Ground Continuity & Protective Earth Testers
ED&D ground continuity testers are designed for repeatable protective earth verification, low-resistance grounding path evaluation, and routine electrical safety test workflows in compliance laboratories and production environments. The GC-1000, GC-2000, GC-3000, GC-100A, and Check-Mate™ GC support automated digital ground continuity testing, high-current ground impedance verification, and daily checker validation for electrical safety programs.
Fast Operator Workflow
1-button operation with automatic test timing helps support efficient routine ground continuity testing.
Low-Resistance Accuracy
Digital ohms readout and zero features help reduce false failures caused by cord or lead impedance.
From Routine Checks to 100A Testing
Choose automated digital models for routine continuity testing or the GC-100A for high-current ground impedance testing.
Let us know which models you need, required test time, trip-limit requirements, daily checker needs, and calibration documentation requirements.
Ground Continuity Testing for Protective Earth Verification
A ground continuity tester is used to verify that the protective earth path between accessible conductive parts and the grounding connection remains sufficiently low in resistance to support electrical safety requirements. In practice, these instruments are commonly used in electrical safety laboratories, production quality testing, and incoming product evaluation where repeatable grounding-path performance must be confirmed.
ED&D ground continuity testers are designed for fast, repeatable operation with 1-button testing, digital ohms readout, automatic test timing, and a zero feature that allows the user to remove test lead impedance from the final result. This is particularly important in applications where standards reference a 0.1 ohm limit for the product grounding system itself and not the added impedance of the attached power cord or test leads.
The product family includes automated digital bench units for routine continuity testing, a high-current 100A model for ground impedance verification, and a daily checker for quick pass/fail validation of compatible ground testers.
These products are commonly used in test programs that may reference IEC 60601, IEC 60950, IEC 61010, and related UL, CSA, and EN safety requirements. Where noted below, specific models reference standards directly in the source product information.
Important technical note: in many grounding-related requirements, the 0.1 ohm limit applies to the product under test’s grounding system only, not the resistance added by the power cord or external test leads. ED&D’s zero feature allows the operator to remove lead impedance from the final reading to help prevent false failures and improve result accuracy.
Key Features Across the Ground Continuity Product Family
- Automated digital ground continuity testing for protective earth verification
- 1-button workflow for quick and repeatable operation
- Digital LED display reading in ohms
- Automatic test timing options depending on model
- Custom universal receptacle support on applicable models
- Zero feature to remove test lead impedance from measured results
- Bench models for routine testing plus a high-current 100A tester for demanding grounding verification
- Daily checker device available for quick pass/fail validation on compatible systems
GC-1000 Automated Digital Ground Continuity Tester
The ED&D GC-1000 is an automated digital ground continuity tester designed for routine ground continuity testing and low-resistance grounding path evaluation in electrical safety labs and production environments. It supports fast operator workflow with automatic timing, digital ohms readout, and a zero feature for more accurate grounding-system results.
Product Details
- 1 Button Testing – No setup required, just plug right in
- Digital LED display reads out in Ohms
- Also performs the Low Current Ground Continuity test, at the same time
- Auto Test Time (1 sec. / 60 sec.) +
- Custom universal receptacle accepts both 120V and 240V plugs
- Zero feature allows you to "zero-out" the test lead impedance
- Meets UL, CSA, CE, EN, IEC, MIL and other international safety agency requirements
Standards referenced for this model: IEC 60601 and IEC 60950.
Note: In the standards, the 0.1 ohm limit is for the product under test’s grounding system only, not including the power cord impedance. The GC-1000 zero feature allows the user to zero out cord and lead impedance to help prevent false failures and support accurate results.
Ordering note: Order model GC-1000S if you require a 2 sec. / 60 sec. test time. Order model GC-1000T if you require a 0.200 Ω trip limit.
GC-1000 Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test Current | 25A or 30A (selectable) | Accuracy | ± 2% full scale |
| Input Current | 1A | Weight | 15 lbs |
| Input Frequency | 50 – 60 Hz | Input Voltage | 100 – 120 or 220 – 240 VAC |
| Test Time | 1 sec or 60 sec (selectable) + | Dimensions | 12" x 11" x 5" |
| Failure Indication | 0.1 ohm trip setting (0.2 ohm available) ++ |
+ Order model GC-1000S if you require a 2 sec. / 60 sec. test time. ++ Order model GC-1000T if you require a 0.200 Ω trip limit.
