Electrical grounding techniques from

Ground Resistance -
Principles, Testing,
Techniques
q & Applications
pp

Table of Contents

LEM HEME LTD. Why Ground ? 1

1 Penketh Place What is a ground and what does it do ? 1
West Pimbo
Ground Resistance Values 1
Skelmersdale
Ground Electrodes 2
UK-Lancashire WN8 9QX
Types of Ground Systems 4
Tel: +44(0)1 695 72 07 77
Ground Resistance Testing - Soil Resistivity 4
Fax: +44(0)1 695 50 704

email: luk@lem.com
Measuring Soil Resistivity 4 - Pole Method 5

http://www.lem.com Ground Resisting Testing 3 - Pole Fall of Potential 7

Ground Resistance Testing Existing Systems Selective Clamp - On 8

Publication A24415 E Ground Resistance Testing Existing Systems "Stakeless" 10

Ground Resistance Testing 2 - Pole 10

Ground Impedance Measurements 11

Measuring Ground Resistance at Substations 11

Measuring Ground Resistance at Central Offices 12

Measuring Ground Resistance at Cellular Sites/Microwave and Radio Towers 13

Measuring Ground Resistance at Remote Switching Sites 14

Measuring Ground Resistance for Lightning Protection Commercial/Industrial 15

Ground Testing Instruments 16

 hy Ground ?

Why Ground ?
There are a number of good reasons to ground but primary among them Ground resistance values
is to ensure personnel safety. The following agencies and organizations There is a good deal of confusion
all have recommendations and / or standards for grounding, to ensure as to what constitutes a good ground
that personnel safety is being protected. The organizations that provide and what the ground resistance value
needs to be. Ideally a ground should
guidelines/rules for grounding are: The International Electrotechnical
be of zero ohms resistance. The
Commission (IEC), European Committee for Electrotechnical
NEC has stated that "A single
Standardization (CENELEC), Underwriters Laboratories (UL), National
electrode consisting of a rod, pipe,
Fire Protection Association (NFPA), American National Standards Institute or plate which does not have a
(ANSI), Mine Safety Health Administration (MSHA), Occupational Safety resistance to ground of 25 ohms or
Health Administration (OSHA), Telecommunications Industry Standard less shall be augmented by one
(TIA) and others. additional electrode...". Once you
Good grounding is not only for the safety of personnel but to provide for have added the supplemental ground
you have met the requirement for
the protection of plants and equipment. A good ground system will
the NEC. This does not mean that
improve the reliability of equipment and reduce the likelihood of damage
the value of the ground now has to
as a result of lightning or fault currents. be 25 ohms or less. The ground
resistance values objectives vary
from industry to industry.
What is a ground and what does it do ? Telecommunications industry has
often used 5 ohms or less as their
The NEC, National Electrical Code defines a ground as: "a conducting value for grounding and bonding.
connection, whether intentional or accidental between an electrical circuit The goal in ground resistance values
is to achieve the lowest ground
or equipment and the earth, or to some conducting body that serves in
resistance value possible that makes
place of the earth." When talking about grounding it is actually two
sense economically and physically.
different subjects, earth grounding and equipment grounding. Earth
grounding is an intentional connection from a circuit conductor usually
the neutral to a ground electrode placed in the earth. Equipment grounding
is to ensure that operating equipment within a structure is properly
grounded. These two grounding systems are required to be kept separate
except for a connection between the two systems to prevent differences
in potential from a possible flashover from a lightning strike. The purpose
of a ground besides the protection of people plants and equipment is to
provide a safe path for the dissipation of Fault Currents, Lightning Strikes,
Static Discharges, EMI and RFI signals and Interference.

1
 round Electrodes

Sphere of influence:

consist of three basic components:

1 ground conductor
2 the connection/bonding of the conductor
to the ground electrode
3 the ground electrode itself

The resistance of a ground

electrode has 3 basic
components:

A) The resistance of the ground

electrode itself and the connections
to the electrode.

B) The contact resistance of the

surrounding earth to the electrode.

C) The resistance of the surrounding

body of earth around the ground
electrode.

