USGT-600 Manual

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USGT-600 GROUNDS TESTER

Operation Manual
C-00835 USGT-600 Rev. 2.2 (3-5-15)

Phone (828)323-8914
Fax (828)323-8410
Email sales@utilitysolutionsinc.com
Web www.utilitysolutionsinc.com
101 33 Street Drive SE · Hickory, NC 28602
rd
USGT-600 ACCESSORY ADAPTERS
Utility Solutions offers the following optional adapters
for use with the USGT-600 Grounds Tester:

15 Kv ELBOW
USGT-600-15KVELBOW
27 Kv ELBOW 27 Kv BUSHING SUBSTATION CLAMP ADAPTOR
USGT-600-27KVELBOW USGT-600-27KVBUSHING 15 Kv BUSHING
USGT-600-15KVBUSHING

NOTE: All adapters are CNC machined out of solid brass stock.

PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION


USGT-600-15KVBUSHING USGT-600 15 kV Loadbreak Bushing Adapter
USGT-600-15KVELBOW USGT-600 15 kV Loadbreak Elbow Adapter
USGT-600-27KVBUSHING USGT-600 27 kV Loadbreak Bushing Adapter
USGT-600-27KVELBOW USGT-600 27 kV Loadbreak Elbow Adapter
USGT-600-SUB USGT-600 3½” OD Substation Clamp Adapter

CALL your local Utility Solutions, Inc. representative, or contact us:


828-323-8914 sales@utilitysolutionsinc.com

Phone (828)323-8914
Fax (828)323-8410 U TILITY
Email
Web
sales@utilitysolutionsinc.com
www.utilitysolutionsinc.com
SOLUTIONS
101 33rd Street Drive SE · Hickory, NC 28602 Lineman driven. Field proven.™

2
USGT High Current Test Source
Specifications
Electrical
Input Voltage 120V AC
Nominal

Input Current 15 A AC Max

Output Current 0 – 600A AC


Output Compliance 2.5V AC

Duty Cycle 50% 15 min on; 15 min off

Meters
Ammeter .5% accuracy
Voltmeter .5% Accuracy

Safety Features
Thermal Overload Protection
AC Input Circuit Breaker

Dimensions
Weight 44 lbs
Dimensions 20 x 15 x 8

Optional Accessories
Elbow Adapter
Straight Stud Parking Stand Adapter
Direct Source Cables

3
USGT-600
High Current Test Source with REACHTM

The USGT-600 is a safe, new and unique high AC current source product for
testing personal protective grounds, molded case circuit breakers, and
mechanical jumpers. Using the patent pending REACHTM technology, the current
carrying cable impedance to the device under test can be effectively eliminated
allowing testing of substation ground mats, low impedance ground points and
other products or places where the driving cable impedances need to be
eliminated from the actual measurement. The USGT-600 provides a high current
output combined with a low output voltage for maximum operator safety. The unit
is also thermally protected from overload and provides a visual indication if
overload does occur. In most instances, simply reducing the output current to
zero and allowing the unit to cool and return to normal mode as indicated by the
overload light is all that is required.

The Resistance Extended Analog Check (REACHTM) technology allows the


operator to test individual components in personal grounding assemblies, sub-
station grounding mats and any device requiring an extended length cable by
using the supplied voltmeter extension cable assembly. Source driving cable
impedances are removed from the measurement allowing only that portion under
test to be accurately determined. The 600 A AC output current provides the
highest output current in a standard model device.

Safety First
Grounding jumper assemblies can be damaged by rough handling, long term
use, weathering, UV exposure, and corrosion and/or oxidation. This deterioration
may be physical and/or electrical in nature and the working condition of
grounding jumper assemblies can only be determined by a combination of both
visual inspection and electrical testing.

The test procedures outlined in Appendix A provide a means of determining if a


grounding jumper assembly meets the minimum electrical requirements. To
ensure electrical worker safety, grounding jumper assemblies should be tested at
regular intervals throughout their operational lifetime.

Inspection should always be preceded by a through knowledge of system ground


fault current capabilities, company policies, standards, and work practices.

Finally, the high current test source is capable of producing currents that
will quickly heat high resistance points or defective areas of cable, clamps,
and ferrules. These will become hot and could cause burns. The equipment
operator should wear proper hand protection when testing any assembly or
product.

