METREL MI 3290 User manual

Earth Analyser
MI 3290
Instruction manual
Version 1.3.4, Code No. 20 752 597

2
Distributor:
Manufacturer:
METREL d.d.
Ljubljanska cesta 77
1354 Horjul
Slovenia
web site: http://www.metrel.si
e-mail: [e-mail]
Mark on your equipment certifies that it meets requirements of all subjected EU regulations
© 2018 METREL
The trade names Metrel®, Smartec®, Eurotest®, Auto Sequence®are trademarks registered in Europe and
other countries.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means without
permission in writing from METREL.

3
i. About the instruction manual
This Instruction manual contains detailed information on the Earth Analyser, its
key features, functionalities and use.
It is intended for technically qualified personnel responsible for the product
and its use.
Please note that LCD screenshots in this document may differ from the actual
instrument screens in details due to firmware variations and modifications.

MI 3290 Earth Analyser Table of contents
4
Table of contents
1General Description............................................................................................8
1.1 Features........................................................................................................8
2Safety and operational considerations .............................................................9
2.1 Warnings and notes......................................................................................9
2.2 Battery and charging of Li-ion battery pack.................................................11
2.2.1 Precharge............................................................................................12
2.2.2 Li –ion battery pack guidelines ...........................................................14
2.3 Standards applied.......................................................................................15
3Terms and definitions.......................................................................................16
4Instrument description .....................................................................................17
4.1 Instrument casing .......................................................................................17
4.2 Operator’s panel .........................................................................................17
5Accessories.......................................................................................................19
5.1 Standard set ...............................................................................................19
5.2 Optional accessories...................................................................................19
6Instrument operation ........................................................................................20
6.1 General meaning of keys............................................................................20
6.2 General meaning of touch gestures............................................................20
6.3 Virtual keyboard..........................................................................................21
6.4 Display and sound ......................................................................................22
6.4.1 Battery and time indication ..................................................................22
6.4.2 Messages............................................................................................22
6.4.3 Sound indication..................................................................................24
6.4.4 Terminal voltage monitor.....................................................................24
6.4.5 Help screens........................................................................................25
7Main menu .........................................................................................................26
7.1 Instruments main menu ..............................................................................26
8General Settings................................................................................................27
8.1 Language....................................................................................................28
8.2 Power Save ................................................................................................28
8.3 Date and time .............................................................................................29
8.4 Instrument profiles ......................................................................................29
8.5 Settings.......................................................................................................30
8.6 Initial Settings .............................................................................................31
8.7 About ..........................................................................................................31
8.8 Auto Sequence® groups.............................................................................32
8.8.1 Auto Sequence® groups menu............................................................32
8.8.2 Operations in Auto Sequence® groups menu: ....................................32
8.8.3 Selecting a list of Auto Sequences®....................................................33
8.8.4 Deleting a list of Auto Sequences® .....................................................33
8.9 Workspace manager...................................................................................34
8.9.1 Workspaces and Exports.....................................................................34
8.9.2 Workspace Manager main menu.........................................................34
8.9.3 Operations with Workspaces...............................................................35
8.9.4 Operations with Exports.......................................................................35