2
 Ground Electrodes
Multiple ground electrodes - Interaction

A) The resistance of the ground 1. The ground Itself To assist you in installing a
electrode and it's connection is 2. The length/depth of the ground ground rod that will meet your
generally very low, ground rods are electrode specific resistance require-
generally made of highly conductive/ 3. Diameter of the ground electrode. ments you can use the table
low resistance material such as of ground resistances on page
copper of copper clad. Increasing the diameter of the ground 5. Remember this is to be
electrode has very little effect in used only as a rule of thumb,
B) The contact resistance of the earth lowering the resistance. For example because soil is in layers and
to the electrode: The Bureau of you could double the diameter of a is rarely homogenous, so the
Standards has shown this resistance ground electrode and your resistance resistance values will vary
to be almost negligible providing that would only decrease by as much as greatly.
the ground electrode is free from 10 %.
paint, grease etc. and that the ground Another system to lowering
electrode is in firm contact with the One very effective way of lowering
resistance is to drive ground ground resistance is through
earth. the use of multiple ground
electrodes deeper. Because the earth
C) The resistance of the surrounding is in layers resistivity changes and electrodes. In this system more
earth: The ground electrode is varies considerably on the layer and than one electrode is driven
surrounded by earth which is made the depth within that layer. Soil is not into the ground and connected
up of concentric shells all having the consistent in its resistivity but highly in parallel to lower the resis-
same thickness. Those shells closest unpredictable. With that in mind it is tance. Each ground electrode
to the ground electrode have the of critical importance that when has it's own sphere of influence
smallest amount of area resulting in installing the ground electrode that it and for additional electrodes
the greatest degree of resistance. is below the frost line so that the to be effective the spacing of
Each subsequent shell incorporates resistance to ground will not be greatly additional rods needs to be at
a greater area resulting in lower increased by the freezing of the least equal to the depth of the
resistance. This finally reaches a point surrounding soil. Generally speaking driven rod. Without proper spa-
where the additional shells offer little by doubling the length of the ground cing of the ground electrodes
resistance to the ground surrounding electrode you can reduce the the spheres of influence will
the ground electrode. resistance level by an additional intersect and the lowering of
40 %. There are occasions where it the resistance will be minimal
The NEC specifies that the ground is physically impossible to drive and of little value.
electrode shall be installed so that it ground rods deeper, areas that are
is at least 2,4 m in length and in composed of rock, granite etc. In
contact with the soil. There are 3 these instances alternative methods
variables that affect the resistance of such as grounding cement are a
a ground electrode: viable alternative.

3
 ypes of Ground Systems

There are two types of grounding

systems, simple and complex. Simple
consist of a single ground electrode
driven into the ground. The use of a
single ground electrode is the most
common form of grounding and can
be found outside your home or place
of business. Complex grounding
systems consist of multiple ground
rods connected, mesh or grid
networks, ground plates and ground
loops. These systems are typically
installed at power generating
substations, central offices and
cellsites.

Ground Resistance Testing- Soil Resistivity

Why measure soil resistivity?

The reason for measuring soil The second factor affecting soil resis- As shown in the table there can be
resistivity when selecting a location tivity is moisture or the amount of a change in resistivity from top to
for a sub-station or central office is water in the ground. Moisture content bottom by a factor of 50.
to find a location that has the lowest changes seasonally, varies according
possible resistance. Once a site has to the nature of the sub layers of earth
been selected, measuring the soil and the depth of the permanent water
resistivity will give you the information table. The table on page 5 shows
necessary to design and build a different types of soil and the affects
ground field that will meet your ground that moisture has on their resistivity.
resistance requirements.
There are a number of factors Since soil resistivity is so closely
affecting soil resistivity, soil related to moisture and moisture is
composition being one of them. Soil present in the soil we can logically
is rarely homogenous and the assume that as moisture increases
resistivity of the soil will vary resistivity will decrease and vice versa.
geographically and at different depths.

