Acksen Electrocorder EC-2VA User manual

Electrocorder
EC-2VA
User
Instructions
WARNING!
This product must only be
used by suitably qualied
personnel; do not attempt
to use this product unless
you are qualied to do so.
High voltages that cause
burns and lethal shocks
are present during voltage
monitoring and recording!
Voltage inputs are not
isolated from each other, as
one input is energised, other
will become live!
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Thank you for purchasing the Electrocorder EC-2VA, we hope
you enjoy using this product, this package consists of six main
components:
1. Electrocorder logger (1)
The logging unit is housed in a strong ABS case.
2. Voltage Input Leads (1)
A two-core voltage input lead is provided to allow easy
connection to the voltage system.
3. Rogowski Coil (1)
Current input sensor.
4. Serial Lead (1)
A serial lead is provided to allow connection between the
logger and any PC with a 9 pin serial port.
5. Software CD (1)
Electrosoft software is provided free.
6. User Instructions (1)
These User Instructions are provided to give guidance, to
qualified personnel.
PC HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
To run Electrosoft you must have certain hardware and software
installed on your computer. The system requirements include:-
• MicrosoftWindowsXP,Vista,7,8or2003/2008/2012
Server.
• AnRS232-compatible.SerialPortand/orUSBPortis
required for interfacing to an Electrocorder, depending on
model.
• Ourminimumsystemspecicationisa2GhzIntelCore2Duo,
2GB RAM, 1GB free disk space.
• 136x768resolution,24-bitcolourandWindowsXP.
• Ourrecommendedsystemspecicationisa3.1GhzInteli5-
 3450,8GBRAM,1GBfreediskspace.
• 1920x1200resolution,24-bitcolourandWindows7.
Installing Electrosoft
When you run the Setup program, it will automatically set a path
on When you insert the Electrosoft CD, it will prompt you to run
the setup program; follow the on-screen instructions to install
Electrosoft. If the setup program does not start automatically,
pleaserun“ElectrosoftSetup.exe”onyourDVD/CD-ROMDrive.
The setup program will create a shortcut for Electrosoft in the
Start menu.
GETTING STARTED
In order to set-up an Electrocorder, you must first run Electrosoft
on your PC. Then connect an Electrocorder to the PC serial port
using the correct (supplied) serial lead. In Electrosoft, use the
‘Setup’ dialog box window and input the details of the location to
be monitored. The Electrocorder does NOT need to be connected
in to the mains voltage to perform this task.
The recording mode is set by default to commence recording
when the Electrocorder detects voltage and to stop recording
when the memory is full.
Select the recording method - two options are available:
1.RecordtoEN50160standard-theElectrocorderwilltakea
sampleonceeverysecondfor10minutes.Itthenaveragesthe
samplestakenoverthat10minuteperiodandstoresthevalue.In
thismodetheunitwillrecordforapproximately37daysuntilthe
memory is full.
2. Take a sample over a discrete period - the Electrocorder can
be set to take an average over a selected period, 1 (one) sec to
15 (fifteen) min and also record the max and min during each
period. For example, a unit set to record every 1 (one) second will
record for approximately 2 hours. A unit set to record every 12
seconds will record for approximately 1 day. A unit set to record
every15(fteen)minuteswillrecordforapproximately75days.
1 of 3
T : +44(0)8702251790
F : +44(0)8702251791
E : [email protected]
acksen.com
Powerfully Measured
Version1.00.11.12

Electrocorder Model: EC-2VA 2 of 3
When the required information has been input, download to the
connected Electrocorder by clicking the ‘Write Setup’ icon. The
Electrocorder is now ready to monitor voltage.
When the Electrocorder is recording a flashing red light will
show and when it has completed recording, a green light will
appear on the unit. The database contained within Electrosoft
will also advise that the unit has completed recording and is
ready to be collected. To download the recorded data connect
the Electrocorder to the PC serial port and click the ‘Read Setup’
icon. The recorded data is displayed for analysis.
This document is produced in conjunction with the Help file
contained in Electrosoft, which contains a detailed explanation of
all features and contains information, which should be
studied prior to using this product.
