IEC 62561-7:2024

Lightning protection system components (LPSC) - Part 7: Requirements for earthing enhancing compounds

IEC 62561-7:2024 specifies the requirements and tests for earthing enhancing compounds producing low resistance of an earth termination system. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2018. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) Figure A.1 has been replaced with a simpler one that clearly shows the high and low corrosion load limits of the earth enhancing compounds without the need for special knowledge;
b) pH measurement has been introduced.

Composants des systèmes de protection contre la foudre (CSPF) - Partie 7: Exigences pour les enrichisseurs de terre

L'IEC 62561-7:2024 spécifie les exigences et les essais pour les enrichisseurs de terre qui génèrent une faible résistance d'un réseau de prises de terre. Cette troisième édition annule et remplace la deuxième édition parue en 2018. Cette édition constitue une révision technique.
Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente:
a) la Figure A.1 a été remplacée par une figure plus simple, qui indique clairement les limites haute et basse de la force corrosive des enrichisseurs de terre sans nécessiter aucune connaissance particulière;
b) le mesurage du pH a été ajouté.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 21-Feb-2024
• ICS: 29.020 - Electrical engineering in general
• ICS: 91.120.40 - Lightning protection
• Technical Committee: TC 81 - Lightning protection
• Drafting Committee: MT 14 - TC 81/MT 14
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 22-Feb-2024
• Completion Date: 15-Mar-2024

Relations

• Revises: IEC 62561-7:2018 - Lightning protection system components (LPSC) - Part 7: Requirements for earthing enhancing compounds
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 62561-7:2024 - Lightning protection system components (LPSC) - Part 7 - specifies the requirements and test methods for earthing enhancing compounds (EECs) used to produce low resistance of an earth termination system. This third edition (2024) replaces the 2018 edition and introduces technical revisions including a simplified corrosion‑load figure and the addition of pH measurement as a required test parameter. The standard is intended for use with LPSC designed and implemented in accordance with the IEC 62305 series.

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard defines mandatory requirements, test procedures and documentation for earthing enhancing compounds, including:

• Scope and definitions for EECs and related terms (e.g., aggressive vs non‑aggressive compounds).
• Material and marking requirements and the content of manufacturer’s instructions and installation guidance.
• A comprehensive set of tests, such as:
  • Leaching test to determine leachable ions (compliance and environmental considerations).
  • Sulfur determination (reference to ISO methods).
  • Resistivity measurement using four‑electrode/Wenner methods (referenced ASTM standards).
  • pH measurement, newly introduced in this edition to characterize aggressiveness and suitability.
  • Corrosion tests to assess corrosive load and compatibility with buried electrodes.
• Acceptance criteria and the required structure and content of a test report (specimen description, test methods, equipment and results).
• Normative references to associated standards (ISO, EN, ASTM) for specific test methods and procedures.

Practical applications and who uses the standard

IEC 62561-7:2024 is used to ensure reliable, durable, and safe earthing when implementing lightning protection and earthing systems. Typical users include:

• Manufacturers of earthing enhancing compounds and conductive grouts - for product development, testing and certification.
• Test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies - to perform standardized resistivity, leaching, pH and corrosion tests and produce compliant test reports.
• Design engineers and consultants specifying earthing materials for buildings, substations, towers and renewable‑energy installations.
• Installers and contractors who need manufacturer’s instructions and marking requirements to ensure proper on‑site use.
• Asset owners and procurement teams requiring validated product performance for long‑term earthing effectiveness and corrosion control.

Related standards

• IEC 62305 (Lightning protection design)
• ISO 4689‑3 (sulfur determination)
• ISO 14869‑1 (soil dissolution for total element content)
• EN 12457‑2 / EN 16192 (leaching and eluate analysis)
• ASTM G57 / G59 / G102 (soil resistivity and corrosion measurement)

IEC 62561-7:2024 helps stakeholders select, test and document earthing enhancing compounds to reduce earth termination resistance while addressing environmental leaching, pH and corrosion effects-supporting safer, more durable lightning protection systems.

Standards Content (Sample)

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Lightning protection system components (LPSC) –
Part 7: Requirements for earthing enhancing compounds

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IEC 62561-7 ®
Edition 3.0 2024-02
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Lightning protection system components (LPSC) –
Part 7: Requirements for earthing enhancing compounds
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 29.020, 91.120.40 ISBN 978-2-8322-8353-0

– 2 – IEC 62561-7:2024 RLV © IEC 2024
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Requirements . 8
4.1 General . 8
4.2 Documentation and installation instructions . 8
4.3 Material . 9
4.4 Marking . 9
5 Tests . 9
5.1 General . 9
5.2 Leaching test . 10
5.2.1 General . 10
5.2.2 Determination of leachable ions . 10
5.2.3 Passing Acceptance criteria . 10
5.3 Sulphur determination . 10
5.3.1 General . 10
5.3.2 Passing Acceptance criteria . 10
5.4 Determination of resistivity . 10
5.4.1 General . 10
5.4.2 Testing apparatus . 11
5.4.3 Test procedure . 12
5.4.4 Passing Acceptance . 13
5.5 pH measurement. 13
5.5.1 General . 13
5.5.2 Testing apparatus – Reagents . 13
5.5.3 Material preparation . 13
5.5.4 Test procedure . 14
5.5.5 Acceptance criteria . 14
5.6 Corrosion tests . 14
5.6.1 General . 14
5.6.2 Test apparatus . 14
5.6.3 Test preparation . 14
5.6.4 Test procedure . 15
5.6.5 Passing Acceptance . 15
5.7 Documentation and installation instructions . 15
5.8 Marking and indications . 15
6 Structure and content of the test report . 16
6.1 General . 16
6.2 Report identification . 16
6.3 Specimen description . 16
6.4 Standards and references . 17
6.5 Test procedure . 17
6.6 Testing equipment description . 17
6.7 Measuring instruments description . 17

6.8 Results and parameters recorded . 17
6.8.1 Measured, observed or derived results . 17
6.8.2 Statement of pass or fail . 17
Annex A (informative) Corrosion load . 18
Annex B (normative) Applicability of previous tests . 20
Bibliography . 21

Figure 1 – Typical configurations for a four-electrode soil box . 12
Figure A.1 – Corrosion load (free corrosion without concentration cell) . 19

Table B.1 – Differences in the requirements for earthing enhancing compounds
complying with IEC 62561-7:2011 or IEC 62561-7:2018 . 20

– 4 – IEC 62561-7:2024 RLV © IEC 2024
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM COMPONENTS (LPSC) –

Part 7: Requirements for earthing enhancing compounds

FOREWORD
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
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9) IEC draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
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the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at https://patents.iec.ch. IEC
shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This redline version of the official IEC Standard allows the user to identify the changes
made to the previous edition IEC 62561-7:2018. A vertical bar appears in the margin
wherever a change has been made. Additions are in green text, deletions are in
strikethrough red text.
IEC 62561-7 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 81: Lightning protection. It is an
International Standard.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2018. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) Figure A.1 has been replaced with a simpler one that clearly shows the high and low
corrosion load limits of the earth enhancing compounds without the need for special
knowledge;
b) pH measurement has been introduced.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
81/755/FDIS 81/761/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
A list of all parts in the IEC 62561 series, published under the general title Lightning protection
system components (LPSC), can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn, or
• revised.
IMPORTANT – The "colour inside" logo on the cover page of this document indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understanding
of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a colour printer.