MI 3290 Earth Analyser Table of contents
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8.9.5 Adding a new Workspace....................................................................36
8.9.6 Opening a Workspace.........................................................................37
8.9.7 Deleting a Workspace / Export ............................................................37
8.9.8 Importing a Workspace........................................................................38
8.9.9 Exporting a Workspace........................................................................38
8.10 User accounts.............................................................................................40
8.10.1 Signing in.............................................................................................40
8.10.2 Changing user password, signing out..................................................41
8.10.3 Managing accounts..............................................................................42
9Memory Organizer.............................................................................................44
9.1 Memory Organizer menu............................................................................44
9.1.1 Measurement statuses ........................................................................44
9.1.2 Structure items.....................................................................................45
9.1.3 Measurement status indication under the Structure item.....................45
9.1.4 Operations in Tree menu.....................................................................46
10 Single tests........................................................................................................58
10.1 Selection modes .........................................................................................58
10.1.1 Single test screens ..............................................................................59
10.1.2 Setting parameters and limits of single tests .......................................60
10.1.3 Single test result screen ......................................................................61
10.1.4 Graph view ..........................................................................................62
10.1.5 Recall single test result screen............................................................63
10.1.6 Single test (Visual Test) screens .........................................................64
10.1.7 Single test (Visual Test) start screen...................................................64
10.1.8 Single test (Visual Test) screen during test .........................................65
10.1.9 Single test (Visual Test) result screen .................................................66
10.1.10 Single test (Visual Test) memory screen.............................................67
11 Tests and Measurements .................................................................................68
11.1 Visual tests .................................................................................................68
11.2 Earth Measurements [Ze and Re]...............................................................70
11.2.1 2 –pole Measurement.........................................................................71
11.2.2 3 –pole Measurement.........................................................................73
11.2.3 4 –pole Measurement.........................................................................75
11.2.4 Selective (Iron Clamp) Measurement ..................................................77
11.2.5 2 Clamps Measurement.......................................................................79
11.2.6 HF-Earth Resistance (25 kHz) Measurement......................................81
11.2.7 Selective (Flex Clamps 1 - 4) Measurement........................................84
11.2.8 Passive (Flex Clamps) Measurement..................................................86
11.3 Specific Earth Resistance Measurements [ρ] .............................................89
11.3.1 General on specific earth.....................................................................89
11.3.2 Wenner method Measurement ............................................................90
11.3.3 Schlumberger method Measurement...................................................92
11.4 Impulse Impedance [Zp] .............................................................................94
11.4.1 Impulse Measurement.........................................................................94
11.5 DC Resistance [R] ......................................................................................96
11.5.1 Ω - Meter (200 mA) Measurement.......................................................96
11.5.2 Ω - Meter (7 mA) Measurement...........................................................97
11.6 AC Impedance [Z].......................................................................................99
11.6.1 Impedance Meter Measurement..........................................................99

MI 3290 Earth Analyser Table of contents
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11.7 Earth Potential [Us]...................................................................................101
11.7.1 Potential Measurement......................................................................102
11.7.2 Step and Touch Voltages Theory ......................................................106
11.8 Pylon Ground Wire Test (PGWT) .............................................................108
11.8.1 PGWT Measurement.........................................................................108
11.9 Current [I]..................................................................................................110
11.9.1 Iron Clamp Meter RMS Measurement...............................................111
11.9.2 Flex Clamp Meter RMS Measurement...............................................112
11.10 Voltage [V]................................................................................................113
11.10.1 Voltage Meter RMS Measurement.....................................................113
11.11 Checkbox..................................................................................................114
11.11.1 Check V - Meter Measurement..........................................................115
11.11.2 Check A - Meter Measurement..........................................................116
11.11.3 Check Iron, Flex Clamps Measurement.............................................117
12 Auto Sequences® ...........................................................................................118
12.1 Selection of Auto Sequence® ...................................................................118
12.2 Organization of Auto Sequence® .............................................................119
12.2.1 Auto Sequence® view menu .............................................................119
12.2.2 Step by step executions of Auto Sequence®.....................................121
12.2.3 Auto Sequence® result screen ..........................................................122
12.2.4 Auto sequence memory screen.........................................................124
13 Communication...............................................................................................125
14 Maintenance ....................................................................................................126
14.1 Cleaning....................................................................................................126
14.2 Periodic calibration ...................................................................................126
14.3 Service......................................................................................................126
14.4 Upgrading the instrument..........................................................................126
15 Technical specifications.................................................................................127
15.1 Earth [Ze]..................................................................................................127
15.1.1 2, 3, 4 - pole.......................................................................................127
15.1.2 Selective (Iron Clamp).......................................................................128
15.1.3 2 Clamps ...........................................................................................129
15.1.4 Passive (Flex Clamps 1-4).................................................................129
15.1.5 HF Earth Resistance (25 kHz)...........................................................130
15.1.6 Selective (Flex Clamps 1 - 4).............................................................131
15.2 Specific Earth Resistance Measurements [ρ] ...........................................132
15.2.1 Wenner and Schlumberger method...................................................132
15.3 Earth Potential [Us]...................................................................................133
15.3.1 Potential.............................................................................................133
15.3.2 S&T Current Source ..........................................................................133
15.4 Impulse Impedance [Zp] ...........................................................................134
15.4.1 Impulse Measurement.......................................................................134
15.5 DC Resistance [R]....................................................................................135
15.5.1 Ω - Meter (200mA).............................................................................135
15.5.2 Ω - Meter (7mA).................................................................................136
15.6 AC Impedance [Z].....................................................................................137
15.6.1 Impedance Meter...............................................................................137
15.7 Current [I]..................................................................................................137

