CHAPTER 8

GROUND MAT RESISTANCE

TESTING PROCEDURES
February 1990

POWER
SYSTEM
MAINTENANCE
MANUAL

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GROUND MAT RESISTANCE

TESTING PROCEDURES
FEBRUARY 1990

WESTERN AREA POWER ADMINISTRATION

POWER SYSTEM MAINTENANCE MANUAL
CHAPTER 8

Approved for Publication and Distribution

__________________________________
M.F. Groves
Director, Division of
Operation and Maintenance
__________________________________
Date

Disclaimer
The information contained in this manual regarding commercial products or firms may not be used for advertising
or promotional purposes and is not to be construed as an endorsement of any product or firm by the Western
Area Power Administration (Western). The information contained in this manual was developed for Western; no
warranty as to the accuracy, usefulness, or completeness is expressed or implied.

Preface
This guide is issued by the Western Area Power Administration (Western) and is designed to provide specific
guidelines, instructions, procedures, and criteria for performing ground mat resistance tests in Westerns electrical facilities. Procedures and guidelines are in accordance with established industry standards and current
industry practices. Any corrections or comments concerning this guide may be addressed to the Western Area
Power Administration, A6200, Golden, Colorado.

-i-

Table of Contents
1.

Page
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................1

2.

GENERAL PHILOSOPHY..................................................................................2

3.

TEST OBJECTIVES...........................................................................................3
3.1 General Requirements ................................................................................3
3.2 Specific Requirements ................................................................................3

4.

TEST PROCEDURE ..........................................................................................4

4.1

Job Hazard Analysis (JHA).......................................................................4

4.2

Equipment .................................................................................................4

4.3

Preliminary Information .............................................................................4

4.4

Location of the Tester................................................................................4

4.5

Routing of the Test Leads .........................................................................4

4.6

Initial Test Setup........................................................................................4

4.7

Preliminary Checks ...................................................................................6

4.8

Determining Background Voltages............................................................6

4.9

Measurement of Resistance to Remote Earth .........................................8

4.10 Verification of Results ...............................................................................9

4.11 Test Confirmation ......................................................................................9
5.

GLOSSARY......................................................................................................10

6.

REFERENCES .................................................................................................11

Appendix A

Job Hazard Analysis.........................................................................................12

Appendix B

Equipment Requirements for Ground Mat Resistance

Tests Performed by Fall-of-Potential Method ...................................................18

Appendix C

Ground Mat Resistance Test Report Form.......................................................21

Appendix D

Data Treatment Using the Tagg Slope Method Tables......................................23

Appendix E

Data Treatment Using the Intersecting Curve Method .....................................27

Appendix F

Tagg Slope Method Tables ...............................................................................31

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List of Figures
Page
Figure 1

Ground Mat Resistance Testing Setup

(Fall-of-Potential Method)....................................................................................5

Figure 2

Flow Chart of Instrument Operation ...................................................................7

Figure 3

Measurement of Background Voltages ...............................................................8

Figure D-1

Ground Resistance: Sample Fall-of-Potential Plot ..........................................25

Figure E-1

Ground Mat Connection ...................................................................................28

Figure E-2

P2 vs. R ............................................................................................................29

Figure E-3

vs. R...............................................................................................................29

List of Tables
Page
Table A-1

Potential Hazards and Countermeasures.........................................................15

Table A-2

Sample of Written Procedures Approval Sheet ................................................16

Table A-3

List of Emergency Telephone Numbers............................................................17

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1. Introduction
Personnel safety and many aspects of an electrical installations stable operation are directly related to the
adequacy and continued performance of the electrical facilitys ground mat. Therefore, Western Area Power
Administration (Western) has implemented a ground mat resistance testing program using the fall-of-potential
method to determine the adequacy and continued performance of the ground mats that are connected to its
electrical facilities.
This document provides the necessary information and criteria needed to establish a safe and effective ground
mat testing program in Western. The purpose of this document is twofold: to briefly review the function of ground
mats, and to outline, in detail, the recommended ground mat testing procedures. The information contained in
this document, when used in conjunction with other applicable safety standards and codes, will provide the necessary information and procedures to perform ground mat tests safely and effectively.
Western will revise and expand this document as needed. Any suggestions that would improve the contents of
this document should be sent to Western Headquarters, Division of Operation and Maintenance (O&M), Attn:
A6210.

2. General Philosophy
The principal factor in determining the adequacy of a ground mat is its impedance to earth. Designing and
achieving a low impedance ground still includes a good deal of both art and science. Impedance is certainly a
major consideration in the design of all electrical facilities. However, there are no legislated standards for acceptable ground mat impedance levels at large electrical installations. Instead, the general philosophy is the lower
the better, with some consideration of economics.
Western specifications consider acceptable impedance levels as less than 1 ohm for large electrical facilities.
Although there can certainly be exceptions in a specific case, it is generally true that a ground mat impedance of
1 ohm will be adequate to:
Protect personnel and property from injury or damage by high voltage surges resulting from lightning, switching, or
other causes.
Handle discharge currents from lightning arrestors, overvoltage gaps, and so on.
Provide a ground return path for grounded wye generators and transformers.
Provide stable ground conditions for protective relays.
Improve the reliability of electric process controls, computers, and communication circuits by providing low-resistance ground connections.

