Handbook: Measurements On IT Power Installation

installation
Measurements on IT power
HANDBOOK
www.metrel.si
Metrel d.d.; Ljubljanska c. 77; Sl -1354 Horjul; Slovenia
L1
230 V
L2
ZART
ALARM OK
IMD
UCSF
RE RE_GROUP
IFAULT
Measurements on IT
power installation
Version 1.1, Code No. 20 750 205
Measurements on IT power installation Table of content
1. Preface........................................................................................................................3
2. Fundamentals ............................................................................................................4
2.1 Main advantages....................................................................................................4
3. Related standards......................................................................................................6
4. Safety conditions in IT power supplies ...................................................................9
4.1 Normal operating condition ....................................................................................9
4.2 Normal operating condition (decreased insulation resistance).......................................10
4.3 First fault condition ...............................................................................................11
4.4 Double fault condition...........................................................................................13
5. Measurements..........................................................................................................14
5.1 Monitoring insulation resistance and earth leakages............................................14
5.2 Testing IT installations .........................................................................................14
5.3 Insulation test .......................................................................................................15
5.4 Continuity test ......................................................................................................16
5.5 LINE impedance test............................................................................................18
5.6 LOOP impedance test..........................................................................................19
5.7 RCD tests.............................................................................................................20
5.7.1 Checking the RCD operation .........................................................................21
5.7.2 Checking the protection effectiveness of installed RCD ................................22
5.8 Single fault leakage current test / Contact voltage measurement ........................24
5.9 Checking the actual alarm limit of the IMDs .........................................................27
5.10 Selective leakage / fault current measurements.................................................28
5.11 Earthing resistance ............................................................................................30
5.11.1 Three wire earthing resistance test with internal generator .........................30
5.11.2 Two wire earthing resistance test with internal generator ............................31
5.12 Rotary field check, polarity checks .....................................................................32
6. The Eurotest family of installation testers.............................................................34
2
Measurements on IT power installation Preface
1. Preface
The main objective of this handbook is to make the electrical installer more familiar with
measurements on IT power supply systems.
There are many differences between IT and the most commonly used TN and TT power
systems. It is similar with the measurements. Most of measurements are the same in
all three systems, but some of them differ significantly when performed on IT
installations. Few measurements are characteristic of the IT systems only.
Therefore electrical installers are often confused when they have to measure safety
parameters on an IT installation.
This handbook tries to explain which measurements are to be made in IT system, when
and in how they are performed. It will be shown that with modern METREL installation
testers all tasks related to safety of IT installations can be completed in a fast and easy
way.
Figures in this document are simplified. Installation components that are not relevant for
the described problematic are left out. Where the topic can be well described on base of
one-phase system the situation in three phase system is not presented.
More information about measurements in IT power supply systems can be found in
other METREL documents:
 Handbook “Measurements on electric installations in theory and practice”
 User manuals of METRELs Eurotest family of installation testers.
 Handbook “Insulation measuring techniques”.
Authors of this handbook hope that the reader will be better acquainted with
measurements in IT power systems after reading it. Feedbacks are highly appreciated.
Note :
This handbook cannot serve as a substitute for national and international regulations.
3
Measurements on IT power installation Fundamentals
2. Fundamentals
IT supply system is a power supply system where live conductors are insulated from
ground (PE) – it is an ungrounded supplying system. The system is without direct
connection to the ground (only different fault and leakage currents flow) or the
connection is provided through relatively high artificial impedance.
All exposed conductive parts of the electrical installation are earthed and connected to
the earthing point of the system (definition for IT supply system).
Beside the standard protection measures known from the TN/TT systems the IT system
can also include indication (fig. 1).
TN, TT IT
INDICATION:
- IMD
- RCM
- Insulation fault location
Fig. 1: Protection measures in power supply systems
2.1 Main advantages

Two main advantages of IT systems compared to ordinary TN/TT systems are:
 Since all live (current carrying) conductors are isolated from earth a first fault to
earth does not lead to the tripping of disconnection devices. The power
system is still operational, vital processes are not interrupted.
 Indication of power supply safety condition can be included. IMDs (insulation
monitor devices), ELMs (earth leakage monitors), RCMs (residual current
monitors) or similar devices are often installed in IT systems. They constantly
monitor the leakage and fault currents in the system and are trigger an alarm if
the insulation resistance drops below a predefined level. The insulation usually
deteriorates gradually (trough ageing, pollution, moisture). If monitored
permanently an insulation problem can be predicted in most cases before
troubles arise.
IT systems guarantee a higher level of fire protection than TN/TT systems because
alarms are triggered before high-energy fault currents and sparks occur (that can cause
a fault).
4
Measurements on IT power installation Fundamentals
These facts are very important. Furthermore, IT systems are deployed:

 Anywhere where working with flammable and explosive materials (mining,
chemical industry, pharmacy),
 In areas where the supply is not allowed to be interrupted (computer systems,
industrial processes).
Typical areas of use are:

