standards and guidelines for communication sites - Radio And ...

STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES FOR COMMUNICATION SITES CLAMP-ON OHMMETER TESTING PROCEDURE
D.4.3.3 SINGLE GROUNDING (EARTHING) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TESTING (OR EQUIVALENT)
For a site using a single grounding electrode system (or equivalent), perform test as follows:
1. Locate the grounding electrode connection outside of the shelter, or the single wire connecting to
the grounding electrode.
2. (See Figure D-7.) Clamp the meter around the grounding electrode connecting wire, making sure
that the meter is positioned at a location below any other utility connection (such as the telephone
company ground or a water pipe).
3. Set the meter to the Amps scale and check the grounding electrode for current.
If 5 amps or more are on the grounding electrode conductor, the test may not be able to be
performed due to the design of some meters. If the current on the ground wire is less than 5 amps, a
measurement may be taken if the meter does not indicate any noise or other errors.
CAUTION
Any significant current on the grounding electrode conductor could indicate a serious
problem and should be immediately investigated by qualified personnel.
4. Set the meter to the Ohms scale and note the reading; if no noise or other errors are indicated on the
meter, this is the resistance of the grounding electrode system under test.
Record the reading on the photocopy of the Clamp-on Ohmmeter/Ammeter Test worksheet (page
D-25).
68P81089E50-B 9/1/05 D-15