4
A fault carrying ASTM grade chart for conductors and clamps is included for
convenience [See Chart 1]. Individual components of any protective ground
assembly should have the same or greater grade rating and should be verified
during inspection. The assembly grade rating is the rating of the lowest grade
component in the assembly (the weakest link). For instance, if the cable is rated
to grade 5 and the clamp is rated to grade 2, then the complete grounding
assembly can at best be rated to only grade 2.

Visual Inspection of Grounding Assemblies


Personal Grounding assemblies should first be inspected for kinks, pinches, flat
areas, or nicks in the cable, corrosion of the cable conductor or clamp and the
like. If the cable has a clear insulating jacket, the cable should be free of
corrosion and breaking of the individual stranding as this reduces the circular
cross section of the conductor and the ability of the cable to carry the fault
current for the specific time as outlined by ASTM F855-03.

The cable should also be inspected at the interface point to any ferrule, clamp, or
stress point for broken strands of cable. Broken stranding in cable can give an
ohmic resistance reading that “passes” a micro-ohm resistance check, but will
not withstand the required fault current or current carrying ampacity.
The most accurate and “true” test is to pass a nominal test current for the wire
size thru the cable and check that no cable, ferrule, or clamp heating occurs.

OSHA places two performance requirements on grounding equipment that can


not be satisfied by visual inspection alone.

Per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269(n)

Protective grounding equipment shall be capable of conducting the maximum


fault current that could flow at the point of grounding for the time necessary to
clear the fault. Protective grounds shall have an impedance low enough to cause
immediate operation of protective devices in case of accidental energizing.

Testing Personal Grounds


If the cable assembly to be tested has passed a thorough visual inspection,
personal protective grounds should then be electrically tested by attaching each
end of the cable assembly via clamp or adapter to the current output posts,
rotating the test current control knob until the corresponding cable AWG size test
current is reached and observing the voltage meter indicator. If the voltage
indication is below the specified reading for the length cable, the cable is good. If
the voltage indication is above the specified reading for the length cable, the
cable may be defective. Please refer to the section on inspection and trouble
shooting in Appendix A for additional details for determining grounding
assembly viability.

5
High Current Test Source Operation
1. Make sure the test unit is turned off and the current output control is rotated
fully counterclockwise (the min position).
2. Install the test connectors in the threaded isothermal terminal blocks on the
front or side panel. Use the supplied tightening tool to fully tighten the test
connectors (slide the tool through the hole in the shaft).
3. Place the voltage switch into the “normal” position.
4. Plug the female end power cord into the male 3 pin euro style power
connector on the front panel.
5. Plug the power cord plug into a standard wall 110V AC outlet rated at least
10 amps.
6. Determine the proper test current then connect the jumper, source cables or
ground assembly to the test connectors. Refer to Appendix E for Cable
Schematic. If testing a jumper or ground jumper assembly, measure to the
nearest 1/2 foot prior to attaching to test connectors.
7. Turn the power switch to the “ON” position and observe that the panel
meters indicate zero.
8. Slowly rotate the output current control clockwise and observe the ammeter
for the proper test current setting for the class/grade or wire size (Appendix
B).
9. Record the voltage reading on the voltmeter.
10. Rotate the output current control fully counterclockwise to the “MIN” position
before shutting the device off. Follow the test procedure instructions for
determining the Pass or Fail condition of the jumpers or ground assemblies.

Troubleshooting Failed Personal Grounds using REACHTM technology


Troubleshooting “failed” grounds may be accomplished by plugging the supplied
red and black auxiliary leads into their corresponding colored banana jacks and
placing the voltage switch to the REACHTM position. The voltmeter test has been
“extended” to allow individual components to be measured. By placing one test
lead on the isothermal block and the other on the clamp, the voltage drop across
the clamp may be measured. By placing the leads on each ferrule, the voltage
drop of the cable may be determined. This resistance reading capability allows
the operator to measure the various voltage drops of specific connections of the
assembly to aid in repair / trouble shooting of the assembly.

Please refer to Appendix C for the nominal voltage drop levels for AWG cable
size, test current, and clamp data. The charts are referenced by the cable sizes
and range from #2 thru 350 Kcmil sizes.

