Chauvin Arnoux C.A 6422 User manual

Earth testers
EN - User’s manual
C.A 6422
C.A 6424

2
WARNING, risk of DANGER! The operator must refer to these instructions whenever this danger symbol appears.
WARNING, risk of electric shock. The voltage applied to parts marked with this symbol may be hazardous.
Useful information or tip. Earth.
Battery. Ammeter clamp.
The product is declared recyclable following a life cycle analysis in accordance with standard ISO 14040.
The CE marking indicates conformity with European LVD and EMC directives.
Chauvin Arnoux has adopted an Eco-Design approach in order to design this appliance. Analysis of the complete life-
󰀨
exceeds regulation requirements with respect to recycling and reuse.
The rubbish bin with a line through it means that in the European Union, the product must undergo selective disposal
in compliance with Directive WEEE 2012/19/EU.
Denition of measurement categories
Measurement category IV corresponds to measurements taken at the source of low-voltage installations.
Example: power feeders, counters and protection devices.
Measurement category III corresponds to measurements on building installations.

Measurement category II corresponds to measurements taken on circuits directly connected to low-voltage installations.
Example: power supply to electro-domestic devices and portable tools.
PRECAUTIONS FOR USE
This instrument is compliant with safety standard IEC 61010-2-030 for voltages up to 600V in category IV.
Do not use the instrument for measurements on circuits that are not in measurement categories II, III, or IV or that might be con-
nected inadvertently to circuits that are not in measurement categories II, III, or IV.
The operator and/or the responsible authority must carefully read and clearly understand the various precautions to be taken
in use. Sound knowledge and a keen awareness of electrical hazards are essential when using this instrument.

Do not use the instrument on networks of which the voltage or category exceeds those mentioned.
Do not use the instrument if it seems to be damaged, incomplete, or poorly closed.
Before each use, check the condition of the insulation on the leads, housing, and accessories. Any item of which the insulation
is deteriorated (even partially) must be set aside for repair or scrapping.
Before using your instrument, check that it is perfectly dry. If it is wet, it must be thoroughly dried before it can be connected or
used.
Use only the leads and accessories supplied. The use of leads (or accessories) of a lower voltage or category limits the voltage
or category of the combined instrument and leads (or accessories) to that of the leads (or accessories).
Use personal protection equipment systematically.

All troubleshooting and metrological checks must be performed by competent and accredited personnel.
Thank you for purchasing a C.A 6422 or C.A 6424 earth tester.
To obtain the best service from your instrument:
read this user manual carefully,
comply with the precautions for use.

3
CONTENTS
1. FIRST START-UP.................................................................................................................................................................4
1.1. Delivery condition ........................................................................................................................................................4
1.2. Accessories .................................................................................................................................................................4
1.3. Inserting the batteries ..................................................................................................................................................4
1.4. Primary batteries in the C.A 6424 or rechargeable batteries in the C.A 6422 ............................................................. 5
1.5. Charging the battery (C.A 6424)..................................................................................................................................6
1.6. Carrying the device......................................................................................................................................................7
1.7. Use on a desktop.........................................................................................................................................................7
2. PRESENTATION OF THE DEVICES..................................................................................................................................8
2.1. C.A 6422......................................................................................................................................................................8
2.2. C.A 6424......................................................................................................................................................................9
2.3. Functions of the instruments ....................................................................................................................................10
2.4. Keys and buttons.......................................................................................................................................................10
2.5. Display unit ................................................................................................................................................................ 11
3. USE......................................................................................................................................................................................12
3.1. Voltage measurement (C.A 6424) .............................................................................................................................12
3.2. Resistance measurement (2P) ..................................................................................................................................13
3.3. Earth resistance measurement..................................................................................................................................15
3.4. Current measurement (C.A 6424) .............................................................................................................................19
4. TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS ..................................................................................................................................20
4.1. General reference conditions ....................................................................................................................................20
4.2. Electrical characteristics ............................................................................................................................................20
4.3. Variations in the range of use ....................................................................................................................................22
4.4. Intrinsic uncertainty and operating uncertainty ..........................................................................................................23
4.5. Environmental conditions ..........................................................................................................................................23
4.6. Power supply .............................................................................................................................................................23
4.7. Mechanical characteristics .......................................................................................................................................24
4.8. Conformity to international standards........................................................................................................................24
4.9. Electromagnetic compatibility (CEM).........................................................................................................................24
5. MAINTENANCE..................................................................................................................................................................25
5.1. Cleaning ....................................................................................................................................................................25
5.2. Replacing the batteries..............................................................................................................................................25
6. WARRANTY........................................................................................................................................................................26