3. Test Objectives
3.1 General Requirements. From the discussion in section 2, we understand that ground mats are engineered
to achieve impedance levels that provide adequate protection and stability for a facility, and once installed they
remain physically and electrically stable. Many workers would then ask So why test an existing ground system?
The following are valid reasons for considering such tests:
To obtain realistic resistance data for use in calculating actual ground potential rise (GPR) values for the mat, and
for determining the step and touch potentials which may occur within a station during fault or surge conditions.
To help to resolve the instability of equipment relays or communications, which might be caused by inadequate
grounding.
To determine the continued adequacy of the ground mat wherever system changes are implemented which increase
the available fault current at the station.
To determine the effect on the integrity and performance of the ground mat caused by known physical changes
(planned or unplanned) in the grounding system.
To establish ongoing documentation of the stability and continued performance of the grounding system by periodic,
scheduled measurement of the ground mat resistance, or, conversely, to detect any unsuspected and undesirable
changes.

3.2 Specific Requirements. The following discussion outlines the specific requirements and test intervals for
testing Westerns ground mats:
Field Offices should establish benchmark data for all substation ground mats.
Ground mats from new electrical facilities will be tested to verify their intended design and adequacy.
Whenever the ground mat is modified, the ground mat should be tested.
Ground mats should be tested whenever there is a concern about the continued performance of the grounding system.

4. Test Procedure
4.1 Job Hazard Analysis (JHA). Before testing the ground mat, all personnel involved in the testing must
review and discuss the pertinent test procedures of the job hazard analysis (JHA) and address the safety
aspects of the testing activity. Western recommends that each Area Office or District Office develop its own specific JHA, using the sample JHA given in appendix A as a guide.
4.2 Equipment. A list of the equipment necessary to perform ground mat resistance testing is included in
appendix B. A checklist should be prepared to assure that all the necessary equipment will be on hand when
conducting the tests.
Note: Before testing begins, personnel must ensure that all battery-operated instruments (such as the earth
tester, the walkie-talkies, and multimeter) are operable and fully charged.
4.3 Preliminary Information. Before beginning the test, the following information must be gathered and
recorded on the Ground Mat Resistance Test Report form (shown in appendix C):
Station name
Weather and soil conditions
Type and serial number of the earth tester
Current (C2) and potential (P2) probe distances to be used (see section 4.5)
A sketch of the test area, including special terrain features along the probe directions
Names of the test coordinator and test engineer
Tagg Slope tables
Drawing of the ground plan for the site, including ground mat dimensions
Notifications, clearances, and gate keys that may be required for working at the site.

4.4 Location of the Tester. The specific location for the tester connection to the ground mat will be selected by
the personnel in charge of the test. Generally, the tester will connect at two locations: at a ground riser along the
station perimeter fence, or at a ground riser near a piece of equipment located where the terrain surrounding the
station permits straight test leads to run for several thousand feet (if possible).
4.5 Routing of the Test Leads. Before setting up the tester, the test engineer will select the direction in which
the test leads to the remote C2 and P2 probes shall be run. Routing of the test leads is dependent on the terrain, but they should be run in as straight a line as possible. The first set of data should be taken with the
longest practical C2 distance. A rule of thumb is that the distance of C2 equals five times the diagonal of the
substation ground mat. The distance of the most distant P2 probe should be greater than 60 percent of the C2
probe distance, preferably at 90 percent. The nearest P2 probe should be placed closer than 20 percent of the
C2 distance. The separation between other placed P2 probes should be at equal distances to obtain at least 10
ground mat resistance measurements.
Note: Test leads should not run parallel to transmission or distribution lines, fences, ungrounded piping, and railroads because mutual inductance resulting in the flow of stray currents will affect the test results.
4.6 Initial Test Setup. Personnel should set up the equipment as illustrated in figure 1 and in accordance with
the following steps:

Station Fence Perimeter

Safety Blanket or Insulating Board

Ground Mat

Tester
C2

Subscripts

P1
P2

C1

Soil

Ground Mat
Connection

Potential
Probes

Current
Probes

DP
DC

Dp = Distance between ground mat system and potential probe.

Dp = Distance between ground mat system and current probe.

Figure 1.
Ground Mat Resistance Testing Setup
(Fall-of-Potential Method)
(1) To provide additional insulation to personnel during the test, place an insulating platform or rubber blanket
on level ground a short distance from the point of connection to the ground mat (a piece of dry plywood board,
3/4 inch thick, 3 feet wide by 4 feet long, may be used in lieu of a safety blanket). Place the tester on a wooden
test stand (if available) and on the blanket or board with the tester oriented so it can be adjusted and read without tripping over the test leads.
(2) Run the C2 and P2 leads to the maximum designated remote test probe distances. Make sure that the C2
and P2 lead wires are separated by at least 6 feet if they are run parallel with each other. This arrangement will minimize the mutual inductance between the lead wires while running the test. Other angles between
probe leads may be used, but they should be noted on the test report form shown in appendix C.
Note: The leads frequently need to be run several hundred or several thousand feet. Portable two-way radios
(walkie-talkies) are essential for maintaining communications between the personnel operating the tester and
those running leads or placing probes.