4
Ground Resistance Values

Types of Ground Systems

Soil resistivity depends on soil composition, moisture and The formula is as follows:
temperature. It stands to reason that soil resistivity will r=2pAR
vary through out the year in those areas of the country Where: r = the average soil resistivity to depth A
where seasonal changes bring about a change in the in ohm - cm
moisture and temperature content of the soil. For a
p = is the constant 3.1416
grounding system to be effective it should be designed to
A = the distance between the
withstand the worst possible conditions.
electrodes in cm
Since soil and water are generally more stable at deeper R = the measured resistance value in ohms
strata it is recommended that the ground rods be placed from the test instrument
as deep as possible into the earth, the water table if
possible. Ground rods should also be installed where The calculation of this measurement can be
there is a stable temperature i.e. below the frost line. simplified by converting distance in cm to distance
Caution! Soil that is low in resistivity is often highly corrosive in feet giving you the following equation:
because of the presence of water and salts, and this soil r = 191.5 A R
can eat away at ground rods and their connections. That Where: r = the average soil resistivity to depth A
is why it is highly recommended that grounds and ground in ohm - cm
fields be checked at least annually. Although resistance A = the distance between electrodes in feet
to ground will change seasonally and over time any R = the measured resistance value in
increase of resistance >20% or more should be investigated ohms from the test instrument
and corrective action taken to lower the resistance.
Note: Divide ohm - centimeters by 100 to convert
to meter - ohms.
For example, you have decided to install 3 m ground
rods as part of your grounding system. To measure
the soil resistivity at a depth of 3 m requires that
Soil Resistivity the spacing between the test electrodes is 3 m. The
depth that the test electrodes is to be driven is A/20.
Measuring Soil Resistivity 4 - Pole Method To measure the soil resistivity start the GEO and
The measuring procedure described below uses the read the resistance value in ohms. Now if your
universally accepted Wenner method developed by Dr. resistance reading is 100 ohms the soil resistivity
Frank Wenner of the US Bureau of Standards in 1915. for one cubic meter would be:
(F. Wenner, A Method of Measuring Earth Resistivity;Bull, r = 2 x p x 3 x 100
National Bureau of Standards, Bull 12(4) 258, p. 478-496; r = 1885 Wm
1915/16.
Soil Earthing resistance (W)
resistivity
Type of Soil RE Earthing rod m depth Earthing strip m
m 3 6 10 5 10 20

Moist humus soil,

moor soil, swamp 30 10 5 3 12 6 3
Farming soil
loamy and clay
soils 100 33 17 10 40 20 10
Sandy clay soil 150 50 25 15 60 30 15
Moisty sandy soi 300 66 33 20 80 40 20
Dry sand soil 1000 330 165 100 400 200 100
Concrete 1: 5 400 - - - 160 80 40
Moist gravel 500 160 80 48 200 100 50
Dry gravel 1000 330 165 100 400 200 100
Stoney soil 30,000 1000 500 300 1200 600 300
Rock 07
10 - - - - - -

5
 oil Resistivity Testing
The ground stakes are positioned in
a straight line equidistant from one
another and at a distance between
To test soil resistivity connect the ground one another reflecting the depth to
tester as indicated: be measured. The ground stakes
should be screwed in no deeper than
1/3 the distance from one another. A
known fixed current is generated by
the GEO between the two outer
ground stakes and a drop in potential
(which is a result of the resistance)
is then measured automatically
between the two inner ground stakes.
The GEO then displays this resistance
value in ohms.

Because measurement results are

often distorted and invalidated by
underground pieces of metal,
underground aquifers etc. additional
measurements in which the stakes
axis is turned 90 degrees is always
recommended. By changing the depth
and distance several times a profile
is produced that can determine a
suitable ground resistance system.

Soil resistivity measurements are of-

ten corrupted and/or prevented by
the existence of ground currents and
their harmonics. To prevent this from
occurring the GEO uses an Automatic
Frequency Control System (AFC),
that automatically selects the testing
frequency with the least amount of
noise enabling you to get a clear
reading.