GC-2000 Automated Digital Ground Continuity Tester
The ED&D GC-2000 is an automated digital ground continuity tester intended for routine ground continuity testing where fast operation, digital resistance readout, and automatic timing are required. It is a strong fit for labs and production stations needing repeatable grounding checks with a simple operator interface.
Product Details
- 1 Button Testing – No setup required, just plug right in
- Digital LED display reads out in Ohms
- Also performs the Low Current Ground Continuity test, at the same time
- Auto Test Time (1 sec. / 60 sec.)
- Custom universal receptacle accepts both 120V and 240V plugs
- Zero feature allows you to "zero-out" the test lead impedance
- Meets UL, CSA, CE, EN, IEC, MIL and other international safety agency requirements
Standard referenced for this model: IEC 60950.
Note: In the standards, the 0.1 ohm limit is for the product under test’s grounding system only, not including the power cord impedance. The zero feature allows the operator to remove cord impedance from the result to help prevent false failures and support accurate measurements.
GC-2000 Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test Current | 25A or 40A (selectable) | Accuracy | ± 2% full scale |
| Input Current | 2A | Weight | 15 lbs |
| Input Frequency | 50 – 60 Hz | Input Voltage | 100 – 120 or 220 – 240 VAC |
| Test Time | 1 sec or 60 sec (selectable) | Dimensions | 12" x 11" x 5" |
| Failure Indication | 0.1 ohm trip setting |
GC-3000 Automated Digital Ground Continuity Tester
The ED&D GC-3000 is an automated digital ground continuity tester intended for continuity test programs requiring longer automatic timing options and higher selectable current ranges. It is suitable for electrical safety labs and production environments that need repeatable ground-path verification with a digital operator interface and universal receptacle support.
Product Details
- 1 Button Testing – No setup required, just plug right in
- Digital LED display reads out in Ohms
- Also performs the Low Current Ground Continuity test, at the same time
- Auto Test Time (60 sec. / 120 sec.)
- Custom universal receptacle accepts both 120V and 240V plugs
- Zero feature allows you to "zero-out" the test lead impedance
- Meets UL, CSA, CE, EN, IEC, MIL and other international safety agency requirements
Note: In grounding-related requirements, the 0.1 ohm limit applies to the product grounding system only, not the power cord impedance. The zero feature helps remove added lead resistance from the result for improved accuracy.
GC-3000 Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test Current | 30 or 40 A (AC-TRMS selectable) | Test Time | 60 / 120 sec. selectable |
| Input Voltage | 100 – 120 VAC | Failure Indication | Impedance trip limit 0.1 Ω |
| Input Current | 2 A | Output Receptacle | "Universal" receptacle accepts NEMA 5-15, 5-20, 6-15 plug configurations (U.S./Canadian 120V & 240V, 15A & 20A) |
| Input Frequency | 50 – 60 Hz | Weight | 14 lbs. (6.35 Kg) |
| Accuracy | ± 2% full scale | Dimensions | 12 in. W x 11 in. D x 5 in. H (30.48 cm x 27.94 cm x 12.70 cm) |
GC-100A Ground Continuity Tester
The ED&D GC-100A is a high-current ground continuity tester intended for determining ground impedance of product enclosures and grounding wiring at 100 A. It is used where higher-current verification of grounding performance is required.
Product Details
- Intended for determining ground impedance of product enclosures and grounding wiring at high current (100 A)
- Complies with most IEC, EN, UL, CSA and other standards with Ground Continuity Tester requirements
- Supports higher-current ground impedance testing where low-resistance path confirmation is required
DANGER OF SHOCK HAZARD POTENTIAL: Enclosure Panels: For Qualified Service Personnel access only. Test Power Output: Risk of Hazardous Energy.
WARNING: READ MANUAL BEFORE USING. Enclosure Panels: For Qualified Service Personnel access only.
Note: In the standards, the 0.1 ohm limit is for the product under test’s grounding system only, not including power cord impedance. The zero feature helps support accurate results and reduce false failures.
