Manual Usuario Megger
Manual Usuario Megger
USER MANUAL
G SAFETY WARNINGS
■ Safety Warnings and Precautions must be read and understood before the instrument is used. They must be observed during use.
■ Do not leave the instrument connected to the system under test when not in use.
■ Circuit connections and exposed metalwork of an installation or equipment under test must not be touched.
■ 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.
■ 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.
■ 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.
■ 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.
■ 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.
■ 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.
■ 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.
■ The instrument must be disconnected from the earthing system under test while batteries are being changed or the fuse replaced.
■ 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.
2
G LIVE EARTH SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
It is preferable that the earth electrode to be tested is first isolated from the circuit it is protecting, so that only the earth is measured and not the complete
system. When this is done, the circuits and equipment must be de-energised. If however this is not possible, the earth electrode should be duplicated so that
when it is disconnected for test purposes, the other one provides the necessary circuit protection. The following safety precautions are essential when
working near high tension systems where any unintentional ‘live’ earths may be encountered between the site earth and remote earths established for test
purposes. A ‘live’ earth is one that carries current from the mains supply, or could do so under fault conditions.
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.
3
CONTENTS
4
INTRODUCTION GENERAL DESCRIPTION
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 4
instrument, please ensure that you read and understand the following
point (DET4TD only) testing, and one analogue version that makes
safety warnings and instructions before attempting to use the instruments.
provision for 2 and 3 point measurements.
This user manual describes the operation and functions of the DET series
The DET3TC can use an optional current clamp (ICLAMP) to measure
of Earth Ground Electrode Testers:
electrode (rod) resistance without disconnection, leaving the installation
DET3TA earthing system intact (Attached Rod Technique, ART). The DET3TC in
conjunction with the current clamp can also measure conductor current.
DET3TC
The DET variants have the following features:
DET3TD
Feature DET3TA DET3TC DET3TD DET4TD
DET4TD
Automatic C spike check ■ ■ ■
2-wire test ■ ■ ■ ■
3-wire test ■ ■ ■ ■
4-wire test ■
5
INSTRUMENT ILLUSTRATIONS
Resistance scale
Voltage scale
6
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)
7
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)
8
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. Should measurement (>100 kΩ).
it prove necessary in particular circumstances, it is possible to set the
Rc OK Current spike (C Spike) is within range for accurate
output voltage 25 V. The procedure for changing the output voltage is as
measurement (<100 kΩ).
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 measurement
4. To toggle between the maximum output test voltages, press the TEST (>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.
The instrument can be switched off manually by selecting the ‘OFF’ setting
on the selector switch and then switched on as normal.
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).
9
REPLACING BATTERIES AND FUSES
Batteries Note: Fully charged NiMH or NiCAD rechargeable batteries show a lower
Battery type: 8 x LR6 (AA), 1.5 V Alkaline, or 8 x 1.2 V NiCAD, or 8 x charge than alkaline batteries, and may not give much warning before
1.2V NiMH becoming exhausted
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 charge disconnect the instrument from any electrical circuits.
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
Fuse
Figure 1: Battery life indication (DET3TC, DET3TD, DET4TD) Fuse type: 500 mA (F), HBC, 50 kA, 600 V (32 x 6 mm)
10
MEGGER’S ‘DOWN TO EARTH’ PUBLICATION
The following descriptions of tests are a set of instructions for the sole
Blown fuse symbol: f (DET3TD, DET3TC and DET4TD) purpose of the proper use of these instruments by competent persons.
Where there is doubt about a particular application, reference should be
Only one fuse is contained within the instrument, and is user-replaceable.
made to the advice and guidance contained within the publication ‘Down to
Earth’, available from Megger.
When the fuse ruptures, symbol will show and testing is inhibited.
DESCRIPTION OF TESTS FOR MODELS DET3TC, DET3TD DET4TD
To replace the fuse Battery
Before proceeding with measurements, ensure that the charge condition of
Warning: Do not operate instrument with the battery cover removed. the batteries is sufficient to undertake the intended measurements. The
charge status is given in the bar-graph, as shown in Figure 1, which is
1. To avoid the possibility of electric shock, switch instrument ‘OFF’ and continually shown on the LCD when the instrument is switched on.
disconnect the instrument from any electrical circuits.
Measurement of ground noise voltage (DET3TC, DET3TD and
2. The rear cover must not be opened if the test leads are connected. DET4TD)
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.
7. Replace the instrument back cover and secure by tightening the Test spike Test spike Test spike
retaining screw.
Earth electrode Earth electrode Earth electrode
(rod) under test (rod) under test (rod) under test
11
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 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.
7. Press and hold the TEST button until a ‘100’ reading is obtained.
14
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].
15
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
16
1. With the selector switch set to the ‘OFF’ position, connect the
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.
5. The instrument will then check for ground noise voltage, the 1. With the selector switch in the ‘OFF’ position, connect the instrument
parameters of the current and voltage circuits and the integrity of the as shown in Figure 16.
fuse during which time the Rc LED will flash. 2. Set the selector switch to the 3 point resistance measurement setting
6. A resistance reading will be indicated on the analogue display, as shown marked ‘3P’.
in Figure 15. 3. The ground noise voltage is indicated on the analogue display.
7. Release TEST button. 4. If the ground noise voltage is within acceptable limits, push and hold
17
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 display. the current circuit is within limits.
6. If the P Spike resistance is within acceptable limits as shown in Figure 11. A resistance reading will be indicated on the analogue display, as shown
17a (within the Green region on the Rp scale), release the ’Spike’ in Figure 15.
button. 12. On completion of measurement, release the TEST button.
18
PREVENTIVE INSTRUMENT MAINTENANCE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
1. The DET series instruments require very little maintenance. General Specification
2. Test leads should be checked before use to ensure there is no damage. Only values with tolerances or limits are guaranteed data. Values without
tolerances are for information only.
3. Ensure batteries are removed if left unused for extended periods.
4. When necessary, the instrument can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Resistance Measurement
Range: 0.01 Ω to 2,000 Ω
5. Do not use alcohol-based cleaners, as these may leave a residue.
Accuracy: 2% ±3 digits (DET3TC, DET3TD, DET4TD)
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
19
Power Supply
Dry cell: 8 x LR6 (AA), 1.5 V Alkaline
Fuses
500 mA (F), HBC, 50 kA, 600 V (32 x 6 mm)
20
REPAIR AND WARRANTY
The instrument contains static sensitive devices, and care must be taken in Returning an Instrument for Repair
handling the printed circuit board. If an instrument’s protection has been If it is necessary to return an instrument for repair, a returns Authorisation
impaired it should not be used, but sent for repair by suitably trained and number must first be obtained by contacting one of the addresses shown.
qualified personnel. The protection is likely to be impaired if for example; it You will be asked to provide key information, such as the instrument serial
shows visible damage; fails to perform the intended measurements; has number and fault reported when the number is issued. This will enable the
been subjected to prolonged storage under unfavourable conditions, or has Service Department to prepare in advance for the receipt of your
been subjected to severe transport stresses. instrument, and to provide the best possible service to you.
21
M