Ground Testers Speed Verification of Reliable Grounding of Electrical Equipment

March 19, 2014
New tools can save up to 50 percent of set up and tear down time.

Fluke Corp. introduces the 1623-2 and 1625-2 earth ground testers with advanced features and accessories that have been designed to speed verification of a reliable connection to earth for grounded electrical systems. The design also helps users with power quality problems and lowers the risk of shock.

New accessory reels can save up to 50 percent of set up and tear down time compared to existing wire reels, according to Fluke. The new earth ground testers help engineers and electricians meet electrical codes, engineering standards and local regulations to ensure that in the event of a lightning strike or utility overvoltage current will find a safe path to earth. They perform all four types of earth ground measurements: 3- and 4-pole fall-of-potential, 4-pole soil resistivity, selective testing and stakeless testing.

The advanced testers feature USB connectivity for storage of up to 1,500 records with time stamp and fast downloading of measurements, eliminating the need for manual data transfer. New accessories include heavy-duty stakes that can be hammered into hard ground, color-coded wires to reduce errors, and a rugged carrying case speed.

The 1625-2 model includes an automatic frequency control, which identifies existing interference and chooses a measurement frequency to provide more accurate values; R measurement, which calculates earth ground impedance with 55 Hz to more accurately reflect the resistance that a fault-to-earth ground would experience; adjustable limits for quicker testing; and battery level status on the display.

The 1623-2 and 1625-2 may be purchased as stand-alone testers or in kits that include test leads, clamps, batteries, EG stakes, cable reels and carrying case. Optional accessories include a 12.7-inch split core transformer for performing selective testing on individual tower legs.