⮚ Facilitates preventive maintenance of installations, preventing serious faults which might prove expensive

(production shutdown, etc.).

⮚ To guarantee people's safety with regard to these installations and the electrical
⮚ Equipment connected to them, standards have naturally been developed and updated to take changes into account.

The electrical testing is divided into 2 parts:

1. Visual inspection to guarantee that the installation complies with the safety requirements (presence of an earth
electrode, protective devices, etc.) and does not show any visible evidence of damage.

2. Measurements/Tests

Types of Electrical Installation Tests

The tests should be made on a new electrical installation before it is switched on to the mains are as under:

1. Insulation resistance test between installation and earth.

2. Insulation resistance test between conductors.
3. Testing of polarity.
4. Testing of earth continuity paths.
5. Earth resistance test.
6. Continuity test
7. Earth loop impedance test
Insulation Resistance Test between Installation and Earth

This test is performed to know the standard of insulation of wires and cables used in the installation.

It also ensures that the insulation is sufficient enough to avoid any possible leakage of current to earth.

The leakage of the current to earth should not exceed 0.02% of the full load current.

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Before performing insulation resistance test between installation and earth the conditions to be fulfilled for the position of
the main switch, fuses, switches, and other points should be as under:-
● Main switch in OFF position, fuses beyond the main switch should be in position, all switches in ON position.
● All lamps and other equipment should be in their position.
For testing the whole installation, the test is conducted on the main switch. A testing set known as megger is used for the
test. It is a special form of the ohmmeter.

To perform this test, the phase and the neutral is short-circuited temporarily at any suitable point as shown in Figure
below;

Figure 3.2: Insulation Resistance Test between Installation and Earth

● The ‘L’ (line terminal) of the megger is connected to the short circuit point in the main switch and the earth terminal
marked (E) is connected to earth continuity conductor or some good earth point near-by.

The handle of the tester is turned at a high speed so that sufficient testing voltage is produced. The reading on the dial
39
 of the megger is noted.

The insulation resistance thus measured should not be less than 0.5 MΩ on a firm, sound and fixed wiring.
If the insulation resistance is below this value, the wiring section giving that value should be rewired or checked
thoroughly until the required value is obtained.
Insulation Resistance Test between Wiring Conductors

To ensure that the insulation of the cables or wires is not damaged and there is no leakage between them, this test is
performed.

Before performing this test, the position of the main switch, fuses, switches, etc. should be as follows:

● Main switch in OFF position,

● All switches in ON position,
● All lamps and other appliances should be removed,
● Fuses beyond the main switch should be in position.

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 If the switch is connected to the neutral wire then the connected appliance will get phase even if the switch is in
OFF position and remain alive.

There is absolutely no difference in the functioning of the switch in either case, but from the safety point of view to
avoid shock, etc. the phase should always be given through the switch and neutral direct to the point.

The simple method of conducting the polarity test is by using a test lamp.

Before performing this test the position of the main switch, fuses, switches, etc. should be as under main switch in ON
position, all switches in OFF position, all lamps and other appliances should be removed.

Figure 3.4: Polarity Test in House Wiring

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 One end of the test lamp is connected to earth wire and the other end to the incoming terminal of the switch.
If the lamp lights, it indicates that the switch is connected to phase wire, otherwise to neutral wire.

Earth Continuity Test of Electrical Installation

To perform this test with the help of megger, the main switch is opened, the main fuses are withdrawn, all the switches are
made ON and all the lamps are put in position.

The ‘L’ (line terminal) of the megger is connected to the phase conductor in the main switch and ‘E’ (earth terminal) of the
megger is connected to an earth point.

Figure 3.5: Earth Continuity Test of Electrical Installation

In this test, megger should indicate a resistance value between 0.5 and 1 mega ohm.

In this case, if earthing of all the metallic parts and the earth wire will be in good condition, a sufficient amount of current
will flow through test circuit and megger will show a reading up to 1 MΩ.

