Best Earth Ground Resistance Testers (TOP 5 REVIEWS FOR 2021)
What is the best earth ground resistance tester on the market in 2021? That’s what we will take a look at today.
We have selected 5 top-rated models covering a range of price points and functionality. Whether you’re a working professional needing a full clamp-on kit, or a home user needing basic testing features, you will find a tool to suit your needs.
For our findings at a glance, just head to the table below. For an in-depth review of each of our selected testers, keep on reading.
Top 5 Earth Ground Resistance Testers
NAME |
TESTER |
DETAILS |
|
---|---|---|---|
OUR #1 PICK:Extech 382252Earth GroundResistanceTester Kit |
20 to 2000 OhmAcc: ±(2%rdg+2d)Test Frequency:
| ||
BEST FOR PROS:Ideal Industries61-796 EarthGround Tester |
0 - 2000Ω rangeMax Earth Volt:0-200V AC, 40-500HzAcc: ±(1%rdg+2d) |
||
Amprobe GP-2AEarth Ground Tester |
Voltage: 0 to 460VEarth Resistance:0.08Ω to 49.9kΩResistivity:0.5Ωm to 314kΩm |
||
BEST CLAMP ON:DUOYI DY1200Earth ResistanceTester Multimeter |
Jaw Size: 55*32mm,(1.26 ×2.17")Autoranging:0.01OΩ-1kΩAC Leakage:10mA-30.00A/50µA |
||
DLG Clamp-OnGround EarthResistance Tester |
Jaw Size: 55*32mmGround Resistance:0.01Ω-1kΩ/0.0011ΩRUSB DI-120 |
Ground Resistance Testers Reviews
Although there are different types and brands of earth ground testers available, each can be rated based on build quality, functionality, and features, as well as issues such as data transfer compatibility and convenience.
Based on these rating criteria and more, the following 5 models are what we consider to be the best earth ground resistance testers in 2021.
1. Top Pick: Extech 382252 Earth Ground Resistance Tester Kit
The Extech 382252 is our top pick resistance tester because it balances price point with superior testing ability in a way that suits both professionals and home users alike.
In fact, the product was designed to give you all the professional yet simple services in earth ground testing. It comes with a full set of hardware and customization to give you ease of use and versatility.
Apart from ground testing, the tester can be used to measure both AC and DC voltages. For AC voltage, the maximum volts measurable is 750. DC voltage can be measured up to an impressive 1000V. This is the kind of range you need for most applications.
The hardware that comes with the tester includes 6 AA batteries. These keep the unit charged for long periods of function. There are also two ground testers within the kit. In case one fails, which will seldom happen, you are well covered.
Furthermore, these zinc-coated ground rods ensure greater durability and help combat rust.
The product has a resolution that can be adjusted as one wishes over 0.01/0.1/1 units. The accuracy of the tester is 2%rdg + 2dp. Frequency is less than 2.5mA/ 0.82KHz. With the set of hardware and specifications of the tester, you can test resistance in the region of 20-2000 ohms.
The product also has an LCD backlight. Thus, you can use it during nights and in dim areas. The time of the day or night is never a bother to a user of Extech 382252.
The backlight is also critical in ensuring that you can get your signals easily, as it is fit with signals for better use and efficiency.
- Basic Accuracy: ±(2%rdg+2d)
- Resolution: 0.01Ω/0.1Ω/1Ω
- Test Current/Frequency: <2.5mA/820Hz
- AC Earth Voltage/Frequency: 0 to 2000VAC/50 to 400Hz
- DC Voltage: 0 to 1000V
- It is designed to be easy to use
- It offers high level of service.
- It has an LCD backlight which makes it usable in testing dim lit areas.
- The product is versatile and can not only measure resistance but also voltage and, a high level of accuracy and resolution is offered.
- Designed to offer reliability in risky areas such as lighting haunted areas.
- It can freeze readings for you until the time you do not need them anymore.