6
Stake Setting To test the accuracy of the Often the driving of a single
results and to ensure that the ground rod into the earth does
To achieve the highest degree of
ground stakes are outside the not result in a resistance
accuracy when performing a 3 - Pole

Soil Resistivity Testing

'spheres of influence' reposition reading low enough or desired,
ground resistance it is essential that
ground stake P2 / S 3 ft in either this is especially true in
the probe is placed outside the sphere
direction and take a fresh substations and central offices
of influence of the ground electrode
measurement. If the measured where resistances of < 3 ohms
under test and the auxiliary earth.
value remains fairly constant are required. In this case the
the distance between the guidelines for setting your
ground stakes is sufficient. If auxiliary ground stakes may
there is a significant change in not get you outside the sphere
the reading (30 %) you need to of the influence. Take the
increase the distance between the maximum distance of the
ground rod under test and P2/S and ground field either straight line
C2/H until the measured values re- or diagonal and the spacing
main fairly constant when for the first reference stake to
repositioning the P2/S ground stake. be twice the distance. The
table can be utilized as a guide
3 - Pole Fall of Potential for setting reference stakes for
Testing for Complex complex ground systems.
Ground Systems
Ground resistance measure-
ments are often corrupted
The 3 - pole fall of potential method and / or prevented by the exis-
If you do not get outside the sphere is used to measure the dissipation tence of ground currents and
of influence the effective areas of capability of a single ground their harmonics.
resistance will overlap and invalidate electrode, ground grids, foundation
any measurements that you are grounds and other grounding To prevent this from occurring
taking. systems. the GEO uses an Automatic
Frequency Control System
(AFC), that automatically
selects the testing frequency
with the least amount of noise
enabling you to get a clear
reading.

The following table is a guideline

The potential difference is measured
with a voltmeter and the current flow
Stake Setting
for setting probe (S/P2) and auxili- by an ammeter internally by the GEO.
ary ground (H/C2). Using Ohm's law:

Approximate distance to auxiliary probes R = E/I we can calculate R

using the 62% method (in m)

Depth of Distance to Connect the ground tester as shown

Distance to
electrode under
probe P2/S
auxiliary probe in the picture below. Press START,
test C1/E C2/H
and read out the RE, (resistance)
2 15 25 value. This is the actual value of the
ground electrode under test. If this
3 20 30
ground electrode is in parallel or
6 25 40 series with other ground rods the RE
10 30 50
value is the total value of all
resistances.

7
 round Resistance Testing
Existing Systems 'Selective' Clamp-on

NO DISCONNECTION REQUIRED!

This unique exclusive LEM method eliminated from the measuring

Diameter Distance to Distance to
has been created to measure of Probe P2/S Probe C2/H process and therefore do not
Ground Grid, or in m
resistances of individual ground Field in m-
in m influence the measuring results. A
electrodes in all types of grounded special rectification method is used
systems including ground grids and 20 30 50 to isolate or 'digitally filter' out other
wired meshes as are common in currents to significantly increase
25 50 80
substations, high voltage pylons with accuracy. As with the standard 3-Pole
ground cabling, and commercial 30 70 100 Fall of Potential testing the rules /
settings with multiple grounds. By guidelines for the setting of ground
50 100 170
using a specialized clamp-on current stakes apply for both simple and
transformer the effects of parallel 70 130 200 complex grounds.
resistances are

The "Ground Under Test" does not

have to be disconnected!

Connect the ground tester as shown in the picture above. Press START, and
read out the RE value. This is the actual value of the ground electrode under
test.

8
 Ground Resistance Testing
and to ensure that the ground stakes
are outside the 'spheres of influence'
reposition ground stake P2/S 1 m in
either direction and take a new
measurement. If the measured value
remains fairly constant the distance
between the ground stakes is
sufficient. If there is a significant
change in the reading (30 %) you
need to increase the distance
between the ground rod under test
and P2/S and C2/H until the measu-
red values remain fairly constant when From the picture above we can see that the total resistance of an
repositioning the P2/S ground stake individual tower is the parallel sum of all grounds. The tower has 4
1 m or so. individual grounds you must measure all 4, generating the individual
Ground resistance measurements resistance and then calculate according to the formula above.
are often corrupted and or prevented
by the existence of ground currents
and their harmonics. To prevent this
from occurring the SATURN GEO X
uses an Automatic Frequency Control
System (AFC), that automatically
selects the testing frequency with the
least amount of noise enabling you

'Selective' Clamp-on
to get a clear and accurate reading.

