Seaward ERT1557 User manual

ERT1557
Operating Instructions
Bracken Hill, South West Industrial Estate,
Peterlee, Co. Durham. SR 2SW. England.
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.seaward.co.uk
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

ERT1557 Operating Instructions
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© 2007 Seaward Electronic
Figure 1 ERT 1557 Front View
Figure 2 ERT 1557 End View

ERT1557 Operating Instructions
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Limited Warranty & Limitation of Liability
SEAWARD Electronic Limited guarantees this product
to be free from defects in material and workmanship
under normal use and service for a period of 1 year.
The period of warranty will be effective at the day of
delivery.
(c) Copyright 200
All rights reserved. Nothing from this edition may be
multiplied, or made public in any form or manner,
either electronically, mechanically, by photocopying,
recording, or in any manner, without prior written
consent from SEAWARD Electronic Limited. This also
applies to accompanying drawings and diagrams.
Due to a policy of continuous development SEAWARD
Electronic Limited reserves the right to alter the
equipment specification and description outlined in
this publication without prior notice and no part of this
publication shall be deemed to be part of any contract
for the equipment unless specifically referred to as an
inclusion within such contract.

ERT1557 Operating Instructions
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Disposal of Old Product
This product has been designed and manufactured
with high quality materials and components that can
be recycled and reused.
When the crossed out wheelie bin symbol is attached
to a product it means the product is covered by the
European Directive 2002/96/EC.
Please familiarise yourself with the appropriate local
separate collection system for electrical and electronic
products.
Please dispose of this product according to local
regulations. Do not dispose of this product along with
normal waste material. The correct disposal of this
product will help prevent potential negative
consequences for the environment and human health.

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents .....................................................5
Introduction...............................................................7
1 User Notes .............................................................8
2 Safety Notes ..........................................................9
3 Accessories .........................................................10
3.1 Standard Accessories ..................................10
3.2 Optional Accessories ...................................10
4 Unit Description ...................................................11
4.1 Identifying parts of the unit ..........................11
4.2 LCD display messages.................................12
4.3 Keypad operation .........................................12
5 Using the ERT 1557.............................................13
5.1 Power On......................................................13
5.2 Battery Health Check ...................................13
5.3 RA 3 Pole......................................................13
5.4 R
A
Using current clamp ................................14
5.5 RA 4 Pole......................................................15
6 Memory Functions ...............................................16
6.1 Memory locations.........................................16
6.2 Storing results ..............................................16
6.3 Recalling Results..........................................17
6.4 Erasing individual results..............................18
6.5 Clearing all the memory ...............................18
7 Download Function ..............................................20
7.1 Ensure USB Driver is correctly installed. .....20
7.2 Connect ERT to PC ......................................20
7.3 Hyper Terminal Setup Procedure.................20
7.4 Download Data.............................................21
7.5 View Download Data ....................................23
7.6 COM Port Identification method ..................24
8 Electrical Specifications .......................................25
.1 Earth Resistance Two/Three Pole Method ..25
.2 Earth Resistance Current Clamp Method ....25
.3 Specific Earth Resistance ............................26
9 Environmental Conditions....................................27
10 Maintenance ......................................................28
10.1 Securing the ERT 1557 ..............................28
10.2 Cleaning .....................................................28
10.3 Battery Replacement..................................29
10.4 Service and Calibration. .............................29
10.5 Spare Parts.................................................30

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CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY
As the manufacturer of the apparatus listed, Seaward
declare under our sole responsibility that the product:
ERT 1557
To which this declaration relates are in conformity with
the relevant clauses of the following standard:
BS EN 61010-1:2001
Safety requirements for ele tri al equipment for
measurement, ontrol, and laboratory use – Part 1:
General requirements.
BS EN 61557-1, -5 :1997
Ele tri al safety in low voltage distribution systems
up to 1000V a. . and 1500V d. . – Equipment for
testing, measuring and monitoring of prote tive
measures
BS EN 61326:1998
Ele tri al equipment for measurement, ontrol and
laboratory user-EMC Requirements
Performance: The instrument operates within
specification when used under the conditions in the
above standards EMC and Safety Standards.
The product identified above conforms to the
requirements of Council Directive 9/336/EEC and
73/23 EEC.
Seaward Electronic Ltd is registered under BS EN
ISO9001:2000 Certificate No: Q05356.

ERT1557 Operating Instructions
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Introdu tion
The ERT 1557 is a fully featured earth resistance and
soil resistivity tester, housed in a rugged PrimeTest
series enclosure, and supplied complete with all
necessary test leads and test spikes. The instrument
will perform tests in accordance with BS7671 and
IEC61557.
The instrument is capable of 2, 3 and 4 pole resistance
measurement and earth resistance using a current
clamp. Up to 500 measurements can be stored in
memory, indexed via a simple reference numbering
system. Results can be downloaded to PC.

ERT1557 Operating Instructions
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1 User Notes
This instrument and its operating instru tions are
intended for use by adequately trained personnel.
The following symbols are used in these operating
instructions and on the ERT 1557.
Warning of electrical danger!
Indicates instructions must be followed to
avoid danger to persons.
Important, follow the documentation! This
symbol indicates that the operating
instructions must be adhered to in order to
avoid danger.

