1/24/22, 11:28 AM Earth Resistance Measurement Method
Earth Resistance Measurement Method
The resistance to earth can be calculated or measured. Calculation of earth resistance involves knowing
values of several parameters of soil, electrode material etc. Certain simplified formulas have been
developed e.g.
When one ground rod ( length L cms & radius a cms) is used, in a soil of resistivity r ohm cms, then the
earth resistance can be approximated as equal to
{r/(2*3.14*L)}*{ln (4*L/a)-1} ohms
To much reliance cannot be placed on calculated results with above formula or similar formulas,
because soil resistivity varies inversely with the soil temperature & directly with the moisture content and
usually depth. The only certain way to determine the resistance is to measure it after the system has been
completed.
Measuring Earth Resistance
The principles used in measurement of
resistance to earth are essentially the same
as those used for measuring other type of
electrical resistances. Commercially available
portable testing instruments provide the
most convenient & satisfactory means for
measuring the earth resistance.
Instruments used for measuring insulation
resistance are not suitable, because they
cannot measure sufficiently low resistance
values. Also, ordinary low resistance
ohmmeters lack sufficient voltage for this
purpose and have no means for separating
out the grounding resistance of auxilliary electrodes needed to make the test. Instruments designed for
measuring earth resistance negate the resistance of auxilliary electrodes & provide sufficient voltage to
make the current flow in measuring setup.
Precision in measuring the earth resistance is difficult to obtain and is usually not required. Normally an
accuracy of +/- 25% is sufficient in view of many variables.
All of various methods available for measuring earth resistance make use of two auxilliary electrodes in
addition to the electrode under test.
Three Point Method - In this method resistance to earth of Electrode under test and the two auxilliary
electrodes is measured two electrodes at a time in series.
This method is suitable for isolated ground electrodes.
Fall of Potential Method- This method involves passing a known alternating current through the electrode
under test and one of the auxilliary electrodes. And measuring potential drop between the former
electrodes and a secondary auxilliary electrode set at various distances between the two fixed electrodes.
This method is subject to considerable error if stray ground currents are present or if pipes or other
conductors are buried nearby.
Ratio Method- This involves measurements of the ratio of
the resistance to earth of an auxilliary test electrode to
the series resistance to earth of electrode under test & second auxillairy electrode. Multiplying this ratio by
series resistance gives the effective resistance of the ground electrodes.
This method can give most accurate results because ratios can be as high as 300:1.
Most of the available commercial equipments for earth resistance measurement give a direct readout of
earth resistance after the measuring setup has been done with auxilliary electrodes.
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