Chauvin Arnoux CA 6417 Earth Loop Clamp Meter

CA 6417 is an earth clamp meter from Chauvin Arnoux that measures the impedance of an earth loop without auxiliary rods: the jaws are closed around the earthing conductor and the instrument reads loop resistance, loop inductance, leakage current and an estimated contact voltage on a back-lit display.

Loop impedance by clamp instead of two test rods

The manual presents the earth clamp as a simpler alternative to the traditional two-auxiliary-rod method when the earth is in series in a loop with its continuity conductor. It suits earths that are extended, for example by a guard wire between power transmission or telecommunication poles, and distributed earths of a single earth plane. One jaw winding emits an alternating voltage of constant level E; the other senses the current I, and the clamp displays Zloop = E / I.

The CA 6417 shares one manual with the CA 6416. The difference stated in the manual is storage and communication: the CA 6416 stores up to 300 time-stamped measurements, the CA 6417 up to 2,000 and can also be read out over Bluetooth, with DataView software and a USB-Bluetooth adapter listed as accessories.

Functions listed in the manual

• Loop ohmmeter from 0.01 Ω to 1,500 Ω that takes loop inductance into account for more accurate low values.
• Ammeter from 0.2 mA to 40 A, on a 4,000-count display.
• Estimated contact voltage as the product of loop impedance and leakage current, with a flashing warning above 50 V.
• Standard mode (one screen) or Advanced mode (three screens: R and L, impedance at a chosen frequency, contact voltage).
• Measurement hold by the HOLD key or by opening the jaws (Pre-Hold mode).
• Alarm thresholds on impedance, voltage or current.
• Clamp-closure check: no measurement if the jaws are not closed correctly.

Technical specification

Loop impedance and inductance

Current and contact voltage

General specification

CA 6417 or CA 6416

Both clamps measure the same quantities with the same ranges. Choose the CA 6417 when a site survey needs thousands of stored points or wireless transfer to a PC; choose the CA 6416 for a smaller record count. The CL1 calibration loop, with standard values of 7.9, 12.4, 22, 49.5 and 198 Ω, is the accessory for checking accuracy and adjusting the clamp from the SET-UP position.

Using the clamp on a parallel earth network

The method only works if the conductor is part of a closed loop, so it cannot measure an isolated single earth electrode. Close the jaws on the earthing conductor, set the switch to Ω+A, wait for the reading and use HOLD or MEM to freeze or store it. The manual warns to keep the air gap clean because even a little dirt can cause malfunction, and to keep fingers behind the guard.

The instrument complies with IEC/EN 61010-2-032 for 600 V in category IV; the manual requires personal protective equipment and warns against impacts on the measuring head. Stored data survive battery removal; reset the clock after more than 2 minutes.

Where earth clamps are used in the GCC

Maintenance teams use clamp testers for routine checks of lightning-protection down conductors, tower and pole earths, substation earth grids and equipment bonding where driving test rods is slow or impossible, such as in paved yards and plant areas. The estimated contact voltage and leakage-current readings help show whether a bonded earth path is healthy. The clamp is specified for use from -20 to +55 °C in the influence tables of the manual.

Accessories and spares

Listed accessories are the CL1 calibration loop, DataView application software and a USB-Bluetooth adapter; the replacement parts are an empty MLT 110 carrying case and a set of twelve AA batteries. Delivery includes the carrying case, four AA batteries, a verification certificate and a quick start guide. See the Portable Test & Measurement category for other instruments.

Frequently asked questions

Does the CA 6417 need auxiliary test rods?

No. It measures the loop impedance with its clamp jaws, provided the earth is part of a closed loop such as parallel earths joined by a conductor.

How many measurements can the CA 6417 store?

Up to 2,000 time-stamped measurements. The CA 6416 in the same manual stores up to 300.

What is the largest conductor it can clamp?

The maximum clamping diameter and jaw opening are both 35 mm.

How is the contact voltage obtained?

It is calculated as loop impedance multiplied by leakage current, and the manual calls the result an upper bound because the whole loop impedance is used.

Does Seven Star LLC act as a Chauvin Arnoux distributor?

No. Seven Star LLC is not a Chauvin Arnoux distributor; it is an independent Muscat-based supplier that quotes Chauvin Arnoux products on request.

Documents and quotation

The official Chauvin Arnoux user manual for CA 6417 is hosted on this page for download. Seven Star LLC is an independent supplier in Muscat; send your quantity and delivery location through the quotation form and we will quote this item. Please confirm the exact order code, ratings and approvals against the document before ordering. More related products: product category.