These instructions do not claim to cover all details or variations in equipment, nor to provide for all possible conditions to be
met with concerning installation, operation, or maintenance of this equipment. If further information is desired or if particular
problems are encountered which are not suciently covered in this guide, contact Hubbell Power Systems.
NOTE: Because Hubbell has a policy of continuous product improvement, we reserve the right to change design and
specifications without notice.
The PROTECTIVE GROUNDING SET TESTER uses a 5 volt direct current (dc) source to measure resistances in grounding sets. Output current through the grounding set is limited to a
maximum of 10 amps by an internal current limiting resistor. The tester switches the 5 volt
power supply on, makes a measurement, and switches the power o again for a minimum of
500 milliseconds.
The tester uses a 4 wire resistance measurement approach to obtain accurate resistance measurements. The measurement system is auto ranging to give +/-1% accurate resistance measure from 1 µΩ* to 6.5 Ω.
FEATURE DESCRIPTION
The following list of features are referenced with number 1 - 19, and the location of the feature
is shown on Figure 1.
1. Test Probes
Probes are used in troubleshooting mode to locate high resistance area of the ground
set.
3. Fixed Input Connections
When the ‘INPUT SELECT’ switch is in the fixed position. The resistance measurement
shown will be the value of resistance from one fixed connection through the ground set
to the other fixed connection.
4. Power Entry Module
Main power switch illuminates when power to the tester is on, and includes the fuse
holder compartment.
5. Preset Resistance Threshold
This number, shown on the display, is the pass/fail resistance threshold. The ‘<’ symbol
displayed means less than. For example, when ‘<3.333’ (mΩ**) is displayed, it means
that a ground set resistance which is less than 3.333 mΩ**.
6. Measured Ground Set Resistance
When the ‘INPUT SELECT SWITCH’ is in the ‘FIXED’ position. The value shown will be
the resistance measured from one fixed connection (3) through the ground set to the
other fixed connection (3). When the ‘INPUT SELECT SWITCH’ is in the ‘PROBE’ position. The value shown will be the resistance measured between the probe contact
points.
7. Selected Cable Size
Indicates size of cable under test. This must be changed for each new size cable used.
8. Continuous Test Switch
When switched to the ‘ON’ position, the ground set tester will continuously make
measurements at the rate of 1 per second. When switched to the ‘OFF’ position, the
ground set tester will hold the last measurement made.
9. Fail LED (Red)
Due to changes to ASTM F2249, the LED (Red) is no longer an accurate indicator.
Reference the readout on the display. Refer to the latest ASTM F2249 resistance chart
for allowable resistance.
10. Cable Size Switch
Used to select the size of cable to be tested. (#2, 1/0, 2/0, 4/0)
11. Pass LED (Green)
Due to changes to ASTM F2249, the LED (Green) is no longer an accurate indicator.
Reference the readout on the display. Refer to the latest ASTM F2249 resistance chart
for allowable resistance.
12. Power Cord
For connection to AC power supply.
13. Probe Input
When the ‘INPUT SELECT’ switch is in the ‘PROBE’ position, the resistance
measurement shown will be the value of resistance between probe contact points.
14. Input Select Switch
Allows selection of measurement input between the probes or the fixed connections to
the ground set.
15. Single Test Switch
Causes the Ground set tester to make a single resistance measurement and hold the
value.
16. Attachment Studs
These tin plated copper studs (P4033120) are threaded into the fixed connection (3),
and the ground set clamps can then be attached to the studs.
17. Elbow adapter
Used to adapt ground set with grounding elbow to threaded fixed connection. 15kV
elbow adapter (C403-3449) is available as an option.
18. Grounded Parking Stand Adapter
Used to adapt ground set with grounded parking stand to threaded fixed connection.
Parking stand adapter (T403-3159) is available as an option.
19. Self Test Cable
Used for testing the functionality of the Protective Ground Set Tester.
P403-3222 Rev. M 8/20
Page 4
Figure 1: Front Panel of Protective Ground Set Tester Showing Feature Location
Page 5
P403-3222 Rev. M 8/20
SELF TEST PROCEDURE
The operation of the Protective Ground Set Tester can be verified using the Self Test Cable
included with the tester. It is not designed to test accuracy.
1. Place the tester on a table of convenient height and plug it into an AC outlet, 110 (Cat.
No. C403-3220) or 220 (Cat. No. PSC403-3220003) VAC.
