Earth Testing Methods

K.N.K.Srinivas

Megger - Earth Testing Pioneer

Dr George Tagg pioneered earth testing at Megger Designing, manufacturing and selling for well over 50 years

Days gone by

Earth Testing theory

Two Basic Test Types

Earth resistivity
Choose location and design for earth system

Earth system resistance

Check resistance low enough

Earth Resistivity

Theory

Soil Resistivity
Purpose of this test:
Find lowest possible resistance in an area Obtain the values needed to design the earth system

Factors affecting Earth resistivity

Earth composition Moisture in the ground Temperature

Consider
Resistivity will vary through the year Moisture more constant at water table

Earth Resistivity test methods

Methods: 4-pole (Wenner method).
Imeas

Emeas C1 (E) P1 (ES) P2 (S) C2 (H)

<A/20

Earth resistivity, r (rho) = 2pAR (Wcm) R = Emeas/Imeas

Earth Resistivity test terms

Average Earth resistivity, r = 2pAR (Wcm) Variables
r is average earth resistivity to depth A in ohm-cm A is the distance between the spikes R is the resistance read from the earth tester

For example
Planning to install 3m long electrodes? Then measure earth resistivity with spacing, A, between spikes at 3m The depth of test probes should be less than 3/20 = <15cm

Earth Resistivity test terms

Earth resistivity is of interest because by rearranging the
formula and knowing its value from tables we can calculate the resistance of the earth electrode required. r = 2pAR (Wcm) therefore electrode resistance R = r / 2pA

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Earth System Resistance

Theory

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Why test earth system?

Why a low earth resistance is required:
Enable protective devices to operate in good time Static and lightning dissipation Reduce ground potential rises (GPR) Danger of shock from GPR (during fault) Step potential Touch potential Adjacent conductors

Step Touch
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Resistance and GPR from earth electrode

2.0 1.6 1.2 0.8 0.4 0.0 Resistance GPR 1000
Voltage (V)
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Resistance (Ohms)

800 600 400 200 0

Component parts of earth electrode resistance

1 Resistance of the electrode and the connections to it 2 Contact resistance of the surrounding soil to the electrode 3 Resistance of the surrounding body of earth around the electrode these can be thought of as shells and create a sphere of influence

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Earthing System Resistance - theory

Methods:
2-pole: Direct measurement. 3-pole: Fall of Potential Full method 3-pole: Fall of Potential short method 3-pole: Slope Method. Selective measurements: ART Stakeless measurements: Earth Clamp.

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2-pole: Direct measurement

Measure coupling between two earth points; measure resistance of earth electrode to Earth.
Measures resistance of the two Earth electrodes in series. R = Emeas/Imeas

C1 (E) P1 (ES)

Imeas

P2 (S) C2 (H)

Emeas

Earth electrode under test

Second earth electrode or other low resistance, conductive connection to Earth.

16

2-pole: Direct measurement disadvantages

A series measurement of a resistance loop. Accuracy depends on assumption that all other elements in loop are of low resistance. Must disconnect individual ground electrodes to measure them.

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3-pole: Fall of Potential (full method)

Classic method for measuring resistance of a single earthing electrode, or of a system of electrodes to Earth.
Imeas

Emeas C1 (E) P1 (ES) A P2 (S) C2 (H)

R= Emeas/Imeas

Earth electrode under test

Auxiliary test electrodes B

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Fall of Potential - Full Method

Vary location of P2 (Potential) spike by regular steps along a straight line between the electrode under test and the C2 (Current) electrode. Plot graph of resistance measurements to distance of P Resistance of system taken where slope is flat. Note: The C spike must be outside the sphere of influence to achieve a viable reading

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Fall of potential - Current Probe Sphere of Influence

Ground Electrode Under Test (X) Auxiliary Potential Probe (P) Auxiliary Current Probe (C)

P probe must be outside of both spheres of influence for correct measurement

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Fall of potential test and result

Ground Electrode Under Test (X) Potential Probe (P) Positions Current Probe (C)

Resistance in Ohms

X
Ground Electrode Position

Distance of Potential Probe from X (dp)

C
Current Probe Position

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Fall of potential test and result

