Digital earth tester

Electrical Power & Protection

January 2014 Electrical Power & Protection

The Megger DET3TD digital earth tester is a compact instrument designed to measure earth electrode resistance. It uses the three-terminal method of measurement where the resistance of the current circuit does not affect the reading. The resistance of the potential circuit does not affect the measurement either. Pressing a latchable button allows for one finger testing in either the two- or three-wire mode. The reversing AC test current has a frequency of 128 Hz, which avoids possible interference from other 50 and 60 Hz stray currents in the vicinity of the earth electrode under test. In the interests of safety, the maximum test voltage has been limited to 50 V. The DET3TD automatically checks that both current and voltage probes are ready for testing before the test commences.

There are two measuring ranges selected by a rotary switch that allows for two- or three-pole testing. The instrument is simple to use and there is no test button to hold down. The readings are displayed quickly, directly and accurately on the 3½ digit LCD.

Annunciators on the display indicate if the noise interference in the soil passing the test current is excessive, or if the current test spike resistance or potential test spike resistance is too high. The direct indication of these factors speeds the testing procedure and gives assurance of valid measurements. The low service error and wide operating temperature range enable accurate results to be achieved in on-site conditions. Powered by eight penlight batteries, the DET3TD allows easy replacement of batteries in the field if required and it is supplied with a factory calibration certificate.

For more information contact Stuart Ashton, Surgetek, +27 (0)11 792 1303, [email protected], www.surgetek.co.za

Share this article:

New enhanced Breaker Status and Communication Module
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric has launched its new Breaker Status and Communication Module (BSCM) Modbus SL/ULP, which delivers enhanced performance, improved connectivity and simplified integration for power distribution systems.

Read more...

Building green industries to scale green economies
Electrical Power & Protection
Africa is taking bold steps to build green industries across the continent. Namibia is a trailblazer in the hydrogen space, with up to five Final Investment Decisions scheduled to be made in 2025/2026 and is pioneering a world first for green industrialisation.

Read more...

Easing the path for IPPs navigating South Africa’s energy regulations
Electrical Power & Protection
Independent Power Producers and developers venturing into South Africa’s renewable energy sector face a challenging regulatory landscape. SPS is a renewable energy asset management company that is actively expanding into the energy trading and wheeling market, which will enable businesses to buy and sell energy directly

Read more...

How energy storage will make or break SA’s renewable transition
Electrical Power & Protection
Energy storage is no longer an add-on, but the foundation of a reliable, resilient and renewable energy system. As South Africa accelerates towards a greener future, storage innovation could determine the difference between progress and paralysis.

Read more...

Condition-based maintenance can revolutionise business continuity
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
As businesses experience growing pressure to enhance operational efficiency and reduce downtime due to electrical failure, condition-based maintenance becomes essential for preventing unforeseen equipment breakdowns by assessing the real-time health of electrical systems.

Read more...

Boiler selection for optimal thermal energy performance
Electrical Power & Protection
The changing world of boilers means companies wishing to improve their thermal energy efficiencies while containing costs and environmental impacts must make careful and informed decisions. AES’s rich pool of experience, ability to keep pace with new steam trends and technologies, and understanding of their clients’ production processes can assist clients to weigh up different options in a careful and informed manner.

Read more...

Securing Africa’s energy future starts at home
ACTOM Electrical Machines Electrical Power & Protection
Africa’s energy demands are surging, but the current reliance on imported solar technology leaves the continent vulnerable. This is why the prospect of building inverters and lithium batteries locally, designed for South Africa’s specific needs, is so promising.

Read more...

Dry-type transformers for Dutch intake substation
Electrical Power & Protection
A data centre in the Netherlands is the site of a recent innovation on the transformer landscape, where TMC Transformers has designed, manufactured and installed dry-type transformers in a large intake substation.

Read more...

Generators: The muscle in the new energy mix
WEG Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Contrary to their reputation as noisy and dirty, generators are a key part of modern energy supplies. Generators are reliable electricity workhorses in times of need. But they are also becoming welcome additions to modern energy mixes through efficiency improvements, noise reduction and flexible design choices.

Read more...

Electrical Power & Protection

Digital earth tester

Further reading:

Published by Technews