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Grounding Presentation
Grounding Presentation
The Basics
- Diagnose intermittent electrical problems
Table of Contents
Earth Ground - Foundation
Why Ground? Why Test? Grounding basics Methods of earth ground testing Measuring ground resistance
NFPA & IEEE: Recommends a ground resistance value of 5.0 ohms or less.
Telecommunications Industry: Often uses 5.0 ohms or less as their value for grounding or bonding
NEC: Make sure the system to ground is 25.0 ohms or less. In facilities with sensitive equipment, it should be 5.0 ohms or less. (source NEC 250.56)
Spheres of Influence
There must be proper spacing between ground electrodes and earth stakes to reduce or eliminate their spheres of influence
You may choose to install any one of the following ground systems.
Ground Plate
Ground Mesh
Methods of Testing
These are the only types of earth ground test methods available today.
Soil Resistivity
The purpose of soil resistivity measurements is to quantify the effectiveness of the earth where a grounding system will be installed. So, soil resistivity testing is most necessary when determining the design of the grounding system for new installations. Ideally, you would find a location with the lowest possible resistance. The soil composition, moisture content and temperature of the soil all impact the soil resistivity.
Resistivity Measurement
Selective Testing
The selective method is based on the Fall of Potential test, however its not necessary to disconnect the ground electrode under test ! A current clamp is used to isolate the test current injected into the electrodes under test, the current will flow to earth by any path. By isolating the current, with use of the current clamp, the ground resistance of individual elements can be measured without disconnecting.
Stakeless Testing
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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Stakeless Testing
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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Stakeless Testing
The Fluke testers work on the principle that the parallel/multigrounded sysems, the net resistance of all ground paths will be extremely low as compared to any single path (the one under test). So, the net resistance of all the parallel return path resistances is effectively zero. If the ground system is not parallel to earth then you will either have an open circuit, or be measuring ground loop resistance.
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The stakeless method does not need a lot of parallel paths to be present to ensure good results.
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Selective Method
Stakeless Method
Assumes a low-impedance parallel path Possible to get very low readings by mistakenly measuring on a hard-wired loop Impossible to judge the integrity of the auxiliary electrode. Cant be sure you are outside the area of influence
Two-pole Method
Convenience
Introducing the new Fluke 1623 & 1625 Earth Ground Testers
1623
1625