Soil resistance is the reaction of the soil to an electrical current when it is exposed to it. Grounding measurements are also made to measure this resistance.

Soil is not actually a strong conductor. Copper and similar conductors are much weaker than normal conductors. However, if the soil area is large enough for the electric current, the resistance of the soil as the electric current passes decreases and the soil becomes a good conductor. In this regard, grounding measurements must be made before a plant is installed. When the subject is electrified, the conductivity and resistance direction of the soil draws attention.

The resistivity of the soil is measured on the basis of the resistance of one cubic meter of soil. The value of this resistivity is directly related to the structure of the soil and the water content in it. The resistance of an electrode to earth depends on this resistivity of the earth. In marshy, clay soil or damp gravel, this resistance is low, but on a stony ground the resistance is much higher.

Insulation of conductors against earth, earth resistance testers (earthThe insulation of the conductors against each other is measured by using insulation test equipment (isolation megeri). All measuring instruments (megers) are a specially produced portable ohm meter. Measuring soil resistance with these tools gives simple, precise and reliable results.

There may be many factors affecting soil resistance:

  • Plant structures or other electrical installations can expand the resistance range. In this case, different grounding electrodes are used.
  • If more sensitive modern computer-controlled machinery or equipment is added to the plants, the electrical noise will increase. Failure of existing machinery or equipment to conform to new machinery or equipment may result in electrical noise.
  • Non-metallic pipes and ducts placed underground, low earth resistance threat of safety.
  • The most important factor affecting soil resistance is that the soil is moist.

The first measurements with soil megeri were made by the American Standard Bureau in 1915. In the simplest sense, there are three electrodes in the earth meaters: earth electrode (E), current electrode (C) and potential electrode (P). The lower the normal resistance of the soil, the lower the resistance of the earthing.

In short, the earth electrode and earthing systems It is one of the important elements in providing security in factories, production facilities and buildings. If there is no earth electrode in the system, the safety of people is in danger and the machinery and equipment may be damaged. Fault currents can flow through a person touching an ungrounded machine or equipment and measurement events may occur depending on the power of these currents. But the ground electrode alone does not provide life safety. Regular measurements are essential to ensure safety.

TÜRCERT certification body, as well as conformity assessment and certification studies, testing and inspection services also provides. If there is a need to get more information about grounding measurements or to have these measurements done, TÜRCERT certification institution is ready to meet the needs of enterprises with experienced managers and employees.