If it will be in bad condition then it will offer high resistance to the current. As a result, a very low quantity of current will
flow and megger will show a reading more than 1 MΩ.

Therefore, if the megger shows a high reading (more than 1 MΩ), it means that the main switch or conduit is not

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 properly earthed or the earth wire is broken somewhere requiring correction.

Earth Resistance Test

Resistance of earth is the resistance between infinite earth and earth electrode. This depends upon mainly three factors
1. The resistance of the electrode itself,
2. The contact resistance between electrode surface and soil,
3. The resistivity of soil between the electrode and infinite earth.
https://www.electrical4u.com/resistance-of-earth/#:~:text=%20Resistance%20of%20Earth%20%201%20The%
20resistance,between%20the%20electrode%20and%20infinite%20earth.%20More%20

Test Methods for Measuring Earth Resistance

There are six basic test methods to measure earth resistance

1. Four Point Method (Wenner Method)
2. Three-terminal Method (Fall-of-potential Method / 68.1 % Method))
3. Two-point Method (Dead Earth Method)
4. Clamp-on test method
5. Slope Method

(1) Four Point Method (Wenner Method):

▪ This method is the most commonly used for measuring soil resistivity,
Required Equipment:
▪ Earth Tester (4 Terminal)
▪ 4 No’s of Electrodes (Spike)
▪ 4 No’s of Insulated Wires
▪ Hammer
▪ Measuring Tap
Connections:
First, isolate the grounding electrode under measurement by disconnecting it from the rest of the system.

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Earth tester set has four terminals, two current terminals marked C1 and C2 and two potential terminals marked P1 and
P2.
P1 = Green lead, C1 = Black lead, P2 = Yellow lead, C2 = Red lead
In this method, four small-sized electrodes are driven into the soil at the same depth and equal distance from one
another in a straight line.
The distance between earth electrodes should be at least 20 times greater than the electrode depth in ground.
Example, if the depth of each earth electrode is 1 foot then the distance between electrodes is greater than 20 feet.
The earth electrode under measurement is connected to C1 Terminal of Earth Tester.
Drive another potential Earth terminal (P1) at depth of 6 to 12 inches from some distance at C1 Earth Electrode and
connect to P1 Terminal of Earth Tester by insulted wire.

Drive another potential Earth terminal (P2) at depth of 6 to 12 inches from some distance at P1 Earth Electrode and
connect to P2 Terminal of Earth Tester by insulted wire.

Drive another Current Electrode (C2) at depth of 6 to 12 inches from some distance at P2 Earth Electrode and connect
to C2 Terminal of Earth Tester by insulted wire.
Connect the ground tester as shown in the picture.

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Figure 3.6: Four-point earth resistance testing method

Testing Procedure:
Press START and read out the resistance value. This is the actual value of the ground Resistance of the electrode under
test.
Record the reading on the Field Sheet at the appropriate location. If the reading is not stable or displays an error
indication, double check the connections. For some meters, the RANGE and TEST CURRENT settings may be
changed until a combination that provides a stable reading without error indications is reached.
The Earthing Tester has basically Constant Current generator which injects current into the earth between the two
current terminals C1 (E) and C2 (H).
The potential probes P1 & P2 detect the voltage ΔV (a function of the resistance) due to the current injected in the earth
by the current terminals C1 & C2.
The test set measures both the current and the voltage and internally calculates and then displays the resistance. R=V/I
If this ground electrode is in parallel or series with other ground rods, the resistance value is the total value of all
resistances.