6
Additionally, breaker contact and any low impedance point can be measured
using the auxiliary leads. This method allows the actual voltage drop of the
component to be measured while eliminating the voltage drop of the current
supply cables giving a “true” voltage drop reading.

Testing Mechanical Jumpers


Most mechanical jumpers are only high voltage tested for the KV rating they are
specified. The high voltage test is only a portion of the test, as high voltage
testing only tests the cable for dielectric strength and not rated current capacity.
High voltage testing places a nominal high voltage, but extremely low current on
the cable for dielectric testing. A more through test will also test the cable at rated
current, but at a very low voltage for safety. The procedure is much the same for
the mechanical jumper as the ground jumper. If the cable assembly to be tested
has passed a through visual inspection, mechanical jumpers should then be
electrically tested by attaching each end of the cable assembly via clamp or
adapter to the current output posts, rotating the test current control knob until the
corresponding cable size AWG test current is reached (Appendix B) and
observing the voltage meter indicator. If the voltage indication is below the
specified reading for the AWG and cable length, the cable is good. If the voltage
indication is above the specified reading for the length cable, the cable may be
defective. Please refer to the section on inspection and trouble shooting in
Appendix A for additional details for determining mechanical jumper assembly
viability.

Testing Substation Grounding Mats using REACHTM technology


Testing substation grounding mats can be easily accomplished using the
REACHTM technology and a pair of high current cable assemblies (optionally
supplied). Connect cables to each side of the ground mat to test. Place the
voltage rocker switch to the REACHTM position. Connect the black and red
banana leads. These are the voltmeter extension jumper leads to allow the
REACHTM test technology to eliminate the sourcing cable impedance from the
test. Only the ground mat resistance will be tested at this point. Rotate the
current control clockwise until the ammeter reads nominal test current. If there is
no reading on the ammeter, re-check the connections to the mat. If there is no
reading on the voltmeter, make sure the leads are connected to the terminating
point of the current carrying cables.

The resistance of the ground mat may be found by the following formula:

Voltage Drop V, (in volts) = Current I, (in amps) * Resistance R, (in ohms) or,

R=V/I

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For example, take the voltage drop reading and divide by the current reading on
the ammeter to determine the ground mat resistance.
This resistance value will allow determination of the ground mat effectiveness.
One tip is to set the output current at a number easy to use in calculations i.e.,
100A, 200A, or 500A. The actual Amp setting will depend on the average AWG
of the mat conductor. Refer to your company standards and practices for allowed
resistance values.

Testing up to 600 Amp Molded Case Circuit Breakers


Molded case circuit breakers with ratings up to 600 A trip currents may also be
tested using the high current source. Connect the circuit breaker to the output
terminals via the optionally supplied cable extender leads and slowly rotate the
current control while watching the ammeter indication. The circuit breaker should
trip open and current indication should go to zero at the current level indicated by
the name tag current rating of the circuit breaker. Depending on the type of
breaker, the current indication at the trip point should be within approximately
10% of the nametag rating. If a higher or lower current reading is observed or the
breaker fails to trip, consult the manufacturer’s data sheet or specification for
further information.

Testing Certain Time-over-Current Relays


Up to 600A time-over-current relays may also be tested using the high current
capabilities of the unit. Additionally, a stop watch will be required for this test.
To start, connect the optionally supplied output leads to the over-current relay
under test. Make sure all current elements are connected per the manufacturer’s
data sheet. Rotate the current control knob until the ammeter indicates about
10% of the relay trip rating. Continue rotating the current control just until the
relay indicates “tripped” condition. Leave the current control knob in that position.
Turn the power to the high current source off. Reset the relay or allow the over
current relay to cool down as specified on the relay data sheet. To test the timing
function after initial setup, start the stop watch and power the high current test
source on simultaneously. Stop the stopwatch when the relay indicates tripped.
Consult the relay data sheet for the proper current curve and note that the
current as indicated on the high current source and the time fall on one the over-
current timing curves as specified by the relay manufacturer.
Higher current tests, up to 600 A may be performed for a 1.5 X trip, 2 x trip, etc.
for determining proper relay function.

