It is safer and beneficial to live or work in earthed structures with proper grounding discharge systems. They are critical in providing the safety of individuals and equipment by giving the immense current from a lightning strike or a utility overeager a better and safer path to earth. Thus, such systems require periodic ground testing to ensure that the resistance-to-earth does not increase over time. This ensures that the grounding systems are in good condition for increased safety.
Anciently, the technicians espoused more on the use of vintage test instruments and probes. They were principally used to induce a current in the ground between the test apparatus, that is, the test electrode and remote probe. This was followed by measuring the voltage drop on the current flowing through the embedded soil. The technicians would then use ohm principles to calculate the earth resistance around a lightning earthing system.
As technology advanced, the instruments and procedure previously used were standardized to devise the two common methods. They came through alternations that were focused on dealing with specific shortcomings which were anciently rampant. The modifications have also led to ease of use and improved functionality of grounding systems. However, the two approaches make use of similar apparatus which are effective in enhancing safety, accuracy, and convenience.
One of the approaches is the fall-of-potential test method. It is carried out by complete isolation of the lightning earthing system from the power supply. It also demands the end-user to remove all the conductors that extend past the extremes of the earthing system being tested. The method is highly embraced when testing larger grounding systems. It also performs well in small field electrodes. However, it is associated with lots of drawbacks due to its lengthy procedures.
The other method is the clamp-on test. It is a convenient method that can be effectively performed under a powered system. It requires a connection between the power supply and the earthing system under test. The test is more accurate than the three-point test in small electrode regions, as it calculates the frequencies in a kilohertz range.
For purposes of producing the right data for a grounding system, the correct method and equipment should be used. This increases the accuracy of results and makes the test to be faster and easier. Other conditions of the earthing system being tested should be properly calculated for accuracy. For instance, the rainfall can affect the results of the system under test than it would be under normal conditions.
Moreover, with technological advancement, a refined procedure has been invented to produce more convincing and accurate results. They are computerized and thus, do not necessarily need further analysis and calculations. In addition, they do not also need one to de-energize or isolate any conductor from the grounding system being tested.
Therefore, the testing procedure has gradually evolved in stages with emphasis on improving accuracy and ease of use. This has also been enhanced by advancement in instrumentation used when conducting the tests. It is a crucial task that helps in improving the functionality of earthing systems.
Anciently, the technicians espoused more on the use of vintage test instruments and probes. They were principally used to induce a current in the ground between the test apparatus, that is, the test electrode and remote probe. This was followed by measuring the voltage drop on the current flowing through the embedded soil. The technicians would then use ohm principles to calculate the earth resistance around a lightning earthing system.
As technology advanced, the instruments and procedure previously used were standardized to devise the two common methods. They came through alternations that were focused on dealing with specific shortcomings which were anciently rampant. The modifications have also led to ease of use and improved functionality of grounding systems. However, the two approaches make use of similar apparatus which are effective in enhancing safety, accuracy, and convenience.
One of the approaches is the fall-of-potential test method. It is carried out by complete isolation of the lightning earthing system from the power supply. It also demands the end-user to remove all the conductors that extend past the extremes of the earthing system being tested. The method is highly embraced when testing larger grounding systems. It also performs well in small field electrodes. However, it is associated with lots of drawbacks due to its lengthy procedures.
The other method is the clamp-on test. It is a convenient method that can be effectively performed under a powered system. It requires a connection between the power supply and the earthing system under test. The test is more accurate than the three-point test in small electrode regions, as it calculates the frequencies in a kilohertz range.
For purposes of producing the right data for a grounding system, the correct method and equipment should be used. This increases the accuracy of results and makes the test to be faster and easier. Other conditions of the earthing system being tested should be properly calculated for accuracy. For instance, the rainfall can affect the results of the system under test than it would be under normal conditions.
Moreover, with technological advancement, a refined procedure has been invented to produce more convincing and accurate results. They are computerized and thus, do not necessarily need further analysis and calculations. In addition, they do not also need one to de-energize or isolate any conductor from the grounding system being tested.
Therefore, the testing procedure has gradually evolved in stages with emphasis on improving accuracy and ease of use. This has also been enhanced by advancement in instrumentation used when conducting the tests. It is a crucial task that helps in improving the functionality of earthing systems.
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