Eigenschaften
Dimensions / weight	272 x 250 x 128 mm / 3,2 kg

The Chauvin Arnoux CA 6472 is a digital earth and earth resistance meter, developed for comprehensive testing of earthing systems in industry, power supply, and lightning protection installations. The device enables measurement of earth resistance, specific soil resistance, earth potentials, earth coupling, as well as continuity testing. It is particularly suitable for analyzing earth loops and evaluating the performance of lightning protection systems under realistic conditions. The integrated support for selective earth measurements using one or two clamps extends the application range, especially for complex or inaccessible earthing installations.

Applications

The CA 6472 is used in practice for testing earthing systems in high-voltage networks, industrial plants, buildings, and lightning protection systems. With the optional Pylon Box C.A 6474, the device is suitable for earth measurements on high-voltage pylons, making it indispensable for the maintenance and inspection of power networks. Measurement of specific soil resistance using the Wenner or Schlumberger methods enables assessment of soil conductivity, which is important for planning and optimizing earthing systems. Frequency-dependent testing in the range of 41 Hz to 5078 Hz allows simulation of lightning strikes to analyze the behavior of earthing under transient conditions.

Functions and Equipment in Detail

The device offers an automatic mode for fast and standardized measurements, as well as an expert mode, where all measurement parameters can be individually adjusted. Automatic detection of input connections with connection verification reduces error sources during measurement. The measurement method can be selected between 2P and 4P, with the 4P method being suitable for more precise results at low resistances. Earth loop measurement using two clamps enables testing without additional earth electrodes, which is advantageous in limited space or inaccessible installations.

Technology Explained Simply

The CA 6472 generates a test voltage of 10 V, 16 V, 32 V, or 60 V RMS, which can be selected depending on the application. The measurement frequency can be set automatically or manually in the range of 41 Hz to 5078 Hz, with frequency selection being crucial for simulating transient events such as lightning strikes. The test current reaches up to 250 mA, sufficient to measure even high-impedance earthing systems. Measurement accuracy is ± 2 % of the value ± 1 pt, with accuracy at 128 Hz being ± 2 % L +1 pt. Measurement ranges include resistances from 0.01 Ω to 99.9 kΩ, with the earth loop measurement range using two clamps covering 0.01 Ω to 500 Ω. Disturbance voltage measurement is up to 60 V RMS. The optical USB interface ensures secure data transfer without galvanic connection, which is important for measurements in electrically hazardous environments.

Compatibility and Accessories

The device can be combined with various accessories to extend its application range. These include the accessory kit for earth and earth resistance measurement with 4 earth electrodes (100 m or 150 m), which is required for performing 4-pole measurements. The DataView software enables evaluation and documentation of measurement results. Clamp current transformers such as the C182 are used for selective measurements. An adapter for charging the battery via a cigarette lighter socket, as well as a charger with 18 Vdc / 1.9 A or vehicle power supply 12 Vdc, are available to provide flexible power supply options.

Installation and Mounting

Installation is performed by directly connecting the test leads to the earthing system. When using clamps, the measurement is carried out without direct contact to the earth, which is advantageous for inaccessible or live installations. Automatic detection of input connections supports the user in configuring the correct connection. The optical USB interface allows secure data transfer to a PC without compromising the electrical insulation of the device.

Operational Advantages

The CA 6472 offers high measurement accuracy and flexibility through the selection of various measurement methods and frequencies. Storage of up to 512 measurement results enables documentation and later evaluation. Power supply is via a rechargeable NiMH battery, which can be charged using an external charger or vehicle power supply. The IP53 protection rating protects the device against dust and splashing water, making it suitable for outdoor use. Compliance with standards IEC 61557-1, -4, -5 and IEC 61010 with 50 V CAT IV ensures electrical safety during measurements in hazardous environments.