MI 3290 Earth Analyser Table of contents
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15.7.1 Iron Clamp Meter RMS......................................................................137
15.7.2 Flex Clamps Meter RMS....................................................................138
15.8 Voltage [V]................................................................................................139
15.8.1 Voltage Meter RMS ...........................................................................139
15.9 Influence of the auxiliary electrodes..........................................................140
15.10 Influence of low test current through clamps.............................................141
15.11 Influence of noise......................................................................................142
15.11.1 Digital filtering technique....................................................................143
15.12 Sub-results in measurement functions......................................................143
15.13 General data.............................................................................................144
Appendix A –Structure objects...........................................................................145
Appendix B –Profiles Selection Table................................................................146
Appendix C –Functionality and placing of test probes ....................................147
Appendix D –Pulse and 3-pole example ............................................................151
Appendix E –Programming of Auto Sequences® on Metrel ES Manager.......152
Appendix F –The balancing procedure..............................................................159

MI 3290 Earth Analyser General Description
8
1 General Description
1.1 Features
Earth Analyser (MI 3290) is a Multi-function, portable battery (Li-ion) or mains powered test
instrument with excellent IP protection: IP65 (case closed), IP54 (case opened), intended for
diagnosing of: Earth Resistance, Earth Impedance, Selective Earth Impedance, Specific Earth
Resistance, Earth Potential, DC Resistance, AC Impedance and Impulse Impedance.
It is designed and produced with the extensive knowledge and experience acquired through
many years of working in this field.
Available functions and features offered by the Earth Analyser:
Earth Impedance or Resistance 2, 3, 4 –pole;
Selective Earth Impedance (Iron Clamp and up to 4 Flex Clamps);
2 Clamps Measurement;
HF - Earth Resistance (25 kHz);
Passive (Flex Clamps 1 - 4) method;
Specific Earth Resistance ρ (Wenner, Schlumberger method);
Ω- Meter (7 mA and 200 mA);
AC Impedance Meter (55 Hz –15 kHz);
Impulse Impedance (10/350 µs);
Earth Potential and Step & Touch Current Source (200 mA);
Pylon Ground Wire Test;
Current RMS Measurement (Iron and Flex Clamps);
Voltage RMS Measurement (Noise);
Checkbox;
Auto Sequence®;
Visual Test;
Memory Organizer.
A 4.3'' (10.9 cm) colour LCD display with touch screen offers easy-to-read results and all
associated parameters. The operation is straightforward and clear to enable the user to operate
the instrument without the need for special training (except reading and understanding this
Instruction Manual).
Test results can be stored on the instrument. PC software that is supplied as a part of standard
set enables transfer of measured results to PC where can be analysed or printed.
MI 3290 Earth Analyser
according to
2 –pole
3 –pole
4 –pole
EN 61557 –5 [Resistance to earth]
IEEE Std 81 –2012 [Two-point method, Three-point method,
Fall-of-potential method]
2 Clamps
IEEE Std 81 –2012 [Resistance measurements by clamp-on stakeless method]
Selective (Flex Clamps 1 –4)
Selective (Iron Clamp)
IEEE Std 81 –2012 [Resistance measurements by FOP/clamp-on method]
CIGRE Working Group C4.2.02 [Methods for measuring the earth resistance of
transmission towers equipped with earth wires]
HF Earth Resistance (25 kHz)
IEEE Std 81 –1983 [High-Frequency Earth Resistance Meter]
CIGRE Working Group C4.2.02 [Methods for measuring the earth resistance of
transmission towers equipped with earth wires]
Wenner Method
Schlumberger Method
IEEE Std 81 –2012 [Four-point method (Equally Spaced or Wenner
Arrangement); (Unequally Spaced or Schlumberger-Palmer Arrangement)]
Ω - Meter (200mA)
EN 61557 –4 [Resistance of earth connection and equipotential bonding]

