Basics of Earth Testing

Presented by
Anant Waghchoure
Anant.Waghchoure@megger.com
Mobile : +91 9823626705

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 • Follow prevention tips

• Sanitise equipment before use

• Sanitise hands before and after

operation.

• Use of face mask as per

guidelines of Government.

• Follow social distancing.

• Helpline numbers State/UT wise

https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/coron
vavirushelplinenumber.pdf

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 Contents

◼ What is electrical earthing/grounding?

◼ Why to do earthing/grounding?

◼ Why to test?

◼ Steps for testing (Methods included)

◼ Factors to keep in mind while selecting an earth tester

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 What is electrical earthing/grounding?

◼ A conducting connection, intentional or accidental, between an electrical circuit or

an equipment and the earth, or to some conducting body that serves in place of the
earth
◼ It may also be termed as process of transferring the immediate unwanted discharge
of electrical current directly to earth through a low resistance path.

Electrical
Equipment /
Fault current
Installation

4
 Types of Earthing

◼ System Earthing
• Earthing of live circuit of electrical system
• Normally connected to the neutral points of circuit either solidly or via a current
protection device

◼ Protective Earthing:
• Earthing of Non-current carrying metallic parts of electrical system
• Offers low impedance path for fault currents to flow and aid in proper operation of over
current protection devices in case of a fault.

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 Guidelines

Standard / CODE Description

IEEE 80 Guide for safety in AC Substation grounding
IEEE 81 Guide for measuring earth resistivity, ground impedance and
earth surface potentials of a grounding system
IEEE142-2007 Recommended practice for grounding of industrial and
commercial power systems
IEEE 1100-2005 Recommended practice for powering and grounding electronic
equipment
IS 3043 Code of practice for earthing

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 Why to do earthing/grounding?

◼ Protect personnel from injury due to power surges or faults.

◼ Protect the operating system from damage due to power surges or faults.

◼ Provide a ground terminal for protection against direct lightning strikes.

◼ Provide a reference voltage level.

◼ Prevent unwanted voltage build-ups.

◼ Helps in proper operation of the protection schemes in power system

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 Effects of Current on Human Body

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 Why to do Testing?

◼ Two types of testing

• Soil resistivity: to help design electrical systems
• Ground resistance: to ensure safety compliance

◼ A low Ground resistance is required to:

• Enable protective devices to operate in good time.
• Reduce ground potential rises (GPR).
• Minimise the energy of electric shock from GPR during fault:
– Step potential.
– Touch potential.
◼ Testing is done to Standards (e.g. IEEE 81)
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 Why Measure earth resistance periodically?

◼ To determine the effectiveness of ground rods, ground grids and connections.

◼ To check that standards set by statutory requirements/codes of practice have been met.

◼ To check that specific design parameters have been met.

◼ To check that the grounding electrodes are still present.

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 Why does ground system deteriorate?

◼ Corrosion of earthing system

◼ Mechanical strain and stress on earthing system

◼ Catastrophic events like lightning strike or large fault currents

resulting instant degradation

◼ Chemical reactions with the chemicals in the soil

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 Installed Earth/Ground System

◼ Systems must be checked regularly, especially if they have high fault

currents

◼ Large systems must have very low resistances

◼ If the equipment connected to earth system is highly sensitive, the

earth system needs to be checked regularly.

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 Ground Testing

13
 Resistivity
4P ART
4 Pole
Continuous 3P ART
Manual 3 Pole
OFF 2 Pole
Download Dual Clamp

Setup Leakage current A

Continuity
User Modes Test Modes
◼ Check the earth tester

◼ Leakage Current

◼ Continuity / Bonding Check

◼ Check earth resistance with stake-less method.

