Transcript Document
Earth testing Practical Earth Testing Techniques and Measurement Instruments Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 1 Practical Earth Testing Content • Principles • Test Methods • Practical Measurement • Summary Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 2 Earth / Ground Basics What is ground? A conducting connection, whether intentional or accidental, between an electrical circuit or equipment and the earth, or to some conducting body that serves in place of earth* Ground is a connection to Earth made either intentionally or accidentally *NFPA 70-2000 (National Fire Protection Association) Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 3 Earth / Ground Basics Why ground? To protect people and equipment By dissipating stray energy from: Electrical faults (fuses, breakers etc.) Lightning strikes Radio Frequency Static discharges Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 4 Real Examples Why test? – Catch the problem before it happens! Estimate: at least 15% of power quality problems are related to grounding Lightning strikes on equipment with poorly maintained protection systems destroy millions of dollars of equipment and lost production every year Using ground testing in a PDM protocol will help prevent possible dangerous situations and loss of downtime (= money) Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 5 Earth / Ground Basics How do you connect to earth? Cable or tape Stake or rod Earth material Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 6 Earth / Ground Basics Spheres of influence Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 7 Earth / Ground Basics Attention! Potential gradients! Umeasure Potential gradients around the earth electrode can reduce the accuracy of measurements! Distance a The probe must always be placed outside this area! Typical distance: >20m Ground Potential Neutral ground, reference Umeasure Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 8 Earth / Ground Basics Types of Grounding Systems • Many different types available • Choice depends on local conditions and required function • Simplest form is a single stake • Mostly used for: – Lightning protection – Stand alone structures – Back-up for utility ground Earth_testing_2006 Ground rod Eric van Riet 9 Earth / Ground Basics Types of Grounding Systems • ground rod group • typically for lightning protection on larger structures or protection around potential hotspots such as substations. Ground rod group Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 10 Earth / Ground Basics Types of Grounding Systems • For areas where there is rock (or other poor conducting material) fairly close to the surface ground plates are preferred as they are more effective Ground plate Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 11 Earth / Ground Basics Types of Grounding Systems • A ground mesh consists of network of bars connected together, this system is often used at larger sites such as electrical substations. Ground mesh Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 12 Earth / Ground Basics Types of Grounding Systems For the purposes of this presentation the grounding system will referred to as ‘ground electrode’. Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 13 Ground Testing Methods What are the available techniques? • Resistivity • Fall of Potential – Three and Four Pole Testing • Selective Testing • Stakeless Testing • Two pole method Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 14 Ground Testing Methods (1) Resistivity Measurement The purpose of resistivity measurements is to quantify the effectiveness of the earth where a grounding system will be installed. Differing earth materials will affect the effectiveness of the grounding system. The capability of different earth materials to conduct current can be quantified by the value E (resistivity in W.m). Resistivity measurements should be made prior to installing a grounding system, the values measured will have an effect on the design of the grounding system. Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 15 Ground Testing Methods (1) Resistivity values for different earth materials Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 16 Ground Testing Methods (1) Resistivity Measurement ( Wenner method) Resistivity measurements are performed by using a four wire method. Used to determine which KIND of earthing should be used, so BEFORE placing earth stakes Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 17 Ground Testing Methods (1) Resistivity Measurement From the indicated resistance value RE, the soil resistivity is calculated according to the equation : E = 2 . a . RE E RE a Earth_testing_2006 ...... mean value of soil resistivity (W.m) ...... measured resistance (W) ...... probe distance (m) Eric van Riet 18 Ground Testing Methods (1) Resistivity Measurement Curve 1: As E decreases only deeper down, a deep earth electrode is advisable Curve 2: As E decreases only down to point A, an increase in the depth deeper than A does not improve the values. Curve 3: With increasing depth E is not decreasing: a strip conductor electrode is advisable. Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 19 Ground Testing Methods (2) Fall of Potential - Testing •The Fall of Potential method is the most commonly used method of testing. •Three or four pole method, this refers to the number of connections made to the ground tester. •The forth pole of the connection is made if the wire to connect to the system under test is particularly long > 4 meters. The additional wire cancels out an error due to the extended length of wire used. Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 20 Ground Earth Testing TestingMethods Methods (2) (1) Fall of Potential – 3 / 4 Pole Testing The E terminal of the instrument is connected to the electrode under test Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 21 Ground Earth Testing TestingMethods Methods (2) (1) Fall of Potential – 3 / 4 Pole Testing If the length of this wire is greater than 4 meter it is recommended that an extra wire is connected between the electrode under test and the ES terminal to eliminate any error introduced due to the length of the lead, this is then known as the 4 pole test Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 22 Ground Earth Testing TestingMethods Methods (2) (1) Fall of Potential – 3 / 4 Pole Testing The test spike C2 is placed in the ground some distance from electrode under test (typically 50 meter) Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 23 Ground Earth Testing TestingMethods Methods (2) (1) Fall of Potential – 3 / 4 Pole Testing During the test theP2 is The voltage spike instrument drives a placed in the ground current through the test some the distance from From current and spike, through electrode underthe test voltage measurements surrounding earth (typically feet) .and made it is80 possible to returns through Once the are calculate astakes valuethe of in electrode under test, place the test can ground resistance. the potential caused by proceed. this current is measured using the P2 spike. Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 24 Ground Earth Testing TestingMethods Methods (2) (1) Fall of Potential – 3 / 4 Pole Testing A number of readings should be taken with the the P2 spike at different distances, say from 20 to 35 meters at 3 meter intervals. Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 25 Ground Earth Testing TestingMethods Methods (2) (1) Fall of Potential – 3 / 4 Pole Testing The distance of the P2 spike is varied to ensure that it is positioned outside of the sphere influence of the electrode under test. When the P2 spike is close to the electrode under test the measured value appears to be lower and as it becomes influenced by the C2 spike the measured value rises. The optimal point of measurement is outside of the influence of the electrode and the C2 spike. Taking a series of measurements and plotting these against distance produces the curve shown. Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 26 Ground Earth Testing TestingMethods Methods (2) (1) Fall of Potential – Creating the ‘S’ Curve The optimum value is that indicated on the flat part of the curve Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 27 Ground Earth Testing TestingMethods Methods (2) (1) The 62% Rule The 62% rule is a guide to how far away the P2 and C2 stakes should be placed from the electrode under test. The distances are nominally based on the depth of the electrode. Depth of Electrode Distance from E to Distance from E to under Test (E) Potential Stake (P2) Current Stake (C2) 6 50 82 8 62 100 20 81 131 30 100 161 Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 28 Ground Earth Testing TestingMethods Methods (2) (1) Distances for Electrode Arrays The 62% rule is a guide to how far away the P2 and C2 stakes should be placed from the electrode under test. The distances are nominally based on the depth of the electrode. Widest Dimension Distance from E to (Diagonal, diameter or Potential Stake (P2) Straight-line) of Electrode Array under Test (E) 65 100 80 165 100 230 165 330 230 430 Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet Distance from E to Current Stake (C2) 165 265 330 560 655 29 Ground Testing Methods (3) Selective Measurement Method selective A• The current clampmethod is used is isolate based on to thethe testfall of potential test in to current injected • But: without the need the electrodes under to disconnect the test. ground electrode under test. Earth_testing_2006 Test Current Eric van Riet 30 Ground Testing Methods (3) Selective Measurement Method This application example shows the benefit of the selective test in a typical installation Firstly the ground spikes are positioned according to the requirements of the system under test. Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 31 Ground Testing Methods (3) Selective Measurement Method Then individual elements of the system can be measured by placing the currentclamp around the different connections to ground without the need of any disconnection. Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 32 Ground Testing Methods (3) Selective Measurement Method - Advantages • Ground electrodes can be tested without powering down the system they are protecting – saving time and money • Testing can be carried out without disconnecting – saves time, money and improves safety • Multiple electrodes can be tested quickly simply by moving the current clamp to individual electrodes Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 33 Ground Testing Methods (4) • The stakeless method eliminates the need for temporary ground stakes. This is useful in a wide range of situations. Examples include: • • • • Inside buildings Airports Urban locations Chemical and industrial plants • The stakeless method is not available on all ground testers. However, it comes standard on the Fluke 1623 and 1625 earth ground testers. • The temporary ground stakes are replaced by two current clamps. The first clamp generates a voltage on the ground condutor, the second clamp measures the current flowing due to the generated voltage. Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 34 Ground Testing Methods (4) • The Fluke 1623 and 1625 testers are able to measure earth ground loop resistances for multi grounded systems using only current clamps. • With this test method, two clamps are placed around the earth ground rod or connecting cable and each connected to the tester. Earth ground stakes aren‘t used at all. Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 35 Ground Testing Methods (4) The clamps are placed around the ground conductor Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 36 Ground Testing Methods (4) Stakeless Measurement Equivalent Circuit Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 37 Ground Testing Methods (4) • If there is only one path to ground, like at some residential applications, the stakeless method will not provide an acceptable value and the Fall of Potential test method must be used. • An abnormally high reading or an open circuit indication on the instrument points to a poor connection between two or more of the aforementioned critical components. • An abnormally low reading could indicate the instrument is measuring a loop of bonding conductors. Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 38 Ground Testing Methods (5) Two Pole Method Used where other methods are not available. Uses nearby metal structures as a temporary spike. Metal water pipes are typically used Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 39 Ground Testing Methods (5) Two Pole Method Drawbacks: The resistance of the metal pipe should be significantly less than the electrode under test. Metal pipes are being replaced with plastic. Some metal pipes use plastic couplings. Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 40 Selecting a test method Summary of Ground Electrode Test Methods Advantages Drawbacks Fall-ofPotential • Widely accepted • When you see the characteristic curve you know you’ve got a good measurement. • You have to disconnect ground • The stakes may not be to drive • There may not be space around the ground electrode to drive the stakes Selective Method • Don’t have to disconnect electrode • Widely accepted • When you see the characteristic curve you know you’ve got a good measurement. • The stakes may not be easy to drive • There may not be space around the ground Stakeless Method • Convenience • Assumes a low-impedance parallel path • Possible to get very low readings by mistakenly measuring on a hardwired loop Two-pole Method • Convenience • Impossible to judge the integrity of the “auxiliary electrode.” • Can’t be sure you are outside the area of influence Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 41 Ground Testing Applications When and why ground test? Prior to designing an grounding system: the ground material should be evaluated by resistivity measurement before designing a ground system Initial test on new ground systems: the real effectiveness of new ground systems should be measured before connection – fall of potential test Periodic tests on ground systems: ground systems should be checked periodically to ensure they are not affected by changes in the ground or corrosion – selective or stakeless test Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 42 Ground Testing Applications When and why ground test? Testing prior to addition of major loads: prior to installation of sensitive equipment such as servers, CT scanners, control systems, etc. – fall of potential, selective or stakeless Safety tests on major equipment and plant e.g. ground tests on machines, elevators, conveyor belts, transformers, substations, boards, motors – stakeless and selective testing especially useful Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 43 Ground Testing Applications When and why ground test? All other tests for relevant ground connections e.g. lightning protection, pipelines, tanks, gas stations, antenna systems, telecommunication lines, “faraday” cages – fall of potential, selective or stakeless PQ troubleshooting, quantify the effectiveness of grounding by measurement – fall of potential, selective or stakeless Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 44 Choosing the right instrument Introducing the Fluke 1623 and 1625 Ground Testers Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 45 Fluke 1623 • Feature Summary • Conventional 3 - and 4 - pole earth/ground testing • Selective method • Stakeless method • Two pole AC resistance measurement • One button measurement – press once to measure with simple GO/NOGO indicators • Large easy to read display • Rugged housing rated to IP56 • 2-Year Warranty • Customer • Electrical Consultants, Industrial • Application • Verification of earth resistance of electrical & communication systems. Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 46 Fluke 1625 - the expert instrument Feature summary • 3- and 4-pole measurement of earth resistance • Selective and Stakeless method • Monitoring and display of probe and auxiliary earth resistance • Automatic display of external voltage and frequency • Selection of optimal measuring frequency (AFC) • measurements down to deep ground layers possible (high testsignal power: >250mA, 48V) • Earth impedance R* of high tension towers - for calculation of genuine short circuit current Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 47 Fluke 1625 - the expert instrument Additional features of Fluke 1625 • 2 pole AC resistance measurement - Resolution: 0.001 Ohm - Measuring signal: 20V / 250mA • 2 pole, 4 pole DC resistance measurement - Range: 3 kOhm, resolution: 0.001 Ohm - automatic polarity reversal, adaptation of test period - short circuit current >200mA as per IEC/EN 61557-5 , UM >4V • User defined limit settings - adjustable limits for any individual applications • Interface and software available as option - data transfer to PC or printer - comfortable data evaluation with WinGEO software Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 48 Fluke 1625 - the expert instrument Unique: R* - Earth impedance Measurement of complex earth-impedance at 55Hz which determines the real short circuit current Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 49 Fluke 1625 - the expert instrument Unique: R* - Earth impedance Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet Measurement of complex earthimpedance at 55Hz which determines the real short circuit current 50 Chosing the right instrument Introducing the Fluke 1623 and 1625 Ground Testers Feature 3-pole earth measurement 1623 1625 4-pole earth measurement Specific earth resistance (soil-resistivity according to Wenner) 2-pole resistance measurement DC 4-pole resistance measurement DC 2-pole resistance measurement AC Selective earth measurement (1 clamp) Stakeless earth measurement (2 clamps) Earth impedance of high voltage pylons (55 Hz) Measuring voltage 20/48 V Measuring voltage <= 48 V Automatic frequency control (AFC) (94 ... 128 Hz) Measuring frequency 128 Hz Programmable limits, settings One button measurement concept Protective rubber holster Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 51 Clamp-On Earth Loop Tester GEO 30 Feature Summary • Ground loop resistance clamp measurement • Low level measurement of ground leakage current • Wide AC current measurement range up to 30A with one instrument • Rapid evaluation of continuity loop resistance by audible HI/LO alarm • Easy to use, convenient, Display-HOLD function • Time saving memory function for saving measured values and automatic recording • Automatic self calibration ensures correct measurement every time Customer • Residential, Commercial, Industrial Electricians Application • Earth loop resistance testing for houses, commercial and industrial buildings Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 52 Clamp-On Earth Loop Tester GEO 30 LEM GEO 30 - Ground Tester / Current Meter Stakeless Ground Resistance Measurement I I Current amplifier U Rn Earth_testing_2006 Voltage generator Rx The voltage U developed by the clamp is injected into the circuit. This causes a current I which flows in this measuring circuit. The second clamp measures this current I and the earth clamp displays the ground loop resistance Rx+Rn. Eric van Riet 53 Clamp-On Earth Loop Tester GEO 30 High quality, rugged carrying case High Quality measuring instrument Includes five language operators manual E/D/F/ES/IT Earth_testing_2006 Calibration loop for instrument check Eric van Riet 54 Fluke 1653 • Target Customer – Professional Electrician / Testing Specialist • Top Line Model with Unmatched performance • Features – Volts & Frequency to 500V – Insulation Resistance – Continuity Measurement – Loop /PSC Measurement – RCD Testing – Earth resistance Tests – Phase Sequence Indication – On-Board Memory – Interface for Downloading data Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 55 Summary • Resistivity measurement provides important data regarding the earth material prior to system design • Fall of Potential Test is the most widely accepted • Four pole measurement compensates for voltage drop in measuring cable • The 62% rule provides some guidance to the required distance for the temporary test spikes • Selective testing allows testing without disconnection Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 56 Summary • Selective test is based on fall of potential test that speeds measurement and provides additional safety • Stakeless Testing is a fast method for multiple electrode systems • Two pole ground testing provides minimal information and should be used very cautiously • The Fluke 1623 provides the majority of the required functions for industrial users • The Fluke 1625 is the advanced ground tester for utilities Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 57 Why should I invest on Earth Ground? • The WW market for Earth Ground is estimated to be $25 Million • With only two major US competitors (AEMC, Megger), with inferior product lines, there is no reason why Fluke shouldn’t have 40% market share in 3 years. • Fluke 1623 and 1625 are the most complete Earth Ground testers available anywhere • In the US, Megger & AEMC do not have the best products, they only have inroads into Utilities. Perfect value selling opportunity. • Your customers have been asking for it • It is core to our strategy (along with PQ, Insulation and Thermography) • Another opportunity to educate our customers about a product category. Take the high road, educate, convert to the best products. Repeat what you’ve done again and again. Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 58 Who to target? Earth Ground Market Segment Elect Contractor Res & Comm Handy GEO GEO 30 Saturn GEO Plus Saturn GEO X Handy GEO GEO 30 Fluke 1623 Fluke 1625 Field Service Industrial Maint Technician Utilities - Power & Telecom X X X X X X X X Earth Ground Testing Methods Fall of Potential 3-Pole Handy GEO GEO 30 Saturn GEO Plus Saturn GEO X Earth_testing_2006 Handy GEO GEO 30 Fluke 1623 Fluke 1625 4-Pole / Soil Selective Stakeless 1 Clamp 2 Clamp X X X X X X X X X X Eric van Riet 59 Which product for which user? Function Can you test if the service is still connected? GEO 30 Fluke Handy 1653 GEO Yes Do you want to perform 3-Pole or 4-Pole Fall of Potential tests using stakes? Are you performing tests inside a building? Are any test points inside the building larger than 0.9" diameter? Are you interested in soil resistivity? Are there high power systems close by that could influence measurements? Earth_testing_2006 Yes Yes Fluke 1623 Fluke 1625 Comment Yes Yes Handy GEO only performs the 3-Pole measurement which requires the service to be disconnected. Fluke 1623, Fluke 1625, and GEO 30 can perform measurements whether the service is connected (preferred by end users - safer) or disconnected. Yes Yes GEO 30 only performs a stakeless test. All other testers can perform these tests using stakes (Fall of Potential). Yes Yes Handy GEO cannot perform tests with clamps, necessary for measurements inside a building, lacking access to soil. Yes Yes The GEO 30 clamp has an inside diameter of 0.9". Fluke 1623 and 1625 have two sized clamps, 2" inside diameter (with kits) and 5" inside diameter clamp for busbar applications (accessory). For pylons, another accessory is the 12" inside diameter Split Core Transformer, affectionately called Big Norma. Yes Yes Necessary for new installations (buildings, substations) Yes Utilities and other high end Industrial sites require the Fluke 1625, because of the Automatic Frequency Control (AFC). If there are influencing signals, the Fluke 1625 selects a different frequency to measure. Eric van Riet 60 1625 worth the money? Why would anyone pay € 650,- more for the Fluke 1625? • Utility customers will pay because they see value in the following advanced features: – Automatic Frequency Control (AFC) – identifies existing interference and chooses a measurement frequency to minimize its effect, providing more accurate earth ground values – R* Measurement – calculates earth ground impedance with 55 Hz to more accurately reflect the earth ground resistance that a fault-to-earth ground would see. Impedance is a frequency dependent measurement. – Adjustable Limits – for quicker testing. • Power utility technicians are interested in two things: – The ground resistance in case of lightning strike – The impedance of the entire system in case of a short circuit on a specific point in the line. Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 61 Product line-up • Delivery content • Fluke-1623: Basic GEO Earth Ground Tester – Contains: Fluke-1623 tester, test leads, batteries, manual (GB, FR, IT, DE, ES, PT) • • Fluke-1625: Advanced GEO Earth Ground Tester – Contains: Fluke-1625 tester, test leads, batteries, manual (GB, FR, IT, DE, ES, PT) • Fluke-1623/1625 Kit: Advanced GEO Earth Ground Tester Kit – Contains: (1) Fluke-1623 or 1625 tester, (4) stakes, (2) 25m cable reels, (1) 50m cable reel, (1) Sensing clamp, (1) Inducing clamp, all necessary connectors, test leads, batteries, manual, rugged carrying case Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 62 Accessories • EI-1623: Selective/Stakeless Clamp Set for Fluke-1623. – Contains both the Inducing and Sensing clamp all necessary adapters – Already in the Fluke-1623 Kit. • EI-1625: Selective/Stakeless Clamp Set for Fluke-1625. – Contains both the Inducing and Sensing clamp all necessary adapters – Already in the Fluke-1625 Kit. • ES-162P3: 3-Pole Stake Kit. (used for both the Fluke-1623 and Fluke-1625) – Contains: (3) Stakes, (1) 50m cable reel of wire, (1) 25m cable reel of wire – Already in the Fluke-1623 Kit/Fluke-1625 Kit. • ES-162P4: 4-Pole Stake Kit. (used for both the Fluke-1623 and Fluke-1625) – Contains: (4) Stakes, (1) 50m cable reel of wire, (2) 25m cable reel of wire – Already in the Fluke-1623 Kit/Fluke-1625 Kit. • EI-162BN: 320mm Diameter Split Core Transformer – Used as a Selective clamp for ground loop resistance measurement around power pylons – Contains the split core transformer and all necessary adapters/connections Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 63 Marcom material • Distributor product announcement • Sales PPT • Value selling tool Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 64 Questions and answers Earth_testing_2006 Eric van Riet 65