2. Thread the attachment studs into fixed connection inputs.
3. Securely connect Self Test Cable to the attachment studs.
4. Turn on the unit. The power switch will illuminate when the power is on.
5. Place the ‘INPUT SELECT’ switch in the ‘FIXED’ position.
6. Place the ‘CONTINUOUS TEST’ switch in the ‘OFF’ position.
7. Press the ‘SINGLE TEST’ switch.
8. The display will show the measured resistance of the self test cable on line 2 of the
display. The resistance measured should be between 3.0 and 7.5 mΩ**. If the measured
resistance is outside these values, retighten the ball studs and check to make sure
that the self test cable has good electrical connections. After retest, if the measured
resistance is still not between 3.0 and 7.5 mΩ**, discontinue use of the tester. The Self
Test Cable is not designed with tight tolerances for accuracy testing.
Note that the thresholds and pass/fail LEDs will function during the self test but do not
pertain to the self test.
**mΩ (milliohm) = 0.001 ohm
P403-3222 Rev. M 8/20
Page 6
TEST SETUP
Figure 3 shows the test setup required to test a protective ground set. The protective
ground set under test must always be connected between the fixed connection connections
regardless of the mode of testing. The ground set carries the test current from one fixed input
to the other during testing. Without the ground set, the resulting open circuit prevents the
resistance measurement. If the ground set is left unconnected and the ‘INPUT SELECT’ is in
the ‘FIXED’ position, the display will read ‘OVER RANGE’ after a test. If the ground set is left
unconnected and the ‘INPUT SELECT’ is in the ‘PROBE’ position, the display will be erratic.
The erratic display is unpredictable and does not indicate resistance.
Figure 3: Ground Set Testing Setup
Note: When measuring the ground set, cable length is expressed in feet (ferrule to ferrule
measurement to the nearest inch, not including shrouded portion of some ferrules which
cover the cable insulation).
Page 7
P403-3222 Rev. M 8/20
GROUND SET TEST PROCEDURE
Use the Self Test Procedure to verify operation of the Ground Set Tester before testing
Ground Sets.
1. Place the tester on a table of convenient height and plug it into a nominal 120/240V AC
outlet.
2. Thread the attachment studs into the fixed connection inputs.
3. Brush the ground clamps to remove any oxidation or contamination and then securely
connect the Grounding Set to be tested to the attachment studs. A low resistance
connection must be maintained while testing the ground set. (Figure 3 shows typical
test setup.)
4. Turn on the unit. The power switch will illuminate when the power is on.
5. Use the ‘CABLE SIZE’ switch to select the cable size being tested. The cable size is
displayed at the end of the first line of the display.
6. Place the ‘INPUT SELECT’ in the ‘FIXED’ position.
7. Place the ‘CONTINUOUS TEST’ switch in the ‘OFF’ position.
8. Press the ‘SINGLE TEST’ switch.
9. The display will show the measured resistance between fixed connections on line 2 of
the display in mΩ.** When used in fixed mode the resistance displayed includes the
contact resistance of the connection studs to the ground set. The value shown in line
2 of the display needs to be less than the maximum resistance value from the tables
from the latest ASTM F2249 to be considered a passing ground set. If the measured
resistance is higher than the allowable value from ASTM F2249, then probing can be
used to locate the areas of high resistance in the ground set.
**mΩ (milli ohm) = 0.001 ohm
WARNING
!
Chance protective ground set tester is not designed nor recommended for detecting cable flaws.
Problems with the cable, away from the ferrule exit area, are often intermittent in nature.
NOTICE
If the ground set fails, there are two possibilities.
1. The ground set has a problem. Use probes to identify the high resistance section. See
section GROUND SET TROUBLESHOOTING WITH PROBES.
2. Cable is improperly sized for the application (AWG or length).
P403-3222 Rev. M 8/20
Page 8
GROUND SET TROUBLESHOOTING WITH PROBES
The following sections describe how to use the probes in troubleshooting a ground set. Using
the probes in this mode, the high resistance areas of the ground set can be identified.
1. Place the tester on a table of convenient height and plug it into a nominal 120/240V AC
outlet.
2. Thread the attachment studs into the fixed connection inputs.
3. Connect the Grounding Set to be tested to the attachment studs. A low resistance
connection must be maintained while testing the ground set. Figure 3 shows typical test
setup.