Ground Electrode Under Test (X) Potential Probe (P) Positions Current Probe (C)

Resistance in Ohms

X
Ground Electrode Position

Distance of Potential Probe from X (dp)

C
Current Probe Position

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Fall of potential test and result

Ground Electrode Under Test (X) Potential Probe (P) Positions Current Probe (C)

Resistance in Ohms

X
Ground Electrode Position

Distance of Potential Probe from X (dp)

C
Current Probe Position

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Fall of potential test and result

Ground Electrode Under Test (X) Potential Probe (P) Positions Current Probe (C)

Resistance in Ohms

X
Ground Electrode Position

Distance of Potential Probe from X (dp)

C
Current Probe Position

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Fall of potential test and result

Ground Electrode Under Test (X) Potential Probe (P) Positions Current Probe (C)

Resistance in Ohms

X
Ground Electrode Position

Distance of Potential Probe from X (dp)

C
Current Probe Position

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Fall of potential test and result

Ground Electrode Under Test (X) Potential Probe (P) Positions Current Probe (C)

Resistance in Ohms

X
Ground Electrode Position

Distance of Potential Probe from X (dp)

C
Current Probe Position

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Fall of potential test and result

Ground Electrode Under Test (X) Potential Probe (P) Positions Current Probe (C)

Resistance in Ohms

X
Ground Electrode Position

Distance of Potential Probe from X (dp)

C
Current Probe Position

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Fall of potential test and result

Ground Electrode Under Test (X) Potential Probe (P) Positions Current Probe (C)

Resistance in Ohms

X
Ground Electrode Position

Distance of Potential Probe from X (dp)

C
Current Probe Position

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Fall of potential test and result

Ground Electrode Under Test (X) Potential Probe (P) Positions Current Probe (C)

Resistance in Ohms

X
Ground Electrode Position

Distance of Potential Probe from X (dp)

C
Current Probe Position

29

Fall of potential test and result

Ground Electrode Under Test (X) Potential Probe (P) Positions Current Probe (C)

Resistance in Ohms

X
Ground Electrode Position

Distance of Potential Probe from X (dp)

C
Current Probe Position

30

Fall of potential test and result

Ground Electrode Under Test (X) Potential Probe (P) Positions Current Probe (C)

Resistance in Ohms

X
Ground Electrode Position

Distance of Potential Probe from X (dp)

C
Current Probe Position

31

Fall of potential test and result

Ground Electrode Under Test (X) Potential Probe (P) Positions Current Probe (C)

Resistance in Ohms

X
Ground Electrode Position

Distance of Potential Probe from X (dp)

C
Current Probe Position

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Fall of potential test and result

Ground Electrode Under Test (X) Potential Probe (P) Position Current Probe (C)

True system resistance measured here

Resistance in Ohms

X
Ground Electrode Position

Distance of Potential Probe from X (dp)

C
Current Probe Position

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Fall of potential test and result

Ground Electrode Under Test (X) Potential Probe (P) Position Current Probe (C)

True system resistance measured here

Resistance in Ohms

Usually approx 62% of X to C distance

X
Ground Electrode Position

Distance of Potential Probe from X (dp)

C
Current Probe Position

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Typical Probe Spacing

Single electrode
C probe 15m away P probe 9.5m away

Large system, several electrodes or plates

C probe 60m away P probe 38m away

Above only rough guide look up tables available

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Fall of Potential Method Disadvantages

Extremely time consuming and labour intensive.
- Temporary probes must be placed. - Cables must be run to make connections.

Space constraints can make it hard to place remote probes. (probes usually many meters away) Must disconnect individual ground electrodes to measure them.

36

3-pole: Fall of Potential (short method)

Reduced method based on fewer measurements, saving time
Imeas

Emeas P1 (ES) P2 (S) C1 (E) C2 (H)

R = Emeas/Imeas

Earth electrode under test

0.62B Auxiliary test electrodes B

37

3-pole: Fall of Potential (short method)

Site P2 (Potential) spike at 62% of B and take resistance measurement. Locate P2 0.1B around the 62% point and take additional resistance readings, Rb and Rc. If the three readings are within an agreed accuracy limit, the system resistance is the average

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Fall of Potential Method (short method) Disadvantages

Not as accurate as less measurements are made Space constraints can make it hard to place remote probes. Must disconnect individual ground electrodes to measure them

39

3-pole: Slope Method

Alternative method applicable for physically constrained sites.
Imeas

Distance to C probe (B) Now 2 to 3 times the maximum dimension of earth system.