8
Appendix A:
Inspection and Testing of Grounding Jumper Assemblies

The suggested sequence of inspection and testing of Grounding Jumper


Assemblies is as follows:

Auditing and Preliminary Inspection


A method for maintaining a log and serial number is recommended. After the
assembly is logged in and verified as a valid product and prior to electrical
testing, grounding jumper assemblies shall be visually and manually inspected
for: grease, grime, dirt, discoloration of jacket material, oxidation of clamp to
ferrule interface, oxidation of cable at ferrule interface point, cracked or broken
ferrules and clamps, exposed or broken strands, cut, mashed, kinked or flattened
cable, cable jacket damage (cut, cracked, swollen or soft spots) or any other
obvious conditions that would adversely affect the jumper performance.

If any of these conditions are found, the grounding jumper assembly shall be
rejected or repaired in accordance with the company corrective maintenance
and/or repair section listed below. If the assembly passes the visual check,
proceed to the electrical test section.

Disassembly and Cleaning


Disassemble the grounding jumper assembly and thoroughly clean all current
carrying interfaces with isopropyl alcohol and a stiff wire brush.
While some grounding jumper assemblies may pass the electrical test without
disassembly and cleaning, the goal is to return the assembly to the field in “like
new” condition. Remember, that the lower the resistance the lower the voltage
and current across the worker.

Reassembly
Reassemble grounding jumper assembly. All physical connections should be
checked for tightness with torque values as specified by the manufacturer.
Recommended torque values for the clamps are:

1. Jam nut for threaded ferrules, 20 ft/lb


2. Jam nut for pin ferrules, 28 ft/lb

9
Identify Cable Gauge and Grounding Jumper Length
Positively identify cable gauge and measure grounding jumper to the nearest
foot. For lengths not shown in the table, round the measured length up to the
nearest length shown in the table.

The pass/fail criterion is based on the total impedance value of the assembly,
which is typically higher than the established impedance values for new
assemblies. This increase in impedance is due the expected normal deterioration
of the assembly caused by aging, contamination and oxidation - particularly in
the contact areas of the cable ferrules and clamps.

The slight increase in impedance is such as to permit the grounding jumper


assembly to perform safely when subjected to the ASTM withstand fault current
values as listed in ASTM 855-97 (see chart attached).

Grounding jumper assemblies shall be tested in accordance with the operation


instructions furnished with the test device, making sure that the cable is laid out
per the manufacture’s recommendations.

Corrective Maintenance and/or Repair


Grounding jumper assemblies which fail the electrical test may require additional
maintenance and/or repairs including but not limited to, additional cleaning of
current carrying interfaces, tightening of physical connections, replacement of
cable, clamps and/or ferrules. Grounding jumper assemblies that fail the
electrical test after additional maintenance or repairs are performed, shall be
removed from service and permanently marked, tagged or destroyed to prevent
reuse.

Locating the high resistance area(s) is facilitated by the heating of these areas
due to circulation of rated continuous current through the cable under test. If
there are no apparent hot spots on the clamp or ferrule, the high resistance may
be further localized by using the patent pending REACHTM technology. Individual
components may thus be tested according to the method outlined.

Record Keeping and Marking


It is recommended that tested grounding jumper assemblies be marked with date
of test and test results be entered into a record keeping system. Along with an
individual serial number, length, and next test date; a complete history can be
established on a “birth to death” basis for the assembly. This methodology works
well for single ground assemblies as well as cluster assemblies with multiple
arms.
A sample chart is supplied in Appendix D.

10
In Service Care
Grounding jumper assemblies that have been tested on a scheduled basis and
returned to the field still require inspection and maintenance in the field. A visual
inspection prior to each use of all current carrying portions of clamps should be
made. If necessary, wire brush any oxidation built up on these surfaces. This
includes the ferrule to clamp connection and current carrying portion of the clamp
jaw. If a clamp with serrated jaw inserts is used, the insert should be removed
and wire brushed on both sides and reinstalled.
Remember that in a de-energized maintenance work procedure the grounding
jumper assembly is the only personal protective equipment available to the
electrical workers and that the safety of each worker is totally dependent on the
condition of the protective equipment used.