USB to RS232 Serial Converter
If you have purchased a USB to RS232 converter, you must
install the drivers. You can use the drivers shipped with the
program which may be in the USB sub-folder within the Program
Folder, normally C:\Program Files\Electrosoft\USB. You can
download them from the website www.electrocorder.com or use
the disk, if one came with the converter.
ThefollowingdescribestheXPinstallation,otheroperating
systems will vary slightly. When you plug the converter into the
PC, it will detect it and identify the new hardware as UC232R,
Windows will then ask to search for the drivers, choose “Yes, this
time only”, then on the next screen choose, “Install from a list
location” then specify the location of the drivers, possibly the USB
sub folder, in the installation folder, or wherever you saved the
files to when you downloaded from the internet.
When installed, make a note of the serial or COM port number
the converter has been assigned to and when you run Electrosoft,
select the appropriate serial port or COM port number.
SAFETY TIPS
The 2-core voltage input is labelled ‘L1’ and the current input A1.
For correct operation this recorder must have a proper Neutral
(N) connection. Brown is the live conductor and blue the neutral.
1. If possible electrically isolate the conductors to which you
wish to connect.
2. First, using insulating gloves place the current input sensor
around the conductor to be monitored. It must only be used
 aroundaninsulatedconductors,thissensorisratedto600V
CAT II.
3. Using insulating gloves, connect the each voltage cores in turn
to the electrical bus-bars.
4. Thevoltageleadisdoubleinsulated,300V.Alwayscheck
that the lead is in good condition, if it becomes damaged, then
it MUST be replaced.
Single Phase 2 Wire Systems (using inputs ‘L1’ and ‘A1’)
Ensure the logger has been set-up with a PC to log for a specific
period.
Using insulating gloves place the current sensor around the
voltage busbar being monitored, the simply connect the brown
wire(ofL1)toSystemLive/Hotandconnectthe
blue (of L1) to System Neutral (‘N’). The logger will automatically
start to record when voltage on input L1 is detected. If you do
not wish to record current (or cannot) then you do not have to
connect A1; the logger will then only record voltage.
We would not recommend connecting the Neutral (N) to anything
other than System Neutral. We do not recommend connecting
this input to an external System Ground (G) or Earth (E) as the
floating voltage on the Neutral (internal Star-point) could trip
sensitive Earth Fault or Earth Leakage protection equipment.
Power Measurement (Using inputs ‘L1’ and ‘A1’)
Ensure the logger has been set-up with a PC to log for a specific
period.
To record the power being taken on a voltage busbar or cable,
firstly using insulating gloves place the current sensor around
the voltage busbar being monitored, then connect the blue wire
of L1 to the system Neutral (‘N’) then connect brown wire (of L1)
to that voltage busbar and . Ensure the current carrying cable
is insulated! The logger will automatically start to record when
voltage on input L1 is detected.
We do not recommend connecting this input to an external
System Ground (G) or Earth (E) as the floating voltage on the
Neutral (internal Star-point) could trip sensitive Earth Fault or
Earth Leakage protection equipment.
Feature Benet
Unit is small and lightweight Easy to install
Easy to use Windows software Can be used by non-technical sta
Electrosoft contains internal database Allows eective management of
distributed Electrocorders
True RMS voltage measurement Complies to EN50160:1994
Phase IEC Aus/NZ US Canadian
Colour Code Colour Code Colour Code Color Code
L1 (A) Brown Red Black Red
L2 (B) Black White Red Black
L3 (C) Grey Blue Blue Blue
N (Neutral) Blue Black White, grey White
G Yell/Green Yell/Green Green Green
(Ground/Earth) Stripe Stripe Yell/Green bare copper
Features & benets of the EC-2VA logger system
Colour codes around the world
Inputs and Connections on Various Systems
Colour and Single Phase Single Phase
Input Terminal (2-Wire) (3-Wire)
Brown (L1) X (Live) X (Live)
Green/Yellow X (Earth)
(G/E)
Blue (N) X (Neutral) X (Neutral)
L
N
E/G
EC-2VA

Calibration
Each unit is individually calibrated during testing.
Battery life (while connected)
Unlimited - mains powered and battery back up.