MI 3290 Earth Analyser Safety and operational considerations
9
2 Safety and operational considerations
2.1 Warnings and notes
In order to maintain the highest level of operator safety while carrying out various tests and
measurements Metrel recommends keeping your Earth Analyser instruments in good condition
and undamaged. When using the instrument, consider the following general warnings:
The symbol on the test equipment means »Read the Instruction manual with
special care for safe operation«. The symbol requires an action!
If the test equipment is used in a manner not specified in this Instruction manual,
the protection provided by the equipment could be impaired!
Read this Instruction manual carefully, otherwise the use of the test equipment
may be dangerous for the operator, the test equipment itself or for the tested
object!
A lethal voltage can exist between the ground electrode under test and a remote
ground!
Do not use the test equipment or any of the accessories if any damage is noticed!
Consider all generally known precautions in order to avoid risk of electric shock
while dealing with hazardous voltages!
Do not connect the test equipment to a mains voltage different from the one
defined on the label adjacent to the mains connector, otherwise it may be
damaged.
Service intervention or adjustment is only allowed to be carried out by competent
authorized personnel!
All normal safety precautions must be taken in order to avoid risk of electric shock
while working on electrical installations!
Do not use the equipment in a wet environment, around explosive gas, vapour.
Only adequately trained and competent persons may operate the equipment.
Do not connect any voltage source on CLAMP input terminals. It is intended only
for connection of current clamps. Maximal input voltage is 3 V!
Markings on the instrument:
Read the Instruction manual with special care to safety operation«. The
symbol requires an action!
Mark on your equipment certifies that it meets European Union
requirements for EMC, LVD, and ROHS regulations.
This equipment should be recycled as electronic waste.

MI 3290 Earth Analyser Safety and operational considerations
10
Warnings related to measurement functions:
Working with the instrument
Use only standard or optional test accessories supplied by your distributor!
Always connect accessories to the test equipment and to the test object before starting
measurement. Do not touch test leads or crocodile clips during measurement.
Do not touch any conductive parts of equipment under test during the test, risk of electric
shock!
Make sure that the tested object is disconnected (mains voltage disconnected) and
de-energized, before connecting the test leads and starting the measurement!
Do not connect test terminals (H, S, ES, E) to an external voltage higher than 300 V DC
or AC (CAT IV environment) to prevent any damage to the test equipment!
Do not use a current measurement as an indication that a circuit is safe to touch. A
voltage measurement is necessary to know if a circuit is hazardous.
Warnings related to Batteries:
Use only batteries provided by the manufacturer.
Never dispose of the batteries in a fire as it may cause them to explode or generate
a toxic gas.
Do not attempt to disassemble, crush or puncture the batteries in any way.
Do not short circuit or reverse polarity the external contacts on a battery.
Keep the battery away from children.
Avoid exposing the battery to excessive shock/impacts or vibration.
Do not use a damaged battery.
The Li –ion battery contains safety and protection circuit, which if damaged, may
cause the battery to generate heat, rupture or ignite.
Do not leave a battery on prolonged charge when not in use.
If a battery has leaking fluids, do not touch any fluids.
In case of eye contact with fluid, do not rub eyes. Immediately flush eyes
thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes, lifting upper and lower lids, until no
evidence of the fluid remains. Seek medical attention.

