Earth testing

Practical

Earth Testing Techniques and

Measurement Instruments

Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 1

Practical Earth Testing
Content

Principles
Test Methods
Practical Measurement
Summary

Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 2

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)

Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 3

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

Distance a placed outside this area!
Typical distance: >20m

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
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 ...... mean value of soil resistivity (W.m)
RE ...... measured resistance (W)
a ...... 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
TestingMethods
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
TestingMethods
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
Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 22
Ground
Earth
Testing
TestingMethods
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
TestingMethods
Methods(2)
(1)
Fall of Potential 3 / 4 Pole Testing

During the test

The voltage theP2 is
spike
instrument
placed in the drives
grounda
current
some the
From through
distance
current the
from
and test
spike, through
electrode
voltage underthe
measurementstest
surrounding
(typically
made it is80 earth.and
feet)
possible to
returns
Once the
calculate through
valuethe
astakes are
of in
electrode
place the
ground under
test can
resistance. test,
the potential caused by
proceed.
this current is
measured using the P2
spike.

Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 24

Ground
Earth
Testing
TestingMethods
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
TestingMethods
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
TestingMethods
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
TestingMethods
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
TestingMethods
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

A The selective
current clampmethod
is used
is isolate
to based on thethe
testfall of
potential
current test in to
injected
But:
the without the
electrodes need
under Test Current

to disconnect the
test.
ground electrode under
test.

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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 Drawbacks
Fall-of- Widely accepted You have to disconnect ground
Potential When you see the characteristic The stakes may not be to drive
curve you know youve got a There may not be space around the
good measurement. ground electrode to drive the stakes
Selective Dont have to disconnect The stakes may not be easy to drive
Method electrode There may not be space around the
Widely accepted ground
When you see the characteristic
curve you know youve got a
good measurement.
Stakeless Convenience Assumes a low-impedance parallel
Method path
Possible to get very low readings by
mistakenly measuring on a hard-
wired loop
Two-pole Convenience Impossible to judge the integrity of
Method the auxiliary electrode.
Cant be sure you are outside the
area of influence

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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 earth-
impedance 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 I
Current amplifier

U Voltage generator

The voltage U developed by the clamp is injected into

Rn Rx 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,
rugged
High Quality carrying case
measuring
instrument

Includes five language Calibration loop for

operators manual instrument check
E/D/F/ES/IT

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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

Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 55

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

Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 56

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

Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 57

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.

Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 58

Who to target?
Earth Ground Market Segment

Elect Contractor - Industrial Maint Utilities - Power &

Res & Comm Field Service Technician Telecom
Handy GEO Handy GEO X
GEO 30 GEO 30 X X X X
Saturn GEO Plus Fluke 1623 X X
Saturn GEO X Fluke 1625 X

Earth Ground Testing Methods

Fall of Potential Selective Stakeless

3-Pole 4-Pole / Soil 1 Clamp 2 Clamp
Handy GEO Handy GEO X
GEO 30 GEO 30 X
Saturn GEO Plus Fluke 1623 X X X X
Saturn GEO X Fluke 1625 X X X X

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 Which product for which user?
Handy
Fluke Fluke Fluke
Function GEO 30 GEO
1653 1623 1625 Comment
Can you test if the service is still
Handy GEO only performs the 3-Pole measurement which requires
connected?
the service to be disconnected. Fluke 1623, Fluke 1625, and GEO
Yes Yes Yes
30 can perform measurements whether the service is connected
(preferred by end users - safer) or disconnected.
Do you want to perform 3-Pole
GEO 30 only performs a stakeless test. All other testers can
or 4-Pole Fall of Potential tests Yes Yes Yes
perform these tests using stakes (Fall of Potential).
using stakes?
Are you performing tests inside a Handy GEO cannot perform tests with clamps, necessary for
Yes Yes Yes
building? measurements inside a building, lacking access to soil.
Are any test points inside the
The GEO 30 clamp has an inside diameter of 0.9". Fluke 1623 and
building larger than 0.9"
1625 have two sized clamps, 2" inside diameter (with kits) and 5"
diameter?
Yes Yes inside diameter clamp for busbar applications (accessory). For
pylons, another accessory is the 12" inside diameter Split Core
Transformer, affectionately called Big Norma.
Are you interested in soil
Yes Yes Necessary for new installations (buildings, substations)
resistivity?
Are there high power systems Utilities and other high end Industrial sites require the Fluke 1625,
close by that could influence because of the Automatic Frequency Control (AFC). If there are
Yes
measurements? influencing signals, the Fluke 1625 selects a different frequency to
measure.

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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

Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 62

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

Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 64

Questions
and answers

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