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Ideal Test & Measurement

Earth Resistance
Testing
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Integrity of the Ground
Why test Ground Electrodes?
It is essential to meet NEC, OSHA, and other electrical
safety requirements.
The Three Major reasons for Ground Resistance are;
To provide Zero reference for the electrical service
Provide a low resistance path to protect from electrical
faults
Protect equipment against static electricity and protect
against frame potential for personnel safety
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Integrity of the Ground
The Three key components
of a single ground Electrode
are;
Resistance between the
Ground Electrode and Clamp
Resistance of contact between
soil and rod
Resistance of Concentric
Shells of earth
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Integrity of the Ground
Effect of the Soil on Electrode resistance
Soil conditions, and soil types
Sandy soils have higher resistance than clay or loam
Moist soils are better than dryer conditions
Environmental moisture and temperature
Is it rainy season or the middle of a hot dry summer?
Is it winter and there is perma frost? Conditions
change throughout the year and have a significant
impact on the readings.

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Test Methods
Ground Electrode
Typically measured only at installation
In truth very seldom tested by installers.
Only one out of 10 say they test single point ground
Electrodes, in an informal survey
Methods of testing the ground electrode
Fall of potential test (FOP) also known as the 3
point and or the 62% tests.
Ground resistance clamps

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Theory
Fall of Potential, 3-point measurement
Fall of potential instrument measures resistance through
Ohms Law. It uses two measuring circuits, voltage and
current, to establish Resistance.
The circuit is established through the soil by proper
placement of a potential and a current probe which are both
connected to a common point, which in a 3-point
measurement is the Ground Electrode.
The unit injects a known current between the C electrode
and ground rod. This causes a voltage to develop between
the P electrode and ground rod. Using Ohms law, the
resistance is calculated.

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Fall of Potential, 3-Point Test
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Fall of Potential Testing
Proper Probe Placement
The goal is to place the
auxiliary potential
electrode far enough
outside the effective
resistance areas of both
the ground electrode and
auxiliary current
electrode
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Fall of Potential Testing
Insufficient Placement
of Potential probe
If the potential electrode
is to close it is said to be
inside the sphere of
influence of the ground
electrode and the
resistance measurements
will vary.
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Fall of Potential Testing
Insufficient spacing of
Current Probe
If the current probe is placed
too close, its electrical field
will overlap the ground
electrode field, causing the
potential probe to make a
measurement in an electrical
field of overlapping area of
influences.
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Fall of Potential Testing
The ground electrode must be isolated
from the electrical system
It is important in doing this test that
the probes are in a straight line
To make certain that the measurement
is not in the sphere of influence make
3 measurements
First at 62%
Second at 52%
Third at 72%
If there is a large difference in
readings then adjust spacing of the
probes. You are expecting 3
similar readings.
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Fall of Potential Testing
Note: In the diagram to the right, the
bottom graph depicts a plot as if a
reading were taken every 10 feet from
the rod to the furthest electrode and
then carefully graphed. This would be
accomplished by moving the P
electrode. When properly tested and
plotted, the graph will show the
classic plateau as seen. Averaging
three readings from within the plateau
will give you the most accurate
indication of resistance. If the plot
reveals only a slope, then the
electrodes are improperly spaced and
the test should be redone.
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Fall of Potential Testing
For diameters of
reduce distance by 10%.
For Diameters of 2
increase distance by 10%.
A rule of thumb is to
place the potential probe
about 10 times the length
of the ground electrode
away for the test
Depth
Driven
Distance
to P
Distance
to C
6 ft 45 ft 72 ft
8 ft 50 ft 80 ft
10 ft 55 ft 88 ft
12 ft 60 ft 96 ft
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Ground Resistance Clamps
Advantage is that the
ground electrode doesnt
need to be disconnected
from the electrical system.
The jaws of the clamp
must be placed in the
electrical path of the
systems grounding
conductor or around the
rod itself.
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Ground Resistance Clamps
If voltage (E) is applied to any measured grounding probe
R(X) through a special transformer , current (I) flowing
through the circuit can be measured , thereby establishing
an equation which can be used to calculate R(x)
E/I=RX. If E is kept constant, then through the use of a CT, current can be
detected and the resistance of the ground electrode circuit may be
calculated.
Make sure you have a clean, clear connection of the clamp
around the ground.
Select and measure the current first, if current is > 5 amps,
resistance cant be measured using the ground clamp tester.
Note that high currents present on the ground are
dangerous and need to be corrected.
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Earth Testers
Ideal Model 61-796
Self powered 8AAs - no
need for hand crank
Low power consumption
Compact and lightweight
Quick battery check
Integral carrying case
Water resistant case.
Includes complete set of
100 foot leads and
electrodes.