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1. FIRST START-UP
1.1. DELIVERY CONDITION
The C.A 6422 is delivered in a cardboard box with:
6 LR6 or AA batteries,
1 multilingual getting started guide.
The C.A 6424 is delivered in a cardboard box with:
6 rechargeable NiMH batteries,
1 carrying bag,
1 mains-USB adapter (5V, 2A)
1 USB-shaver cord
1 multilingual getting started guide
1.2. ACCESSORIES
Carrying bag,
G72 leakage current measurement ammeter clamp,
Carrying handle,
Four-point hands-free strap,
Earth measurement kit, 15m,
Expert earth measurement kit, 50m.
For the accessories and spares, consult our web site:
www.chauvin-arnoux.com
1.3. INSERTING THE BATTERIES

lever up.

5
Remove the battery compartment cover, then raise the rubber plug.
Insert the 6 primary batteries provided (C.A 6422) or the 6 rechargeable batteries (C.A 6424), with the polarities as indicated.
Put the rubber plug back in place. Push it in correctly.
Put the battery compartment cover back in place; make sure that it is completely and correctly closed.
1.4. PRIMARY BATTERIES IN THE C.A6424 OR RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES IN THE C.A 6422
󰀨
If you use rechargeable batteries in your C.A 6422, it will indicate a low battery and actual battery life will be shorter.

6
1.5. CHARGING THE BATTERY (C.A 6424)

Do not charge if there are primary batteries in the instrument.
Connect one end of the shaver USB cable (provided) to the terminal block of the C.A 6424 and the other end to a wall outlet
using the mains-USB adapter (provided).
> 100 VAC
< 240 VAC
50 / 60 Hz
2 A
The instrument is switched on and the display unit indicates the progress of the charging.
Charging takes approximately 6 hours.
Once charging is over, disconnect the plug. The instrument is ready to be used.

7
1.6. CARRYING THE DEVICE
The 4-point hands-free strap (optional) will let you use the device while leaving your hands free. Snap the four fasteners of the
strap onto the four lugs on the device.
Pass the strap around your neck.
Adjust the length of the strap,
Adjust the slope of the instrument.
1.7. USE ON A DESKTOP
Pull the props out, then fold them and put them in the other location.

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2. PRESENTATION OF THE DEVICES
2.1. C.A 6422
EARTH TESTER
C.A 6422
TEST
kΩ
UHE
RH ! NOISE
P
V
RER
HOLD
COM
V
EXHC
2
3
P
SP
Ω
600 V CAT IV
PS E X
Ω
C
H
COM
Terminal block:
3 measurement terminals. Indicator of presence of
hazardous voltage.
Backlit LCD display unit. TEST button. On/O󰀨 button.

9
2.2. C.A 6424
72%62%52%
V/A
TEST
Ω
kΩ
mA
V
RHUSE UHE
IT
RH ! NOISE
%
AVG
P
R52%
E
kΩ
mA
V
kΩ
V
kΩ
V
R62%
ER72% E
HOLD
0COM
V
EXHC
2
3
P
SP
Ω
5 V 2 A
600
V CAT IV
PS E X
VΩ
C
H
COM
Terminal block.
One input
battery charger.
3 measurement terminals.

