Ground voltage reference at the main panel

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Vincenzo Coccotti

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Detroit, MI
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Consigliere
What is the procedure for testing the earth voltage at the main panel? Im trying to establish a voltage reference to use as a comparison for verification that all my grounding points and metal structures are equipotential. Yes, I have seen Mike's videos on pool bonding, grounding, neutral to earth voltage, but they do not explain the procedure in a way that I can follow. Thank you.
 
What is the purpose for this testing? If the system has the required connection to the GES why the need to test anything?
 
Because I want to establish a reference to see if there is any voltage leaking into my property. But even it there wasn't and I wanted to do it for fun because I'm retired and bored, what is the issue? Why does Mike make the videos on the subject if its not important? The biggest problem I keep encountering is not being able to just get a straight answer. Either the procedure is so elementary that its a nonsensical question or its so complex that no one really had the answer.
 
Retired and bored okay fair enough question. What type of GES is the service currently connected to?
 
Vincenzo Coccotti said:
Because I want to establish a reference to see if there is any voltage leaking into my property. But even it there wasn't and I wanted to do it for fun because I'm retired and bored, what is the issue? Why does Mike make the videos on the subject if its not important? The biggest problem I keep encountering is not being able to just get a straight answer. Either the procedure is so elementary that its a nonsensical question or its so complex that no one really had the answer.
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Earth is constant. Neutral to earth voltages that you will measure are a result of voltage drop on the neutral conductor.

If current is flowing in a conductor there is a voltage across that conductor.

If the voltage measured is because of VD on POCO primary, you will have same voltage to earth at multiple buildings even when there is no load on the supply neutral, that voltage isn't going away without POCO making some changes or some sort of isolation of secondary system from the primary MGN.
 
Vincenzo Coccotti said:
Because I want to establish a reference to see if there is any voltage leaking into my property. But even it there wasn't and I wanted to do it for fun because I'm retired and bored, what is the issue? Why does Mike make the videos on the subject if its not important? The biggest problem I keep encountering is not being able to just get a straight answer. Either the procedure is so elementary that its a nonsensical question or its so complex that no one really had the answer.
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When we ask questions before answering one, it's often because the question is asked in such a way that there is more than one way to answer it, and we want the response we give you to accurately provide the information you really want.
 
Mike measures the voltage of the electrical grounding system to remote earth, commonly defined as an connection to earth at least 50' from any other electrode. You compare the voltage from the point under test to the voltage measured from the location of the main bonding jumper to the remote earth connection. Since this voltage is a dynamic number affected by loads both on the primary and secondary grounded conductors, you really need two meters and take the measurements at the same time. Everything that is connected to the electrical grounding and bonding system should have the same voltage. If there is a difference between various test points, there may be a bonding issue.
 
We need the original poster to update his occupation and how you are related to the electrical trade. Send msg to any moderator when done
 
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