Fluke 1621 User manual

1621
Earth Ground Tester
Users Manual
PN 2842206
June 2007 Rev. 1, 7/17
© 2007-2017 Fluke Corporation. All rights reserved.
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
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i
Table of Contents
Title Page
Introduction ................................................................................ 1
Unpacking.................................................................................. 1
Packing ...................................................................................... 1
Safety Information...................................................................... 2
Symbols ..................................................................................... 3
Accessories................................................................................ 4
Features..................................................................................... 5
Software ................................................................................. 7
LCD Display............................................................................ 7
Interference Detection ............................................................ 8
Auto Shut-Off.......................................................................... 8
Resistance Limit Mode ........................................................... 9
Battery Installation...................................................................... 10
Operating Instructions................................................................ 11
3-Pole Measurement .............................................................. 11
AC Resistance Measurement................................................. 13
How to Clean.............................................................................. 13
Troubleshooting.......................................................................... 14
Specifications............................................................................. 15
Storage....................................................................................... 18
Service....................................................................................... 18
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1
1621 Earth Ground Tester
Introduction
The Fluke 1621 Earth Ground Tester (the Product or Tester) is an easy-to-use
instrument for measuring the resistance to earth ground of a specified earth
ground electrode. The Tester can perform a 3-pole fall-of-potential test
conforming to IEC 61557-5. The Tester can also perform ac resistance testing.
To further simplify and increase the probability of an accurate measurement in
the 3-pole mode, the Tester measures the resistance of the probe and auxiliary
electrode to verify that they are within prescribed limits. The Tester also tests
for stray interference voltage (noise) and indicates if the value is too high to
take a proper measurement.
The Tester features a lighted LCD display, automatic shut-off, and a limits
mode for setting maximum resistance readings.
Unpacking
Refer to Accessories while unpacking the Tester and its accessories from the
shipping carton. Keep the packing material for future transport.
Check for missing parts and inspect the unit carefully for damage, like cracks,
dents, or bent parts. If items are missing or any physical damage is apparent,
call Fluke for assistance. Refer to Service for information on contacting Fluke.
Packing
Use only the original packing material to ship the Tester.
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1621
Users Manual
2
Safety Information
This measuring device is only to be installed and operated by qualified
personnel in compliance with the safety precautions and regulations that follow.
Additionally, the use of this equipment requires compliance with all legal and
safety regulations pertaining to each specific application. Similar regulations
apply to the use of accessories.
Qualified personnel are persons familiar with the setup, installation, starting,
and operation of the device, and are formally qualified to perform such
activities.
A Warning identifies conditions and procedures that are dangerous to the user.
A Caution identifies conditions and procedures that can cause damage to the
Product or the equipment under test.
XW Warning
To prevent possible electrical shock, fire, or personal injury:
•Read all safety information before you use the Product.
•Do not alter the Product and use only as specified, or the
protection supplied by the Product can be compromised.
•Operating electrical devices implies that parts of the device
carry dangerous voltages.
•Assume that safe operation of the Product is not possible if
the device shows visible damage.
•Assume that safe operation of the Product is not possible if
the device has been exposed to unfavorable conditions (for
example, storage beyond the permissible climatic limits
without adaption to the ambient climate and dewing).
•Assume that safe operation of the Product is not possible if
the device has been exposed to major strain during transport
(for example, dropped from some height without visible
external damage).
•Do not connect Product to hazardous voltage.
•Do not open the battery compartment when leads are
connected.
•While a measurement is in progress, do not touch the earth
electrode, auxiliary electrode, or probe.
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Earth Ground Tester
Symbols
3
Symbols
These symbols are on the Product or in this manual.
XWARNING. HAZARDOUS VOLTAGE. Risk of electric
shock.
WWARNING - RISK OF DANGER. Consult user
documentation.
TDouble Insulated
Battery
~
This product complies with the WEEE Directive marking
requirements. The affixed label indicates that you must
not discard this electrical/electronic product in domestic
household waste. Product Category: With reference to
the equipment types in the WEEE Directive Annex I, this
product is classed as category 9 "Monitoring and Control
Instrumentation" product. Do not dispose of this product
as unsorted municipal waste.
Measurement Category II is applicable to test and
measuring circuits connected directly to utilization points
(socket outlets and similar points) of the low-voltage
MAINS installation.
