Individuals often feel relaxed and safe when living in buildings with effective earthing systems. Such systems are vital in ensuring that the occupants and electronics are protected from electrical surges. This is achieved by providing a safe path for the huge currents emanating from lightning and over-voltage. Thus, the lightning earthing systems require regular ground testing. This aims at ensuring that the earth resistance is low and checks the functionality of the systems.
Before technological advancement, the end-user embraced the use of test instruments and probes. They are used to first inject a current into the earth soil that lied in between the test electrode and control probe. This was ensured by taking measurements on voltage drop that was caused by the soil up to a set point. Then the experts would use Ohm Law to make computation that will determine the fall or rise in earth resistance.
With advancement in testing instrumentation, the ancient test procedure was unified thus leading to the two commonly used methods. They were introduced by innovative modifications that were aimed at addressing definite needs. The alterations were also aimed at enhancing the overall operation-ability and productivity of earthing systems. Nevertheless, both approaches employ the same instruments which have been steadily modified to improve safety, accuracy, convenience, and ease of use.
The first approach is the fall-of-potential method. It requires complete isolation from the power utility. It also includes the removal of any neutral or ground connections that extends outside the grounding system. This procedure suits to be the most suitable test for extremely large earthing systems. It also scores awesomely for small electrodes. It is, however, labor-intensive and time-consuming approach.
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.
Accurate test results require the use of a correct approach and the right instruments. This is usually focused on improving the accuracy in results garnered. It also aims at making the testing process faster and simpler. Other vitiating factors that can affect the findings should be harmonized appropriately. For example, a heavy downpour can affect the resistance of the ground under the test.
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.
Thus, the testing procedures have undergone a series of evolution phases with an unobstructed focus of enhancing accuracy and convenience. This has also been as a result of advancement in instruments used to carry out the tests. It is a pivotal activity that aids in improving the overall functionality and safety of earthing systems.
Before technological advancement, the end-user embraced the use of test instruments and probes. They are used to first inject a current into the earth soil that lied in between the test electrode and control probe. This was ensured by taking measurements on voltage drop that was caused by the soil up to a set point. Then the experts would use Ohm Law to make computation that will determine the fall or rise in earth resistance.
With advancement in testing instrumentation, the ancient test procedure was unified thus leading to the two commonly used methods. They were introduced by innovative modifications that were aimed at addressing definite needs. The alterations were also aimed at enhancing the overall operation-ability and productivity of earthing systems. Nevertheless, both approaches employ the same instruments which have been steadily modified to improve safety, accuracy, convenience, and ease of use.
The first approach is the fall-of-potential method. It requires complete isolation from the power utility. It also includes the removal of any neutral or ground connections that extends outside the grounding system. This procedure suits to be the most suitable test for extremely large earthing systems. It also scores awesomely for small electrodes. It is, however, labor-intensive and time-consuming approach.
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.
Accurate test results require the use of a correct approach and the right instruments. This is usually focused on improving the accuracy in results garnered. It also aims at making the testing process faster and simpler. Other vitiating factors that can affect the findings should be harmonized appropriately. For example, a heavy downpour can affect the resistance of the ground under the test.
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.
Thus, the testing procedures have undergone a series of evolution phases with an unobstructed focus of enhancing accuracy and convenience. This has also been as a result of advancement in instruments used to carry out the tests. It is a pivotal activity that aids in improving the overall functionality and safety of earthing systems.
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