M

DET14C and DET24C

Digital Earth Clamp-on Tester

USER GUIDE
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 G SAFETY WARNINGS
These safety warnings are provided to ensure the safety of personnel and proper operation of the instrument.

■ Safety warnings and precautions must be read and understood before the instrument is used. They must be observed during use.
■ Do not leave the instrument connected to the system under test when not in use.
■ Do not touch circuit connections and exposed metalwork of the installation or equipment under test.
■ Do not use the instrument or connect it to any external system if it shows any visible signs of damage, malfunction or if it has been stored in unfavourable
conditions.
■ Always keep body parts behind the tactile barrier on the handles of the instrument.
■ Always inspect the instrument prior to use. Replace any defective parts immediately or return the instrument to an authorised service centre for repair.
■ Do not use the instrument or connect it to any external system if the casing is open or any parts of the case are missing.
■ Do not use rechargeable batteries in this instrument.
■ Always use caution when clamping the instrument around energised electrical conductors.
■ Always use extreme caution when clamping around bare conductors: under fault conditions, high voltages and currents may be present and may pose a shock
hazard.
■ The instrument is not suitable for measuring AC currents in multi-core cables or DC currents.
■ The instrument should not be used if any part of it is damaged.
■ This instrument is not intrinsically safe and must not be used in hazardous atmospheres.
■ If this equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
■ Use extreme caution when using the instrument in proximity to bare conductors. Avoid contact between the metal in the jaws and bare conductors. A short
circuit would create an arc-flash explosion hazard
NOTE:
THE INSTRUMENT MUST ONLY BE USED BY SUITABLY TRAINED AND COMPETENT PERSONS.
Users of this equipment and/or their employers are reminded that National Health and Safety Legislation requires them to carry out valid risk assessments of all
electrical work so as to identify potential sources of electrical danger and risk of electrical injury such as inadvertent short circuits.

The safety warnings provided in this document are indicative of safe practice and shall not be considered exhaustive. Additionally, they are not intended to replace
local safety procedures where the instrument is being used.

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 Symbols used on the instrument
CONTENTS
G SAFETY WARNINGS ..................................................................... 2 G Caution: refer to accompanying notes.

CONTENTS....................................................................................... 3

GENERAL DESCRIPTION ................................................................ 4 t Equipment protected throughout by Double

Insulation.

APPLICATION................................................................................... 6
c Equipment complies with current EU directives.

MODES OF OPERATION ................................................................. 8

N13117
GENERAL OPERATION.................................................................... 9 Equipment complies with current “C tick”
requirements.
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................... 12

MEASUREMENT SPECIFICATIONS............................................... 14 Do not dispose of in the normal waste stream.

ORDERING INFORMATION AND ACCESSORIES........................ 15

Equipment can be clamped around and removed
from hazardous live conductors [IEC 61010-2-032
PREVENTATIVE INSTRUMENT MAINTENANCE.......................... 15 Type A clamp].

REPAIR AND WARRANTY .............................................................. 17

Equipment not suitable for use where the
magnetic field exceeds this limit.

Overvoltage category IV (equipment installed at or

near the origin of the electrical supply to a
building.)
CAT IV 600 V
600 V refers to the rms phase-to-earth voltage that
this instrument can withstand to the overvoltage
category IV rating.