 Medical surgery rooms,
 Emergency lighting in communal facilities,
 Mining industry,
 Ships,
 Computer power supply systems,
 Explosive atmospheres, chemical industry.
It has been proven that in these areas the number of incidents (power failure with
consequences, accidents, fire) is reduced because of using IT installations.
5
Measurements on IT power installation Related standards
3. Related standards
A) International standardization
Requirements for electrical installations
Some standards listed below contain special provisions for IT system while others are
valid for all supply systems.
IEC 61140, Protection against electric shock – Common aspects for installations and
equipment
IEC 60364 consists of the following parts, under the general title Low-voltage electrical
installations:
Part 1: Fundamental principles, assessment of general characteristics, definitions
Part 2: Void
Part 3: Void
Part 4: Protection for safety
Part 5: Selection and erection of electrical equipment
Part 6: Verification
Part 7: Requirements for special installations or locations
IEC 60364-1: Electrical installations of buildings - Part 1: Fundamental principles,

assessment of general characteristics, definitions
IEC 60364-4-41 to 44: Electrical installations of buildings – Protection for safety –

Protection against electric shock
IEC 60364-4-42, Electrical installations of buildings – Protection for safety – Protection
against thermal effects
IEC 60364-4-43: Electrical installations of buildings – Part 4-43: Protection for safety –
Protection against overcurrent
IEC 60364-4-44, Electrical installations of buildings – Protection for safety – Protection
against electromagnetic and voltage disturbances
IEC 60364-5-51: Electrical installations of buildings – Part 5-51: Selection and erection
of electrical equipment – Common rules
IEC 60364-5-52, Electrical installations of buildings – Part 5-52: Selection and erection
of electrical equipment – Wiring systems
IEC 60364-5-53, Electrical installations of buildings – Selection and erection of electrical
equipment Isolation, switching and control
IEC 60364-5-54, Electrical installations of buildings – Part 5-54: Selection and erection
of electrical equipment – Earthing arrangements, protective conductors and protective
bonding conductors
IEC 60364-5-55, Electrical installations of buildings – Selection and erection of electrical
equipment – other equipment
IEC 60364-6-61, Electrical installations of buildings – Part 6-61: Verification, testing and
reporting
IEC 60364-7 (all parts 7), Electrical installations of buildings – Part 7: Requirements for
special installations or locations
6
Special locations
Medical installations
IEC 60364-7-710, Electrical installations of buildings – Part 7-710: Requirements for
medical installations
Electrical installations of ships and of mobile and fixed offshore units

IEC 60092-201, Electrical installations in ships - Part 201: System design - General
IEC 60092-202, Electrical installations in ships - Part 202: System design - Protection
IEC 60092-401, Electrical installations in ships - Part 401: Installation and test of
completed installation
IEC 60092-501, Electrical installations in ships - Part 501: Special features - Electric
propulsion plant
IEC 61892-1, Mobile and fixed offshore units - Electrical installations - Part 1: General
requirements and conditions
IEC 61892-6, Mobile and fixed offshore units - Electrical installations - Part 6:
Installation
Installation testing and monitoring

IEC 61557-1 to -7, 10, Electrical safety in low voltage distribution systems up to 1000 V
a.c. and 1500 V d.c. – Equipment for testing, measuring and monitoring of protective
measures parts 1 to 7 and 10.
Special for IT:
IEC 61557-8, Electrical safety in low voltage distribution systems up to 1000 V a.c. and
1500 V d.c. – Equipment for testing, measuring and monitoring of protective measures –
Part 8: Insulation monitoring devices for IT systems
IEC 61557-9, Electrical safety in low voltage distribution systems up to 1000 V a.c. and
1500 V d.c. – Equipment for testing, measuring and monitoring of protective measures –
Part 9: Equipment for insulation fault location for IT systems
IEC 62020, Electrical Accessories – Residual current monitors for household and similar
uses (RCMs)
7
B) National standardization (some examples)
General requirements
BS7671 (UK), NEC National Electrical Code (USA), DIN VDE 0100 series (Germany)
Installation monitoring
ASTM F 1134-88, ASTM F 1207-89 (USA), UTE C 63-080/10.90 (France)
Special locations
Medical locations
DIN VDE 0100-710:1994-04, Amendment to DIN VDE 0100-710:1994-04, DIN VDE
0100-710:2002 (=IEC 60364-7-710), DIN VDE 0107, DIN VDE 0108 (Germany), NFC
15-100 (France), AS3003 (Australia), ÖVE-EN7 (Austria), TN 013 (Belgium),
NBR13.543 (Brazil), CSA Z31.1 (Canada), N.SEG 4EP79 (Chile), SFS 4372 (Finland),
TC10 (Ireland), CEI 64-4 (Italy), JIS T 1022 (Japan), NEN 3134 (The Netherlands),
NVE-1991-FEB (Norway), UNE20-615-80 (Spain), MED 4818 (Switzerland), MSZ 2040
(Hungary), NFPA 99 (USA)
Underground mining
VDE 0118 Protective measures in underground mining (Germany)
Ships
DIN VDE 0129-201
8
Measurements on IT power installation Safety conditions in IT power supplies
4. Safety conditions in IT power supplies
4.1 Normal operating condition

