AEMC 6472 User manual

DIGITAL GROUND RESISTANCE
AND SOIL RESISTIVITY TESTER
ENGLISH User Manual
6472

Statement of Compliance
Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC®Instruments
certifies that this instrument has been calibrated
using standards and instruments traceable to
international standards.
We guarantee that at the time of shipping your
instrument has met its published specifications.
An NIST traceable certificate may be
requested at the time of purchase, or obtained
by returning the instrument to our repair and
calibration facility, for a nominal charge.
The recommended calibration interval for this
instrument is 12 months and begins on the date of
receipt by the customer. For recalibration, please
use our calibration services. Refer to our repair
and calibration section at www.aemc.com.
Serial #: ________________________________
Catalog #: ______________________________
Model #: 6472
Please fill in the appropriate date as indicated:
Date Received: _________________________________
Date Calibration Due: _______________________
Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc.
d.b.a AEMC®Instruments
www.aemc.com

READ CAREFULLY BEFORE
USING FOR THE FIRST TIME
Your instrument is equipped with a NiMH battery. This technology o󰀨ers several
advantages:
• Long battery charge life for a limited volume and weight.
• Possibility of quickly recharging your battery.
• Signicantly reduced memory e󰀨ect: you can recharge your
battery even if it is not fully discharged.
• Respect for the environment: no pollutant materials such as lead
or cadmium, in compliance with the applicable regulations.
After prolonged storage, the battery may be completely discharged. If so, it must
be completely recharged.
Your instrument may not function during part of this recharging operation.
Full recharging of a completely discharged battery may take several hours.
NOTE: In this case, at least 5 charge/discharge cycles will be necessary
for your battery to recover 95% of its capacity.
To make the best possible use of your battery and extend its e󰀨ective service life:
• Only use the charger supplied with your instrument. Use of
another charger may be dangerous.
• Only charge your instrument at temperatures between 0° and 40°C.
• Comply with the conditions of use dened in the operating manual.
• Comply with the storage conditions specied in the operating
manual.
NiMH technology allows a limited number of charge/discharge cycles depending
signicantly on:
• The conditions of use.
• The charging conditions.
Please refer to § 9.5 for correct replacement of the battery.
Do not dispose of the battery pack with other solid waste. Used batteries
must be entrusted to a qualied recycling company or to a company
specialized in processing hazardous materials.

2 Ground Resistance Tester Model 6472
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................... 5
1.1 International Electrical Symbols...........................................................6
1.2 Denition of Measurement Categories.................................................6
1.3 Receiving Your Shipment.....................................................................6
1.4 Ordering Information ............................................................................6
1.4.1 Kits, Accessories and Replacement Parts ..............................7
2. PRODUCT FEATURES ...................................................................... 9
2.1 Description ...........................................................................................9
2.2 Key Features......................................................................................10
2.3 Control Features ................................................................................11
2.4 Display ...............................................................................................12
2.5 Button Functions ................................................................................14
3. SPECIFICATIONS........................................................................... 15
3.1 Reference Conditions.........................................................................15
3.2 Electrical.............................................................................................15
3.2.1 Frequency Measurements ....................................................15
3.2.2 Voltage Measurements .........................................................15
3.2.3 Current Measurements .........................................................16
3.2.4 DC Resistance Measurements .............................................17
3.2.5 AC Earth Resistance Measurements....................................18
3.2.6 Soil Resistivity Measurement ρ ............................................20
3.2.7 Earth/Ground Potential Measurements V Pot.......................21
3.2.8 Earth/Ground Measurements with 2 Clamps........................22
3.3 Data Storage......................................................................................22
3.4 Power.................................................................................................22
3.5 Mechanical.........................................................................................23
3.6 Environmental ....................................................................................23
3.7 Safety.................................................................................................24
4. OPERATION .................................................................................. 25
4.1 General Operating Instructions ..........................................................25
4.1.1 Automatic Mode....................................................................25
4.1.2 Manual (Expert) Mode ..........................................................25
4.2 Instrument Conguration (SET-UP mode) .........................................26

