| Test | Method | Acceptance Criteria | |------|--------|----------------------| | | 3-terminal or 4-terminal fall-of-potential method | ≤ design value (typically ≤ 1 Ω for LV supplies) | | Earth fault loop impedance (Zs) | Loop impedance tester at furthest point | Zs ≤ 0.8 × (Uo / Ia) where Ia = operating current of protective device | | Continuity of protective conductors | Low-resistance ohmmeter (200 mA – 10 A) | R ≤ 0.1 Ω (typical for short bonding runs) | | Touch voltage measurement | Voltmeter between exposed conductive part and reference earth | ≤ 50 V AC | | RCD testing | Dedicated RCD tester | Tripping time ≤ 300 ms (general); ≤ 40 ms for 30 mA RCD) |
SS 551 applies to most land-based installations in and around buildings. However, it explicitly cover: Ships, aircraft, or offshore installations. Earthing for medical equipment. ss 551 code of practice for earthing
The code provides detailed guidance across several critical areas: | Test | Method | Acceptance Criteria |