Testing of above ground permanent connections in high-voltage power facility grounding systems

Measuring of above ground permanent connections electrical resistance may be a difficult task to achieve, when the high-voltage power facility is in normal operating condition. In order to improve the susceptibility to the power frequency interference in the measurements, we present a measurement approach, which utilizes the DC test current of 100 A through the grounding grid connections to structures or equipment. The main advantage of the proposed approach is reflected in the fact that we create an algorithm for detection of above ground permanent connection with high value of electrical resistance. The criteria for evaluation of poor connection are empirically derived. Field test results justify and validate the proposed approach.