Figures 2 and 3 show single- and three-phase normal operating IT systems. Contact
voltages and leakages are below the threshold levels. IMD is installed and indicates
normal condition.
In normal operating conditions the impedance to the ground consists of:

 Capacitances and insulation resistances of supply wires to the ground (CLEAK,
RLEAK) 1 2,
 Capacitances between primary and secondary windings (CPRIM-SEC) of the IT
supply transformer 3,
 Impedances formed by Y capacitors (EMC protection) in mains section of
connected devices (CX, CY) 4 .
 Depending on application additional artificial impedance (ZART) to the ground can
be applied. Typical values of the artificial impedance are from 100  to several
10 kΩ 5.
By selecting appropriate transformer, installation cabling and optional artificial

impedance to ground the maximum leakage currents can be kept under the desired
threshold level.
CPRIM-SEC
3
L1
L2
1, 2 3 1, 2
5 cx
ZART
OK
IMD cy cy DEVICE
4
RPEC
RE
LEAKAGE CURRENTS
Fig. 2: Single-phase IT power supply system in normal operating condition. Paths of

leakage currents are shown.
9
L1
230V
L2
230V
230V L3
ZART N
ALARM OK
IMD
Fig. 3: 3-phase IT power supply system in normal operating condition
4.2 Normal operating condition (decreased insulation resistance)

Figure 4 shows a normal operating IT system with an insulation problem between L1
and PE conductor (RPOLUTION). The insulation / resistance is still above the limit value.
The IMD noticed that the insulation resistance decreases slowly and indicates a
warning.
In this case the advantage of IT system becomes obvious. The decreasing insulation
trend is recognized and the problem can be eliminated before it will cause any troubles
(danger, fire etc.)!
Typical reasons for decreasing of insulation resistance are ageing of insulation,
pollution, moisture etc. This can happen in electrical installations and devices. Sudden
shorts and other failures are not so often. Refer to METREL handbook Insulation
measuring techniques for more information about insulation.
L1
230V
L2
R
IMD t
RPEC
RE
Fig. 4: Normal operating condition on the limit. The fault current increases as the
RPOLLUTION decreases.
10
4.3 First fault condition

Figures 5 and 6 show a low resistance path between one line conductor and the PE
conductor through equipment failure. If the resistance drops close to zero ohms this
failure is called a single fault (or first fault).
Both systems are still operational and safe. The installed IMDs indicate the single fault
in system.
The IT power system in figure 5 has all exposed conductive parts connected by a
protective conductor to a system earth electrode. It has been converted to a TN-like
system due to the single fault condition.
The IT power system in figure 6 has exposed parts earthed individually and in groups. It
has been converted to a TT-like system.
Conclusions:
 Usually no dangerous contact voltages occur on exposed conductive parts since
the leakages are just slightly higher than in normal condition.
 The other live conductor is slightly more stressed because the voltage on it has
risen to nominal supply voltage. It is unlikely that this will cause any serious
trouble.
 If installed the IMD will trigger the alarm. The fault reason must be found and
removed as soon as possible!
 When the IT power system is converted to a TN-like system, overcurrent
disconnection device (fuse) will not react in single fault condition.
 Where the IT power system is converted to a TT-like system in case of a first
fault, RCDs should be installed. They will usually not trip in single fault condition.
If the contact voltage UCSF rises above 25 V or 50 V the RCD must trip out. As it
can be seen the ISFL currents are not much higher during the single fault condition
than in normal condition (only a half of the high impedance path is shorted).
Therefore the contact voltages almost always stay below the limit.
Note:
Sometimes (in larger systems) an installed RCD can trip out during a single fault
condition because of relatively high existing fault and leakage currents. There is nothing
wrong with the safety of the installation if this happens. It depends on the individual
application whether this is acceptable.
11
L1
230V
L2
DEVICE
230 V 0 V
IMD
ISFL1
RPEC UCSF
RE
IT TN
Fig.5: Single fault between L and PE conductors. IT system is converted to TN system.