- You can only measure up to 2000 ohms of resistance.
Bottom Line
Overall the Extech Earth Ground Resistance Tester is a great option for those that what superior features at a great price. The package comes with everything you need to get started, with the unit providing a range of testing to suit most applications. Our top pick for good reason.
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2. Professional Pick: Ideal Industries 61-796 Earth Ground Resistance Tester
Manufactured by Ideal industries who are leading manufacturer of resistance testing products, it is clear to see how and why this unit delivers.
As one of the more premium tools in our top 5, it is designed to offer accuracy and efficiency in measuring the earth’s resistance to a degree that will suit the working professional.
The set of hardware that comes with this tester includes an auxiliary two ground spikes and three lead testers.
With these two hardware, you are assured of the ability to test soil and ground resistance with amazing efficiency and accuracy, as its high resolution offers.
There is also a set of 8 alkaline batteries all rechargeable. This facilitates long working times without any need to recharge. Again, an important benefit for those working out in the field.
As a precautionary and accuracy enhancing move, there is also a low battery alarm. With that, the user is notified of any drop in battery levels and he/she can change the batteries to avoid either embarrassment or inaccurate readings.
The tester can measure ground resistance from 0-2000 Ohms at an impressive resolution of an Ohm. The accuracy is set at 0.1 Ohm.
This is more than enough to ensure the high accuracy of readings. It can work under only 80% humidity. This, however, is a high humidity level and no ground is likely to surpass it.
Furthermore, its working temperatures are between 32-104F. This too is a range that allows use in many grounds.
Overall, this is a tester mainly used by professionals in the building and electrical industries. Any contractor needing a reliable way to test ground resistance can benefit a lot from this unit.
- It has a resistance auto-range feature that ensures that readings are accurate.
- It has three test leads and additional earth spikes provided.
- It has a data freeze feature that keeps readings until otherwise decided.
- 8 rechargeable batteries ensure a long time of use before recharging.
- A low batter alarm to ensure accurate readings.
- It can only work in up to 80% humidity conditions.
- It can only work at temperatures in the region of 32-104.
Bottom Line
Designed for professionals by the highly reputable Ideal Industries, this is an earth ground tester that has all the features you need for safe and reliable readings.
The 61-796 does have a higher price point than our number one pick, however if you are using your tester on a daily basis for work, this should not be a deal breaker. Highly recommended.
3. Amprobe GP-2A Earth Ground Tester
This tester is designed to give you unsurpassed accuracy in testing the resistance of the earth as well as voltage. It can also be used to establish soil resistivity and noise voltage.
You need to have proof of the safety of electrical equipment once installed in the soil and this device gives you exactly that.
Just like many other ground testers, the Amprobe GP-2A can also be used to measure voltage. Unlike the Extech 382252 however, it can only test voltage up to 460V.
Nevertheless, its real strength is in its automated features and functionality which makes it a superb tester. The product comes with both hardware and software.
The hardware includes two ground testers, zinc-coated resistance rods, and 6 alkaline and rechargeable batteries.
These batteries can be used for testing up to 500 times without recharging. A great feature of the Amprobe is that it comes with personal computer software, R-232 download to PC.
With it, you can easily send sensitive measurements to your PC and easily generate reports for your clients.
With the tester, you can test resistance as low as 0.08ohms to 49900 ohms. One thing about it is that it has an auto-ranging feature that decides the best measurement units for you.
It also automatically takes resistance and voltage readings to ensure that you get very accurate readings.
Resistivity is calculated to 4 decimal points and automatically applies 3 point frequency readings. The tester comes with an LCD backlight screen that measures 7.3andndash;6.5cm.
Thus, it can be used in dim-lit areas as well as during the night.
With its prolific features and accuracy, this tester is good for electricians or any contractor in electrical issues.
- Autoranging feature that automatically selects the right measurement units.
- Automatic calculation of resistance and voltage to ensure accuracy of results.
