resistance check of the of the Potential circuit. After a
short pause, the result of this check is displayed on the
sub panel. If appropriate, the ‘P s p i k e‘ label then
changes to ‘Retest’, giving the option to repeat the test
after any alteration to spike position etc. has been
made. Press the centre ▲ key, now labelled ‘Measure’
to repeat the measurement.
Note: If for any reason a test is made with an open
Potential circuit, the resultant test reading will be
invalid. To confirm that connections are still in place
and to check the validity of the test, a ‘P spike‘ check
should be made before each test.
Auto Ranging
If the earth resistance being measured is low, but a
high level of ’noise’ is present, coupled with a high
Current spike resistance, the instrument will
automatically make a measurement with a lower
precision. If successful, the resistance reading will be
displayed with only 3 digits, the least significant digit
being blanked out.
Greater precision can be obtained by:-
a) Reducing spike resistance (e.g. by wetting the
ground, or by inserting the spikes deeper into the
ground).
b) Toggling to ‘Hi Current‘ option.
c) Eliminating the ‘noise’ source if possible.
Display Messages
When appropriate, messages are displayed. The
following message definitions are given:
“Please wait...”
“Please wait... zeroing”
This means that the instrument is making internal
measurements and tests before displaying the
resistance reading. The ▲ and ▼ keys remain active
and measurement conditions may be adjusted before
a reading is displayed. These messages may be
repeatedly displayed if there is a high ‘noise’ level
present, close to the frequency of the measurement,
or if the Potential circuit is incorrectly connected.
“Open Circuit Current Terminals”
This means that the test current flowing is low, and
implies that a resistance of >500 kΩ is present between
the test terminals. If this message remains displayed
when terminals ‘C1‘ and ‘C2‘ are shorted together, an
internal fuse has ruptured, with the possibility of other
internal damage having been caused. In this case,
return the instrument, return the instrument to the
manufacturer or an approved repair company. See
’Repair and Warranty’.
“Check connections voltage terminals”
This message is displayed when the connections to the
‘P1‘ and ‘P2‘ connections are reversed. Check and
Operation
12