Chauvin Arnoux C.A 6116 User manual

C.A 6116
INSTALLATION TESTER
ENGLISH User's manual

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WARNING, risk of DANGER! The operator must refer to these instructions whenever this danger symbol appears.
Polarity of the supply connector with direct voltage.
Current clamp.
USB socket.
Auxiliary rod.
The voltage on the terminals must not exceed 550 V.
The CE marking indicates conformity with European LVD and EMC directives.
The rubbish bin with a line through it means that in the European Union, the product must undergo selective disposal
in compliance with Directive WEEE 2002/96/EC.
Definition of measurement categories:
Measurement category IV corresponds to measurements taken at the source of low-voltage installations.
Example: power feeders, counters and protection devices.
Measurement category III corresponds to measurements on building installations.
Example: distribution panel, circuit-breakers, machines or fixed industrial devices.
Measurement category II corresponds to measurements taken on circuits directly connected to low-voltage installations.
Example: power supply to electro-domestic devices and portable tools.
PRECAUTIONS FOR USE
This device is protected against accidental voltages of not more than 600V with respect to earth in measurement category III or
300V with respect to earth in measurement category IV (under shelter). The protection provided by the device may be compro-
mised if it is used other than as specified by the manufacturer.
Do not exceed the maximum rated voltage and current and the measurement category.
Never exceed the protection limits indicated in the specifications.
Comply with the conditions of use, namely the temperature, the humidity, the altitude, the degree of pollution, and the place
of use.
Do not use the device or its accessories if they seem damaged.
Do not use the device if the battery compartment cover is missing or incorrectly installed.
To recharge the battery, use only the mains adapter unit provided with the device.
To replace the battery, disconnect everything connected to the device and set the switch to OFF.
Do not use a battery with a damaged jacket.
Use connection accessories of which the overvoltage category and service voltage are greater than or equal to those of the
measuring device (600 V Cat. III or 300 V Cat. IV).
Troubleshooting and metrological checks must be done only by accredited skilled personnel.
Wear the appropriate protective gear.
Thank you for purchasing a C.A 6116 installation tester. To obtain the best service from your unit:
read these operating instructions carefully,
comply with the precautions for use.

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CONTENTS
1. FIRST START-UP...................................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.1. Unpacking ...................................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.2. Charging the battery....................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.3. Carrying the device ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
1.4. Contrast and brightness of the display .......................................................................................................................... 6
1.5. Choice of language ........................................................................................................................................................ 6
2. PRESENTATION OF THE DEVICE........................................................................................................................................... 8
2.1. Functions of the device ................................................................................................................................................. 9
2.2. Keypad ........................................................................................................................................................................... 9
2.3. Display unit................................................................................................................................................................... 10
2.4. USB port....................................................................................................................................................................... 10
3. PROCEDURE ......................................................................................................................................................................... 11
3.1. Voltage measurement................................................................................................................................................... 11
3.2. Resistance and continuity measurement ..................................................................................................................... 12
3.3. Insulation resistance measurement.............................................................................................................................. 16
3.4. 3P earth resistance measurement................................................................................................................................ 19
3.5. Loop impedance measurement (ZS)............................................................................................................................. 23
3.6. Measurement of the line impedance (Zi)....................................................................................................................... 26
3.7. Earth measurement on live circuit (Za, Ra).................................................................................................................... 29
3.8. Selective earth measurement on live circuit................................................................................................................. 34
3.9. Test of residual current device...................................................................................................................................... 37
3.10. Current and leakage current measurement................................................................................................................ 44
3.11. Direction of phase rotation ......................................................................................................................................... 46
3.12. Power measurement .................................................................................................................................................. 48
3.13. Harmonics .................................................................................................................................................................. 51
3.14. Compensation for the resistance of the measurement leads..................................................................................... 54
3.15. Adjustment of the alarm threshold ............................................................................................................................. 55
4. ERROR INDICATION.............................................................................................................................................................. 57
4.1. No connection .............................................................................................................................................................. 58
4.2. Out of measurement range........................................................................................................................................... 58
4.3. Presence of dangerous voltage.................................................................................................................................... 58
4.4. Invalid measurement .................................................................................................................................................... 58
4.5. Device too hot .............................................................................................................................................................. 58
4.6. Check of internal protection devices............................................................................................................................ 59
5. SET-UP.................................................................................................................................................................................... 60
6. MEMORY FUNCTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 63
6.1. Organization of the memory and navigation ................................................................................................................ 63
6.2. Entering the storage function ....................................................................................................................................... 63
6.3. Create a tree................................................................................................................................................................. 64
6.4. Record the measurement............................................................................................................................................. 65
6.5. Read the records.......................................................................................................................................................... 66
6.6. Erasure ......................................................................................................................................................................... 68
6.7. Errors............................................................................................................................................................................ 68
7. DATA EXPORT SOFTWARE .................................................................................................................................................. 69
8. TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS ........................................................................................................................................ 70
8.1. General reference conditions ....................................................................................................................................... 70
8.2. Electrical characteristics............................................................................................................................................... 70
8.3. Variations in the range of use ....................................................................................................................................... 82
8.4. Intrinsic uncertainty and operating uncertainty............................................................................................................ 85
8.5. Power supply................................................................................................................................................................ 85
8.6. Environmental conditions............................................................................................................................................. 87
8.7. Mechanical characteristics .......................................................................................................................................... 87
8.8. Conformity to international standards.......................................................................................................................... 87
8.9. Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) ........................................................................................................................... 87
9. DEFINITIONS OF SYMBOLS................................................................................................................................................. 88
10. MAINTENANCE.................................................................................................................................................................... 90
10.1. Cleaning ..................................................................................................................................................................... 90
10.2. Replacing the battery ................................................................................................................................................. 90
10.3. Resetting the device................................................................................................................................................... 91
10.4. Metrological check ..................................................................................................................................................... 91
10.5. Repair ......................................................................................................................................................................... 91
10.6. Updating of the internal software............................................................................................................................... 91
11. WARRANTY ......................................................................................................................................................................... 93
12. TO ORDER............................................................................................................................................................................ 94
12.1. Accessories ................................................................................................................................................................ 94
12.2. Replacement parts ..................................................................................................................................................... 94

