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What is 4 pin soil resistivity test?

GeneralClass 12AllAnswered 27 Mar 2026
Answer

The 4-pin soil resistivity test (Wenner method) measures ground resistivity for electrical grounding systems:

Procedure:

  1. Four electrodes are driven into the ground in a straight line at eual spacing (distance 'a')
  2. Current is injected through the outer two electrodes
  3. Voltage is measured between the inner two electrodes
  4. Resistivity is calculated using: ρ = 2πaR, where R = V/I

This test is crucial for designing grounding systems, lightning protection, and cathodic protection systems. Multiple tests at different depths provide a complete soil resistivity profile.

General · Class 12