'Selective' Measuring of
High Voltage Transmission
Towers
Testing individual ground electrode
resistances of high voltage trans-
mission towers with overhead ground
or static wire requires that these wires
be disconnected. If a tower has more
than one ground at it's base, these
must also be disconnected one by
one and tested.The SATURN GEO
X with the 31 cm diameter clamp-on
current transformer can measure the
individual resistances of each leg
without disconnecting any ground
leads or overhead static/ground wires.

9
 round Resistance Testing
Existing Systems - 'Stakeless'

The SATURN GEO X measures individual ground

resistances in multi-grounded systems using two clamp-
on current transformers, eliminating the dangerous and
time consuming activity of disconnecting parallel grounds
as well as the process of finding suitable locations for
auxiliary ground stakes.

How it Works...

The GEO X works on the principle that in parallel /

multigrounded systems the net resistance of all ground
paths will be extremely low as compared to any single
path (the one under test).
So the net resistance of all the parallel return path Clamp-on technology only measures individual ground
resistances (R1...Rn) is effectively zero. It is reasonable rod resistances in parallel to earth grounding systems. If
to assume any resistance measured must be associated the ground system is not straight parallel to earth then
with the individual path to ground the clamp is around you will either have an open circuit or be measuring
(Rx). ground loop resistance.

The first current transformer induces a voltage in the Ground Resistance Testing 2 - Pole
circuit while the second current transformer measures
In situations where the driving of ground stakes is neither
the actual current flowing allowing the GEO X to calculate practical or possible the GEO does give you the ability to
the resistance of the ground path after synchronous do 2 - pole ground resistance/continuity measurements.
rectification of current and voltage. To perform this test requires a good known ground such
as an all metal water pipe. The water pipe should be
extensive enough and be metallic throughout without any
insulating couplings or flanges. Unlike many testers the
GEO performs the test with a relatively high current (short
circuit current >250mA) ensuring stable results.

10
G r o u n d I m p e d a n c e M e a s u r e m e n ts
When attempting to calculate possible short circuit currents
in power plants and other high voltage/current situations,
determining the complex grounding impedance is important

Ground Resistance Testing

since both inductivity and resistivity are present. Because
inductivity and resistivity are known in most cases actual
impedance can be determined using a complex compu-
tation. Since impedance is frequency dependent, GEO
uses a 55 Hz signal for this calculation to be close to
mains as possible without corrupting the measurement.
Accurate direct measurements of grounding impedance
are possible.

Power utilities testing high voltage transmission lines are

interested in two things. The ground resistance in case A measurement that showed a great deviation to
of a lightning strike and the impedance of the entire the other measurements is probably indicative of
system in case of a short circuit on a specific point in the a problem that should be investigated.
line. Short circuit in this case means an active wire breaks
loose and touches the metal grid of a tower.

M e a s u r i n g G r o u n d R e s i s ta n c e a t To conduct a selective clamp-on test, keep in mind

Substations that the spacing requirements for the reference
The first measurement to be taken is a "Stakeless" stakes are the same as with a standard fall of
measurement. Use the GEO X to clamp around all potential test. Make sure that you leave enough
grounding connections.
slack in your leads so you can move easily from
connection to connection. The results of this test
should be recorded and the test repeated at least
types of ground annually.