– 6 – IEC 62561-7:2024 RLV © IEC 2024
INTRODUCTION
This part of IEC 62561 deals with the requirements and tests for earthing enhancing compounds
used as lightning protection system components (LPSC) designed and implemented in
accordance with the IEC 62305 series.

LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM COMPONENTS (LPSC) –

Part 7: Requirements for earthing enhancing compounds

1 Scope
This part of IEC 62561 specifies the requirements and tests for earthing enhancing compounds
producing low resistance of an earth termination system.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
ISO 4689-3, Iron ores – Determination of sulfur content – Part 3: Combustion/infrared method
ISO 14869-1, Soil quality – Dissolution for the determination of total element content – Part 1:
Dissolution with hydrofluoric and perchloric acids
EN 12457-2, Characterisation of waste – Leaching – Compliance test for leaching of granular
waste materials and sludges – Part 2: One stage batch test at a liquid to solid ratio of 10 l/kg
for materials with particle size below 4 mm (without or with size reduction)
EN 16192, Characterization of waste – analysis of eluates
CEN/TR 16192, Waste – Guidance on analysis of eluates
ASTM G57-06, Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Soil Resistivity, Using the
Wenner, Four-Electrode Method
ASTM G57-20, Standard Test Method for Measurement of Soil Resistivity Using the Wenner
Four-Electrode Method
ASTM G59-97, Standard Test Method for Conducting Potentiodynamic Polarization Resistance
Measurements
ASTM G102-89, Standard Practice for Calculation of Corrosion Rates and Related Information
from Electrochemical Measurements
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp

– 8 – IEC 62561-7:2024 RLV © IEC 2024
3.1
earthing enhancing compound
EEC
conductive compound producing low resistance of an earth termination system
low resistivity compound that is intended to lower the resistance to earth of an earth termination
system when added between the buried earth electrode and the surrounding soil
3.2
manufacturer's instructions
supplier's instructions
written instructions provided by the manufacturer or the supplier in his documentation
Note 1 to entry: See 4.2.
3.2
leaching test
test during which the earthing enhancing compound is put into contact with a leachant and some
constituents of the material are extracted
3.4
corrosive load
sum of all the effects of a corrosive environment
3.3
aggressive EEC
compound characterized by a pH value and resistivity within the range specified in Annex A
3.4
non-aggressive EEC
compound characterized by a pH value and resistivity within the range specified in Annex A
4 Requirements
4.1 General
Earthing enhancing compounds shall be so designed and constructed that in normal use their
performance is reliable and without danger to persons and the surrounding environment.
The choice of a material depends on its ability to match the requirements of a particular
application.
NOTE National regulations can apply.
4.2 Documentation and installation instructions
The manufacturer or supplier of the earthing enhancing compounds shall provide adequate
information in his literature to ensure that the installer can select and install the materials in a
suitable and safe manner, containing the following information:
a) preparation instructions;
a) installation instructions;
b) resistivity value and the test method used;
c) conformity statement to the present document (IEC 62561-7).
Compliance is checked by inspection in accordance with 5.7.

The manufacturer’s literature shall contain information on how to maintain the characteristics
of the earthing enhancing compound so it remains stable over time.
4.3 Material
The material of the earthing enhancing compound shall be chemically inert to subsoil. It shall
not pollute the environment. It shall provide a stable environment in terms of physical and
chemical properties and exhibit low resistivity. The earthing enhancing compound shall not be
corrosive to the earth electrodes being used.
Compliance is checked by the tests specified in 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5 and 5.6.
4.4 Marking
All products complying with this document shall be marked have indelible markings containing
at least with the following information:
a) manufacturer's or responsible vendor's name or its trademark;
b) any identifying symbol;
c) the type or the serial number of the batch of the earthing enhancing compound;
d) the resistivity value;
e) the pH value.
Where this proves to be impractical the marking in accordance with c), d) and e) may be given
on the accompanying documentation.
The marking should be given on the packing unit packaging.
Compliance is checked in accordance with 5.8.
5 Tests
5.1 General
The tests in accordance with this document are type tests. These tests are of such a nature
that, after they have been performed, it is not necessary to repeat them unless changes are
made to the materials, design or type of manufacturing process, which can change the
performance characteristics of the product.
Tests are carried out with the specimens prepared as in normal use according to the
manufacturer's or supplier's instructions, unless otherwise specified.
All tests are carried out on new specimens.
NOTE Three samples are subjected to each individual test and the requirements are satisfied
if all the criteria are met, unless otherwise specified.
The applicant, when submitting the material to be tested, can also submit an additional quantity
which could be necessary should one test fail. The testing station laboratory will then, without
further request, repeat the test and will reject the samples only if a further failure occurs. If the
additional sample is not submitted at the same time, the failure of one test will entail rejection.
For EECs already tested according to IEC 62561-7 the applicability of previous tests according
to Annex B can be applied.
For new components complete type tests and samples according to Clause 5 are required.