◼ Use of suitable methods

 Check the equipment

◼ Use a calibration checker to inspect the instrument before and after testing

◼ Use a continuity checker to ensure test leads are intact with a low resistance <100Ω

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 Leakage Current

◼ Test done before shutdown of site

◼ Test over a few moments to view fluctuations

◼ High amount of leakage current is an indication

of faults within the system (assets or ground
system)

◼ A record of trend from tests over several years

will show any degradation
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 Stakeless Method
Connecting Wire Lightning Rods

er ®
TIV
Me 0V
CA

gg
0 n6
Quick test that can be done without disconnections
18 or access to bare conductors
 Stakeless method
Current
inducing
core Constant AC
voltage Induced current
applied measured is directly
proportional to loop
resistance clamped

Induced
current
measuring
core

ELECTRODE UNDER TEST

ELECTRODE Ω
WATER PIPE Ω
SYSTEM Ω TO

ELECTRODE

ELECTRODE
TO EARTH
TO EARTH

18Ω
15Ω

15Ω
15Ω

22Ω
10Ω
EARTH

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 Stakeless Method

Four parallel paths in circuit Twelve parallel paths in circuit

10Ω
10Ω
10Ω
10Ω
10Ω
10Ω
10Ω
10Ω
RT 10Ω
10Ω 10Ω
RT
10Ω 10Ω
10Ω 10Ω
10Ω 10Ω
10Ω
Actual electrode (RT) = 10Ω Actual electrode (RT) = 10Ω

Measured value = 12.5Ω Measured value = 10.83Ω

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 Stakeless Method

Four parallel paths in circuit Twelve parallel paths in circuit

10Ω
10Ω
10Ω
10Ω
10Ω
50Ω
10Ω
Poor
10Ω electrode
10Ω RP
10Ω 10Ω
50Ω 10Ω
Poor
10Ω 10Ω
electrode Actual electrode (RP) = 50Ω
10Ω RP 10Ω
10Ω
Measured value = 50.83Ω
Actual electrode (RP) = 50Ω Other electrodes still measure 10.89Ω
Measured value (RP) = 52.5Ω

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Other electrodes still measure 13.1Ω
 Continuity (Bonding) Test

◼ A test to ensure integrity of connections throughout the system

◼ Focus on connections from asset to Ground Bar as well as Ground Bar to Electrodes/Grid

Ensure no high resistance in

Ground connections to prevent this

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 Different Methods at hand

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 Principal of Measurement

◼ Ohms Law : R= V/I

◼ Inject an alternating DC current

◼ Measure resultant voltage

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 Components of Earth resistance

1. Electrode Resistance

2. Electrode-Soil contact resistance

3. Resistance of surrounding earth

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 2-Pole Earth resistance measurement

◼ Measure “coupling” between two earth points; measure resistance of

earth electrode to Earth.

C1 P2
(E) Imea (S) Measures resistance of the
P1 s C2 two Earth electrodes in
(ES) (H) series.
R = Emeas/Imeas
Emea
s

Second earth electrode or

Earth electrode other low resistance,
under test conductive connection to
Earth.
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 2-Pole Earth resistance measurement

◼ 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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 Fall of Potential Test

◼ Fall of Potential Test

• For measuring resistance
between an installed system
and the soil
• Auxiliary current probe must be
placed far outside zone of 61.8%
influence (at least 4 times the 100%

diagonal length of Ground

System)
• Several readings are taken to
build the graph and determine
the true resistance
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29
 Fall of potential – test and result
Ground Potential
Electrode Probe (P)
Under Positions
Current
Test (X) Probe (C)

Resistance in Ohms

X Distance of Potential Probe from X (dp)

C
Ground Current
Electrode Probe
Position Position

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 Fall of potential – test and result
Ground Potential
Electrode Probe (P)
Under Positions
Current
Test (X) Probe (C)

Resistance in Ohms

X Distance of Potential Probe from X (dp)

C
Ground Current
Electrode Probe
Position Position

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 Fall of potential – test and result
Ground Potential
Electrode Probe (P)
Under Positions
Current
Test (X) Probe (C)

Resistance in Ohms

X Distance of Potential Probe from X (dp)