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Ground resistance measurements are often corrupted by the existence of ground currents and their harmonics. To
prevent this, it is advisable to use Automatic Frequency Control (AFC) System. This automatically selects the testing
frequency with the least amount of noise enabling you to get a clear reading.
Repeat above steps by increasing spacing between each electrode at equal distance and measure earth resistance value.
Average the all readings
An effective way of decreasing the electrode resistance to ground is by pouring water around it. The addition of
moisture is insignificant for the reading; it will only achieve a better electrical connection and will not influence the
overall results. Also, a longer probe or multiple probes (within a short distance) may help.
Application:
It is advisable for Medium or Large electrode System.
It is use for Multiple Depth Testing
Advantage:
This is most accurate Method.
It is Quick, easy method.
Extremely reliable conforms to IEEE 81;
Disadvantage:
There need to turn off the equipment power or disconnect the earth electrode.
One major drawback to this method is that it requires a large distance for measurement.
This distance can range up to 2,000 feet or more for ground systems covering a large area or of very low resistance.
Time consuming and labor intensive

2) Three Point (Fall-of-potential) Method.

The Fall-of-Potential method or Three-Terminal method is the most common way to measure earth electrode system
resistance, but it requires special procedures when used to measure large electrode systems
There are three basic fall-of-potential test method.
Full fall-of-Potential: A number of tests are made at different spaces of Potential Probe “P” and the resistance curve is
plotted.
Simplified Fall-of-Potential: Three measurements are made at defined distance of Potential Probe”P” and mathematical
calculations are used to determine the resistance.

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 Figure 3.7: Three Point (Fall-of-potential) Method

Testing Procedure:
▪ Press START and read out the resistance value. This is the actual value of the ground electrode under test.
▪ Move the potential electrode 10 feet farther away from the electrode and make a second Measurement.
▪ Move the potential probe 10 feet closer to the electrode and make a third measurement.
▪ If the three measurements agree with each other within a few percent of their average, then the average of the three
measurements may be used as the electrode resistance.
▪ If the three measurements disagree by more than a few percent from their average, then additional measurement
procedures are required.

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▪ The electrode center location seldom is known. In this case, at least three sets of measurements are made, each with the
current probe a different distance from the electrode, preferably in different directions.
▪ When space is not available and it prevent measurements in different directions, suitable measurements can be made by
moving the current probe in a line away from or closer to the electrode.
▪ For example, the measurement may be made with the current probe located 200, 300 and 400 feet along a line from the
electrode.
▪ Each set of measurements involves placing the current probe and then moving the potential probe in 10 feet increments
toward or away from the electrode.
▪ The starting point is not critical but should be 20 to 30 feet from the electrode connection point, in which case the
potential probe is moved in 10 feet increments toward the current probe, or 20 to 30 feet from the current probe, in
which case the potential probe is moved in 10 feet increments back toward the electrode.
▪ The spacing between successive potential probe locations is not particularly critical, and does not have to be 10 feet, as
long as the measurements are taken at equal intervals along a line between the electrode connection and the current
probe.
▪ Larger spacing means quicker measurements with fewer data points. Smaller spacing means more data points with
slower measurements.
▪ Once all measurements have been made, the data is plotted with the distance from the electrode on the horizontal scale
and the measured resistance on the vertical scale.
Importance of Position of Current Electrode (C2):

▪ Fall-of-Potential measurements are based on the distance of the current and potential probes from the center of the
electrode under test.
▪ For highest degree of accuracy, it is necessary that the probe is placed outside the sphere of influence of the ground
electrode under test and the auxiliary earth.
▪ If we Place Current Electrode (C2) too near to Earth Electrode (C1) then the sphere of influence, the effective areas of
resistance will overlap and invalidate measurements taken.
▪ For the accurate results and to ensure that the ground stakes are outside the spheres of influence.
▪ Reposition the inner Potation Electrode (P1) 1meter in either direction and take a fresh measurement. If there is a
significant change in the reading (30 %), we need to increase the distance between the ground rod under test, the inner

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 stake (probe) and the outer stake (auxiliary ground) until the measured values remain fairly constant when repositioning
the inner stake (probe).
▪ The best distance for the current probe is at least 10 to 20 times the largest dimension of the electrode.
▪ Because measurement results are often distorted by underground pieces of metal, underground aquifers, etc. so re
measurements are done by changing axis of earth spike by 90 degrees, by changing the depth and distance several
times, these results can be a suitable ground resistance system.
The table is a guide for appropriately setting the probe (inner stake) and auxiliary ground (outer stake).

