AEMC PowerPad 8436 User manual

8436
PowerPad
®
ENGLISH User Manual
3-PHASE POWER QUALITY
ANALYZER

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Statement of Compliance
Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC®Instruments certifies that
this instrument has been calibrated using standards and
instruments traceable to international standards.
We guarantee that at the time of shipping your instrument has
met its published specifications.
An N.I.S.T. traceable certificate may be requested at the time
of purchase, or obtained by returning the instrument to our
repair and calibration facility, for a nominal charge.
The recommended calibration interval for this instrument is 12
months and begins on the date of receipt by the customer. For
recalibration, please use our calibration services. Refer to our
repair and calibration section at www.aemc.com.
Serial #:
Catalog #: 2136.43/2136.44
Model #: 8436
Please fill in the appropriate date as indicated:
Date Received:
Date Calibration Due:
Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc.
d.b.a AEMC®Instruments
www.aemc.com

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Thank you for purchasing a PowerPad
®III Model 8436. For best results from your instrument and for your safety, read the
enclosed operating instructions carefully and comply with the precautions for use. These products must be only used by qualified
and trained users.
WARNING, risk of DANGER! The operator must refer to these instructions whenever this danger symbol appears.
CAUTION! Risk of electric shock. The voltage at the parts marked with this symbol may be dangerous.
Equipment is protected by double insulation.
USB socket.
SD Card.
Ground/Earth.
Important instructions to read and to fully understand.
Useful information or hint to read.
The CE marking guarantees conformity with European directives and with regulations covering EMC.
The trash can with a line through it means that in the European Union, the product must undergo selective disposal for
the recycling of electric and electronic material, in compliance with Directive WEEE 2002/96/EC.
Definition of Measurement Categories (CAT)
■CAT IV corresponds to measurements taken at the source of low-voltage installations.
Example: power feeders, counters and protection devices.
■CAT III corresponds to measurements on building installations.
Example: distribution panel, circuit-breakers, machines or fixed industrial devices.
■CAT II corresponds to measurements taken on circuits directly connected to low-voltage installations.
Example: power supply to domestic electrical appliances and portable tools.
PRECAUTIONS FOR USE
This device is compliant with safety standard IEC 61010-2-030, the leads are compliant with IEC 61010-031, and the current sensors
are compliant with IEC 61010-2-032, for voltages up to 600 V in category IV or 1000 V in category III. Failure to observe the safety
instructions may result in electric shock, fire, explosion, and destruction of the instrument and of the installations.
■The operator and/or the responsible authority must carefully read and clearly understand the various precautions to be taken
in use. Sound knowledge and a keen awareness of electrical hazards are essential when using this instrument.
■If you use this instrument other than as specified, the protection it provides may be compromised, thereby endangering you.
■Do not use the instrument on networks of which the voltage or category exceeds those mentioned.
■Do not use the instrument if it appears to be damaged, incomplete, or poorly closed.
■Before each use, check the condition of the insulation on the leads, housing, and accessories. Any item of which the insulation
is deteriorated (even partially) must be set aside for repair or scrapping.
■Use only the leads and accessories supplied. Using leads (or accessories) of a lower voltage or category reduces the voltage
or category of the combined instrument + leads (or accessories) to that of the leads (oraccessories).
■Use personal protection equipment systematically.
■Keep your hands away from the terminals of the instrument.
■When handling the leads, test probes, and alligator clips, keep your fingers behind the physical guard.
■Use only the external power adaptor and battery pack supplied by the manufacturer. They include specificsafety features.
■Some current sensors must not be placed on or removed from bare conductors at hazardous voltages: refer to the sensor
manual and comply with the handling instructions.