G72 ammeter clamp (optional).
Indicator of presence of
hazardous voltage.
Backlit LCD display unit.
Function keys.
Other function
keys.
TEST button.
󰀨
72%62%52%
V/A
TEST
Ω
kΩ
mA
V
RHUSE UHE
IT
RH ! NOISE
%
AVG
P
R52%
E
kΩ
mA
V
kΩ
V
kΩ
V
R62%
ER72% E
HOLD
0COM
V
EXHC
2
3
P
SP
Ω

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2.3. FUNCTIONS OF THE INSTRUMENTS
C.A 6422 and C.A 6424 earth testers are portable measuring instruments with LCD displays. They are powered by batteries. They
can both be powered by rechargeable batteries, but only the C.A 6424 can recharge them.
These instruments are used to check the safety of electrical installations. They can be used to test a new installation before it is
powered up, to check an existing installation, whether in operation or not, or to diagnose a malfunction in an installation.
C.A 6422 C.A 6424
Earth resistance measurement (with three rods)  
Voltage measurement 
Resistance measurement  
Mean of the earth measurements at 52, 62, and 72% 
Detection of RHtoo high  
Detection of REtoo high  
Detection of a spurious voltage on USE  
Measurement of AC current with an ammeter clamp (optional) 
2.4. KEYS AND BUTTONS
Buttons Function
A long press on the On/O󰀨 button switches the instrument on.
󰀨
TEST Pressing the TEST button starts earth measurements in automatic mode.
A long press on the TEST button starts earth measurements in permanent mode.
Pressing the TEST button during a measurement stops the measurement.
At the end of the measurement, pressing the TEST button serves to exit from the frozen measurement display.
+ TEST Keeping the On/O󰀨 and TEST buttons pressed for more than 5 seconds when switching on changes the
names of the H, S, E terminals to C, P, X.
Keys of the
C.A 6424 Function
V/A The key can be pressed to make voltage measurements, or current measurements if an ammeter clamp is
connected.
In this latter case, a second press forces voltage measurements.
ΩThe key can be pressed to make resistance measurements, or earth resistance measurements by pressing
the TEST button.
52%
0
Pressing the key stores in memory the value of the measurement with the S rod at 52% of the distance.
Pressing the yellow key, then the 52% key, activates or deactivates compensation of the measurement leads.
A press on the yellow key, then a long press on the 52% key, serves to compensate the resistance of the leads
for the resistance measurement.
62% Pressing the key stores the value of the measurement with the S rod at 62% of the distance.
Pressing the yellow key, then the 62% key, switches on the backlighting for one minute, or switches the
󰀨
72%
P
Pressing the key stores the value of the measurement with the S rod at 72% of the distance.
󰀨
yellow
CLR
Pressing the yellow key gives access to the second functions of the 52%, 62%, and 72% keys.
A long press on the yellow key erases the values stored in memory.

11
1󰀨
2Indicates which terminals to connect
3In a 3P earth measurement, HOLD indicates that the measurement is frozen, AVG indicates that the measurement
displayed is the average of 3 measurements, and the %indicates the range of variation in the averaged measurements.
4Main display
5Indicates the errors on the measurement and on the earth measurements in memory (C.A 6424)
6Provides complementary information about the earth measurement (C.A 6424)
2.5. DISPLAY UNIT
➅
➀➁
➂
➄
➃
kΩ
mA
V
RHUSE UHE
IT
RH ! NOISE
%
AVG
P
R52%
E
kΩ
mA
V
kΩ
V
kΩ
V
R62%
ER72% E
HOLD
0COM
V
EXHC
2
3
P
SP
Ω

12
V
COM
V

V/A
VCOM

> 2s
3. USE
3.1. VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT (C.A 6424)
The instrument measures the RMS (Root Mean Square) voltage.
RMS (Root Mean Square): square root of the arithmetic mean of the squares of the instantaneous values of the signal.
3.1.1. MAKING A MEASUREMENT
Long-press the On/O󰀨 button to switch the instrument on.
Then press the V/A key.
The instrument indicates that it is in voltage measurement mode by displaying V.
Connect one end of the leads to the Vand COM terminals
and the other end to the object to be measured. The measurement is displayed.
3.1.2. ERROR INDICATION
If the measurement departs from the measurement range, the instrument so reports by displaying >700.0V.

