Earth testing

Practical
Earth Testing Techniques and Measurement Instruments

Earth_testing_2006

Eric van Riet

Practical Earth Testing

Content Principles Test Methods Practical Measurement Summary

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Eric van Riet

Earth / Ground Basics

What is ground?

A conducting connection, whether intentional or accidental, between an electrical circuit or equipment and the earth, or to some conducting body that serves in place of earth*

Ground is a connection to Earth made either intentionally or accidentally

*NFPA 70-2000 (National Fire Protection Association)

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Earth / Ground Basics

Why ground?

To protect people and equipment By dissipating stray energy from: Electrical faults (fuses, breakers etc.) Lightning strikes Radio Frequency Static discharges

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Real Examples
Why test? Catch the problem before it happens! Estimate: at least 15% of power quality problems are related to grounding Lightning strikes on equipment with poorly maintained protection systems destroy millions of dollars of equipment and lost production every year Using ground testing in a PDM protocol will help prevent possible dangerous situations and loss of downtime (= money)

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Earth / Ground Basics

How do you connect to earth?

Cable or tape

Stake or rod

Earth material

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Earth / Ground Basics

Spheres of influence

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Earth / Ground Basics

Attention! Potential gradients!
Umeasure

Potential gradients around the earth electrode can reduce the accuracy of measurements! The probe must always be placed outside this area! Typical distance: >20m

Distance a

Ground Potential Neutral ground, reference

Umeasure
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Earth / Ground Basics

Types of Grounding Systems
Many different types available Choice depends on local conditions and required function Simplest form is a single stake Mostly used for: Lightning protection Stand alone structures Back-up for utility ground
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Ground rod
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Earth / Ground Basics

Types of Grounding Systems
ground rod group
typically for lightning protection on larger structures or protection around potential hotspots such as substations.

Ground rod group

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Earth / Ground Basics

Types of Grounding Systems
For areas where there is rock (or other poor conducting material) fairly close to the surface ground plates are preferred as they are more effective

Ground plate
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Earth / Ground Basics

Types of Grounding Systems
A ground mesh consists of network of bars connected together, this system is often used at larger sites such as electrical substations.

Ground mesh
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Earth / Ground Basics

Types of Grounding Systems

For the purposes of this presentation the grounding system will referred to as ground electrode.

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Ground Testing Methods

What are the available techniques?

Resistivity
Fall of Potential Three and Four Pole Testing Selective Testing Stakeless Testing Two pole method

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Ground Testing Methods (1)

Resistivity Measurement
The purpose of resistivity measurements is to quantify the effectiveness of the earth where a grounding system will be installed. Differing earth materials will affect the effectiveness of the grounding system. The capability of different earth materials to conduct current can be quantified by the value E (resistivity in W.m). Resistivity measurements should be made prior to installing a grounding system, the values measured will have an effect on the design of the grounding system.
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Ground Testing Methods (1)

Resistivity values for different earth materials

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Ground Testing Methods (1)

Resistivity Measurement ( Wenner method) Resistivity measurements are performed by using a four wire method. Used to determine which KIND of earthing should be used, so BEFORE placing earth stakes

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Ground Testing Methods (1)

Resistivity Measurement From the indicated resistance value RE, the soil resistivity is calculated according to the equation :

E = 2 . a . RE
E RE a ...... mean value of soil resistivity (W.m) ...... measured resistance (W) ...... probe distance (m)

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Ground Testing Methods (1)

Resistivity Measurement Curve 1: As E decreases only deeper down, a deep earth electrode is advisable Curve 2: As E decreases only down to point A, an increase in the depth deeper than A does not improve the values. Curve 3: With increasing depth E is not decreasing: a strip conductor electrode is advisable.
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Ground Testing Methods (2)

Fall of Potential - Testing

The Fall of Potential method is the most commonly used method of testing.
Three or four pole method, this refers to the number of connections made to the ground tester. The forth pole of the connection is made if the wire to connect to the system under test is particularly long > 4 meters. The additional wire cancels out an error due to the extended length of wire used.