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1621
Users Manual
4
Accessories
The following accessories are shipped with your Product:
•Users manual
•Two measuring leads with alligator clips, 2 m (6 ft)
•One battery, 9 V alkaline (IEC 6LR61)
•One protective holster, yellow
For a list of optional accessories, see Table 1. To order an accessory, see
Service.
Table 1. Optional Accessories
Description Item/Part No.
Ground/Earth Cable Reel 50 M Wire 2539117
Ground/Earth Cable Reel 25 M Wire 2539100
Ground/Earth Stake 2539121
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Earth Ground Tester
Features
5
Features
Refer to Figure 1 and Table 2 for Tester features and functions.
!
123
4
5
7
8
9
10
6
evp01.eps
Figure 1. Features and Functions
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1621
Users Manual
6
Table 2. Features and Functions
No. Description
H/C2 jack for connection to the auxiliary electrode
S/P2 jack for connection to the probe
E/C1 jack for connection to the earth ground electrode
LCD display (see “LCD Display”)
Stand (on back) to prop Tester upright
Rotary switch for selecting measurement function, limit mode and
on/off
Holster that helps protect Tester from damage
Battery compartment (on back) for one 9 V battery
DISPLAY button for selecting measurement results and other
functions
START button for triggering the measurement function and other
functions
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Earth Ground Tester
Features
7
Software
To check the software version, set the rotary switch to OFF, and then press and
hold START and set the rotary switch to any On position (3 pole, 2 pole or
LIMIT). The software version displays.
LCD Display
The Tester features a lighted LCD display that shows measurement readings,
messages and icons. Refer to Figure 2 and Table 3 for descriptions of the
display’s icons.
To turn on the display light, press and hold DISPLAY for 2 seconds. To turn off
the light, press and hold DISPLAY again for 2 seconds. The light turns off
automatically after 30 seconds.
To test the LCD display, set the rotary switch to OFF, and then press and hold
DISPLAY and set the rotary switch to any On position (3 pole, 2 pole or
LIMIT).
!
124
5
6789
3
evp02.eps
Figure 2. Display
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1621
Users Manual
8
Table 3. Display
No. Description

RH,RS and REicons indicate the resistance type being displayed:
RH = Auxiliary electrode resistance
RS = Probe resistance
RE =Earth ground electrode resistance
Hazardous voltage. Voltage >30 V dc or ac peak might be
present.
ACTIVE icon indicates a measurement is in progress
Digits display measurement results and messages
keicon indicates reading value is in kilohms (x1000)
>LIMIT icon indicates measurement value exceeds the set limit or that auxiliary electrode resistance or probe resistance value
exceeds 199 ke
Wicon flashes if measurement value exceeds set limit or leakage
voltage exceeds 20 V
LO-BAT icon indicates battery voltage is low
U icon indicates the displayed measurement is stray interference
voltage (above 20 V)
Interference Detection
The Tester automatically checks for interference voltage (noise) fault voltage
above 20 V. Interference above 20 V greatly diminishes the accuracy of
measurements. If the Tester detects interference voltage above 20 V, the
measurement automatically stops, the Wicon flashes, the U icon displays, and
the value of the stray voltage displays.
Auto Shut-Off
The Tester has an auto shut-off feature that turns the device off after
10 minutes of inactivity. The Tester beeps to alert you that it is about to turn off.
To disable auto shut-off, simultaneously press and hold START and DISPLAY
while setting the rotary switch to any On position (3 pole, 2 pole or LIMIT). To
reset auto shut-off or to reset the Tester, turn off the Tester and then turn it on
again.
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Earth Ground Tester
Features
9
Resistance Limit Mode
The Tester has a resistance limit mode that allows you to set a maximum
resistance reading. If a resistance reading exceeds the set limit, the Tester
beeps and the >LIMIT icon displays. The limit can be set between 0 Ωand
1999 Ω.
To set the maximum resistance:
1. Set the rotary switch to LIMIT. If the limit mode is on, the Tester
displays the stored limit setting. If the limit mode is off, the Tester
displays OFF.
2. If the limit mode is off, press START. The Tester displays the stored
limit setting.
3. Press DISPLAY to step through the digits to select the digit that you
want to set. The first press of DISPLAY selects the leftmost digit. (The
digit flashes when selected.) The second and third press of DISPLAY
selects the second and third digits. The fourth press of DISPLAY
selects the decimal point to set the resolution of the measurement.
