Ground Test Well Electrode Connection

[buddy91082]

Hello all.

At ground test wells that are part of a ground ring, is it typical to make the ground ring connection to the electrode in the test well with an exothermic or bolted connection? I understand that bolted connections might be preferred for Fall of Potential testing.

Thanks.
b

 

[rcw retired EE]

If there is a need to test the individual ground rods after installation and for future maintenance tests, then a bolted connection is needed to isolte the rod. Some specifications, like many of the US Army Corps of Engineer's specs, require thendividual tests. (The fact the the specified test method gave bogus answers due to the close proximity of the rods and grid didn't seem to make a difference).

An exothermic or compression connection cannot be easily removed for testing, so why have a test well at every rod? Just put one test well for access to the total grid.