Stakeless Testing
The Fluke 1623-2 earth ground tester is able to measure earth ground loop resistances using only clamps. With this test method, two clamps are placed around the earth ground rod and each are connected to the tester. No earth ground stakes are used at all. A known, fixed voltage is induced by one clamp and the current is measured using the second clamp. Then the tester automatically determines the resistance of the earth ground rod. This test method only works if a bonded earth ground system exists for the building or structure under test, but most are. If there is only one path to ground, like at many residential applications, the Stakeless method will not provide an acceptable value and the Fall-of-Potential test method must be used.
With Stakeless testing, the earth ground rod does not need to be disconnected - leaving the bonded earth ground system intact during test. Gone are the days of spending time placing and connecting stakes for each earth ground rod on your system - a major time saver. You can also perform earth ground tests in places you’ve not considered before: inside buildings, power pylons, or anywhere you don’t have access to soil.
The Most Complete Tester
The Fluke 1623-2 is a unique earth ground tester that can perform all four types of earth ground measurement.
The Fluke 1623-2 GEO Earth Ground Tester offers data storage and download capabilities via USB port. World class accessories will simplify and speed up testing time.
Fluke 1623-2 GEO Earth Ground Tester summary
| General Specifications | |
| Display: 1999 digit LCD | Display with special symbols, digit height 25 mm, fluorescent backlight |
| User interface | Instant measurement through TURN and START one button concept. The only operating elements are rotary switch and START button |
| Robust, water and dust resistant | Instrument is designed for tough environmental conditions (rubber protective cover, IP56) |
| Memory | Internal memory storage up to 1500 records accessible via USB port |
| Temperature Range | |
| Operating temperature | -10°C to 50°C (14°F to 122°F) |
| Storage temperature | -30°C to 60°C (-22°F to 140°F) |
| Temperature coefficient | ±0.1% of reading/°C < 18°C > 28°C |
| Intrinsic error | Refers to the reference temperature range and is guaranteed for 1 year |
| Operating error | Refers to the operating temperature range and is guaranteed for 1 year |
| Climatic class | C1 (IEC 654-1), -5°C to +45°C (23° to +115° F), 5% to 95% RH |
| Protective type | IP56 for case, IP40 for battery door according to EN60529 |
| Safety | Protection by double and/or reinforced insulation. max. 50 V to earth. IEC61010-1: Pollution degree 2 |
| EMC (emission immunity) | IEC61326-1: Portable |
| Quality system | Developed, designed and manufactured according to DIN ISO 9001 |
| External voltage | V ext, max = 24 V (DC, AC < 400 Hz), measurement inhibited for higher values |
| V ext rejection | > 120 dB (162⁄3, 50, 60, 400 Hz) |
| Measuring time | Typical 6 seconds |
| Max. overload | 250 V rms (pertains to misuse) |
| Auxiliary power | 6 x 1.5 V Alkaline (type AA LR6) |
| Battery life span | Typical > 3,000 measurements |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 250 x 133 x 187 mm (9.75 x 5.25 x 7.35 in) |
| Weight | 1.1 kg (2.43 lb) including batteries 7.6 kg (16.8 lb) incl. accessories and batteries in carrying case |
| RA 3-Pole Ground Resistance Measurement (IEC 1557-5) | |
| Switch position | RA 3-pole |
| Resolution | 0.001 Ω to 10 Ω |
| Measuring range | 0.020 Ω to 19.99 kΩ |
| Accuracy | ±(2% rdg + 3 d) |
| Operating error | ±(5% rdg + 3 d) |
| Measuring Principle: Current/Voltage Measurement | |
| Measuring voltage | Vm = 48 V AC |
| Short-circuit current | > 50 mA |
| Measure frequency | 128 Hz |
| Probe resistance (RS) | Max 100 kΩ |
| Auxiliary earth electrode resistance (RH) | Max 100 kΩ |
| Additional error from RH and RS | RH[kΩ]•••RS[kΩ]/RA[Ω]•••0.2% |
| Monitoring of RS and RH with error indicator. Automatic range selection. Measurement is not performed if the current through the current clamp is too low. |
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| RA 4-Pole Ground Resistance Measurement (IEC 1557-5) | |
| Switch position | RA 4-pole |
| Resolution | 0.001 Ω to 10 Ω |
| Measuring range | 0.020 Ω to 19.99 kΩ |
| Accuracy | ±(2% rdg + 3 d) |
| Operating error | ±(5% rdg + 3 d) |
| Measuring Principle: Current/Voltage Measurement | |
| Measuring voltage | Vm = 48 V AC |
| Short-circuit current | > 50 mA |
| Measure frequency | 128 Hz |
| Probe resistance (RS + RES) | Max 100 kΩ |
| Auxiliary earth electrode resistance (RH) | Max 100 kΩ |
| Additional error from RH and RS | RH[kΩ]•••RS[kΩ]/RA[Ω]•••0.2% |
| Monitoring of RS and RH with error indicator. Automatic range selection. |
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| RA 3-Pole Selective Ground Resistance Measurement with Current Clamp (RA with Clamp ) | |
| Switch position | RA 3-pole with clamp |
| Resolution | 0.001 Ω to 10 Ω |
| Measuring range | 0.020 Ω to 19.99 kΩ |
| Accuracy | ±(7% rdg + 3 d) |
| Operating error | ±(10% rdg + 5 d) |
| Measuring Principle: Current/Voltage Measurement (with External Current Clamp) | |
| Measuring voltage | Vm = 48 V AC |
| Short-circuit current | > 50 mA |
| Measure frequency | 128 Hz |
| Probe resistance (RS) | Max 100 kΩ |
| Auxiliary earth electrode resistance (RH) | Max 100 kΩ |
| Monitoring of RS and RH with error indicator. Automatic range selection. Measurement is not performed if the current through the current clamp is too low. |
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| RA 4-Pole Selective Ground Resistance Measurement with Current Clamp (RA with Clamp ) | |
| Switch position | RA 4-pole with clamp |
| Resolution | 0.001 Ω to 10 Ω |
| Measuring range | 0.020 Ω to 19.99 kΩ |
| Accuracy | ±(7% rdg + 3 d) |
| Operating error | ±(10% rdg + 5 d) |
| Measuring Principle: Current/Voltage Measurement (with External Current Clamp) | |
| Measuring voltage | Vm = 48 V AC |
| Short-circuit current | > 50 mA |
| Measure frequency | 128 Hz |
| Probe resistance (RS) | Max 100 kΩ |
| Auxiliary earth electrode resistance (RH) | Max 100 kΩ |
| Monitoring of RS and RH with error indicator. Automatic range selection. Measurement is not performed if the current through the current clamp is too low. |
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| Stakeless Ground Loop Measurement (2 Clamps ) | |
| Switch position | RA 4-pole 2 clamps |
| Resolution | 0.001 Ω to 10 Ω |
| Measuring range | 0.020 Ω to 19.99 kΩ |
| Accuracy | ±(7% rdg + 3 d) |
| Operating error | ±(10% rdg + 5 d) |
| Measuring Principle: Stakeless Measurement of Resistance in Closed Loops Using Two Current Transformers | |
| Measuring voltage | Vm = 48 V AC |
| Measure frequency | 128 Hz |
| Noise current (IEXT) | Max. IEXT = 10 A (AC) (RA < 20 Ω) |
| Max. IEXT = 2 A (AC) (RA > 20 Ω) | |
| Automatic range selection. The information regarding stakeless ground loop measurements is only valid when used in conjunction with the recommended current clamps at the minimum distance specified. |
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