Ground Continuity & Protective Earth Testers
ED&D ground continuity testers provide protective earth verification and low-resistance grounding-path measurements for electrical safety laboratories and production test stations. The product family includes the GC-1000, GC-2000, and GC-3000 automated digital testers, the GC-100A high-current ground impedance tester, and the Check-Mate™ GC daily functional checker.
Automatic Test Timing
Single-button test initiation and selectable test durations are provided for repeated ground continuity measurements.
Lead-Resistance Compensation
Digital resistance indication and zero functions allow lead and cord resistance to be compensated where applicable.
Test Currents up to 100 A
Automated digital models provide selectable test currents, while the GC-100A provides 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.
The automated digital models provide single-button test initiation, digital resistance indication, automatic test timing, and a zero function for lead-resistance compensation.
The product family includes automated digital bench units, a 100 A high-current model for ground impedance measurements, and a daily checker for functional verification of compatible ground continuity testers.
Technical note: where the applicable test procedure assigns a resistance limit to the product grounding system, resistance added by the power cord and external test leads must be considered separately. The zero function allows the operator to compensate for this added resistance.
GC-1000 Automated Digital Ground Continuity Tester
The ED&D GC-1000 is an automated digital ground continuity tester configured for selectable 25 A or 30 A test current, 1- or 60-second timing, digital resistance indication, and lead-resistance compensation.
Product Details
- Single-button test initiation
- Digital resistance display in ohms
- Low-current ground continuity test function
- Selectable automatic test time: 1 second or 60 seconds
- Universal receptacle accepts 120 V and 240 V plug configurations
- Zero function compensates for test-lead impedance
- Verify test current, duration, trip limit, and connection method against the applicable product safety standard
Standards referenced in the source product documentation: IEC 60601 and IEC 60950.
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 | 25 A or 30 A (selectable) | Accuracy | ± 2% full scale |
| Input Current | 1 A | 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 as GC-1000T |
GC-2000 Automated Digital Ground Continuity Tester
The ED&D GC-2000 is an automated digital ground continuity tester configured for selectable 25 A or 40 A test current, 1- or 60-second timing, digital resistance indication, and lead-resistance compensation.
Product Details
- Single-button test initiation
- Digital resistance display in ohms
- Low-current ground continuity test function
- Selectable automatic test time: 1 second or 60 seconds
- Universal receptacle accepts 120 V and 240 V plug configurations
- Zero function compensates for test-lead impedance
- Verify test current, duration, trip limit, and connection method against the applicable product safety standard
Standard referenced in the source product documentation: IEC 60950.
GC-2000 Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test Current | 25 A or 40 A (selectable) | Accuracy | ± 2% full scale |
| Input Current | 2 A | 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 configured for selectable 30 A or 40 A AC True RMS test current, 60- or 120-second timing, digital resistance indication, and the specified universal receptacle.
Product Details
- Single-button test initiation
- Digital resistance display in ohms
- Low-current ground continuity test function
- Selectable automatic test time: 60 seconds or 120 seconds
- Universal receptacle accepts the plug configurations listed in the specifications
- Zero function compensates for test-lead impedance
- Verify test current, duration, trip limit, and connection method against the applicable product safety standard
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 120 V & 240 V, 15 A & 20 A) |
| 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)
- Provides adjustable output up to 100 A for ground impedance measurements
- Verify required current, duration, voltage, and connection method against the applicable product safety standard
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.
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; consult ED&D for the applicable load-resistance rating |
| 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 daily functional verification of compatible ground continuity testers. It is intended for applicable test setups using ED&D models GC-1000 and GC-2000 and may also be used with compatible ground continuity testers from other manufacturers.
Product Details
- PASS and FAIL modes for functional verification
- 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
- May be used with compatible ground continuity testers from other manufacturers
- Supplied with a calibration certificate reporting NIST traceability and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation
- 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 daily functional verification, not as a replacement for accredited calibration service.
Ground Continuity Tester Comparison
| Model | Primary Use | Test Current | Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|
| GC-1000 | Automated ground continuity testing | 25 A or 30 A selectable | References IEC 60601 and IEC 60950; optional GC-1000S and GC-1000T variants |
| GC-2000 | Automated ground continuity testing | 25 A or 40 A selectable | 25 A or 40 A selectable current; IEC 60950 referenced in source documentation |
| GC-3000 | Automated continuity testing with longer timing options | 30 A or 40 A selectable | 60 / 120 second selectable timing and universal receptacle details |
| GC-100A | High-current ground impedance verification | Up to 100 A | Adjustable output up to 100 A for enclosure and grounding-wiring impedance measurements |
| Check-Mate™ GC | Daily functional verification | Checker device | PASS and FAIL verification for compatible ground continuity testers |
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 provides 60- or 120-second timing, while the GC-1000 and GC-2000 provide 1- or 60-second timing with different selectable test currents.
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
- 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 testing in product safety and engineering laboratories
- Production-line verification and troubleshooting
- Daily checker validation of compatible ground continuity test systems