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2 Safety Notes
The ERT 1557 is fully compliant with the requirements
of:
BS EN 61010-1: 2001.
BS EN 61557 part 1 and 5.
In order to ensure safe operation of this instrument, all
notes and warnings in these instructions must be
observed at all times.
The ERT 1557 has been designed to make
measurements in a dry environment.
The ERT 1557 may be used to test circuits with
a maximum overvoltage Category II, 300V
AC/DC with reference to earth.
The ERT 1557 and all associated cables and
leads must be checked for signs of damage
before equipment is operated.
Where safe operation of the ERT 1557 is no longer
possible it should be immediately shut down and
secured to prevent accidental operation.
It must be assumed that safe operation is no longer
possible:
- if the instrument or leads show visible signs of
damage or
- the instrument does not function or
- after long periods of storage under adverse
environmental conditions.
If the ERT 1557 is used in a manner not
specified by this document then the protection
provided by the equipment may be impaired.

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3 A essories
3.1 Standard A essories
The ERT 1557 is supplied with the following items:
1 off ERT 1557 unit
1 off 5 m black test lead
1 off 20 m red test lead
1 off 5 m green test lead
1 off 20 m blue test lead
1 off USB to MiniDIN Lead Assembly
1 off Operating Instruction Manual
4 off test spikes
1 off USB driver CD
3.2 Optional A essories
Current Clamp Seaward Part No 27 A923
Carry case Seaward Part No 270A951
Do not open unit no serviceable parts

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4 Unit Des ription
The ERT 1557 is a hand held, earth resistance tester.
Tests are selected using the rotary switch.
4.1 Identifying parts of the unit
The numbering below refers to fig. 1 and fig. 2.
1. LCD Display
2. Function keys F1, F2, F3 and F4
3. TEST key
4. Rotary Switch
5. Test lead inputs Es, E, S and H
6. Current clamp input
7. Current clamp input
. Data port

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4.2 LCD display messages
Display Meaning
>50kΩ Result is above the measuring range
for 2 and 3 point earth resistance
>2kΩ Result is above the measuring range
for current clamp earth resistance
>1999kΩm
Result is above the measuring range
for earth resistivity
▲ More than 20Veff noise present. The
ERT 1557 is unable to make a
measurement.
RP The resistance between the Potential
test spike and earth is too high.
RC The resistance between the Current
test spike and earth is too high.
No Request cannot be executed e.g.
result cannot be stored in a particular
memory location or particular result
cannot be recalled.
001 Memory location identifier
0.0.1 Measurement location identifier
Alternate
E-ES/ES-S
The ES and E connections are
reversed. Correct the problem to
proceed
Stor Storing result
RCL Recalling result
Prt Downloading data mode
Clr Deleting a result from memory
4.3 Keypad operation
Key Function
F1 Increase numerical value
F4 + F1 Recall data from memory
F2 Decrease numerical value
F4 + F2 Save result to memory
F3 Select distance between test spikes.
F4 + F3 Clear memory
TEST Start measurement

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5 Using the ERT 1557
5.1 Power On
To turn the ERT 1557 on simply rotate the rotary
switch to the required test type.
5.2 Battery Health Che k
The ERT 1557 will automatically perform battery health
checks prior to a test performing.
Note: When the battery symbol is flashing all tests
will be inhibited and the batteries should be
replaced as described in section 10.3.
Do not connect any voltage or power source to
the current clamp inputs. Damage to the ERT
1557 will occur.
5.3 RA 3 Pole
Always ensure that the circuit under test is
<30Vrms.
5.3.1 Rotate the rotary switch until the R
A
3pole test is
selected.
ERT 1557
E ES S H
Potential
Electrode Current Electrode
Earth
Electrode
Figure 3

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5.3.2 Connect the Es and E test leads to the test point.
5.3.3 Connect the H and S test leads to the 2 test
spikes as shown in figure 3.
5.3.4 Press and release the TEST key. The measured
resistance will appear on the LCD after a few
seconds. To save the result, refer to section 6.2.
5.4 R
A
Using urrent lamp
Always ensure that the circuit under test is
<30Vrms.
5.4.1 Rotate the rotary switch until the R
A
test is
selected.
5.4.2 Connect the Es and E test leads to the test point.
5.4.3 Connect the H and S test leads to the 2 test
spikes as shown in figure 4.
ERT 1557
Top panel
End Panel
Clamp input
CLAMP
E ES S H
R R R R E1 E2 E3 En
Potential
Electrode Current Electrode
Figure 4

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5.4.4 Press and release the TEST key. The measured
resistance will appear on the LCD after a few
seconds. To save the result, refer to section 6.2.
5.5 RA 4 Pole
5.5.1 Rotate the rotary switch until the R
A
4pole test is
selected.
5.5.2 Connect the Es, E, H and S test leads to the test
spikes.
5.5.3 Insert the test spikes into the ground in the order
E, Es, S and H. Ensure the spikes are equi-
spaced.
5.5.4 Input the appropriate distance between the test
spikes into the ERT1557 by pressing the F3
(Distance) function key. Press F1 (∆) or F2 (∇)
function keys to either increment or decrement
the distance, in metres.
5.5.5 To perform the soil resistivity test press and
release the TEST function key.
5.5.6 The measured soil resistivity will appear on the
LCD after a few seconds. To save the result,
refer to section 6.2
ERT 1557
E ES S H
Potential
Electrode Current Electrode
Figure 5