(3) Make sure the CURRENT RANGE switch on the tester is OFF.
(4) Drive C2 and P2 probes a few inches into the earth at their maximum designated distances and attach the
lead wires. DO NOT connect the leads to the tester terminals at this time. Record the distances from the ground
mat connection point to the C2 and P2 probes.
Note: It is important that the test probes make good contact with the earth. Tamping the earth around the probe,
wetting the earth around the probe, or driving more than one probe and connecting them in parallel are methods of
getting the necessary earth contact in problem soils.
(5) Follow the P2 lead back and mark the wire or drop other probes at the distances where the other P2 probe
test readings are to be taken. A tape measure should be used to determine the distance between probe placements. The most distant P2 probe should be at a distance greater than 60 percent of the C2 probe distance,
preferably at 90 percent. The nearest P2 probe should be placed closer than 20 percent of the C2 distance.
Note: The P2 test points should be in as straight a line toward the tester as the terrain will allow.
4.7 Preliminary Checks. Before continuing, personnel should make the following preliminary checks to assure a
proper test setup (a flow chart of the Biddle DET-2 tester operation is illustrated in figure 2):
(1) With P1 disconnected and the CURRENT RANGE switch OFF, connect both P2 and C2 probe leads to their
respective terminals on the tester.
(2) Using linemans gloves, clamp the P1 and C1 tester leads to the ground mat riser cable.
(3) Place the TEST CURRENT dial to NORMAL and FILTER dial to OUT.
(4) Turn the RANGE dial to the 2-ohm position.
(5) If the INPUT NOISE light and the SPIKE RESISTANCE light are off, and the digital numbers are steady (not
flickering), then the test setup is good. Turn the RANGE switch to OFF. Proceed to section 4.8 of this procedure.
(6) If the INPUT NOISE light is lit, increase the TEST CURRENT.
(7) If the INPUT NOISE light stays lit at all current levels, the test probe (spike) arrangement must be corrected.
Note: To correct the test probes, one or more of the following steps must be taken:
(a) Moisten the ground around the remote test probes.
(b) Reposition the probes slightly.
(c) Drive one or two additional probes and jumper from probe to probe.
(8) If the SPIKE RESISTANCE light is lit, the test current must be reduced.
(9) If the digital readout flickers, the FILTER switch should be turned to the IN position.
(10) When the tester indicates the setup is good, turn the RANGE switch to OFF and proceed to section 4.8.
4.8. Determining Background Voltages. Measure the ac and dc background voltages as follows to assess any
existing stray voltages and currents:
(1) Leave the P1 and C1 leads connected to the ground mat, but disconnect them from the tester (see figure 3).
(2) Connect the ac-dc voltmeter between the C2 probe lead and the C1 lead. Set it for the 0- to 10-volt ac scale.

START

CHARGE INST.
BATTERY BEFORE
GOING OUR INTO
THE FIELD

CAUTION !!!
MAKE SURE RANGE
SWITCH IS IN THE OFF
POSITION BEFORE MAKING
THE CONNECTION

MAKE
CONNECTIONS TO
INST. AS SHOWN
IN FIGURE 1
TURN RANGE
SWITCH TO MOST
SENSITIVE
RANGE
IS THE
METER
FLICKERING?

NO

IS
INPUT LAMP
ON?

YES

TURN FILTER
SWITCH ON

INCREASED TEST
CURRENT

NO

RECORD
RESISTANCE
READING

IS SPIKE
RESISTANCE LAMP
ON?

TURN OFF
THE RANGE
SWITCH

DOES INPUT
NOISE AND/OR TEST
CURRENT
ILLUMINATE?

IMPLIES CURRENT
LOOP RESISTANCE
IS TOO HIGH

YES

REDUCED TEST
CURRENT

NO

NO
END

IMPLIES THAT THE

NOISE LEVEL IS TOO
HIGH

YES

POSSIBLY REPOSITION PROBES OR

ADD MORE PROBES
IN PARALLEL

YES

CHECK
CONNECTOR,
PROBES, LEADS

Figure 2.
Flow Chart of Instrument Operation
(Biddle DET-2 Earth Tester)
7

Voltmeter

C2 Probe

C1

P 2 Probe

P1

Figure 3.
Measurement of Background Voltages
(3) Read the residual ac voltage and record it on the Ground Mat Resistance Test Report form.
(4) Switch the voltmeter to the dc-volt scale and record the voltage for the C2 lead.
(5) Disconnect the meter from the C2 probe lead and connect it to the P2 probe lead.
(6) Repeat steps 2 through 4 and record the ac and dc voltages for P2.
(7) Disconnect the P1 and C1 leads from the mat. Disconnect the voltmeter.
4.9 Measurement of Resistance to Remote Earth. The following steps outline the specific procedure for making the resistance measurements:
(1) Verify that the RANGE switch on the tester is OFF.
(2) Verify that all connections from tester to ground mat (C1, P1) and to the remote probes (C2, P2) are correct
and solid.
(3) Verify that the TEST CURRENT dial on the tester is set to the desired position.
(4) Place station assistants at the remote P2 location and the test engineer at the tester with walkie-talkies to
establish communications.
(5) When all personnel are in a safe position and communications are established, turn the RANGE switch to
the appropriate setting.
Note: Personnel at the remote probe location should be warned that the instrument is ON and not to touch the
probes or leads.
(6) Record the ohmic resistance when the reading becomes stable.
(7) Turn the RANGE switch OFF.

(8) Disconnect the P2 probe lead from the tester terminal.

(9) Inform the personnel at the remote probe that the tester is disconnected, and request them to move the P2
lead to the next nearest test probe distance.
(10) When the P2 test probe change is confirmed by the remote personnel, connect the P2 probe lead to the
tester, turn the RANGE switch to the desired range, and record the ohmic reading for this P2 distance.
(11) Turn the RANGE switch OFF.
(12) Repeat steps 8 through 11 for all the designated P2 distances.
(13) Disconnect the P1,C1 leads from the ground mat (wear rubber gloves if connections are made outside the
protection zone of the ground mat).
4.10 Verification of Results. The validity of the measurements should be checked at the test site by the following procedure. An example of the calculation procedure is given in appendix D.
(1) Plot measured resistance (ohms) versus the P2 probe distance. (It simplifies the procedure to express the
P2 distance as a percentage of the C2 distance.) The curve should be smooth and slightly S-shaped.
(2) From the plot, read the resistance values R1, R2, and R3 corresponding to P2 distances of 0.2, 0.4, and
0.6 C2, respectively.
(3) Calculate

u = (R3 - R2)/(R2 - R1) .