Emeas
P1 (ES) C1 (E) 0.2B Earth electrode under test 0.4B

R = Emeas/Imeas
P2 (S) C2 (H)

0.6B B

Auxiliary test electrodes

40

3-Pole: slope method

Ground Electrode Under Test (X) Potential Probe (P) Current Probe (C)

Resistance in Ohms

No flat area

Distance of Potential Probe from X (dp)

41

3-pole: Slope Method

Vary location of P2 (Potential) spike by regular steps along a straight line between the electrode under test and the C2 (Current) electrode Measure resistance at each step and plot a graph of R versus distance. Measure resistance at 0.2B, 0.4B and 0.6B: R1, R2 and R3. Slope coefficient, mu=(R3-R2)/(R2-R1) relates distance B and ideal distance of the voltage spike (P2) for measuring the resistance.

42

3-pole: Slope Method

Measure R1 at 20% distance to C2
Imeas

Emeas
P1 (ES) C1 (E)

R = Emeas/Imeas

m=(R3-R2)/(R2R 1) m = (R3-R2) / (R2 9.3)

C2 (H)

0.2B Earth electrode under test

R1= 9.3 ohm R1

B

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3-pole: Slope Method

Measure R2 at 40% distance to C2
Imeas

Emeas
P1 (ES) C1 (E)

R = Emeas/Imeas

m=(R3-R2)/(R2R 1) m = (R3 16) / (16 9.3)

C2 (H)

Earth electrode under test

0.4B

R
2
B

R1= 9.3 ohm R2= 16 ohm

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3-pole: Slope Method

Measure R3 at 60% distance to C2
Imeas

Emeas
P1 (ES) C1 (E)

R = Emeas/Imeas

m=(R3-R2)/(R2R 1) m = (19.2 16) / (16 9.3)

C2 (H)

Earth electrode under test B

0.6B

R3

R1= 9.3 ohm R2= 16 ohm R3= 19.2 ohm

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3-pole: Slope Method

Calculate value of m
Imeas

Emeas
P1 (ES) C1 (E) 0.2B Earth electrode under test 0.4B

R = Emeas/Imeas
P2 (S)

m=(R3-R2)/(R2R 1) m = (19.2 16) / (16 9.3)

C2 (H)

R1
B

R
2
0.6B

Auxiliary test 3 electrodes

m =0.478

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3-pole: Slope Method

Tables of values for the co-efficient of slope against actual P spike distance is published in the instrument user guide. Take calculated value of m and look up ideal distance of the voltage spike (P2) for measuring the electrode resistance

47

3-pole: Slope Method m =0.478

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3-pole: Slope Method

Measure electrode resistance at 0.632B
Imeas

Emeas P1 (ES) C1 (E)

R = Emeas/Imeas
P2 (S)

C2 (H)

Earth electrode under test

Auxiliary test electrodes

0.632B B

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3-pole: Slope Method - Disadvantages

Less accurate than the full fall of potential Requires maths Must disconnect individual ground electrodes to measure them

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Selective Measurements ART

Attached Rod Technique No need for the earth electrode to be disconnected Uses current clamp ICLAMP to measure current flowing in electrode under test.

51

Application of ART
Building earth connection/s

X Connection

I Total

I System

Ie

Ie

Ie 2

Ie test Test

Potential Probe (P)

Current Probe (C)

Ground Electrodes

Ie Test > I Total 20

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The Best Application of ART

Field of earth / Earth Farms Pole mounted transformers Domestic TT (earth electrode) systems Single guy lines on towers (isolated) Lightning protection electrodes

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Measuring Earth Leakage Current

Building earth connection/s
System leakage current

Ie

Ie 1

Ie 2

Ie 4 leakage

(mA)
DET4TC set to A range

Using ICLAMP to measure electrode leakage current

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The Stakeless test

No need for the earth electrode to be disconnected No need for test spikes to be used