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CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................................................................................7
1.1. DELIVERY CONDITION...................................................................................................................................................................................7
1.2. ORDERING INFORMATION ............................................................................................................................................................................7
1.3. ACCESSORIES ...............................................................................................................................................................................................7
1.4. REPLACEMENT PARTS ..................................................................................................................................................................................7
1.5. BATTERY CHARGING.....................................................................................................................................................................................8
1.6. LANGUAGE SELECTION ................................................................................................................................................................................9
2. DESCRIPTION.........................................................................................................................................................................................................10
2.1. FUNCTIONS ...................................................................................................................................................................................................10
2.1.1. MEASUREMENTS .............................................................................................................................................................................10
2.1.2. DISPLAY FUNCTIONS.......................................................................................................................................................................11
2.1.3. CONFIGURATION .............................................................................................................................................................................11
2.2. INSTRUMENT INTERFACE...........................................................................................................................................................................12
2.3. ON/OFF BUTTON ..........................................................................................................................................................................................13
2.4. DISPLAY........................................................................................................................................................................................................13
2.4.1. PRESENTATION................................................................................................................................................................................13
2.4.2. FUNCTION BUTTONS .......................................................................................................................................................................14
2.5. KEYPAD BUTTONS ........................................................................................................................................................................................15
2.5.1. FUNCTION (YELLOW) BUTTONS .....................................................................................................................................................15
2.5.2. NAVIGATION BUTTONS....................................................................................................................................................................15
2.5.3. MODE BUTTONS...............................................................................................................................................................................15
2.5.4. OTHER BUTTONS.............................................................................................................................................................................16
2.6. CONNECTORS..............................................................................................................................................................................................16
2.6.1. CONNECTION TERMINALS ..............................................................................................................................................................16
2.6.2. SIDE CONNECTORS.........................................................................................................................................................................17
2.7. POWER SUPPLY...........................................................................................................................................................................................17
2.8. ABBREVIATIONS ..........................................................................................................................................................................................17
3. OPERATION............................................................................................................................................................................................................19
3.1. START-UP .....................................................................................................................................................................................................19
3.2. CONFIGURATION .........................................................................................................................................................................................19
3.3. LEADS INSTALLATION .................................................................................................................................................................................20
3.3.1. SINGLE-PHASE NETWORK ..............................................................................................................................................................21
3.3.2. SPLIT-PHASE NETWORK .................................................................................................................................................................21
3.3.3. THREE-PHASE NETWORK ...............................................................................................................................................................21
3.3.4. CONNECTION ...................................................................................................................................................................................22
3.4. INSTRUMENT FUNCTIONS ..........................................................................................................................................................................22
3.4.1. WAVEFORM CAPTURE ....................................................................................................................................................................22
3.4.2. HARMONICS DISPLAY......................................................................................................................................................................22
3.4.3. WAVEFORM MEASUREMENTS........................................................................................................................................................22
3.4.4. ALARM RECORDING.........................................................................................................................................................................22
3.4.5. RECORDING .....................................................................................................................................................................................22
3.4.6. ENERGY MEASUREMENTS..............................................................................................................................................................22
4. CONFIGURATION ...................................................................................................................................................................................................23
4.1. CONFIGURATION MENU ..............................................................................................................................................................................23
4.2. DISPLAY LANGUAGE ...................................................................................................................................................................................23
4.3. DATE/TIME....................................................................................................................................................................................................23
4.4. DISPLAY .....................................................................................................................................................................................................24
4.4.1. BRIGHTNESS ....................................................................................................................................................................................24
4.4.2. COLORS ...........................................................................................................................................................................................24
4.4.3. DISPLAY SHUTDOWN ......................................................................................................................................................................24
4.4.4. NIGHT MODE ....................................................................................................................................................................................25
4.5. CALCULATION METHODS............................................................................................................................................................................25
4.5.1. NON-ACTIVE QUANTITIES CALCULATION......................................................................................................................................25
4.5.2. UNITS OF ENERGY...........................................................................................................................................................................26
4.5.3. K FACTOR..........................................................................................................................................................................................26
4.5.4. PHASE HARMONICS.........................................................................................................................................................................27
4.5.5. LONG-TERM FLICKER (PLT).............................................................................................................................................................27
4.6. CONNECTION ...............................................................................................................................................................................................28
4.7. SENSORS AND RATIOS ...............................................................................................................................................................................32
4.7.1. CURRENT SENSORS AND RATIOS..................................................................................................................................................32
4.7.2. VOLTAGE RATIOS.............................................................................................................................................................................32
4.8. CAPTURE MODE ..........................................................................................................................................................................................33
4.8.1. TRANSIENT VOLTAGE THRESHOLDS ..............................................................................................................................................33
4.8.2. TRANSIENT CURRENT THRESHOLDS............................................................................................................................................34
4.8.3. INRUSH CURRENT THRESHOLDS ...................................................................................................................................................35
4.9. TREND MODE ...............................................................................................................................................................................................35
4.10. ALARM MODE .............................................................................................................................................................................................37
4.11. ERASE MEMORY ........................................................................................................................................................................................38
4.12. ABOUT .....................................................................................................................................................................................................39

