M

DET3/2, DET5/2 & DET5/2D

Digital Earth Testers

User Guide
Guide de l’utilisateur
Guía del usuario
 SAFETY WARNINGS
★ The earth spikes, test leads and their terminations must not be touched if an
installation earth-fault can arise, unless adequate precautions are taken.
★ When working near high tension systems rubber gloves and shoes should be worn.
★ Special precautions are necessary when ‘live’ earths may be encountered, and
isolation switches and fuses are needed in this situation.
★ The terminals of the DET5/2 must be disconnected from any external circuit while
its battery cells are being charged. The DET5/2D must be similarly disconnected
while its battery cells are changed.
★ Before charging the DET5/2 battery ensure that the correct supply fuse is fitted and
the voltage selector is set correctly.
★ Refer also to page 14 for further explanations and other precautions.
★ Warnings and Precautions must be read and understood before the instrument is
used. They must be observed during use.

NOTE
THE INSTRUMENTS MUST ONLY BE USED BY SUITABLY TRAINED AND COMPETENT PERSONS.
2
CONTENTS

Safety Warnings 2 Method using ‘dead’ earth 46

General Description 5 16th Edition IEE Wiring Regulations
Applications 8 requirement 47
Specification 9 Other methods 47
Accessories 13 Determining ‘Touch’ and ‘Step’ potential 48
Operation 14 Measuring soil resistivity — 50
Warnings 14 Typical variations in soil resistivity 50
Precautions 15 Line traverse 50
Display symbols 16 Calculation of resistivity 51
Setting-up the test spikes etc. 19 Continuity testing 53
Basic test procedure 19 Circuit Description 54
Battery charging (DET5/2) 20 Repair and Warranty 55
Fitting or replacing the battery cells (DET5/2D) 20
Automatic switch-off (DET5/2 and DET5/2D) 21
Replacing the current source protecting fuse 21 Illustrations
Mode d’Emploi 22 Fig. 1 DET3/2 and DET5/2 Earth Testers 7
Instrucciones de Uso 28 Fig. 2 Instrument Accessories 13
Measuring Techniques Fig. 3 A method of connection where fault
conditions may occur 15
Testing earth electrodes — 35
Fig. 4 Low cranking speed and low battery voltage
Fall-of-Potential method 35
indications 16
The 61,8% Rule 36
Fig. 5 Reverse polarity symbol 17
The Slope method 38
Fig. 6 High current spike resistance symbol 17
Chart for use with Slope method 41
3
CONTENTS

Fig. 7 High potential spike resistance symbol 18 Note:- The MEGGER® DET5/2 has been
Fig. 8 Excessive noise interference symbol 18 superseded by the MEGGER® DET 5/4,
which has it’s own User Guide.
Fig. 9 Over-range symbol 18
Fig. 10 Fall-of-Potential method for measuring
resistance of an earth electrode 35
Fig. 11 Fall-of-Potential method using single lead
to the earth electrode 36
Fig. 12 Resistance areas associated with electrode
and current spike 37
Fig. 13 The 61,8% Rule method 37
Fig. 14 Connection for the Slope method 39
Fig. 15 Resistance curve from the Slope method Symbols used on the instrument
tests 39
Caution: Refer to accompanying notes.
Fig. 16 Possible results from several Slope method
tests 40
Equipment complies with relevant EU
Fig. 17 “Dead” earth method 46 Directives
Fig. 18 Test spike positions for the 16th Edition
IEE Wiring Regulations 47
Fig. 19 Determining ‘Touch’ and ‘Step’ potential 48
Fig. 20 Connections for resistivity testing 50
Fig. 21 Nomogram for resistivity calculations 52
Fig. 22 Continuity testing 53
Fig. 23 Block diagram of instrument circuit 54