(4) The value of u should fall within the range 0.40 - 1.60. If it does not fall in this range, the test data is
invalid. A new set of test data must be run with C2 at a further distance from the ground mat connection, or with
C2 and P2 in a different direction. An alternate approach is to run two more tests with C2 at different distances
and to analyze the data by the Tagg Intersecting Curve method (see appendix E).
(5) If u falls within the 0.40 - 1.60 range, find the quantity Pt/EC in the Tagg Slope method tables (see appendix
F). This quantity is the P2/C2 value that is associated with the true value of the ground mat resistance.
(6) From the plot of R versus P2/C2, read the true ground mat resistance corresponding to Pt/EC.
4.11 Test Confirmation. At the test coordinators discretion, other sets of measurements may be taken, as outlined below:
(1) Increase or decrease the C2 probe distance by several hundred feet.
(2) Reposition the P2 probe to approximately 80 percent of the new C2 distance, and mark off distances for
the new set of P3 probe placements.
(3) Connect the P2 and C2 probe leads to the tester terminals (verify that the range switch is OFF).
(4) Clamp the P1 and C1 test leads to the ground mat cables (wear rubber gloves).
(5) Repeat the series of readings as in section 4.9 with P2 moved successively closer to the ground mat.
(6) Plot this new set of data, check for a smooth curve, and calculate the ground mat resistance according to
guidelines given in section 4.10.
Note: The results from the two tests should be within 10 percent if the Tagg Slope method calculation was used.
If the Intersecting Curve method was required, the curves should intersect at a value similar to that obtained in
other ground mat test results (see the example given in appendix E).

5. Glossary
Background Voltages (ac and dc) Voltage measurements taken between the connection of the grounding system under test and the test instrument end of the C2 and P2 leads.
Current Probe (C2) A probe driven into remote earth used for connecting the current lead routed from the test
instrument. This probe allows the test current to enter the ground at the C2 location and circulate current
between ground and the test instrument.
Current Test Lead Test lead routed from the test instrument to the remote current probe (C2).
EC The distance between the electrical center of the tested ground system and the remote current probe (C2).
Fall-of-Potential Method The measurement of the voltage between the station ground and remote ground. A
test set-up for injecting a current through the station ground via the remote current probe (C2), and measuring
the voltage between the station ground and the remote potential probe (P2).
Grounding System The interconnected grounding facilities in a specific area.
Ground Mat A system of closely spaced bare conductors that are connected to the installed system of ground
electrodes.
Ground Potential Rise (GPR) The maximum voltage that a station grounding grid may obtain relative to a distant grounding point assumed to be at the same potential as remote earth.
Potential Probe (P2) A probe driven into remote earth used for connecting the potential lead routed from the
test instrument. This probe allows the measurement of the voltage produced between the ground system under
test and the surface of remote earth.
Potential Test Lead Test lead routed from the test instrument to the remote potential probe (P2).
Pt The calculated distance of P2 where resistance will equal true resistance of the tested ground system.
Tagg Slope Method Tables Values of Pt/EC (same as P2/C2) for values of u.
True Resistance The calculated resistance (in ohms) of the tested grounded system.
(lambda) A letter from the Greek alphabet used to represent the distance of the true electrical center from
the tested location.
u Factor Ratio of resistance at 60 percent minus the resistance at 40 percent over the resistance at 40 percent
minus the resistance at 20 percent (R3 - R2)/(R2 - R1).

10

6. References
Getting Down to Earth, Biddle Bulletin No. 25Ta.
Guide for the Maximum Electric Power Station Ground Potential Rise and Induced Voltage from a Power
Fault, IEEE Std. 367.
Guide for Measuring Earth Resistivity, Ground Impedance, and Earth Surface Potentials of a Ground
System, IEEE Std. 81.
Guide for Protection of Wire-line Communication Facilities Serving Electric Power Stations, ANSI/IEEE
Std. 487.
Guide for Safety in Substation Grounding, IEEE Std. 80.
IEEE Recommended Practice for Grounding of Industrial and Commercial Power Systems, IEEE Std. 142.
Measurement of the Resistance of an Earths Electrode System Covering a Large Area, Dr. G. Tagg, IEEE
Proceedings, Vol. 116, March 1969.
Measurement of the Resistance of Large Earth Electrode Systems by the Slope Method, Dr. G. Tagg, IEEE
Proceedings, Vol. 117, November 1970.
Standard for Grounding Permanent Connections Used in Substation Grounding, ANSI/IEEE Std. 837.

11

Appendix A
Job Hazard Analysis

12

JOB HAZARD
ANALYSIS
ACTIVITY:

Substation Ground Mat

________________________
Resistance Measurement Testing
________________________
________________________
________________________
________________________
________________________

LOCATION:

________________________

Sample
JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS NO. _______

________________________

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Appendix A
Job Hazard Analysis
The purpose of this document is to address the potential hazards that may be encountered while testing
substation ground mats and to list the required countermeasures needed to eliminate such hazards (table A-1).
The information given in this document, when used in conjunction with the information given in other applicable
safety standards and codes, should provide the necessary guidance to ensure maximum safety to the public,
employees, and property.
A.1 Equipment Operations and Use of Tools. The tests will be conducted in accordance with specific written
procedures using the fall-of-potential method (table 4-2). Biddles Digital Earth Resistance Tester, Model DET-2,
will be used to perform the tests. Accessory equipment (used to perform the tests) includes ground rods, test
leads, sledgehammer, and a surveyors level. The instruments output voltages will be limited to 50 volts peak
with selectable test currents of 5 - 40 milliamps.
A.2 System Conditions. The tests will be performed with all electrical conducting paths left connected to the
power station grid and with the powerplant operating in its normal configuration.
A.3 Safety Standard Requirements
(1) The tests will be performed according to specific written procedures.
(2) A tailgate safety meeting will be conducted before engaging in the testing to review and discuss the pertinent
procedures and to address the safety aspects of the job.
(3) Work activity will be performed under the direction and continuous supervision of experienced personnel who
are knowledgeable in the work involved.
(4) Only experienced personnel, knowledgeable in the use and operation of the test set, will be allowed to operate the test instrument.
(5) All personnel will comply with applicable sections of Westerns Power System Safety Manual.
(6) For safety reasons, workers are encouraged to work in pairs whenever practicable.
(7) A list of emergency telephone numbers for the location where the tests are performed will be available for
emergency use (table A-3).

