3.56 - Earth fault detector
3.56 - Earth fault detector
Model : DET3TD
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USER MANUAL
G SAFETY WARNINGS
n Safety Warnings and Precautions must be read and understood before the instrument is used. They must be observed during use.
n Do not leave the instrument connected to the system under test when not in use.
n Circuit connections and exposed metalwork of an installation or equipment under test must not be touched.
n The instrument must not be operated or connected to any external system if it shows any visible signs of damage or if it has been stored for
prolonged periods in unfavourable conditions.
n The instrument must not be operated or connected to any external system if the battery compartment or casing is open or any parts of the case
(including keypad, selector switch, display window, etc.) are missing.
n The earth spikes, test leads and their terminations (including connections to the earthing system under test) must not be touched if an installation
earth fault can arise unless adequate precautions are taken.
n The earth spikes, test leads and their terminations (including connections to the earthing system under test) must not be touched while the
instrument is switched on.
n Special precautions are necessary when operating in situations where ‘live’ earths may be encountered: isolation switches and fuses (not supplied
with this instrument) must be used.
n Special precautions are necessary when working near high tension systems (MV and HV): rubber gloves and shoes (not supplied with this
instrument) should be worn.
n Special precautions are necessary when working in wet conditions or in agricultural areas: observe the local safety standards and take all necessary
special precautions applicable to the particular location.
n The instrument must be disconnected from the earthing system under test while batteries are being changed or the fuse replaced.
n Replacement batteries and fuses must be of the correct type and rating.
NOTE
THE INSTRUMENT MUST ONLY BE USED BY SUITABLY TRAINED AND COMPETENT PERSONS.
Users of this equipment and/or their employers are reminded that National Health and Safety Legislation requires them to carry out valid risk
assessments of all electrical work so as to identify potential sources of electrical danger and risk of electrical injury such as inadvertent short circuits.
Where the assessments show that the risk is significant then the use of fused test leads may be appropriate.
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CAT II CAT III CAT IV
Measurement category II: Equipment Measurement category III: Equipment connected Measurement category IV: Equipment connected
connected between the electrical outlets and the between the distribution panel and the electrical between the origin of the low-voltage mains supply
user’s equipment. outlets. and the distribution panel.
1. All persons involved must be trained and competent in isolation and safety procedures for the system to be worked on. They must be clearly
instructed not to touch the earth electrode, test spikes, test leads, or their terminations if any ‘live’ earths may be encountered. It is recommended that
they wear appropriate rubber gloves, rubber soled shoes, and stand on a rubber mat.
2. The ‘P’ (‘S’) and ‘C’ (‘H’) terminals should be connected through a double pole isolation switch, the rating of which will cope with the maximum fault
voltage and current. The isolation switch must be open whilst any personal contact is made with the remote test spikes, or the connecting leads, e.g.
when changing their position.
Note: If a fault occurs while a test is being made the instrument may be damaged. Incorporating fuses at the isolation switch, rated at 100 mA, and able
to cope with the maximum fault voltage will provide some protection for the instrument.
BATTERY INSTALLATION
Caution: Whenever battery cells are being fitted or replaced, there should be no connections to the instrument terminals. The cover to the battery
compartment lifts off the rear of the instrument and is held in position by a single captive screw in the base of the instrument. To fit or replace battery
cells, loosen the captive screw and lift away the cover. Fit new cells observing the correct polarity as indicated on the battery compartment moulding.
Replace the cover and tighten the securing screw. To avoid damage by leaking electrolyte, do not leave cells fitted in an instrument which will remain
unused for extended periods of time.
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CONTENTS
Thank you for purchasing the Megger Earth Ground Electrode Tester. The Megger DET family of test instruments offers a unique solution to
the measurement of earth or ground electrode (rod) resistance and soil
For your own safety and to get the maximum benefit from your
resistivity. The family has three digital variants, which support 2, 3 and
instrument, please ensure that you read and understand the following
4 point (DET4TD only) testing, and one analogue version that makes
safety warnings and instructions before attempting to use the
provision for 2 and 3 point measurements.
instruments.
The DET3TC can use an optional current clamp (ICLAMP) to measure
This user manual describes the operation and functions of the DET
electrode (rod) resistance without disconnection, leaving the installation
series of Earth Ground Electrode Testers:
earthing system intact (Attached Rod Technique, ART). The DET3TC in
DET3TA conjunction with the current clamp can also measure conductor current.