– 10 – IEC 62561-7:2024 RLV © IEC 2024
5.2 Leaching test
5.2.1 General
The leaching test shall be performed in accordance with EN 12457-2 in order to determine the
content of:
• Fe (iron);
• Cu (copper);
• Zn (zinc);
• Ni (nickel);
• Cd (cadmium);
• Co (cobalt);
• Pb (lead).
5.2.2 Determination of leachable ions
Determination of the concentrations of any or all of the metals listed in 5.2.1 shall be performed
in accordance with EN CEN/TR 16192.
5.2.3 Passing Acceptance criteria
The criteria are given by national or international regulations.
5.3 Sulphur determination
5.3.1 General
Test for the determination of sulphur shall be performed according to ISO 4689-3 or ISO 14869-
1 and the adapted analyses instrumentation (ICP-OES, ICP-AES or other ICP methods).
The test for the determination of sulphur shall be performed in accordance with ISO 4689-
3:2017 that specifies a combustion and infrared method, using a high-frequency induction
furnace, for the combustion of the sample and infrared technique for the determination of the
sulphur content.
5.3.2 Passing Acceptance criteria
The material is deemed to have passed the test if all the values measured according to 5.3.1
are less than 2 % in sulphur content. The recorded value of sulphur resulting from this test
result shall be indicated in the product documentation.
5.4 Determination of resistivity
5.4.1 General
The four-electrode method shall be used to measure determine the resistivity of earthing
enhancing compounds as described in ASTM G57-0620. Representative samples of the
materials shall be taken from a typical package packaging as provided by the manufacturer and
prepared in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Three samples of the earthing
enhancement material shall be tested in a four-electrode soil box.
With the four-electrode method, a voltage is applied to the outer electrodes, which causes
current to flow. The resulting voltage drop between the inner electrodes is measured using a
voltmeter, and the resulting resistance is calculated. The resistance of the material can also be
measured directly.
The resistance of each earthing enhancing compound sample shall be converted to the
resistivity value using the following formula:
R ×A
ρ = (1)
a
where
ρ is the sample resistivity (Ω · m);
R is the resistance (Ω);
A is the cross-sectional area of the container perpendicular to the current flow (m );
a is the inner electrode spacing, measured from the inner edges of the electrodes (m).
5.4.2 Testing apparatus
The following apparatus are permitted to be used:
a) Any reliable commercially available earth resistance meter having two current and two
voltage terminals or a low frequency AC source, a high input impedance voltmeter and
ammeter. Typical connections for use of a soil box with various types of instruments are
shown in Figure 1.
a) Four-electrode soil box, made of an inert non-conductive material with four permanently
mounted electrodes manufactured of mild or stainless steel. Soil boxes are commercially
available or can be constructed in various sizes, as long as the inside dimensions are
known.
b) Connecting cables.
– 12 – IEC 62561-7:2024 RLV © IEC 2024

Key
1 soil box
2 ammeter
3 voltmeter
4 earth resistance meter
Figure 1 – Typical configurations for a four-electrode soil box
5.4.3 Test procedure
• The earthing enhancing compound shall be prepared in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions. If the material is to be installed as provided, with no preparation required, the
earthing enhancing compound shall be tested as received.
• The resistivity resistance measurements shall be taken after the elapsed time, as specified
by the manufacturer, to allow for curing or maturing if required.
• The sample of the earthing enhancing compounds shall be placed in the soil box in a manner
to ensure good constant electrical contact between the earth enhancing compound and the
electrodes. For solid materials, a standard 100 N/m force pressure should be applied
evenly to the surface of the material under test within the soil box for a period of 1 h and be
maintained during the resistance measurement.
• The resistance R of the samples shall be measured using the earth resistance meter or
technical method (derived from current and voltage measurements) and the resistivity of
each sample shall be calculated in accordance with 5.4.1.
• The tests shall be carried out at an ambient temperature in the range of +15 °C to +25 °C.
The temperature at the time of measurement shall be recorded.

NOTE 1 Both the pressure applied and the moisture level of the sample under test will affect the test results.
NOTE 2 For certain materials, it is possible that the method described in 5.4 is not the most appropriate and that
other methods are more desirable. This is under consideration.
5.4.4 Passing Acceptance criteria
The specimens are deemed to have passed the tests if the obtained resistivity value from the
three samples are equal to or less than the resistivity value claimed by the manufacturer.
5.5 pH measurement
5.5.1 General
This test covers the procedure for determining the pH of slurries coming from the materials
used as earthing enhancing compounds. The significance of the test is important because the
earthing enhancing compounds shall be physically and chemically inert with the earth
electrodes, to avoid corrosion to the earth electrodes and damage to the surrounding
environment.
5.5.2 Testing apparatus – Reagents
a) pH meter comprising a potentiometer equipped with a glass-calomel electrode system.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the pH meter used.
b) Calomel and glass electrodes or equivalent, suitable for measuring viscous slurries or for
measuring soils. A combination electrode consisting of a saturated calomel reference
electrode and a glass electrode combined as a single electrode is acceptable.
c) Thermometer. Some pH electrodes have temperature compensation built in as part of the
pH electrode, but most do not (see manufacturers’ specifications). A thermometer of rugged
construction is required for calibration, and a stainless-steel sheathed thermometer is
preferred. Metal sheathed thermometers come in different lengths, and a length appropriate
for the depth of interest should be chosen.
d) pH reference solution for the calibration of the pH meter prepared in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions. Usually buffers having a pH of 4, 7 and 10 are used as
reference solutions.
e) Deionized water.
f) Glassware.
g) Mixer.
h) Balance with an accuracy of ±0,01 g.
5.5.3 Material preparation
The volume of the material to be tested shall be that appropriate for the pH meter used to
perform the test.
If the material is provided commercially in wet form, then it shall be tested as received.
If the material is provided commercially in dry form and used in wet form, then a slurry shall be
prepared by mixing the solid and liquid phases in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions. Mixing will continue until the produced slurry is homogenous without any
coagulates.
If the material is provided commercially and used in dry form, then it shall be tested as received.
___________
A description of the testing apparatus and reagents is provided in ASTM G51-18.

– 14 – IEC 62561-7:2024 RLV © IEC 2024
5.5.4 Test procedure
The tests shall be carried out at an ambient temperature in the range of +15 °C to +25 °C. The
temperature at the time of measurement shall be recorded.
a) The pH meter is calibrated with the reference solution to the range of the expected pH range
in accordance with the instructions of the pH meter’s supplier.
b) The electrode is immersed in the material to be tested. Read and report the pH to the first
decimal place.
5.5.5 Acceptance criteria
No acceptance criteria are required. This measurement is done to determine the
aggressiveness of the EEC.
NOTE See Annex A.
5.6 Corrosion tests
5.6.1 General
This test method covers the procedure for determining the corrosiveness of materials used as
earthing enhancement compounds. The corrosion rate shall be determined by using
potentiodynamic polarization resistance methods as outlined in ASTM G59-97 (subsequent
conversion to corrosion rates via ASTM G102-89). The polarization curves collected as per
ASTM G59-97 are used to determine the polarization resistance. The significance of the test is
important because earthing enhancement materials have to be physically and chemically inert
for the earth electrodes in order to avoid corrosion to the earthing electrode and earth lead-in
rod.
5.6.2 Test apparatus
The test apparatus consists of a three-terminal potentiostat, which can be used to impose the
positive and negative potential variations and to record the currents needed necessary to obtain
potentials:
a) distilled water;
b) glassware;
c) mixer;
d) balance with an accuracy of ±0,001 g.
5.6.3 Test preparation
Prepare a mix of the earthing enhancing compound with a water content (by weight) following
the manufacturer’s instructions.
Place the three electrodes (working, reference and active electrodes) into the material in
accordance with the polarization resistance method.
Connect to the potentiostat. The working electrode shall be of a material to represent the ground
electrode (e.g. copper-plated or galvanized steel).
The active electrode shall be a graphite electrode.
The reference electrode is typically made of Cu/CuSO4. However, it can be any suitable, robust,
reference electrode, for example made of Ag/AgCl.
The earthing enhancing compound designed to be used in a hardened or solid state shall be
tested after the relevant curing period.