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION special jaw opening mechanism ensures proper jaw closure yet
The DET14C and DET24C represent a new generation of minimises the force required to open them).
earth/ground clamp-on resistance testers. These instruments
induce a test current into earth systems and measure ground The DET14C offers storage of results for later on-screen recall
resistance in multi ground installations without needing to and the DET24C supports a download of results via IrDA-to-USB
disconnect the ground. They offer market leading access, link into PowerDB and Power DB Lite, Megger’s Acceptance &
advanced features, simple operation and CAT IV 600 V safety Maintenance Test Data Management software. Stored data is
protection. indexed using a sequential serial number together with a time
and date stamp for each record.
Designed with flat core ends, they prevent dirt build up,
ensuring measurement integrity and improved reliability over
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
products with interlocking teeth. Other enhancements over
■ 39 x 55 mm elliptical head
current generation products include improved accuracy and up
to 300% increase in battery life. In electrically noisy ■ Auto-current measurement safety feature
environments the built-in filter function offers increased noise ■ Memory to record and view results
immunity.
■ Automatic self calibration
DET14C and DET24C also offer a true RMS AC current ■ Auto ranging
measurement facility up to 35 Amps. The instrument’s ability to
measure current flowing in an earth cable is a useful safety ■ High and low alarms
feature, especially if the earth cable has to be disconnected. A ■ Real time clock for date and time stamping of results
high current flow to earth could draw an arc on disconnection
with potentially severe consequences. DET24C ADDITIONAL FEATURES
■ IrDA USB interface to PC
The elliptical shaped head design offers improved access to
■ Advanced memory functionality with download
cables and earth straps in constrained spaces (locations). The
clamp head accommodates up to 39 mm diameter cable and ■ Megger PowerDB/PowerDB LiteTM compatible
50 mm earth tapes making them suitable for use in power
stations, sub-stations, towers and many more facilities. Operation
in dark and restricted areas is facilitated by a display with
backlight and an audible tone associated with the hold key. (The

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Figure 1: DET14C / DET24C Instrument Front View Figure 2: DET14C / DET24C Instrument Rear View

1. Clamp jaws 6. Keypad

2. Tactile barrier 7. Tactile barrier
3. Rotary switch 8. Lever
4. HOLD button 9. Battery cover/label
5. LCD display

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Figure 3: DET14C / DET24C Instrument Bottom Figure 4: DET14C / DET24C Instrument Display
View View

Save Tick = set

1. Wrist strap loop
2 1
2. IrDA window Open Cross = not set

Delete Warning refer to user guide

IrDA download Signal noise detected

Alarm Less than

Filter More than

Battery
Hold

Date formats
Hours, minutes, seconds
Clamp open

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APPLICATION Figure 5: Example earthing system suitable for
The DET14C / DET24C digital earth clamp meters are particularly clamp meter
suitable for measuring earth resistance in various installations
such as buildings, pylons and RF transmitter sites without system
disconnection. In addition, they can be used for the inspection
and verification of lightning protection systems and virtually any
installation where a current loop can be generated.

Principle of Operation
A defined test voltage is injected into the system under test using
a voltage transducer coil to induce a current, I, to flow which can
be measured by the current sensing coil. The resistance follows
from Ohm’s law, R = V/I.

The system shown in Figure 5 can be simplified to the resistance

of the electrode under test, Rg and the resistance of the other
electrodes in parallel, i.e. R1 || R2 || R3… || Rn. Therefore, the
current induced by the test voltage is I=V/[Rg+(R1 || R2 ||
R3… || Rn)]. It follows that as the resistance of the other
electrodes in parallel approaches zero, then the resistance
measured, approaches the value of the electrode under test.

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 Figure 6: Main mode selection using the rotary
MODES OF OPERATION switch
The DET14C / DET24C can operate in one of three main modes,
selected using the rotary switch:

• OFF – Turn instrument off

• Ω - Resistance measurement
• A - Current measurement
• Fn - Setup and configuration

When in a measurement mode, there are other functions which

are selected using the buttons:

• HOLD – Hold the displayed measurement value.

• – Enable / disable display backlight.
• - Enable / disable buzzer function.
•  - Save displayed result to memory.

When in the setup and configuration mode (Fn), some buttons

have different functions:
Figure 7: Other functions using buttons

•  - Increment value.
• - Decrement value.
•  - Advance to next field.
• OK – Accept value.