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5. WAVEFORM CAPTURE...........................................................................................................................................................................................40
5.1. TRANSIENT MODE .......................................................................................................................................................................................40
5.1.1. CONFIGURING AND STARTING A SEARCH.....................................................................................................................................41
5.1.2. DISPLAYING A TRANSIENT..............................................................................................................................................................41
5.1.3. DELETING A SEARCH FOR TRANSIENTS .......................................................................................................................................42
5.1.4. DELETE A TRANSIENT .....................................................................................................................................................................42
5.2. INRUSH CURRENT MODE............................................................................................................................................................................43
5.2.1. CONFIGURING THE CAPTURE ........................................................................................................................................................43
5.2.2. CAPTURE PARAMETERS.................................................................................................................................................................44
5.2.3. TRUE RMS CURRENT AND VOLTAGE .............................................................................................................................................44
5.2.4. INSTANTANEOUS INRUSH CURRENT .............................................................................................................................................46
6. HARMONICS .....................................................................................................................................................................................................48
6.1. PHASE-TO-NEUTRAL VOLTAGE...................................................................................................................................................................48
6.1.1. 3L PHASE-TO-NEUTRAL VOLTAGE HARMONICS DISPLAY SCREEN.............................................................................................48
6.1.2. L1 PHASE VOLTAGE HARMONICS DISPLAY SCREEN ....................................................................................................................49
6.2. CURRENT .....................................................................................................................................................................................................49
6.2.1. 3L CURRENT HARMONICS DISPLAY SCREEN................................................................................................................................49
6.2.2. L1 CURRENT HARMONICS DISPLAY SCREEN................................................................................................................................50
6.3. APPARENT POWER......................................................................................................................................................................................50
6.3.1. 3L APPARENT POWER HARMONICS DISPLAY SCREEN ................................................................................................................50
6.3.2. L1 APPARENT POWER HARMONICS DISPLAY SCREEN ................................................................................................................51
6.4. PHASE-TO-PHASE VOLTAGE .......................................................................................................................................................................51
6.4.1. 3L PHASE-TO-PHASE VOLTAGE HARMONICS DISPLAY SCREEN .................................................................................................51
6.4.2. L1 PHASE-TO-PHASE VOLTAGE HARMONICS DISPLAY SCREEN................................................................................................52
6.5. EXPERT MODE .............................................................................................................................................................................................52
6.5.1. PHASE-TO-NEUTRAL VOLTAGE EXPERT MODE DISPLAY SCREEN .............................................................................................52
6.5.2. CURRENT EXPERT MODE DISPLAY SCREEN.................................................................................................................................53
7. WAVEFORM .....................................................................................................................................................................................................54
7.1. TRUE RMS ....................................................................................................................................................................................................54
7.1.1. 3U RMS DISPLAY SCREEN ...............................................................................................................................................................55
7.1.2. 4V RMS DISPLAY SCREEN ...............................................................................................................................................................55
7.1.3. 4A RMS DISPLAY SCREEN ...............................................................................................................................................................55
7.1.4. RMS DISPLAY SCREEN FOR THE NEUTRAL...................................................................................................................................56
7.2. TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION .................................................................................................................................................................56
7.2.1. 3U THD DISPLAY SCREEN ...............................................................................................................................................................56
7.2.2. 4V THD DISPLAY SCREEN................................................................................................................................................................56
7.2.3. 4A THD DISPLAY SCREEN................................................................................................................................................................57
7.3. PEAK FACTOR ..............................................................................................................................................................................................57
7.3.1. 3U CF DISPLAY SCREEN ..................................................................................................................................................................57
7.3.2. 4V CF DISPLAY SCREEN..................................................................................................................................................................57
7.3.3. 4A CF DISPLAY SCREEN ..................................................................................................................................................................58
7.4. MAX - MIN AND MEAN VOLTAGE AND CURRENT ........................................................................................................................................58
7.4.1. 3U MAX-MIN DISPLAY SCREEN........................................................................................................................................................58
7.4.2. 4V MAX.-MIN. DISPLAY SCREEN......................................................................................................................................................59
7.4.3. 4A MAX.-MIN. DISPLAY SCREEN......................................................................................................................................................59
7.4.4. L1 MAX.-MIN. DISPLAY SCREEN ......................................................................................................................................................59
7.4.5. NEUTRAL MAX.-MIN. DISPLAY SCREEN.........................................................................................................................................60
7.5. SIMULTANEOUS DISPLAY ...........................................................................................................................................................................60
7.5.1. 3U SIMULTANEOUS DISPLAY SCREEN ...........................................................................................................................................60
7.5.2. 4V SIMULTANEOUS DISPLAY SCREEN ...........................................................................................................................................60
7.5.3. 4A SIMULTANEOUS DISPLAY SCREEN ...........................................................................................................................................61
7.5.4. L1 SIMULTANEOUS DISPLAY SCREEN............................................................................................................................................61
7.5.5. SCREEN FOR SIMULTANEOUS DISPLAY OF NEUTRAL..................................................................................................................61
7.6. PHASOR DIAGRAM.......................................................................................................................................................................................62
7.6.1. 3V PHASOR.......................................................................................................................................................................................62
7.6.2. 3U PHASOR DIAGRAM DISPLAY SCREEN.......................................................................................................................................62
7.6.3. 3A PHASOR DIAGRAM DISPLAY SCREEN.......................................................................................................................................62
7.6.4. L1 PHASOR DIAGRAM DISPLAY SCREEN .......................................................................................................................................63
8. ALARM MODE .....................................................................................................................................................................................................64
8.1. ALARM MODE CONFIGURATION.................................................................................................................................................................64
8.2. ALARM CAMPAIGN CONFIGURATION...........................................................................................................................................................64
8.3. CAMPAIGNS LIST ..........................................................................................................................................................................................65
8.4. ALARMS LIST ................................................................................................................................................................................................65
8.5. DELETING AN ALARM CAMPAIGN................................................................................................................................................................65
8.6. ERASING ALL ALARMCAMPAIGNS..............................................................................................................................................................65
9. TREND MODE .....................................................................................................................................................................................................66
9.1. CONFIGURING AND STARTING A RECORDING ..........................................................................................................................................66
9.2. TREND MODE CONFIGURATION.................................................................................................................................................................66
9.3. VIEWING THE RECORDING LIST.................................................................................................................................................................67
9.4. DELETING RECORDINGS ............................................................................................................................................................................67
9.5. VIEWING RECORDS .....................................................................................................................................................................................67
9.5.1. RECORDING PARAMETERS ............................................................................................................................................................67
9.5.2. TREND GRAPHS ...............................................................................................................................................................................68