MI 3290 Earth Analyser Safety and operational considerations
11
2.2 Battery and charging of Li-ion battery pack
The instrument is designed to be powered by rechargeable Li-ion battery pack or with mains
supply. The LCD contains an indication of battery condition and the power source (upper left
section of LCD). In case the battery is too weak the instrument indicates this as shown in Figure
2.1.
Symbol:
Indication of low battery.
Figure 2.1: Battery test
The battery is charged whenever the power supply is connected to the instrument. The power
supply socket is shown in Figure 2.2. Internal circuit controls (CC, CV) charging and assures
maximum battery lifetime. Nominal operating time is declared for battery with nominal capacity of
4.4 Ah.
Figure 2.2: Power supply socket (C7)
The instrument automatically recognizes the connected power supply and begins charging.
Symbol:
Indication of battery charging
Figure 2.3: Charging indication
(animation)
Battery and charging characteristic
Typical
Battery type
VB 18650
Charging mode
CC / CV
Nominal voltage
14,8 V
Rated capacity
4,4 Ah
Max charging voltage
16,0 V
Max charging current
1,9 A
Max discharge current
2,5 A
Typical charging time
3 hours

MI 3290 Earth Analyser Safety and operational considerations
12
Typical charging profile which is also used in this instrument is shown in Figure 2.4.
ICH/8
Fastcharge Safety Time
Precharge
Time
Current Regulation Voltage Regulation
ICH
VREG
VLOWV
Charge
Current
Charge
Voltage
Figure 2.4: Typical charging profile
where:
VREG ...................................Battery charging voltage
VLOWV..................................Precharge threshold voltage
ICH ......................................Battery charging current
ICH/8 ....................................1/8 of the charging current
2.2.1 Precharge
On power up, if the battery voltage is below the VLOWV threshold, the charger applies 1/8 of the
charging current to the battery. The precharge feature is intended to revive deeply discharged
battery. If the VLOWV threshold is not reached within 30 minutes of initiating precharge, the
charger turns off and a FAULT is indicated.
Figure 2.5: Battery fault indication
(charging suspended, timer fault, battery absent)
Figure 2.6: Battery full indication
(charging completed)
Note:
As a safety backup, the charger also provides an internal 5-hour charge timer for fast
charge.

MI 3290 Earth Analyser Safety and operational considerations
13
Typical charging time is 3 hours in the temperature range of 5°C to 60°C.
Ich/8
Ich
TLTF TCOOL TWARM THTF
Charge
Suspended
Charge
Suspended
Temperature
Current
Charge
Figure 2.7: Typical charging current vs temperature profile
where:
TLTF ....................................Cold temperature threshold (typ. -15°C)
TCOOL ..................................Cool temperature threshold (typ. 0°C)
TWARM .................................Warm temperature threshold (typ. +60°C)
THTF....................................Hot temperature threshold (typ. +75°C)
The charger continuously monitors battery temperature. To initiate a charge cycle, the battery
temperature must be within the TLTF to THTF thresholds. If battery temperature is outside of this
range, the controller suspends charge and waits until the battery temperature is within the TLTF to
THTF range.
If the battery temperature is between the TLTF and TCOOL thresholds or between the TWARM and
THTW thresholds, charge is automatically reduced to ICH/8 (1/8 of the charging current).

