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A practical guide to earth resistance testing - Weschler Instruments

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APPENDIX IX<br />

Ground Testing Methods Chart<br />

*Method<br />

Best Applications<br />

Advantages<br />

Limitations<br />

1. Fall of Potential<br />

2. Simplified Fall<br />

of Potential<br />

3. 61.8% Rule<br />

4. Slope<br />

5. Intersecting<br />

Curves<br />

6. Dead Earth<br />

(Two Point)<br />

7. Star Delta<br />

8. Four Potential<br />

9. Clamp-On<br />

Small electrode systems (1 or 2 rods/plates);<br />

complex systems if full <strong>resistance</strong> curve is plotted<br />

Small and medium electrode systems<br />

Small and medium electrode systems<br />

Large ground systems like substations<br />

Large ground systems like substations<br />

Not recommended<br />

Ground systems located in congested urban areas and/or rocky<br />

terrain where probe positioning is difficult<br />

Medium <strong>to</strong> large ground systems<br />

Simple ground system with existing return path<br />

through multiple grounds<br />

Extremely reliable; conforms <strong>to</strong> IEEE 81;<br />

opera<strong>to</strong>r has complete control of test set-up<br />

Easier <strong>to</strong> carry out than full Fall of Potential;<br />

much faster<br />

Simplest <strong>to</strong> carry out; minimal calculation;<br />

fewest number of test probe moves<br />

Knowledge of electrical center not necessary;<br />

long distances <strong>to</strong> test probes not necessary<br />

Knowledge of electrical center not necessary;<br />

long distances <strong>to</strong> test probes not necessary<br />

Quick and simple <strong>to</strong> perform<br />

Long distances for test probe positioning<br />

not necessary<br />

Knowledge of electrical center not necessary<br />

Quick, easy; includes bonding and overall<br />

connection <strong>resistance</strong><br />

Requires long distances (and long test leads)<br />

<strong>to</strong> the test probes on medium and large<br />

systems; time consuming and labor intensive<br />

Ineffective if the electrical center is<br />

unknown; less accurate than full Fall of<br />

Potential as less measurements are being<br />

made<br />

Assumes perfect conditions; ineffective if<br />

electrical center is unknown; soil must be<br />

homogeneous; less accurate<br />

Susceptible <strong>to</strong> non-homogeneous soil; less<br />

accurate; requires math<br />

Numerous calculations and drawing of<br />

curves<br />

Problems of possible <strong>resistance</strong> overlap;<br />

non-metallic (high <strong>resistance</strong>) return<br />

Resistance areas should not overlap; a<br />

number of calculations required<br />

Long distances <strong>to</strong> test probes is still required;<br />

a number of calculations required<br />

Effective only in situations with multiple<br />

grounds in parallel; susceptible <strong>to</strong> noise; no<br />

basis in standards; no built-in proof<br />

*The Attached Rod Technique (ART) is based on Fall of Potential<br />

72 1-866-254-0962 www.megger.com Getting Down <strong>to</strong> Earth 73

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