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10. POWER AND ENERGY MODE ..............................................................................................................................................................................74
10.1. 3L FILTER....................................................................................................................................................................................................74
10.1.1. POWERS DISPLAY SCREEN.............................................................................................................................................................74
10.1.2. QUANTITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE POWERS DISPLAY SCREEN .............................................................................................74
10.1.3. ENERGIES CONSUMED DISPLAY SCREEN.....................................................................................................................................75
10.1.4. ENERGIES GENERATED DISPLAY SCREEN ...................................................................................................................................75
10.2. FILTERS L1, L2 AND L3 ...............................................................................................................................................................................75
10.2.1. POWERS AND ASSOCIATED QUANTITIES DISPLAY SCREEN.......................................................................................................75
10.2.2. ENERGY METERS DISPLAY SCREEN..............................................................................................................................................76
10.3. FILTER Σ .....................................................................................................................................................................................................76
10.3.1. TOTAL POWERS AND ASSOCIATED QUANTITIES DISPLAY SCREEN ...........................................................................................76
10.3.2. TOTAL ENERGY METERS DISPLAY SCREEN ..................................................................................................................................77
10.4. START ENERGY METERING ......................................................................................................................................................................77
10.5. STOP ENERGY METERING ........................................................................................................................................................................78
10.6. RESET ENERGY METERING......................................................................................................................................................................78
11. SCREEN SNAPSHOT MODE ................................................................................................................................................................................79
11.1. SCREEN SNAPSHOTS ...............................................................................................................................................................................79
11.2. HANDLING SCREEN SNAPSHOTS ............................................................................................................................................................79
11.2.1. VIEWING A SNAPSHOT ....................................................................................................................................................................79
11.2.2. DELETING A SNAPSHOT..................................................................................................................................................................79
12. HELP BUTTON .....................................................................................................................................................................................................80
13. DATAVIEW®SOFTWARE .......................................................................................................................................................................................81
13.1. INSTALLING DATAVIEW®...........................................................................................................................................................................81
13.2. POWERPAD III CONTROL PANEL..............................................................................................................................................................82
13.3. CONNECTING TO A COMPUTER...............................................................................................................................................................82
14. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS ...............................................................................................................................................................................83
14.1. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS................................................................................................................................................................83
14.2. MECHANICAL CONDITIONS.......................................................................................................................................................................83
14.3. OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORIES PER IEC 61010-1 ......................................................................................................................................83
14.4. ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY.......................................................................................................................................................84
14.5. POWER SUPPLY .........................................................................................................................................................................................84
14.5.1. EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY............................................................................................................................................................84
14.5.2. BATTERY POWER SUPPLY ..............................................................................................................................................................84
14.5.3. CONSUMPTION.................................................................................................................................................................................84
14.5.4. BATTERY LIFE ..................................................................................................................................................................................84
14.5.5. DISPLAY UNIT...................................................................................................................................................................................84
15. FUNCTIONAL SPECIFICATIONS..........................................................................................................................................................................85
15.1. REFERENCE CONDITIONS ........................................................................................................................................................................85
15.2. NOMINAL CURRENT ACCORDING TO TYPE OF SENSOR .......................................................................................................................85
15.3. ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS .............................................................................................................................................................86
15.3.1. VOLTAGE INPUT CHARACTERISTICS .............................................................................................................................................86
15.3.2. CURRENT INPUT CHARACTERISTICS ............................................................................................................................................86
15.3.3. BANDWIDTH......................................................................................................................................................................................86
15.3.4. INSTRUMENT SPECIFICATIONS (EXCLUDING CURRENT SENSOR) ............................................................................................86
15.3.5. CURRENT SENSOR SPECIFICATIONS (AFTER LINEARIZATION) .................................................................................................95
15.4. CLASS B UNDER STANDARD IEC 61000-4-30 ...........................................................................................................................................96
15.4.1. INSTRUMENT CONFORMITY ...........................................................................................................................................................96
15.4.2. UNCERTAINTIES AND MEASUREMENT RANGES ..........................................................................................................................96
15.4.3. REAL-TIME CLOCK UNCERTAINTY .................................................................................................................................................96
16. MAINTENANCE.....................................................................................................................................................................................................97
16.1. CLEANING THE CASING ............................................................................................................................................................................97
16.2. SENSORS....................................................................................................................................................................................................97
16.3. BATTERY REPLACEMENT...........................................................................................................................................................................97
16.4. MEMORY CARD ..........................................................................................................................................................................................99
16.5. FIRMWARE UPDATE ................................................................................................................................................................................100
REPAIR AND CALIBRATION ...................................................................................................................................................................................101
TECHNICAL AND SALES ASSISTANCE .................................................................................................................................................................101
LIMITED WARRANTY ...............................................................................................................................................................................................101