- LCD backlight screen that makes it usable in dim areas Personal Computer software to ease the generation of results.
- The batteries it uses are not only rechargeable but also last long without need for charging.
- It has around 1000 memory storage partitions to store readings till you no longer need them.
- It is more expensive than some other testers.
- Automation of most things may end up confusing those who do not have a knack for testing. This is because if for instance units are automatically determined, they may think of a malfunction when they manually try to operate it.
Bottom Line
The Amprobe GP-2A Earth Ground Tester is another unit that is aimed at the professional and has all the required accuracy and features for safe and reliable readings.
The added functionality of PC compatibility is a real highlight to this model. Again though, cost is a factor with this being one of the most expensive testers in our top 5.
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4. Best Clamp-On: DUOYI DY1200 Clamp-on Ground Earth Resistance Tester Multimeter
The DUOYI DY1200 is yet another tester that does not only give you accuracy but also a wide range to measure the earth’s resistance in between.
It comes with a number of complementary hardware to enable you to test the ground and soil before installing any electrical equipment. It offers accuracy and ease of users simultaneously.
Just as expected, it comes with ground testers to enable you to make get your ground resistance measurements easily. There are also rods to ensure that your testing is done with ease and high levels of efficiency.
The DUOYI tester also comes with a rubber coating. This is aimed at ensuring that it does not trigger earthly and wrongful circuit breakers, especially in wet places.
Slipping may end up giving you false measurements if not make your tester malfunction. It also ensures that the memory remains intact and functional.
It has four installed batteries each with 1.5v. This charge is enough to make many test without the need of recharging. You can also easily get spares in case of any misfortunes.
This tester has a 99 memory partition to store your test results. Though significantly less than that of Amprobe, you still get the option of storing your results till the time you do not need them anymore.
This feature is useful especially when readings are needed for quite some time.
Moreover, with this tester, you get wide-ground rods that can test immense resistance. The tester can measure resistances between 0.01ohms to 1000 ohms. This is quite a wide range where most readings also fall in between.
The current measurable using this tester is between 0.01 A to 30 A. The resolution stands at an impressive 0.00005A. It also has a configure alarm value for resistance.
- Able to measure up to 1000 Ohms of resistance.
- It has a rubber coating to ensure that it cannot trip earth fault breakers.
- It has a configure value alarm for resistance.
- It has an impressive resolution in measuring current which is 50000mA.
- Wide ground rods for certainty in testing.
- It lacks the automation of some reading like the Amprobe in Sometimes, it might feel too heavy than other testers.
- The range of resistance testing is smaller than that of some other testers.
- Voltage tests are not automated.
- The batteries used last for fewer tests than in Amprobe and Extech 382252.
Bottom Line
The DUOYI DY1200 is our top pick clamp-on tester for good reason. Its excellent price point combined with function and accessories make this an accessible unit for both professionals and home users.
It also has a quality memory function for the recording of your readings. Well constructed with all the accessories you need within the kit box, this comes highly recommended indeed.
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5. DLG Clamp-On Ground Earth Resistance Tester With USB Connection DI-120
Another Clamp-on earth ground resistance tester makes our top 5 list. This model from DLG has wide rods to ensure good and efficient measuring of resistance. It is definitely comparable to the DUOYI DY 1200 clamp-on ground tester with many of the features being in common.
It is, however, a more sophisticated version. It comes with a set of hardware to facilitate the measurement of earth resistance and voltage, as well as a USB connection for easy transfer of data.
One hardware is the set of wide rods as aforementioned. This makes it one of the most reliable testers in the market.
It also uses four batteries each 1.5V. These batteries can be used for a fairly long time without the need to recharge.
A great feature of the tester is that it is able to auto range resistance readings. The range that it can be able to test is between 0.01-1000 Ohms of resistance of the ground.
With auto-ranging, the best units if a measurement is decided for you and the accuracy of readings thereby improved. The resolution of resistance measurement for this tester is a milliOhm.