Because of simplicity only a portion of the path for the fault currents is shown.
L1
230V
L2
IMD
RE
ISFL1
IT TT
Fig. 6: Single fault between L conductor and conductive part on earth potential. IT system is
converted to TT system. Only a portion of the path for the fault currents is shown.
12
4.4 Double fault condition

If a further insulation fault happens before the first fault is removed, higher and
dangerous fault currents occur in the IT power system. The disconnection devices must
react in the same way as in TN or TT systems. This means that the overcurrent
disconnection devices or RCDs must react in parts of a second (protection against fire
and dangerous contact voltages)! The system is not operational anymore!
If protection is provided with an overcurrent device the fault loop current (IPFC) must
exceed the breaking current of the installed disconnection device (fig. 6).
L1
230V
L2
ALARM OK
IMD
DEVICE
IPFC
RPEC
RE
Fig. 7: Double fault on IT to TN converted system, protection with overcurrent

disconnection devices.
If protection is provided with an RCD the fault loop current (IΔ) must be higher than the
RCD’s nominal current to assure the disconnection in due time (Fig. 7). It will be shown
later in this handbook that the position of the RCD is very important.
L1
230V
L2
ZART
IMD
RE
IFAULT
Fig. 8: Double fault on IT to TT converted system, protection with residual current device.
13
Measurements on IT power installation Measurements
5. Measurements
5.1 Monitoring insulation resistance and earth leakages

Insulation Monitoring Devices (IMDs), Earth Leakage Monitors (ELMs), Residual
Current Monitors (RCMs), and similar devices are permanently monitoring (measuring)
the condition of the IT system and trigger an alarm if the insulation resistance or
leakage impedance drops below or approaches a predefined limit. Some monitoring
systems are suited to localize the fault too.
Standards IEC 61557-8 and IEC 61557-9 define the specifications of monitoring
devices.
5.2 Testing IT installations

Beyond the on-line insultation/leakage monitoring different parameters must be
regularly measured on an IT installation. Portable installation testers are used for these
tests. Some precautions must be taken if measuring with standard installation testers
that are mainly suited for TN/TT systems.
New METREL testers include an IT system measuring mode that simplifies the
measurements significantly.
The standard IEC 60364-6-61 describes the measurements and tests that should be
performed on an electrical installation as initial verification. The standard includes IT
systems too.
For the requirements of measurements of safety measures for IT system as defined in
IEC 60364 standards, the standards of IEC 61557 series are defined:
 Insulation tests according to IEC 61557-2.
 Continuity of earth connection and equipotential bonding according to IEC
61557-4.
 Line impedance according to IEC 61557-3.
 Loop impedance* according to IEC 61557-3.
 Earthing resistance measurement according to IEC 61557-5.
 RCD tests* according to IEC 61557-6.
 Contact voltage measurements* according to IEC 61557-6.
 Phase sequence according to IEC 61557-7.
* These tests differ significantly from that in TN/TT installations. The tests and
differences are described in the following chapters of this document.
Other important tests are:

 Measuring of leakage/fault currents in the installation.
 Single fault leakage current measurements.
 Checking the actual alarm limit of the IMDs.
 Wall socket connection checks.
14
In order to meet the requirements of IEC 60364 some tests on IT systems can be
carried out only if an artificial single fault is made. The standards give no exact
information about this – detailed instructions do not exist yet. This handbook tries to
explain this topic.
Warning
The operator must be aware of that when an artificial single fault is created:
 The electrical installation is stressed through voltage increase on the other line
conductor,
 A second fault (caused by the measuring instrument itself or a failure in the
installation) during the single test condition can lead to the disconnection of the
power supply, safety problems because of impaired protection measures etc.
5.3 Insulation test

Typical measurements in IT system:
 Insulation resistance RISO between phase (live) conductors (L1, L2, L3) 1,2,3.
 RISO between each phase (live) conductor (L1, L2, L3) and PE (conductor,
terminals) 4,5,6.
Test conditions / limits:

 Installation switches should be opened (de-energized supply).
 Devices, appliances, motors should be disconnected or switched off (not
necessary if RISO is above limit with items connected or switched on).
 Test voltage 500 V.
 Limit from 0.5 MΩ up to several MΩ.
Suited for:
 Best suited for initial verifications before the installation is energized.
 Particularly suited for periodic tests on installations (result can be wrong because
of installed lamps and loads between line to line tests).
Note:
 The measuring procedure is the same as for TN/TT systems.
15
Connection diagram
L1
230V
2 3 4 5 6
L2
230V L3
Zartificial
IMD
PE
RISO
Fig. 9: Insulation tests
5.4 Continuity test

Typical measurements in IT system:
 Continuity RLOW of PE conductor between main potential equalizer (MPE) and PE
terminals (outlets, etc). 3
 Continuity RLOW of local equipotential bonding between PE terminals and bonded
conductive parts. 4
 Continuity RLOW of equipotential bonding between MPE terminal and bonded
conductive system (water, gas, lighting system, CTV). 2
 Continuity RLOW of main earthing connection between MPE terminal and earthing
probe. 1
Test conditions /limits:
 Test current must be higher than 200 mA.
 Limits are from 0.1 Ω up to 2 Ω.
Suited for:
 Initial verifications and periodic retests.
 Fast safety checks on energized system are possible.
 Checking of additional local potential bonding.
16
Notes:
 If the IT system is protected with overcurrent disconnection devices only this test
is especially important!
Connection diagram
L1
230V
L2
Zartificial
IMD
PE MPE
RPEC
2 3 4
R 200mA
Fig. 10: Continuity tests
17
5.5 LINE impedance test

Typical measurements:
 Line impedance ZLINE between phase (live) conductors (L1-L2, L1-L3, L2-L3) at
different locations, such as origin of installation 1, wall sockets 2 3 4 5 , device
terminals 6.
 Prospective short current IPSC between phase (live) conductors at different
locations: origin of installation 1, wall sockets 2 3 4 5, device terminals 6.

