Top 10 Best Soil Resistivity Testers
for May 2023

As a history major who also loves science, I find the history of soil resistivity testers to be fascinating. These devices allow us to measure the electrical resistance of soil, allowing us to understand its ability to conduct electricity and to make informed decisions about grounding and the potential for electrical hazards. In this history, I'll use HTML bold tags to highlight key facts along the way.

The concept of soil resistivity goes all the way back to the mid-1600s, when the French physicist and mathematician Charles de Coulomb created what is now known as Coulomb's law, which describes the relationship between two charged particles. However, it wasn't until more than a century later, in the mid-1800s, that scientists began to explore the electrical properties of soil more closely.

In 1864, the German physicist and professor Johann Carl Friedrich Georg Gauss published a paper on earth magnetism, which included measurements of the electrical resistance of soil. Several years later, the British physicist Lord Kelvin (also known as William Thomson) developed a theory of electrical resistance in which he proposed that the electrical properties of soil were dependent on its moisture content, porosity, and mineral composition.

The first soil resistivity testing equipment didn't appear until the early 1900s, when electrical and electronic technologies were beginning to advance. In 1913, a German company called Gossen & Co. introduced the first commercially available soil resistivity meter. Five years later, in 1918, the British Electrical Association developed a soil testing device known as the "wire resistance" method.

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, soil resistivity testing became increasingly common as electrical engineers sought to design more efficient and effective grounding systems. In 1934, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) established standards for measuring electrical resistance in the ground.

In the decades that followed, soil resistivity testing equipment continued to evolve, incorporating new technologies and improving accuracy. Modern soil resistivity testers are compact and portable, with digital displays that make them easy to use.

Today, soil resistivity testing is a critical component of grounding and electrical safety, used in industries ranging from construction and transportation to energy and telecommunications. This technology has come a long way since Gauss and Kelvin first began exploring the electrical properties of soil back in the 1800s!

Key decision-making factors for the soil resistivity tester include the measurement range, display, protection grade, and wire support.

The measurement range is a critical factor to consider when purchasing a soil resistivity tester. This device measures ground resistance, which is the resistance of the earth to the flow of electrical current. Ground resistance values can range from a few ohms to several thousand ohms, depending on the ground conditions. A soil resistivity tester with a wide measurement range, such as 0.0030.00k, can accurately measure various ground resistance values. In contrast, a tester with a narrow range may not be suitable for different soil types.

The display is another essential factor to consider when purchasing a soil resistivity tester. A 4digit large LCD display with white screen backlight provides easy-to-read results, even in dimly lit or outdoor environments. This feature makes it easy for the user to read and record the measurements accurately.

The protection grade of a soil resistivity tester is essential, especially if the user intends to use it under different weather conditions. An IP65 protection grade means that the tester is dust-tight and can withstand low-pressure water jets from any direction, making it suitable for outdoor use.

The wire support of a soil resistivity tester determines the type of grounding resistance measurements taken. A tester that supports 2, 3, and 4wire grounding resistance measurements can provide accurate and reliable results in different situations. The measurement method chosen depends on the environmental and soil conditions. For example, using four wires allows for greater accuracy, especially when measuring low-resistance soil.

In conclusion, when purchasing a soil resistivity tester, it is essential to consider the measurement range, display, protection grade, and wire support. These features play an essential role in the accuracy of measurements taken, especially when using the device in different environmental and soil conditions. A reliable soil resistivity tester can significantly benefit an electrician since it enables proper grounding, which is fundamental for the safety of people and electrical equipment.

FAQ About soil resistivity testers

1. What is the best soil resistivity tester?

The best soil resistivity tester should have a wide measurement range, high accuracy, easy-to-read display, durable construction, and advanced features such as data logging, Bluetooth connectivity, and GPS. Some popular soil resistivity testers in the market include the Megger DET4TC2, the AEMC 6472, the Fluke 1623-2 GEO Earth Ground Tester, and the KYORITSU 4105A Earth Resistance Tester.

2. Which is a good instrument for testing ground resistance?

The best instrument for testing ground resistance depends on the specific application, but some popular options include the Earth Ground Tester, Megohmmeter, Digital Multimeter, Clamp-on Ground Resistance Tester, and the Insulation Tester. It is important to choose an instrument that is suitable for the type of grounding system, soil condition, and electrical environment.

3. What is the instrument used for measuring soil resistivity known as?

The instrument used for measuring soil resistivity is called a Soil Resistivity Tester or Earth Resistivity Meter. The tester works by injecting a known current into the soil through metal probes, and measuring the voltage drop across the soil. The resistance of the soil is then calculated based on Ohm's law and the geometrical factors of the probes.

4. What is the price of earth resistivity tester?

The price of an earth resistivity tester varies depending on the manufacturer, model, features, and accessories included. A basic model can cost around $500, while a high-end model can cost over $3,000. It is important to compare the specifications and reviews of different models before making a purchase decision.