4
GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The DET3/2, DET5/2 and DET5/2D MEGGER® Digital current and, after filtering and phase sensitive
Earth Testers are compact instruments designed to detection, the resistance is given directly on the digital
measure earth electrode resistance, earth continuity display.
etc. They may also make earth resistance tests which The test frequency is 128 Hz and in the interests of
lead to the measurement of soil resistivity. The safety the maximum test voltage at the terminals is
DET3/2 is powered by a hand cranked generator limited to 50 V (peak) with respect to earth. Short
whereas the DET5/2 has an internal rechargeable circuit current is either 10 mA, 1 mA or 100 µA
battery, with an integral charger unit. The DET5/2D is depending on the range in use.
powered from six internal, replaceable alkaline cells.
INSTRUMENT DESIGN
TEST METHOD
The instruments are very robust and have tough
Each instrument uses the well known four-terminal cases moulded in ABS plastic. Each case is fitted with
method of measurement in which the resistance of the a fold-down carrying handle and four right-angled
current circuit test leads does not affect the result. adaptors are supplied to connect the test leads to the
In the DET3/2, DET5/2 and DET5/2D the resistance instrument terminals. Test leads are not supplied with
of the potential circuit test leads can also be ignored an instrument but form part of earth testing field
because a buffer stage is incorporated to prevent the accessory kits which are available as an additional
measuring circuit from loading the earth resistance option.
under test.
All instruments have simple controls. Mounted on the
A simple, latchable, push-button switch provides a front panel is a rotary range selector and two push-
three-terminal measurement by internally connecting button switches, one for checking the potential circuit
the ‘C1’ and ‘P1’ terminal sockets together. resistance prior to a measurement being made and
A reversing d.c. test current, generated electronically the other for connecting the ‘C1’ and ‘P1’ terminals
from a “floating” constant current source within the internally for a three-terminal measurement. The
instrument, is passed via the ‘C1’ and ‘C2’ terminals instrument’s 31⁄2 digit liquid crystal display shows the
through the earth being tested. The potential test result and also indicates a high current circuit
developed across the earth is compared with the resistance, a high potential circuit resistance, (both
5
GENERAL DESCRIPTION

usually caused by a high test spike resistance), a Earth electrode to be tested.

“noisy” environment within the earth making up the
test sample, and a low battery voltage in the case of Terminal P1(ES) is for the Potential connection to the
the DET5/2 and DET5/2D, or low generator cranking Earth electrode to be tested.
speed in the case of the DET3/2. As these factors can
influence the measurement being made, noise and Terminal P2(S) connects to the remote Potential test
the current circuit resistance are continuously spike.
monitored during a test, while a check of the potential
circuit resistance can be made at any time. The Terminal C2(H) connects to the remote Current test
display shows all measurements directly in ohms with spike.
the decimal point automatically positioned. It also
gives an over-range indication to instruct the user to DET 5/2 CHARGER POWER CORD
change to a higher range, and a negative sign to If the charger power cord plug is not suitable for your
show that the current and potential test leads are type of socket outlets, do not use an adaptor. You
reversed. should use a suitable alternative power cord, or if
The battery powered testers both have an automatic necessary change the plug by cutting the cord and
switch-off after 3 minutes of measurement. fitting a suitable plug.
These instruments have been designed to comply The colour code of the cord is:
with the performance specifications of BS7430 Earth (Ground) Yellow / Green
(formerly CP 1013) specification (from BSI), BS7671 Neutral Blue
(the IEE Wiring Regulations) IEC 364, NFC 15-100 Phase (Line) Brown
French Specification and VDE 0413 Part 7 (1982)
German specification. For this reason, the terminals If using a fused plug, a 3 Amp fuse to BS 1362 should
are each marked in a dual way as follows: be fitted.
Note: A plug severed from the power cord should be
C1 P1 P2 C2
destroyed, as a plug with bare conductors is
E ES S H
hazardous in a live socket outlet.
Terminal C1(E) is for the Current connection to the
6
SPECIFICATION
Max. Potential Spike Resistance
Spike resistance that will introduce + 1% error is:- 20 Ω range 10 kΩ ± 1 kΩ
200 Ω range 25 kΩ ± 3 kΩ
2 kΩ and 20 kΩ ranges 100 kΩ ± 10 kΩ
(These are loop resistances, therefore the resistance
under test must be subtracted from these figures).
Max. Output Voltage 50 V
Display 31⁄2 digit LCD, maximum reading 1999
Temperature Effect <±0,2%/°C over the temperature range -15 °C to +55 °C
Temperature Range Operating -15 °C to +55 °C (0 °C to +55 °C for DET5/2D)
Storage -40 °C to +70 °C (for DET5/2D, without batteries)
Humidity Operating 95% RH max. at 40 °C
Storage 93% RH max. at 55 °C
Flash Test 3 kV a.c.
Voltage Withstand In the event of a system fault the instrument will
withstand 240 V a.c. applied between any two terminals.
Fuses DET3/2, DET5/2 and DET5/2D 100 mA ceramic HBC 20 mm x 5 mm IEC 127/1 (for
current source protection)
Internal 100 mA ceramic HBC 20 mm x 5 mm IEC 127/1
(for potential circuit protection)
Internal 100 mA ceramic HBC 20 mm x 5 mm IEC 127/1
(for 3/4 terminal switch circuit protection)
DET 5/2 Charger Cord Fused plug (when applicable) 3 A fuse to BS 1362.
DET5/2 only 50 mA ceramic HBC 20 mm x 5 mm IEC 127/1 for
240 V a.c. supply, 100 mA ceramic HBC 20 mm x 5 mm
IEC 127/1 for 120 V a.c. supply (for circuit protection during
battery charging).
Internal 1 A ceramic HBC 20 mm x 5 mm IEC 127/1
10 (for battery protection)
Power Supply DET3/2 Internal hand-cranked a.c. generator (Minimum cranking
speed 160 r.p.m.)
DET 5/2 Internal rechargeable sealed lead acid cells 12 V, 0,8 Ah
capacity. Battery voltage range over which basic accuracy
is maintained, 10,0 V to 13,5 V.
Battery life Typically 80 x 3 min tests (4 hours’ continuous use).
Battery charging time, 10 hours max. (from completely
exhausted). Charging supply required, 200 V to 255 V a.c.
or 100 V to 130 V a.c. 50 Hz/60 Hz.
DET5/2D 6 x 1,5 V alkaline battery cells IEC LR6 type. Battery
voltage range over which basic accuracy is maintained, 6 V
to 10 V.
Battery life 50 x 3 min tests (21⁄2 hours’ continuous use); at 0 °C, 15 x 3
min tests (45 minutes’ continuous use).
Safety The instruments meet the requirements for double
insulation to IEC 1010-1 (1995), EN61010-1 (1995).
E.M.C. In accordance with IEC61326 including Amendment No.1
Dimensions DET3/2 210 mm x 128 mm x 125 mm (81⁄4 in x 5 in x 5 in approx.)
DET5/2 and DET5/2D 180 mm x 128 mm x 125 mm (7 in x 5 in x 5 in approx.)
Weight DET3/2 1 kg (21⁄4 lb approx.)
DET5/2 1,4 kg (3 lb approx.)
DET5/2D 0,82 kg (13⁄4 lb approx.)