 Limits are up to several Ω, depending on installed fuse (view METREL
installation testers User manuals for more information). The latest METREL
installation testers have the fuse / limit base already included.
Suited for:
 Initial verifications and periodic retests,
 Fast safety checks of wall sockets, device terminals,
 Safety check in case of adaptations, prolongation of wiring, changing fuses etc.
Notes:
 The voltages between conductors differ from that in TN/TT system, besides that
the measuring procedure is the same as for TN/TT systems.
 The short circuit currents are flowing mainly through the live conductors as in
TN/TT system.
Connection diagram
RCD
L1
230V
L2
230V
230V L3
DEVICE
IMD
PE
2 3 4 5 6
ZLINE
Fig. 11: Line impedance tests
18
5.6 LOOP impedance test

The LOOP impedance test is applicable if the IT system converts to TN system during
the single fault and the protection is provided with collective earthing and overcurrent
devices (fuses).
Standard LOOP tests as in TN/TT system are not suited for IT systems in normal
operation. Only small leakage / fault currents would flow during the test.
A single fault condition (R0 Ω) converts the IT system into a TN like system. The
leakage /fault currents will just slightly increase despite of the fault.
In double fault condition the fault currents become high as they in TN system.
 Loop impedance ZLOOP between phase (live) and PE conductors (L1-PE, L2-LPE,
L3-LPE) at different locations, such as origin of installation 1, wall sockets 2 3 ,
device terminals .
 Prospective short currents IPSC1, IPSC2, IPSC3 between phase (live) and PE
conductors at different locations, such as origin of installation, wall sockets 1 2 3
, device terminals .

 Limits are up to several Ω, depending on installed fuse (view METREL
installation testers User manuals for more information). Latest METREL
installation testers have the fuse / limit base already included.
 A single fault must already be made before starting the test.
 The second fault is made by the instrument during the measurement.
U NOM
Z LOOP  Eq. 1
2  I LIM
I PFC  2  I LIM
Eq. 2
UNOM……nominal supply voltage

IPFC……..prospective fault current
ZLOOP…..fault loop impedance
ILIM…….current of the fuse that causes a disconnection within a safe time frame
2………conservative safety factor
Suited for:
 Initial verifications and periodic retests
 Safety check in case of adaptations, prolongation of wiring, changing fuses etc.
Notes:
 The fault loop path depends on the place of the single fault. A good practice is to
place the single fault at the origin of the installation.
19
 Factor IPFC in METREL instruments should be set to 0.5 for loop testing in IT
systems.
 If testing on working installation, consider possible consequences in case of
disconnection!
Warning
The operator must be aware of:
conductor during the single fault condition.
power supply, safety problems because of impaired protection measures etc.
Connection diagram
L1
230V
L2
230V
230V L3
SINGLE
FAULT
IMD
PE
2 3
ZLOOP
IPFC
Fig. 12: Fault loop measurements in IT to TN converted system- single fault inserted
intentionally by operator.
5.7 RCD tests

RCD tests can be divided into two subgroups:
 Checking the functionality of the RCD itself. With these tests correct operation of
the RCD itself is checked.
 Checking the contact voltages. With this test protection effectiveness of the RCD
is checked.
20
5.7.1 Checking the RCD operation
It is obvious that the RCD test current IN cannot be generated in an IT system during
normal operation and the RCD test cannot be carried out.
Therefore the simplified connection to check the operation of installed RCDs is
preferred 1.
 Disconnection time tN at nominal currents I x1/2, I x1, I x5.
 Trip out current I, trip out time t at nominal trip out current.

 RCD type (A, AC, B, general, selective) and nominal value must be considered
too.
 Refer to METREL installation testers User manuals for RCD test limits.
Suited for:
 Initial verifications and periodic tests.
 Fast safety checks of RCDs in the fuse cabinet.
Connection diagram
RCD
230V
230V
230V
IMD
RE
RCD
t,IN
Fig. 13: Simplified test of RCD operation – connection at the RCD
21
5.7.2 Checking the protection effectiveness of installed RCD

As described in chapter 4 RCDs are often used if the IT system converts to a TT system
during a single fault.
During normal operation of the IT system the RCD test current IN cannot be generated
and the RCD test cannot be carried out.
When a single fault condition occurs the fault currents slightly increase. In case of a
high earthing resistance the contact voltage UCSF could rise above the safety limit of 50
V. Usually the RCD test currents cannot be generated in a single fault loop.
The contact voltage at single fault UCSF test (on base of earth test RE and single fault
leakage current ISFL test) is better suited for checking protection effectiveness in a single
fault condition (described in chapter 5.8).
In double fault condition the fault currents become higher and RCD tests can be
performed normally. The protection effectiveness of the RCD dramatically depends on
the place where the faults occur.
Different fault combinations are analyzed in the table below. In actual situations the fault
paths can be much more complex so care must be taken when placing RCDs to ensure
their effective operation!
Position of RCD trips Condition for Safety condition for

