Earthing enhancing systems are designed to improve the overall performance of an electrical earthing system. The aim of earthing enhancing testing is to increase the electrical conductivity of the soil surrounding an earthing system, resulting in reduced electrical resistance and improved grounding performance.
However, proper testing is necessary to ensure the efficacy of such systems. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has established a standard for it, IEC 62561-7:2018, which outlines the requirements for testing and evaluating the effectiveness of earthing enhancing systems.
In this article, we will discuss the various aspects of it as per IEC 62561-7:2018, with the following headings:
Overview of IEC 62561-7:2018
IEC 62561-7:2018 is a standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission to provide guidelines for testing earthing enhancing systems. This standard provides a comprehensive framework for testing and evaluating the effectiveness of it.
The standard outlines the testing requirements, test procedures, and acceptance criteria for earthing enhancing systems. It also provides guidance on the interpretation of test results and the reporting of findings.
Testing Requirements for Earthing Enhancing Systems
The testing requirements for earthing enhancing systems are specified in IEC 62561-7:2018. The standard requires that earthing enhancing systems be tested in accordance with the following parameters:
a) Electrical conductivity of the soil: The electrical conductivity of the soil surrounding the earthing system must be measured to establish a baseline conductivity level.
b) Impulse current injection: Impulse current injection is used to simulate lightning current, which is a major cause of transient overvoltages. The earthing enhancing system is tested to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing overvoltages caused by lightning strikes.
c) Power frequency current injection: Power frequency current injection is used to evaluate the effectiveness of the earthing enhancing system in reducing the resistance of the earthing system.
Test Procedures
The test procedures of Earthing Enhancing Testing specified in IEC 62561-7:2018 involve both laboratory and field tests. The laboratory tests are conducted in a controlled environment to evaluate the performance of the earthing enhancing system under controlled conditions.
The field tests are conducted on the actual earthing system to evaluate its performance under real-world conditions.
The test procedures for earthing enhancing systems include the following steps:
a) Preparation of the test site: The test site is prepared by removing any surface vegetation, rocks, or other debris that may interfere with the test results.
b) Measurement of soil resistivity: The electrical conductivity of the soil surrounding the earthing system is measured using a four-point method to establish a baseline conductivity level.
c) Impulse current injection: The earthing enhancing testing is subjected to impulse current injection to simulate lightning current.
d) Power frequency current injection: The earthing enhancing system is subjected to power frequency current injection to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing the resistance of the earthing system.
Acceptance Criteria
The acceptance criteria for earthing enhancing systems are specified in IEC 62561-7:2018. The standard requires that the earthing enhancing system meet the following criteria:
a) The electrical resistance of the earthing system must be within the acceptable limits specified in the relevant standards.
b) The impulse current and power frequency current reduction provided by the earthing enhancing system must be within the acceptable limits specified in the relevant standards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, earthing enhancing testing as per IEC 62561-7:2018 is essential to ensure the efficacy of it. The standard provides a comprehensive framework for testing and evaluating the performance of earthing enhancing systems, including laboratory tests and field tests.
The testing requirements specified in the standard cover parameters such as soil resistivity, impulse current injection, and power frequency current injection.
The acceptance criteria outlined in the standard ensure that earthing enhancing systems meet the required performance standards.
By conducting proper earthing enhancing testing, the performance of earthing systems can be significantly improved, resulting in improved safety, reduced downtime, and increased system reliability.
It is therefore essential for all earthing enhancing systems to be tested in accordance with IEC 62561-7:2018 to ensure their effectiveness and compliance with international standards.