Test and measurement equipment provider Fluke Corporation has released the 1623-2 and 1625-2 earth ground testers for verification of a reliable connection to earth for grounded electrical systems.
The new 1623-2 and 1625-2 earth ground testers are designed to assist engineers and electricians in meeting 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. According to the company, the testers perform all four types of earth ground measurements—three- and four-pole fall-of-potential, four-pole soil resistivity, selective testing and stakeless testing.—and include USB connectivity for easy storage of up to 1,500 records with time stamp and fast downloading of measurements. Accessories include heavy-duty stakes that can be hammered into hard ground, color-coded wires to reduce errors, and a professional, rugged carrying case speed.
The 1625-2 model offers a number of unique features, including automatic frequency control (AFC), 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 earth ground testers may be purchased as standalone testers or in kits that include test leads, clamps, batteries, EG stakes, cable reels, and carrying case. Optional accessories include a 320 mm (12.7 inch) split core transformer for performing selective testing on individual tower legs.
