DET4 Series

4-Terminal Earth/Ground Resistance

and Soil Resistivity Testers

„ 2, 3 and 4 point testing

„ Stakeless (clamp-on) testing capability
„ ART (Attached Rod Technique) capability
„ Multiple, user selectable test frequencies
„ Resistance measurement range to
200,000 Ω
„ IP54 rated
„ Warning indicators prevent test failure
„ Simple one button operation
„ Includes leads, stakes, calibration certificate and
rugged carry case

DESCRIPTION The basic kit includes the test leads, stakes, batteries and
Megger’s popular 4-terminal ground testing instrument calibration certificate, delivered in a tough polypropylene
family includes four basic models with different kit variants carry case – everything you need to start testing in one
for each that include select accessories for greater testing package.
flexibility. The four basic units are:
All models are rated to IP54, making them truly outdoor
Model Description instruments. They are designed to meet stringent safety
DET4TD2 Dry-cell battery powered basic standards and are rated CAT IV 100 V. The ground testers
4-terminal tester have been designed to be easy to use – a large selector
DET4TR2 Rechargeable battery powered basic switch makes selection of 2, 3 or 4 pole tests easy with
4-terminal tester gloved hands – and the design makes the fitting of shorting
DET4TC2 Dry-cell battery powered 4-terminal links to perform 2-pole tests a thing of the past. A large,
tester with selectable test frequencies, clear, easy to read LCD and thumb sized test button also
greater measurement sensitivity and make the instruments particularly well suited to the outdoor
attached rod technique and stakeless conditions of ground testing. In addition to this ease of use
measurement capability feature, the instruments automatically check the connection
and conditions of the P spike, C spike, and also the level
DET4TCR2 Rechargeable battery powered
of ground noise, indicating the status on the display. They
4-terminal tester with selectable
also include a voltmeter to enable measurement of ground
test frequencies, greater measurement
voltage.
sensitivity and attached rod technique
and stakeless measurement capability
The DET4TD2 and DET4TR2 can measure resistance from
0.01 ohms to 20 kΩ, while the DET4TC2 and DET4TCR2
The top-end models (DET4TC2 and DET4TCR2) include a
can measure resistance from 0.01 ohms to 200 kΩ, a key
current measuring function for ART (Attached Rod Technique)
capability for soil resistivity testing. Also, to allow accurate
testing capabilities. With this added function, on-site grounds
testing in noisy environments, the instruments are capable of
can be tested separately without having to remove the utility
rejecting noise up to 40 V peak to peak.
connection (as explained further in this document). They also
provide stakeless testing capability. This method allows the
The DET4TD2 and DET4TC2 are powered by eight AA
operator to use the instrument like a clamp-on ground tester
batteries which are widely available and also give excellent
in applications where that method is viable, while also being
testing time – the status of these batteries is given by a bar
able to operate as a fall of potential tester if required.

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DET4 Series
4-Terminal Earth/Ground Resistance
and Soil Resistivity Testers