The earthing enhancing compound designed to be used within a dry form shall be tested with a
minimum of 40 % in volume water content.
5.6.4 Test procedure
The tests shall be carried out at an ambient temperature in the range of +15 °C to +25 °C. The
temperature at the time of measurement shall be recorded.
a) Obtain the open circuit potential of the working electrode immersed in the earthing
enhancing compound.
b) Obtain the Tafel curve for the earthing enhancing compound.
c) Determine the Tafel constants and the polarization resistance (R ) values until such time
p
they have been stabilized in accordance with ASTM G59‑97.
d) Determine the corrosion rate in accordance with ASTM G102-89.
e) A visual, post-exposure assessment will follow. If any localized pitting is observed, the test
should be repeated with a new specimen.
5.6.5 Passing Acceptance criteria
a) For copper-plated steel earth electrodes, the polarization resistance shall be > 4 Ω · m ,
2 2 2
(0,4 m Ω · cm ) for non-aggressive environments EECs and > 8 Ω · m , (0,8 mΩ · cm ) for
aggressive environments EECs.
b) For galvanized steel earth electrodes, the polarization resistance shall be > 3 Ω · m ,
2 2 2
(0,3 mΩ · cm ) for non-aggressive environments EECs and > 7,6 Ω · m , (0,76 mΩ · cm )
for aggressive environments EECs.
c) For earth electrodes made of other materials, the polarization resistance shall fulfil at least
the criteria of 5.6.5 b).
NOTE Aggressive (high corrosion load) and non-aggressive (low corrosion load) environments EECs are described
in Annex A.
5.7 Documentation and installation instructions
The content of the documentation and installation instructions shall be checked by inspection
with respect to its completeness, in accordance with 4.2.
5.8 Marking and indications
The information listed below shall be written on the package unit and/or on the installation data
sheet and/or in the manufacturer’s catalogue.
Each package unit shall have indelible markings containing the following information:
a) the name of the manufacturer or its trademark;
b) the type or the serial number of the batch of earthing enhancing compound;
c) the installation instructions;
d) the resistivity value and test apparatus used;
e) the conformity statement to the present document (IEC 62561-7).
The marking shall be checked by inspection.
The conformity of marking shall be checked by inspection, in accordance with 4.4.

– 16 – IEC 62561-7:2024 RLV © IEC 2024
6 Structure and content of the test report
6.1 General
The purpose of this Clause 6 is to provide general requirements for laboratory test reports. It is
intended to provide means to promote clear, complete reporting procedures for laboratories
submitting test reports.
The results of each test carried out by the laboratory shall be reported accurately, clearly,
unambiguously and objectively, in accordance with any instructions in the test methods. The
results shall be given in a test report and shall include all the information necessary for the
interpretation of the test results and all information required by the method used.
Particular care and attention shall be paid to the arrangement of the report, especially with
regard to the presentation of the test data and the ease of assimilation by the reader. The format
shall be carefully and specifically designed for each type of test carried out, but the headings
shall be standardized as indicated herein.
The report shall be arranged and presented in such a way that it is easily assimilated by the
reader, especially with regards to presentation of the test data. The format shall be specifically
designed for each type of test carried out, but the headings shall be standardized as indicated
below.
The structure of each report shall include the information according specified in 6.2 to 6.8, as
a minimum.
6.2 Report identification
The following information shall be included :
a) a title or subject of the report;
b) name, address and telephone number of the test laboratory;
c) name, address and telephone number of the sub-testing laboratory where the test was
carried out, if different from the company which was assigned to perform the test;
d) unique identification number (or serial number) of the test report;
e) name and address of the vendor;
f) report shall be paginated report and indication of the total number of pages indicated on
each page, including appendices or annexes;
g) date of issue of the report;
h) date(s) test(s) was (were) performed;
i) signature and title, or an equivalent identification, of the person(s) authorized to sign for the
testing laboratory for the content of the report;
j) signature and title of the person(s) conducting the test;
k) the following declaration in order to avoid misuse. "This type test report shall not be
reproduced other than in full, except with the prior written approval of the issuing test
laboratory. This type test report only covers the samples submitted for test and does not
produce evidence of the quality for series production."
6.3 Specimen description
a) Sample description.
___________
It is suggested to insert in the test report a specific declaration to avoid its misuse. A declaration example is: “This
type test report may not be reproduced other than in full, except with the prior written approval of the issuing
testing laboratory. This type test report only covers the samples submitted for test and does not produce evidence
of the quality for series production.”

b) Detailed description and unambiguous identification of the test sample and/or test assembly
or both.
c) Characterization and condition of the test sample and/or test assembly or both.
d) Sampling procedure, where relevant.
e) Date of receipt of test samples.
f) Photographs, drawings or any other visual documentation, if available.
6.4 Standards and references
a) Identification of the test standard used and the date of issue of the standard.
b) Other relevant documentation with the documentation date.
6.5 Test procedure
a) Description of the test procedure.
b) Justification for any deviations from, additions to or exclusions from the referenced
standard.
c) Any other information relevant to a specific test such as environmental conditions.
d) Configuration of the testing assembly and measuring set-up.
e) Location of the arrangement in the testing area and measuring techniques.
6.6 Testing equipment description
Description of equipment used for every test conducted, e.g. apparatus used for determination
of resistivity measurement (box or tube).
6.7 Measuring instruments description
Characteristics and calibration dates of all instruments used for measuring the values specified
in this document (e.g. earth resistance meter, voltmeter, ammeter).
6.8 Results and parameters recorded
6.8.1 Measured, observed or derived results
The measured, observed or derived results shall be clearly identified, at least for:
a) independent measured values for each test,
b) the average value for each test,
c) the required passing accepting criterion for each test defined by the standard,
d) the relevant observed or derived results of the tests;
e) the time period between the preparation of the specimen and the measurement of the
resistivity.
The above shall be presented by means of tables, graphs, drawings, photographs or other
documentation of visual observations, as appropriate.
6.8.2 Statement of pass/ or fail
A statement of pass/ or fail is necessary, identifying the part of the test for which the specimen
has failed and also a description of the failure.