MI 3290 Earth Analyser Safety and operational considerations
14
2.2.2 Li –ion battery pack guidelines
Li –ion rechargeable battery pack requires routine maintenance and care in their use and
handling. Read and follow the guidelines in this Instruction manual to safely use Li –ion battery
pack and achieve the maximum battery life cycles.
Do not leave batteries unused for extended periods of time –more than 6 months (self –
discharge).
When a battery has been unused for 6 months, check the charge status see chapter 6.4.1
Battery and time indication. Rechargeable Li –ion battery pack has a limited life and will
gradually lose their capacity to hold a charge. As the battery loses capacity, the length of time it
will power the product decreases.
Storage:
Charge or discharge the instruments battery pack to approximately 50% of capacity
before storage.
Charge the instrument battery pack to approximately 50% of capacity at least once every
6 months.
Transportation:
Always check all applicable local, national, and international regulations before
transporting a Li –ion battery pack.
Handling Warnings:
Do not disassemble, crush, or puncture a battery in any way.
Do not short circuit or reverse polarity the external contacts on a battery.
Do not dispose of a battery in fire or water.
Keep the battery away from children.
Avoid exposing the battery to excessive shock/impacts or vibration.
Do not use a damaged battery.
The Li –ion battery contains safety and protection circuit, which if damaged, may
cause the battery to generate heat, rupture or ignite.
Do not leave a battery on prolonged charge when not in use.
If a battery has leaking fluids, do not touch any fluids.
In case of eye contact with fluid, do not rub eyes. Immediately flush eyes
thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes, lifting upper and lower lids, until no
evidence of the fluid remains. Seek medical attention.

MI 3290 Earth Analyser Safety and operational considerations
15
2.3 Standards applied
The Earth Analyser instrument is manufactured and tested in accordance with the following
regulations:
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
EN 61326
Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory
use –EMC requirements Class A
Safety (LVD)
EN 61010 - 1
Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control
and laboratory use –Part 1: General requirements
EN 61010 - 2 - 030
Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control
and laboratory use –Part 2-030: Particular requirements for testing and
measuring circuits
EN 61010 - 2 - 032
Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control
and laboratory use –Part 2-032: Particular requirements for hand-held
and hand-manipulated current sensors for electrical test and
measurement.
EN 61010 - 031
Safety requirements for hand-held probe assemblies for electrical
measurement and test.
Some further recommendations
EN 61557 - 5
Electrical safety in low voltage distribution systems up to 1000 V a.c.
and 1500 V d.c. - Equipment for testing, measuring or monitoring of
protective measures. Part 5: Resistance to earth.
IEEE 80 –2000
IEEE Guide for Safety in AC Substation Grounding
IEEE 81 –2012
IEEE Guide for Measuring Earth Resistivity, Ground Impedance, and
Earth Surface Potentials of a Grounding System.
EN 50522 –2010
Earthing of power installations exceeding 1 000 V a.c.
IEEE 142
IEEE Recommended Practice for Grounding of Industrial and
Commercial Power Systems (US).
IEEE 367 –2012
IEEE Recommended Practice for Determining the Electric Power
Station Ground Potential Rise and Induced Voltage from a Power
Fault.
CIGRE Working
Group C4.2.02
Methods for measuring the earth resistance of transmission towers
equipped with earth wires.
Li –ion battery pack
IEC 62133
Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid
electrolytes - Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary cells,
and for batteries made from them, for use in portable applications.
Note about EN and IEC standards:
Text of this manual contains references to European standards. All standards of EN
6XXXX (e.g. EN 61010) series are equivalent to IEC standards with the same number
(e.g. IEC 61010) and differ only in amended parts required by European harmonization
procedure.

