Metrohm E1612 Instruction Manual

E1612 EARTH TESTER

INSTRUCTION
MANUAL

GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION: Always read before proceeding.

Warning
These instructions contain both information and warnings that are necessary for
the safe operation and maintenance of this product. It is recommended that you
read the instructions carefully and ensure that the contents are fully understood.
Failure to understand and to comply with the warnings and instructions can result
in serious injury, damage or even death.

In order to avoid the danger of electrical shock, it is important that proper safety
measures are taken when working with voltages exceeding 30V AC RMS, 42V AC
peak or 60V DC.

This product must only be used by a competent person capable of interpreting the
results under the conditions and for the purposes for which it has been
constructed. Particular attention should be paid to the Warnings, Precautions and
Technical Specifications. Always check the unit is in good working order before
use and that there are no signs of damage to it. Do not use if damaged.

Where applicable other safety measures such as use of protective gloves, goggles
etc. should be employed.

Please keep these instructions for future reference. Updated instructions and
product information are available at: www.martindale-electric.co.uk

REMEMBER: SAFETY IS NO ACCIDENT

MEANING OF SYMBOLS:

Equipment complies with relevant EU Directives

End of life disposal of this equipment should be
in accordance with relevant Local Directives

Caution - risk of danger and refer to instructions

Caution - risk of electric shock

Equipment protected by double or reinforced insulation (Class II)

Earth (ground)

Thank you for buying one of our products. For safety and full
understanding of its benefits please read this manual before
use. Technical support is available from 01923 441717 and
[e-mail].

CONTENTS

1 Introduction 1

1.1 Inspection 1

1.2 Description 1

1.3 Accessories 1

1.4 Battery Installation 1

2 Product Specific Safety Information 2

2.1 Precautions 2

3 Operation 4

3.1 General 4

3.2 Low Battery Indication 4

3.3 Description of Terminals 4

3.4 Description of Press Buttons 4

3.5 Display and LED Indications 5

3.6 Earth Voltage Measurement 5

3.7 Earth Resistance Measurement 6

4 Maintenance 14

4.1 Battery Replacement 14

4.2 Fuse Replacement 14

4.3 Calibration 14

4.4 Cleaning 15

4.5 Repair & Service 15

4.6 Storage Conditions 15

5 Warranty 16

Specifications

1

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Inspection

Examine the shipping carton for any sign of damage. Inspect the
unit and any accessories for damage. If there is any damage then
consult your distributor immediately.

1.2 Description

The E1612 is an earth resistance tester with the following features:

• Microprocessor controlled with advanced safety features

• Large LCD display

• Earth resistance auto ranging, 0-2kΩ in 4 ranges

• Earth voltage measurement: 0-30V AC

• 2, 3 & 4 pole test modes selectable.

• Auto power off

• Indoor and outdoor use

1.3 Accessories

The following accessories are supplied with the E1612:

• Set of test leads with integral crocodile clips (red 15m, black 10m,

yellow 10m and green 5m)

• Carrying case

• Set of 4 x spikes

• Shoulder strap

• 8 x 1.5V alkaline AA batteries

• Spare F100mA 250V 5 x 20mm fuse

• Instructions

1.4 Battery Installation

Refer to Section 4.1 (Battery Replacement) for the battery

installation instructions for the E1612.

2

2. PRODUCT SPECIFIC SAFETY INFORMATION

Measurement Category III (CAT III) is applicable to test and
measuring equipment connected to the distribution part of the
building’s low-voltage MAINS installation.

Measurement Category IV (CAT IV) is applicable to test and
measuring equipment connected at the source of the building’s
low-voltage MAINS installation.

2.1 Precautions

This product has been designed with your safety in mind, but
please pay attention to the following warnings and cautions before
use.

Warnings

Before use check the unit for cracks or any other damage. Make
sure the unit is free from dust, grease and moisture. Also check
any associated leads and accessories for damage. Do not use if
damaged.

Do not use if the battery/fuse cover is not fitted.

When this unit is used in combination with test leads, the
measurement category of the combination is the lower
measurement category of either this unit or the test leads used.
Likewise if test lead accessories such as crocodile clips are also
used, the measurement category will be the lowest measurement
category in that combination.

Always test this unit on an appropriate proving device or a known
voltage source before using it to determine if a hazardous voltage
exists in a circuit to be tested.

3

Measuring/testing for a voltage that exceeds the specified limits of
the earth resistance tester may damage the unit and expose the
operator to a shock hazard. Always check the earth resistance
tester’s specified limits before use.

The earth resistance tester must only be used on CAT IV, CAT III
and CAT II installations up to 300V to earth, and within the
operating temperature and humidity range specified.

When using the integral lead/crocodile clip set provided always
keep your fingers behind the crocodile clip finger guards.

Cautions

Avoid severe mechanical shock or vibration and extreme
temperature.

To avoid corrosion from leaking batteries, remove the batteries
when not in use for an extended period.

4

3. OPERATION

3.1 General

For safety and measurement accuracy only the lead set

supplied with the E1612 should be used.

The measured results may be influenced by induction if
measurements are made with the test leads twisted together. When
making connections they should be separated.

3.2 Low Battery Indication

If Battery: Low is displayed on the LCD after the E1612 has been
turned on, or at any time during use, replace the batteries (see
section 4.1).

3.3 Description of Terminals

3.4 Description of Press Buttons

E/C1 Terminal for the earth electrode (black test lead)

ES/P1

Terminal for the probe placed nearest to the earth
electrode (green test lead)

S/P2 Terminal for a probe (yellow test lead)

H/C2 Terminal for the auxiliary ear th electrode (red test lead)

2P Selects 2 pole earth resistance measurement mode

3P Selects 3 pole earth resistance measurement mode

4P Selects 4 pole earth resistance measurement mode

ACV

Selects AC voltage measuring function to check
earth voltage

ON/OFF Turns on/off the E1612

TEST/

STOP

Starts and stops earth resistance and earth voltage
measurements.

5

3.5 Display and LED Indications

3.6 Earth Voltage Measurement

Connect the test leads as shown in figure 1 or on the inside of the
E1612 lid.

On the E1612 press ON/OFF to turn the unit on, press ACV and
TEST/STOP. The earth voltage will be displayed.

Note: An earth voltage greater than 10V may result in errors in the
earth resistance measurement. Make sure that the earth voltage is
less than 10V.

Battery: Low

Indicates the batteries need to be replaced. (See 4.1).
The battery level in volts is normally indicated

Rc/Rc Error

The C1 or C2 leads are open circuit or the resistance in
the C1 or C2 leads is greater than 10kΩ.
Check the auxiliary earth spikes are connected correctly

P1 Line Fail!

The P1 lead is open circuit or the resistance in the P1
lead is greater than 20kΩ

P2 Line Fail!

The P2 lead is open circuit or the resistance in the P2
lead is greater than 20kΩ

Rp

The Rp LED indicates an earth resistance > 2kΩ.
The LCD will display > 2kΩ

Vp Error

When making a ‘4P measurement’, if the LCD shows
‘Vp Error’ short circuit C1 (black) and P1 (green)