– 18 – IEC 62561-7:2024 RLV © IEC 2024
Annex A
(informative)
Corrosion load
The minimum resistivity value ρ* and the pH value measured on a soil an EEC compound
sample after the addition of deionized water allows the assessment of the corrosion loading
(see Figure A.1); the evaluation of soils on the border between two fields of corrosion load
requires expert knowledge.
In addition, a medium corrosion load should be changed to a high corrosion load when heterogeneous
soil conditions occur at the level of the structure, such as:
– presence of water table (partly submerged structure);
– wide range of ρ* values of samples (ρ*max/ρ*min > 3);
– wide range of pH values of samples (ρ*max/ρ*min > 1,5);
> 9,5
6 – 9,5
HIGH
MEDIUM
LOW
pH
4,5 – 6
< 4,5
10 30 50
ρ* = Minimum resistivity value after adding de-ionized water (Ω.m)
IEC
Figure A.1 – Corrosion load (free corrosion without concentration cell)
Materials out of this pH range, but with low acidity or alkalinity amount, could be considered as
contributing to a low corrosion load.
When industrial by-products are considered as backfill materials, the presence and amount of metallic
salts should also be considered in order to avoid possible galvanic corrosion.
NOTE For more details, refer to EN 12501-2.

Figure A.1 – Corrosion load (free corrosion without concentration cell)

– 20 – IEC 62561-7:2024 RLV © IEC 2024
Annex B
(normative)
Applicability of previous tests
For earthing enhancing compounds already successfully tested in accordance with IEC 62561-
7:2011 or IEC 62561-7:2018, differences between versions in the test procedures identified in
Table B.1, are not considered significant enough to warrant the re-testing of the product to meet
the requirements of IEC 62561-7:2023.
It is not necessary to repeat tests when the manufacturer of that product clearly states that their
product meets all the following requirements:
• there is no change in the classification of the product since it was successfully tested;
• there is no change in the method of manufacture of the product since it was successfully
tested;
• there is no change in the design of the product since it was successfully tested;
• there is no change in the materials used in the product since it was successfully tested.
For new products, complete type tests according to this document shall be performed.
Table B.1 – Differences in the requirements for earthing enhancing compounds
complying with IEC 62561-7:2011 or IEC 62561-7:2018
IEC 62561-7: IEC 62561-7: Re-testing
Test description
2011 2018 required
Documentation and installation instructions 4.2 4.2 No
Marking 4.4 4.4 No
Determination of resistivity – Test procedure 5.4.3 5.4.3 No
Annex - Figure A.1 No
Bibliography
[1] IEC 62305 (all parts), Protection against lightning
[2] IEC 62561-2, Lightning protection system components (LPSC) – Part 2: Requirements
for conductors and earth electrodes
[3] ASTM G51-18, Standard Test Method for Measuring pH of Soil for Use in Corrosion
Testing
EN 12501-2, Protection of metallic materials
...

IEC 62561-7 ®
Edition 3.0 2024-02
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Lightning protection system components (LPSC) –
Part 7: Requirements for earthing enhancing compounds

Composants des systèmes de protection contre la foudre (CSPF) –
Partie 7: Exigences pour les enrichisseurs de terre
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IEC 62561-7 ®
Edition 3.0 2024-02
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Lightning protection system components (LPSC) –

Part 7: Requirements for earthing enhancing compounds

Composants des systèmes de protection contre la foudre (CSPF) –

Partie 7: Exigences pour les enrichisseurs de terre

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.020, 91.120.40 ISBN 978-2-8322-8276-2

– 2 – IEC 62561-7:2024 © IEC 2024
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Requirements . 8
4.1 General . 8
4.2 Documentation and installation instructions . 8
4.3 Material . 8
4.4 Marking . 8
5 Tests . 9
5.1 General . 9
5.2 Leaching test . 9
5.2.1 General . 9
5.2.2 Determination of leachable ions . 10
5.2.3 Acceptance criteria . 10
5.3 Sulphur determination . 10
5.3.1 General . 10
5.3.2 Acceptance criteria . 10
5.4 Determination of resistivity . 10
5.4.1 General . 10
5.4.2 Testing apparatus . 10
5.4.3 Test procedure . 11
5.4.4 Acceptance criteria . 12
5.5 pH measurement. 12
5.5.1 General . 12
5.5.2 Testing apparatus – Reagents . 12
5.5.3 Material preparation . 12
5.5.4 Test procedure . 13
5.5.5 Acceptance criteria . 13
5.6 Corrosion tests . 13
5.6.1 General . 13
5.6.2 Test apparatus . 13
5.6.3 Test preparation . 13
5.6.4 Test procedure . 14
5.6.5 Acceptance criteria . 14
5.7 Documentation and installation instructions . 14
5.8 Marking . 14
6 Structure and content of the test report . 14
6.1 General . 14
6.2 Report identification . 15
6.3 Specimen description . 15
6.4 Standards and references . 15
6.5 Test procedure . 15
6.6 Testing equipment description . 16
6.7 Measuring instruments description . 16

6.8 Results and parameters recorded . 16
6.8.1 Measured, observed or derived results . 16
6.8.2 Statement of pass or fail . 16
Annex A (informative) Corrosion load . 17
Annex B (normative) Applicability of previous tests . 18
Bibliography . 19

Figure 1 – Typical configurations for a four-electrode soil box . 11
Figure A.1 – Corrosion load (free corrosion without concentration cell) . 17

Table B.1 – Differences in the requirements for earthing enhancing compounds
complying with IEC 62561-7:2011 or IEC 62561-7:2018 . 18

– 4 – IEC 62561-7:2024 © IEC 2024
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM COMPONENTS (LPSC) –

Part 7: Requirements for earthing enhancing compounds

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports,
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preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with
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Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
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3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) IEC draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). IEC takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights in
respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, IEC had not received notice of (a) patent(s), which
may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not represent
the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at https://patents.iec.ch. IEC
shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
IEC 62561-7 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 81: Lightning protection. It is an
International Standard.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2018. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) Figure A.1 has been replaced with a simpler one that clearly shows the high and low
corrosion load limits of the earth enhancing compounds without the need for special
knowledge;
b) pH measurement has been introduced.