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Ground Earth Testing Testing Methods Methods(2) (1)

Fall of Potential 3 / 4 Pole Testing

The E terminal of the instrument is connected to the electrode under test

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Ground Earth Testing Testing Methods Methods(2) (1)

Fall of Potential 3 / 4 Pole Testing If the length of this wire is greater than 4 meter it is recommended that an extra wire is connected between the electrode under test and the ES terminal to eliminate any error introduced due to the length of the lead, this is then known as the 4 pole test
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Ground Earth Testing Testing Methods Methods(2) (1)

Fall of Potential 3 / 4 Pole Testing

The test spike C2 is placed in the ground some distance from electrode under test (typically 50 meter)

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Ground Earth Testing Testing Methods Methods(2) (1)

Fall of Potential 3 / 4 Pole Testing During the test theP2 is The voltage spike instrument drives a placed in the ground current through the test some the distance from From current and spike, through the electrode under test voltage measurements surrounding earth.and (typically feet) made it is80 possible to returns through the Once the stakes are calculate a value of in electrode under test, place the test can ground resistance. the potential caused by proceed. this current is measured using the P2 spike.
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Ground Earth Testing Testing Methods Methods(2) (1)

Fall of Potential 3 / 4 Pole Testing

A number of readings should be taken with the the P2 spike at different distances, say from 20 to 35 meters at 3 meter intervals.

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Ground Earth Testing Testing Methods Methods(2) (1)

Fall of Potential 3 / 4 Pole Testing

The distance of the P2 spike is varied to ensure that it is positioned outside of the sphere influence of the electrode under test.
When the P2 spike is close to the electrode under test the measured value appears to be lower and as it becomes influenced by the C2 spike the measured value rises. The optimal point of measurement is outside of the influence of the electrode and the C2 spike.

Taking a series of measurements and plotting these against distance produces the curve shown.

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Ground Earth Testing Testing Methods Methods(2) (1)

Fall of Potential Creating the S Curve The optimum value is that indicated on the flat part of the curve

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Ground Earth Testing Testing Methods Methods(2) (1)

The 62% Rule The 62% rule is a guide to how far away the P2 and C2 stakes should be placed from the electrode under test. The distances are nominally based on the depth of the electrode.

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Ground Earth Testing Testing Methods Methods(2) (1)

Distances for Electrode Arrays The 62% rule is a guide to how far away the P2 and C2 stakes should be placed from the electrode under test. The distances are nominally based on the depth of the electrode.

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Ground Testing Methods (3)

Selective Measurement Method The selective A current clampmethod is used is isolate based on fall of to thethe test potential test in to current injected But: without the need the electrodes under to disconnect the test. ground electrode under test.

Test Current

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Ground Testing Methods (3)

Selective Measurement Method This application example shows the benefit of the selective test in a typical installation

Firstly the ground spikes are positioned according to the requirements of the system under test.

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Ground Testing Methods (3)

Selective Measurement Method Then individual elements of the system can be measured by placing the currentclamp around the different connections to ground without the need of any disconnection.

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Ground Testing Methods (3)

Selective Measurement Method - Advantages Ground electrodes can be tested without powering down the system they are protecting saving time and money Testing can be carried out without disconnecting saves time, money and improves safety

Multiple electrodes can be tested quickly simply by moving the current clamp to individual electrodes

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Ground Testing Methods (4)

The stakeless method eliminates the need for temporary
ground stakes. This is useful in a wide range of situations. Examples include:
Inside buildings Airports Urban locations Chemical and industrial plants

The stakeless method is not available on all ground testers. However, it comes standard on the Fluke 1623 and 1625 earth ground testers. The temporary ground stakes are replaced by two current clamps. The first clamp generates a voltage on the ground condutor, the second clamp measures the current flowing due to the generated voltage.
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Ground Testing Methods (4)

The Fluke 1623 and 1625 testers are able to measure earth ground loop resistances for multi grounded systems using only current clamps. With this test method, two clamps are placed around the earth ground rod or connecting cable and each connected to the tester. Earth ground stakes arent used at all.