Insulated Bypass Jumpers


Flexible insulated bypass jumpers are devices use to bridge electrical circuits for
short periods of time at work locations when conductors or equipment may be
opened or electrically disconnected during normal work operations. These
insulated bypass jumpers carry both an electrical rating (dielectric strength of
jacket, KV) and a continuous current rating. While a dielectric test will confirm the
electrical high voltage integrity of the jacket; it will not confirm the current carrying
integrity, ampacity, since the dielectric test only circulates a very small current
through the cable. Typically this test involves applying only milliamps of current,
but thousands of volts to test jacket dielectric properties.

The high current test source will confirm the current carrying capability of the
insulated bypass jumper by virtue of circulating rated continuous current (up to
hundreds of amps) through the cable. Simply follow the directions for testing
grounding jumper assemblies and note the volt drop on the pass/fail chart of the
test set.

The recommended sequence of testing insulated bypass jumpers would be the


same sequence as those for grounding jumper assembles as above. The
complete test will also have the high voltage dielectric withstand test as yet
another component of the complete test to ensure the integrity of the jumper.

11
Appendix B:
Wire Gauge Assembly Voltage Drop Tables

Note: Appendix B deals with the acceptable voltage drops across the entire
grounding device while Appendix C deals with the voltage drops across the
grounding devices individual components (utilizing the REACH™ technology).

AWG Wire Gauge


#2 “1/0” "2/0" "4/0" "250" "350"
Test Current for Cable Gauge (AMPS)
200 250 300 400 450 550
Feet
1 0.162 0.184 0.214 0.258 0.285 0.332
2 0.199 0.212 0.242 0.285 0.311 0.356
3 0.236 0.240 0.269 0.311 0.337 0.381
4 0.273 0.268 0.297 0.338 0.364 0.406
5 0.310 0.296 0.325 0.365 0.390 0.430
6 0.346 0.324 0.352 0.392 0.416 0.455
7 0.383 0.352 0.380 0.418 0.442 0.480
8 0.420 0.380 0.407 0.445 0.468 0.505
9 0.457 0.408 0.435 0.472 0.494 0.529
10 0.494 0.436 0.463 0.499 0.520 0.554
11 0.531 0.464 0.490 0.525 0.547 0.579
12 0.568 0.492 0.518 0.552 0.573 0.603
13 0.605 0.520 0.545 0.579 0.599 0.628
14 0.642 0.548 0.573 0.606 0.625 0.653
15 0.679 0.576 0.601 0.632 0.651 0.677
16 0.715 0.604 0.628 0.659 0.677 0.702
17 0.752 0.632 0.656 0.686 0.703 0.727
18 0.789 0.660 0.683 0.713 0.730 0.752
19 0.826 0.688 0.711 0.739 0.756 0.776
20 0.863 0.716 0.739 0.766 0.782 0.801
21 0.900 0.744 0.766 0.793 0.808 0.826
22 0.937 0.772 0.794 0.820 0.834 0.850
23 0.974 0.800 0.821 0.846 0.860 0.875
24 1.011 0.828 0.849 0.873 0.886 0.900
25 1.048 0.856 0.877 0.900 0.913 0.924

12
Appendix B: continued
Wire Gauge Assembly Voltage Drop Tables

Note: Appendix B deals with the acceptable voltage drops across the entire
grounding device while Appendix C deals with the voltage drops across the
grounding devices individual components (utilizing the REACH ™technology).

AWG Wire Gauge


#2 “1/0” "2/0" "4/0" "250" "350"
Test Current for Cable Gauge (AMPS)
200 250 300 400 450 550
Feet
26 1.084 0.884 0.904 0.927 0.939 0.949
27 1.121 0.912 0.932 0.954 0.965 0.974
28 1.158 0.940 0.959 0.980 0.991 0.998
29 1.195 0.968 0.987 1.007 1.017 1.023
30 1.232 0.996 1.015 1.034 1.043 1.048
31 1.269 1.024 1.042 1.061 1.069 1.073
32 1.306 1.052 1.070 1.087 1.096 1.097
33 1.343 1.080 1.097 1.114 1.122 1.122
34 1.380 1.108 1.125 1.141 1.148 1.147
35 1.417 1.136 1.153 1.168 1.174 1.171
36 1.453 1.164 1.180 1.194 1.200 1.196
37 1.490 1.192 1.208 1.221 1.226 1.221
38 1.527 1.220 1.235 1.248 1.253 1.245
39 1.564 1.248 1.263 1.275 1.279 1.270
40 1.601 1.276 1.291 1.301 1.305 1.295
41 1.638 1.304 1.318 1.328 1.331 1.319
42 1.675 1.332 1.346 1.355 1.357 1.344
43 1.712 1.360 1.373 1.382 1.383 1.369
44 1.749 1.388 1.401 1.408 1.409 1.394
45 1.786 1.416 1.429 1.435 1.436 1.418
46 1.822 1.444 1.456 1.462 1.462 1.443
47 1.859 1.472 1.484 1.489 1.488 1.468
48 1.896 1.500 1.511 1.515 1.514 1.492
49 1.933 1.528 1.539 1.542 1.540 1.517
50 1.970 1.556 1.567 1.569 1.566 1.542