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1. FIRST START-UP
1.1. UNPACKING
1One mains charger for the battery.
2Data export software and a USB cord.
3One mains measuring cable.
4One measuring cable, 3 safety leads.
5Three probe tips (red, blue, and green).
6Three alligator clips (red, blue, and green).
7Two elbowed-straight safety leads (red and black).
8One 4-point hands-free strap.
9One hand strap.
10 One remote probe.
11 One carrying bag.
12 User’s manuals (1 per language) on CD-ROM.
13 Safety sheets (1 per language).
PRÉCAUTIONS D’EMPLOI
Cetappareil est protégé contredes tensions accidentelles n’excédant pas 600 V par rapport à la terreen
catégoriede mesure III ou 300 V par rapport à la terre en catégorie de mesure IV.La protection assurée
parl’appareil peut-être compromise si celui-ci est utilisé de façon non spécifiée par le constructeur.
Respectezla tension et l’intensité maximales assignées ainsi que la catégorie de mesure.
Nedépassez jamais les valeurs limites de protection indiquées dans les spécifications.
Respectezles conditions d’utilisation, àsavoir la température, l’humidité, l’altitude,le degré de pollution
etle lieu d’utilisation.
N’utilisezpas l’appareil ou ses accessoires s’ils paraissent endommagés.
Pour le recharge de la batterie, utilisez uniquement le bloc adaptateur secteur fourni avec
l’appareil.
Utilisezdes accessoires de branchement dont la catégorie de surtension et la tension de service
sontsupérieures ou égales à celles de l’appareil de mesure (600 V CAT III).
Touteprocédurede dépannage ou de vérification métrologique doit être effectuée par du personnel
compétentet agréé.
Utilisezles moyens de protection adaptés.
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ATTENTION,risque de DANGER !
L’opérateurs’engage à consulter la présente notice à chaque fois que ce symbole de
dangerest rencontré.
Appareilprotégé par une isolation double.
Polaritédu connecteur d’alimentation en tension continue.
Lemarquage CE atteste la conformité aux directives européennes.
La poubelle barrée signifie que, dans l’Union Européenne, le produit doit faire l’objet
d’untri sélectif des déchets pour le recyclage des matériels électriques et électroniques
conformémentà la directive WEEE 2002/96/EC.
Définitiondes catégories de mesure :
Lacatégorie de mesure IV correspond aux mesurages réalisés à la source de l’installation basse
tension.
Lacatégorie de mesure III correspond aux mesurages réalisés dans l’installation du bâtiment.
Lacatégorie de mesure II correspond aux mesurages réalisés sur les circuits directement branchés
àl’installation basse tension.
Lacatégorie de mesure I correspond aux mesurages réalisés sur des circuits non reliés directement
auréseau.
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FICHE DE SÉCURITÉ DU C.A 6116 (FR)
Vous venez d’acquérir un contrôleur d’installation C.A 6116 et nous vous remercions de votre
confiance.
Pourobtenir le meilleur service de votre appareil :
lisezattentivement cette notice de fonctionnement,
respectezles précautions d’emploi.
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04- 2009
Code691923A01 - Ed. 1
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After prolonged storage, the battery may be fully discharged. In this case, the first charge may take longer and the indicator on
the device flashes for the first few minutes.
Set the switch to OFF, but charging is possible when the device is not off,
> 90 Vac
< 264 Vac
50 / 60 Hz
Charging time:
approximately 6h
The indicator of the
device lights.
Battery
loading...
Loading
completed.
The indicator goes
off.
1.2. CHARGING THE BATTERY
Before the first use, start by fully charging the battery. The charging must be done between 10 and 35°C.
1.3. CARRYING THE DEVICE
Pass the strap around your neck.
Adjust the length of the strap, then the tilt of the device.
The 4-point hands-free strap will let you use the device while leaving
your hands free. Snap the four fasteners of the strap onto the four
lugs on the device.
Battery charging connector of the device.

