Resistance of Earth/Ground Electrode

Dry dirt has higher resistance than wet dirt. Maybe the surface dirt is dry. Probably has less to do with compaction than humidity of the soil.

See the below thread for better earthing knowledge.

http://cr4.globalspec.com/comment/576932/Re-earth-pits

That's dirty. Shot with my own arrow. That's the pits.......................

The longer the rod, the more area of contact, the less resistance; especially if the increased length encounters some wetter portions of the soil. That's a Homer Simpson problem...doh!

It happens in very dry areas but much job is still required from U as to how the main earth pit was prepared. There are areas that will never improve in its earth electrode resistance because of its soil structure, areas of these nature will definitely require other forms of earthing or earth leakage protection.

I have witnessed two tanker load of water emptied in an earth pit in trying to improve the earth electrode resistance area, actually it worked out when the water completely seeped through the soil. The earth pit was now prepared and completed with the necessary material and when tested it came out fine. compacting soil is different from bonding of soil. Bonding will have to do with the binding together of the soil and the main earth electrode as one unit. Water plays a very important rule, any soil that can not retain water will have a poor earth electrode resistance.

Check Ur soil and see if water is needed as a result of the compacted area. U can try this by puring water from the main electrode to the auxiliary electrode points; leaving it for one hour before replacing the electrodes and taking another test. If its a good soil for earthing, U will have an improved reading. U can now prepare the earth pit by introducing enough water.

If Ur soil is sandy, try Protective multiple earthing or other form of earth leakage protection.

Dickson

The earth tester is designed to get the proper value with the given short spikes and not with any long rods. Use long rods, you will get lower reading and that will not be correct.