The tester also boasts of software for decoding and generating reports directly into your PC. The good news is that the software is compatible with almost every operating system for PCs.
It can run in all windows including windows 7, Vista but sadly, it cannot be used on windows 10. The LCD backlight is yet another intriguing feature of this product.
You can use it during the night or dim lit areas as well without straining to read your measurements.
- Datalogging with 99 data points
- USB Interface
- Earth Resistance 0.01Ω-1000Ω
- Min. Resolution 0.001Ω
- Configurable Alarm Value of Resistance 0-199Ω
- Conductor Size Φ2.2*1.3 inch(Φ55*32mm)
- LCD Size 1.1*1.8 inch (28*46mm)
- Dimension 11.2*3.5*2.4 inch(285*90*60mm)
- Weight 1250g
- It has a wide LCD backlight screen that makes it usable in all conditions and times of the day.
- An automatic alarm for ground resistance is availed, set between the common 0-199 Ohms.
- It has an auto-ranging feature that helps in increasing the accuracy of readings.
- The batteries used last long and spares can be easily obtained.
- It has software to enable the generation of reports and compatible with a number of Windows operating systems.
- Its software cannot run on Windows 10, which is likely to be fancier for you than Windows 7.
- It can only measure up to 1000 Ohms of ground resistance.
- The resolution in both resistance and voltage is quite lower than of some other testers.
Bottom Line
Another clamp-on tester makes our top 5. Similar in shape and function to the DUOYI DY1200, this unit also has a helpful USB connection for easy data transfer to your PC.
Worth checking out if you are working professional who will benefit from the in built software for PC compatibility.
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Ground Resistance Tester Buyer’s Guide
As you will have seen from the reviews above, there’s a wide range of testers available.
When looking to buy one, you do need to take into account various issues in order to purchase the right tester for your needs.
Let’s take a look.
1. How often do you test for soil resistivity?
Whether you will be needing to conduct soil resistivity testing is an important factor that will determine the type of ground testing kit you buy.
Are you a contractor that is likely to work on the design and/or installation of new grounding systems?
If the answer is yes, a kit capable of testing soil resistivity is a must. In fact, the kit you purchase should include 4-pole testing, allowing you to obtain measurement results in ohms.
An ohm measurement reading will give you the information you need to manually calculate soil resistivity, (normally stated in ohm/cm or ohm/m).
You can also purchase more sophisticated tools that will calculate soil resistivity using the Wenner or the Schlumberger method.
Essentially, if you will be carrying out 4 pole testing often enough, you should invest in a ground tester that will automatically calculate soil resistivity.
2. What type of ground systems will you be working with?
Another important variable that will help narrow down which ground tester you should buy is the type of ground systems you will be working on?
Are you an electrician that mostly visits residential systems, or will you be expected to work on industrial-sized, commercial systems?
For small residential jobs, a basic 3-pole ground resistance tester (you could also use a 4-pole kit configured for 3-pole work) is the tool you need for measuring the resistance of the house ground rod.
(In situations where the house is already connected to the power line, a basic clamp-on kit will do the job).
For larger, commercial testing you will need a 4 pole kit with longer testing leads and more sophisticated measuring features.
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3. Will you be testing the bonding of grounding systems?
If your job involves testing the relationship of parts in a complex grounding system, the continuity of bonding between the various components will need to be measured.
For this you will need to test conductivity using DC voltage and current.
There is a range of testers on the market that provide this by using a hundred milliamps currents.
A unit with an inbuilt micro-ohmmeter is also useful as it gives you the ability to test at high test currents of up to 200A.
As with all the points above, a clear understanding of how you will need to use the earth ground resistance tester will aid you in which one to opt for.
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4. What is the most practical way for you to record the data?
The type of measurements you take, how they are recorded is another important question to ask yourself.
Some ground testers have built-in memory with the ability to store up to 1000 measurements. Others have USB ports for connectivity straight to your laptop.
