To use the meter, ground it with the 20-foot ground cord provided, or by any other method, remembering that the case is conductive. The needle will go to zero. You can choose the specified distance. These choices are for convenience only, because any style can measure any voltage, by changing the distance.
Sensitivity is inversely proportional to distance.
The meter can also detect ions. The meter is burnout-proof and the sensor can be connected directly to 20KV without harm. The meter is complete with standard 9V battery, 20' ground cable, and one year warranty. The meter includes instructions with ion measurement factor specific to the chosen distance and sensitivity range.