” i.e. the entity that was used as a template to generate the entities-
copies, CADGRD will not retain the structure as symmetrical. The symmetrical structure of
entities will be broken down to individual entities while their geometry is retained and the
internal default values, per NOTE 2, will be assigned to every one of them. The
disadvantage of this is that when the .DWG file is imported into CYMGRD the symmetrical
structure for this particular set of entities will be lost and they will be shown within CYMGRD as
individual entities. This, in turn, may have a considerable bearing on the flexibility of modifying
data for all of them very conveniently within CYMGRD. It is therefore preferable before using the
array command to make certain that a data block is assigned to the “seed-entity” so that the
symmetrical structure is retained for all future data exchanges with CYMGRD.
• Make certain that all entities and associated data blocks are within acceptable
coordinate limits. The boundary limits are set to be 10,000.00 m in all directions for metric
units and 32,820 ft for Imperial. This check is carried out once the units of the drawing are
defined in the “General” data block. That is why a “general” data block needs to be
inserted in the drawing.

CYMGRD for Windows
NOTE1: If no general data block has been entered, a warning is generated that the General”
data block is missing, when the drawing is being validated. When the .DWG file is simply
saved from session to session without being validated no general data block is put in it.
NOTE 2: If the .DWG file is not validated and is sent without any validation to CYMGRD, the
default General data block contents will be assumed, which are the following:
Default General Data block entities
Flag for distinct electrode potential = 0

Primary electrode current = 100.00
Return electrode current = 0.00
Upper soil layer depth =100.00
Upper soil layer resistivity = 100.00
Lower layer soil resistivity = 100.00
Parallel Impedance = 999.99
Units flag = M (metric)
It can therefore be seen that CYMGRD will accept the units in Metric if no General data
block is inserted in the XXX.DWG file representing the station grid.
• All entities are assigned to any of the seven reserved CADGRD layers.
NOTE: Ideally, all entities belonging to a given layer should have all their corresponding data
blocks in the corresponding data Layer. For instance primary electrode entities should find their
correspondent data blocks in the primary data layer. If it so happens that data blocks of one
layer are accidentally entered in another layer they will be ignored by CADGRD. The
reserved color codes for every layer and its correspondent data blocks should help in avoiding
such a situation.
• Verify that length of rods is not positive. If positive values were accidentally entered, they
will be converted to negative for the sake of consistency.
NOTE: CYMGRD functions by assuming a positive rod length, since it implies that the rod
always points downwards. Consistent with this convention, the interface of CYMGRD shows all
rod lengths as positive in its dialog boxes. It is CYMGRD that will convert all negative Z’s
coming from the XXX.DWG drawing to positive for interface and calculations within
CYMGRD. Similarly it is also CYMGRD that will convert all Z’s to negative when
generating the equivalent XXX.DWG file

CYMGRD for Windows
• Verify that the Z coordinates are entered as negative. Positive Z’s coordinates will be
converted to negative Z’s to assure information consistency.
NOTE: CYMGRD functions by assuming that a positive Z coordinate points downwards. That is
why when calculations are performed within CYMGRD the Z’s are considered positive.
Consistent with this convention, the interface of CYMGRD shows all Z’s as positive in its dialog
boxes. It is CYMGRD that will convert all negative Z’s coming from the XXX.DWG drawing
to positive for interface and calculations within CYMGRD. Similarly it is also CYMGRD
that will convert all Z’s to negative when generating the equivalent XXX.DWGF file
To validate the drawing click on FILE menu > Validate drawing
Then select the drawing (Proj2.dwg) file and click open

CYMGRD for Windows
The validation window lists the errors/warnings as a shown below
T
he above-illustrated procedure is to be followed whenever validation is to be undertaken as a
stand-alone procedure using CADGRD by itself. This is a good precaution and will, essentially,
ensure that no inadvertent warnings/errors are generated from the current status of the AutoCAD
file.
When, however, the CADGRD program is called from within CYMGRD to import an
AutoCAD drawing (in the form of XXX.DWG file) the validation process is automatically
triggered and immediately followed by the Updating procedure which is described below.
3.2 Updating the AutoCAD drawing.
The Updating option is used to assign the proper Entity Handle (Conductor/Rod data blocks)
and associate the symmetrical groups of Conductors/Rods in the drawing. This option re-builds
the AutoCAD drawing file (*.DWG, *.DXF) and updates the drawing with default data for
undefined parameters. Before using this option, the AutoCAD drawing must be closed.
This option also keeps a backup of the original drawing as “*.BK2” before it updates the drawing.

CYMGRD for Windows
To update the drawing click on FILE menu > Update drawing
Select the drawing (Proj2.dwg) file and click open
The Update window lists the errors/warnings as a shown below

CYMGRD for Windows
4.00 IMPORTING from AutoCAD to CYMGRD
To import a drawing from AutoCAD (*.DWG, *.DXF) file, one must be positioned within
CYMGRD. The following steps illustrate the procedure:
Open a new Project and an associated Study using CYMGRD (see CYMGRD user’s guide)
Select the GRID module in CYMGRD (see CYMGRD user’s guide)
Click on the GRID menu and select the activity: > Import from DOS/ACAD. This activity will
be only available to CYMGRD versions that support the AutoCAD interface.
This will open the file selection dialog box.
Select the AutoCAD file name (Proj2.dwg) and click Open. It is at this point that CADGRD
shall be invoked, the AutoCAD drawing will be validated and updated by CADGRD and the new
DWG file will be created

CYMGRD for Windows
Click Yes on the Warning Dialog box
The GRID layout will appear in CYMGRD after conversion as shown below

CYMGRD for Windows
To verify the Grid Installation Data Click on Click on Grid >> Input data >> Installation...