13
Appendix B: continued
Wire Gauge Assembly Voltage Drop Tables

Note: Appendix B deals with the acceptable voltage drops across the entire
grounding device while Appendix C deals with the voltage drops across the
grounding devices individual components (utilizing the REACH™ technology).

AWG Wire Gauge


#2 “1/0” "2/0" "4/0" "250" "350"
Test Current for Cable Gauge (AMPS)
200 250 300 400 450 550
Feet Voltage Drop
51 2.007 1.584 1.594 1.596 1.592 1.566
52 2.044 1.612 1.622 1.623 1.619 1.591
53 2.081 1.640 1.649 1.649 1.645 1.616
54 2.118 1.668 1.677 1.676 1.671 1.641
55 2.155 1.696 1.705 1.703 1.697 1.665
56 2.191 1.724 1.732 1.730 1.723 1.690
57 2.228 1.752 1.760 1.756 1.749 1.715
58 2.265 1.780 1.787 1.783 1.775 1.739
59 2.302 1.808 1.815 1.810 1.802 1.764
60 2.339 1.836 1.843 1.837 1.828 1.789
61 2.376 1.864 1.870 1.863 1.854 1.813
62 2.413 1.892 1.898 1.890 1.880 1.838
63 2.450 1.920 1.925 1.917 1.906 1.863
64 2.487 1.948 1.953 1.944 1.932 1.887
65 2.524 1.976 1.981 1.970 1.958 1.912
66 2.560 2.004 2.008 1.997 1.985 1.937
67 2.597 2.032 2.036 2.024 2.011 1.962
68 2.634 2.060 2.063 2.051 2.037 1.986
69 2.671 2.088 2.091 2.077 2.063 2.011
70 2.708 2.116 2.119 2.104 2.089 2.036
71 2.745 2.144 2.146 2.131 2.115 2.060
72 2.782 2.172 2.174 2.158 2.141 2.085
73 2.819 2.200 2.201 2.184 2.168 2.110
74 2.856 2.228 2.229 2.211 2.194 2.134
75 2.893 2.256 2.257 2.238 2.220 2.159

14
Appendix B: continued
Wire Gauge Assembly Voltage Drop Tables

Note: Appendix B deals with the acceptable voltage drops across the entire
grounding device while Appendix C deals with the voltage drops across the
grounding devices individual components (utilizing the REACH™ technology).

AWG Wire Gauge


#2 “1/0” "2/0" "4/0" "250" "350"
Test Current for Cable Gauge (AMPS)
200 250 300 400 450 550
Feet Voltage Drop
76 2.284 2.284 2.265 2.246 2.184
77 2.312 2.312 2.292 2.272 2.209
78 2.340 2.339 2.318 2.298 2.233
79 2.368 2.367 2.345 2.324 2.258
80 2.396 2.395 2.372 2.351 2.283
81 2.424 2.422 2.399 2.377 2.307
82 2.452 2.450 2.425 2.403 2.332
83 2.480 2.477 2.452 2.429 2.357
84 2.508 2.505 2.479 2.455 2.381
85 2.536 2.533 2.506 2.481 2.406
86 2.564 2.560 2.532 2.507 2.431
87 2.592 2.588 2.559 2.534 2.455
88 2.620 2.615 2.586 2.560 2.480
89 2.648 2.643 2.613 2.586 2.505
90 2.676 2.671 2.639 2.612 2.530
91 2.704 2.698 2.666 2.638 2.554
92 2.732 2.726 2.693 2.664 2.579
93 2.760 2.753 2.720 2.690 2.604
94 2.788 2.781 2.746 2.717 2.628
95 2.816 2.809 2.773 2.743 2.653
96 2.844 2.836 2.800 2.769 2.678
97 2.872 2.864 2.827 2.795 2.702
98 2.900 2.891 2.853 2.821 2.727
99 2.928 2.919 2.880 2.847 2.752
100 2.956 2.947 2.907 2.874 2.777

