Testing a TN-S Earth System

Using your Socket & See PDL243 (see in shop) or other Earth Loop Tester (other testers might have different reading parameters), connect the mains lead and plug it into the socket from where you want to test.

Press TEST

You should get a reading of less than 1.7 Ohms. Some Test Meters only read as low as 2 Ohms so a 2 Ohms reading in that situation is a pass.

If you receive a reading of less than 2 Ohms, you are ok to start on your Insulation resistance and Earth Continuity Tests.

If you have a reading of more than 2 Ohms, test other nearby sockets to see if it’s just that initial one that is faulty. If you find another socket that passes the test, you can continue to work from that socket using an extension lead. When you have completed your work, do not reconnect the appliance back to the failed socket and advise the user that the Earth Loop Test has failed, and advise the customer to contact an Electrician to investigate further.

In the event that all the nearby sockets fail, DO NOT reconnect the appliance back to the electricity supply and advise the user that the Earth Loop Test has failed and advise the customer to contact an Electrician to investigate further.