The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
81/755/FDIS 81/761/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
A list of all parts in the IEC 62561 series, published under the general title Lightning protection
system components (LPSC), can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn, or
• revised.
– 6 – IEC 62561-7:2024 © IEC 2024
INTRODUCTION
This part of IEC 62561 deals with the requirements and tests for earthing enhancing compounds
used as lightning protection system components (LPSC) designed and implemented in
accordance with the IEC 62305 series.

LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM COMPONENTS (LPSC) –

Part 7: Requirements for earthing enhancing compounds

1 Scope
This part of IEC 62561 specifies the requirements and tests for earthing enhancing compounds
producing low resistance of an earth termination system.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
ISO 4689-3, Iron ores – Determination of sulfur content – Part 3: Combustion/infrared method
EN 12457-2, Characterisation of waste – Leaching – Compliance test for leaching of granular
waste materials and sludges – Part 2: One stage batch test at a liquid to solid ratio of 10 l/kg
for materials with particle size below 4 mm (without or with size reduction)
CEN/TR 16192, Waste – Guidance on analysis of eluates
ASTM G57-20, Standard Test Method for Measurement of Soil Resistivity Using the Wenner
Four-Electrode Method
ASTM G59-97, Standard Test Method for Conducting Potentiodynamic Polarization Resistance
Measurements
ASTM G102-89, Standard Practice for Calculation of Corrosion Rates and Related Information
from Electrochemical Measurements
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
earthing enhancing compound
EEC
low resistivity compound that is intended to lower the resistance to earth of an earth termination
system when added between the buried earth electrode and the surrounding soil

– 8 – IEC 62561-7:2024 © IEC 2024
3.2
leaching test
test during which the earthing enhancing compound is put into contact with a leachant and some
constituents of the material are extracted
3.3
aggressive EEC
compound characterized by a pH value and resistivity within the range specified in Annex A
3.4
non-aggressive EEC
compound characterized by a pH value and resistivity within the range specified in Annex A
4 Requirements
4.1 General
Earthing enhancing compounds shall be so designed and constructed that in normal use their
performance is reliable and without danger to persons and the surrounding environment.
The choice of a material depends on its ability to match the requirements of a particular
application.
NOTE National regulations can apply.
4.2 Documentation and installation instructions
The manufacturer or supplier of the earthing enhancing compounds shall provide adequate
information in his literature to ensure that the installer can select and install the materials in a
suitable and safe manner, containing the following information:
a) preparation instructions;
b) installation instructions;
c) resistivity value and the test method used;
d) conformity statement to the present document (IEC 62561-7).
Compliance is checked in accordance with 5.7.
The manufacturer’s literature shall contain information on how to maintain the characteristics
of the earthing enhancing compound so it remains stable over time.
4.3 Material
The material of the earthing enhancing compound shall be chemically inert to subsoil. It shall
not pollute the environment. It shall provide a stable environment in terms of physical and
chemical properties.
Compliance is checked by the tests specified in 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5 and 5.6.
4.4 Marking
All products complying with this document shall have indelible markings containing at least the
following information:
a) manufacturer's or responsible vendor's name or its trademark;
b) any identifying symbol;
c) the type or the serial number of the batch of the earthing enhancing compound;

d) the resistivity value;
e) the pH value.
Where this proves to be impractical the marking in accordance with c), d) and e) may be given
on the accompanying documentation.
The marking should be given on the packaging.
Compliance is checked in accordance with 5.8.
5 Tests
5.1 General
The tests in accordance with this document are type tests. These tests are of such a nature
that, after they have been performed, it is not necessary to repeat them unless changes are
made to the materials, design or type of manufacturing process, which can change the
performance characteristics of the product.
Tests are carried out with the specimens prepared as in normal use according to the
manufacturer's or supplier's instructions, unless otherwise specified.
All tests are carried out on new specimens.
Three samples are subjected to each individual test and the requirements are satisfied if all the
criteria are met, unless otherwise specified.
The applicant, when submitting the material to be tested, can also submit an additional quantity
which could be necessary should one test fail. The testing laboratory will then, without further
request, repeat the test and will reject the samples only if a further failure occurs. If the
additional sample is not submitted at the same time, the failure of one test will entail rejection.
For EECs already tested according to IEC 62561-7 the applicability of previous tests according
to Annex B can be applied.
For new components complete type tests and samples according to Clause 5 are required.
5.2 Leaching test
5.2.1 General
The leaching test shall be performed in accordance with EN 12457-2 in order to determine the
content of:
• Fe (iron);
• Cu (copper);
• Zn (zinc);
• Ni (nickel);
• Cd (cadmium);
• Co (cobalt);
• Pb (lead).
– 10 – IEC 62561-7:2024 © IEC 2024
5.2.2 Determination of leachable ions
Determination of the concentrations of any or all of the metals listed in 5.2.1 shall be performed
in accordance with CEN/TR 16192.
5.2.3 Acceptance criteria
The criteria are given by national or international regulations.
5.3 Sulphur determination
5.3.1 General
The test for the determination of sulphur shall be performed in accordance with ISO 4689-
3:2017 that specifies a combustion and infrared method, using a high-frequency induction
furnace, for the combustion of the sample and infrared technique for the determination of the
sulphur content.
5.3.2 Acceptance criteria
The material is deemed to have passed the test if all the values measured according to 5.3.1
are less than 2 % in sulphur content. The recorded value of sulphur resulting from this test
result shall be indicated in the product documentation.
5.4 Determination of resistivity
5.4.1 General
The four-electrode method shall be used to determine the resistivity of earthing enhancing
compounds as described in ASTM G57-20. Representative samples of the materials shall be
as provided by the manufacturer and prepared in accordance
taken from a typical packaging
with the manufacturer’s instructions. Three samples of the earthing enhancement material shall
be tested in a four-electrode soil box.
With the four-electrode method, a voltage is applied to the outer electrodes, which causes
current to flow. The resulting voltage drop between the inner electrodes is measured using a
voltmeter, and the resulting resistance is calculated. The resistance of the material can also be
measured directly.
The resistance of each earthing enhancing compound sample shall be converted to the
resistivity value using the following formula:
R×A
ρ=
(1)
a
where
ρ is the sample resistivity (Ω · m);
R is the resistance (Ω);
A is the cross-sectional area of the container perpendicular to the current flow (m );
a is the inner electrode spacing, measured from the inner edges of the electrodes (m).
5.4.2 Testing apparatus
The following apparatus are permitted to be used:
a) Any reliable commercially available earth resistance meter having two current and two
voltage terminals or a low frequency AC source, a high input impedance voltmeter and

