1623-2

Users Manual

As all four pylon stubs are connected to the foundation earth of the pylon, the measuring
current Imeas is divided into five components according to the present resistances
involved.
One part flows via pylon construction to the overhead earth wire and further to the
parallel circuited pylon earthing resistances.
The other four current components (I1... I4) flow via the individual pylon foots.
The addition of all currents result in a current IE going through the earthing resistance, for
example, the resistance of the "composite" earth electrode to the soil.
If the current transformer is fixed to each pylon stub, one after the other, four resistances
have to be measured which show a behavior inversely proportional to the corresponding
current components I1 ... I4. The feeding point of the measuring current is to be left
unchanged to avoid a change in the current distribution.
Accordingly, these equivalent resistances are displayed as:
U meas
R Ei =
li
Therefore the earthing resistance RE of the pylon is determined as a parallel circuit of the
individual equivalent resistances:
1
RE =
1 1 1 1
+ + +
R E1 R E 2 R E 3 R E 4
1. Turn central rotary switch to position “
RE 3pole" or
RE 4pole". The instrument
is to be wired according to picture and messages on the display.
2. Apply current transformer to the pylon stub.
3. Push START.
Now a fully automated test sequence of all relevant parameters like auxiliary earth
electrode, probe and earth electrode resistances is implemented and finishes with the
display of the result RE.

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 Earth/Ground Tester
Advanced Operation

4. Read out measured value RE.

Note
Before setting the earth stakes for probe and auxiliary earth electrode make
sure that the probe is set outside the potential gradient of earth electrode
and auxiliary earth electrode. Such a condition is normally reached by
allowing a distance of >20 m between the earth electrode and the earth
stakes as well as to the earth stakes to each other. An accuracy test of the
results is made with another measurement after repositioning of auxiliary
earth electrode or probe. If the result is the same, the distance is sufficient.
If the measured value changes, probe or auxiliary earth electrode must be
repositioned until the measured value RE remains constant.
Stake wires should not run too close.
5. Apply current transformer to next pylon stub.
6. Repeat measuring sequence.
Current feeding point of measuring current (alligator clip) and the polarity of the split
core current transformer has to be left unchanged.
After values of REi of all pylon foots are determined, the actual earth resistance RE
has to be calculated:
1
RE =
1 1 1 1
+ + +
R E1 R E 2 R E 3 R E 4
Note
If the displayed RE value is negative despite correct orientation of the
current transformer, a part of the measuring current is flowing upwards into
the tower body. The earthing resistance, thus coming into effect, correctly
calculates if the individual equivalent resistances (under observation of their
polarity) are inserted into the equation above.

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Users Manual

Measurement of Soil Resistivity

The soil resistivity is the geological and physical quantity for calculation and design of
earthing systems. The measuring procedure shown in Figure 10 uses the method
developed by Wenner (F. Wenner, A method of measuring earth resistivity; Bull. National
Bureau of Standards, Bulletin 12 (4), Paper 258, S 478-496; 1915/16).

1623-2 EARTH/GROUND TESTER

edv020.eps
Figure 10. Measurement of Soil Resistivity

1. Four earth stakes of the same length are positioned into the soil in an even line and
with the same distance "a" to each other. The earth stakes should not be hammered
in deeper than a maximum of 1/3 of "a".
2. Turn central rotary switch to position "RE 4pole".
The instrument is to be wired according to picture and notices given on the display.
3. Push START.
4. Read out measured value RE.

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 Earth/Ground Tester
Advanced Operation

From the indicated resistance value RE, the soil resistivity calculates according to the
equation:
ρ E = 2π .a.RE
ρE ...... mean value of soil resistivity (Ωm)
RE ...... measured resistance (Ω)
a ...... probe distance (m)
The measuring method according to Wenner determines the soil resistivity down to a
depth of approx. the distance "a" between two earth stakes. By increasing "a", deeper
strata can be measured and checked for homogeneity. By changing "a" several times, a
profile can be measured from which a suitable earth electrode can be determined.
According to the depth to be measured, "a" is selected between 2 m and 30 m. This
procedure results in curves depicted in the graph below.

3
2
Soil restivity ρE

Distances of Probe

edw021.eps

Curve 1: As ρE decreases only deeper down, a deep earth electrode is advisable

Curve 2: As ρE decreases only down to point A, an increase in the depth deeper
than A does not improve the values.