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Earth Testers
Ideal 61-920 Ground
resistance Clamp
Ground Resistance
Ground Leakage Current
Auto ranging
Audible indication < 40 ohms
Open jaw indication
Data hold with 99 point memory
Which Tester is Best?
It is important to realize that each method has strengths and weaknesses
Ask the customer if they need a Fall of Potential or 3 point tester with electrodes.
Their specs may require this. The 61-796 is less expensive but more time
consuming. If they are testing just a few newly installed rods, this is a good choice.
If they have many rods to test, and they are already connected to the system, then a
better choice is the clamp on 61-920.
In a number of cases, they will buy both and use the clamp on meter wherever they
can and then the FOP method for everything else.
Most customers already know which tester they are looking for. It is a good
opportunity to make them aware of both before they make a decision.


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Questions: True or False
For a FOP test, the ground rod can remain attached to the ground conductor.
For an 8 foot long rod, the P electrode would be placed 50 feet from the ground.
Good grounding soils contain equal amounts of rock and sand.
The FOP method uses measured current and OHMs law to calculate the resistance.
Electrode placement and spacing has a minor effect on the calculated resistance.
Using the resistance clamp always gives the correct resistance.
If plotting the measured FOP results, a gentle slope will result from all of the
readings.
If necessary, simply disconnect the ground rod to facilitate an FOP test.
A rule of thumb for the spacing of the electrodes is to place the C or furthest
electrode at the end of the longest test lead included with the kit.
In shallow soil conditions, it is accepted that you may have to cut the ground rod if
it cannot be driven any deeper.


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Answers
For a FOP test, the ground rod can remain attached to the ground conductor.
FALSE Failure to disconnect the rod will result in an artificially low reading.
For an 8 foot long rod, the P electrode would be placed 50 feet from the ground.
TRUE 62% of 80 feet is 49.6 feet.
Good grounding soils contain equal amounts of rock and sand. FALSE Rock and
sand are both poor conductors of electricity. You are looking for moist, loamy
soils for low resistance.
The FOP method uses measured current and OHMs law to calculate the resistance.
FALSE The tester injects a current and measures the resultant voltage.
Electrode placement and spacing has a minor effect on the calculated resistance.
FALSE The placement of the electrodes is very important. Bring a tape
measure and place them in a straight line for consistency.
Using the resistance clamp always gives the correct resistance. FALSE It is a far
simpler and easier method, but if a loop is present, you will measure the
resistance of the loop and not the ground rod.
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Answers
If plotting the measured FOP results, a gentle slope will result from all of the
readings. FALSE Correctly measured and plotted, you will observe a definite
plateau on the graph with definite slopes on either end.
If necessary, simply disconnect the ground rod to facilitate an FOP test. FALSE
NEVER disconnect a ground rod from an energized system as potentially
lethal voltage and current may be present.
A rule of thumb for the spacing of the electrodes is to place the C or furthest
electrode at the end of the longest test lead included with the kit. FALSE
Although some lead sets are 100 feet long and you may be working with a 10
foot rod, always be sure of the length of the rod, multiply that times 10, and
place the C electrode that distance from the ground rod.
In shallow soil conditions, it is accepted that you may have to cut the ground rod if
it cannot be driven any deeper. FALSE NEVER cut a ground rod. It may be
necessary to dig a trench and lay the rod into it and cover it with special
ground enhancing materials such as bentonite clay.


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