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GENERAL OPERATION Measuring Resistance Mode

Powering on the Instrument With the resistance (Ω) mode selected simply open the clamp
The instrument is switched on by turning the rotary switch to and clamp around a ground conductor to be measured. The
one of the three mode positions, i.e. Ω, A or Fn. The Ω instrument automatically senses the jaw opening and activates
(resistance) and A (AC current) measurements are both auto- the open jaw icon ( ) on the display. As soon as the jaw is
ranging. closed the open icon is removed and a resistance measurement
is initiated. A reading is taken periodically and the display
Fig 8. Resistance measurement mode updated until the user presses the HOLD key to freeze the
reading or turns off the instrument.

Resistance measurements in high noise environments can be

problematic resulting in no reading. The DET14C / 24C
instruments incorporate a noise symbol ( ) to indicate
presence of noise during a measurement. A filter function
indicated by the filter icon ( ), is activated automatically in the
presence of noise. The filter results in a slightly longer
measurement period but offers improved noise immunity.

Measuring Current Mode

To measure true RMS AC current simply set the rotary switch to

the current mode (A) and clamp around the cable or tape to be
measured. RMS current is displayed on the screen in either A or
mA.

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HOLD Saving Data

The HOLD key can be used to freeze a result in either resistance Data is saved in either resistance mode (Ω) or current mode (A).
or current mode. Once held, the result can be saved to memory Pressing the save key () will record a result with a time and
using the save () button. date stamp. It is important to regularly ensure that the time and
date settings are correct. Time and date are set from the
HOLD has two modes depending on when it is activated: Function mode (Fn).
• If a measurement is in progress and HOLD is pressed it Function Mode
will freeze the result even if the clamp is opened and The Function mode (Fn) contains five minor functions on the
removed from the unit under test. instrument:
• The user may also use the HOLD function with the clamp
• Recall records ( )
closed before a measurement is taken. This mode assists
users to take readings in difficult to reach areas where the
instrument display may not be visible during the • Delete records ( )
measurement. Depressing the HOLD button for two
seconds with the clamp closed and no conductor present • Download via IrDA-to-USB ( )
will activate an automatic hold of the next result. HOLD
will flash on screen until the measurement is taken or it • Alarm setting ( )
times out. The instrument will sense open jaws, closed
• Set Time/Date (H:M:S/D:M:Y M:D:Y Y:M:D )
jaws and take a reading, then freeze the reading on
screen and beep to indicate that the measurement is In Function mode (Fn) the buttons shown in Figure 7 operate as
complete. arrow buttons and are depicted in green matching the green
(Fn) icon on the rotary switch. The right arrow button is used to
Backlight
scroll through minor functions in the order listed.
A low intensity backlight is provided on the instrument display to
facilitate measurements in dark conditions. The backlight button
( ) toggles the backlight on and off. An auto off timer will
switch the backlight off after 20 seconds to conserve power.

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Recalling Data shows press the OK button to delete. Operation is returned to
Stored data can be recalled and viewed on the instrument from the Function mode (Fn) after the OK button has been pressed.
the recall records ( ) function, which is the default screen on
Download Data (DET24C only)
switching to function mode (Fn). Press the OK button to enter
the recall function. The download function is accessed from the Function mode
(Fn) by navigating () to the IrDA icon ( ) and pressing the OK
Results are showed with an index number. Pressing the right button. The display shows a range of records in memory, e.g. 1–
arrow button () will show the result and date the result was 105. Ensure that the IrDA window is pointed at the supplied
taken and a second press of the right arrow button () will IrDA-to-USB device correctly attached to a computer or another
show the time the result was recorded on that day. Pressing the IrDA receiving unit and press the OK button to initiate the
right arrow button () a third time will show the result and download. The download progress can be monitored on the
index number again. large, four digit display that will show the record being
downloaded. On completion of the download the instrument
Pressing the up arrow () button will increment the saved result returns to the Function mode (Fn).
index and show the next result. Pressing the down arrow button
() will decrement the memory index and show the previous Activating Alarm
result.
Alarms can be activated and deactivated in either resistance
Deleting Data mode (Ω) or current mode (A) by pressing the alarm button
( ). There are two alarms, identified by “HI” and “LO” that can
Data can be deleted in two ways; either delete the last recorded be set in resistance mode and another two in current mode.
result or delete all stored results. From the Function mode (Fn) Alarms are set in the function mode (Fn).
press the right arrow button () once to get to the delete
record function ( ), which will appear at the top of the screen, Setting Alarm Thresholds
then press the OK button to enter the delete function.
Resistance mode (Ω) and current mode (A) each have two
In the delete function, the right arrow () button will toggle settable alarms (HI and LO). To set the alarms from the Function
between the full range of results, depicted by a range, e.g. 1-53 mode (Fn) navigate to the alarm mode ( ) using the right arrow
or the last result, which in this case would be the 53rd result. A () button and press the OK button. To set or clear alarms
cross on the left side of the screen indicates that delete will not press the right arrow button () and a cross will appear with a
operate yet. To confirm the deletion, use the up arrow () or default ‘HI’ alarm setting. To change the setting press and hold
down arrow () to toggle the cross to a tick. When the tick the up () or down () arrow buttons until the required value