Ground Resistance Tester Model 6472 3
5. AUTOMATIC MODE........................................................................ 27
5.1 Switching the Test Voltage .................................................................27
5.2 Resistance Measurement mΩ (2-Wire)..............................................27
5.2.1 Lead Compensation Measurement ......................................28
5.2.2 Alarm Function......................................................................29
5.3 Resistance Measurement mΩ (4-Wire)..............................................30
5.4 Earth/Ground Measurement (3-Pole).................................................31
5.4.1 62% Method..........................................................................31
5.4.2 Full Method ...........................................................................33
5.4.3 Recommendations for a Reliable Measurement...................33
5.5 Earth/Ground Measurement (4-Pole).................................................35
5.5.1 Measurement without a Clamp .............................................35
5.5.2 Measurements with a Clamp ................................................36
5.6 Soil Resistivity Measurements (ρPosition)........................................38
5.6.1 Advantages/Disadvantages of Wenner and Schlumberger ..38
5.6.2 Changing the Measurement Method.....................................39
5.6.3 Programming the Distance for Electrode Placement............39
5.6.4 Wenner Method ....................................................................40
5.6.5 Schlumberger Method...........................................................42
5.7 Potential Measurement (V pot) ..........................................................43
5.8 Earth/Ground Measurements with Two Clamps.................................45
6. MANUAL MODE ............................................................................ 47
6.1 Switching the Test Voltage .................................................................47
6.2 Measurement Frequency Selection ...................................................48
6.3 Manual Settings for mΩ Measurements ............................................48
6.3.1 Continuity Test ......................................................................49
6.4 3-Pole Earth/Ground Measurement & Coupling .................................. 49
6.4.1 3-Pole Earth/Ground Measurements ....................................49
6.4.2 Earth/Ground Coupling Measurements ................................49
6.5 4-Pole Earth/Ground Measurements .................................................51
6.6 Soil Resistivity Measurements ...........................................................51
6.7 Earth/Ground Potential Measurements..............................................51
6.8 Measurements with Two Clamps .......................................................51
6.9 SWEEP Mode ....................................................................................52
6.10 Smoothing..........................................................................................52

4 Ground Resistance Tester Model 6472
7. MEMORY FUNCTION ..................................................................... 53
7.1 Saving Measurements into Memory...................................................53
7.2 Recalling Measurements from Memory .............................................54
7.3 Erasing Measurements from Memory................................................54
7.3.1 Erasing All Measurements ....................................................54
7.3.2 Erasing Selective Measurements .........................................55
8. DATAVIEW®SOFTWARE ................................................................ 56
8.1 Installing DataView®...........................................................................56
8.2 Ground Tester Control Panel..............................................................58
9. MAINTENANCE ............................................................................. 59
9.1 Maintenance.....................................................................................59
9.2 Cleaning...........................................................................................59
9.3 Fuse Replacement...........................................................................59
9.4 Recharging the Battery ....................................................................61
9.5 Replacing the Battery.......................................................................62
10. TROUBLESHOOTING ...................................................................... 64
10.1 Error Reporting.................................................................................64
10.1.1 Electrode Resistance Too High.............................................64
10.1.2 Out of Range.........................................................................64
10.1.3 Misconnection ......................................................................64
10.1.4 Out of Limits Indicators .........................................................65
10.1.5 Error Messages.....................................................................67
APPENDIX A: GLOSSARY OF TERMS................................................... 68
Basic Terminologies ....................................................................................68
Glossary ......................................................................................................69
Repair and Calibration....................................................................... 72
Technical and Sales Assistance......................................................... 72
Limited Warranty ............................................................................... 73
Warranty Repairs............................................................................... 73