C
Ground Current
Electrode Probe
Position Position

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 Fall of potential – test and result
Ground Potential
Electrode Probe (P)
Under Positions
Current
Test (X) Probe (C)

Resistance in Ohms

X Distance of Potential Probe from X (dp)

C
Ground Current
Electrode Probe
Position Position

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 Fall of potential – test and result
Ground Potential
Electrode Probe (P)
Under Positions
Current
Test (X) Probe (C)

Resistance in Ohms

X Distance of Potential Probe from X (dp)

C
Ground Current
Electrode Probe
Position Position

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 Fall of potential – test and result
Ground Potential
Electrode Probe (P)
Under Positions
Current
Test (X) Probe (C)

Resistance in Ohms

X Distance of Potential Probe from X (dp)

C
Ground Current
Electrode Probe
Position Position

35
 Fall of potential – test and result
Ground Potential
Electrode Probe (P)
Under Positions
Current
Test (X) Probe (C)

Resistance in Ohms

X Distance of Potential Probe from X (dp)

C
Ground Current
Electrode Probe
Position Position

36
 Fall of potential – test and result
Ground Potential
Electrode Probe (P)
Under Positions
Current
Test (X) Probe (C)

Resistance in Ohms

X Distance of Potential Probe from X (dp)

C
Ground Current
Electrode Probe
Position Position

37
 Fall of potential – test and result
Ground Potential
Electrode Probe (P)
Under Positions
Current
Test (X) Probe (C)

Resistance in Ohms

X Distance of Potential Probe from X (dp)

C
Ground Current
Electrode Probe
Position Position

38
 Fall of potential – test and result
Ground Potential
Electrode Probe (P)
Under Positions
Current
Test (X) Probe (C)

Resistance in Ohms

X Distance of Potential Probe from X (dp)

C
Ground Current
Electrode Probe
Position Position

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 Fall of potential – test and result
Ground Potential
Electrode Probe (P)
Under Positions
Current
Test (X) Probe (C)

Resistance in Ohms

X Distance of Potential Probe from X (dp)

C
Ground Current
Electrode Probe
Position Position

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 Fall of potential – test and result
Ground
Electrode
Under Potential
Probe (P) Current
Test (X) Probe (C)
Position

True system
resistance
measured
here

Resistance in Ohms

X Distance of Potential Probe from X (dp)

C
Ground Current
Electrode Probe
Position Position

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 Fall of potential – test and result
Ground
Electrode
Under Potential
Probe (P) Current
Test (X) Probe (C)
Position

True system
resistance
measured
here

Resistance in Ohms

Usually approx 62%

of X to C distance

X Distance of Potential Probe from X (dp)

C
Ground Current
Electrode Probe
Position Position

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

Resistance in Ohms
Distance of Potential Probe from X (dp)

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 Fall of potential

3 pole 4 pole

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 Fall of potential

◼ Full Fall of potential :

• 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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 Drawbacks : Fall of potential

◼ 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.

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 Fall of Potential (short method)

◼ Reduced method based on fewer measurements, saving time

Imeas

Emeas

P1 (ES)
P2 (S) R = Emeas/Imeas
C1 (E) C2 (H)

Earth
0.62B
electrode
under test Auxiliary test
electrodes
B

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 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.
• Small and medium systems do well
(if tests are valid)
• Large systems need large test run
(200m x 10 = 2km !)
◼ Must disconnect individual ground electrodes to measure
them

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 61.8% Rule/Method

◼ Based on the theory behind the full Fall of Potential method

◼ Take measurement only at one point
◼ Advantage: Extremely quick and easy.
◼ Disadvantage: Assumes that conditions are perfect (adequate
probe spacing and soil homogeneity).