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is reached. Press the OK button to set the HI resistance alarm
level and move onto set the LO resistance alarm. Adjust the level
and set it using the OK button.

Current mode (A) alarms, HI and LO, are set in the same way
and follow directly on after setting resistance alarms. If either
resistance or current alarms are not required, simply leave a
cross in the relevant alarm setting. The mode of alarm is
depicted by either Ω or A in the bottom right of the display.

Setting the Time and Date

The time and date is set from the Function mode (Fn) using the
right arrow () button navigate through the icons until a date is
displayed. Press the OK button to change the setting. The user is
prompted to select a date format required. The format, say
M:D:Y, will flash. Use the up () or down () arrow buttons to
scroll through the formats until the required format is flashing.
Press the right arrow () button to set the date format. The first
part of the date will flash, adjust using the up () or down ()
arrow buttons pressing the right arrow () button to set each
date setting. After setting the date continue using the right arrow
button () and up () or down () arrow buttons to set time
in hours and minutes. Press the OK button to set the date and
time and return to the Function (Fn) mode.

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GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS Performance
Maximum jaw opening 39 mm IEC 61557-5
Maximum jaw inner IEC 61557-13 Class 1
39 mm x 55 mm
dimensions
Display type 4 digit + 6 digit with backlight Safety
Battery type 4x 1.5 V IEC LR6 alkaline EN 61010-2-032
>24 hours continuous testing CAT IV 600 V, Pollution degree 2
Battery life
– see Note 1
300s (reset by jaw action or Measurement category IV is applicable to test and measuring
Auto power down circuits connected at the source of the building’s low-voltage
button press)
256 records (DET14C) mains installation. This part of the installation is expected to
Data logging have a minimum of one level of over-current protective devices
2 k records (DET24C)
Opto-coupled IrDA-USB between the transformer and connecting points of the
Data download measuring circuit.
interface (DET24C only)
Range selection Automatic within each mode
Due to potential high short-circuit currents which can be
Sample time < 1s followed by a high energy level, measurements made within
Hold function Yes with visual indicator these locations are extremely dangerous. Great precautions shall
Alarm function Yes with visual indicator be made to avoid any chance of a short circuit.
Warning buzzer Yes
EMC
Operating temperature and
-20 °C to +50 °C, <85% RH Class B Compliant, IEC 61326-1, BS EN 61326-1
humidity
Storage temperature and
-40 °C to +60 °C, <75% RH
humidity
Weight 985 g
248 mm (l) x 141 mm (w) x
Instrument dimensions
49 mm (h)
IP rating IP30 with jaws closed