graph on the LCD display, allowing the operator to decide corrosion. Catastrophic events like lightning strikes or large
when to change the batteries before they expire. The fault currents can cause instant degradation. In addition,
DET4TR2 and DET4TCR2 are powered from rechargeable soil resistivity can change over time due to environmental
AA cells. The battery charger is built in and the instrument conditions and facility expansion can create different
is supplied with an AC/DC adapter. For all instruments, the ground system needs.
battery status is displayed using a bar-graph.
The risks from ground system deterioration include
The DET4TC2 and DET4TCR2 include additional capabilities. potentially deadly electrical shock situations, plant-wide
By using the optional ICLAMP the user can augment the equipment damage, disruption in the performance of
traditional fall-of-potential measurement method with sensitive equipment and heat build-up on a single piece of
ART (Attached Rod Technique), which allows electrode electrical equipment.
testing without disconnection and also leakage current
measurements down to 0.5 mA. The maintenance of an adequate low resistance ground
connection is essential to both the protection and
performance of any electrical system. Ground testing
should be performed both upon installation, to meet
design specification, and periodically thereafter in order
to maintain service. All Megger models can also perform
bonding tests (using an ac signal), to determine that
adequate connection has been made from equipment
to the grounding system, and can perform soil resistivity
tests. This additional function can be used in prospecting,
locating, and designing new grounding electrodes and
systems. Furthermore, the addition of built-in current
clamp capability enables fall of potential testing of attached
grounds (ART) without lifting the utility connection and the
Model DET4TCR2 shown performing the stakeless ground test-
addition of voltage clamp technology enables stakeless
ing method using only clamps.
testing from the same instrument.
A second optional clamp, the VCLAMP, enables true
Grounding electrodes from simple to complex systems can
stakeless (clamp-on) measurements to be made in situations
be tested, including:
where driving stakes is not practical.
„ Primary and secondary electrical grounding systems
The DET4TC2 and DET4TCR2 also feature a backlit
„ Utility pole grounds
display, which extends the operational environment of the
„ Lightning protection systems
instrument to cable cellars and other dark locations. Finally,
„ Residential grounds
all units have selectable 25 V or 50 V output for compliance
„ Machinery safety grounds
with IEC 61557-5. The 25 V output is required for testing in
„ Computer and communication system grounds
agricultural environments.
„ EMI/RFI system grounds
„ Antenna and pedestal grounds
APPLICATIONS
„ CATV system grounds
Proper grounding provides many varied benefits to both
people and facilities. It lessens the chance of injury due
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
to faulty installation, reduces the likelihood of damage
„ Stakeless testing capability, which allows the
from lightning strikes and induced voltages, improves
operator to use the instrument like a clamp-
the performance of computer, communication and other on tester in applications where the method is
sensitive equipment and protects against static electricity viable
from friction. Over time, ground systems can degrade or
„ Attached Rod Technique capability, which
become ineffective. Corrosion and weather influences allows fall of potential testing without the need
exert mechanical strain on ground rods and cause metallic to disconnect the ground rod

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DET4 Series
4-Terminal Earth/Ground Resistance
and Soil Resistivity Testers

„ Multiple, user selectable test frequencies allows Maximum probe resistance:

the operator to find the most effective frequency DET4TD2 and DET4TR2
Rp limit: 100kΩ (50V output voltage)
for making the measurement Rc limit: 100kΩ (50V output voltage)
„ 200,000 Ω measurement range provides the Limits reduced to 50kΩ for 25V
output voltage
ability to measure the resistivity of any type of Limits reduced to 5kΩ for 0.01 Ω
soil resolution
DET4TC2 and DET4TCR2
„ User selectable test voltage ensures that the units Rp limit: 200kΩ (50V output voltage)
can be used in agricultural environments Rc limit: 200kΩ (50V output voltage)
Limits reduced to 100kΩ for 25V output voltage
„ Microprocessor control for improved error Limits reduced to 5kΩ for 0.01 Ω resolution
detection Earth voltage range: 0 – 100 V
Earth voltage accuracy: 2% ±2 V
„ Clear, unambiguous warnings and error 2-wire test: Yes, all models
indications ensure the reliability osf the reading 3-wire test: Yes, all models
and reduce test time 4-wire test: Yes, all models
ART (Attached Rod Technique): DET4TC2, DET4TCR2
„ Rugged, weatherproof case to IP54 makes the Stakeless test: DET4TC2 and DET4TCR2
units truly outdoor instruments Ground current range (with current measuring clamp):
0.5 mA to 19.9 A
„ Backlit LCD allows for testing in dark Ground current accuracy: 5% ±3 digits
environments Display:
DET4TD2 and DET4TR2: 3-1/2 digit high contrast LCD
„ Noise rejection to 40 V pk to pk allows accurate DET4TC2 and DET4TCR2: 3-1/2 digit high contrast LCD, backlit
testing in noisy environments Test frequency: 94, 105, 111 and 128 Hz
(128 Hz for DET4TD2 and DET4TR2)
„ Testing kits and certificates supplied — everything Test voltage: 25 V or 50 V, user selectable (factory setting 50 V)
needed to start testing immediately Test current: 450 micro-amps at 25 V or 50 V (selectable),
4.5 mA at 25 V
„ Accuracy of 2% of reading enhances reliability of Noise rejection: 40V pk to pk
measurements Noise check: Automatic
C spike check: Automatic
„ Voltmeter function included allows you to P spike check: Automatic
measure the ground voltage and enhances Battery type: 8 1.5 V AA cells (8 1.5 V AA NiMH rechargeable cells
– DET4TR2 and DET4TCR2)
operator safety
Battery life: 3 hours, 700 consecutive tests
„ CAT IV 100V provides increased operator safety Safety: EN61010-1 CAT IV 100 V
Terminals: 4 mm plug type (test leads)
SPECIFICATIONS Ingress protection: IP54
Resistance range: 0.01 to 200 kΩ autoranging EMC: Meets the requirements of EN61326-1:1998 for use in heavy
(0.01 to 20kΩ for models DET4TD2 and DET4TR2) industrial areas, including amendment 1
Resistance accuracy: Dimensions: 8 x 5.7 x 3.2 in. (203 x 148 x 78 mm)
2P measurements 2% ±3 digits Weight: 2.2 lb (1 kg)
3P measurements 2% ±3 digits Operating temperature range: 5º to +131º F (-15º to +55º C)
4P measurements 2% ±3 digits Storage temperature range: -40º to +158º F (-40º to +70º C)
ART measurements 5% ±3 digits Humidity: 95% RH non-condensing at 104º F (40º C)
Stakeless measurements 7% ±3 digits