14

Table A-1. Potential Hazards and Countermeasures

Potential Hazards

Countermeasures

Possible ground faults in the

substation while the ground
mat testing is underway

Use linemans gloves when handling the test leads. Wear

insulated footwear. Avoid placing yourself in series with the
test leads while performing the test. Provide fused
connections where feasible to enhance safety.

Possible electrical short in

the handling of the remotely
grounded test leads

Handle leads and probes with caution. Use insulated gloves,

rubber-soled shoes, and insulating mat. Disconnect the P2
lead from the test instrument before allowing anyone to
handle the remote leads and ground probes.

Possible electrical shock

during the course of the
test

If you are involved in the testing, do not come in contact

with the cable containing the current probes. Also, caution
the public and post any appropriate warning signs.

Poison oak

Be aware of the surroundings and avoid coming in contact

with poison oak while setting up the test probes.

Falling while walking over

rough terrain

Be aware of the surroundings and walk cautiously. Survey

area ahead of time to determine potential hazards. Wear
hard hats, safety shoes, and safety glasses.

Changes in normal working

environment, such as inclement
weather or poor visibility

Assess potential hazards to determine if work can be

performed under such conditions or whether to postpone the
work until better conditions exist.

Snake bites

Avoid placing the test probes in areas where snakes may

nest. Be aware of the surroundings and walk cautiously.

Ticks

In areas where ticks abound during spring and summer

months, take appropriate safety measures to avoid tick fever.

Body dehydration

Since routing the test leads involves walking long distances,

dehydration may occur. Therefore, have sufficient drinking
water available to avoid dehydration.

Vehicle traffic hazards

Place "Men Working" signs when appropriate.

15

Table A-2. Sample of Written Procedures Approval Sheet

_________________________________________________________________________________________
SPECIFIC WRITTEN PROCEDURES
1. Are written procedures required?
If so, is copy attached? Yes

Yes

2. If no written procedures are required, please explain why.

_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
RESPONSIBLE PERSONNEL:
Signature

________________________________

________________________________

Name

________________________________
(Please Print)

________________________________

Title

________________________________

________________________________

________________________________

________________________________

JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS review date: ________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS prepared by:
Larry M. Romero, Electrical Engineer,
HQ, Lines and Substations Maintenance
Branch

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------APPROVED BY:
Signature

________________________________

Name

________________________________
(Please Print)

Title

________________________________

16

Table A-3. List of Emergency Telephone Numbers

Name

Phone Number

___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________

17

Appendix B
Equipment Requirements for Ground Mat Resistance Tests
Performed by Fall-of-Potential Method

18

Appendix B
Equipment Requirements for Ground Mat Resistance Tests
Performed by Fall-of-Potential Method
B.1 Test Equipment
Digital earth tester
Biddle DET-2 or equivalent earth resistance tester (batteries as required)
Voltmeter
Simpson meter, or equivalent, capable of measuring ac and dc in the 0- to 10-volt range
Lead wire
5000 feet minimum. In 400- and 800-foot lengths wound on 500- or 1000-foot metal wire reels, with both ends of
wire on each reel available for connection to clamps or instrument terminals.
[Size 14, 16, or 18 AWG, stranded copper with flexible insulating coating (such as SIS type switchboard wire) is recommended.]
Jumper wires
Six 2-foot lengths with battery clips on each end. To be used for connecting test probes when more than one probe
is required for a good remote ground.
Test probes
Eight minimum, 5/8-inch diameter steel, 18 inches long, with pointed tips
Insulating tester base
Linemans blanket or 3/4-inch thick plywood sheet to isolate test personnel from ground while using the
tester
Instrument table
Wooden table (collapsible) for the tester and test forms
Wire reel stand with hand crank
For respooling wire. Should be collapsible and designed to handle two wire spools at a time.
Two-way radios
Two portable walkie-talkies with sufficient range and strength to handle anticipated distances and terrain
Test procedure
Data forms and graph paper
Site safety hazard list

19

B.2 Accessory Equipment

Tape measure
Preferably 300-foot steel tape on reel. (Use cloth tape in vicinity of energized equipment.)
Sledgehammer
Three- or four-pound, short handle type recommended.
Clipboard
Hand calculator
Linemans gloves
Compass
Binoculars
Leather gloves

B.3 Accessory Tools Kit

Spare battery clips
Wire terminals
Electrical insulation tape
Side cutters
Pliers, regular
Vise grips
Crimping tool
Screwdrivers
Wire brush
Orange marker tape
First aid kit
Flashlight
Knife

20

Appendix C
Ground Mat Resistance Test Report Form

21

Ground Mat Resistance Test Report Form

Sheet No. _____ of _____

(Fall-of-potential Method)
FACILITY: _______________________________________________ TEST DATE: ____________________________________
TEST ENGINEER: _________________________ TEST COORDINATOR: ____________________________
WEATHER CONDITION: ____________________ SOIL CONDITION: _______________________________
TESTER: ________________________________ SERIAL NO.: ____________________________________
TEST DATA:
CURRENT _______________ RANGE ________________ FILTER:

DISTANCE

IN

; OUT

BACKGROUND VOLTAGE

NO. PROBES

Mat to P2

__________ ft.

__________ VAC __________ VDC

__________

Mat to C2

__________ ft.

__________ VAC __________ VDC

__________

RESISTANCE PLOT
TEST READINGS:
PROBES
P2.ft

P2/C2

R
ohms

RESISTANCE in ohms

C2.ft

R1
.1

TEST LAYOUT (North as Shown)

.2

R2
.3

R3
.4

.5
P2/C2

.6

.7

.8

RESISTANCE CALCULATION:
TAGG SLOPE METHOD
u = R 3 R2 =
R 2 - R1

From Tagg Tables: PT =

EC
R True =

ohms

NOTES: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

22

Appendix D
Data Treatment Using the Tagg Slope Method Tables

23

Appendix D
Data Treatment Using the Tagg Slope Method Tables
Personnel should use this method for validating results in the field and for final analysis of the data.
For example, assume the following test data:

Probe Distances

Measured

C2
P2
P2/C2
R
(feet)
(feet)
_______________________________________
2,020
1,820
0.90
0.375
_______________________________________
2,020
1,620
0.80
0.32
_______________________________________
2,020
1,420
0.70
0.295
_______________________________________
2,020
1,220
0.60
0.285
_______________________________________
2,020
1,020
0.50
0.27
_______________________________________
2,020
820
0.41
0.235
_______________________________________
2,020
620
0.31
0.215
_______________________________________
2,020
420
0.21
0.20
_______________________________________
2,020
220
0.11
0.16
_______________________________________
Plot measured resistance R versus P2/C2 as shown in figure D-1.
Calculate u as follows:
u = (R3 - R2)/(R2 - R1)
where
R3 is taken at P2/C2 = 0.6
R2 is taken at P2/C2 = 0.4
R1 is taken at P2/C2 = 0.2.
Thus, from the plot of R vs. P2/C2
u = (0.285 - 0.245)/(0.245 - 0.190) = 0.727 .

24

Resistance (R) (ohms)

25

0.15

0.20

0.25

0.30

0.35

0.40

0..6

Figure D-1.

Probe Distanace (P2 feet / C2 feet)

0..4

R 2 = 0.245

R 3 = 0.285

Ground Resistance: Sample Fall-of-Potential Plot

0..2

R 1 = 0.19

For P2 / C2 = 0.59
RTrue = 0.28 ohms

Ground Resistance: Sample-of-Potential Plot

Test No.

Site: EXAMPLE

0..8

Job No.

By:

Date:

C 2 at: 2,000 feet

C2

From the Tagg Slope tables (appendix F), for u = 0.727,

Pt/EC = 0.5928
(Pt/EC = P2/C2) .
Thus, from the R vs. P2/C2 plot for P2/C2 = 0.59,
R = 0.284 ohms .
If u is outside the range of 0.40 - 1.60, the data cannot be treated in this manner. Instead, personnel should use
the Tagg Intersecting Curve method. Appendix E shows how to treat fall-of-potential resistance data by the Tagg
Intersecting Curve method.

26

Appendix E
Data Treatment Using the Intersecting Curve Method

27

Appendix E
Data Treatment Using the Intersecting Curve Method
When the calculated value of u falls outside the Tagg Slope method tables, then the following procedure can be
used (see figure E-1):
(1) Consider that the connection to the ground mat is not at the "electrical center" of the mat (see figure E-1).

Electrical
Center

C2

Tester

Ground Mat
Connection

P2

Figure E-1.
Ground Mat Connection

(2) The true C2 distance should be C2 + Then the actual P2 distance is:
Pt = 0.618(C2 + ) - = 0.618 C2 - 0.382 .
(3) Calculate Pt for equal to 50, 100, 300, 600 feet.
(4) For each calculated value of Pt, choose a value of resistance from the original P2 vs. R plots (see figure E2).
(5) Develop a plot of vs. R (see figure E-3).
(6) Repeat steps 3-5 for data obtained with the C2 probe at two (or preferably three) distances. Plot all vs. R
curves on the same graph (see figure E-3).
(7) The true resistance of the ground mat is the point where the curves intersect.

28

2a

1,
60
0

0.30

t2
,0
00

0
C

0.35

2a
t

2 at
1

,20

0.40

0.25

R (ohms)

0.20
0.15
0.10
0.05

200

400

600

800

1,000 1,200 1,400 1,600 1,800 2,000

P 2 (feet)

Figure E-2.
P2 vs. R

0.40

C 2 at

R true = 0.26

1,200

0.35

C 2 at 1,600

0.30

C 2 at 2,000

0.25
0.20

R (ohms)

0.15
0.10
0.05

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

(feet)

Figure E-3.
vs. R
29

400

450

500

550

600

Note:

If the intersection of the curves forms a triangle, the true resistance of the ground mat is at
the center of the triangle.

An example of this method of treating data is given below:

Pt = 0.618 (C2 + ) - = 0.618 C2 - 0.382 .
For C2 at 1,200 feet,

(ft)
_____

Pt
(ft)
_____

R*
(ohms)
______

50

723

0.32

100

704

0.30

300

627

0.26

600

513

0.20

Pt
(ft)
_____

R
(ohms)
______

50

970

0.29

100

951

0.28

300

874

0.26

600

760

0.23

Pt
(ft)
_____

R
(ohms)
______

For C2 at 1,600 feet,

(ft)
_____

For C2 at 2,000 feet,

(ft)
_____
50

1,217

0.28

100

1,198

0.27

300

1,121

0.26

600

1,007

0.24

Plotting vs. R produces the curves shown in figure E-3. The true ground mat resistance is found at the intersection point, where R = 0.26 ohms.

