Standardized Measurements for Elevated NEV Concerns

Abstract

The range of sources as well as the frequency components for elevated neutral-to-earth and metallic-object-to-earth voltage concerns make it difficult to have just one standardized measurement protocol. The measurement devices and procedures for assessing elevated NEV levels at animal contact areas, distribution substations, pipelines, swimming pools and other contact points range from harmonics analyzers to oscilloscopes to simple multi-meters. For energized street level metallic objects the measurement devices can range from simple pen lights to custom designed equipment, while the protocols vary from precise documentation of voltage levels to simple detection of energized metallic objects. We discusses the variables of interest surrounding accurate and consistent detection and measurement of any elevated voltage levels. This includes: instrumentation, time of day, seasonal patterns, and remote earth or ground reference selection points. Further, suggested initiation points for measurement protocols created via the standards development process are discussed. Efforts in the measurement protocol areas will insure that under situations where higher than expected voltage levels are present at human or animal contact points, the measurements taken to support these efforts are accurate and comprehensive of the range of elevated voltage that may exist at a given point