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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. DELIVERY CONDITION
NOTE: After receiving your PowerPad®III Model 8436, charge and discharge the instrument one or two cycles to ensure
the battery indicator is accurate.
Ensure the contents shipped are consistent with the packing list. Notify your distributor of any missing items. If the equipment appears
damaged, file a claim immediately with the carrier and notify your distributor at once. Save the damaged packing container to
substantiate your claim. Do not use equipment which is damaged or appears to bedamaged.
1.2. ORDERING INFORMATION
PowerPad®III Model 8436 (No Sensors - Waterproof IP67).....................................................................................…… Cat. #2136.43
Includes extra-large tool bag, accessory pouch, 5 ft (1.5m) USB cable, five 10 ft black voltage leads with alligator clips, 110V US
power cord, NiMH battery, twelve color-coded input ID markers, quick start guide, high-voltage warning/caution card, and a USB drive
containing DataView®software and user manual
PowerPad®III Model 8436 (AmpFlex® - Waterproof IP67).............................................................................................. Cat. #2136.44
Includes all items listed in Cat. #2136.43 above, as well as four water-tight IP67 AmpFlex®196A-24-BK with documentation.
1.3. ACCESSORIES (not IP67)
10 ft USB cable...................................................................................................................................................................Cat. #2136.80
AC/DC Current Probe Model SL261* (10A-100mV/A, 100A-10mV/A, BNC) .....................................................................Cat. #1201.51
*Adapter - BNC Adapter (mandatory if using an SL261 w/ the 8436).................................................................................Cat. #2140.40
AC Current Probe Model MR193-BK..................................................................................................................................Cat. #2140.28
AC Current Probe Model MN93-BK....................................................................................................................................Cat. #2140.32
AC Current Probe Model SR193-BK ................................................................................................................................. Cat. #2140.33
AC Current Probe Model MN193-BK .................................................................................................................................Cat. #2140.36
MiniFlex® Sensor 10" Model MA193-10-BK ...................................................................................................... Cat. #2140.48
AC/DC Current Probe Model J93-BK…….......................................................................................................................... Cat. #2140.49
MiniFlex® Sensor 14” Model MA193-14-BK........................................................................................................................ Cat. #2140.50
1.4. REPLACEMENT PARTS
Extra Large Classic Tool Bag ............................................................................................................................................ Cat. #2133.73
Battery 9.6V NiMH.............................................................................................................................................................. Cat. #2140.19
Set of 12, Color-coded Input ID Markers ........................................................................................................................... Cat. #2140.45
5 ft USB cable..................................................................................................................................................................... Cat. #2140.46
Accessory Pouch (accessories not included) .................................................................................................................... Cat. #2140.72
Lead – One 10 ft (3M) Black Lead (Waterproof cap) {Rated 1000V CAT IV} &
One Black Alligator Clip {Rated 1000V CAT IV, 15A} ....................................................................................................... Cat. #2140.73
AmpFlex® Sensor 24" Model 196A-24-BK.......................................................................................................................... Cat. #2140.75
Power Cord 110V (IP67).....................................................................................................................................................Cat. #5000.63
Line power cord 110-1000V DC to 440Hz.......................................................................................................................... Cat. #5000.89

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1.5. BATTERY CHARGING
Before first use, fully charge the battery.
120 V ± 10 %, 60 Hz
230 V ± 10 %, 50 Hz
1. Remove the connector cover on the instrument (see Figure 1-1).
2. Connect the AC power cord and screw it in place.
3. Plug the power cord into a power outlet.
The button lights; it will go out only when the plug is disconnected.
When the battery is fully discharged, charging takes approximately 5
hours.
Figure 1-1
It is also possible to charge the battery using the voltage on the voltage measurement terminals. To do this: with the connector cover
removed, connect the power supply cord to the battery charging connector and the two safety-series banana plugs with rear-mounted
sockets to any two of the phases (L1, L2, L3).
Figure 1-2
To make measurements while charging the battery, connect the measurement leads to the terminals and to the safety- series banana
plugs with rear-mounted sockets.
Figure 1-3

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1.6. LANGUAGE SELECTION
Before using the instrument, choose the language in which you want the instrument to display its messages.
Figure 1-4
1. Press the button to turn the instrument ON.
2. Press the Configuration button. This displays the Configuration menu
(Figure 1-4).
3. At the bottom of the screen are the language options. Press the function
button that corresponds with the desired language. (The selected language
appears in yellow.) If the desired language is not displayed, press the
button to view additional options.

10
2. DESCRIPTION
2.1. FUNCTIONS
The Model 8436 a three-phase network analyzer with color graphic display and built-in rechargeable battery. The instrument:
■measures RMS values, powers, and perturbations of electric distribution networks
■delivers a snapshot of the principal characteristics of a three-phase network
■tracks variations of various parameters over time
■provides IP67 (watertight) operation
The measurement uncertainty of the Model 8436 is better than 1% (excluding uncertainties due to connected sensors). The instrument
is also versatile, with a choice of sensors providing measurements ranging from a few mA (MN193) to several kA (AmpFlex®).
The instrument is compact and impact resistant, with a simple and easy-to-use interface. It is designed for technicians and engineers
performing electrical network installation, inspection and maintenance.
2.1.1. MEASUREMENTS
The Model 8436 measures:
■RMS values of AC voltages up to 1000V between terminals. By using the ratios, the instrument can measure voltages up to
hundreds of gigavolts.
■RMS values of AC currents up to 10,000A (neutral included). By using the ratios, the instrument can measure currents up to
hundreds of kiloamperes.
■DC components of voltages and currents (neutral included).
■Minimum and maximum half-cycle RMS voltage and current values (excluding neutral).
■Peak voltage and current values (neutral included).
■Frequency of 50Hz and 60Hz networks.
■Current and voltage peak factors (neutral included).
■Harmonic loss factor (FHL), application to transformers in the presence of harmonic currents.
■K factor (FK), application to transformers in the presence of harmonic currents.
■Total harmonic distortion with respect to the fundamental (THD in %f) of the current and of the voltages (excluding neutral).
■Total harmonic distortion with respect to the RMS AC value (THD in %r) for the current and the voltages (neutral included).
■Active, reactive (capacitive and inductive), non-active, distortion, and apparent power, by phase and cumulative (excluding
neutral).
■Power factor (PF) and displacement factor (DPF) or cos Φ (excluding neutral).
■RMS distortion value (d) for the current and the voltages (excluding neutral).
■Short-term voltage flicker (PST) (excluding neutral).
■Long-term voltage flicker (PLT) (excluding neutral).
■Active, reactive (capacitive and inductive), non-active, distortion, and apparent energy (excluding neutral).
■Current and voltage harmonics (excluding neutral) up to order 50: RMS value, percentage referred to the fundamental, (%f)
(excluding neutral), or the total RMS value (%r), minimum and maximum and sequence harmonics.
■Apparent harmonic power up to order 50 (excluding neutral): percentages referred to the fundamental apparent power (%f) or
the total apparent power (%r), minimum and maximum of a rank.
■Inrush currents, starting of motors.