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SET UP
OFF
1.5. CHOICE OF LANGUAGE
Before using the device, first choose the language in which you want the device to display messages.
Set the switch to SET-UP.
OK
Use the directional keypad to select the languages icon:
To withdraw the strap, slide a flat screwdriver under the tab of the fastener to lift it, then slide the fastener down.
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+
+
1.4. CONTRAST AND BRIGHTNESS OF THE DISPLAY
To adjust the contrast and the brightness of the display, press the key and one of the arrow keys simultaneously.
Display contrast
sustained
press
or
Display brightness
sustained
press
or

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
OK
Press the OK key to validate your
choice.
Select your language, from among those proposed, using the keys and validate by pressing the OK key again.
You can download other languages from our site’s support space (see §10.2).
SET-UP

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2. PRESENTATION OF THE DEVICE
SET UP
OFF
OK
TEST

USB port for data transfer to a PC.
Switch for selection of the measurement function or SETUP.
Indicator light.
Directional keypad: four navigation keys and one validation key.
Backlight lighting and adjust- ment key (contrast and bright- ness).
Help key.
Battery charging con- nector.
Four function keys.
TEST button to start the measurements.
Connection ter- minals.
Stud for fixing on the 4-point hands- free strap.
Battery loading...

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2.1. FUNCTIONS OF THE DEVICE
The C.A. 6116 installation tester is a portable measuring device with a monochrome graphic display. It is powered by a recharge-
able battery with a built-in charger and external power supply unit.
This device is intended to check the safety of electrical installations. It can be used to test a new installation before it is powered
up, to check an existing installation, whether in operation or not, or to diagnose a malfunction in an installation.
Measurement
functions
voltage
continuity and resistance
insulation resistance
earth resistance (with 3 rods)
loop impedance (Zs)
earth resistance on live circuit (with an auxiliary probe)
selective earth resistance (with an auxiliary probe and an optional current clamp)
line impedance (Zi)
test of residual current devices in ramp mode
test of residual current devices in pulse mode
current (with an optional current clamp)
detection of direction of phase rotation
power (single-phase or balanced three-phase) with display of the voltage and/or current curves
harmonics in voltage and current (with an optional clamp)
Controls one thirteen-position switch, one five-key navigator, one keypad with four function keys, one context-
sensitive help key, one backlight key, and one TEST button.
Display 5.7» (115 x 86mm) monochrome graphic LCD display unit, 1/4 VGA (320 x 240 points), with possibility of
backlighting.
2.2. KEYPAD
The actions of the 4 function keys are indicated on the display unit by adjacent icons. They depend on the context.
The help key can be used in all functions. The help function is context-sensitive: it depends on the function.
The backlight key is also used to adjust the contrast and brightness of the display.
The directional keypad comprises four navigation keys and one validation key.

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2.3. DISPLAY UNIT
LOOP ZS
02/09/2009 10:47 50 . 0 Ω50 . 1 Hz
L-PE 230.3V
L-N 230.4V
N-PE 0.8V
6 %
6 mA
1Top strip 7Position of the phase on the socket outlet
2Date and time 8Display of measurement results
3Alarm threshold 9Bottom strip
4Frequency measured 10 Name of function
5Condition of the battery 11 Information about the measurement in progress
6Icons representing the functions of the keys
2.4. USB PORT
The USB port of the device is used to transfer the stored data to a PC (see §7). This operation requires the prior installation of a
specific peripheral driver and other software.
The USB port can also be used to update the device’s internal software (see §10.6).
The USB cord and the associated software are supplied with the device.
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3. PROCEDURE
When it leaves the plant, the device is configured so that it can be used without changing the parameters. For most measure-
ments, simply select the measurement function by turning the switch and press the TEST key.
However, you can also parameterize:
the measurements, using the function keys,
or the device itself, using SET-UP.
In addition to an intuitive interface, the C.A. 6116 provides complete help in use and analyses and appraisals. Three types of help
function are available:
On-line help before the measurement can be accessed using the key. It indicates the connections to be made for each
function and important recommendations.
Error messages appear, as soon as the TEST key is pressed, to report connection errors, measurement parameterizing errors,
out-of-range values, defective installations tested, etc.
On-line help associated with the error messages. Messages containing the icon invite you to look up the on-line help
for ways to eliminate the error found.
The user is assumed to be at the reference earth potential. He/she must therefore not be insulated from earth: must not
wear insulating shoes or insulating gloves and must not use a plastic object to press the TEST key.
3.1. VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT
Whichever function is chosen, the device always starts by measuring the voltage present on its terminals.
3.1.1. DESCRIPTION OF THE MEASUREMENT PRINCIPLE
The device separates the alternating voltage from the direct voltage and compares the amplitudes to decide whether the signal
is AC or DC. In the case of an AC signal, the frequency is measured and the device calculates the RMS value of the AC part and
displays it. In the case of a DC signal, the device does not measure its frequency, but calculates its mean value and displays it.
For measurements made at the mains voltage, the device checks that the connection is correct and displays the position of the
phase on the socket outlet. It also checks the presence of a protective conductor on the PE terminal by means of the contact the
user makes with his/her finger by touching the TEST key.
3.1.2. MAKING A MEASUREMENT
Connect the leads to the device to be tested. As soon as the device is powered up, it measures the voltages present on its ter-
minals and displays them, whatever the setting of the switch.
The mains socket outlet of the measuring cable is marked with a white reference spot.
: the phase is on the right-hand contact of the mains plug when the white spot is up.