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Ground Testing Methods (4)

The clamps are placed around the ground conductor

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Ground Testing Methods (4)

Stakeless Measurement Equivalent Circuit

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Ground Testing Methods (4)

If there is only one path to ground, like at some residential applications, the stakeless method will not provide an acceptable value and the Fall of Potential test method must be used. An abnormally high reading or an open circuit indication on the instrument points to a poor connection between two or more of the aforementioned critical components.

An abnormally low reading could indicate the instrument is measuring a loop of bonding conductors.

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Ground Testing Methods (5)

Two Pole Method Used where other methods are not available. Uses nearby metal structures as a temporary spike. Metal water pipes are typically used

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Ground Testing Methods (5)

Two Pole Method Drawbacks:
The resistance of the metal pipe should be significantly less than the electrode under test. Metal pipes are being replaced with plastic. Some metal pipes use plastic couplings.

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Selecting a test method

Summary of Ground Electrode Test Methods
Advantages Fall-ofPotential Widely accepted When you see the characteristic curve you know youve got a good measurement. Drawbacks You have to disconnect ground The stakes may not be to drive There may not be space around the ground electrode to drive the stakes

Selective Method

Dont have to disconnect electrode Widely accepted When you see the characteristic curve you know youve got a good measurement. Convenience

The stakes may not be easy to drive There may not be space around the ground

Stakeless Method

Assumes a low-impedance parallel path Possible to get very low readings by mistakenly measuring on a hardwired loop
Impossible to judge the integrity of the auxiliary electrode. Cant be sure you are outside the area of influence
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Two-pole Method

Convenience

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Ground Testing Applications

When and why ground test? Prior to designing an grounding system: the ground material should be evaluated by resistivity measurement before designing a ground system Initial test on new ground systems: the real effectiveness of new ground systems should be measured before connection fall of potential test Periodic tests on ground systems: ground systems should be checked periodically to ensure they are not affected by changes in the ground or corrosion selective or stakeless test
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Ground Testing Applications

When and why ground test? Testing prior to addition of major loads: prior to installation of sensitive equipment such as servers, CT scanners, control systems, etc. fall of potential, selective or stakeless Safety tests on major equipment and plant e.g. ground tests on machines, elevators, conveyor belts, transformers, substations, boards, motors stakeless and selective testing especially useful

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Ground Testing Applications

When and why ground test? All other tests for relevant ground connections e.g. lightning protection, pipelines, tanks, gas stations, antenna systems, telecommunication lines, faraday cages fall of potential, selective or stakeless

PQ troubleshooting, quantify the effectiveness of grounding by measurement fall of potential, selective or stakeless

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Choosing the right instrument

Introducing the Fluke 1623 and 1625 Ground Testers

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Fluke 1623
Feature Summary
Conventional 3 - and 4 - pole earth/ground testing Selective method Stakeless method Two pole AC resistance measurement One button measurement press once to measure with simple GO/NOGO indicators Large easy to read display Rugged housing rated to IP56 2-Year Warranty

Customer
Electrical Consultants, Industrial

Application
Verification of earth resistance of electrical & communication systems.

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Fluke 1625 - the expert instrument

Feature summary
3- and 4-pole measurement of earth resistance Selective and Stakeless method Monitoring and display of probe and auxiliary earth resistance Automatic display of external voltage and frequency Selection of optimal measuring frequency (AFC) measurements down to deep ground layers possible (high testsignal power: >250mA, 48V) Earth impedance R* of high tension towers - for calculation of genuine short circuit current
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Fluke 1625 - the expert instrument

Additional features of Fluke 1625
2 pole AC resistance measurement - Resolution: 0.001 Ohm - Measuring signal: 20V / 250mA 2 pole, 4 pole DC resistance measurement - Range: 3 kOhm, resolution: 0.001 Ohm - automatic polarity reversal, adaptation of test period - short circuit current >200mA as per IEC/EN 61557-5 , UM >4V User defined limit settings - adjustable limits for any individual applications Interface and software available as option - data transfer to PC or printer - comfortable data evaluation with WinGEO software