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2.1.2. DISPLAY FUNCTIONS
■Waveforms (voltages and currents).
■Frequency bar chart (voltages and currents).
■Inrush Current function: displays parameters useful for study of the starting of a motor.
•Instantaneous current and voltage at the instant designated by the cursor.
•Maximum instantaneous absolute value of the current and of the voltage (over the entire starting time).
•RMS value of the half-cycle (or lobe) of the current and voltage (excluding neutral) on which the cursor is positioned.
•Maximum half-cycle RMS current (over the entire starting time).
•Instantaneous network frequency at the instant designated by the cursor.
•Maximum, mean, and minimum network frequencies (over the entire starting time).
•Time at which starting of motor commenced.
■Screen captures (up to 50).
■Transients function. Detection and recording of transients (up to 210) between user-defined start and stop dates and times.
Recording of four complete cycles (one before the triggering event and three after) in the eight acquisition channels.
■Trend recording (data logging) function. 2GB memory with date-stamping and user-defined start and stop dates for recording,
with a maximum of 100 recordings. Display, in bar chart or graph form, of the means of many parameters vs. time, with or
without maximum and minimum values.
■Alarm function. List of recorded alarms (up to 16,362) exceeding thresholds defined in the configuration menu. User-defined
alarm monitoring start and stop times.
2.1.3. CONFIGURATION
■Date and time.
■Screen brightness.
■Graph colors.
■Management of switching off of the screen.
■Night mode.
■Calculation methods (non-active quantities broken down or not, choice of the unit of energy, choice of the coefficients of
calculation of the K factor), choice of reference for the level of harmonics, PLT calculation (sliding or not).
■Distribution system (single-phase, two-phase, three-phase with or without neutral) and of the connection method (standard,
2-element method or 2½-element method).
■Recording, alarms, inrush currents, and transients.
■Data erasure (total or partial).
■Software and hardware version numbers display.
■Language setting.
■Display of current sensors detected not detected, not managed, simulated or impossible to simulate (2-element connection
method). Setting of voltage and current ratio, of the transduction ratios and of the sensitivity.

12
2.2. INSTRUMENT INTERFACE
Figure 2-1
1
Cover
9
ON/OFF button
2
LCD display
10
Help button
3
Measurement connection terminals
11
Screen snapshot button
4
USB socket
12
Configuration button
5
Confirm/Enter button
13
Return /previous button
6
Navigation buttons
14
Function (yellow) buttons
7
Battery compartment and memory card slot cover
15
Battery charging connector
8
Mode buttons

13
2.3. ON/OFF BUTTON
The instrument can operate either on its battery or on external power. Pressing the button powers ON the instrument. If the instrument
is shut off suddenly (line power outage in the absence of the battery) or automatically (battery low), an information message is displayed
the next time it is started.
Pressing again turns the instrument OFF. If the instrument is recording, metering energy, or searching for transients, alarms, and/or
inrush current acquisition, it requests confirmation. Select Yes or No on the corresponding yellow button, then press thebutton to
validate.
■No: recording will continue.
■Yes: data recorded up to that point is finalized and the instrument is turned OFF.
2.4. DISPLAY
2.4.1. PRESENTATION
The backlit 320x240 (1/4 VGA) pixel graphic screen displays all measurements with their graphs, the parameters of the unit, the graphs
selected, the instantaneous values of the signals, and the type of measurement selected. When the instrument is powered ON, it initially
displays the Waveform screen (see §7).
Figure 2-2
1
Mode icon
2
Battery charge level
3
Date/time
4
Frequency calculated over 1 second
5
Function icons
6
Active mode screen
Automatic display shutdown is configured via the Display Configuration Mode menu (see §4.4.3).

