621 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.
LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY Each Fluke product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service. The warranty period is two years and begins on the date of shipment. Parts, product repairs, and services are warranted for 90 days.
Table of Contents Title Page Introduction ................................................................................ Unpacking .................................................................................. Packing ...................................................................................... Safety Information ...................................................................... Symbols ..................................................................................... Accessories ..
1621 Users Manual ii
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.
1621 Users Manual 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.
Earth Ground Tester Symbols Symbols These symbols are on the Product or in this manual. X WARNING. HAZARDOUS VOLTAGE. Risk of electric shock. W WARNING - RISK OF DANGER. Consult user documentation. T Double 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.
1621 Users Manual 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 4 Item/Part No.
Earth Ground Tester Features Features Refer to Figure 1 and Table 2 for Tester features and functions. 1 2 3 4 ! 10 5 9 6 7 8 evp01.eps Figure 1.
1621 Users Manual Table 2. Features and Functions No.
Earth Ground Tester Features 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.
1621 Users Manual Table 3. Display No. Description RH, RS and RE icons 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.
Earth Ground Tester Features 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 Ω and 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.
1621 Users Manual 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.
Earth Ground Tester Operating Instructions 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.
21 Users Manual RH RS RE Earth Electrode Probe >20 M (64 FT) Aux. Earth Electrode >20 M (64 FT) evp03.eps Figure 4.
Earth Ground Tester How to Clean 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.
1621 Users Manual 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.
Earth Ground Tester Specifications 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.
1621 Users Manual Maximum Deviations: Parameter Influence Factor Deviation influence E1 Position 0% E2 Supply Voltage 0% E3 Temperature E3 2.3 % E4 Serial Interference Voltage (20 V) 0.6 % E5 Probe- 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.
Earth Ground Tester Specifications Measuring Range Resolution Display Range 0.15 Ω to 20 Ω 0.01 Ω 0 Ω to 19.99 Ω 200 Ω 0.1 Ω 20 Ω to 199.9 Ω 2 kΩ 1Ω 200 Ω to 1999 Ω Intrinsic Uncertainty ±(6 % of measured value + 5D) Operating Uncertainty IEC 61557* ±(18 % of measured value + 5D) *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 W flashes.
1621 Users Manual Automatic changeover of resolution: RH Resolution <7 kΩ 0.01 Ω <50 kΩ 0.1 Ω >50 kΩ 1Ω Interference Voltage Display DC + AC Vmax: 30 Veff Common mode rejection: >80 dB at 50 Hz and 60 Hz Ri: 680 kΩ Measuring uncertainty: <10 % for pure ac and dc signals Storage If the Tester is not going to be used or is being stored for a long period, remove the battery and store separately from the Tester to avoid damage from battery leakage.