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 Table 3: Appropriately setting the probe (inner stake) and auxiliary ground (outer stake).

Distance of Probe Distance to the Distance to the

Depth of the ground inner stake outer stake
electrode
2m 15 m 25 m
3m 20 m 30 m
6m 25 m 40 m
10 m 30 m 50 m

Application:
▪ It is advisable for High Electrical Load.
▪ It is suitable for small and medium electrodes system (1 or 2 rods/plates).
▪ It is useful for homogeneous Soil
Advantage:
▪ The three-point method is the most reliable test method;
▪ This test is the most suitable test for large grounding systems.
▪ Three-terminal is the quicker and simpler, with one less lead to string Spacing for Current Probe
Disadvantage:
▪ Individual ground electrodes must be disconnected from the system to be measured.
▪ It is extremely time consuming and labor intensive.
▪ There are situations where disconnection is not possible.
▪ Knowledge of location of center probe is necessary
▪ Time consuming and labor intensive Ineffective if the electrical center is unknown.
▪ If less measurements are being made then less accurate than full Fall of Potential

61.8% Rule:

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▪ It is proven that the actual electrode resistance is measured when the potential probe is located 61.8% of the distance
between the center of the electrode and the current probe. For example, if the current probe is located 400 feet from the
electrode center, then the resistance can be measured with the potential probe located 61.8% x 400 = 247 feet from the
electrode center.
▪ The 61.8% measurement point assumes the current and potential probes are located in a straight line and the soil is
homogeneous (same type of soil surrounding the electrode area and to a depth equal to 10 times the largest electrode
dimension).
▪ The 61.8% measurement point still provides suitable accuracy for most measurements.

Figure 3.8: 61.8% method

▪ Suppose, the distance of Current Spike from Earth Electrode D = 60 ft, Then, distance of Potential Spike would be 62
% of D = 0.62D i.e. 0.62 x 60 ft = 37 ft.
Application:
▪ It is suitable for small and medium electrodes system.
▪ It is useful for homogeneous Soil
Advantage:
▪ Simplest to carry out.
▪ Required minimum calculation;
▪ Fewest number of test probe moves.
Disadvantage:
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▪ Soil must be homogeneous.
▪ Less accurate
▪ Susceptible for non-homogeneous soil

Tests of protective devices

● Fuses / Circuit-breakers
To check the specifications of the protective devices such as fuses or circuit breakers, a fault loop impedance
measurement is carried out to calculate the corresponding short-circuit current. A visual inspection can then be used to
check that the sizing is correct.

● Residual current devices (RCDs)

RCDs, which detect earth leakage currents, can be tested using two methods:

● The basic test, also called a pulse test, which determines the trip time (in milliseconds)
● The step test, which determines the trip time and trip current, thus detecting any RCD ageing.
Fault finding

This is not an exact science as faults in electrical systems can be many, varied and difficult to locate. What we can state
however, are the main symptoms of electrical faults, these are:

▪ Loss of Supply
▪ Fire
▪ Shock.
Table 1.4 indicates such symptoms, their possible common causes and the action to be taken. Column 2 illustrates, in
general terms, the possible causes of faults. Table 1.5 summarizes these in more detail. Many faults are easily located,
many are not, in all cases observe the following general procedure whenever possible:

1 Determine the nature/symptom of the problem.

2 Ask client/personnel for their recollections: how, when and where the problem occurred (this can save so much time).
3 Carry out relevant visual and instrument checks to locate the fault.
4 Rectify if possible.
5 Re-test.

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6 Re-instate system.