55

Principle of Stakeless testing Typical earth system

SYSTEM EARTH
ELECTRODE TO TEST

CA TIV 0V

56

Me g

n60

g er

Principle of Stakeless testing

Equivalent circuit
CA TIV 00 V

1/15 + 1/10

+ =

1/15 1/Rt

1/22

1/18

DET14C measurement = Req = 2.9926 + 10(E.U.T) DET14C measurement =

ELECTRODE UNDER TEST

SYSTEM EARTH

ELECTRODE

WATER PIPE

ELECTRODE

ELECTRODE

18

15

15

10

22

10

Me g

n6

ger

57

DET14C and DET24C How it works

Current inducing core Constant AC voltage applied Induced current measured is directly proportional to loop resistance clamped

ELECTRODE UNDER TEST

Induced current measuring core

WATER PIPE TO EARTH

ELECTRODE TO EARTH

SYSTEM TO EARTH

ELECTRODE

ELECTRODE

15

18

15

10

22

15

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Stakeless test results

Four parallel paths in circuit

Twelve parallel paths in circuit

10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

RT RT
10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

10

Actual electrode (RT) = 10 Measured value = 12.5

Actual electrode (RT) = 10 Measured value = 10.83

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Stakeless test results

Four parallel paths in circuit Twelve parallel paths in circuit

10 10 10 10 10 50 10 10 10 10 50 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

Poor electrode RP

Poor electrode RP

Actual electrode (RP) = 50 Measured value = 50.83 Other electrodes still measure 10.89

Actual electrode (RP) = 50 Measured value (RP) = 52.5 Other electrodes still measure 13.1

60

Two golden rules

1. There must be a loop resistance to measure.
There must be a series-parallel resistance path, and the lower the better! The more electrodes or earth paths in the system the nearer the measurement gets to the actual electrode under test true earth resistance. If there isnt a loop to measure you could create one with a temporary jumper lead.

2.

The earth path must be in the circuit to measure earth resistance.

Sounds obvious, but if you have metal structures involved there may be a connection through that, rather than the earth mass. Of course you may want to verify a connection, thats fine, but be sure you are testing what you think you are testing.

61

Applications Pole mounted transformers

CA TIV 0V
n60

Me g

ger

62

Applications Service entrance or meter

Me 0V gg er

CAT

n60

IV

63

Applications Lightning protection

CA TIV 00 V
n6

Me g

ger

64

Applications Lightning protection

CA TIV 00 V
n6

Me g

ger

65

Applications Primary cross-connection points

Me 0V gg er

n6

CA TIV 0

66

Applications Remote switching site

CA TIV 0V
n60

Me g

ger

67

Applications Cellular sites/microwave and radio tower

CA TIV 00 V
n6

Me g

g er

68

Applications Telephone pedestal

Phone Pedestal

Ground bar

CA TIV 00 V

Sheath connection

Me g

n6

ger

Ground rod

69

Applications Pad mounted transformers

CA TIV 00 V
n6

Me g

ger

70

What are the potential sources of error?

The user might not understand the circuit under test. Remember the two rules of stakeless testing:
1. There must be a loop resistance to measure. 2. The earth path must be in the circuit to measure earth resistance. Unless of course you want to verify a connection

71

What are the potential sources of error?

Dirt trapped in the clamp head.
Dirt trapped between the closing gap in the head will modify the magnetic circuit. Magnetic flux will bleed over between the inducing core and the measuring core. The result will be a false low reading which in some cases could result in a poor electrode being measured as being good. Hence intelligent gap compensation on new DET14/24C range

72

What are the benefits of stake-less earth resistance testing? You can test without disconnecting the electrode from the system
Less time consuming Safety testing can be dangerous if earth current is flowing

Loop testing includes bonding and grounding connections

Identifies poor continuity anywhere in circuit

73

What are the benefits of stake-less earth resistance testing? No need to drive auxiliary test spikes to test
Lets you test in locations with concrete or hard ground Less time consuming than running out test leads

Can be used to measure earth current as it is a clamp meter

If an electrode has to be disconnected, the instrument will show whether current is flowing to indicate whether it is safe to proceed.

74

Thank you

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