Why stones are used in switch yard ?

Stones are used in SY to:

1: to decrease the value of earthing current.

2: to increase the resistance..

3: to reduce ground potential

Reasons for using Stones/Gravel in Switch yard:1. During Short circuit current Step and Touch potential increases.Step potential : It is the potential developed between the two feet on the ground of a man or animal when short circuit occurs. This results in flow of current in the body leads to electrical shockTouch potential: It is the potential that is developed between the ground and the body of the equipment when a person touches the body during fault condition. When operating personnel touch an electrical equipment during short circuit condition, fault current flows through the human body. This is defined as touch potential.Gravel/Stones in the substation is provided to reduce the step potential and touch potential when operators work on switch yard.2. Power Transformers installed in the substations will have oil as cooling and insulating medium. Oil leakage takes place during operation or when changing the oil in the transformer. This oil spillage which can catch fire is dangerous to the switchyard operation. So Stones/Gravel is provided to protect from  fire when oil spillage takes place.3. Stones eliminate the growth of small weeds and plants inside the switch yard4. Improves yard working condition5. Provides protection from wild life and snakes.

Primarily to illimate accumulation of water, that's why SW yards must be pre-planned to be located in non-flooded and elevated areas and also to control the growth of grass. First answer was right.

1.to reduce wetness2.to raise resistance3. avoid grass grow up4. decrease ground potential.

5.To reduce the heat effect