*From original P2 vs. R plots (see figure E-2).

30

Appendix F
Tagg Slope Method Tables

31

Tagg Slope Method Tables

(Values of Pt/EC for Values of )

0.40
0.41
0.42
0.43
0.44
0.45
0.46
0.47
0.48
0.49

0.6432
0.6418
0.6403
0.6389
0.6374
0.6360
0.6346
0.6331
0.6317
0.6302

6431
6416
6402
6387
6373
6359
6344
6330
6315
6301

6429
6415
6400
6386
6372
6357
6343
6328
6314
6300

6428
6413
6399
6384
6370
6356
6341
6327
6312
6298

6426
6412
6397
6383
6369
6354
6340
6325
6311
6297

6425
6410
6396
6382
6367
6353
6338
6324
6310
6295

6423
6409
6395
6380
6366
6351
6337
6323
6308
6294

6422
6408
6393
6379
6364
6350
6336
6321
6307
6292

6420
6406
6392
6377
6363
6348
6334
6320
6305
6291

6419
6405
6390
6376
6361
6347
6333
6318
6304
6289

0.50
0.51
0.52
0.53
0.54
0.55
0.56
0.57
0.58
0.59

0.6288
0.6273
0.6258
0.6242
0.6227
0.6212
0.6197
0.6182
0.6166
0.6151

6286
6271
6256
6241
6226
6210
6195
6180
6165
6150

6285
6270
6255
6239
6224
6209
6194
6179
6163
6148

6283
6268
6253
6238
6223
6207
6192
6177
6162
6147

6282
6267
6252
6236
6221
6206
6191
6176
6160
6145

6280
6265
6250
6235
6220
6204
6189
6174
6159
6144

6279
6264
6248
6233
6218
6203
6188
6172
6157
6142

6277
6262
6247
6232
6217
6201
6186
6171
6156
6141

6276
6261
6245
6230
6215
6200
6185
6169
6154
6139

6274
6259
6244
6229
6214
6198
6183
6168
6153
6138

0.60
0.61
0.62
0.63
0.64
0.65
0.66
0.67
0.68
0.69

0.6136
0.6120
0.6104
0.6087
0.6071
0.6055
0.6039
0.6023
0.6006
0.5990

6134
6118
6102
6086
6070
6053
6037
6021
6005
5989

6133
6117
6100
6084
6068
6052
6036
6019
6003
5987

6131
6115
6099
6083
6066
6050
6034
6018
6002
5985

6130
1663
6097
6081
6065
6049
6032
6016
6000
5984

6128
6112
6096
6079
6063
6047
6031
6015
5998
5982

6126
6110
6094
6077
6061
6045
6029
6013
5997
5980

6125
6108
6092
6076
6060
6044
6027
6011
5995
5979

6123
6107
6091
6074
6058
6042
6026
6010
5993
5977

6121
6105
6089
6073
6057
6040
6024
6008
5992
5975

0.70
0.71
0.72
0.73
0.74
0.75
0.76
0.77
0.78
0.79

0.5974
0.5957
0.5940
0.5923
0.5906
0.5889
0.5871
0.5854
0.5837
0.5820

5973
5955
5938
5921
5904
5887
5870
5853
5835
5818

5971
5953
5936
5920
5902
5885
5868
5851
5834
5817

5969
5952
5935
5918
5900
5883
5866
5849
5832
5815

5967
5950
5933
5916
5899
5882
5865
5847
5830
5813

5965
5948
5931
5914
5897
5880
5863
5846
5829
5812

5964
5947
5930
5912
5895
5878
5861
5844
5827
5810

5962
5945
5928
5911
5894
5877
5859
5842
5825
5808

5960
5943
5926
5909
5892
5875
5858
5841
5824
5806

5959
5942
5924
5907
5890
5873
5856
5839
5822
5085

0.80
0.81
0.82
0.83
0.84
0.85
0.86
0.87
0.88
0.89

0.5803
0.5785
0.5766
0.5748
0.5729
0.5711
0.5692
0.5674
0.5655
0.5637

5801
5783
5764
5746
5727
5709
5690
5672
5653
5635

5799
5781
5762
5744
5725
5707
5688
5670
5651
5633

5797
5779
5760
5742
5723
5705
5686
5668
5650
5631

5796
5777
5759
5740
5722
5703
5685
5666
5648
5629

5794
5775
5757
5738
5720
5701
5683
5664
5646
5627

5792
5773
5755
5736
5718
5699
5681
5662
5644
5625

5790
5772
5753
5735
5716
5698
5679
5661
5642
5624

5788
5770
5751
5733
5714
5696
5677
5659
5640
5622

5786
5768
5749
5731
5712
5694
5675
5657
5638
5620

0.90
0.91
0.92
0.93
0.94
0.95
0.96
0.97
0.98
0.99

0.5618
0.5598
0.5578
0.5557
0.5537
0.5517
0.5497
0.5477
0.5456
0.5436

5616
5596
5576
5555
5535
5515
5495
5475
5454
5434

5614
5594
5574
5553
5533
5513
5493
5473
5452
5432

5612
5592
5572
5551
5531
5511
5491
5471
5450
5430

5610
5590
5570
5549
5529
5509
5489
5469
5448
5428

5608
5588
5568
5547
5527
5507
5487
5467
5446
5426

5606
5586
5565
5545
5525
5505
5485
5464
5444
5424

5604
5584
5563
5543
5523
5503
5483
5462
5442
5422

5602
5582
5561
5541
5521
5501
5481
5460
5440
5420

5600
5580
5559
5539
5519
5499
5479
5458
5438
5418

32

Tagg Slope Method Tables (concluded)