ammeter. Typical connections for use of a soil box with various types of instruments are
shown in Figure 1.
b) Four-electrode soil box, made of an inert non-conductive material with four permanently
mounted electrodes manufactured of mild or stainless steel. Soil boxes are commercially
available or can be constructed in various sizes, as long as the inside dimensions are
known.
c) Connecting cables.
Key
1 soil box
2 ammeter
3 voltmeter
4 earth resistance meter
Figure 1 – Typical configurations for a four-electrode soil box
5.4.3 Test procedure
• The earthing enhancing compound shall be prepared in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions. If the material is to be installed as provided, with no preparation required, the
earthing enhancing compound shall be tested as received.
• The resistance measurements shall be taken after the elapsed time, as specified by the
manufacturer, to allow for curing or maturing if required.
• The sample of the earthing enhancing compounds shall be placed in the soil box in a manner
to ensure good constant electrical contact between the earth enhancing compound and the
electrodes. For solid materials, a standard 100 N/m pressure should be applied evenly to

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the surface of the material under test within the soil box for a period of 1 h and be maintained
during the resistance measurement.
• The resistance R of the samples shall be measured using the earth resistance meter or
technical method (derived from current and voltage measurements) and the resistivity of
each sample shall be calculated in accordance with 5.4.1.
• The tests shall be carried out at an ambient temperature in the range of +15 °C to +25 °C.
The temperature at the time of measurement shall be recorded.
NOTE 1 Both the pressure applied and the moisture level of the sample under test will affect the test results.
NOTE 2 For certain materials, it is possible that the method described in 5.4 is not the most appropriate and that
other methods are more desirable. This is under consideration.
5.4.4 Acceptance criteria
The specimens are deemed to have passed the tests if the obtained resistivity value from the
three samples are equal to or less than the resistivity value claimed by the manufacturer.
5.5 pH measurement
5.5.1 General
This test covers the procedure for determining the pH of slurries coming from the materials
used as earthing enhancing compounds. The significance of the test is important because the
earthing enhancing compounds shall be physically and chemically inert with the earth
electrodes, to avoid corrosion to the earth electrodes and damage to the surrounding
environment.
5.5.2 Testing apparatus – Reagents
a) pH meter comprising a potentiometer equipped with a glass-calomel electrode system.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the pH meter used.
b) Calomel and glass electrodes or equivalent, suitable for measuring viscous slurries or for
measuring soils. A combination electrode consisting of a saturated calomel reference
electrode and a glass electrode combined as a single electrode is acceptable.
c) Thermometer. Some pH electrodes have temperature compensation built in as part of the
pH electrode, but most do not (see manufacturers’ specifications). A thermometer of rugged
construction is required for calibration, and a stainless-steel sheathed thermometer is
preferred. Metal sheathed thermometers come in different lengths, and a length appropriate
for the depth of interest should be chosen.
d) pH reference solution for the calibration of the pH meter prepared in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions. Usually buffers having a pH of 4, 7 and 10 are used as
reference solutions.
e) Deionized water.
f) Glassware.
g) Mixer.
h) Balance with an accuracy of ±0,01 g.
5.5.3 Material preparation
The volume of the material to be tested shall be that appropriate for the pH meter used to
perform the test.
If the material is provided commercially in wet form, then it shall be tested as received.
___________
A description of the testing apparatus and reagents is provided in ASTM G51-18.

If the material is provided commercially in dry form and used in wet form, then a slurry shall be
prepared by mixing the solid and liquid phases in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions. Mixing will continue until the produced slurry is homogenous without any
coagulates.
If the material is provided commercially and used in dry form, then it shall be tested as received.
5.5.4 Test procedure
The tests shall be carried out at an ambient temperature in the range of +15 °C to +25 °C. The
temperature at the time of measurement shall be recorded.
a) The pH meter is calibrated with the reference solution to the range of the expected pH range
in accordance with the instructions of the pH meter’s supplier.
b) The electrode is immersed in the material to be tested. Read and report the pH to the first
decimal place.
5.5.5 Acceptance criteria
No acceptance criteria are required. This measurement is done to determine the
aggressiveness of the EEC.
NOTE See Annex A.
5.6 Corrosion tests
5.6.1 General
This test method covers the procedure for determining the corrosiveness of materials used as
earthing enhancement compounds. The corrosion rate shall be determined by using
potentiodynamic polarization resistance methods as outlined in ASTM G59-97 (subsequent
conversion to corrosion rates via ASTM G102-89). The polarization curves collected as per
ASTM G59-97 are used to determine the polarization resistance. The significance of the test is
important because earthing enhancement materials have to be physically and chemically inert
for the earth electrodes in order to avoid corrosion to the earthing electrode and earth lead-in
rod.
5.6.2 Test apparatus
The test apparatus consists of a three-terminal potentiostat, which can be used to impose the
positive and negative potential variations and to record the currents necessary to obtain
potentials:
a) distilled water;
b) glassware;
c) mixer;
d) balance with an accuracy of ±0,001 g.
5.6.3 Test preparation
Prepare a mix of the earthing enhancing compound with a water content (by weight) following
the manufacturer’s instructions.
Place the three electrodes (working, reference and active electrodes) into the material in
accordance with the polarization resistance method.
Connect to the potentiostat. The working electrode shall be of a material to represent the ground
electrode (e.g. copper-plated or galvanized steel).