MI 3290 Earth Analyser Terms and definitions
16
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document and instrument Earth Analyser, the following definitions apply.
Index:
Unit:
Description:
Re
[Ω]
Earth resistance of complete system.
Ze
[Ω]
Earth impedance of complete system.
Rp
[Ω]
Auxiliary potential probe impedance.
Rc
[Ω]
Auxiliary current probe impedance.
Ie
[A]
System current or generator current.
f
[Hz]
Test frequency.
Ic
[A]
Iron clamp current.
Zsel
[Ω]
Earth impedance of measured branch.
Ztot
[Ω]
Total earth impedance of measured branches.
If1
[A]
Flex clamp 1 current [F1 –terminal].
If2
[A]
Flex clamp 2 current [F2 –terminal].
If3
[A]
Flex clamp 3 current [F3 –terminal].
If4
[A]
Flex clamp 4 current [F4 –terminal].
Zsel1
[Ω]
Earth impedance of measured branch [F1 –terminal].
Zsel2
[Ω]
Earth impedance of measured branch [F2 –terminal].
Zsel3
[Ω]
Earth impedance of measured branch [F3 –terminal].
Zsel4
[Ω]
Earth impedance of measured branch [F4 –terminal].
ρ
[Ωm/ft]
Specific earth resistance [resistivity].
R
[Ω]
Resistance [DC current].
Idc
[A]
DC current.
Z
[Ω]
Impedance [AC current].
Iac
[A]
AC current.
R
[m/ft]
Distance between E and auxiliary earth rod H.
r
[m/ft]
Distance between E and S probe.
ϕ
[°]
Direction of potential measurement or angle [0° - 360°].
Igen
[A]
Generator current.
If_sum
[A]
Flex clamp current [If_sum = If1 + If2 + If3 + If4].
Uh
[V]
Uh voltage [H –terminal].
Us
[V]
Us voltage [S –terminal].
Ues
[V]
Ues voltage [ES –terminal].
Ig_w
[A]
Overhead ground wire current [Ig_w = Igen - If_sum].
R
[Ω]
Complex number [real number].
X
[Ω]
Complex number [Imaginary number].
φ
[°]
Phase angle between u and i.
Zp
[Ω]
Impulse impedance [is defined as the peak voltage divided by the peak current].
Up
[V]
Peak voltage.
Ip
[A]
Peak current.
d
[m/ft]
Sum of steps or total distance [d = Step Size × (Number of measurements - 1)].
Step Size
[m/ft]
Distance between neighbouring measurement points [fixed value].
Ifault
[A]
Maximum expected fault current.
Designation of the terminals:
E- terminal for the earth electrode;
ES - terminal for the probe placed nearest to the earth electrode;
S- terminal for a probe;
H- terminal for the auxiliary earth electrode.
Notes (acc.to EN 50522-2010):
Resistance to earth, RE- real part of the impedance to earth.
Impedance to earth, ZE- impedance at a given frequency between a specified point in a
system or in an installation or in equipment and reference earth.
The impedance to earth is determined by the directly connected earth electrodes and also by connected
overhead earth wires and wires buried in earth of overhead lines, by connected cables with earth electrode
effect and by other earthing systems which are conductively connected to the relevant earthing system by
conductive cable sheaths, shields, PEN conductors or in another way.

MI 3290 Earth Analyser Instrument description
17
4 Instrument description
4.1 Instrument casing
The instrument is housed in a plastic box that maintains the protection class defined in the
general specifications.
4.2 Operator’s panel
The operator’s panel is shown in Figure 4.1 below.
Figure 4.1: The operator’s panel
1
Colour TFT display with touch screen
2
GUARD
Guard input terminal
3
H (C1)
Output terminal for the auxiliary earth electrode
4
S (P1)
Output terminal for a probe
5
ES (P2)
Output terminal for the probe placed nearest to the earth electrode
6
E (C2)
Output terminal for the earth/ground electrode to be measured
7
F1 (Sync)
Flex clamp 1 input terminal (Synchronization port)
8
F2
Flex clamp 2 input terminal
9
F3
Flex clamp 3 input terminal