STAKELESS (CLAMP-ON) TESTING system testing applications. This method is also useful when
The DET4TC2 and DET4TCR2 include stakeless, or clamp-on testing there is insufficient space to perform a classic fall-of-potential
capability. In effect, these models can be operated in the same way measurement. In addition the units can be used to measure ground
as a clamp-on ground tester, eliminating the need to disconnect leakage or phase current.
the ground under test and drive test probes in certain ground The user simply clamps the optional ICLAMP (current clamp)
and VCLAMP (voltage clamp) around the ground under test in
the manner prescribed in the operator’s manual and takes the
reading. A defined test voltage is injected into the system using
the VCLAMP, inducing a current, I, to flow and be measured by the
ICLAMP. The instrument then calculates the approximate resistance
of the ground under test.
The stakeless method is subject to the same limitations faced by the
traditional clamp-on ground tester. It is effective only in situations
with multiple grounds in parallel and cannot be proofed like a fall-
of-potential test. In situations where the stakeless method reading
is questionable, a full fall-of-potential test is recommended. The
advantage of the DET4TC2 and DET4TCR2 is that the units include
both test methods in a single instrument, making them the most
versatile units available.

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DET4 Series
4-Terminal Earth/Ground Resistance
and Soil Resistivity Testers

STANDARDS COMPLIANCE A clamp-on measurement has to be accepted on faith

Complies with the requirements of KEMA K85B.
Complies with the following parts of EN61557, “Electrical safety and its reliability is based squarely on the knowledge
in low voltage distribution systems up to 1000 V a.c. and 1500 V and experience of the operator, leaving a large margin
d.c. - Equipment for testing, measuring or monitoring of protective
measures”. for “human error.” In complex, multiply connected grids
Part 1 - General requirements and other grounding schemes, return paths may exist
Part 5 - Resistance to earth
that are entirely metallic, not including earth at all. The
ART (ATTACHED ROD TECHNIQUE) clamp-on test current will circulate through such paths
TESTING CAPABILITY and give a reading, essentially a continuity reading of the
The DET4TC2 and DET4TCR2 include the additional testing grid structure having nothing to do with soil resistance.
capability that we have termed ART, for Attached Rod Such readings will be low, and appear to the uninformed
Technique. A nagging problem with traditional ground as acceptable grounds. The responsibility for making
testing has been the requirement to “lift” (i.e., disconnect) these determinations falls squarely on the operator.
the utility connection. Once the grounding conductor (the But even when properly addressed, there is no way of
main conductor that connects the facility to the ground demonstrating the competence of the readings to a third
rod or grid) has been attached to the grounding electrode, party, such as a client. They must simply be accepted.
the utility ground becomes a parallel resistance. The utility
neutral is typically bonded to the ground bus at the service The ART testing capability combines the advantages of
entrance and this connection, during a ground test, causes both of these technologies to produce a method that
test current to flow back through the utility ground as well can reliably measure an attached ground, and prove
as through the test electrode. Test current divides according it! A built-in clamp input, used in conjunction with the
to Law of Parallel Resistance, but the tester makes its optional ICLAMP accessory, connected below the point of
measurement based on total current flow. The reading is separation of the parallel test currents, measures only the
the combined parallel resistance of the on-site ground and current flowing through the test ground, not that going
