A device and method for assessing the condition of grounding electric elements

Monitoring the condition of grounding device elements ensures the normal operation of electrical installations of any type and purpose and ensures the safety of service staff. Developing a method and a device for diagnosing grounding devices in real time is relevant because of the significant progress in the field of digital computing and the development of reliable methods of wireless data transmission and the significant increase in publications on equipment diagnostics by conditions rather than by regulations. This article proposes a method for assessing the degree of corrosion of grounding devices as a function of soil moisture and the current that flows through them. To this end, an algorithm and a computer program in C++ have been developed. An inexpensive device is proposed to implement the collection, primary processing, and transmission of data on the state of grounding devices in real time to diagnose the condition of grounding devices. A functional diagram and its operating principle are provided. Data from current and humidity sensors are sent to the microcontroller on the device for primary processing, then, using wireless networks, the data are sent to automated diagnostic and dispatching systems. Such a diagnosis of grounding devices reduces the time and labor costs, and eliminates the use of expensive devices when assessing the condition of grounding device elements.