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 Theoretical Background - 61.8% Rule
Ground
Electrode
Under Potential Current
Test (X) Probe (P) Probe (C)

Resistance in Ohms

Current Probe
Resistance

Ground Electrode
Resistance 61.8%

X Distance of Potential Probe from X (dp)

C

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 Large Earth Electrode System : 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, m=(R3-R2)/(R2-R1) relates distance B and
ideal distance of the voltage spike (P2) for measuring the
resistance.

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 Slope Method

◼ Alternative method applicable for physically constrained sites.

Imeas
Distance to C probe (B)
Now 2 to 3 times the
maximum dimension of
Emeas
earth system.
R = Emeas/Imeas
P1 (ES)

C1 (E) P2 (S) C2 (H)

0.2B

Earth
0.4B
electrode Auxiliary test
under test electrodes
0.6B

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 Slope Method

◼ Measure R1 at 20% distance to C2

Imeas

m=(R3-R2)/(R2-R1)
Emeas

P1 (ES)
R = Emeas/Imeas m = (R3-R2) / (R2 – 9.3)
C1 (E) C2 (H)

0.2B
R1= 9.3 ohm
Earth
electrode R1
under test

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 Slope Method

◼ Measure R2 at 40% distance to C2

Imeas

m=(R3-R2)/(R2-R1)
Emeas

P1 (ES)
R = Emeas/Imeas m = (R3– 16) / (16 – 9.3)

C1 (E) C2 (H)

0.4B
R1= 9.3 ohm
Earth
electrode R R2= 16 ohm
under test
2
B

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 Slope Method

◼ Measure R3 at 60% distance to C2

Imeas

m=(R3-R2)/(R2-R1)
Emeas

P1 (ES)
R = Emeas/Imeas m = (19.2 – 16) / (16 – 9.3)

C1 (E) C2 (H)

R1= 9.3 ohm

Earth
electrode R3 R2= 16 ohm
under test 0.6B

B R3= 19.2 ohm

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 Slope Method

◼ Calculate value of m
Imeas

m=(R3-R2)/(R2-R1)
Emeas

P1 (ES)
R = Emeas/Imeas m = (19.2 – 16) / (16 – 9.3)

C1 (E) P2 (S) C2 (H)

0.2B

Earth 0.4B
Auxiliary test
m =0.478
electrode R1 R R3 electrodes
under test 0.6B
2
B

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 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

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 Slope Method
m =0.478

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 Slope Method
◼ Measure electrode resistance at 0.632B

Imeas

Emeas
R = Emeas/Imeas
P1 (ES)

C1 (E) P2 (S) C2 (H)

Auxiliary test
Earth
electrodes
electrode
under test
0.632B
B

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 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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 Attached Rod Technique (ART) Method
◼ In the previous 3-pole measurement, the electrode under test had to be disconnected
◼ In ART mode, we must measure current using a Current Clamp in order to keep the
electrode connected for Ground Testing on Live circuits.
◼ ART mode is useful when shutdown is not possible.

Imeas

P1 (ES) Emeas
R = Emeas/Iclamp
Iclamp P2 (S) C2 (H)

Earth electrode
under test

B
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 ART with 4 pole measurement
C1 and P1 connections
Building earth
connection/s
I System
I Total

Ie Test Potential Probe (P) Current

Ie 3 Ie 1 Ie 2 Probe (C)

Ground
Electrodes
Under
Test (X)

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 LAZY SPIKE

3 pole 4 pole

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 LAZY SPIKE

◼ Latest equipment's can work with high spike resistances upto 400kOhms yet give
accurate readings

◼ Where spikes can not be inserted the results have been obtained by laying the temporary
electrodes on a wet patch of concrete

◼ Coiled metal chains or metallized ground mats, with water poured over them, make an
even better electrode because they conform more intimately to the earth’s surface

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 STEP AND TOUCH POTENTIAL

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 Dangers of Step & Touch Potentials

67
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 What are Step & Touch Potentials