13
ΩCOM
R
Ω
COM
2
P
Ω

> 2s

Ω
ΩCOM


52%
> 2 s

> 2s
0COM
V
2
P
Ω
Ω
UHE
V
3.2. RESISTANCE MEASUREMENT (2P)
3.2.1. MAKING A RESISTANCE MEASUREMENT WITH THE C.A 6422
Long-press the On/O󰀨 button to switch the instrument on.
It indicates that it is in resistance measurement mode by displaying 2P.
Use the leads to connect the device to be tested to the Ω
and COM terminals of the instrument.
The object to be tested must not be live.
The measurement is displayed.
3.2.2. MAKING A RESISTANCE MEASUREMENT WITH THE C.A 6424
Long-press the On/O󰀨 button to switch the instrument on.
It indicates that it is in resistance measurement mode by displaying 2P.
If the C.A 6424 is already on but in voltage or current measurement mode, press the Ωkey to switch
to resistance measurement.
For a more accurate measurement, compensate the leads.
Connect the leads between the Ω and COM terminals and short-circuit them. Press the yellow key, then long-press the 52% key.

14
ΩCOM
R
Ω
UHE
V
COM
2
P
Ω
0


52%
The
0
symbol blinks during the compensation. When it is done, the display unit indicates 00.00Ω.
If it displays Err
leads were disconnected during the compensation.
Pressing the
0
key deactivates or reactivates the compensation of the leads.
Once the compensation has been done, you can make resistance measurements.
Use the leads to connect the device to be tested to the Ω
and COM terminals of the instrument.
The object to be tested must not be live.
The measurement is displayed.
The instrument displays the measured value minus the compensation.
The value displayed may be negative if the leads used for the measurement are not the ones that were compensated. In this case,
redo the compensation.
󰀨󰀨
3.2.3. ERROR INDICATION
If the measurement departs from the measurement range, the instrument so reports by displaying >99.99kΩ.
If there is a spurious voltage UHE > 3 V between the Ωand COM terminals, the NOISE symbol blinks.
If the spurious voltage between the Ωand COM terminals UHE > 50 V, the indicator blinks and the measurement is
impossible.

15
PS E X
C
H
62% d
d
HS

> 2s
+

TEST

TEST
Ω
RHUSE
V
Ω
HOLD
EH
3
P
S
> 5 s
3.3. EARTH RESISTANCE MEASUREMENT
This function is used to measure an earth resistance when the electrical installation to be tested is not live (new installation, for
example). It uses two auxiliary rods, with the third rod being constituted by the earth electrode to be tested (whence the name “3P”).
󰀨-
lation, the earthing strip of the installation must be open during the measurement.
3.3.1. DESCRIPTION OF THE MEASUREMENT PRINCIPLE
The device generates between the H and E terminals a square wave at a frequency of 128 Hz and an amplitude of 10 V peak.
It measures the resulting current, IHE , along with the voltage present between the S and E terminals, USE. It then calculates the
value of RE= USE/IHE.
3.3.2. DESIGNATIONS OF THE TERMINALS
The names of the measurement terminals can be changed from H S E to C P X.
To do this, keep the On/O󰀨 and TEST buttons pressed for more than 5 seconds when switching
on; the names of the H, S, E terminals become C, P, X.
󰀨
3.3.3. MAKING A MEASUREMENT
There are several measurement methods. We recommend using the "62%" method.
Plant the H and S rods aligned on the earth electrode. The distance between the S rod and the earth electrode must be ap-
proximately 62% of the distance between the H rod and the earth electrode.
In order to avoid electromagnetic interference, we recommend paying out the full length of the cables, placing them as far apart
as possible, and avoiding loops.
Connect the cables to the H and S terminals. Power down the installation and disconnect the earth strip. Then connect the E
terminal to the earth electrode to be tested.
Press the TEST button to make a measurement in automatic mode.
The TEST button blinks red, then the measurement
is displayed. It remains frozen (HOLD) until you
press the TEST button again.
The values of RHand USE are displayed only for
the C.A 6424.
earth strip

16
PS E X
C
H
HS
52% d
d
62% d
72% d

62%
EH
3
P
S
Ω
R62%
E

72%

52%
EH
3
P
S
Ω
R72%
E
Ω
R62%
E
EH
3
P
S
Ω
R72%
E
Ω
R62%
E
R52%
E
Ω
%
Ω
AVG

> 2 s
3.3.4. AVERAGE OF THE MEASUREMENTS (C.A 6424)
At the end of the measurement made with the S rod at 62% of the distance d between the H rod and the earth electrode, press
the 62% key to store the value in memory.
Move the S rod towards the H rod by 10% of d and make another measurement. Press the 72% key to store it.
Then move the S rod again by 10% of d, but towards the earth electrode. Make another measurement and press the 52% key to
store it.
󰀨
󰀨
Long-press the yellow key to erase the stored measurements.

