The measurement of earth-loop resistance

Regulation No. 507 in The Institution´s Regulations for the Electrical Equipment of Buildings calls for a measurement of the earth-loop impedance and gives a method by which this can be done. Several instruments have been devised and are available to carry out this test, but all draw their testing current from the mains and are thus liable to serious errors. Records taken with a recording voltmeter show that in most cases there is already a voltage drop in the neutral conductor, which is varying continuously and rapidly. It is shown both theoretically and by practical tests that instruments of this character can have errors under these conditions amounting to 100% or more. Any instrument intended to carry out these tests must be such that it will give the correct value despite the presence of the continuously varying voltage drop in the neutral. An instrument is described which draws its testing current from its own hand-driven generator and is free from these errors. The Regulation also calls for a measurement of impedance, but it is suggested that in most cases the difference between impedance and resistance of an earth loop is so small that an instrument measuring resistance will be sufficient.