Ground Resistance Tester Model 6472 5
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
WARNING
These safety warnings are provided to ensure the safety of personnel.
Please read and comply with these precautions:
• This instrument is protected from accidental voltages of not more than
50V with respect to earth in measurement CAT IV. The guaranteed level
of protection of this equipment may be compromised if used in a manner
not specied by the manufacturer.
• Safety is the responsibility of the operator.
• All metal objects or wires connected to the electrical system should be
assumed to be lethal until tested. Grounding systems are no exception.
• Never exceed the maximum rated voltage and current, and the mea-
surement category.
• Never exceed the protection limits, and always comply with the condi-
tions and place of use, indicated in the specications.
• Do not use the instrument or its accessories if they appear damaged.
• Use accessories that have overvoltage category and service voltages
greater than or equal to those of the instrument (CAT IV 50V). Use only
accessories that comply with safety standards (IEC 61010-2-031 & 32).
• Wear the appropriate protective gear (insulating boots and gloves).
• Check that no terminal is connected and the switch is set to OFF before
opening the device.
• Use only the charging unit supplied with the instrument to recharge the
battery.
• Troubleshooting and metrological verication procedures must only be
performed by qualied, approved personnel, or the factory.
• NOTE: The potentials on the various rods used for an earth measurement
may be di󰀨erent if a nearby electrical installation is defective or certain
weather conditions prevail (thunderstorms). It is up to the operator
to decide whether to continue or postpone measurements in these
situations.

6 Ground Resistance Tester Model 6472
1.1 International Electrical Symbols
Signifies that the instrument is protected by double or reinforced insulation.
This symbol on the instrument indicates a WARNING that the operator must
refer to the user manual for instructions before operating the instrument. In
this manual, the symbol preceding instructions indicates that if the instructions
are not followed, bodily injury, installation/sample and/or product damage may
result.
Risk of electric shock. The voltage at the parts marked with this symbol may be
dangerous.
Ground/Earth symbol
In conformity with WEEE 2002/96/EC
1.2 Definition of Measurement Categories
CAT IV: For measurements performed at the primary electrical supply (<1000V) such
as on primary overcurrent protection devices, ripple control units, or meters.
CAT III: For measurements performed in the building installation at the distribution level
such as on hardwired equipment in xed installation and circuit breakers.
CAT II: For measurements performed on circuits directly connected to the electrical
distribution system. Examples are measurements on household appliances or
portable tools.
1.3 Receiving Your Shipment
Upon receiving your shipment, make sure that the contents are consistent with the
packing list. Notify your distributor of any missing items. If the equipment appears
to be damaged, le a claim immediately with the carrier and notify your distributor
at once, giving a detailed description of any damage. Save the damaged packing
container to substantiate your claim.
1.4 Ordering Information
Ground Resistance Tester Model 6472.........................................Cat. #2135.51
Includes carrying bag, 110/240V power adapter with US power cord, optical USB cable,
rechargeable NiMH battery pack, and a USB stick with DataView®software, ground tester
workbook and user manual.

