Electrical Earthing Testing Methods
The ability to properly measure ground resistance is essential in preventing costly downtime due to service
interruptions caused by poor ground. The procedures for earth resistance testing are referenced in IEEE
Standard No. 81. Four of the most common methods used by test technicians are discussed below:
2 point Method (dead Method)
This method is not as accurate as three-point methods (62% method), as it is particularly affected by the
distance between the tested electrode and the dead ground or water pipe. This method should not be used as a
standard procedure, but rather as a back-up in tight areas.
3-point (Fall-of-potential) method
The three-point method is the most thorough and reliable test method; used for measuring resistance to earth
of an installed grounding electrode.
The standard used as a reference for fall-of-potential testing is IEEE Standard 81: Guide for Measuring Earth
Resistivity, Ground Impedance, and Earth Surface Potentials of a Grounding System
With a four terminal tester, P1 and C1 terminals on the instrument are jumpered and connected to the earth
electrode under test while the C2 reference rod is driven into the earth straight out as far from the electrode
under test as possible. Potential reference P2 is then driven into the earth, at a set number of points, roughly on
a straight line between C1 and C2. Resistance readings are logged for each P2 point.
Measurements are plotted on a curve of resistance vs. distance. Correct earth resistance is read from the curve
for the distance that is roughly 62% of the total distance between C1 and C2. There are three basic types of the
fall-of-potential method:
Full fall-of-potential: A number of tests are made a different spaces of P and a full resistance curve is plotted.
Simplified fall-of-potential: Three measurements are made at defined distances of P and mathematical
calculations are used to determine the resistance.
61.8 Rule: A single measurement is made with P at a distance 61.8% (62%) of the distance between C1 and C2.
4 Point Method
This method is the most commonly used for measuring soil resistivity, which is important for designing electrical
grounding systems. In this method, four small-sized electrodes are driven into the earth at the same depth and
equal distance apart - in a straight line - and a measurement is taken.
The amount of moisture and salt content of soil radically affects its resistivity. Soil resistivity measurements will
also be affected by existing nearby grounded electrodes. Buried conductive objects in contact with the soil can
invalidate readings if they are close enough to alter the test current flow pattern. This is particularly true for
large or long objects.
Clamp-on method
The clamp on method is unique in that it offers the ability to measure resistance without disconnecting
the ground system. It is quick, easy, and also includes the bond to ground and overall grounding
connection resistances in its measurement.
Measurements are made by "clamping" the tester around the grounding electrode under test, similar to
how you would measure current with a multi-meter current clamp. The tester applies a known voltage
without a direct electrical connection via a transmit coil and measures the current via a receive coil. The
test is carried out at a high frequency to enable the transformers to be as small and practical as
possible.
For the clamp-on method to be effective, there must be a complete grounding circuit in place. The
tester measures the complete resistance path (loop) that the signal is taking. All elements of the loop
are measured in series. It is important for the operator to understand the limitations of the test method
so that he/she does not misuse the instrument and get erroneous or misleading readings.
Some limitations of the clamp-on method include:
Effective only in situations with multiple grounds in parallel.
Cannot be used on isolated grounds, not applicable for installation checks or commissioning new
sites.
Cannot be used if an alternate lower resistance return exists not involving the soil, such as with
cellular towers or substations.
Results must be accepted on "faith."
