Acksen CT-1A User manual

Electrocorder
CT-1A
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!
This product can only be used
on fully insulated conductors.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Thank you for purchasing the Electrocorder CT-1A, 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. Current Transformer, CT (1)
Current input sensor.
3. RS232 Serial Lead (1)
A serial lead is provided to allow connection to any PC with a
9 pin serial port.
4. Software CD (1)
Electrosoft software is provided free.
5. User Instructions (1)
These User Instructions are provided to give guidance, to
qualified personnel.
6. 12Vdc PSU within most regions (1).
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recordingmodeissetbydefaulttocommencerecording
whentheElectrocorderStartbuttonispressed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50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60
(sixty) 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60
(sixty)minuteswillrecordforapproximately300days.
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 current.
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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: CT-1A 2 of 3
When the Electrocorder is recording a flashing green light will
show. When it has completed recording, the green light will
fullyextinguishandifanexternal12VPSUisbeingusedthen
a steady red light will appear on the unit. Otherwise the red
(stopped)lightwillnotlight,socompletionissigniedbythe
absenceofaashinggreen.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 (for use only with RS232 models)
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
Currentinputislabelled‘CurrentInput’.
Prior to connection of the logger to any system:-
1. Electrically isolate the conductors to which you wish to
connect.
2. Currentinputsensormustonlybeusedaroundfullyinsulated
conductors.
3. Connect the current sensor around the insulated current
carrying conductor, generally this is insulated live.
4. Shouldthesensorleadbecomescuffedand/ordamaged
 andtheinnerconductorsbecomevisiblethroughthewhite
outer insulation, do not use the logger or sensor and get the
logger fully tested and inspected.
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 A true reading
Features & benets of the CT-1A logger system
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
Colour codes around the world
Inputs and Connections on Various Systems
Colour and Single Phase Single Phase Single Phase
Input Terminal (1-Wire) (2-Wire) (3-Wire)
Brown (A1) X (L1) X (L1) X (L1)
Black (A2) X (G/E) X (L2)
Grey (A3) X (L3)
L
N
E/G
CT-1A
1Ø, Single Phase Systems (logging current in ‘L1’)
Simply connect sensor A1 around the ‘L1 conductor’ and press
thestartbutton.
1Ø, Single Phase 3 Wire Systems (logging current in ‘L1’)
Connect sensor A1 around the ‘L1 conductor’,‘L2 conductor’ or
‘L3conductor’thenpressthestartbutton.
1Ø, Power Measurement (power in ‘L1’)
Connect sensor A1 around the ‘L1 conductor’ then press the
startbutton.Whenloggingiscomplete,uploadthedatatoaPC
usingElectrosoft.NowclickonthePowerTabandinputthe
nominal voltage on the conductors. The graphs shown represent
the power.

Electrocorder Model: CT-1A
Current Range, CT-1A-TN Model CT-1A various, 0.1A to 10A
Current Range, CT-1A-FY Model CT-1A various, 0.5A to 50A
Current Range, CT-1A-HD Model CT-1A various, 1A to 100A
Accuracy, CT-1A-TN 3% of range 0.5 to 10A, otherwise 10%
Accuracy, CT-1A-FY 3% of range 2 to 50A, otherwise 10%
Accuracy, CT-1A-HD 3% of range 5 to 100A, otherwise 10%
Sampling frequency 16 samples/cycle 800Hz @ 50Hz or 960Hz @
60Hz
Data recorded Average current, max & min current-cycle-
value during the averaging period
Memory capacity 64kB able to record 32,000 current levels
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%
External PSU (nominal 12Vdc) 9Vdc to 24Vdc @ 100mA, 2.5mm jack, core is
+ve and outer is common (0V)
Battery life (without external PSU) 125 hours, 5 days
Battery life (with external PSU) Unlimited, all power is taken from external
PSU
Battery type Unit contains one 9V Alkaline battery
(E-Block, PP3, 1604A, 6LF22)
Communications interface type USB, baud of 19,200
Electrosoft software Windows (9x, 2K, ME, NT,XP Vista, Windows 7);
1024 x 768 min resolution
Environmental (temp & sealing) -10C to +40C or +14°F to +104°F – IP65 for
indoor or protected environment
Dimensions & weight Metric 120 x 70 x 40mm & 400g
Imperial - 10” x 7”x 5” & 14oz
Technical specications
(subject to change without notice)
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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 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. Acksen
Ltd’sWEEERegistrationNumberWEE/DD2117VU.
Calibration
Eachunitisindividuallycalibratedduringtesting.
Battery life (while connected)
Unlimited-mainspowered(via12VdcPSU)andbatterybackup.
Battery life (while unconnected to PSU)
The9VAlkalinebatteryshouldlastforatleast125hours(5
days), we always recommend you use the external 12Vdc PSU
when logging.
Caution
Thebatteryusedinthisdevicemaypresentariskofre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re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.
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.