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6 Memory Fun tions
6.1 Memory lo ations
All memory locations are allocated a unique index
number that is comprised of an identification code,
object identification number and measuring place.
Function code numbers are:-
1 = R
A
Two-point & Three-point test
2 = R
A
Clamp System Earth Resistance test
3 = R
A
Soil Resistivity test
Object identification numbers can be selected
between 001 and 999.
Measuring place can be selected between 0.0.1 and
9.9.9.
6.2 Storing results
6.2.1. Begin test measurement, the value of the
measured resistance is displayed on LCD.
6.2.2. To store the result displayed on the LCD press
the F4 (shift) + F2 (save) function keys to enter
the storage mode. As an indication the small
object identification number is displayed on the
LCD.
6.2.3. Press F1 (∆) or F2 (∇) function keys to select the
desired object identification number.
6.2.4. Press F4 (Shift) + F2 (∇) function keys once
again to select the measuring place number.
6.2.5. Press F1 (∆) or F2 (∇) function keys to select the
desired measuring place.

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Each test resistance result can only be stored
once at any selected object identification
number or measuring place. If an attempt is
made to store a result in a location already
utilised the LCD displays no.
6.2.6. Press F4 (Shift) + F2 (∇) function keys once
again to save the test result under both the
selected object identification number and
measuring place. The LCD displays Stor on the
viewing screen before storing the resistance
value.
6.3 Re alling Results
6.3.1. To Recall a stored result press F4 (Shift) + F1
(Recall) function keys to enter recall mode. As
an indication the small object identification
number and RCL are displayed in the bottom
right hand corner of the LCD.
6.3.2. Press F1 (∆) or F2 (∇) function keys to select the
desired object identification number.
6.3.3. Press (F4) Shift + F1 (Recall) function keys once
again to select the measuring place field.
6.3.4. Press F4 (Shift) + F2 (∇) function keys once
again to select the measuring place number.
6.3.5. Press (F4) Shift + F1 (Recall) function keys once
again to recall the result at the selected memory
location and identified by both the selected
object code and measuring place number.
6.3.6. The LCD display firstly indicates the function
test code for one second, followed by the
optional distan e measurement (a
requirement of the R
A
Clamp test)
followed by the stored earth resistance value.

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6.3.7. If there are no stored results in the selected
memory location then a message no is
displayed on the LCD.
6.3. . Repeat step 6.3.1 to recall results from other
memory locations.
6.4 Erasing individual results
6.4.1. Press F4 (Shift) + F1 (Recall) function keys to
enter recall mode. As an indication the small
object identification number and RCL are
displayed in the bottom right hand corner of the
LCD.
6.4.2. Press F1 (∆) or F2 (∇) function keys to select the
desired object identification number.
6.4.3. Press (F4) Shift + F1 (Recall) function keys once
again to select the measuring place field.
6.4.4. Press F4 (Shift) + F2 (∇) function keys once
again to select the measuring place number.
6.4.5. Press F4 (Shift) +F3 (Distance) function keys to
clear the displayed earth resistance. The LCD
display will indicate Clr.
6.4.6. When an attempt is made to clear a memory
location where no result is stored then the
message no is displayed on the LCD.
6.5 Clearing all the memory
6.5.1. Select the rotary switch to Data Clear position.
6.5.2. Press F4 (Shift) +F3 (Distance) function keys to
clear all memory locations. As an indication
message Clr starts blinking on the LCD display.
6.5.3. Press F4 (Shift) +F3 (Distance) function keys
once again to erase the whole memory. The LCD

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display goes blank indicating that erasing of
memory is in progress. Once the memory is
erased a message Clr is indicated on the
display.

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7 Download Function
To download data the operator must connect
the ERT1557 to a computer using the supplied
USB to miniDin connector and the hyper
terminal communications program supplied with
the computer.
7.1 Ensure USB Driver is orre tly installed.
7.1.1 In order for a PC to communicate with the
ERT1557 via the USB connection, the PC must
have the USB driver loaded on it.
This driver should be installed before the
ERT1557 is first connected to the PC.
Refer to supplied USB Driver CD.
7.2 Conne t ERT to PC
7.2.1 Ensure ERT1557 is switched off.
7.2.2 Connect ERT1557 to PC using supplied USB to
miniDin connector.
7.2.3 Switch on ERT1557 to ‘Data Send’ position.
7.2.4 The indication Prt is displayed on the LCD
display.
Always ensure that the USB cable assembly is
not connected to a computer before performing
any of the test functions available with an ERT
1557.
7.3 Hyper Terminal Setup Pro edure
7.3.1 Note: If your computer operating system is not
supplied with the hyper terminal program. In this
case the program should be downloaded free
from the internet.