Cleaning Wipe disconnected instrument with a clean cloth dampened with soapy water or isopropyl alcohol
(IPA).

11
ACCESSORIES
SUPPLIED PART NUMBER
U.S. OPTIONS Cat. Number
User Guide 6171-524 Standard Accessory Kit 250579
Power cord (Battery charging DET5/2) Canvas case containing:-
Four right angled terminal adaptors 2 x 20 in rods, leads
OPTIONAL (25,50 &100 ft)
Vinyl Carrying Case 6420 - 111
Deluxe Accessory Kit 250581
Four Terminal Earth Testing Kit 6310 - 755 Padded case to hold instrument,
Carrying bag containing:-
2 x 20 in rods, leads
Club hammer, 4 x spikes
(25,50 &100 ft)
3 m (x2) cable and 30 m
50 m of cable on winders.
Soil Resistivity Kit 250586
Four Terminal Compact Earth 6210 - 161 Padded case to hold instrument,
Testing Kit 4 x 20 in rods and test leads
Compact carrying bag containing:- (4 x 50ft )
4 x push in spikes, 3 m, 15 m, 30 m,
and 50 m of cable on cable tidy.
Three Terminal Compact Earth 6210 - 160
Testing Kit
Compact carrying bag containing:-
3 x push spikes, 3 m, 15 m
and 30 m of cable on a cable tidy.