Substation

Step &
Touch
Potentials

Earth/Groun
d
system
◼ Any medium to high voltage installation must ensure safe step and touch potentials.
◼ These potentials are the voltage levels that a typical person would experience when
touching the fence or walking around the perimeter of the installation when a fault is
happening.
◼ In worst case scenarios, the maximum fault current will flow through the Earth/Ground
system and dangerous voltage levels could be experienced by people in the immediate
vicinity.
◼ Megger provides the test equipment that can assist in determining these potentials.
◼ Standards such as IEEE 81, and BS 7430 provide further information
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 Measuring Touch Potentials

◼ It is recommended to use a DET2/3 in the 4P test mode

◼ Connect C1 terminal to the Earth/Ground system inside the installation
◼ Connect P1 terminal to the fence
◼ Connect P2 to a spike 1m away from the fence
◼ Connect C2 to a spike outside the zone of influence of the Earth/Ground
system. This is the auxiliary current spike. This spike could be placed 30m
away or even 1km away depending on the size of the system under test.

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 Calculation of Touch Potential

1.32 Ω

◼ The Earth Tester injects a small current between C1 and C2 and then measures
the resistance between P1 and P2 in the presence of the injected current.
◼ Path of P1 to P2 is where current will flow through someone touching the fence.
◼ The resistance between P1 & P2 can be used to calculate the touch potential of
the installation. For this calculation, the max fault current of the installation must
be known:
• If the max fault current is 200A, and the measured touch resistance is 1.32Ω then
200 x 1.32 = 264

• So, the Touch Potential of the installation is 264V

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 Measuring Step Potentials

1.0m 0.5m

◼ It is recommended to use a DET2/3 in the 4P test mode

◼ Connect C1 terminal to the Earth/Ground system inside the installation
◼ Connect P1 terminal to a spike placed 0.5m away from the fence.
◼ Connect P2 to a spike 1m away from the P1 spike
◼ Connect C2 to a spike outside the zone of influence of the Earth/Ground
system. This is the auxiliary current spike. This spike could be placed 30m
away or even 1km away depending on the size of the system under test.

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 0.96 Ω Calculation of Step Potential

◼ The Earth Tester injects a small current between C1 and C2 and then measures
voltage to calculate the resistance between P1 and P2 in the presence of the
injected current.
◼ Path of P1 to P2 is where current will flow through someone walking in the
immediate perimeter of the installation.
◼ The resistance between P1 & P2 can be used to calculate the Step potential of the
installation. For this calculation, the max fault current of the installation must be
known:
• If the max fault current is 200A, and the measured Step resistance is 0.96Ω then
200 x 0.96 = 192

• So, the Step Potential of the installation is 192V

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 Please Note

◼ It is possible to inject the full fault current (or a high current 50A+)
and measure the actual Step and Touch potentials, but this is not
safe. The method described is the best way to get reasonably
accurate measurements while maintaining the highest safety
standards.

◼ It is recommended to get Step & Touch measurements at all sides of

the installation, especially areas that are open to general public.

◼ The action(s) resulting from Step & Touch potential measurements

that are too high, will vary and will require an expert to advise
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 Typical Minimal Probe Spacing

◼ Single electrode:
• Furthest C probe 15m away
• Middle P probe 9.5m away
◼ Large system, several electrodes or plates:
• Furthest C probe 50m away.
• Middle P probe 31m away.
◼ Rule of thumb for substations: locate furthest probe at a
distance of 5x the diagonal of the substation!
Soil Resistivity
 Soil resistivity

◼ Purpose of this test:

• Find lowest possible resistance in an area
• Obtain the values needed to design the earth system
◼ Factors affecting soil resistivity
• Soil composition
• Moisture in the ground
• Temperature
◼ Consider
• Resistivity will vary through the year
• Moisture more constant at water table
 Soil Resistivity Tests
Imeas

Emeas

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

◼ Measuring the electrical characteristics of the
A A A
soil <A/20

◼ Essential for designing a Ground system

suitable for the location

Soil resistivity, r = 2pAR (Wm)

R = Emeas/Imeas

77
 Precautions while performing earth testing

◼ Use of Personal Protective equipment to be used.

