In order to test the electrical resistance of the soil, the earth resistance testers are great instruments. During our research we went through several ground resistance testers and found that Extech 382252 Earth Ground Resistance Tester Kit is the best earth resistance testers. It is simple to use, accurate and has a large LCD display.
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Top 7 Earth Resistance Testers
| Product | Range | Type | USB Support | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extech 382252 | 20 ohm to 2000 ohm | Leads | No | Check Price |
| DUOYI DY1200 | 0.01Ohm to 1000 Ohm | Clamp-on | No | Check Price |
| DLG DI-120 | 0.01 Ohm to 1000 Ohm | Clamp-on | Yes | Check Price |
| Amprobe GP-2A | 0.08 Ohms to 49.9-kilo ohms | Leads | Yes | Check Price |
| ETCR2100A | 0.01 ohm to 200 ohm | Clamp-on | No | Check Price |
| Extech GRT300 | 2 ohms to 2000 ohm | Leads | Yes | Check Price |
| Allosun | 2 ohms to 2000 ohm | Leads | No | Check Price |
1. Extech 382252 – Best For Technicians
Extech 382252 is one of the widely used ground resistance testers. Almost all the experts that we have consulted had good things to say about the kit. We also liked it when we tested it. Firstly, it is very easy to use and handle because of its compactness. We can say it is perfect for any technician to carry around. It runs on six AA batteries, hence making at the good portable unit.
When we were testing, the first thing we did is checked the accuracy of the unit. Since it measures in three ranges—from 20 ohms to 2000 ohm, we made sure we checked for all three ranges. It provided accurate readings with very little error. The display that shows the data is large and can be even used in low light conditions with ease.
As far as the built quality is concerned, it is one of the well-built units among all the ground resistance testers. It also comes with protective rubber holster. The package also includes zinc-plated iron ground rods and test leads. Everything fits well in the holster. The earth tester can be handled with one hand, and the ergonomics are easy to use.
- It provides accurate readings.
- Durable housing.
- Large display.
- Hold a button to freeze on the readings.
- It has audible signal indicators.
- It is not rechargeable.
Bottom Line
If you want something that is easy to carry around and also provides accurate readings, we recommend you to go with Extech 382252 the another best Kit.
2. DUOYI DY1200 – Best Clamp-on Option
The DUOYI DY1200 is a clamp-on ground earth resistance tester. Like Extech is another compact and easy to handle tester. Also it has very few buttons, so you to do minimum settings to take readings. Though it has a display, it is small. It comes with a protective case which accommodates the unit and few accessories. The power source of the tester is four 1.5 batteries.
One thing we liked about this earth clamp tester is that it was so easy to use. Because of the simple ergonomics and slim design you can use the unit even in difficult situations. As far as the accuracy is concerned, it highly accurate and takes the ground resistance reading in three ranges– 0.01 Ohm to 1000 Ohm. It has a 0.01 Ohm resolution.
The display does provide all the required readings, and the fonts are easy to read. But if display could have been little bigger, it would have made it easier to read. Especially when you take the device in the low light conditions, a large screen is must. Apart from this point, everything works perfectly for this device. Even the construction is durable, and the metal case adds to its durability.
- It provides highly accurate readings.
- It has a 0.01 ohm resolution.
- Slim design.
- It comes with a metal case for extra protection.
- The display could have been a little larger.
Bottom Line
If you are specifically looking for the clamp-on ground resistance testing, there is not tester that can compete with DUOYI DY1200. Also, it can be used in the toughest of conditions because of its great durability.
3. DLG Clamp-On With USB Connection DI-120 – Best For Budget Conscious Users
If your job involves taking and analyzing a lot of data from earth resistance testers, you must get DLG DI-120. The big reason is it can be connected to computer via USB. As for the design and working, it is a clamp-on earth resistance tester. It has a 1.8″x1.1″ display. It does seem low but provides necessary readings. Our all the package comes in a metal box, where you can safely store the unit as well as its accessories.
The testers take the readings in the range of 0.01 Ohm to 1000 Ohm. What we liked about the device most is the resolution. Using this device we were able to take readings with 0.001 Ohm resolution. It is probably the highest resolution you can get with handheld testers. There was some error of 1-2%, but is acceptable. We also connected it to computer check, how you can analyze the data. Presently, the unit is compatible with Windows 8 and lower. It does not support Windows 10.
We used the device in almost all kinds of conditions. We used in the low light conditions. The buttons are black, which makes it little difficult to find some times in the dark. And even the display is small which is not easy to read if there is some kind of glare or low light. As far as the handling the device is concerned, it was light and compact. It can be held in one hand with ease.
- It comes in a metal case.
- You can connect the tester to the computer via USB cable.
- It is durable.
- The jaw size is large compared to other similar testers.
- Backlit buttons could have been better.
- The display could have been litter larger or backlit.