4. Turn on the unit. The power switch will illuminate when the power is on.
5. Use the ‘CABLE SIZE’ switch to select the cable size being tested. The cable size is
displayed at the end of the first line of the display.
6. Place the ‘INPUT SELECT’ in the ‘PROBE’ position.
7. Place the ‘CONTINUOUS TEST’ switch in the ‘ON’ position. This causes the ground set
tester to repeatedly make measurements at a rate of about 1 per second.
8. In this mode the display will show the resistance across the part(s) of the ground set to
which the probes are connected. Start from one end of the ground set. Take resistance
readings between attachment stud and clamp body, clamp body to cable ferrule and
cable ferrule to cable ferrule. Repeat test on opposite end.
9. The display will show the measured resistance from one probe to the other when
contacting the ground set (on line 2 of the display in mΩ).
WARNING
!
Chance protective ground set tester is not designed nor recommended for detecting cable flaws.
Problems with the cable, away from the ferrule exit area, are often intermittent in nature.
EXPECTED GROUND SET RESISTANCE
The resistance through a Ground Set will be equal to the resistance of the cable itself and the
resistance of the cable clamps and connections to the cable. The resistance of the cable is
found by multiplying the resistance per foot for Class K copper cable by the number of feet
of the cable. Table 2 supplies the resistance per foot for various Class K cable sizes. The cable
clamps and connections should be less than 0.16 mΩ*. Since there are 2 clamps 0.32 mΩ* must
be added for the clamps and connections. Pass/Fail DC resistance values for Class K, M, H and
I copper grounding jumper assemblies can also be found in Tables X1.3, X2.3, X3.3 and X4.3 of
ASTM F2249-18.
For example, the expected resistance for a 32 foot 1/0 Ground Set will be less than
1.05 x 32 ft x 0.1030 mΩ/ft + 0.32 mΩ = 3.7808 mΩ**
(See chart below)
CABLE
SIZE
4/0
2/0
1/0
#2
Table 2:
mΩ** PER
FOOT
[11]
Resistance per foot for various sizes of Class K grounding cable at 68°F
The calibration factors have been corrupted. New calibration factors must be
generated. Return to factory for repair.
COP ERROR
Computer Operating Properly Error has occurred. A problem has occurred with the
power supply, its connections or an electronics failure. Return to factory for repair.
WARNING
!
It is the responsibility of the user to establish and maintain a maximum resistance threshold for the
protective ground set to provide a safe working environment.
P403-3222 Rev. M 8/20
Page 10
ACCESSORIES
P4033120
Replacement Ball Stud
C4033449
Elbow Adapter,
15&25kV for .50" Probe
PSC4034035
Ball Stud, 30MM
PSC4032947
Elbow Adapter, 35kV
for .50" Probe
T4033159
Straight Stud Terminal
PSC4033796
A Elbow Adapter, 35kV
for .75" Probe
PST6003541
Bus Bar Clamp
Adapter
Page 11
P403-3222 Rev. M 8/20
TABLE X1 .3 Cla ss K Cable Rmax L imits — D C Resis tance (m Ω) (Cable + Termin ations)
Maxim um Resi stance Pass / Fail - D C Resis tance, mΩ
*This chart is for Class K Cable only. For Class H, I, and M Cable, please reference the complete ASTM F2249-18 Standard*
Reproduced, with permission from F2249-18 Standard Specification for In-Service Test Methods for Temporary Grounding Jumper Assemblies Used on De-Energized Electric Power Lines and
Equipment, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard may be obtained from ASTM, www.astm.org.
TABLE X2 .3 Class M Cable Rma x Limit s — DC Resi stanc e (mΩ) (Cable + Terminations)
Maxim um Resi stance Pass / Fail - D C Resis tance, mΩ
Reproduced, with permission from F2249-18 Standard Specification for In-Service Test Methods for Temporary Grounding Jumper Assemblies Used on De-Energized Electric Power
Lines and Equipment, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard may be obtained from ASTM, www.astm.
Reproduced, with permission from F2249-18 Standard Specification for In-Service Test Methods for Temporary Grounding Jumper Assemblies Used on De-Energized Electric Power Lines
and Equipment, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard may be obtained from ASTM, www.astm.org.
Reproduced, with permission from F2249-18 Standard Specification for In-Service Test Methods for Temporary Grounding Jumper Assemblies Used on De-Energized Electric Power
Lines and Equipment, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard may be obtained from ASTM, www.astm.