Note 1: Whilst measuring a 25 Ω resistance

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MEASUREMENT SPECIFICATIONS Operational Error for Resistance
Parameter Specification Typical Max
Reference Conditions Operating Position Instrument 3.4% 12.9%
Temperature +20 °C ± 3 °C
Horizontal
Humidity 50% RH ± 10% Conductor IEC 61557-5 E1 1.6% 9.7%
Battery Voltage 6 V ± 0.2 V Position ±90 °
Operating Position Instrument horizontal Battery Voltage IEC 61557-5 E2 2.0% 18.0%
Conductor Position Perpendicular to jaws and centred in the 4.4 V to 7.0 V
aperture Temperature IEC 61557-5 E3 0 °C to 2.1% / °C 6.3% / °C
+35 °C
Current Sinusoidal (THD <0.6%) at 50 Hz and 60 Hz Series interference IEC 61557-5 E4 DC: 9% DC: 25.7%
Resistance Non-inductive voltage 3V dc and 3V rms AC: 0.98% AC: 3.0%
Interference Current Nil Interference 3A rms 4.2% -
Interference Voltage Nil Current
Magnetic field 10 A/m 4.5% 13.0%
External Electrical Field <1 V/m
30 A/m 3.6% 10.0%
External Magnetic Field <40 A/m 100 A/m 2.8% 8.0%

Resistance Measurement
Current Measurement
Ground Resistance
Resolution Intrinsic Certainty Current Range Resolution Intrinsic Certainty
Range
0.5 mA to 0.99 mA 0.01 mA ±2% ±0.05 mA
0.05 Ω to 0.99 Ω 0.01 Ω ±1.5% ±0.05 Ω
1.00 mA to 9.99 mA 0.01 mA ±2% ±0.05 mA
1.00 Ω to 9.99 Ω 0.01 Ω ±1.5% ± 0.1 Ω
10.0 mA to 99.9 mA 0.1 mA ±2% ±0.1 mA
10.0 Ω to 99.9 Ω 0.1 Ω ±2% ± 0.5 Ω
100 mA to 999 mA 1 mA ±2% ±1 mA
100.0 Ω to 199.9 Ω 0.1 Ω ±5% ± 1 Ω
200 Ω to 400 Ω 1Ω ±6% ± 5 Ω 0.01 A ±2% ±0.01 A
1.00 A to 9.99 A
400 Ω to 600 Ω 1Ω ±10% ± 10 Ω 10.0 A to 35.0 A 0.1 A ±2% ±0.1 A
600 Ω to 1200 Ω 10 Ω ±20%
1200 Ω to 1500 Ω 10 Ω ±35%

Note 1: Frequency of measurement: 1390 Hz

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Operational Error for Current Alarm Setting
Parameter Specification Typical Max
Operating Instrument 0.26% 0.51% Alarm Type Range
Position Horizontal
Conductor IEC 61557-13 E1 0.65% 2.0% Ω HI 0.05 Ω to 1500 Ω
Position ±30 ° Ω LO 0.05 Ω to 1500 Ω
Battery Voltage IEC 61557-13 E2 0.69% 5.7%
4.4 V to 7.0 V A HI 0.5 mA to 35 A
Temperature IEC 61557-13 E3 0.38% / °C 0.63% / °C A LO 0.5 mA to 35 A
0 °C to +35 °C
Distortion IEC 61557-13 E9 0.92% 3.9%
Magnetic Field IEC 61557-13 E11 Notes
10 A/m Class 3 1.1% 5% 1. All values are AC rms.
30 A/m Class 2 1.2% 7% 2. True RMS readings up to a crest factor of 5.0 (peak current
100 A/m Class 1 2.5% >1.0 mA 25% > 1.0 mA 40 A).
Load Current IEC 61557-13 E12 1.2% 6.0%
0.2 mArms to
3. Accuracy guaranteed for 50 Hz and 60 Hz.
35 Arms (50 Hz and 4. Measurement over the range 16 Hz to 400 Hz.
60 Hz) 5. Maximum current is 100 A rms continuous and 200 A rms for
Frequency of IEC 61557-13 E14 2.8% 50 Hz to - 60s max at 50 Hz and 60 Hz only.
Current 162/3Hz to 400 Hz 400 Hz
1% / Hz < 50 Hz
Repeatability IEC 61557-13 E15 0.72% 7%

