Ground resistance testers
December 2011
Electrical Power & Protection
The new ground testing instrument family from Megger offers a unique solution to ground rod testing needs. The four models comprise a digital three-terminal instrument for grounding and bonding tests; a digital four-terminal model that adds resistivity measurement; an analogue three-terminal model; and a revolutionary new three-terminal tester that adds a current measuring function for Attached Rod Technique (ART) testing capabilities. With this added function, on-site grounds can be tested separately without having to remove the utility connection.
All models are rated to IP54, making them truly outdoor instruments. The ground testers have been designed for easy use. A large selector switch makes selection of two-pole, three-pole or four-pole (DET4TD) tests easy. Fitting of shorting links to perform two-pole tests is a thing of the past. A large, clear, easy to read LCD or analogue (DET3TA) display and thumb sized test button also make the instruments particularly well suited to the outdoor conditions of ground testing. In addition, the ground tester automatically checks the connection and condition of the P spike, the C spike, and the level of ground noise, indicating the status on the display. The analogue model allows the operator to check the condition of the spikes.
The instruments also include a voltmeter to enable measurement of ground voltage. The testers can measure resistance from 0.01 to 2000 Ω and earth voltages up to 100 V. To allow accurate testing in noisy environments, the instruments are capable of rejecting noise of up to 40 V peak to peak.
They are powered by eight AA batteries which are widely available and give excellent testing time. The status of these batteries is given by a bar graph on the LCD display, allowing the operator to decide when to change the batteries before they expire. On the analogue model, battery status is indicated by selecting the function on the selector switch. The Megger ground testers are designed to meet stringent safety standards and are rated CAT IV 100 V.
For more information contact Stuart Ashton, Surgetek, +27 (0)11 792 1303, [email protected], www.surgetek.co.za
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