Publications
‘Getting Down to Earth’ AVTM25-TA

13
OPERATION

Note:- Any unauthorised prior repair or adjustment Low Battery Voltage (DET5/2 and DET5/2D)
will automatically invalidate the warranty. Similarly on the DET5/2 and DET5/2D, if the battery
2. It is advisable that, when working with the DET5/2 voltage is too low the arrow on the left of the display
instrument, the battery is fully charged before will appear pointing at the ‘ Lo’ mark on the
embarking upon a test sequence. It can be graphics panel. In this case the batteries hold only
extremely inconvenient if the battery voltage enough power for possibly one or two more
becomes too low while a field test is in progress. measurements and must be recharged (DET5/2) or
Similarly, with the DET5/2D new battery should replaced (DET5/2D) before further tests are
always be available. undertaken.
DISPLAY SYMBOLS
The 31⁄2 digit l.c.d. shows the reading directly and the
operator can simply refer to the range switch position
for the units of measurement. The instrument’s display
symbols can also help the operator make certain that
the reading is valid. The meaning of each display
symbol is given in the following paragraphs. Pics in here

Low Generator Cranking Speed (DET3/2)

If the generator handle on the DET3/2 is turned too
slowly such that there is insufficient output for a test to
be performed properly, an arrow ‘→ ’ appears on the
left of the display pointing at the ‘Rev/Min Lo’ mark on
the graphics panel. Any reading on the display should
be ignored and the generator turned faster until the Fig. 4 Low cranking speed and low battery voltage
arrow disappears before a measured value is indications.
accepted. Reverse Polarity
When the potential test leads are reversed with
respect to the current test leads, the reading on the
16
SETTING-UP THE TEST SPIKES ETC. BASIC TEST PROCEDURE
For earth electrode testing and for earth resistivity Four Terminal Measurement
surveying, the instrument’s test leads are connected After the test spikes have been set-up and connected
to spikes hammered into the ground. The way the to the instrument for the type of test to be carried out
connections are made depends on the type of test (refer to ‘Measuring Techniques’), proceed as
being undertaken and the details of these are given in follows:—
the next section, ‘Measuring Techniques’. 1. Select the measuring range required. Choose the
Test spikes and long test leads are necessary for all lowest range if it is uncertain which is correct; this
types of earth testing and the Earth Testing Field may produce the over-range symbol when the
Accessory Kits (available as an option) contain the instrument is operated, if so switch to the next
basic equipment. range.
2. Turn the generator handle at 120 r.p.m. (minimum)
Recommended test spikes are 13 mm square, or for the DET3/2.
diameter 460 mm long and made of mild steel. These Note:— The DET5/2 and DET5/2D energize the
can be driven to a depth of 300 mm with rapid blows test circuit as soon as the range is selected.
from a 1 kg hammer. The size of the cable suitable for 3. Check that the display shows no adverse test
use as test leads is not critical but, it should be conditions, i.e. that the high current circuit resistance
reasonably flexible and MUST be insulated. At least and excessive noise symbols are not showing. Also
100 m length will be needed and a cable size of about check that the low battery voltage symbol (DET5/2
104/0,1 mm is suitable. and DET5/2D) or low cranking speed symbol
When connections are made to the instrument the (DET3/2) is not illuminated.
right angled adaptors should be used. These are 4. Press the ‘Test Rp’ push-button to check the
supplied with the instrument and they have screw potential spike resistance. The high potential
terminals to take hook or spade connectors, bare circuit resistance symbol should not appear.
wires, or 4 mm plugs. Release the push-button.
5. If all the conditions for a test are satisfactory the
reading given on the display may be accepted as
the earth resistance. If any of the display symbols,
(except reverse polarity), illuminate, the cause of
19
OPERATION