17
PS E X
C
H
HS
52% d
d
62% d
72% d

TEST
> 2 s
Ω
RHUSE
V
Ω
EH
3
P
S
HS
E
H
S
d
2
d1
3.3.5. MEASUREMENT IN PERMANENT MODE
Plant the H and S rods and connect the instrument as explained earlier.
Long-press the TEST button to make a measurement in permanent mode.
The TEST button blinks red, then the measurement is displayed
immediately.
The values of RHand USE are displayed only for the C.A 6424.
Press the TEST button again to stop the measurement.
3.3.6. VALIDATION OF THE MEASUREMENT
To validate your measurement, move the S rod towards the H rod by 10% of d and make another measurement. Then move the
S rod, again by 10% of d, but towards the earth electrode.
The 3 measurement results must be the same to within a few percent. If this is the case, the measurement is valid. If not, it is

󰀨
3.3.7. POSITIONING OF THE AUXILIARY RODS
To make sure that your earth measurements are not distorted by interference, we recommend repeating the measurement with the
󰀨

18
H
S
E
S
󰀨


either side of the line HE.
Avoid routing the connecting cables of the earth rods near or parallel to other cables (transmission or power supply), metal pipes,
rails, or fences, this in order to avoid the risk of cross-talk with the measurement current.
3.3.8. AT THE END OF THE MEASUREMENT
At the end of the measurement, do not forget to reconnect the earth strip before restoring power to the installation.
3.3.9. ERROR INDICATION
If the measurement departs from the measurement range, the instrument so reports by displaying >3.000kΩ for the C.A
6422 and >60.00kΩ for the C.A 6424.
S(or P) symbol blinks.
RH ! symbol blinks.
If the amplitude of one of the voltages, USE or UHE, is between 3V and 50V, the NOISE symbol is displayed.
If USE or UHE > 50 V, the indicator blinks and the measurement is impossible.
To reduce the resistance of the rods H (or S), you can add one or more rods, two meters apart, in the H (S) circuit of the circuit.


19

> 2s

V/A
I
mA
3.4. CURRENT MEASUREMENT (C.A 6424)
To make current measurements, AC only, with the C.A 6424, you must have a G72 ammeter clamp (optional).
3.4.1. MAKING A MEASUREMENT
Long-press the On/O󰀨 button to switch the instrument on.
Then press the V/A key.

that it is in current measurement mode by displaying A and the
symbol is displayed.
Actuate the trigger to open the clamp and place it on the conductor
to be measured. Release the trigger. The measurement is displayed.
3.4.2. ERROR INDICATION
If the measurement departs from the measurement range, the instrument so reports by displaying >70.00A.
If another ammeter clamp is connected, the instrument displays Err and the symbol blinks.

20
4. TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
4.1. GENERAL REFERENCE CONDITIONS
Quantity of inuence Reference values
Temperature 
Relative humidity 45 to 75%RH
Supply voltage C.A 6422: 8 ± 0.2 V
C.A 6424: 6 ± 0.2 V
Frequency 45 to 65 Hz
 < 0.1V/m
 < 40A/m
The intrinsic uncertainty
The operating uncertainty󰀨

The uncertainties are expressed in % of the reading (R) and in number of display points (pt):
± (a% L + b pt)
The C.A 6424 is not designed to make measurements when the charger is connected.
4.2. ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
4.2.1. VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS
Particular reference conditions:
2
UHE voltage measurements
Measurement range 0.1 - 600.0 V
Resolution 0.1 V
Intrinsic uncertainty ± (1% L + 1 pt)
4.2.2. RESISTANCE MEASUREMENTS (2P)
Particular reference conditions:
External voltage between the H and E terminals: zero.

Measurement range    
Resolution    
Intrinsic uncertainty ± (2% L + 10 pt) ± (2% L + 2 pt) ± (2% L + 1 pt) ± (2% L + 1 pt)
UHE no-load voltage ±10 Vpeak
