Soil Resistivity Testing Surface Layer Resolution

Soil Resistivity Testing 10 Common Mistakes

Soil Resistivity Testing is a critical process in Electrical Earthing Design, which is why it is essential to understand the common mistakes that can occur during this procedure. In this series of short posts, we will discuss the ten most common mistakes that are frequently encountered during Testing and provide practical advice on how to avoid them.

One issue that often arises during Soil Resistivity Testing using the Wenner Method is the lack of attention paid to measurements taken at shorter distances. Although this is not currently covered in any formal standard or code of practice, experienced professionals in the field are aware of its importance.

It is crucial to note that taking short surface soil resistivity measurements alone is not enough to provide an accurate soil model for Electrical Earthing Design. However, taking these measurements within the first meter spacings is essential in determining the accuracy of subsequent wider measurements. This is because without high-resolution data during the first spacings, the outputs can be misleading, leading to erroneous trending.

Therefore, it is important to pay close attention to measurements taken at shorter distances in order to obtain an accurate soil model and ensure the success of Electrical Earthing Design. In a separate white paper, we will discuss this issue in more detail and provide recommendations for how to approach this aspect of Soil Resistivity Testing.

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