By sion932 
Today, let’s talk about a guy that sounds a bit grounded but is crucial – the soil grounding resistance tester. You may ask, what exactly is this thing? Simply put, it is like a doctor conducting a “health check” on your power system.
What is soil grounding resistance?
Let’s first break down the concept of ‘soil grounding resistance’. Grounding is like installing a “safety valve” on an electrical appliance. When a leakage occurs, the current can smoothly flow into the ground, protecting personal safety and equipment from damage. The soil grounding resistance is the resistance encountered when measuring the current flowing from the grounding device into the ground. The smaller this value, the better the conductivity and the more ideal the grounding effect.
The ‘behind the scenes’ driving force that affects grounding resistance
What is quietly affecting the size of the grounding resistance behind the scenes? This is not a simple arithmetic problem.
The “temperament” of soil: The moisture content, salinity, compactness, temperature, and even seasonal changes of soil can make its conductivity “unpredictable”. Imagine the stark difference in conductivity between dry soil and wet mud.
The “body shape” of the grounding electrode: the material, burial depth, quantity, shape, and distance between them of the grounding electrode are like the “skeleton” of the grounding system, directly related to the overall conductivity.
The “face” of the environment: construction quality, interference from the surrounding environment, these are also factors that cannot be ignored.
I have a weapon in my hand, I have it all in the world!
Faced with these complex factors, we also need someone who can handle them. At this point, the soil grounding resistance tester comes in handy. It is like a “golden eye” that can accurately measure the resistance value of the grounding system. There are many types of testers on the market, but their core function is to accurately understand the “health status” of the grounding system.
How can we ‘measure’ better?
To obtain reliable measurement results, it’s not just about one measurement.
Choosing the right instrument can achieve twice the result with half the effort: choosing a soil grounding resistance tester with stable performance and high accuracy is the foundation. HVHIPOT provides many professional and reliable equipment to safeguard your measurement work.
Environmental survey, know yourself and know your enemy: Before measuring, understanding the local soil characteristics and climate conditions can help you better interpret the data.
Standardized operation, step-by-step approach: Strictly follow the instructions for using the instrument and the standard procedures for measuring grounding resistance, such as selecting appropriate testing methods (three pole method, four pole method, etc.), to ensure that the electrode connection is firm and reliable.
Periodic testing for prevention: The measurement of grounding resistance is not a one-time project. Regular testing, like regular physical examinations, can detect problems in a timely manner and avoid potential risks.
FAQ
Q: What is the ideal value of grounding resistance? A: The requirements for grounding resistance vary in different application scenarios. Generally speaking, for communication systems, the requirement is usually below 4 ohms; For DC systems or situations with special requirements, the values may be lower. Refer specifically to relevant national standards.
Q: Why is my grounding resistance always high? A: High grounding resistance may be related to factors such as poor soil conductivity (such as dry and sandy soil), corrosion of grounding bodies, poor connections, and insufficient grounding body area.
Q: Is there any other method to measure grounding resistance besides soil grounding resistance tester? A: The main professional measurement method is to use a soil grounding resistance tester. Some large places such as substations may also monitor the grounding status in real time through online monitoring systems.
Q: What is the calibration cycle of the grounding resistance tester? A: It is recommended to refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations and local metrology regulations for the calibration cycle of the equipment. It is usually recommended to calibrate once a year or every two years.
Q: Under what circumstances should special attention be paid to the measurement of grounding resistance? A: High attention should be paid to monitoring grounding resistance in the construction or renovation of power facilities, before thunderstorm season, during equipment maintenance and inspection, as well as in key locations such as substations and power plants.