Ground bond testers are extremely important in the electrical industry since regulations mandate ground testing on every electronic or electrical piece of equipment. Although there are two types of testers (earth continuity testers and ground continuity testers), most people speak of earth continuity testing as ground bond testing.

The ground bond testers check the fault current, ensuring that a product's safety ground can withstand the current. When looking for a ground bond tester you should:

1. Make sure you only purchase an intrinsically safe ground continuity checker.

2. Consider various types of ground bond testers to see which best suits your needs.

3. Consult with a vendor to get the most out of your new bond soil tester.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find consumer-friendly equipment for your ground bond test

Check the integrity of metal connections with a 40A earth bonding tester or a ground bond tester 25A. Each tester checks for different currents, and you want to find one that matches your equipment. If you are traveling around while doing your testing, look for a portable tester.

I recommend: Compliance West USA offers a 40A earth bonding tester that protects products as it tests by limiting over-current excursions. It has easy-to-read test results. Seaward Electronic Group Ltd. has a sharp looking 25A tester that is very accurate and highly portable. Its software compares results of tests with testing results from the past for the same product.

Purchase an earth bonding tester and ground continuity tester that's current with today's technology

Earth bond testing, as with many other facets of the electrical industry, is constantly evolving. Make sure your equipment keeps up with the changes by purchasing technologically sound testers.

I recommend: Tequipment.NET understands the ever-changing marketplace and offers customers the most updated solutions available in testing. Its products are fully programmable and password protected. Global Test Supply carries four wire measurement testers. It sells both new and refurbished products, keeping up with current standards.

Consult with ground bond testing tool distributors to find the best products for your equipment

Find tools, such as a ground bonding clamp, to make your testing easier. A supplier likely knows the most current products on the market as well as impending changes in technology. A consultation with a supplier yields inside information that benefits you in your choice of purchase. Often the supplier you purchase from gives you support after the purchase of the product.

I recommend: Westcon, Inc.'s distributors offer customers tools like the clamp-on ground resistance tester that doesn't need any wires. The tester also features an alarm and memory. Continental Resources, Inc. works closely with customers to fulfill needs whether you need new products or rental equipment.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Purchase ground bond testing equipment from ISO 9001:2000 certified distributors to ensure quality.