The paper analyzes the criteria based on which the value of the effective resistor for grounding the distribution network is determined. The criteria relate to meeting the conditions of the earth fault current limit, internal overvoltages and dangerous voltages resulting from the permissible single-pole short-circuit currents and the method of grounding of the TS 10(20/0, 4 kV. The following criteria were considered, among others: Edith Clark criterion, Clem criterion, Petersen criterion, High-impedance grounding criterion, Low-impedance grounding criterion, Criteria according to the HD637S1 standard.