Existing Systems 'Stakeless'

measurements that
are necessary to
conduct when doing
a grounding audit of
a substation. Approximate distance to auxiliary probes using the 62% method in m

Depth of Distance to Distance to auxilliary

electrode probe C1/E probe C2/H

First determine the nature of the ground system, i.e. mat, 2 15 25

rods, water system, combination etc. Substations generally 3 20 30

6 25 40
consist of high voltage transmission towers and
10 30 50
transformers that are connected and grounded to a ground
grid.
Follow the rules / guidelines for stake setting to ensure
that the measurement is accurate and has not been
influenced by the effects of the grid. Reposition P2/S a
yard or so and take a new measurement. If there is a
deviation >30 % of measured value, reposition both P2
and C2 further from the ground under test and repeat.
This value should then be recorded. These measurements
should be repeated at least annually to detect any change
within the ground grid.

After having completed the 3-Pole test for the entire grid
we to measure individual ground rods and their
connections in the grid using the selective clamp-on
method. We measure each connection separately without
having to disconnect. The purpose of the selective clamp
on is to ensure that the resistances within the grid are
fairly uniform.

11
 easuring Ground Resistance
At Central Offices ...

When conducting a grounding audit of a central office there are 3 or 4 Measurements would be accurate but
different measurements required. First locate the MGB (Master Ground Bar) would not show how the system
within the central office to determine behaves as a network, because in
the type of ground. The MGB will have real life in the event of a lightning
a ground lead going to the MGN (Multi- strike or fault current everything is
Grounded Neutral) or incoming service, connected. To prove this out you can
measure each leg separately discon-
a separate ground lead from the MGB nected via the 3-pole method and
to the ground field, another ground lead record each measurement. Using
from the MGB connected to the water Ohm's law again these measure-
pipe and a ground lead connected to ments should be equal to the resis-
structural or building steel. The first mea- tance of the entire system. From the
surement to take is stakeless measure- calculations you will see that you are
ment of all the individual grounds coming from 20 - 30 % off the total RE value.
off of the MGB. The purpose is to ensure that all the grounds are connected
especially the MGN. It is important to note that you are not measuring the The final way to measure the
individual resistance rather the loop resistance of what you are clamped resistances of the various legs of the
around. Connect the GEO X and measure the loop resistance of the MGN, MGB is the 'Selective Stakeless
the ground field the water pipe and the building steel. Method'. It works similat to the
Stakeless Method but it differs in the
vidual way we use the two separate CT's.
We clamp the inducing voltage CT
around the cable going to the MGB,
and since the MGB is connected to
the incoming power which is straight
parallel to earth system we have
achieved that requirement.

Take the sensing CT and clamp it

by as much as a mile. around the ground cable leading out
Record the measurement and this to the ground field (see below). When
test should be repeated at least we measure the resistance this is the
annually. actual resistance of the ground field
plus the parallel path of the MGB
which because it should be very low
ohmically should have no real effecton
the measured reading. This process
can be repeated for the other legs of
the Ground Bar i.e. water pipe and
structural steel. To measure the MGB
via the Stakeless Selective method
clamp the inducing CT around the
lead going to the water pipe as the
water pipe should have very low
resistance, your reading will be for
the MGN only.

12
... at Cellular Sites/Microwave and

Measuring Ground Resistance

Radio Towers
There are 3 measurements required when conducting an audit at a cell site,
microwave or radio tower. At most locations there is a 3 legged tower with
each leg individually grounded. These grounds are then connected with a
copper cable. Next to the tower is the Cell site building housing all the
transmission equipment. Inside the building there is a halo ground and a MGB
with the halo ground connected to the MGB. The cell site building is grounded
at all 4 corners connected to the MGB via a copper cable the 4 corners are
also interconnected via copper wire. There is also a connection between the This is mainly a continuity test
building ground ring and the tower ground ring. to verify that we are grounded
and do have an electrical
connection and can pass
current.

the otherones, the reason for this should be determined.

13
 easuring Ground Resistance at
Remote Switching Sites ...

There are 3 key measurements when conducting tests at remote switching

sites also known as slick sites, digital line concentrators and probably more. The second measurement to be
The remote site is generally grounded at either end of the cabinet and then
will have a series of ground stakes around the cabinet connected by copper
wire.

14
... and for Lightning Protection

Measuring Ground Resistance

Commercial / Industrial

There are 3 ground resistance measurements required when conducting an audit of a lightning/fault current
protection system. Most lightning fault current protection systems follow the design of having all 4 corners of
the building grounded and these are usually connected via a copper cable. Depending on the size of the
building and the resistance value that was tried to be obtained number of ground rods will vary.

