1 Purpose
1.1 It is the purpose of this Standard to describe and discuss the present state of the technique of measuring ground resistance and impedance, earth resistivity, potential gradients from currents in the earth, and the prediction of the magnitudes of ground resistance and potential gradients from scale model tests. Factors influencing the choice of instruments and the techniques for various types of measurements are covered. These include the purpose of the measurement, the accuracy required, the type of instruments available, possible sources of error, and the nature of the ground or grounding system under test.
1.2 This Standard is intended to assist the engineer or technician in obtaining and interpreting accurate, reliable data. It describes test procedures which promote the safety of personnel and property, and prevent interference with the operation of neighboring facilities.
2 Scope
2.1 The testing methods covered in this Standard include:
(1) The measurement of the resistance and impedance to earth of electrodes varying from small rods and plates to large grounding systems of stations.
(2) Ground. potential surveys, including the measurement of step and touch voltages, and potential contour surveys.
(3) Scale-model tests for laboratory determination of the ground resistance and potential gradients for an idealized design.
(4) The measurement of earth resistivity.
2.2 The methods covered herein are limited to those using direct current, periodically reversed direct current, alternating sinusoidal current and impulse currents (for measuring transient impedances). This guide does not propose to cover all possible test signals and test methods.
2.3 Extreme precision is not always possible because of the many variables encountered; therefore, the measurements should be carefully made by the most suitable method available, with a thorough understanding of the possible sources of error.
3 Objectives of Tests
Contents
Foreword II
IEEE Foreword III
1 Purpose
2 Scope
3 Objectives of Tests
4 Definitions
5 Safety Precautions While Making Ground Tests
6 General Considerations of the Problems Related to Measurements
7 Earth Resistivity
8 Ground Impedance
9 Earth Potential
10 Transient Impedance
11 Model Tests
12 Instrumentation
13 Practical Aspects of Measurements
Appendix A (Informative) Earth Resistivity of Nonuniform Soils
Appendix B (Informative) Determination of an Earth Model
Appendix C (Informative) Theory of the Fall of Potential Method