Ground Resistance Tester Model 6472 7
Ground Resistance Tester Model 6472 Kit (150 ft) ...................... Cat. #2135.52
Includes meter, two carrying bags, two 150 ft color-coded leads on spools (red/blue), one 30
ft lead (green), two 5 ft color-coded leads (red/blue), 110/240V power adapter with US power
cord, optical USB cable, two T-shaped auxiliary ground electrodes, set of ve spaded lugs,
one 100 ft tape measure, rechargeable NiMH battery pack, and a USB stick with DataView®
software, ground tester workbook and user manual.
Ground Resistance Tester Model 6472 Kit (300 ft) ...................... Cat. #2135.53
Includes meter, two carrying bags, two 300 ft color-coded leads on spools (red/blue), two 100
ft color-coded leads (hand-tied, green/black), two 5 ft color-coded leads (red/blue), 110/240V
power adapter with US power cord, optical USB cable, four T-shaped auxiliary ground
electrodes, set of ve spaded lugs, one 100 ft tape measure, rechargeable NiMH battery
pack, and a USB stick with DataView®software, ground tester workbook and user manual.
Ground Resistance Tester Model 6472 Kit (500 ft) ...................... Cat. #2135.54
Includes meter, two carrying bags, two 500 ft color-coded leads on spools (red/blue), two
100 ft color-coded leads (hand-tied, green/black), one 30 ft lead (green), two 5 ft color-
coded leads (red/blue), 110/240V power adapter with US power cord, optical USB cable,
four T-shaped auxiliary ground electrodes, set of ve spaded lugs, one 100 ft tape measure,
rechargeable NiMH battery pack, and a USB stick with DataView®software, ground tester
workbook and user manual.
1.4.1 Kits, Accessories and Replacement Parts
Test Kit for 3-Pole (3-Point) Testing (150 ft) .................................Cat. #2135.35
Includes two 150 ft color-coded leads on spools (red/blue), one 30 ft lead (green), two 5 ft
color-coded leads (red/blue), two T-shaped auxiliary ground electrodes, set of ve spaded
lugs, one 100 ft tape measure and carrying bag.
Test Kit for 4-Pole (4-Point) Testing (300 ft) .................................Cat. #2135.36
Includes two 300 ft color-coded leads on spools (red/blue), two 100 ft color-coded leads
(hand-tied, green/black), two 5 ft color-coded leads (red/blue), four T-shaped auxiliary ground
electrodes, set of ve spaded lugs, one 100 ft tape measure and carrying bag.
Test Kit for 4-Pole (4-Point) Testing (500 ft) .................................Cat. #2135.37
Includes two 500 ft color-coded leads on spools (red/blue), two 100 ft color-coded leads
(hand-tied, green/black), one 30 ft lead (green), two 5 ft color-coded leads (red/blue), four
T-shaped auxiliary ground electrodes, set of ve spaded lugs, one 100 ft tape measure and
carrying bag.
Test Kit for 3-Pole (3-Point) Testing
(Supplemental for 4-Pole (4-Point) Testing) .............................................Cat. #2135.38
Includes two 100 ft color-coded leads (hand-tied, green/black), one 30 ft lead (green), two
T-shaped auxiliary ground electrodes, set of ve spaded lugs, one 100 ft tape measure and
carrying bag.

8 Ground Resistance Tester Model 6472
Extra Large Classic Tool Bag ...........................................................Cat. #2133.73
Tape Measure (100 ft) ......................................................................Cat. #2130.60
Ground Tester DVD/Workbook Set...................................................Cat. #2130.64
Set of two, 14.5" T-shaped Auxiliary Ground Electrodes ..................Cat. #2135.39
Replacement - Carrying Bag for Meter.............................................Cat. #2135.40
Optical USB Cable............................................................................Cat. #2135.41
Inverter – 12V DC to 120V AC 200 Watt for vehicle use ..................Cat. #2135.43
AC Current Probe Model MN82........................................................Cat. #2135.71
AC Current Probe Model SR182 ......................................................Cat. #2135.72
Replacement - Connection Lead for Models 6472/6474*.................Cat. #2135.75
Replacement - Fuse, set of 5, 0.63A 250V 5x10 1.5kA....................Cat. #2135.81
Replacement - Calibration Loop.......................................................Cat. #2135.82
Safety Alligator Clip - Black (Rated 600V CAT IV, 10A)....................Cat. #2140.53
Safety Alligator Clip - Green (Rated 600V CAT IV, 10A) ..................Cat. #2140.69
Replacement - Battery, Rechargeable NiMH 9.6V ...........................Cat. #2960.21
Replacement - Power Adapter 110/240V & Power Cord 115V US...Cat. #5000.13
Replacement - Power Cord 115V US Plug.......................................Cat. #5000.14
*NOTE: The GroundFlex®Adapter Model 6474 is a factory supplied product only.
Order Accessories and Replacement Parts Directly Online
Check our Storefront at www.aemc.com/store for availability