Keep in mind the rules for stake setting. This

measurement should be recorded and measure-
ments should take place at least semi-annually.

15
Ground Testing Instruments
Universal ground testing instruments for testing installations and lightning protection. All instruments operate with a
battery, have automatic switch-off, display illumination, adjustable limits, and display probe and auxiliary earth
resistances. Auto-ranging and parasitic current suppression provide reliable measuring results. For standard 3-pole
measurements, many additional special functions are available.

SATURN GEO plus

Universal, easy to use Earth/Ground
tester
· Easy to use single button concept
and large display with 25 mm digits
· Selective earth measurements
without influence from parallel
earths (1 clamp)
SATURN GEO · Novel stakeless technique for fast
Automatic 3 and 4 pole earth tester testing of ground loops (2 clamps)
· Earth impedance measurement
of high voltage pylons SATURN GEO X
HANDY GEO · Automatic frequency control (AFC) Professional Earth/Ground tester
Compact 3 pole earth tester to ensure rejection of noise · Selective earth measurements
· User configurable limit values without influence of parallel earths
· Backlight SATURN GEO easy (1 clamp)
· Hands free operation with rubber 3/4 pole earth tester · Stakeless earth measurement for
holster and carrying strap · One button measurement concept quick testing of ground loops
for ease of use (2 clamps)
· Automatic 4-pole soil resistivity · Earth impedance measurement
measurement using the Wenner of high voltage pylons
method · AFC (Automatic Frequency
· Rugged housing and protective Control) to elimate measurement
holster for harsh environment interference

Instrument HEME HANDY SATURN

Function GEO 15 GEO GEOeasy GEO GEO plus GEO X

Measuring range 0-1,5kW 0-2kW 0-20kW 0-20kW 0-20kW 0-300kW

Resolution 10mW 1mW 1mW 1mW
Measuring voltage N/A >25V 48V 20/48V 48V 20/48V
Test current max. N/A >50mA >50mA >250mA >50mA >250mA
Frequency 128Hz 128Hz 55-128Hz(auto) 128Hz 55-128Hz(auto)
4 pole · · · ·
2 pole · · · · ·
3 pole · · · · ·
Resistivity · · · ·
Selective · ·
Stakeless · · ·
Rubber holster · · · · ·
RS232 ·

16
 Accessories
HEME GEO 15
Clamp-on ground loop tester
· Fast, efficient and simple checking
of ground loops without any
auxiliary earth electrodes by using
a hand-held clamp
· Ideal for use in multi-ground
systems, rapid diagnosis earth
system faults
· Non intrusive continuity with
buzzer
· Current ranges 200 A - 15 A
· High accuracy, light weight and
easy to use

Designation Order No.

HEME GEO 15 SE8115Z

Handy GEO Basic A188503110
Handy GEO with 3 pole measuring set A188503111
Saturn GEO Basic A188506411
Saturn GEO with 4 pole set A188506421
Saturn GEO easy Basic A188506611
Saturn GEO plus Basic A188506711
Saturn GEO Xs Complete Earth Testing Kit A188506511S
Saturn GEO X Basic A188506510
Saturn GEO X with 4 pole measuring set A188506511
Saturn GEO X with interface basic A188506520
Saturn GEO X with interface and 4 pole measuring set A188506512
Saturn GEO X with 4 pole measuring set in universal case A188506513

Accessories

3 pole measuring set A604510301

4 pole measuring set SB3100Z
Measuring Set 1 (Selective) A604510303
Measuring Set 2 (Stakeless) A604510304
GEO X Premium Selective / Stakelss Testing kit A604510308
Adapter for Stakeless Earth Measurement A640306311
Split-core Transformer with 320mm diameter A680506211
PR 1200ACI Current Probe (Inducing) 60.95.62.001.0
PR 1200X Current Probe (Sensing) 60.95.62.005.0

17
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Publication: A24415E
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