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Table 4: Indicates Symptoms, possible common causes and the action to be taken

Symptom Possible common Cause Diagnosis Action

Complete 1. Fault on suppliers( 1. Check adjacent 1. Contact REC

loss of REC) main properties are also 2. Contact REC
supply cable/equipment OFF 3. Contact REC
2. Fault on service cable 2. Check adjacent 4. Switch back on
3. Main fuse or CB properties are ON 5. Re- set, if it
operated 3. Check adjacent trips, then
4. Main DB switch OFF properties are ON switch off all
5. Main RCD operated CB’s re-set and
4. Visual check turn on each CB
until one causes
5. Visual check the main RCD
to operate. This
is likely faulty
circuit
Loss of 1. Circuit fuse or CB 1. Visual check 1. Replace OR
supply to a operated 2. Check fuse/CB are re-set as
circuit 2. Conduct broken or out OK operation may
of terminal be due to an
overload. If
protection still
operates, do
NOT reset until
fault has been
found, usually
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 by carrying out
insulation test
2. Locate faulty
out visual
check/
continuity
Fire/ 1. Overloaded cable 1. 1,2 &3 visual check 3. 1,2 &3 turn off
burning 2. Damaged insulation and smell supply, to
3. Water in circuit(s)
fitting/accessories investigate fuse
and cable sizes,
check for water
ingress,
damaged
insulation,
visually and
using an
insulation
resistance tester
Electric 1. Exposed live part 1. Use of an approved 1. Turn off supply
shock 2. Insulation breakdown voltage indicator to circuit(s)
3. Earthing and bonding between exposed check visually
inadequate and/or extraneous for covers
4. Appliances incorrectly conductive parts missing etc.
wired or damaged and 2. Carry out
with inappropriate insulation
fusing resistance and
5. Incorrect polarity in polarity tests on
accessories circuit and

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 cables, and
establish that all
Earthing and
bonding is in
place and all
protective
devices are
suitable for
disconnection
times

Table 5: Summary of table 1.4 in more detail.

General cause Detail

Insulation breakdown 1. Damage by installer

2. Damage by other trades
3. Damage by user (misuse, nails in walls, etc.
4. 4. overloading

Fuse, circuit breaker or Residual Current Device 1. Short circuit caused by:
operating instantly circuit is switched on a) Damaged insulation
b) Crossed polarity at terminations
c) Water penetration in joint box’s seal, gland etc.
2. Faulty appliances

58
 Fuse or Circuit breaker operating regularly after a 1. Overload caused by too many loads on a circuit,
period of time. or machinery stalling or with too much
mechanical load
2. Slight water penetration or general dampness

Fuse or Circuit breaker operates with no apparent Transient over voltage caused by switching
fault surges, motor starting etc

6.2.3.4 Learning activities

Learning Activity 1

Do the activity at home or during vacant time

1. Perform an insulation resistance test on an electrical installation in your institution

Learning Activity 2

By the guidance of your trainer, perform the following tests on an existing electrical installation circuit:

i. Polarity test
ii. Earth test
iii. Insulation resistance test
iv. Ring continuity test
v. Earth loop impedance test

59
61
 Equipment
● Test instruments
⮚ Continuity tester (ohmmeter)
⮚ Insulation resistance tester
⮚ Earth loop impedance tester
⮚ Test lamp
Materials and supplies materials

● BS 7671
● Guidance Note 3
● The On-site Guide.
● Stationery
● Wiring certificates
References

● Manufacturers’ manuals
● Relevant catalogues
● IEE regulations
● Standards
● County by-laws
● Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
● National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) regulations
● National Construction Authority (NCA) regulations
● IEE tables
Reference materials

● Standards
● County by-laws
● Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
● National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) regulations
● National Construction Authority (NCA) regulations
● IEE tables

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 6.2.3.7 Reference
IEE Wiring Regulations: Inspection, Testing and Certification Sixth Edition Brian Scaddan, IEng, MIET

https://electrical-engineering-portal.com/inspection-electrical-installations-home-1

https://www.dfliq.net/blog/electrical-inspection-a-detailed-overview/

https://www.yourelectricalguide.com/2019/10/new-electrical-installation-house-wiring-testing-methods.html

https://www.electrical4u.com/resistance-of-earth/#:~:text=%20Resistance%20of%20Earth%20%201%20The%20resist
ance,between%20the%20electrode%20and%20infinite%20earth.%20More%20

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