the utility protection. This is a valid measurement, but not of back through the utility. This current value is then used
the test electrode exclusively. by the microprocessor to calculate ground resistance,
strictly in accordance with Fall of Potential or its derivative
This poses a considerable problem in many common procedures, supported by IEEE Standard 81 for proper
testing situations. If a commissioning test were required ground testing, and subject to the appropriate proofs.
to determine if design specifications had been met for a
new facility, such a reading would be insufficient. Lightning The ART method employs leads and probes just as does
protection requiring a short, straight path into the earth, any traditional tester. Ground resistance can be profiled
could also not be properly validated. But lifting the utility and graphed by moving the potential probe against the
connection poses several problems, not the least of which is position of the current probe, and a Fall of Potential graph,
the breaking of what is often a welded bond, in addition to Slope Method mathematical proof, or any of the other
the temporary loss of protection. proven methods utilized to demonstrate the accuracy of
the test. The only thing different from the operation of a
Clamp-on ground testers, which measure ground resistance familiar, traditional ground tester is that the clamp permits
by clamping around the rod and inducing a test current onto separation of the test currents in an attached or otherwise
it, are only a limited solution. They can accurately measure parallel-grounded system. This technique enables local
resistance of a single rod in a parallel system by inducing grounds to be tested without lifting the utility connection,
the test current onto the clamped rod and utilizing all the yet with the ease, reliability and confidence of a separate
parallel grounds as the return. Collectively, these returns, commissioning test.
typically the multiple grounds of the utility, contribute little
to the loop measurement. This is essentially the reverse of
the operation of a traditional tester, which uses the current
probe as the return while current “goes to ground” through
all parallels collectively. This technique solves the problem
of separately measuring an attached rod, but leaves the
problem that it cannot be proven.

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DET4 Series
4-Terminal Earth/Ground Resistance
and Soil Resistivity Testers

Model No. DET4TD2 DET4TR2 DET4TC2 DET4TCR2

SELECTION GUIDE
Cat. No. 1000-347 1000-324 1000-345 1000-346
2-Pole Measurement n n n n

3-Pole Measurement n n n n

4-Pole Measurement n n n n

Soil Resistivity n n n n

Tests ART (Attached Rod n n

Technique) Capability
Stakeless (Clamp-on) n n
Measurement Capability
Resistance Range 0.01 to 20,000 Ω 0.01 to 200,000 Ω
Ground Voltage Range 0 to 100 V
Ground Current Range 0.5 mA to 19.9 A
(with ICLAMP) Capability
Output Selectable Voltage (25/50 V) n n n n

Test Frequency 128 Hz 94, 105, 111, 128 Hz

Power Supply Alkaline Batteries n n

Rechargeable Batteries n n

Noise Rejection 40 V Peak-to-Peak n n n n

Safety Rating CAT IV 100 V n n n n

Ingress Protection Rated to IP54 n n n n

Hard Carry Case n n n n

Included Accessories Test Leads (49 ft, 33 ft, n n n n

33 ft, 10 ft) and Spikes
Certificate of Calibration n n n n

Warranty 2 Year n n n n

CONFIGURATION OPTIONS
Power
Included Accessories Supply
33 ft, 10 ft) and Spikes
Leads (49 ft, 33 ft,
terminal adapters

Alkaline batteries
Hard carry case

Field Calibrator
External ac/dc

MCC1010 and

Rechargeable
4 Right-angle

MCV1010

batteries
Adapter

Model No. Cat. No.

DET4TC2+Clamps 1000-365 n n n n n n

DET4TCR2+Clamps 1000-366 n n n n n n n

NOTE: Using the MCC1010 allows the operator to make ART measurements. Using the MCC1010 and
MCV1010 allows the operator to make stakeless (clamp-on) measurements.