◼ Dielectrically rated gloves and foot-ware mandatory

◼ Exposed electrodes and test leads are isolated from human

◼ Test signal is applied for short periods and test leads are
promptly disconnected after test is complete.
 Earth Resistance Values

◼ National Electrical Code (NEC) section 250-56 establishes a

requirement for a single ground rod or ground plate to have an earth
resistance of 25 ohms or less
◼ IEEE 142, “IEEE Recommended Practice for Grounding of Industrial
and Commercial Power Systems” recommends an earth resistance
in the range of 1/2 to 5 ohms
◼ IEEE 80 for substation grounding has values of 1/2 to 1 ohm for
generating plants and large substations.
◼ Manufacturers of sensitive electronic equipment and medical
diagnostic equipment have specifications of less than 1 and up to 5
ohms
 Selecting the equipment

80
 Pwr USB Current Clamp
connection
LED

Save button
Home Spike
connections

Menu Back

Direction Keys
Functions
and OK button
 What to check in datasheet?

◼ Main Technical Specifications:

• Resistance range: Measure resistances of 1mΩ to 20kΩ
• Minimum resolution : 1mΩ resolution
• Accuracy : +/-0.5% of reading, +/-2 digits
• 50V and 50mA maximum test power, limited for safety
• Test signal frequency:10Hz to 200Hz test frequency
• Data storage: Logging of 500 data records with direct
download to flash drive or PC
• Continuity Mode : 10mΩ to 1kΩ DC tests
• Standards to Comply : IEC61010-1 and IEC61557-5
• Test can be done in accordance to BS7430(earthing), BS-
EN-62305(lightning protection), BS-EN-50122-1(Railway
application and IEEE81.
 Weight the benefits of features offered by the tester

Feature Benefit
Colour Display • Full graphical functionality
• Daylight viewable with backlight
• Set distances for Resistivity
calculations
• Wenner & Schlumberger
methods
• View spike check results
Analogue Filter & • Keeps measurements accurate
Auto-Frequency Selection • Allows use of low power testing to
meet safety requirements
• Scans for “quiet” frequency and sets
the test accordingly

83
 Weight the benefits of features offered by the tester

Feature Benefit
Data logging: 500 record • Save up to 500 data points or
graphs
• Edit name of individual records
• Download directly to flash drive
• Use PowerDB and auto-fill forms

Graphical Results Trace • View live measurements over time

• Diagnose problems by viewing

trends

84
 Weight the benefits of features offered by the tester

Feature Benefit
Weatherproof: IP54 & IP65 • Keep working outdoors with IP54
protection • Storage in vehicles with IP65

CATIV 300V protection • Protect the user and the

10hr Battery life, with fast
recharge to 50%
instrument
• Safe for ART testing on live
systems
• Work all day, continuously
• Recharge to 5hrs use during lunch

Continuity Mode • Ensure test leads are good

• Ensure installation has not
corroded
Stakeless and ART Modes • Provides flexibility & full
85 functionality
 Weight the benefits of features offered by the tester

Feature Benefit
Test lead length and • Smooth action reels
ETK30, ETK50, ETK100C • Spikes included on reels
• Daisy-chain reels for longer and longer
lengths
• Supplied in 20m to 100m lengths

86
 Benefits of extended backup

◼ Li-ion batteries from the TDR2050

◼ Fast charge to 50% during lunch
break
◼ 10hrs of testing from full charge
◼ User replaceable battery with 1
year warranty
◼ Can run from 12V car charger
 Additional considerations while purchasing a tester

◼ Following points if considered and acted during buying results in

flawless and optimised use of the product with confidence
• Performance of the unit
• Electrical and Mechanical ruggedness
• Post purchase support structure of the seller
• Repairs and calibration infrastructure from the Manufacturer
 Anant Waghchoure
Anant.Waghchoure@megger.com
Mobile : +91 9823626705

89