Others can even be connected to wifi and or Bluetooth so that you can send results directly to your phone.
If you need to send off results while on-site, the more efficient the data transfer process the better.
If you only need to download the measurements once back in the office, speed and efficiency are not such a deal-breaker.
5. Will you be testing at sites where electromagnetic interference (EMI) might be present?
If the answer is yes to the above, you should look for a testing instrument that features automatic test frequency selection.
A tool with this capability will find the “cleanest” available frequency. This is extremely beneficial in high-EMI environments.
You might want to consider a Clamp-on tester for these situations too. Clamp-on is designed to test at higher frequencies.
The model you choose might also have a test frequency selection function, offering you even greater versatility and what should amount to more reliable results.
Device Features – Factors to consider
When it comes to the actual earth ground resistance tester device, there are a few factors you should consider in terms of the model you buy.
Accuracy
Accuracy is a must. However, more importantly, you will want a device that has the ability to remain accurate over constant use.
An in-built calibration system is very beneficial to this end. A unit that has the ability to alert you when routine recalibration should take place, (or better still, is required), is another handy feature.
Strong leads and sturdy internal processors are also important, as this will help ensure that the device is working as it should over the long haul.
Size & Type of the Display
The display is another important factor when choosing an earth ground resistance tester. Small portable units generally have displays between 2 & 4″.
Try to ascertain how clearly data is displayed on these screens. Are they backlit LCD screens that can convey more information, or does the unit rely on a monochrome screen to relay the basics?
Larger units will afford more screen real estate, which is useful to the professional using the device daily and what might be low light conditions.
Overall, check out the specifications on the screen to ensure it will deliver the user experience you require.
Resistant Range
The resistance range is related to the capacity of the tester. Essentially, the wider the range, the more versatile the device.
The range to look out for is between 2 ohms to 2000 ohms. Anything narrower than this may not provide the readings a pro-user needs.
Also, if you are a technician that needs to measure extremely low resistance levels, you should look for a specialized device capable of providing readings as low as 0.010 ohms.
Robust Design
Since earth ground resistance testers are generally used outside by a busy technician, a device that is robust is a must.
The unit will end up getting dropped, trampled on, thrown in the back of a van, and more. Not only will it have to withstand these knocks, but it will also need to be water-resistant to some degree. Work can’t stop just because of the rain.
Furthermore, for technicians working in cold climates, the unit will need to operate in low temperatures.
Accessories
Finally, the earth ground resistance tester you buy should have all the accessories you need to get the job done.
This will include all testing leads, auxiliary cables, and required software.
Regarding the leads; as mentioned above, in order to ensure accurate readings the leads need to be well made. They are generally made of zinc and should be corrosion resistant.
Long auxiliary cables are beneficial as they give you more space to move as you take the readings. The clips should be strong enough for regular use too.
Earth Ground Resistance Testers FAQs
Q. How do I use a digital earth tester?
To use an earth ground resistance tester you need to ensure that the electricity is switched off at the location you are testing. You then place the leads of the tester into the ground you wish to measure. Switch the device on and activate the test. Within a few seconds, the unit will provide you with a reading.
Q. What is the best type of resistance tester? Clamp or rod-based?
clamp-on ground resistance testers are recommended for simple jobs where portability is required. Rod-based testers are more cumbersome, however, they are better suited for detailed readings.
Q. What is the optimum earth resistance value?
According to the NFPA and IEEE standards, the optimum earth ground resistance is 5 ohms or lower.
Q. How often should I take readings?
If you are testing the earth ground resistance of your own property, it is recommended that you do it once a year. Professional users will be testing land on a regular basis, however.
Q. How can I save the data from my earth ground resistance tester?
The simplest devices will require you to manually record the readings, while more sophisticated devices will have memory storage. The best units will allow USB or Bluetooth connectivity to your PC or smartphone so that data can be recorded and analyzed. These devices also allow for GPS data to be gathered, so that the locality of the reading is saved too.