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 DET4 Series
4-Terminal Earth/Ground Resistance
and Soil Resistivity Testers

DET4TC2 OPERATION
Test lead connections
(at rear)

LCD Display

Resistance
measurement
settings

25V / 50V
output voltage
select button

Selector switch
Test button

Frequency Backlight Voltage and current

select button control button measurement settings

DET4TC2 DISPLAY EXAMPLE

Warning - refer to user

Output voltage indicator Ruptured fuse manual
indicator Battery charge
indicator

Measuring range

Over/under range
indicator

Potential probe resistance Ground noise voltage

indicator (OK or high) Current probe resistance
(OK or high) indicator (OK or high)

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DET4 Series
4-Terminal Earth/Ground Resistance
and Soil Resistivity Testers

OPTIONAL ACCESSORY KITS

Soil Resistivity Kit

Cat. No. 250586-KIT
Set of four test leads, 50 ft.
(15 m); two pair of 20 in. (51
cm) ground rods; padded case
to hold instrument, leads and
rods

Deluxe Kit,
Cat. No. 250581-KIT
Set of three color-coded test
leads, 25, 50, 100 ft.
(8, 15, 30 m); two 20-in. (51
Each instrument comes complete with four sets of cm) ground rods; padded case
leads, two test spikes, instruction manual CD, and to hold instrument, leads and
a rugged carrying case rods

Standard Kit,
Cat. No. 250579-KIT
Three color-coded test leads,
25, 50, 100 ft.
(8, 15, 30 m); two 20-in.
(51 cm) ground rods; canvas
accessory case for leads and
rods only

Standard Kit
Cat. No. 6310-755
Terminal Adapters Hammer, 2.5 lb (1.13 kg); four
are used to allow the galvanized steel spikes, 0.5 in.
DET4 Series units’ (12 mm); two spike extractors;
terminals to accept four leads in carrying case
alternative cable
connections.

Earth Test Kit (ETK)

Cat. No. 1010-XXX
Kits with cable reels, earth test
spikes, current and voltage
clamps, measuring tape, and
carry bag
For additional details, see
separate data sheet “ETK_DS_
US”

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DET4 Series
4-Terminal Earth/Ground Resistance
and Soil Resistivity Testers

ORDERING INFORMATION
Item (Qty) Cat. No. Item (Qty) Cat. No.
DET4TD2 1000-347 Deluxe accessory kit (leads, rods, padded case) 250581-KIT
DET4TR2 1000-324 Standard accessory kit (hammer, spikes, leads) 6310-755
DET4TC2 1000-345 Soil resistivity kit (leads, rods, padded case) 250586-KIT
DET4TC2+Clamps 1000-365 “Getting Down to Earth”
DET4TCR2 1000-346 a Megger guide to earth testing AVTM25-TA
DET4TC2 + ETK50C Replacement hard carry case 5410-429
(DET4TC2 + ETK50C for Art & stake less testing) 1012-521 Replacement calibration check PCB
DET4TCR2 + ETK50C (rechargeable) (two-clamp measurements) 6220-831
(DET4TCR2 + ETK50C for Art & stake less testing (rechargeable)) Replacement ground test stakes (x2)
1012-523 for included kit (200mm, 8mm dia) 6220-804
See Configuration Options chart for detailed information Replacement ground test leads (x4)
for included kit (15m, 10m, 10m, 3m) 6220-806
Optional Accessories
Replacement cable reel (30m, yellow cable)
MCC1010 Current measuring clamp and for professional kit 6220-842
connecting lead for ART testing method 1010-516
Cable reel kit ETK30 1010-176
MCV1010 Voltage inducing clamp, calibration check
Cable reel kit ETK50 1010-177
PCB (2-clamp measurements) & connecting lead 1010-518
Cable reel kit ETK100 1010-178
Calibration check box 6220-824
Cable reel kit ETK50C 1010-179
Right angled terminal adaptor set 6220-803
Cable reel kit ETK100C 1010-180
Auxiliary 12V socket charger
(DET4TR2 and DET4TCR2 only) 6280-375
Standard accessory kit (leads, rods, canvas
accessory case for leads & rods) 250579-KIT

SALES OFFICE DET4T2Series_DS_US_V13

Megger Limited www.megger.com
Archcliffe Road Dover ISO 9001
CT17 9EN England The word ‘Megger’ is a registered trademark
T +44 (0) 1304 502101
E UKsales@megger.com