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ORDERING INFORMATION AND ACCESSORIES PREVENTIVE INSTRUMENT MAINTENANCE

DET14C Digital Earth Test Clamp-on meter 1000-761 1. The DET series instruments require very little maintenance.
DET24C Digital Earth Test Clamp-on meter 1000-762 2. Test leads should be checked before use to ensure there is
no damage.
Included Accessories (DET14C and DET24C) 3. Ensure batteries are removed if left unused for extended
Carrying case 1001-715 periods.
Carrying strap (wrist loop) 1001-716 4. When necessary, the instrument can be cleaned with a damp
User guide CD-ROM 1001-198 cloth.
Calibration check 1001-498 5. Do not use alcohol-based cleaners, as these may leave a
Battery AA (Alkaline) (4 required) 25511-841 residue.

Included Accessories (DET24C)

USB IrDA dongle 90001-434
PowerDB Lite software 1000-576

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REPAIR AND WARRANTY
The instrument circuit contains static sensitive devices, and care must be taken in handling the printed circuit board. If the protection of
an instrument has been impaired it should not be used, and be sent for repair by suitably trained and qualified personnel. The protection
is likely to be impaired if, for example, the instrument shows visible damage, fails to perform the intended measurements, has been
subjected to prolonged storage under unfavourable conditions, or has been exposed to severe transport stresses.

Note: Any unauthorised prior repair or adjustment will automatically invalidate the Warranty.

Instrument Repair and Spare Parts

For service requirements for Megger Instruments contact:

Megger Limited Megger Megger

Archcliffe Road Valley Forge Corporate Center 4271 Bronze Way
Dover 2621 Van Buren Avenue Dallas TX
Kent Norristown PA 75237-1017
CT17 9EN 19403 USA
England USA
Tel: +1 (800) 723-2861 (U.S.A. only)
Tel: +44 (0) 1304 502100 Tel: +1 (610) 676-8500 Tel: +1 (214) 330-3203 (International)
Fax: +44 (0) 1304 207342 Fax: +1 (610) 676-8610 Fax: +1 (214) 337-3038

or an approved repair company.

Approved Repair Companies

A number of independent instrument repair companies have been approved for repair work on most Megger instruments, using genuine
Megger spare parts. Consult the Appointed Distributor / Agent regarding spare parts, repair facilities and advice on the best course of
action to take.

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Returning an Instrument for Repair
If returning an instrument to the manufacturer for repair, it should be sent freight pre-paid to the appropriate address. A copy of the
invoice and of the packing note should be sent simultaneously by airmail to expedite clearance through Customs. A repair estimate
showing freight return and other charges will be submitted to the sender, if required, before work on the instrument commences.

Megger Limited Megger Megger Megger SARL

Archcliffe Road Valley Forge Corporate Center 4271 Bronze Way Z.A. Du Buisson de la Couldre
Dover 2621 Van Buren Avenue Dallas, TX 23 rue Eugène Henaff
Kent Norristown PA 75237-1017 78190 TRAPPES
CT17 9EN 19403 USA France
England USA
Tel: +1 (800) 723-2861 (U.S.A. only) Tel : +33 (1) 30.16.08.90
Tel: +44 (0) 1304 502100 Tel: +1 (610) 676-8500 Tel: +1 (214) 330-3203 (International) Fax : +33 (1) 34.61.23.77
Fax: +44 (0) 1304 207342 Fax: +1 (610) 676-8610 Fax: +1 (214) 337-3038

This instrument is manufactured in the United Kingdom.

The company reserves the right to change the specification or design without prior notice.

Megger is a registered trademark.

DET14C_DET24C en V01
www.megger.com

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