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Fluke 1625 - the expert instrument

Unique: R* - Earth impedance

Measurement of complex earth-impedance at 55Hz which determines the real short circuit current

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Fluke 1625 - the expert instrument

Unique: R* - Earth impedance

Measurement of complex earthimpedance at 55Hz which determines the real short circuit current

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Chosing the right instrument

Introducing the Fluke 1623 and 1625 Ground Testers

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Clamp-On Earth Loop Tester GEO 30

Feature Summary
Ground loop resistance clamp measurement Low level measurement of ground leakage current Wide AC current measurement range up to 30A with one instrument Rapid evaluation of continuity loop resistance by audible HI/LO alarm Easy to use, convenient, Display-HOLD function Time saving memory function for saving measured values and automatic recording Automatic self calibration ensures correct measurement every time

Customer
Residential, Commercial, Industrial Electricians

Application
Earth loop resistance testing for houses, commercial and industrial buildings
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Clamp-On Earth Loop Tester GEO 30

LEM GEO 30 - Ground Tester / Current Meter
Stakeless Ground Resistance Measurement

I
Current amplifier

Voltage generator

Rn

Rx

The voltage U developed by the clamp is injected into the circuit. This causes a current I which flows in this measuring circuit. The second clamp measures this current I and the earth clamp displays the ground loop resistance Rx+Rn.
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Clamp-On Earth Loop Tester GEO 30

High Quality measuring instrument

High quality, rugged carrying case

Includes five language operators manual E/D/F/ES/IT

Calibration loop for instrument check

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Fluke 1653
Target Customer Professional Electrician / Testing Specialist Top Line Model with Unmatched performance Features Volts & Frequency to 500V Insulation Resistance Continuity Measurement Loop /PSC Measurement RCD Testing Earth resistance Tests Phase Sequence Indication On-Board Memory Interface for Downloading data

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Summary
Resistivity measurement provides important data regarding the earth material prior to system design Fall of Potential Test is the most widely accepted Four pole measurement compensates for voltage drop in measuring cable The 62% rule provides some guidance to the required distance for the temporary test spikes Selective testing allows testing without disconnection

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Summary
Selective test is based on fall of potential test that speeds measurement and provides additional safety Stakeless Testing is a fast method for multiple electrode systems Two pole ground testing provides minimal information and should be used very cautiously The Fluke 1623 provides the majority of the required functions for industrial users The Fluke 1625 is the advanced ground tester for utilities

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Why should I invest on Earth Ground?

The WW market for Earth Ground is estimated to be $25 Million With only two major US competitors (AEMC, Megger), with inferior product lines, there is no reason why Fluke shouldnt have 40% market share in 3 years. Fluke 1623 and 1625 are the most complete Earth Ground testers available anywhere In the US, Megger & AEMC do not have the best products, they only have inroads into Utilities. Perfect value selling opportunity. Your customers have been asking for it It is core to our strategy (along with PQ, Insulation and Thermography) Another opportunity to educate our customers about a product category. Take the high road, educate, convert to the best products. Repeat what youve done again and again.

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Who to target?
Earth Ground Market Segment
Elect Contractor Res & Comm Handy GEO GEO 30 Saturn GEO Plus Saturn GEO X Handy GEO GEO 30 Fluke 1623 Fluke 1625 X X Field Service X X Industrial Maint Technician X X Utilities - Power & Telecom X X

Earth Ground Testing Methods

Fall of Potential 3-Pole Handy GEO GEO 30 Saturn GEO Plus Saturn GEO X Handy GEO GEO 30 Fluke 1623 Fluke 1625 X X X X X X X X X X 4-Pole / Soil Selective 1 Clamp Stakeless 2 Clamp

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Which product for which user?