2-wire test n n n n
3-wire test n n n n
4-wire test n
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INSTRUMENT ILLUSTRATIONS
Resistance scale
Voltage scale
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DET3TC DET3TD
Test lead connections Test lead connections
(at rear) Digital LCD display (at rear)
Digital LCD display
Resistance Resistance
measurement settings measurement settings
Test button Test button (2P and 3P)
(2P, 3P and clamp)
Selector switch
Selector switch
Voltage measurement
Voltage and current settings
measurement settings Warning - refer to
Warning - refer to Ruptured fuse User manual
Ruptured fuse User manual indicator Battery charge
indicator Battery charge indicator
indicator
Over/under range Over/under range Measuring range
indicator Measuring range indicator
Test lead connections (at rear of instrument) Test lead connections (at rear of instrument)
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PREPARATIONS FOR USE (ALL INSTRUMENTS)
Potential probe
resistance (OK or
high)
Current probe Ground noise voltage
resistance indicator indicator (OK or high)
(OK or high)
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GENERAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS (ALL INSTRUMENTS)
Instrument output voltage selection Rp Hi Potential spike (P Spike) resistance exceeds range for accurate
The maximum output voltage of the instrument is nominally 50 V. measurement (>100 kΩ).
Should it prove necessary in particular circumstances, it is possible to set
Rc OK Current spike (C Spike) is within range for accurate
the output voltage 25 V. The procedure for changing the output voltage
measurement (<100 kΩ).
is as follows:
Rc Hi Current spike (C Spike) resistance exceeds range for accurate
1. Press and hold the TEST button and switch instrument ON to the V
measurement (>100 kΩ).
setting on the selector switch.
2. The LCD display will indicate ‘tst’ (DET3TC, DET3TD and DET4TD). Noise OK Ground noise voltage is within range for accurate
measurement (<40 Vpk-pk).
3. Release TEST button. The maximum output test voltage will be
displayed, either ‘50 V’ or ‘25 V’. Noise Hi Ground noise voltage exceeds range for accurate
4. To toggle between the maximum output test voltages, press the TEST measurement (>40 Vpk-pk).
button. Display symbols (DET3TA)
5. Switch off instrument when the desired maximum test voltage is Current spike (C Spike) is within range for accurate
displayed. measurement (<100 kΩ).
Auto power down
To extend battery life the instrument will automatically switch off six Instrument is performing measurement checks.
minutes after the last operation.
G Warning Triangle
Rc and Rp limit reduced to 50 kΩ for 25 V output.
f Fuse Blown
>100V Indicates that the ground noise voltage exceeds the instrument
measurement capability.
Rp OK Potential spike (P Spike) is within range for accurate
measurement (<100 kΩ).
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REPLACING BATTERIES AND FUSES
The battery condition is continuously displayed by the bar-graph type To replace batteries
symbol (DET3TC, DET3TD and DET4TD) or by switching to the battery
Warning: Do not operate instrument with the battery cover removed.
setting and pressing the TEST button (DET3TA).
Figure 1 shows the progression of the battery indicator (for the DET3TC, 1. To avoid the possibility of electric shock, switch instrument ‘OFF’ and
DET3TD and DET4TD) which gives a qualitative status of the battery disconnect the instrument from any electrical circuits.
charge condition. 2. The rear cover must not be opened if the test leads are connected.
3. To avoid the possibility of electric shock, do not press the test button
or touch the fuse when changing batteries.
Fully charged battery
4. To remove the rear cover, release the screw at the bottom of the
cover and lift the cover upwards.
75% charged battery 5. Remove the dead cells.
6. Refit new batteries observing the correct polarity as marked on the
battery compartment.
50% charged battery
7. Replace the instrument back cover and secure by tightening the
retaining screw.
25% charged battery Warning: - Incorrect battery cell polarity can cause electrolyte leakage,
resulting in damage to the instrument. If the battery condition indicator
does not show a full charge when battery cells are new, a cell may be
reversed.
Some testing still possible but battery may fail at any
time
Note: Battery cells should not be left in an instrument that may remain
Symbol flashes when there is not enough charge to unused for extended periods.
do a test and the instrument will turn itself off
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MEGGER’S ‘DOWN TO EARTH’ PUBLICATION
Fuse The following descriptions of tests are a set of instructions for the sole
Fuse type: 500 mA (F), HBC, 50 kA, 600 V (32 x 6 mm) purpose of the proper use of these instruments by competent persons.
Blown fuse symbol: f (DET3TD, DET3TC and DET4TD) Where there is doubt about a particular application, reference should be
Only one fuse is contained within the instrument, and is user- made to the advice and guidance contained within the publication ‘Down
replaceable. to Earth’, available from Megger.
1. To avoid the possibility of electric shock, switch instrument ‘OFF’ and Measurement of ground noise voltage (DET3TC, DET3TD and
disconnect the instrument from any electrical circuits. DET4TD)
2. The rear cover must not be opened if the test leads are connected.
3. To avoid the possibility of electric shock, do not press the test button
when replacing the fuse.
4. To remove the rear cover, release the screw at the bottom of the
cover and lift the cover upwards.
5. Disconnect the battery circuit before accessing the fuse.
6. Remove fuse and replace it with of fuse of the same characteristics. Test spike Test spike Test spike
7. Replace the instrument back cover and secure by tightening the Earth electrode Earth electrode Earth electrode
retaining screw. (rod) under test (rod) under test (rod) under test
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To measure the ground noise voltage: 4. A resistance reading will be displayed on the LCD display as shown in
Figure 4.