Bottom Line
As we have mentioned earlier, it is perfect for someone who wants to analyze the ground resistance data. Also, it is among the most budget-friendly earth resistance tester among the units that we have tested.
4. Amprobe GP-2A – Best For Industries
The Amprobe GP-2A is something similar to the DLG clamp. It can also be connected to computer. It has its own software, which is available on its official website. When we compare all the units that we have tested, the Amprobe GP-2A is a professional earth tester kit. This is it also one of the most expensive earth resistance tester kit on our list.
One of our experts has good amount experience in using earth resistance tester. He believes it provides one of the most accurate readings. We were able to prove his beliefs in tests too. It offered accurate readings. But thing that makes it professionals favorite is the range. It has earth resistance range of 0.08 Ohms to 49.9-kilo ohms. There is no other unit that can compete with such high range. Also it can store up to 999 readings, which is higher compared to other units that usually have 99 reading capacity. There is a lot of functionality such as auto reading etc that made the job much easier.
The display is large and offers all the necessary data in an instance. But we felt that the built quality could have been a little better. It broke easily in our drop tests. Also it does not come with a metal case to store it properly. However, the buttons are large and make the process of navigating through different settings much easier.
- It has a high measurement range.
- The screen is large.
- It can be connected to a computer.
- It provides a highly accurate reading.
- Too expensive.
- No metal case included in the package.
Bottom Line
The Amprobe GP-2A Earth Ground Tester is an industrial-grade tool. And it comes with commercial software that helps you manage and analyze the data.
5. ETCR2100A+ – Best For Home
ETCR2100A+ is manufactured by ETCR, which provides some high-quality meters. It is clamp-on meter. The design is simple. So that even an average user can use it. Even the settings are very few so that you can take simple readings. It does come display, but it is small. Any user who wants to add an earth resistance tester to his or her toolkit, ETCR2100A+ will be perfect.
We were able to take readings much easily. And since the size of the unit is compact and slim, handling the device is also easy. We found that the range of the unit is 0.01 ohm to 200 ohms. When you compare the range to other units that we have mentioned in the list, it is not impressive. However, it is enough for an average user. You will be able to get accurate readings with 1-2 % error now and then which normal for the testers.
Overall the built quality is good, and the price is much lower compared to another tester. Even with low price, it comes with metal cases to properly store the device. It runs on 4 alkaline batteries. As far as the display is concerned, it much smaller. You require good light conditions to see the numbers. It won’t be a great tester if you use during night. There is no backlight.
- It is very easy to use.
- It comes with a metal case.
- Ergonomics are simple.
- The measurement range is small.
- Not suitable for low light conditions.
Bottom Line
We would recommend ETCR2100A+ to those users, who want a simple and cheaper ground resistant testers that can provide accurate readings.
6. Extech GRT300 – Best For Accurate Reading
If you want an industrial grade earth ground resistance tester, Extech GRT300 Four is the one. And you take measurements using four terminals, which is not available with other earth ground resistance testers. When you look at the unit, it is much larger and has many functions compared to other units. It comes in big yellow box which is perfect for industrial environment.
Overall, the package includes alligator clips, four auxiliary earth bars, and PC software. We tried to take measurement during our tests; we had to read the manual before we could use it. There is no such functionality. However, the readings were accurate, and it can measure the ground resistance testing value of over 2k ohm which not many units can boast.
However, there is one big issue with this unit; it cannot be used for the Wenner method. It failed that test. Rest, you can use it to measure any kind of resistance between 2 ohms to 2000 ohm. It runs on eight 1.5 batteries, which is also much bigger power source compared to other units. The LCD screen is large enough and provides all the necessary details.
- It provides accurate results.
- It high range of 2 to 2000 ohm.
- It is a four-wire earth ground resistance tester .
- It comes with a protective case.
- Too expensive.
- It cannot be used for the Wenner method.
Bottom Line
We already mentioned at the start of this review, and Extech earth resistance testing is perfect for those who require industrial grade ground resistance tester.
7. ALLOSUN with Hard Case- Best For Low Light Condition
Most of the earth resistance tester that we have seen during tests, all lacked one thing. No unit was comfortable for use under low conditions. This is one area where Allosun digital tester makes a mark. The display of the tester has LED light. This gives the user ability to take light even when there is no light. Also the size of the display is much bigger compared to most of the testers.
When we were testing the unit, it took 5 seconds to offer readings. It is a little frustrating, but it does offer accurate reading all the time. Also there is overload protection. If the device is on overload it displays “1” on the screen, warning you to take the leads off. It can offer reading between the range of 2 ohms to 2000 ohm, which categorizes it as commercial or industrial tester.
The overall built quality also impressed us. The first thing that grabbed our attention was the moisture-proof housing. What this does is it gives the user flexibility to use the unit even in damp environment. If you compare it with most of the unit in this list as well as the other testers out there it probably the most durable unit.
- It has an LED light.
- Overload protection.
- Moisture-proof housing.
- High measurement range.
- Leads are of little poor quality.