15
Appendix C:
#2 Cable Component Voltage Drop

Note: Appendix B deals with the acceptable voltage drops across the entire
grounding device while Appendix C deals with the voltage drops across the
grounding devices individual components (utilizing the REACH™ technology).

Test Current – 200A


Ohms per ft 0.000185 Clamp to Ferrule 0.031V
Ferrule to Cable 0.031V Clamp to Conductor 0.062V

Cable Length Cable Voltage Drop


(Feet) (Volts)
1 0.037
2 0.074
3 0.111
4 0.148
5 0.185
6 0.221
7 0.258
8 0.295
9 0.332
10 0.369
11 0.406
12 0.443
13 0.480
14 0.517
15 0.554
16 0.590
17 0.627
18 0.664
19 0.701
20 0.738
21 0.775
22 0.812
23 0.849
24 0.886
25 0.923
For longer lengths multiply by whole numbers.
Example: multiply 25 ft volt drop by 4 to obtain reading for 100 foot length.

16
Appendix C (continued)
1/0 Cable Component Voltage Drop

Note: Appendix B deals with the acceptable voltage drops across the entire
grounding device while Appendix C deals with the voltage drops across the
grounding devices individual components (utilizing the REACH™ technology).

Test Current – 250A


Ohms per ft 0.000112 Clamp to Ferrule 0.039V
Ferrule to Cable 0.039V Clamp to conductor 0.078V

Cable Length Voltage Drop


(feet) (volts)
1 0.028
2 0.056
3 0.084
4 0.112
5 0.140
6 0.168
7 0.196
8 0.224
9 0.252
10 0.280
11 0.308
12 0.336
13 0.364
14 0.392
15 0.420
16 0.448
17 0.476
18 0.504
19 0.532
20 0.560
21 0.588
22 0.616
23 0.644
24 0.672
25 0.700
For longer lengths multiply by whole numbers.
Example: multiply 25 ft volt drop by 4 to obtain reading for 100 foot length.

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Appendix C (continued)
2/0 Cable Component Voltage Drop

Note: Appendix B deals with the acceptable voltage drops across the entire
grounding device while Appendix C deals with the voltage drops across the
grounding devices individual components (utilizing the REACH™ technology).

Test Current – 300A


Ohms per ft 0.0000992 Clamp to Ferrule 0.047V
Ferrule to Cable 0.047V Clamp to Conductor 0.093V

Cable Length Voltage Drop


(feet) (volts)
1 0.028
2 0.055
3 0.083
4 0.110
5 0.138
6 0.166
7 0.193
8 0.221
9 0.248
10 0.276
11 0.304
12 0.331
13 0.359
14 0.386
15 0.414
16 0.442
17 0.469
18 0.497
19 0.524
20 0.552
21 0.580
22 0.607
23 0.635
24 0.662
25 0.690
For longer lengths multiply by whole numbers.
Example: multiply 25 ft volt drop by 4 to obtain reading for 100 foot length.

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Appendix C (continued)
4/0 Cable Component Voltage Drop

Note: Appendix B deals with the acceptable voltage drops across the entire
grounding device while Appendix C deals with the voltage drops across the
grounding devices individual components (utilizing the REACH™ technology).

Test Current – 400A


Ohms per ft 0.0000669 Clamp to Ferrule 0.059V
Ferrule to Cable 0.059V Clamp to Conductor 0.118V

Cable Length Voltage Drop


(feet) (volts)
1 0.027
2 0.054
3 0.080
4 0.107
5 0.134
6 0.161
7 0.187
8 0.214
9 0.241
10 0.268
11 0.294
12 0.321
13 0.348
14 0.375
15 0.401
16 0.428
17 0.455
18 0.482
19 0.508
20 0.535
21 0.562
22 0.589
23 0.615
24 0.642
25 0.669
For longer lengths multiply by whole numbers.
Example: multiply 25 ft volt drop by 4 to obtain reading for 100 foot length.