CYMGRD for Windows
5.00 EXPORTING from CYMGRD to AutoCAD
To Export a GRID layout from CYMGRD, one must be positioned within the CYMGRD package.
The following steps illustrate the procedure:
Open the Project, Study using CYMGRD (see CYMGRD user’s guide):
Select GRID module. Select “GRID >> Export to DOS/ACAD”
This will open the file selection dialog box.
Specify a file name (Project2) and select the file type (*.DWG for AutoCAD) which you want
to save as:

CYMGRD for Windows
The exported AutoCAD file with the GRID layout is shown below.

CYMGRD for Windows
6.00 Working with CADGRD
When entering data for a station grid using AutoCAD it is often necessary to maximize the
efficiency of data entry particularly when large grids are an issue and when the data attributes for
a large number of components needs to be entered.
Tip #1
Make full use of the symmetrical structure of groups of elements by utilizing the “array”
command of AutoCAD, particularly for symmetrical arrays of conductor assemblies and rod
structures. When, however, the “array” command is used the data block for the “seed”
entry, be it conductor or rod must be entered so that for the rest of the conductors/rods
within the symmetrical structure of the data block attributes are properly duplicated.
Tip #2
Whenever data are exported from CYMGRD and the station layout comprises symmetrical
structures, make certain that no coordinate displacement or change in any of the
associated data blocks is changed within AutoCAD. If this is the case, CADGRD will
decompose the symmetrical structure into elementary non-symmetrical structures, and data
modification within CYMGRD will be far more laborious. For example if an array of 6x6
conductors is exported as a symmetrical structure to AutoCAD and the coordinates or data block
of any of the 36 conductors is modified the whole assembly will be broken down to 36 individual
conductors upon importing the same grid back to CYMGRD.
Tip #3
Whenever a large number of asymmetrical (stand-alone) conductors and rods is to be

entered, entering the data block for one of them only may be sufficient because CADGRD
will assign the missing data blocks to the values of the last like data block entered. Make certain,
however, that the last valid data block does reflect the desired data attributes.
Tip #4
For simplicity of data entry, the Title for the general data block and the system unit
(Metric/Imperial) can be entered when a station grid is entered in AutoCAD. The rest of the
parameters can be left at the discretion of the CYMGRD package user for fine tuning and final
decision making. It is important to realize however, that when data are exported from
CYMGRD and these parameters have already been entered, they should not be modified
within AutoCAD because if this is the case, they will be exported back as such to CYMGRD and
important data may be lost. If no system unit is specified it will be defaulted to Metric.

CYMGRD for Windows
Tip #5
For simplicity of data entry, the number of elements for conductors can be set to 1 when a
station grid is entered in AutoCAD. It will be up to the analyst working with CYMGRD to
assess whether an increased number of elements per conductor is needed for the finite elements
simulation conducted within CYMGRD. It is important to realize however that if the number
of elements per conductor have already been entered within CYMGRD, they should not be
modified within AutoCAD. If this is the case, they will be exported back as such to CYMGRD
and important data having a detrimental effect on simulation integrity may be lost. By virtue of
the same arguments, the same logic applies to the number of elements in the upper and
lower soil layer entered for the grounding rods.

CYMGRD for Windows

CYMGRD For Windows: September 2000

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CYMGRD for Windows

USER'S GUIDE AND REFERENCE MANUAL

 1995-2000 CYME INTERNATIONAL INC.

All Rights Reserved

CYME INTERNATIONAL INC.

International and Canada:

GETTING STARTED ..............................................................................................................................1

SOIL RESISTIVITY AND SAFETY ASSESSMENT.............................................................................15

THE GRID MODULE.............................................................................................................................23

THE PLOT MODULE ............................................................................................................................37

Comparison with the IEEE80 Guide .....................................................................................................1

CADGRD - The CYMGRD - AutoCAD Interface module .......................................................................1

1.1 General introduction

1.2 Software and hardware requirements

The minimum hardware requirements are:

• 20 MB free memory on the hard disk;

• A Microsoft mouse or equivalent;

• Any printer or plotter supported by Windows

Chapter 1 - Getting Started 1

1.3 Installing CYMGRD for Windows

1. Start Microsoft Windows.

2. Insert the CYME CD into the CD-ROM reader.

3. The installation program should start automatically after a few seconds.

4. Click on the option to “Install Products or Demos”.

5. Choose English and then your version of Windows.

6. Choose CYMGRD from the list of software names.

7. Follow the prompts and screen instructions.

2 Chapter 1 - Getting Started

1.4 CYMGRD analysis modules

1.5 Interactive data entry

CYMGRD features the standard Windows interface and conventional mouse-clicking

Chapter 1 - Getting Started 3

1.6 First-time user

1.7 Dividing the grid in elements

1.8 How to use CYMGRD

5. Judge the adequacy of the existing grounding system.

4 Chapter 1 - Getting Started

Designing a new grid

4. Follow steps 3, 4, 5 and 6 under Verifying Existing Grids, above.

1.9 Creating Projects and Studies

Chapter 1 - Getting Started 5

1.9.1 The "Project" menu

1. Define your working directory;

2. Choose a system of units (Imperial or Metric);

3. Create a project (or Open an existing one);

The "Directory" command.

6 Chapter 1 - Getting Started

The "Units" command.

The "Project" commands.

Chapter 1 - Getting Started 7

1.10 The menu bar of CYMGRD

1.11 The ribbons

Icons common to all ribbons:

8 Chapter 1 - Getting Started

Chapter 1 - Getting Started 9

10 Chapter 1 - Getting Started

Click on this icon to activate the Help function.

Chapter 1 - Getting Started 11

1.12 The Windows menu

The "Show ribbon" command

Display Mode must be set to “manual” to enable the Cascade command

Display Mode must be set to “manual” to enable the Tile command