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isolement à la terre

English translation: isolation from earth

GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)
French term or phrase:isolement à la terre
English translation:isolation from earth
Entered by: Thomas Miles

15:26 May 9, 2019
French to English translations [PRO]
Tech/Engineering - Electronics / Elect Eng / circuit-breakers
French term or phrase: isolement à la terre
A table in the technical specifications for a substation sets out the rated values for its circuit-breakers.

One of these values is "isolement à la terre".

This is said to refer to §4.2 of IEC standard 62271-100, although that section does not refer to earthing and IEC only defines "distance d'isolement à la terre" as "clearance to earth".

The values stated range between 140-1425 kV depending on the nominal voltage and the three different scenarios, namely "50 Hz - 1 min", switching impulses and lightning impulses.

The next value in the table is "Isolement Entrée-Sortie".

Would you find my working translation "earthing insulation" correct?

xxx
Thomas Miles
France
Local time: 22:35
isolation from earth
Explanation:
No, I'm afraid your suggestion would not be correct! In this instance, 'isolement' really does mean 'isolation'
Although in theory 'earth isolation' might be used, it sounds slightly awkward to my ears, and in addition, as the possibility of being seen as ambiguous.
Hence in this instance I'd recommend this particular form of wording, to avoid any possibility of ambiguity.

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Note added at 38 mins (2019-05-09 16:04:30 GMT)
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The distance to earth and the isolation voltage are related: the greater the distance, the higher the measured test voltage one may reasonably expect to achieve.

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Note added at 5 hrs (2019-05-09 20:35:29 GMT)
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Not really, Thomas; there's no element of harmful repercussions. Generally, the system wants important parts to be earthed as a protection, as you say.
However, for correct operation, certain parts must not normally be connected to earth, and this measurement in essence indicates the level of protectsion (i.e. voltage level) at which that wanted 'isolation' breaks down and a connection to earth is made — e.g. typically in the case of a lightning strike etc.
Selected response from:

Tony M
France
Local time: 22:35
Grading comment
Thank you again for your insight. I have just finished the project, and I made use of some of your electrotechnical expertise for other terms, for which I am very grateful!
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
4isolation from earth
Tony M


Discussion entries: 2





  

Answers


36 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
isolation from earth


Explanation:
No, I'm afraid your suggestion would not be correct! In this instance, 'isolement' really does mean 'isolation'
Although in theory 'earth isolation' might be used, it sounds slightly awkward to my ears, and in addition, as the possibility of being seen as ambiguous.
Hence in this instance I'd recommend this particular form of wording, to avoid any possibility of ambiguity.

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 38 mins (2019-05-09 16:04:30 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

The distance to earth and the isolation voltage are related: the greater the distance, the higher the measured test voltage one may reasonably expect to achieve.

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 5 hrs (2019-05-09 20:35:29 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

Not really, Thomas; there's no element of harmful repercussions. Generally, the system wants important parts to be earthed as a protection, as you say.
However, for correct operation, certain parts must not normally be connected to earth, and this measurement in essence indicates the level of protectsion (i.e. voltage level) at which that wanted 'isolation' breaks down and a connection to earth is made — e.g. typically in the case of a lightning strike etc.

Tony M
France
Local time: 22:35
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 2116
Grading comment
Thank you again for your insight. I have just finished the project, and I made use of some of your electrotechnical expertise for other terms, for which I am very grateful!
Notes to answerer
Asker: Thank you for setting me straight. I am now able to find reputable sources containing this term.

Asker: So basically this refers to a the ability to prevent harmful repercussions from the very system that is supposed to protect equipment and people?

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