GC-100A Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| System Electrical Ratings | 240 VAC (± 10%), 60 Hz., 12 A | Overall Weight | 100 lbs. (45.4 Kg) |
| Power Connection | Certified detachable power supply cord with integral plug | Output Ratings | 0 – 22 VAC, 0 – 100 A (0 – 22 Ω @ 100 A) |
| Environmental Ratings | 10 – 40 °C, indoor use only | Amps Accuracy | ± 2% full scale |
| Overall Dimensions | 18 in. D x 21 in. W x 11.5 in. H (45.7 x 53.3 x 29.2 cm) | Volts Accuracy | ± 2% full scale |
Check-Mate™ GC Daily Ground Continuity Checker
The Check-Mate™ GC is a daily ground continuity checker used for quick pass/fail verification of compatible ground tester operation. It is intended for routine checker validation on applicable test setups, including ED&D models GC-1000 and GC-2000, and it can also provide accurate results on other manufacturers’ ground testers.
Product Details
- PASS and FAIL modes for quick verification of results
- Used for the 1-second test mode and/or the 2-second test mode
- Designed for use with ED&D models GC-1000 and GC-2000
- Accurate results also on other manufacturers’ ground testers
- Unit comes with NIST traceable and ISO 17025 Accredited Certificate of Calibration
- Measurement data and uncertainty data is available
- One year warranty
Warning: The Check-Mate™ GC is not a substitute for an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited equipment calibration. Use it for routine checker validation, not as a replacement for formal accredited calibration service.
Which Ground Continuity Tester Is Right for Your Lab?
| Model | Primary Use | Typical Current Range | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| GC-1000 | Routine automated ground continuity testing | 25A or 30A selectable | References IEC 60601 and IEC 60950; optional GC-1000S and GC-1000T variants |
| GC-2000 | Routine automated ground continuity testing | 25A or 40A selectable | Higher selectable current range than GC-1000; references IEC 60950 |
| GC-3000 | Automated continuity testing with longer timing options | 30A or 40A selectable | 60 / 120 second selectable timing and universal receptacle details |
| GC-100A | High-current ground impedance verification | Up to 100A | Designed for product enclosures and grounding wiring at high current |
| Check-Mate™ GC | Daily checker validation | Checker device | Quick PASS / FAIL verification for compatible ground testers |
Selection guidance: choose GC-1000, GC-2000, or GC-3000 for routine automated digital continuity testing; choose GC-100A for high-current grounding verification; and add Check-Mate™ GC when you need a daily checker for routine validation of compatible test setups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a ground continuity tester do?
A ground continuity tester verifies that the protective earth path between accessible conductive parts and the grounding connection remains low enough in resistance to satisfy applicable safety requirements.
Why is the zero feature important?
The zero feature allows the operator to remove the added resistance of test leads or power cords from the measurement so the result reflects the product grounding system itself rather than external wiring impedance.
What is the difference between the GC-1000, GC-2000, and GC-3000?
All three are automated digital ground continuity testers, but they differ in selectable test current and timing options. The GC-3000 adds 60 / 120 second selectable timing, while the GC-1000 and GC-2000 focus on routine 1 second / 60 second workflows with different selectable current ranges.
When should a lab choose the GC-100A?
The GC-100A is intended for applications that require high-current ground impedance testing of product enclosures and grounding wiring at up to 100 amps.
Is the Check-Mate GC a substitute for accredited calibration?
No. The Check-Mate GC is intended for daily checker validation only and is not a substitute for ISO/IEC 17025 accredited equipment calibration.
Tell us whether you need routine automated testing, high-current protective earth verification, or a daily checker for compatible testers.
Typical Ground Continuity Testing Applications
ED&D ground continuity testers are used in a wide range of electrical safety testing, including grounding-path verification in production quality programs, incoming inspection, engineering evaluation, and related bench-top test workflows.
Depending on the product and applicable test program, these workflows may relate to requirements associated with IEC 60601, IEC 60950, IEC 61010, and related UL, CSA, and EN safety frameworks.
- Equipment evaluated in programs that may reference IEC 60601
- Equipment evaluated in programs that may reference IEC 60950
- Equipment evaluated in programs that may reference IEC 61010
- Routine ground continuity verification in manufacturing QA programs
- Incoming product inspection and electrical safety verification
- Ground impedance testing of product enclosures and wiring at elevated current
- Bench-top compliance and engineering lab workflows
- Production-line verification and troubleshooting
- Daily checker validation of compatible ground continuity test systems
Selection guidance: for routine continuity testing, select an automated digital GC-series model that matches your current and timing needs. For 100A grounding verification, use the GC-100A. For daily quick validation of compatible testers, use the Check-Mate™ GC.