1380 Wall Street, Winnipeg
Manitoba, Canada, R3E 2S3
Phone: (204) 632-5342  
1-800-753-6355    Fax: (204) 694-9522
Email: info@getgrounded.com
  Home Lightning Protection

Designing Grounding Systems for High Resistance Soils

  Designing a quality grounding system is not only for the safety of employees but also provides the protection required for buildings and equipment. A quality grounding system from Western Lightning Protection will improve the likelihood of no damage from a direct lightning strike.

Western Lightning Protection use the Ground Resistance tester Model 3710 and the Model 4500
  The Model 3710 measures ground rod and small grid resistance throughout any season, without the use of auxiliary ground rods.

Clamp-on ground resistance testers are used in multi-grounded systems without disconnecting the ground under test. By performing measurements on intact ground systems, we also verifie the quality of the grounding connections and bonds.

Resistance and continuity of grounding loops around pads and buildings may also be measured.
  The Digital Ground Resistance Tester Model 4500 is designed for measuring very low resistance on large grounding systems, such as ground grids and ground mats. It rejects high levels of interference voltages at DC or 60Hz and its harmonics, and can be used under difficult conditions such as high stray currents or excessive auxiliary electrode resistance. The Ground Resistance Tester Model 4500 is a heavy-duty instrument ideal for maintenance crews performing numerous tests. The Model 4500 rejects high levels of interference, and can be used under difficult conditions such as high stray currents that normally affect accuracy. The Model 4500 may be used to perform the following test:
  • Three-point measurement of large grounding grids, counterpoises, ground mats, and grounded equipment.
  • Soil resistivity tests (4-point measurement), commonly performed by utilities at proposed construction sites. Using soil resistivity analysis, the size and complexity of grounding system construction can be evaluated. The Model 4500 will measure the resistivity of epoxies, cement, ground enhancement materials and many other substances.
  • Step or touch potential levels under true fault conditions can be determined by using the Model 4500 to inject a simulated low-level fault into an electrical system. When used in this fashion, the Model 4500 will display readings in volts per fault ampere.
  • Two-point tests for continuity tests on bonding or on pre-established grounds.
  A strike to an unprotected building can be disastrous. Lightning may hold up to 100 million volts of electricity when it strikes an object. It's force can be compared to a small nuclear reactor.

Lightning has the ability to rip through roofs, explode concrete walls and ignite fires. In addition to structural damage, lightning can surge through power lines causing wire damage, destroy nearby towers and trees and cause the destruction of electronic equipment.

To ensure proper protection...
  ...always getgrounded