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Appendix C (continued)
250 kcmil or double 2/0 Cable Component Voltage Drop

Note: Appendix B deals with the acceptable voltage drops across the entire
grounding device while Appendix C deals with the voltage drops across the
grounding devices individual components (utilizing the REACH™ technology).

Test Current – 450A


Ohms per ft 0.0000581 Clamp to Ferrule 0.065V
Ferrule to Cable 0.065V Clamp to Conductor 0.130V

Cable Length Voltage Drop


(feet) (volts)
1 0.026
2 0.052
3 0.078
4 0.105
5 0.131
6 0.157
7 0.183
8 0.209
9 0.235
10 0.261
11 0.288
12 0.314
13 0.340
14 0.366
15 0.392
16 0.418
17 0.444
18 0.471
19 0.497
20 0.523
21 0.549
22 0.575
23 0.601
24 0.627
25 0.654
For longer lengths multiply by whole numbers.
Example: multiply 25 ft volt drop by 4 to obtain reading for 100 foot length.

20
Appendix C (continued)
350 kcmil or double 4/0 Cable Component Voltage Drop

Note: Appendix B deals with the acceptable voltage drops across the entire
grounding device while Appendix C deals with the voltage drops across the
grounding devices individual components (utilizing the REACH™ technology).

Test Current – 550A


Ohms per ft 0.0000449 Clamp to Ferrule 0.077V
Ferrule to Cable 0.077V Clamp to conductor 0.153V

Cable Length Voltage Drop


(feet) (volts)
1 0.025
2 0.049
3 0.074
4 0.099
5 0.123
6 0.148
7 0.173
8 0.198
9 0.222
10 0.247
11 0.272
12 0.296
13 0.321
14 0.346
15 0.370
16 0.395
17 0.420
18 0.445
19 0.469
20 0.494
21 0.519
22 0.543
23 0.568
24 0.593
25 0.617
For longer lengths multiply by whole numbers.
Example: multiply 25 ft volt drop by 4 to obtain reading for 100 foot length.

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Appendix D:
Sample Record Keeping Chart

Company: XYZ Power Utilities

Serial Number Original Next Test


Cable Type Initial Final
Date Date Length S or C Reading Reading
(Ft)
Pg-1023 3/14/2001 3/14/2004 6 S 0.23 0.25

SN2315 – A 1/15/2002 1/1/2005 8 C 0.31 0.32


SN2315 – B 1/15/2002 1/1/2005 8 C 0.3 0.33
SN2315 – C 1/15/2002 1/1/2005 8 C 0.32 0.33

Scrap 1122452 10/25/03 10/25/04 25 S .97 1.65

A Type Code of S denotes a single ground jumper assembly, while a Type Code
of C will denote a cluster assembly. Note that the number and lengths of the
individual ‘arms’ in the cluster assembly can also be easily tracked.

Cable assemblies found to be bad or not repairable may also be identified and
“scrapped” in the system.

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Chart 1 - Grounding Cable Ratings

ASTM F855 – Standard Specifications for Temporary Grounding Systems


to Be Used on De-energized Electric Power Lines and Equipment

CHART 1 - GROUNDING CABLE RATINGS


Short Circuit Properties (A)
Withstand Rating
Symmetrical kA RMS 60
Ultimate Capacity Symmetrical kA RMS 60 Hz
Hz
Grounding .. Continuous
Cable Size 15 cycles 30 cycles 6 cycles 15 cycles 30 cycles 60 cycles Current Rating
Copper (250 MS) (500 MS) (100 MS) (250 MS) (500MS) (1 s) RMS 60 Hz
#2 14.5 10 29 18 13 9 200
1/0 21 15 47 29 21 14 250
2/0 27 20 59 37 26 18 300
3/0 36 25 74 47 33 23 350
4/0 43 30 94 59 42 29 400
250 kcmil 54 39 111 70 49 35 450
350 kcmil 74 54 155 98 69 49 550

A. Withstand and ultimate short circuit properties are based on performance with surges
not exceeding a 20% asymmetry factor. Consult ASTM F855-03 standard for additional
information and complete specifications.

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