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2.4.2.FUNCTION BUTTONS
The display uses the following icons for the yellow function buttons:
Icon Function Icon Function
V
Phase-to-neutral voltage mode. Transient list display filter activate/deactivate.
A
Phase-to-neutral current mode. Maximum/minimum display.
SPower mode. Move the cursor to the first occurrence of the
maximum phase-to-neutral voltage.
UPhase-to-phase voltage mode. Move the cursor to the first occurrence of the
minimum phase-to-neutral voltage.
var Non-active quantities. Move the cursor to the first occurrence of the
maximum phase-to-phase voltage.
Wh Units of energy. Move the cursor to the first occurrence of the
minimum phase-to-phase voltage.
FK K factor coefficients. Move the cursor to the first occurrence of the
maximum current.
%f-%r Reference for the level of harmonics. Move the cursor to the first occurrence of the
minimum current.
PLT Long-term flicker calculation mode.
Move the cursor to the first occurrence of the
maximum instantaneous frequency.
CF Peak factors and graphs. Move the cursor to the first occurrence of the
minimum instantaneous frequency.
RMS RMS values and graphs. Move the cursor to the first occurrence of the
maximum of the measurement displayed.
PEAK PEAK values and graphs. Move the cursor to the first occurrence of the
minimum of the measurement displayed.
THD Harmonic distortion and graphs.
Simultaneous display of all voltage and current
measurements (RMS, DC, THD, CF, PST, PLT, FHL,
FK).
PF…
PF, cos Φ(DPF), tan Φ, and Φ. Select all items.
W… Powers and associated quantities (PF, cos Φ, DPF,
tan Φand ΦVA). Deselect all items.
Wh…
Energy meters. Transient mode.
Energy calculation activation/de-activation. Inrush current mode.
Zoom in. Phasor diagram.
Zoom out. >t=0< Move cursor to transient triggering time.
Display contrast. >t=-T< Move the cursor to one signal period before the
triggering date of the transient.
Measurement channel colors. Energies consumed by the load.
Screen ON/OFF. Energies generated by the load.
Night mode. Page 1 of Help.
Recording configuration mode. Page 2 of Help.
Recording look-up mode. Page 3 of Help.
Start recording. Page 4 of Help.
Rapid configuration and start of recording. Previous configuration.
Stop recording. Next configuration.
Stop function in progress. Previous page.
Delete. Next page.
Configuration mode

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2.5. KEYPAD BUTTONS
2.5.1. FUNCTION (YELLOW) BUTTONS
These six buttons activate the function or tool represented by the corresponding icon on the screen.
2.5.2. NAVIGATION BUTTONS
A block of four arrow buttons, a select button and a Return button are used for navigating menus.
Button Function

Up arrow.

Down arrow.
 Right arrow.
 Left arrow.
 Confirm selection.
Return.
2.5.3. MODE BUTTONS
These buttons display specific modes:
Button Function See
Waveform acquisition mode, with two sub-modes: transients mode (blackouts, interference, etc.) and
inrush current mode (starting of motor). § 5
Harmonic graphs display mode: representation of voltage, current, and power harmonics, order by
order; determination of harmonic currents produced by nonlinear loads, analysis of problems caused
by harmonics according to their order (overheating of neutrals, conductors, motors, etc.).
§ 6
Waveform display mode: display of voltage and current waveforms, display of minima and maxima
of summary tables, determination of phase rotation. § 7
Alarm mode: list of recorded alarms exceeding selected thresholds; recording of network blackouts
with half-cycle resolution (Vrms, Arms, Urms), determination of energy consumption overshoots,
monitoring of compliance with a power supply quality contract.
§ 8
Trend mode: recording of selected parameters. § 9
Power/energy mode: display of power and energy measurements.§ 10
Three buttons are real-time mode buttons: , and .
In each of these modes, colored circles on a white background (for example ) indicate channel number or type. These indicate
saturation; the circle background is colored when the channel measured is potentially full (for instance ).
When the circle corresponds to a simulated channel (for example in 4-wire three-phase with selection V1V2, 2½-element method, or in
3-wire three-phase with selection A1A2, 2-element method; see connections in §4.6), this channel is potentially full if at least one channel
used in calculating it is potentially full.
Similarly, if the circle corresponds to a phase-to-phase voltage channel, it is potentially full if at least one of the phase- to-neutral
voltage channels used in calculating it is potentially full.

16
2.5.4. OTHER BUTTONS
Button
Function
See
Configuration.
§ 4
Snapshot of
current screen and retrieval of screens already stored. § 11
Help:
provides information about the currently displayed functions and symbols. § 12
2.6. CONNECTORS
2.6.1. CONNECTION TERMINALS
These are located on one side of the housing. Each terminal is protected by a plug. The plugs must be removed to connect the leads,
then stowed in the pouch in the cover of the instrument.
To keep the instrument water- and air-tight and the terminals clean, put the plugs back on the unused terminals. The terminals let the
operator:
■screw special leads in place to ensure total water-tightness
■or connect standard leads that are slightly less water-tight
Four current input terminals for
current sensors (MN clamp, C
clamp, MiniFlex®, AmpFlex®, PAC
clamp, SL261 clamp, etc.)
Five voltage input terminals
Figure 2-3

17
2.6.2. SIDE CONNECTORS
On the right side of the instrument is the connector used to charge the battery and operate the instrument on AC power, or supply it
from the voltages on the measurement terminals.
Figure 2-4
2.7. POWER SUPPLY
The battery icon in the top right corner of the screen shows the battery charge level. The number of bars is proportional to the charge
level.
Icon Description
Battery charged
Low battery
Moving bars: battery charging
Red bar: the condition of the battery is unknown because it has never been fully charged
The instrument is connected to external power without the battery
When instrument shutdown due to low battery is imminent, a warning message is displayed:
Press
to confirm the message. If you do not connect the instrument to external power, it turns OFF one minute after this message is
displayed. To avoid this, start re-charging the battery immediately.
2.8. ABBREVIATIONS
Prefixes of International System (SI) units:
Prefix Symbol Multiplies by
milli m10-3
kilo
k103
Mega
M106
Giga G109
Tera
T1012
Peta P1015
Exa E1018