Battery life (while unconnected to mains)
The9VAlkalinebatteriesshouldlastforatleast9,000hours
(1 year).
Caution
The battery used in this device may present a risk of fire or
chemical burn if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble, heat
above100°Corincinerate.Replacewitha9VLithiumorAlkaline
batteryIECType6-F22(PP3,MN1604).Useofanotherbattery
may present a risk of fire or explosion. Dispose of used batteries
promptly. Check for signs of battery (electrolyte) leakage. If
leakage has occurred, the PCB must be cleaned in an approved
manner by a competent (trained) person. Keep away from
children.
Electrocorder Model: EC-2VA 3 of 3
Maintenance
Regularly check the Electrocorder casing for signs of damage
(cracks, broken or loose parts) or misuse. If the unit is damaged
in any way it must NOT be used and should be returned to the
supplier. The unit must not be used for any other purpose than
for that recommended by the manufacturer. The unit must not be
submerged in any liquid.
Cleaning
Wipe the outside of the case with a clean cloth damped with IPA
(Isopropyl Alcohol).
Warranty
All Acksen products carry a minimum 1 year’s warranty covering
manufacturing defects and component failures. The device
contains no user-serviceable parts and as such should only be
repaired by skilled and authorised personnel. Failure to comply
could result in unsafe operation and should not be attempted
under any circumstances. Contact below for a list of approved
service agents. Note: Any unauthorised repair or adjustment will
automatically render the warranty invalid.
Repair and spare parts
AcksenLtd,28StationRoad,Whiteabbey
Newtownabbey,Co.AntrimBT370AWUnitedKingdom
Or an approved repair company.
Returning a product for repair
If returning a product to the manufacturer for repair, it should be
sent freight pre-paid to the appropriate address. A copy of the
Invoice and of the packing note should be sent simultaneously by
airmail to expedite clearance through Customs. A repair estimate
showing freight return and other charges will be submitted to the
sender, if required, before work on the device commences.
WEEE
For EU customers Acksen Ltd offer a product take-back service.
For customers within the European Union (only) and products
manufactured or sold by us; when those products reach the end
of their life, simply send them back to us at your expense, we will
dispose of them according to the relevant legislation. WEEE Reg.
No.WEE/DD2117VU
Measurement range (Vrms) 0Vac 300Vrms (Ph – N)
Maximum channel input voltage 300Vrms (Ph – N)
Voltage measurement accuracy ±1.5% of reading (10 bit) within 70Vac –
300Vrms (Ph – N); else ±3%. (50/60Hz ±2%)
Current range 0 – 300A (other ranges can be factory set)
Current measurement accuracy 3% of reading 50 to 300A, otherwise 5%
Dimensions of current sensor Max conductor diameter 120mm (5”)
Vmin & Vmax meas time resolution Always one cycle (50/60 Hz), independent of
selected averaging period
Sampling frequency 16 samples per cycle 800Hz @ 50Hz or 960Hz
@ 60Hz
Data recorded Average voltage/current, max & min voltage/
currentcycle-value during the averaging
period
Memory capacity 128kB able to record 32,000 Voltage levels per
channel
Memory type Non-volatile SEEPROM
Memory - averaging period & duration 1 sec to 60 mins (1sec. avg gives 2 hrs of log
ging, 60min. avg gives 300 days of logging)
Real-time clock accuracy Greater than 0.001%
Input lead length Metric 1.0 metres Imperial 3’ 6” (3 feet, 6
inches)
Battery life (while plugged in) Unlimited - mains powered & battery backup
(9,000 hours, 1 year while unpowered)
Battery type Unit contains one 9V Alkaline batteries
(E-Block, PP3, 1604A)
Communications interface type RS-232 serial, baud of 19,200
Electrosoft software Windows (9x, 2K, ME, NT, XP, Vista, Windows
7); 1024 x768 min resolution
Environmental (temp & sealing) -20C to +40C or +14°F to +104°F – Indoor or
protected environment only, IP65, NEMA 4X
Dimensions & weight Metric 145 x 90 x 45mm & 400g
Imperial – 5.5” x 3.5”x 2” & 1lb
Standards Recording - EN50160: 1994 - CAT II,
maximum
Technical specications
(subject to change without notice)