SMART GROUND® TESTING
Comprehensive
Complete and accurate results with little to no need for additional analysis.
Intelligent
Identifies and removes background noise, EMI and stray currents from test results.
Informative
Multiple analysis options: Compliance with IEEE and/or IEC safety standards, and Lightning Shielding and Transient Analysis.
Convenient
Ideal for energized systems, sites with limited real estate, and other unique situations.
Reliable
Quantified confidence levels, automatic error correction and in-field calibration. Smart Ground is EPRI approved.
The Smart Ground Advantage
Utilities and industrial facilities have struggled for years with unreliable grounding measurements produced by the Fall-of-Potential (FOP) method and its inherent limitations.
Unlike the outdated FOP test, Smart Ground analyzes the in-situ grounding environment and compares actual measurements to an electro-geometric computer model of the system being tested. The results are highly-accurate measurements and practical recommendations to help you make informed decisions.
What to Expect
The Smart Ground test is performed on-site by our expert engineer and technicians in cooperation with your staff. Our experience ensures testing is completed safely, quickly, and with minimal impact to operations.
The Report
- Results from all test areas, with multi-layer soil resistivity, ground system impedance, and point- to-point continuity measurements.
- Safety assessments of worst-case step, touch, and transfer voltages according to IEEE standard 80 and/or IEC standard 479-1.
- Visual representations of the facility detailing locations of measurements, observations, and recommendations.
- Expert recommendations tailored for your site, based on test findings, safety standards, and your specific needs.
- A general bill of materials and a safety assessment of expected results post implementation of recommendations, if required.
Smart Ground Testing Service
Comprehensive Analysis
Smart Ground generates an electro-geometric model of the site’s physical and electrical characteristics, which is compared with measurements to identify deterioration and deficiencies. Uses frequency ranges up to 1000 Hz to analyze impedance.
Broad Applications
Smart Ground returns accurate results on energized and connected ground grids, using sophisticated software to filter out electrical noise.
Confident Results
Smart Ground collects thousands of data samples with a high signal-to-noise ratio to calculate measurements and verify results with quantified confidence levels.
Practical & Convenient
Smart Ground is accurate even when the distance to the current probe is only 2 times the diagonal distance of the grid. The shorter distance saves work without compromising accuracy.
Fall-of-Potential (FOP)
Limited Capabilities
For each measurement, FOP testers are capable of only one reading at a single frequency, with no validation of the results. All analysis must be performed manually, increasing risk for error.
Narrow Applications
FOP can’t distinguish background noise from test current, thus making it inappropriate for energized systems.
Questionable Results
No error checking or confidence levels. Not sensitive enough to accurately measure low-resistance grounds like those at large plants or substations.
Difficult to Deploy
Excessive lead length makes FOP impractical in urban or developed areas. Distance to the current probe must be at least 5 times the diagonal distance of the grid and up to 16 times to realize the same accuracy as Smart Ground
Risks of Inefficient Grounding
When properly designed and maintained, a grounding system establishes electrical connections with the earth, provides a common ground reference, and minimizes ground potential rise. This reduction in ground potential rise prevents many electrical anomalies which can affect:
- General personnel safety
- Lightning and surge protection systems
- Clearing ground faults quickly
- Protecting critical electronic systems
Yet many facilities never make needed repairs because buried grounding systems are difficult to inspect and test. The Smart Ground service simplifies testing and provides practical recommendations so you can finally have confidence in your grounding system.