– 14 – IEC 62561-7:2024 © IEC 2024
The active electrode shall be a graphite electrode.
The reference electrode is typically made of Cu/CuSO4. However, it can be any suitable, robust,
reference electrode, for example made of Ag/AgCl.
The earthing enhancing compound designed to be used in a hardened or solid state shall be
tested after the relevant curing period.
The earthing enhancing compound designed to be used within a dry form shall be tested with a
minimum of 40 % in volume water content.
5.6.4 Test procedure
The tests shall be carried out at an ambient temperature in the range of +15 °C to +25 °C. The
temperature at the time of measurement shall be recorded.
a) Obtain the open circuit potential of the working electrode immersed in the earthing
enhancing compound.
b) Obtain the Tafel curve for the earthing enhancing compound.
c) Determine the Tafel constants and the polarization resistance (R ) values in accordance
p
with ASTM G59‑97.
d) Determine the corrosion rate in accordance with ASTM G102-89.
e) A visual, post-exposure assessment will follow. If any localized pitting is observed, the test
should be repeated with a new specimen.
5.6.5 Acceptance criteria
a) For copper-plated steel earth electrodes, the polarization resistance shall be > 4 Ω · m ,
2 2 2
(0,4 m Ω · cm ) for non-aggressive EECs and > 8 Ω · m , (0,8 mΩ · cm ) for aggressive
EECs.
b) For galvanized steel earth electrodes, the polarization resistance shall be > 3 Ω · m ,
2 2 2
(0,3 mΩ · cm ) for non-aggressive EECs and > 7,6 Ω · m , (0,76 mΩ · cm ) for aggressive
EECs.
c) For earth electrodes made of other materials, the polarization resistance shall fulfil at least
the criteria of 5.6.5 b).
NOTE Aggressive and non-aggressive EECs are described in Annex A.
5.7 Documentation and installation instructions
The content of the documentation and installation instructions shall be checked by inspection
with respect to its completeness, in accordance with 4.2.
5.8 Marking
The conformity of marking shall be checked by inspection, in accordance with 4.4.
6 Structure and content of the test report
6.1 General
The purpose of this Clause 6 is to provide general requirements for laboratory test reports. It is
intended to provide means to promote clear, complete reporting procedures for laboratories
submitting test reports.
The results of each test carried out by the laboratory shall be reported accurately, clearly,
unambiguously and objectively, in accordance with any instructions in the test methods. The

results shall be given in a test report and shall include all the information necessary for the
interpretation of the test results and all information required by the method used.
The report shall be arranged and presented in such a way that it is easily assimilated by the
reader, especially with regards to presentation of the test data. The format shall be specifically
designed for each type of test carried out, but the headings shall be standardized as indicated
below.
The structure of each report shall include the information specified in 6.2 to 6.8, as a minimum.
6.2 Report identification
The following information shall be included:
a) a title or subject of the report;
b) name, address and telephone number of the test laboratory;
c) name, address and telephone number of the sub-testing laboratory where the test was
carried out, if different from the company which was assigned to perform the test;
d) unique identification number (or serial number) of the test report;
e) name and address of the vendor;
f) paginated report and indication of the total number of pages on each page, including
appendices or annexes;
g) date of issue of the report;
h) date(s) test(s) was (were) performed;
i) signature and title, or an equivalent identification, of the person(s) authorized to sign for the
testing laboratory for the content of the report;
j) signature and title of the person(s) conducting the test;
k) the following declaration in order to avoid misuse. "This type test report shall not be
reproduced other than in full, except with the prior written approval of the issuing test
laboratory. This type test report only covers the samples submitted for test and does not
produce evidence of the quality for series production."
6.3 Specimen description
a) Sample description.
b) Detailed description and unambiguous identification of the test sample or test assembly or
both.
c) Characterization and condition of the test sample or test assembly or both.
d) Sampling procedure, where relevant.
e) Date of receipt of test samples.
f) Photographs, drawings or any other visual documentation, if available.
6.4 Standards and references
a) Identification of the test standard used and the date of issue of the standard.
b) Other relevant documentation with the documentation date.
6.5 Test procedure
a) Description of the test procedure.
b) Justification for any deviations from, additions to or exclusions from the referenced
standard.
c) Any other information relevant to a specific test such as environmental conditions.
d) Configuration of the testing assembly and measuring set-up.

– 16 – IEC 62561-7:2024 © IEC 2024
e) Location of the arrangement in the testing area and measuring techniques.
6.6 Testing equipment description
Description of equipment used for every test conducted, e.g. apparatus used for determination
of resistivity (box or tube).
6.7 Measuring instruments description
Characteristics and calibration dates of all instruments used for measuring the values specified
in this document (e.g. earth resistance meter, voltmeter, ammeter).
6.8 Results and parameters recorded
6.8.1 Measured, observed or derived results
The measured, observed or derived results shall be clearly identified, at least for:
a) independent measured values for each test,
b) the average value for each test,
c) the required accepting criterion for each test defined by the standard,
d) the relevant observed or derived results of the tests;
e) the time period between the preparation of the specimen and the measurement of the
resistivity.
The above shall be presented by means of tables, graphs, drawings, photographs or other
documentation of visual observations, as appropriate.
6.8.2 Statement of pass or fail
A statement of pass or fail is necessary, identifying the part of the test for which the specimen
has failed and also a description of the failure.

Annex A
(informative)
Corrosion load
The minimum resistivity value ρ* and the pH value measured on an EEC compound sample
after the addition of deionized water allows the assessment of the corrosion loading (see
Figure A.1).
Figure A.1 – Corrosion load (free corrosion without concentration cell)

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Annex B
(normative)
Applicability of previous tests
For earthing enhancing compounds already successfully tested in accordance with IEC 62561-
7:2011 or IEC 62561-7:2018, differences between versions in the test procedures identified in
Table B.1, are not considered significant enough to warrant the re-testing of the product to meet
the requirements of IEC 62561-7:2023.
It is not necessary to repeat tests when the manufacturer of that product clearly states that their
product meets all the following requirements:
• there is no change in the classification of the product since it was successfully tested;
• there is no change in the method of manufacture of the product since it was successfully
tested;
• there is no change in the design of the product since it was successfully tested;
• there is no change in the materials used in the product since it was successfully tested.
For new products, complete type tests according to this document shall be performed.
Table B.1 – Differences in the requirements for earthing enhancing compounds
complying with IEC 62561-7:2011 or IEC 62561-7:2018
IEC 62561-7: IEC 62561-7: Re-testing
Test description
2011 2018 required
Documentation and installation instructions 4.2 4.2 No
Marking 4.4 4.4 No
Determination of resistivity – Test procedure 5.4.3 5.4.3 No
Annex - Figure A.1 No
Bibliography
[1] IEC 62305 (all parts), Protection against lightning
[2] IEC 62561-2, Lightning protection system components (LPSC) – Part 2: Requirements
for conductors and earth electrodes
[3] ASTM G51-18, Standard Test Method for Measuring pH of Soil for Use in Corrosion
Testing
___________
– 20 – IEC 62561-7:2024 © IEC 2024
SOMMAIRE
AVANT-PROPOS . 22
INTRODUCTION . 24
1 Domaine d'application . 25
2 Références normatives . 25
3 Termes et définitions . 25
4 Exigences . 26
4.1 Généralités . 26
4.2 Documentation et instructions d'installation . 26
4.3 Matériau . 26
4.4 Marquage . 27
5 Essais . 27
5.1 Généralités .
...