Bottom Line
We would recommend you to go for the Allosun resistance tester if you are looking for a unit that can be used in low light or no light conditions.
Buyer’s Guide – What to consider?
For earth ground resistance testers, there are several factors that you have to look at while buying. All the ground testers may do the same job, but there is some feature for different requirements. Hence, we have compiled some factors for you. By understanding these factors you will be able to choose the right earth ground resistance tester.
1. Accuracy
For any kind of ground tester, accuracy will always be the first most priority. Earth resistance testing working principle involves a process of detecting the electrical conductivity. Every time you take the measurement it must be able to detect the conductivity or resistance with accuracy. So that proper steps can be taken to fix the issue. In order to make sure the unit you plan to buy is accurate, you have look at the type of leads it uses and how effectively it uses to process the input from the leads. Also any feature that shows the unit is well-calibrated adds to the unit’s effectiveness. As far as the accuracy is concerned, all the units that we have mentioned are accurate and you can go with anyone.
2. Accessories
Accessories for an earth resistance tester include leads, auxiliary cables, and software. Without these accessories the ground tester is completely useless. The most important of all accessories are the leads. These leads go into the ground and help you take the reading between two points. All the leads are generally made of zinc. They are corrosion resistant. In addition to leads, there are clips that are useful testing the resistance in an object. And there are auxiliary cables to help the leads connect to the unit. They must be long enough for you to move around and takes the readings.
3. Housing
Since these types of meters are generally used outside, the housing of the units needs to be durable. They need to be dustproof as well as moisture-proof. Also they need to handle small impacts. Housing is generally made from durable plastic and uses rubber if it is compact earth ground testers that need only one hand to use. Many of the units that we have mentioned in this list are durable, and we did the durability tests. The testers like ALLOSUN Digital Earth Tester with Hard Caseare one of the most durable testers because of the housing. It is one of those testers that can handle moisture as well as dust. So if you are looking at durability, you can get earth testers like Allosun.
4.Display
The display is another aspect of earth ground resistance testers that you need to keep in mind. We have observed during tests that there different sizes of testers. There are some compact testers which fit in one hand, and there are big units that require use of both hand. With compact testers display are generally small. They have size around 2″ which is definitely small. But you have to look at the size of the fonts they use. If fonts are bigger it won’t be difficult to read the numbers. Also some display is easy to read when there is light. But in case you use the tester in low light conditions like during the night, display may not be easy to ready. If you are particular about getting a tester that can be used during night as well go for ALLOSUN Digital with Hard Case.
5. Resistant Range
The resistant range is usually the best way to judge the capacity of the tester. The bigger the range, better is the tester. We found that the best digital earth resistance testers have resistant range from 2 ohms to 2000 ohm. However, sometimes you may require a tester that needs to have the capacity to measure resistance as low as 0.010 ohms. For such work you will have to look for the specific testers that have such capability. The DUOYI DY1200 Clamp-on is one of those testers that you can go for. The rest of the testers are all in the range of 2 ohms to 2000 ohms.
6.Data
If your job involves you to analyze the data, then you need testers that can be connected with the pc. There are many earth ground resistance testers that can be connected to the PC via USB. And many testers come with software that helps you analyze the data that you have collected. One such example is DUOYI DY1200 Clamp-on.
FAQs
1. What is the acceptable earth resistance value?
According to the NFPA and IEEE standards the resistance should be less than 5 ohms.
2. How to use digital earth tester?
When you are using ground resistance testers, all you have to do is turn off the electricity at the location. Put the leads of the tester in the ground where you want to measure the resistance. Give it few seconds of the tester to give you reading.
3. What is Wenner method?
It is one of the most widely used methods to measure soil resistivity. This method was developed for grounding purposes.
4. How often you should take the readings using the testers?
Experts recommend that the ground must be tested annually to everything is ok.
5. Which type of grounding testing system do you need?
There are generally two types of systems—residential and commercial. For residential systems, a 3-pole ground system is perfect. And for commercial systems, you can use 4-pole ground tester kits.
6. Which is the best way to record the data?
Most of the earth resistance testers have a function called Hold function that allows you freeze the data. Some units can store few readings as well. However, best way to record and store the data is to get the testers that can be connected to PC via USB. That way you can not only store but analyze the data using suitable software.
7. Which ground resistance testers are good – clamp or rod-based?
Both have their own function and use. Clamp on ground resistance testers are more portable and can be used for quick jobs. And rod-based testers are more suitable for taking comprehensive readings.
Final Thought
We have tried to accommodate most of the top earth resistance testers. We have considered every aspect of the testers to makes sure that every user gets what they are looking for. You can pick any of the tester from our list. They are not well tested but have good reputation in the market. If you have any doubts you can always refer to our small buyer’s guide.
Extech 382252- Editor's Choice
Summary
If you want something that is easy to carry around and also provides accurate readings, we recommend you to go with Extech 382252 the another best Kit.
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