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Curve 3: With increasing depth ρE is not decreasing: a strip conductor electrode is

advisable.
As measuring results are often distorted and corrupted, for example, by
underground pieces of metal and underground aquifers, a second
measurement, in which the stake axis is turned by an angle of 90 °, is
always advisable (see graph below).

90°
E ES S H

I
edw022.eps

Export Stored Data to PC

Test data is automatically stored for all tests as a .csv file. Table 5 is an example of the
.csv file.
To export data from the Tester to a PC:
1. Connect the USB cable from the Tester to the PC.
2. Use Windows Explorer on the PC to find new EGT drive in the Devices list.
3. Locate the Data.csv file on the EGT drive.
4. Use the standard PC tools to copy the file to a new location.
Table 5. Sample .CSV File for Logged Data
Measurement Earth Ground Error
Measurement Timestamp
Mode Resistance RE Status

1 15th Oct 2013 20:13:55 3-pole RE 1.022 Ω NA

2 15th Oct 2013 20:13:55 4-pole RE 1.022 Ω NA

3 15th Oct 2013 20:13:55 3-pole Selective 1.022 Ω NA

4 15th Oct 2013 20:13:55 4-pole RE NA Rh Limit

Delete Stored Data

To delete stored data in the Tester:
1. Connect the USB cable from the Tester to the PC.
2. Use Windows Explorer on the PC to find new EGT drive in the Devices list.
3. Locate the Data.csv file on the EGT drive.
4. Use the standard PC tools to delete the file from the EGT drive or move the file to a
new location.
This action removes all stored date from the Tester.
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 Earth/Ground Tester
How to Troubleshoot

How to Troubleshoot
Follow the steps in Table 6. See Figure 11 for steps 1-5.

Table 6. Troubleshooting

Step Description

1. External voltage (Uext) too high

If the external voltage applied to the instrument is too high, usually from leakage currents in the
system under test, no measurement can be started (see Specifications for Uext limit).
Hint: Reposition probe (S/P2) and restart measurement.

2. Auxiliary earth electrode resistance (RH) too high

If the auxiliary earth electrode resistance is too high it is not possible to drive the current
necessary for reliable measurements. The measurement is blocked (see Specifications for Rh
limit).
Hint: Check connection of test lead with terminal H/C2, check auxiliary earth stake.

3. Probe resistance (Rs) too high

If the probe resistance is too high measurements are not reliable. The measurement is blocked
(see Specifications for Rs limit).
Hint: Check connection of test lead with terminal S/P2, check probe stake.

4. Weak batteries
If the batteries are weak, the supply voltage may break down during measurement. If there is
enough energy to complete the measurement “ ” symbol is displayed – measurement results
are valid. If not, a reset occurs.
Hint: Replace batteries. Use 6 alkaline AA-type (LR6) batteries.

5. Is your RA measurement result reliable?

Probe S/P2 must be outside the potential gradient areas of E/C1 and H/C2 for accurate
measurements. Normally a probe distance of more than 20 m is sufficient. However, in some
environmental conditions where the soil resistivity is variable, this may not be sufficient. To be
sure, reposition the probes and take several measurements. If the readings are approximately
the same, your measurement results are reliable. If not, increase the probe distance.

6. Is the result of a “Stakeless ground loop measurement” reliable?

Ensure that you have the correct inducing clamp (see Accessories).
The clamp parameters are suited for this test method. An undefined clamp will give incorrect
results.
Ensure that the recommended minimum distance between the current clamp is kept. If the
clamps are positioned too close together, the magnetic field of the inducing clamp will influence
the sensing current clamp. To avoid mutual influencing, the distance between the clamps can be
varied and a new test performed. If the measurement values vary only a little or not at all, the
value can be regarded as reliable.

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1 5

E/C1 S/P2 H/C2

3
>20 m >20 m

Us Ug
4

edv008.eps
Figure 11. Troubleshooting

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 Earth/Ground Tester
Maintenance

Maintenance
If used and treated properly, the instrument needs no maintenance. To clean the
instrument, use only a moist cloth with some soap water or soft household detergent or
spirit. Avoid aggressive cleaning agents and solvents, such as trilene or chlorothene.
Service work must only be undertaken by trained qualified staff.
In all repair work care must be taken that the design parameters of the instrument are not
modified to the detriment of safety, that assembled parts correspond to the original
spares and that they are reassembled properly (factory state).
 Warning
To prevent possible electrical shock, fire, or personal injury:
• Use only specified replacement parts.
• Have an approved technician repair the Product.
• The battery door must be closed and locked before you operate
the Product.
• Replace the batteries when the low battery indicator shows to
prevent incorrect measurements.
• Batteries contain hazardous chemicals that can cause burns or
explode. If exposure to chemicals occurs, clean with water and get
medical aid.
• Remove the input signals before you clean the Product.
 Warning
For safe operation and maintenance of the Product:
• Repair the Product before use if the battery leaks.
• Be sure that the battery polarity is correct to prevent battery
leakage.

