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Earth Loop Impedance Tests PDF
Earth Loop Impedance Tests PDF
Earth Loop Impedance Tests PDF
1
Revision
Inspections are made to verify that the installed electrical equipment is in
compliance with Standards, and in accordance with the regulations
Prior to the testing, you must check the instrument is fit for purpose.
There are two methods for testing the continuity of protective
conductors.
It is unacceptable to simply record a result, it needs to be reasonable.
The insulation resistance test is used to verify that the insulation of
conductors, accessories and equipment is acceptable (has a high
resistance).
Site applied Insulation test is quite rare and is only carried out when
insulation has been applied on site.
A polarity test is carried out to determine that the line conductor only is
switched, to ensure the correct operation of accessories, and to ensure that
in Edison Screw lamps, the centre-contact is connected to the line
conductor.
Outcomes of this Session
describe the earth fault loop impedance paths for TN-S, TN-C-S and TT
systems
describe the methods of carrying out earth fault loop impedance tests in
terms of the tests used for measuring actual earth fault loop impedance
and methods of calculation of earth fault loop impedance from given data
and measurement of conductor impedance
explain how the results should be compared with relevant data such as
Table 41.2, 41.3 and 41.4 of BS 7671.
Earth Fault Loop Impedance
The external earth loop depends on many factors such as length and cross-sectional
area of the cable.
The external fault loop is labelled Ze and the internal earth fault loop path is labelled
(R1+R2).
When combined give the overall impedance of the fault current path. ZS= Ze + (R1+R2)
Typical TN-C-S Supply
Earth (Terre) and Neutral Combined through part of the System
The loop on the distributors side passes via the general mass of earth.
Testing Earth Fault Loop Impedance
The most common form of testing for the earth fault loop impedance is
using a earth fault loop impedance tester.
You can also determine the earth fault loop impedance by calculation
The earth fault loop test makes sure that the protective devices operate
within the required time. (anything from 0.05 s to 5 s depending on where
and what you are testing)
There are a number of ways in which the earth fault loop impedance can be
determined.
Direct measurement using an earth fault loop impedance tester
Measurement of (R1+R2) and adding to a known value of Ze
Zs=Ze+(R1+R2)
Test Points for Earth Fault Loop Impedance Testing
Remember: Read the exam paper question carefully and use the
method requested as per the given scenario!!!
Rule of Thumb
The IET Guidance Note 3 provides a rule of thumb to operate if you dont want
to work through all the factors. This is now agreed to be 80%. This reduction is
an allowance for the fact that a measured Zs value is measured at an ambient
conductor temperature of 20oC. However, when under full load, the conductor
temperature may rise to a maximum operating temperature of 70oC, raising the
final actual Zs value.
The new corrected maximum tabulated value must be greater than the
measured value (measured @ 20oC) in order to satisfy ADS!
Earth Loop (Zs) Test problems!
Replace the RCD for the duration of the test (not a preferred option) with a
circuit-breaker
Measure the external impedance (Ze) and add this value to the measured
value of (R1 + R2)
End of chapter 6