MI 3290 Earth Analyser Instrument description
18
10
F4
Flex clamp 4 input terminal
11
CLAMP
Iron clamp input terminal
12
Keypad (see section 6.1 General meaning of keys)
13
USB
USB communication port (standard USB connector - type B)
14
Input power supply socket (type C7)
Warnings!
Do not connect test terminals (H, S, ES, E) to an external voltage higher than 300 V
DC or AC (CAT IV environment) to prevent any damage to the test equipment!
Do not connect any voltage source on CLAMP input terminals. It is intended only
for connection of current clamps. Maximal input voltage is 3 V!
Use original test accessories only!

MI 3290 Earth Analyser Accessories
19
5 Accessories
The accessories consist of standard and optional accessories. Optional accessories can be
delivered upon request. See attached list for standard configuration and options or contact your
distributor or see the METREL home page: http://www.metrel.si.
MI 3290 Earth Analyser is available in multiple sets with a combination of different accessories
and measurement functions. The functionality of an existing set can be expanded by ordering
additional accessory and license keys.
Measurement functions available
Profile Code
ARAB
ARAA
ARAC
ARAD
Name
MI 3290 GF
MI 3290 GL
MI 3290 GP
MI 3290 GX
Icon
2, 3, 4 - pole
•
•
•
•
Selective (Iron Clamp)
•
•
2 Clamps
•
•
HF-Earth Resistance (25 kHz)
•
•
Selective and Passive (Flex Clamps 1 - 4)
•
•
Wenner and Schlumberger method
•
•
•
•
Impulse Measurement
•
•
Ω - Meter (200 mA and 7 mA)
•
•
Impedance Meter
•
•
Potential and S&T Current Source
•
•
Pylon Ground Wire Test
•
•
Iron Clamp Meter RMS
•
•
Flex Clamp Meter RMS
•
•
Visual Test
•
•
•
•
Voltage Meter RMS
•
•
•
•
5.1 Standard set
Instrument MI 3290 Earth Analyser
Prof. earth test rod, 42 cm, 2 pcs
Prof. earth test rod, 90 cm, 2 pcs
Test lead 2 m, 1 pcs (black)
Test lead 5 m, 2 pcs (red, blue)
Test lead 50 m, 3 pcs reel (green, black, blue)
Shielded test lead 75 m reel
G clamp, 1 pcs
Crocodile clips, 4 pcs (black, red, green, blue)
Test probes, 4 pcs (black, red, green, blue)
Test lead set (S 2009), 2m, 4 pcs (black, red, green, blue)
Mains cable
USB cable
Bag for accessories
PC SW Metrel ES Manager
Instruction manual
Calibration certificate
5.2 Optional accessories
See the attached sheet for a list of optional accessories and licence keys that are available on
request from your distributor.

MI 3290 Earth Analyser Instrument operation
20
6 Instrument operation
The Earth Analyser instrument can be manipulated via a keypad or touch screen.
6.1 General meaning of keys
Cursor keys are used to:
select appropriate option;
decrease, increase the selected parameter.
Enter key is used to:
confirm selected option.
Escape key is used to:
return to previous menu without changes;
abort measurement.
Second function:
switches the instrument power on
or off (hold key for 2 s for
confirmation screen);
instrument hard off (hold key for 10 s or more).
The instrument automatically turns off 10 minutes after the last key was
pressed.
Tab key is used to:
expand column in control panel.
Run key is used to:
start and stop the measurements.
6.2 General meaning of touch gestures
Tap (briefly touch surface with fingertip) is used to:
select appropriate option;
confirm selected option;
start and stop measurements.
Swipe (press, move, lift) up/ down is used to:
scroll content in same level;
navigate between views in same level.
long
Long press (touch surface with fingertip for at least 1 s) is used to:
select additional keys (virtual keyboard);
select test or measurement using cross selector.
Tap Escape icon is used to:
return to previous menu without changes;
abort measurements.