18
Symbols used by the instrument:
Symbol Definition Symbol Definition
AC and DC components.
N
Non-active power.
~
AC component only. Nh Non-active energy.
DC component only.
P
Active power.
Inductive phase shift.
Pdc DC power.
Capacitive phase shift.
Pdch
DC energy.
°Degree. PEAK or PK
Maximum (+) or minimum (-) peak instantaneous
value of the signal.
-.+
Expert mode.
PF
Power factor.
| |
Absolute value.
Ph
Active energy.
Σ
Sum of values.
PLT
Long-term flicker.
%
Percentage.
PST
Short-term flicker.
%f
Fundamental value as reference.
Q1
Reactive power (fundamental).
%r
Total value as reference.
Q1h
Reactive energy (fundamental).
ΦVA or
Φ
UA
Phase shift of voltage with respect to current.
RMS True RMS value (current or voltage).
ACurrent; also Ampere (unit). S Apparent power.
A-h
Current harmonic.
S-h
Apparent harmonic power.
Acf Crest (peak) factor of current. Sh Apparent energy.
Ad
RMS distortion current.
t
Relative date of time cursor.
Adc DC current.
tan Φ
Tangent of the phase shift of voltage with respect to
current.
Apk+
Maximum peak value of current.
THD
Total harmonic distortion (in %f or in %r).
Apk-
Minimum peak value of current.
U
Phase-to-phase voltage.
Arms
True RMS current.
U-h
Phase-to-phase voltage harmonic.
Athdf
Total harmonic distortion of current in %f.
Ucf
Phase-to-phase voltage crest factor.
Athdr Total harmonic distortion of the current with
the total RMS value without DC as reference.
Ud Phase-to-phase RMS distortion voltage.
Udc Phase-to-phase DC voltage.
Aunb
Negative-sequence current unbalance rate.
Upk+
Maximum peak value of phase-to-phase voltage.
AVG
Mean value (arithmetic mean).
Upk-
Minimum peak value of phase-to-phase voltage.
CF
Peak factor (current or voltage).
Urms
True RMS phase-to-phase voltage.
cos Φ
Cosine of the phase shift of voltage with
respect to current (DPF – fundamental
power factor or displacement factor).
Uthdf
Total phase-to-phase voltage harmonic distortion in %f.
Uthdr
Total phase-to-phase voltage harmonic distortion in %r.
Uunb
Negative-sequence phase-to-phase voltage
unbalance rate.
D
Distortion power.
V
Phase-to-neutral voltage; also Volt (unit).
DC
DC component (current or voltage).
V-h
Phase-to-neutral voltage harmonic.
Dh
Distortion energy.
Vcf
Voltage crest (peak) factor.
DPF
Displacement factor (cos
Φ
).
Vd
Phase-to-neutral RMS distortion voltage.
FHL
Harmonic loss factor.
Vdc
Peak factor of the phase-to-ground voltage.
FK K factor. Vpk+
Maximum peak value of the phase-to-neutral
voltage.
Hz
Frequency of network.
Vpk-
Minimum peak value of the phase-to-neutral voltage.
L
Channel (Line).
Vrms
True RMS phase-to-neutral voltage.
MAX Maximum value. Vthdf
Total harmonic distortion of phase-to-neutral voltage
in %f.
MIN Minimum value. Vthdr
Total harmonic distortion of phase-to-neutral voltage
in %r.
ms Millisecond. Vunb
Negative-sequence phase-to-ground voltage
unbalance rate.

19
3. OPERATION
3.1. START-UP
To turn the instrument ON, press the button.
After the software check, the home page is displayed, followed by the information screen that indicates the software version of the
instrument and its serial number. The Waveform screen is then displayed:
Figure 3-1
3.2. CONFIGURATION
To configure the instrument:
1. Press . The Configuration screen appears (see Figure 4-1).
2. Press or to select the parameter to be modified.
3. Press to enter the selected sub-menu.
4. Use the arrow buttons (or and or ) and thebutton to validate. For more details, see §§4.3 to 4.10.
The following settings must be checked (and if necessary modified) for each measurement:
■Calculation methods (see §4.5).
■Distribution system (single-phase to five-wire three-phase) and connection method (2 wattmeters, 2 ½ elements, standard)
(§4.6).
■Current ratios according to the type of current sensor connected (§4.7).
■Voltage ratios (§4.7).
■Triggering levels (transients mode and inrush current capture) (§4.8).
■Values to be recorded (trend mode) (§4.9).
■Alarm thresholds (§4.10).
To return to the Configuration screen from a sub-menu, press the button.

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3.3. LEADS INSTALLATION
To identify the leads and input terminals, you can mark them in accordance with the usual phase/neutral color code using the colored rings
and inserts supplied with the instrument.
1. Detach the insert and place it in the hole provided for it near the terminal (large insert for a current terminal; small insert for a
voltage terminal).
Figure 3-2
2. Clip rings of the same color to the ends of the lead you will connect to the terminal. Twelve sets of rings and inserts of different
colors are provided to enable you to coordinate the instrument with any applicable phase/neutral color codes.
3. Connect the measurement leads to the instrument terminals. Be sure to define the transformation ratios of the current sensors
and of the voltage inputs (see §4.7).
To make a measurement, at a minimum you must select:
■calculation method (§4.5)
■connection (§4.6)
■sensor ratios (§4.7)
The measurement leads must be connected to the electrical network to be measured as shown by the following diagrams.