Function Can you test if the service is still connected? GEO 30

Fluke Handy 1653 GEO

Fluke 1623

Fluke 1625

Comment Handy GEO only performs the 3-Pole measurement which requires the service to be disconnected. Fluke 1623, Fluke 1625, and GEO 30 can perform measurements whether the service is connected (preferred by end users - safer) or disconnected. GEO 30 only performs a stakeless test. All other testers can perform these tests using stakes (Fall of Potential). Handy GEO cannot perform tests with clamps, necessary for measurements inside a building, lacking access to soil. The GEO 30 clamp has an inside diameter of 0.9". Fluke 1623 and 1625 have two sized clamps, 2" inside diameter (with kits) and 5" inside diameter clamp for busbar applications (accessory). For pylons, another accessory is the 12" inside diameter Split Core Transformer, affectionately called Big Norma. Necessary for new installations (buildings, substations) Utilities and other high end Industrial sites require the Fluke 1625, because of the Automatic Frequency Control (AFC). If there are influencing signals, the Fluke 1625 selects a different frequency to measure.

Yes

Yes

Yes

Do you want to perform 3-Pole or 4-Pole Fall of Potential tests using stakes? Are you performing tests inside a building? Are any test points inside the building larger than 0.9" diameter?

Yes Yes

Yes Yes

Yes Yes

Yes

Yes

Are you interested in soil resistivity? Are there high power systems close by that could influence measurements?

Yes

Yes

Yes

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1625 worth the money?

Why would anyone pay 650,- more for the Fluke 1625?
Utility customers will pay because they see value in the following advanced features: Automatic Frequency Control (AFC) identifies existing interference and chooses a measurement frequency to minimize its effect, providing more accurate earth ground values R* Measurement calculates earth ground impedance with 55 Hz to more accurately reflect the earth ground resistance that a fault-to-earth ground would see. Impedance is a frequency dependent measurement. Adjustable Limits for quicker testing. Power utility technicians are interested in two things: The ground resistance in case of lightning strike The impedance of the entire system in case of a short circuit on a specific point in the line.

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Product line-up
Delivery content Fluke-1623: Basic GEO Earth Ground Tester Contains: Fluke-1623 tester, test leads, batteries, manual (GB, FR, IT, DE, ES, PT) Fluke-1625: Advanced GEO Earth Ground Tester Contains: Fluke-1625 tester, test leads, batteries, manual (GB, FR, IT, DE, ES, PT) Fluke-1623/1625 Kit: Advanced GEO Earth Ground Tester Kit Contains: (1) Fluke-1623 or 1625 tester, (4) stakes, (2) 25m cable reels, (1) 50m cable reel, (1) Sensing clamp, (1) Inducing clamp, all necessary connectors, test leads, batteries, manual, rugged carrying case

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Accessories
EI-1623: Selective/Stakeless Clamp Set for Fluke-1623.
Contains both the Inducing and Sensing clamp all necessary adapters Already in the Fluke-1623 Kit.

EI-1625: Selective/Stakeless Clamp Set for Fluke-1625.

Contains both the Inducing and Sensing clamp all necessary adapters Already in the Fluke-1625 Kit.

ES-162P3: 3-Pole Stake Kit. (used for both the Fluke-1623 and Fluke-1625)
Contains: (3) Stakes, (1) 50m cable reel of wire, (1) 25m cable reel of wire Already in the Fluke-1623 Kit/Fluke-1625 Kit.

ES-162P4: 4-Pole Stake Kit. (used for both the Fluke-1623 and Fluke-1625)
Contains: (4) Stakes, (1) 50m cable reel of wire, (2) 25m cable reel of wire Already in the Fluke-1623 Kit/Fluke-1625 Kit.

EI-162BN: 320mm Diameter Split Core Transformer

Used as a Selective clamp for ground loop resistance measurement around power pylons Contains the split core transformer and all necessary adapters/connections

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Marcom material
Distributor product announcement Sales PPT Value selling tool

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Questions
and answers

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