1st fault disconnection effectiveness of protection
before
RCD
 - -
behind possible I N  I SFL 50(25)V  ( RE _ LOCAL )  I SFL  U CSF
RCD
Table 1: Effectiveness of RCDs in single fault condition.
Position of Position of RCD trips Conditions for Safety condition for

1st fault 2nd fault disconnection effectiveness of
protection
before
RCD
before
RCD
 - -
behind
RCD
before
RCD
 I N 
U NOM
RE _ LOCAL  ROTHER
50(25)V  RE _ LOCAL  I N  UC
behind
RCD
behind
RCD
 - -
Table 2: Effectiveness of RCDs in double fault condition.
UNOM……….nominal supply voltage

UCSF………..contact voltage in single fault condition (calculated)
UC………..contact voltage in double fault condition (measured with RCD test)
22
RE_LOCAL…local individual or group earthing (named RS, RE in testers)

ROTHER…….parallel resistance of other earthings that form the paths for returning
currents
ISFL………single fault leakage current (measured with ISFL test)
IΔN… ……RCD nominal current
 Disconnection time tN at nominal currents I x1/2, I x1, I x5 1 2 3.
 Trip out current I, t at trip out current 1 2 3.
 Contact voltage tests UC1, UC2, UC3 1 2 3.

 RCD type (A, AC, B, general, selective) and nominal value must be considered,
too.
 Refer to METREL installation testers User manuals for RCD test limits.
 Contact voltage UC and UCSF limits are 50 V for normal environmental conditions
and 25 V for aggravated environmental conditions.
 A single fault must already be made before starting the test.
 The second fault is made by the instrument during the measurement.
Suited for:
 Verification of newly installed local earthings.
 Verification of newly installed RCDs.
Notes:
 The fault loop path depends on the place of the faults and influences the
effectiveness of the RCD. A good practice would be to place the single fault at
the origin of the installation during measurement.
 If testing on working installation, consider possible consequences in case of
disconnection!
Warning
The operator must aware of:
power supply, safety problems because of impaired protection measures, etc.
23
Connection diagram
RCD
230V
230V
230V
ZART
SINGLE
FAULT
IMD
RE
2 3
RE_OTHER
RCD
UC
Fig. 14: Complete RCD test
5.8 Single fault leakage current test / Contact voltage

measurement
ISFL is an appropriate parameter for evaluating the effectiveness of the earthing in IT
systems that converts to a TT system during a single fault. The purpose of this test is to
check if contact voltages stay inside the safety limits during single fault condition. As
shown in chapter 4.3 the leakage/fault currents are increased by a certain amount
during the single fault and can rise above the limit values.
The calculated result UCSF1 returns the expected contact voltage in a single fault.
Typical measurements & calculations:

 ISFL1, ISFL2, ISFL3 for individual or group earthings
 UCSF1, UCSF2, UCSF3 (calculated) for each individual or group earthing
24
The earthing resistances of individual and group earthings must be known for the UCSF
calculation:
U CSFx  ( RE _ LOCAL  RPEC _ LOCAL )  I SFLx U CSFx  50(25)V Eq. 3
UCSF…………contact voltages at single fault on earthing (calculated)

ISFL………… single fault leakage current (measured)
RE_LOCAL… ...earthing resistance of each individual or group earthing (measured)
RPEC_LOCAL…resistance of PE conductor of each individual or group earthing (measured)

 Single faults must be performed during the test.
In a three phase system between L conductors, L conductors and PE conductor
(PE terminal).
In a single phase system between L conductors and PE conductor (PE terminal).
An A-meter must be placed in series with the single fault 1, 2. Alternatively the
single fault current in the local earthing can be measured with leakage current
clamp 3.
 Expected ISFL currents are in range of mA. The UCSF limit is 50 V for normal
environmental conditions and 25 V for aggravated environmental conditions.
Suited for:
 Safety check when that new wiring or devices (that can contributes to
leakage/fault currents) are added.
 Safety check in case that the protective earthing system was changed.
Notes:
 The single fault can be made between the live and PE conductor /PE terminal.
 RPEC can be measured with the Continuity test.
 RE can be measured with the Earth test.
 Performing the single fault is easy. Some METREL instruments perform the
single fault automatically during the test.
Warning:
power supply, safety problems because of impaired protection measures, etc.
25
Connection diagram
RCD
artifitial
single fault 2
ZART
mA mA
IMD
3
mA
RE
Fig. 15: Single fault leakage current with A-meters. Because of simplicity the measurement
is shown in a 1-phase system.
RCD
artifitial
single fault
is performed
IMD by instrument
RE
ISFL
Fig. 16: Single fault leakage current with some METREL measuring instruments. Because of
simplicity the measurement is shown in a 1-phase system.
26
5.9 Checking the actual alarm limit of the IMDs

IMDs and other monitoring devices usually include a self-test option for the alarm circuit.
The alarm circuit can be double checked by applying an adjustable resistor between line
and PE conductors.

