Measurement of Earth Resistance is a vital part of the maintenance of

any electric installation. The function of a sound earthing system is to

ensure that all electric equipment are connected to the ground potential.
Hence, a well-maintained earthing system ensures the proper
functioning of protection systems, absorbs electrical noise and provides
safety to operating personnel. The earth resistance is measured using
an earth meggar.

Fall of Potential Method:
The Earth resistance is measured using the Fall of Potential Method.
The method works by injecting a constant current between two spikes
which are inserted into the ground and measuring the voltage at points
between them (as shown in the figure)

The Fall of Potential Method is a three terminal test. The electrode
whose earth resistance is to be measured is disconnected from the
system or earthing grid. The earth meggar has a current terminal, a
voltage terminal and a common terminal. The common terminal is
connected to the electrode,







Equal lines of potential
When an electrode is inserted into the ground and current flows through
it, the potential around the electrode takes the form of concentric circles
of equal potential.

It is essential that the equal lines of the common terminal and the current
terminal do not overlap. Therefore distance between the ground
electrode to be tested and the current terminal is vital. The distance
should be sufficient so that the equal lines of potential of the common
terminal and the current terminal do not overlap.

Method of Measurement:
The readings are taken at points close to the ground electrode and then
gradually away from it. The resistance readings in ohms are plotted
against the distance in a graph. The graph should take the form as
below. At around 62% of the distance between the ground electrode and
the current terminal, the graph levels off. This reading is taken as the
value of the earth resistance. This point should be outside
the equipotential zones of both the current terminal and the ground
electrode