(Values of Pt/EC for Values of )

1.00
1.01
1.02
1.03
1.04
1.05
1.06
1.07
1.08
1.09

0.5416
0.5394
0.5371
0.5349
0.5327
0.5305
0.5282
0.5260
0.5238
0.5215

5414
5391
5369
5347
5325
5302
5280
5258
5235
5213

5412
5389
5367
5345
5322
5300
5278
5255
5233
5211

5409
5387
5365
5342
5320
5298
5276
5253
5231
5209

5407
5385
5362
5340
5318
5296
5273
5251
5229
5206

5405
5383
5360
5338
5316
5293
5271
5249
5226
5204

5403
5380
5358
5336
5131
5291
5269
5247
5224
5202

5400
5378
5356
5333
5311
5289
5267
5244
5222
5200

5398
5376
5354
5331
5309
5287
5264
5242
5219
5197

5396
5374
5351
5329
5307
5284
5262
5240
5217
5195

1.10
1.11
1.12
1.13
1.14
1.15
1.16
1.17
1.18
1.19

0.5193
0.5168
0.5143
0.5118
0.5093
0.5068
0.5042
0.5017
0.4992
0.4967

5190
5165
5140
5115
5090
5065
5040
5015
4990
4965

5188
5163
5137
5113
5088
5062
5037
5012
4987
4962

5185
5160
5135
5110
5085
5060
5035
5010
4985
4960

5183
5158
5132
5108
5083
5057
5032
5007
4982
4957

5180
5155
5130
5105
5080
5055
5030
5005
4980
4955

5178
5153
5127
5103
5078
5052
5027
5002
4977
4952

5175
5150
5125
5100
5075
5050
5025
5000
4975
4950

5173
5148
5122
5098
5073
5047
5022
4997
4972
4947

5170
5145
5120
5095
5070
5045
5020
4995
4970
4945

1.20
1.21
1.22
1.23
1.24
1.25
1.26
1.27
1.28
1.29

0.4942
0.4913
0.4884
0.4855
0.4825
0.4797
0.4768
0.4739
0.4710
0.4681

4939
4910
4881
4852
4823
4794
4765
4736
4707
4678

4936
4907
4878
4849
4820
4791
4762
4733
4704
4675

4933
4904
4875
4846
4817
4788
4759
4730
4701
4672

4930
4901
4872
4843
4814
4785
4756
4727
4698
4669

4928
4899
4870
4841
4812
4783
4754
4725
4696
4667

4925
4896
4867
4838
4809
4780
4751
4722
4693
4664

4922
4893
4854
4835
4806
4777
4748
4719
4690
4661

4919
4890
4861
4832
4803
4774
4745
4716
4687
4658

4915
4887
4858
4829
4800
4771
4742
4713
4684
4655

1.30
1.31
1.32
1.33
1.34
1.35
1.36
1.37
1.38
1.39

0.4652
0.4618
0.4583
0.4549
0.4515
0.4481
0.4446
0.4412
0.4378
0.4343

4649
4614
4580
4546
4511
4477
4443
4408
4374
4340

4645
4611
4577
4542
4508
4474
4439
4405
4371
4336

4642
4607
4573
4539
4505
4470
4436
4402
4367
4333

4638
4604
4570
4535
4501
4467
4432
4398
4364
4330

4635
4601
4566
4532
4498
4463
4429
4395
4360
4326

4631
4597
4563
4529
4494
4460
4426
4391
4357
4323

4628
4594
4559
4525
4491
4457
4422
4388
4354
4319

4625
4590
4556
4522
4487
4453
4419
4384
4350
4316

4621
4586
4553
4518
4484
4450
4415
4381
4347
4312

1.40
1.41
1.42
1.43
1.44
1.45
1.46
1.47
1.48
1.49

0.4309
0.4267
0.4225
0.4183
0.4141
0.4099
0.4056
0.4014
0.3972
0.3930

4305
4263
4221
4178
4136
4094
4052
4010
3968
3926

4301
4258
4216
4174
4132
4090
4048
4005
3964
3921

4296
4254
4212
4170
4128
4086
4044
4001
3959
3917

4292
4250
4208
4166
4124
4082
4040
3997
3955
3913

4288
4246
4204
4162
4210
4077
4035
3993
3951
3909

4284
4242
4200
4157
4115
4073
4031
3989
3947
3905

4280
4237
4195
4153
4111
4069
4027
3985
3943
3900

4275
4233
4191
4149
4107
4065
4023
3980
3938
3896

4271
4229
4187
4145
4103
4061
4018
3976
3934
3892

1.50
1.51
1.52
1.53
1.54
1.55
1.56
1.57
1.58
1.59

0.3888
0.3840
0.3791
0.3740
0.3688
0.3635
0.3580
0.3523
0.3465
0.3405

3883
3835
3786
3735
3683
3630
3574
3517
3459
3399

3878
3830
3781
3730
3677
3624
3569
3511
3453
3393

3874
3825
3776
3724
3672
3619
3563
3506
3447
3386

3869
3820
3771
3719
3667
3613
3557
3500
3441
3380

3864
3816
3766
3714
3662
3608
3552
3494
3435
3374

3859
3811
3760
3709
3656
3602
3546
3488
3429
3368

3854
3806
3755
3704
3651
3597
3540
3482
3423
3362

3850
3801
3750
3698
3646
3591
3534
3477
3417
3355

3845
3796
3745
3693
3640
3586
3528
3471
3411
3349

33