# Performance Optimization of Grounding System for Multi-Voltage Electrical Installation
## 7 Conclusions  
This study provides a comprehensive analysis of key aspects in optimizing grounding systems for 400 V, 10 kV, and 35 kV electrical installations, dealing with grounding resistance, fault current dissipation values, and safety voltages. The results reiterated the fact that soil resistivity plays a major role in the performance of grounding systems: at high resistivity, deep-driven rods were found to function better, while grounding grids were better at dissipating fault current in substations. Further reductions in grounding resistance and performance enhancements were observed with conductive backfill materials like bentonite and conductive concrete. The work discusses various configurations of grounding electrodes, such as rod electrodes, grids, deep-driven rods, and hybrid systems, also signifying that the best grounding system is contingent upon environmental conditions and the magnitude of the fault current. The grounding systems developed, in compliance with the respective international standards, IEEE Std 80-2013 and IEC 60364-5-54, provide the necessary protection against hazards associated with step and touch voltages, ensuring personnel safety and system reliability. This study contributes practical guidance for de signing cost-effective, high-efficiency grounding systems across voltage levels that meet stringent safety and operational demands. By fusing computational simulation with field data, the study offers substantial perspectives on resilient grounding system designs that ensure enhanced safety and reliability in operations.  
Future research should focus on the long-term performance, particularly in areas with extreme fluctuations of seasonal soil resistivity affecting the grounding systems. Understanding the mechanisms of electrode material degradation, especially those that occur in a corrosive environment, would lead to the enhancement of grounding system durability and lifespan. At the same time, through a dynamic view of soil resistivity and grounding system performance, diverse real-time monitoring tools, like those based on IoT sensors, may support more immersive and responsive designs of grounding. Further improvements may be expected from more sophisticated computational models that simulate elaborate fault and transient conditions, combined with larger-scale field data for the improvement of grounding system design for the standards of optimal performance. Lastly, assessing the economic performance of various grounding models in large-scale installations for a deeper understanding of the cost/benefit tradeoffs of optimizing grounding systems.  
Conceptualization, M.T.S.; methodology, M.T.S.; validation, M.T.S. and M.A.Q.; formal analysis, M.T.S., M.A.Q. and G.R.; investigation, M.T.S., M.A.Q. and M.S.H.; data curation, M.T.S., M.A.Q. and G.R.; writing--original draft, M.T.S.; writing--review and editing, M.T.S., M.S.H. and M.A.Q.; visualization, M.T.S. and M.A.Q.; supervision, G.R. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.  
The funding for this project was provided by the Multimedia University under the postdoctoral research fellowship scheme, with the grant number MMUI/240028. Appreciation is also extended to the Research Management Center (RMC) of MMU for covering the article processing charges (APC).  
The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article. Further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding authors.  
The authors gratefully acknowledge the support provided by the Multimedia University, Malaysia, for facilitating laboratory resources and technical assistance throughout this research. The authors would also like to thank the Deanship of Scientific Research at Shaqra University for supporting this work.  
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.