Calibration
One-year calibration intervals are recommended.

Service
If you suspect that the Tester has failed, review this manual to make sure you are
operating it correctly. If the meter still fails to operate properly, pack it securely (in its
original container if available) and forward it, postage paid, to the nearest Fluke Service
Center. Include a brief description of the problem. Fluke assumes NO responsibility for
damage in transit.
To locate an authorized service center, go to www.fluke.com.

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Users Manual

Specifications
Temperature ranges
Operating temperature range: 0 °C to +35 °C (+32 °F to +95 °F)
Storage temperature range: -20 °C to +60 °C (-4 °F to +140 °F)
Temperature coefficient: ±0.1 % of rdg / °C (below 18 °C and above 28 °C)
Operating humidity: <95 % RH noncondensing
Operating altitude: 2000 m
Climatic class: C1 (IEC 654-1), -5 °C to +45 °C, 5 % to 95 % RH
Protection type
Case: IP56
Battery door: IP40
Electromagnetic compatibility: Complies with IEC61326-1: Portable

Safety: Complies with IEC 61010-1: CAT None, Pollution Degree 2

External voltage: Uext, max = 24 V (dc, ac < 400 Hz), measurement inhibited
for higher values

Noise rejection: >120 dB (162/3, 50, 60, 400 Hz)

Measurement time: 6 seconds, typical

Maximum overload: 250 Vrms (pertains to misuse)

Batteries: 6 x 1.5 v, AA, LR6 Alkaline

Battery life span: >3000 measurements, typical

Dimensions: 240 mm x 180 mm x 110 mm (9.5 in x 7.1 in x 4.4 in)

Weight with batteries: 1.49 kg (3.28 lb)

Memory: Internal memory storage up to 1500 records
accessible via USB port

RA 3-Pole and 4-Pole ground resistance measurement

Resolution Measurement range Accuracy Operating error

0.001 … 10 Ω 0.020 Ω to 19,99 kΩ ±(2 % rdg + 3 d) ±(5 % rdg + 3 d)

Note
For 2-pole measurements, connect terminals H and S with the supplied
connector cable.

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 Earth/Ground Tester
Specifications

Measurement principle: Current and voltage measurement

Measurement voltage: Um = 48 V ac
Short-circuit current: > 50 mA ac
Meas. frequency: 128 Hz
Probe resistance (RS): max 100 kΩ
Auxiliary earth electrode resistance (RH): max 100 kΩ
Additional error from RH and RS: RH[kΩ] x RS[kΩ]/Ra[Ω] x 0.2 %

RA 3-Pole and 4-Pole selective ground resistance measurement with current

clamp (RA
)
Resolution Measurement range Accuracy Operating error

0.001 to 10 Ω 0.020 Ω to 19.99 kΩ ±(7% rdg + 3 d) ±(10% rdg + 5 d)

Measurement principle: Current/voltage measurement (with external current clamp)

Measurement voltage: Um = 48 V ac
Short-circuit current: > 50 mA ac
Measurement frequency: 128 Hz
Probe resistance (Rs): max 100 kΩ
Auxiliary earth electrode resistance (Rh): max 100 kΩ

Stakeless ground loop measurement ( )

Resolution Measurement range Accuracy Operating error

0.001 to 0.1 Ω 0.020 Ω to 199.9 Ω ±(7% rdg + 3 d) ±(10% rdg + 5 d)

Measuring principle: Stakeless measurement of resistance in closed loops using two current
clamps
Measurement voltage: Um = 48 V ac (primary)
Measurement frequency: 128 Hz
Noise current (Iext): max Iext = 10 A (ac) (Ra < 20 Ω)
max Iext = 2 A (ac) (Ra > 20 Ω)

The information about stakeless ground loop measurements is only valid when used in
conjunction with the recommended current clamps at the minimum distance specified.

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