 An adjustable resistor is applied between each L conductor and PE (earth
potential) 1 2.
 The response values of IMDs depend on application and are from several kΩ up
to several 100 kΩ. For IT systems in hospitals a frequently used limit is
55 kΩ.
Suited for:
 Periodic and occasional checks of IMDs and ELMs
 Adjusting IMDs
Notes:
 If other leakage (connected appliances) or fault current sources already exist
they must be considered. Otherwise the result could be impaired (the alarm will
be triggered faster then expected)!
 This test is included in some METREL instruments.
Warning:
conductor during the connection of the resistor.
installation) during the connection of the resistor condition can lead to the
disconnection of the power supply, safety problems because of impaired
protection measures, etc.
Connection diagram
L1
230V
L2
ZART
IMD
adjustable
resistor
2
RE
Fig. 17: Checking the alarm limit of the IMD device.
27
L1
230V
L2
ZART
IMD
, 2
RE
IMD
adjustable resistor
inside instrument
Fig. 18: Checking the IMD with some METREL measuring instruments
5.10 Selective leakage / fault current measurements

In chapter 4.1 leakage and fault currents flowing in a normal operating power supply are
shown. The currents increase with the size of the installation and number of devices
connected to it. If the sum of these currents exceeds the expected level they can cause
different troubles:
 Tripping of RCDs in normal operation or single fault condition.
 Alarm indication of monitoring devices.
 If the installation protective measures are improper, excessive leakage and fault
currents can even result in dangerous contact voltages in the system.
Installed IMDs and ELMs detect excessive currents but cannot localize the problem.
Different types of fault location systems (fixed, portable) are used for solving this
problem in critical applications.
A simple method for localizing excessive leakage currents causing problems is the
selective leakage / fault current measurement with current clamps.
 Selective leakage /fault current measurement ILF of the system 1, fuse circuit 2,
individual devices 3, earthing connections, etc.
28

 Installation must be energized.
 Currents in individual PE wires can be measured.
 If a device is considered as problematic it should be switched on/off or put into
different operation modes while measuring the current through its protective
conductor(s).
 Applied limits depend on the application. Some general hints can be followed:
- The current should be at least three times smaller than the rated IΔN of the
installed RCD.
- The current should be significantly lower than the set limit of the
monitoring device.
ILF < 0.25 UNOM / RLIM Eq. 4
ILF…………leakage/fault current
UNOM …nominal mains voltage
RLIM….set limit on the monitor device
Suited for:
 Localizing problems caused by excessive leakage/fault currents in the system
 Fast checking of leakage/fault current in the power system
Notes:
 The clamp current measurement could be influenced by near EM fields (high
load currents in line conductors, larger metal surfaces on high potential like in
fuse cabinets, etc. ).
 Some types of electronic devices (frequency converters etc) can produce DC
leakage currents. DC currents are not detected with AC current clamps!
RCD
L1
230V
L2
DEVICE
OK
IMD
RE RE
2 3
CURRENT
Fig. 19: Selective leakage /fault current measurements with current clamps
29
5.11 Earthing resistance

The best way to measure earthing resistance in IT systems is the so called 3-wire test
(see figure 20) with internal signal generator. This method is appropriate for measuring
system, individual and group earthing resistances.
The system earthing resistance is usually a substantial part of fault loop paths. It is used
for contact voltages calculations in combination with the single fault leakage current ISFL
(see chapter 5.8)
The easier so-called 2-wire test can be used if one can assure that there are no
connections between individual earthings or groups of earthing.
5.11.1 Three wire earthing resistance test with internal generator

 System 1, individual 2, group 3 and earthing resistance RE measurement with
three probes .

 Limit values :
RE_LIMIT < UCLIM / IΔN Eq. 5
UCLIM….system limit contact voltage (25 V or 50 V)

IΔN……..nominal current of RCD
Suited for:
 Initial verification and periodic retests of earthing system
 Safety check if earthing components are changed
Notes:
 The size of the earthing system must be known to place the probes at an
appropriate distance.
 If RE is too high:
- The earthing connection must be improved.
- Or an appropriate disconnection device must be installed that will trip out
during the single fault (complicated design).
- Or additional equipotential bonding should be provided.
30
Connection diagram
L1
230V
L2
ZART
OK
IMD
RPEC
E H H E H E
S S S
RE
2 3
EARTH
Fig. 19: Earthing resistance test
5.11.2 Two wire earthing resistance test with internal generator
 Individual earthing resistance RE measurement without probes 1.
 Group earthing resistance RE measurement without probes 2.