4. With the digit selected that you want to set, press START to increment
the value. The leftmost digit increments from 0 to 19. The other digits
increment from 0 to 9. Or if you selected the decimal point, press
START to move the decimal point to change the resolution of the
measurement.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you have set the maximum resistance
value. When you have finished, set the rotary switch to OFF for
5 seconds to store the value.
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1621
Users Manual
10
Battery Installation
The Tester is shipped with a 9 V alkaline (LR61) battery, which you will need to
install. When the battery voltage is low, the LO-BAT icon displays, and you will
need to replace the battery.
To install or replace the battery:
1. Set the rotary switch to OFF, disconnect all test leads, and remove the
Tester from its holster.
2. On the back of the Tester, use a small screwdriver to gently pry open
the battery cover. If replacing the battery, remove the battery from its
compartment.
3. Install the new battery to the battery clip as shown in Figure 3. Use a
9 V alkaline (LR61) battery or comparable.
4. Insert the battery into its compartment. Ensure the battery is oriented
so that the wires from the clip face the bottom of the compartment.
Snap the battery cover shut, insert the Tester into its holster, and
install the test leads.
1
3
2
evp006.eps
Figure 3. Battery Installation
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Earth Ground Tester
Operating Instructions
11
Operating Instructions
XW Warning
To avoid possible electric shock or personal injury, before
powering up and operating the device, carefully read and follow
all safety regulations described in Safety Information.
3-Pole Measurement
To perform a 3-pole measurement:
1. Insert the probe and auxiliary electrode stakes into the soil as shown
in Figure 4. Ensure the probe stake is a minimum distance of 20 m
(64 ft) from the earth ground electrode. Ensure the auxiliary electrode
stake is a minimum distance of 20 m (64 ft) from the probe stake.
Position the auxiliary electrode stake so it forms a straight line with the
earth ground electrode and probe stake.
2. Set the rotary switch to OFF.
3. Install the test leads as shown in Figure 4. Connect the earth ground
electrode to jack E/C1. Connect the probe to jack S/P2. Connect the
auxiliary electrode to jack H/C2.
4. Set the rotary switch to 3 pole and press START. The ACTIVE icon
displays to indicate that the measurement is in progress.
When the measurement is finished, the earth ground electrode
resistance (RE) automatically displays. To display the auxiliary
electrode resistance (RH), press DISPLAY. To display the probe
resistance (RS), press DISPLAY again.
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1621
Users Manual
12
Probe
RH
>20 M (64 FT) >20 M (64 FT)
RS
RE
Aux.
Earth
Electrode
Earth
Electrode
evp03.eps
Figure 4. Three-Pole Measurement Setup
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Earth Ground Tester
How to Clean
13
AC Resistance Measurement
To perform an ac resistance measurement:
1. Set the rotary switch to OFF.
2. Plug a test lead into jack H/C2 and a test lead into jack E/C1. See
Figure 5.
3. Connect the test leads to each end of the conductor under test. See
Figure 5.
4. Set the rotary switch to 2 pole and press START. The ACTIVE icon
displays to indicate that the measurement is in progress.
When the measurement is complete, the resistance (R) automatically
displays.
R
evp05.eps
Figure 5. AC Resistance Measurement
How to Clean
Wipe the case with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Dirt or moisture in the
terminals can affect readings.
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1621
Users Manual
14
Troubleshooting
To troubleshoot your Tester, follow the steps in Table 4.
Table 4. Troubleshooting
Step Description
1 Auxiliary electrode resistance (RH) too high
If the auxiliary electrode resistance is too high (exceeds 199 ke), it is
not possible to drive the current necessary for reliable measurements.
The measurement is blocked and the >LIMIT icon displays.
Hint: Verify that the auxiliary electrode stake is firmly embedded in the
soil, and ensure that good connections exist between all connection
points, like test leads, connectors and alligator clips.
2 Probe resistance (RS) too high
If the probe resistance is too high (exceeds 199 ke), it is not possible to
make an accurate measurement. The measurement is blocked and the
>LIMIT icon displays.
Hint: Verify that the probe stake is firmly embedded in the soil, and
ensure that good connections exist between all connection points, like
test leads, connectors and alligator clips.
3 Is your resistance measurement performed with the specified
operating uncertainty?
If the probe resistance (RS) or auxiliary electrode resistance (RH) is too
high to perform a measurement with the specified operating uncertainty,
the flashing Wis displayed additionally to the measurement values.