the adverse condition must be removed before 100 mA. (Type and size of the fuses are given in the
the reading can be accepted. Specification). The mains supply fuse is located in the
holder which is part of the recessed input plug on the
Three Terminal Measurement side of the case. Simply slide the holder out to reveal
The basic test procedure is the same as for the Four two fuses, the inner one is the working fuse; the
Terminal Measurement except that the latchable outer one is a spare fuse. The voltage adjuster is
push-button marked ‘C1 - P1’ (‘E - ES’) should be located on the bottom of the casing. Use a
pressed and left in its down position. Only one screwdriver to turn the appropriate voltage mark to
connection is then required from the ‘C1’ (‘E’) terminal the indicating arrow.
to the electrode under test. For greatest accuracy this When the fuse and voltage selector are correctly set,
connection should be made with a short lead. plug the mains supply lead into a suitable socket
outlet and switch on. An l.e.d. light on the front panel
BATTERY CHARGING (DET5/2) marked ‘CHARGE’ will illuminate to show that the
The battery should be charged as soon as the low instrument is connected to a mains supply. Leave the
battery indicator appears on the display. If the display battery to charge for 10 hours approximately.
remains blank when the instrument is switched on, it Caution:— Do not leave the test leads connected to
may be that the battery has become completely the terminals while the instrument is being
exhausted. In this case charge the battery fully before supplied with mains power.
performing any tests.
Note:— It is unwise to allow the battery to become FITTING OR REPLACING BATTERY CELLS
completely exhausted for fear of causing it (DET5/2D)
damage. Caution:— Use only battery cells of the correct type
Before connecting to the mains supply ensure that the (see the Specification). Whenever the
correctly rated fuse is fitted and that the voltage battery cells are being fitted or replaced
adjuster is set to the right value for the supply to be there should be no connections to the
used. For a 240 V a.c. supply the fuse should be instrument terminals.
50 mA and for a 120 V a.c. supply the fuse should be
20
BS7671 (16th Edition wiring regulations) OTHER METHODS
requirements There are other methods of earth electrode testing
Regulation 713-11 of BS7671 specifies that the among which are the Four Potential, Intersecting
resistance of earth electrodes must be measured. Curves and Star Delta methods. Megger Limited
The accompanying Guidance Notes describe a have produced a book entitled ‘A Simple Guide to
method of test that is very similar to the Fall-of- Earth Testing’ (Part Number 6171-230) which
Potential method. If the maximum deviation from the explains all these test methods and gives other
average of the three readings is better than 5% then helpful information about earth testing. It is available
the average can be taken as the earth electrode from the instrument manufacturer or one of their
resistance. If the deviation exceeds 5% then the approved distributors.
current spike should be moved further away from the
electrodes and the tests repeated.

E
P C

6m 6m

Fig.18 Test spike positions for BS7671 testing

47
REPAIR AND WARRANTY

The instrument circuit contains static sensitive devices, Approved Repair Companies
and care must be taken in handling the printed circuit A number of independent instrument repair
board. If the protection of an instrument has been companies have been approved for repair work on most
impaired it should not be used, and be sent for repair by MEGGER® instruments, using genuine MEGGER® spare
suitably trained and qualified personnel. The protection is parts. Consult the Appointed Distributor/Agent regarding
likely to be impaired if, for example, the instrument spare parts, repair facilities and advice on the best
shows visible damage, fails to perform the intended course of action to take.
measurements, has been subjected to prolonged storage
under unfavourable conditions, or has been exposed to Returning an Instrument for Repair
severe transport stresses. If returning an instrument to the manufacturer for repair, it
should be sent, freight pre-paid, to the appropriate
New Instruments are Guaranteed for 3 Year from the
address. A copy of the Invoice and of the packing note
Date of Purchase by the User.
should be sent simultaneously by airmail to expedite
Note: Any unauthorized prior repair or adjustment will clearance through Customs. A repair estimate showing
automatically invalidate the Warranty. freight return and other charges will be submitted to the
sender, if required, before work on the instrument
Instrument Repair and Spare Parts commences.
For service requirements for MEGGER® Instruments
contact

Megger Limited or Megger

Archcliffe Road Valley Forge Corporate Center
Dover 2621 Van Buren Avenue
Kent CT17 9EN PA 19403
England U.S.A.
Tel: +44 (0)1304 502243 Tel: +1 (610) 676 8579
Fax: +44 (0)1304 207342 Fax: +1 (610) 676-8625
or an approved repair company.
55
 M
Megger Limited Megger Megger
Archliffe Road Dover 4271 Bronze Way, Dallas, Z.A. Du Buisson de la Couldre
Kent CT17 9EN ENGLAND TX 75237-1019 USA 23 rue Eugène Henaff
T +44 (0)1 304 502101 T +1 800 723 2861 78190 TRAPPES France
F +44 (0)1 304 207342 T +1 214 333 3201 T +33 (0)1 [Link]
F +1 214 331 7399 F +33 (0)1 [Link]

OTHER TECHNICAL SALES OFFICES

Toronto CANADA, Sydney AUSTRALIA, Madrid SPAIN, Mumbai INDIA, and the Kingdom of BAHRAIN.

Megger products are distributed in 146 countries worldwide.

This instrument is manufactured in the United Kingdom.

The company reserves the right to change the specification or design without prior notice.

Megger is a registered trademark

Part No. 6172-524 V09 Printed in England 0204

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