Erdschlussprüfgerät

An Erdschlussprüfgerät, also known as an earth leakage tester or ground fault detector, is an electrical safety device used to detect and locate insulation faults to earth in electrical systems. Its primary function is to identify unintended conductive paths between live conductors and the protective earth conductor. This is crucial for preventing electric shock and fire hazards.

These devices operate by injecting a low-frequency test current into the system and measuring the resulting current flow to earth. If the measured leakage current exceeds a predetermined threshold, the Erdschlussprüfgerät indicates a fault. Different types of devices exist, ranging from simple handheld testers to more sophisticated systems integrated into building management or industrial control panels. Some advanced models can differentiate between different types of earth faults and pinpoint the location of the fault within a complex network.

Regular testing with an Erdschlussprüfgerät is a standard practice in industrial settings, commercial buildings, and even some residential applications to ensure the integrity of electrical installations. It plays a vital role in maintaining electrical safety and compliance with regulations.