Hint: Verify that the probe stake and the auxiliary electrode are firmly
embedded in the soil and ensure that good connections exist between
all connection points, such as test leads, connectors and alligator clips.
4 Is your resistance measurement result reliable?
To ensure the most reliable resistance measurements, the probe stake
and auxiliary electrode stake must be outside the potential gradient
area of each other and the earth ground electrode. (Refer to the
“Addendum” for information regarding potential gradient areas.)
The probe should be a minimum distance of 20 m (64 ft) from the earth
ground electrode, and the auxiliary electrode should be a minimum
distance of 20 m (64 ft) from the probe.
For some soil conditions, these distances may not be sufficient. To be
sure, take several measurements, increasing the distance with each
subsequent measurement until the measurements are approximately
the same.
5 Weak battery
If the battery is weak (<6.5 V), the supply voltage may break down
during measurement. LO-BAT icon displays.
Hint: Replace the battery. Use one 9 V alkaline (LR61) battery.
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Earth Ground Tester
Specifications
15
Specifications
Note
Fluke reserves the right to modify specifications without notice for the
purpose of product improvement.
Measuring functions: 3-pole earth ground resistance, 2 pole AC
resistance of a conductor Interference voltage
Intrinsic error: Refers to the reference temperature range and is
guaranteed for 1 year
Measuring rate: 2 measurements / second
Battery condition: LO-BAT is displayed if voltage drops below 6.5 V
Voltages:
Between jacks H/C2
and E/C1: 250 Veff maximum (effective voltage)
Between jacks S/P2
and E/C1: 250 Veff maximum
Temperature ranges:
Working: -10 °C to +50 °C (+14 °F to +122 °F)
Operating: 0 °C to +35 °C (+32 °F to +95 °F)
Storage: -20 °C to +60 °C (-4 °F to +140 °F)
Reference: +23 °C ± 2 °C (+73 °F ±4 °F)
Note
The chart of four temperature ranges for the Tester exists to satisfy
European Standards requirements; the instrument can be used over
the full working temperature range by using the temperature
coefficient to calculate accuracy at the ambient temperature of use.
Temperature
Coefficient: ±0.1 % of range per degree Kelvin
Safety: IEC 61010-1, 600VCATII, pollution degree 2
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Users Manual
16
Maximum Deviations:
Parameter Influence Factor Deviation
influence
E1Position 0 %
E2Supply Voltage 0 %
E3Temperature E32.3 %
E4Serial Interference Voltage (20 V) 0.6 %
E5Probe- and Auxiliary probe
Resistance 10 %
Test voltage: 3.7 kV
Dimensions: 113 x 54 x 216 mm (4.5 x 2.1 x 8.5 in), including
holster
Weight: 850 g (1.9 lb), including standard accessories,
Volume approximately 600 cm3
REResistance Measurement
Measuring method: Current-voltage measurement with improved cross-
talk attenuation, no compensation of measuring
lead resistance, with probe (3-pole) or without probe
(2-pole) as per IEC 61557-5
Open circuit voltage: 23 to 24 V ac
Short circuit current: >50 mA ac
Measuring frequency: 128 Hz
Maximum permissible
overload: 250 Veff
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Earth Ground Tester
Specifications
17
Measuring
Range Resolution Display Range Intrinsic
Uncertainty
Operating
Uncertainty
IEC 61557*
0.15 Ωto 20 Ω0.01 Ω0 Ωto 19.99 Ω±(6 % of
measured
value + 5D)
±(18 % of
measured
value + 5D)
200 Ω0.1 Ω20 Ωto 199.9 Ω
2 kΩ1 Ω200 Ωto 1999 Ω
*Covers all deviations caused by influence quantities E1-E5
If the deviation E4 caused by high probe or auxiliary probe resistance is higher
than specified Wflashes. Measured values are outside of the specified
operating uncertainty.
Measuring time: 8 seconds (average from when START is pressed)
Limit input: Tester retains set value even if instrument is turned off
(assuming battery power supply is sufficient)
If Tester detects stray interference voltage ≥20 V, Wis displayed and the
measurement is not started.
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1621
Users Manual
18
Automatic changeover of resolution:
RHResolution
<7 kΩ0.01 Ω
<50 kΩ0.1 Ω
>50 kΩ1 Ω
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