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08-02-04, 10:32 PM
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May 2003
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Ground rod testing
What is the procedure for testing driven ground rods at a service?
#1
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american electric
08-02-04, 10:37 PM
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Re: Ground rod testing
There are a couple of methods. The most accurate is a 3-point "Fall or Potential"
using a megger. Another less accurate, but much easier is using a loop clamp-on
type of tester made by AEMC.
#2
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dereckbc
#3
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Ground rod testing http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=56823
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08-02-04, 10:46 PM
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Re: Ground rod testing
There are several methods for testing ground resistance. The most common are 2,
3, and 4 point testers. These are usually called Fall of Potential testers. The exact
process and procedures will be provided by the manufacturer.
A clamp-on meter has recently hit the market and makes the test much more time
saving and requires no auxiliary equipment. I got one for around $1,100 that was
re-conditioned.
Bryan P. Holland, MCP
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bphgravity
08-02-04, 10:50 PM
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Re: Ground rod testing
Thanks Dereck. I have the megger. Could you give me a brief instruction on the
"fall & potential" method? Thanks ,Glenn @A.E.
#4
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american electric
08-02-04, 11:15 PM
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Re: Ground rod testing
me too derrick
#5
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stew
08-03-04, 12:25 AM
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#6
Ground rod testing http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=56823
2 of 5 9/20/2014 10:08 AM
Re: Ground rod testing
Glen its a 3 pole or four pole tester, it may be made by megger but its not a
"megger".
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Ancora Imparo
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tom baker
08-03-04, 07:00 AM
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Re: Ground rod testing
The theory is simply. The operation can be complicated. Ohm's Law tells us that if
current is constant, voltage will be inversely proportional to resistance.
Utilizing a ground resistance meter (digital is preferred), two auxiliary electrodes
are driven into the soil at predetermined distances, per the testing specifications.
During a normal test of ground rod the meter supplies a constant current between
the ground rod under test and the most remote auxiliary electrode. A series of
measurements of the voltage drops between the ground rod under test and the
remote electrode are made by moving the intermediate electrode in steps away
from the ground rod under test. Accurate testing is confirmed by testing a second
time in an opposite direction.
The results are plotted and an accuracy curve is made. As stated before, this
procedure takes time and good training to get accurate results.
Bryan P. Holland, MCP
#7
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bphgravity
08-03-04, 07:27 AM
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Re: Ground rod testing
#8
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american electric
Ground rod testing http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=56823
3 of 5 9/20/2014 10:08 AM
Thanks Tom. I thought Dereck was reffering to a type of meter ("megohmeter")
rather than a manufacturer of the equipment.
Sounds like I won't be able to assure the quality (in ohms) of the driven ground
rods without either of these testers that Dereck mentioned.
A local car dealership asked me to verify their grounding. They have lost thier
computers a few times after thunder storms. Their computer people are suspicious
that the gronding of the service is not good. I have visually inspected and tested
the continuity with an ohm meter (Fluke 87) all good to the rods.
The service is 400 amps , 3 phase, 2 cu rods connected with continuous #4 bare
and about 10 years old by estimate. The rods are less than 10 ft. away.
Any ideas?
How about manufacturers of these testers? I don't know who AEMC is. Thanks
08-03-04, 07:37 AM
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Re: Ground rod testing
Thanks again, sounds like the "clamp on" type is the one for me.
BTW, I am brand new to the east coast and have never dealt with the lightning
factor. Never really thought about it really. It is confusing in many respects and I
notice there are many opinions.
Know of any good reading that would give me a basic understanding?
#9
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american electric
08-03-04, 10:34 AM
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#10
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dereckbc
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Re: Ground rod testing
For AEMC loop tester go here: http://www.groundtesterstore.com
/index.php?source=EM
Look for model 3731
For soil resistance go here:
http://www.avointl.com/us/products/P...PSGC=B105&BS=B
Look on the right for 3-point or 4-point
To be honest I think you are barking up the wrong tree. I would be looking into
TVSS and inside wiring distribution.
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