DET4 series four-terminal earth/ground resistance testers

Megger’s DET4 series measures earth/ground resistance and soil resistivity
The DET4 series supports two-, three- and four-terminal testing, Attached Rod Technique (ART), stakeless, leakage current, and earth noise voltage measurement.
Stakeless or clamp-on testing capability

Stakeless or clamp-on testing capability

Use the instrument like a clamp-on tester in applications where viable, while also being able to operate as a Fall of Potential tester

Attached Rod Technique (ART) capability

Attached Rod Technique (ART) capability

Allows Fall of Potential testing without the need to disconnect the ground rod

Multiple, user-selectable test frequencies

Multiple, user-selectable test frequencies

Allows the operator to find the most effective frequency for making the measurement

Resistance measurement range to 200 kilohms

Resistance measurement range to 200 kilohms

Provides the ability to measure the resistivity of any type of soil

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Buy now

About the product

Megger’s DET4 series of four-terminal earth/ground resistance testers offers a comprehensive solution to your earth/ground and soil resistivity testing needs. 

To that end, this popular instrument series includes four models with different kit variants that contain various accessories for greater testing flexibility. The four basic units are:

  • DET4TD2: Dry-cell battery-powered basic four-terminal tester
  • DET4TR2: Rechargeable battery-powered basic four-terminal tester
  • DET4TC2: Dry-cell battery-powered four-terminal tester with selectable test frequencies, greater measurement sensitivity, attached rod technique (ART), and stakeless measurement capability
  • DET4TCR2: Rechargeable battery-powered four-terminal tester with selectable test frequencies, greater measurement sensitivity, attached rod technique (ART), and stakeless measurement capability

The DET4TC2 and the DET4TCR2 testers are for demanding applications requiring maximum versatility. These instruments support two-, three- and four-pole testing, as well as attached rod technique (ART), stakeless, leakage current, and earth noise voltage measurement. They also allow you to select the test frequency from one of four options: 94 Hz, 105 Hz, 111 Hz, and 128 Hz, making it easy to choose a frequency that minimises the effects of interference, even in difficult situations.
 
When the exceptional versatility of the DET4TC models is not needed, Megger offers the DET4TD2 and DET4TR2 testers, the former designed for use with replaceable batteries and the latter with rechargeable cells. These competitive instruments fully support the most popular earth resistance test methods – two-, three- and four-pole testing.

All DET4 models are rated to IP54, making them ideal for outdoor working, and they are designed to meet stringent safety standards, rated CAT IV to 100 V. Additionally, all the DET4 instruments are ergonomically designed with a large selector switch enabling you to easily select two, three, or four-pole tests, even with gloved hands.

Technical specifications

Data storage and communication
None
Power source
Battery
Test method
2, 3, and 4 pole resistance
Test method
ART resistance
Test method
Stakeless resistance
More details available on the product data sheet

Product documents

Additional documentation can be found on the support page

Data sheet

DET4T2Series_DS_US.pdf
pdf 1.77 MB

Application note

DET4TC_DET4TCR_AP_EN.pdf
pdf 440.96 KB

Technical guide

GDTE2020_UK.pdf
pdf 6.77 MB

FAQs

Four probes make a Kelvin bridge, which in grounding is only necessary for soil resistivity measurements. There has to be a uniform current across the sample of soil being measured, so you need two current probes and two potential probes, arranged C-P-P-C. Soil resistivity measurements can be used to establish the optimum electrode design and location, as well as for performing archaeological and geological investigations. For ground electrode testing, three terminals often suffice. Hence, a less expensive model is a smart choice if you are sure you will never need to perform soil resistivity testing. The exceptions are those cases when you need high-resolution earth resistance measurements (see the following FAQ). 

You can work with the test spikes at shorter distances from the earth/ground system using the slope test technique. With this technique, the current spike is inserted at an approximate distance of 2 to 3 times the maximum dimension of the earth/ground system. Measurements are then made with the voltage spike at 20 %, 40 %, and 60 % of the distance to the current spike. By using various criteria to evaluate the results obtained from these three tests and performing further tests, if necessary, you can obtain a reliable value for the resistance of the earthing system. Please see Megger’s “Getting Down to Earth” guide for further details.

In most cases, it is only necessary to show that the earth electrode resistance is below some specified maximum acceptable value. However, there are certain applications where high-resolution measurements are required. These include the determination of earth/ground resistance using the slope technique and evaluating earth/ground resistivity over large areas. High-resolution instruments typically use the four-terminal method of measurement and include additional features, such as variable test frequency, that help users to obtain good results even under challenging conditions.

Further reading and webinars

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