1. With the selector switch set to the ‘OFF’position, connect the
instrument as shown in Figure 2.
2. Set the selector switch to the ground noise voltage setting marked ‘V’.
3. The ground noise voltage reading will be displayed on the LCD
display as shown in Figure 3.
Note: The test voltage used to make resistance measurements is a.c. and
because of this may not suitable for continuity testing in accordance with
local regulations.
1. With the selector switch in the ‘OFF’ position, connect the instrument 8. The instrument is now calibrated to the particular ICLAMP.
as shown in Figure 7. 9. Switch the instrument to the OFF position.
2. Set the selector switch to the 4 point resistance measurement setting
marked ‘4P’. Measuring ground current with the ICLAMP (DET3TC)
3. Press and release the TEST button [by pressing and holding the TEST
button, the resistance measurement will be continually updated and
displayed].
4. The instrument will then check for ground noise, the parameters of the
current and voltage circuits and the integrity of the fuse
5. A resistance reading will be displayed on the LCD display, as shown in
Figure 6.
1. With the selector switch in the ‘OFF’ position, connect ICLAMP to Figure 8: Connections for measuring current using the current clamp
instrument. 1. With the selector switch in the ‘OFF’ position, connect the instrument,
2. Press and hold the TEST button and switch instrument ON to the ‘A’ as shown in Figure 8 and close the ICLAMP around the earthing
setting on the selector switch. conductor under test.
3. Release TEST button, 2. Turn the selector switch to the current measuring setting marked ‘A’.
4. Connect terminals ‘X’ and ‘C’ on the instrument together with the lead 3. The instrument will display a measured current value, as shown in
provided with the ICLAMP. Figure 9.
5. Press and hold down the TEST button until a ‘0’ reading is obtained on
the instrument display.
6. Close clamp around the lead connecting the ‘X’ and ‘C’ terminals.
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Attached Rod Technique (ART) (DET3TC)
It is possible to use this instrument to measure the resistance of a
ground rod without disconnecting it from the rest of the system,
thereby allowing normal operations within the installation to continue
uninterrupted. This technique is known as the ‘Attached Rod Technique’
(ART). Where the means of grounding comprises multiple rods, this
technique also allows individual measurement of each rod.
1. With the selector switch in the ‘OFF’ position, connect the instrument,
as shown in Figure 10 and close the ICLAMP around the earthing
conductor under test.
2. Set the selector switch to the setting marked ‘3P ’.
3. Press and release the TEST button [by pressing and holding the TEST
button, the resistance measurement will be continually updated and
displayed].
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DESCRIPTION OF TESTS FOR MODEL (DET3TA)
4. The instrument will then check for ground noise voltage, the Battery-life reading (DET3TA)
parameters of the current and voltage circuits and the integrity of the 1.Set the selector switch to
fuse. 2. Press and hold the TEST button.
5. A resistance measurement reading is displayed as shown in Figure 11. 3. The battery life will be indicated in the analogue display on the scale
marked with the , as shown in Figure 12.
4. Release TEST button.
Figure 11: Three point resistance reading using ART Ground noise voltage measurement (DET3TA)
Potential spike
Earth system
under test
Figure 13: Connections for measuring ground noise voltage and two-
terminal resistance
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1. With the selector switch set to the ‘OFF’ position, connect the 7. Release TEST button.
instrument as shown in Figure 13.
2. Set the selector switch to the ground noise voltage setting marked ‘V’.
3. A voltage reading will be indicated on the analogue display, as shown
in Figure 14.
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down the ‘P Spike’ button. 10. Continuous illumination of the Rc LED indicates that the resistance of
5. A P Spike resistance reading will be indicated on the analogue the current circuit is within limits.
display. 11. A resistance reading will be indicated on the analogue display, as
6. If the P Spike resistance is within acceptable limits as shown in Figure shown in Figure 15.
17a (within the Green region on the Rp scale), release the ’Spike’ 12. On completion of measurement, release the TEST button.
button.
Voltage Measurement
Range: 0 V to 100 V
Accuracy: 5% ±3 digits
Safety
Meets the requirements of EN61010-1 100V CAT IV between terminal
pairs.
EMC
In accordance with IEC61326 including amendment No.1
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Power Supply The instrument contains static sensitive devices, and care must be taken in
Dry cell: 8 x LR6 (AA), 1.5 V Alkaline handling the printed circuit board. If an instrument’s protection has been
impaired it should not be used, but sent for repair by suitably trained and
Rechargeable: 8 x 1.2V NiCAD, or 8 x 1.2V NiMH
qualified personnel. The protection is likely to be impaired if for example;
Battery life: Approx. 700 consecutive tests it shows visible damage; fails to perform the intended measurements; has
been subjected to prolonged storage under unfavourable conditions, or
Fuses
has been subjected to severe transport stresses.
500 mA (F), HBC, 50 kA, 600 V (32 x 6 mm)
==
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REPAIR AND WARRANTY
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