 For limits view Eq. 5
Suited for:
 Initial verification and periodic retests of earthing system.
 Safety check if earthing components are changed.
Notes:
 It must be assured that there are no additional connection (not intended for
equipotential bonding) between the measured earthings. An unknown connection
can lead to completely wrong results!
31
 If RE is too high
- The earthing connection must be improved.
- Or an appropriate disconnection device must be installed that will trip out
during the single fault (complicated design).
- Or additional equipotential bonding should be provided.
Connection diagram
L1
230 V
L2
ZART
ALARM OK
IMD
RPEC
E E H,S H,S
RE RE_INDIVIDUAL RE_GROUP
EARTH
Fig. 20: Earthing resistance test
5.12 Rotary field check, polarity checks

Typical measurements :
 Checking direction of rotary field on three phase outlets and device terminal 1,2.
 Fast checking of voltage conditions, polarity on wall sockets, terminals, etc 3.
Notes:
 The measuring procedure is the same as for TN/TT systems
 Voltages between phase and PE conductor differ from that in TN/TT systems.
32
Connection diagram
L1
230V
L2
230V
230V L3
ZART
IMD
PE
2 3
VOLTAGE
Fig. 21: Rotary field and polarity check
33
Measurements on IT power installation The Eurotest family of installation testers
6. The Eurotest family of installation testers

Eurotest IM Eurotest XE Eurotest AT Eurotest XA Remarks
IT voltage
symbols; limits,
IT system
    decisitions
mode modified for IT
system
Insulation between
Insulation  ALL terminals can
  
tests  be measured at
the same time
Continuity    
Line
(R) (R) (Z) 
impedance
Loop Measuring method
 (R) (Z) (Z)
impedance with current probe
RCD
operation    
tests
Earthing
resistance
   2 and 3 wire tests
with internal
generator
Rotary field    
Leakage/fault
  From 0.1mA
currents
Monitoring Adjustable resistor
device alarm     into L1-PE and L2-
check PE
Single fault
current /
ISFL1, ISFL2 in one
contact    
step
voltage at
single fault
34
METREL d.d.
Measuring and Regulation Equipment Manufacturer
Ljubljanska c. 77, SI-1354 Horjul
Tel: + 386 (0)1 75 58 200 Fax: + 386 (0)1 75 49 226
E-mail: metrel∞metrel.si http://www.metrel.si
© 2012 METREL
No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means without permission in writing from METREL.

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installation

Fig. 1: Protection measures in power supply systems

2.1 Main advantages

These facts are very important. Furthermore, IT systems are deployed:

Typical areas of use are:

IEC 60364-1: Electrical installations of buildings - Part 1: Fundamental principles,

IEC 60364-4-41 to 44: Electrical installations of buildings – Protection for safety –

Electrical installations of ships and of mobile and fixed offshore units

Installation testing and monitoring

B) National standardization (some examples)

4. Safety conditions in IT power supplies

4.1 Normal operating condition

In normal operating conditions the impedance to the ground consists of:

By selecting appropriate transformer, installation cabling and optional artificial

Fig. 2: Single-phase IT power supply system in normal operating condition. Paths of

Fig. 3: 3-phase IT power supply system in normal operating condition

4.2 Normal operating condition (decreased insulation resistance)

4.3 First fault condition

Fig.5: Single fault between L and PE conductors. IT system is converted to TN system.

4.4 Double fault condition

Fig. 7: Double fault on IT to TN converted system, protection with overcurrent

5.1 Monitoring insulation resistance and earth leakages

5.2 Testing IT installations

Other important tests are:

5.3 Insulation test

Test conditions / limits:

5.4 Continuity test

Fig. 10: Continuity tests

5.5 LINE impedance test

Test conditions / limits:

Fig. 11: Line impedance tests

5.6 LOOP impedance test

Test conditions /limits:

UNOM……nominal supply voltage

5.7 RCD tests

5.7.1 Checking the RCD operation

Test conditions /limits:

Fig. 13: Simplified test of RCD operation – connection at the RCD

5.7.2 Checking the protection effectiveness of installed RCD

Position of RCD trips Condition for Safety condition for

Table 1: Effectiveness of RCDs in single fault condition.

Position of Position of RCD trips Conditions for Safety condition for

UNOM……….nominal supply voltage

RE_LOCAL…local individual or group earthing (named RS, RE in testers)

Test conditions / limits:

Fig. 14: Complete RCD test

5.8 Single fault leakage current test / Contact voltage

Typical measurements & calculations:

UCSF…………contact voltages at single fault on earthing (calculated)

Test conditions /limits:

5.9 Checking the actual alarm limit of the IMDs

Test conditions / limits:

Fig. 17: Checking the alarm limit of the IMD device.

5.10 Selective leakage / fault current measurements

Test conditions / limits:

5.11 Earthing resistance

5.11.1 Three wire earthing resistance test with internal generator

Test conditions / limits:

UCLIM….system limit contact voltage (25 V or 50 V)

Fig. 19: Earthing resistance test

5.11.2 Two wire earthing resistance test with internal generator

Test conditions /limits:

Fig. 20: Earthing resistance test