L
: the phase is on the left-hand contact of the mains plug when the white spot is up.

L
: the device cannot determine where the position of the phase, probably because the PE
is not connected or the L and PE conductors are interchanged.
Remark : The L symbol is displayed as soon as the voltage is high enough (> UL programmable
in SET-UP).
The terminal identified as L is the one that has the highest voltage with respect to PE.
3.1.3. ERROR INDICATION
The only errors reported in voltage measurement are values outside the voltage measurement range. These errors are reported
in clear language on screen.

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Choice of measurement current: kW, 12 mA or 200 mA.
The high current (200 mA) can be used only to measure low resistances, up to 40 W.
The low current (12 mA) is used to make measurements up to 400 W.
The choice kWis used to make resistance measurements up to 400 kW.
SET UP
OFF
R
To correct for the resistance of the measurement leads (leads and probe tips or alligator clips), for measurements
at 12 and 200 mA (see §3.14).
Pressing the TEST key starts only one measurement (pulse mode).
3.2. RESISTANCE AND CONTINUITY MEASUREMENT
3.2.1. DESCRIPTION OF THE MEASUREMENT PRINCIPLE
For continuity measurements, the device generates a DC current of 200 or 12 mA, at the user’s discretion, between the Wand
COM terminals. It then measures the voltage present between these two terminals and from it deduces the value of R = V/I.
For resistance measurements (current chosen = kW), the device generates a DC voltage between the Wand COM terminals. It
then measures the current between these two terminals and from it deduces the value of R = V/I.
In the case of a measurement at high current (200 mA), at the end of one second, the device reverses the direction of the current
and makes another measurement for one second. The result displayed is the mean of these two measurements. It is possible to
make measurements with either the positive or the negative polarity of the current disabled.
For measurements at low current (12 mA or kW), the polarity is positive only.
3.2.2. MAKING A MEASUREMENT
To comply with standard IEC-61557, the measurements must be made at 200 mA. The reversal of the current serves to compen-
sate for any residual electromotive forces and, more important, to check that the continuity is in fact duplex.
When you make continuity measurements that are not contractual, prefer a current of 12 mA. Even though the results cannot be
regarded as those of a normative test, this significantly increases the life of the device between charges and forestalls untimely
tripping of the installations if there is a connection error.
The permanent mode is used to chain measurements without having to press the TEST button each time.
If the object to be measured is inductive, it is better to switch to pulse mode and make a measurement at positive polarity, then
a measurement at negative polarity, manually, in order to leave time for the measurement to settle.
The alarm, if activated, serves to inform the user, by an audible signal, that the measurement is below threshold, making it un-
necessary to look at the display unit to check this point.
Set the switch to W .Use the leads to connect the device to be tested between the W and COM ter-
minals of the device. The object to be tested must not be live.
Pressing the TEST key starts the continuous measurement (permanent mode). To stop
it, you must press the TEST key again.
Before starting the measurement, you can configure it by modifying the parameters displayed:

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Automatic reversal of polarity for a measurement at 200 mA.
Before the measurement: to display the measurements already recorded.
During or after the measurement: to record it.
The direction of the arrow indicates whether you can make a reading (arrow pointing out) or a recording (arrow
pointing in).
The percentage indicates the quantity of memory already used.
6 %
TEST

If you selected the pulse mode, press the TEST button once and the measurement stops automatically when it is over.
If you selected the permanent mode, press the TEST button once to start the measurement and a second time to
stop it, or else press the record key 5 % directly.
Measurement current.
R =
CONTINUITY
02/10/2009 10:47 2.00 Ω- - .- Hz
0.83 Ω
I 2 0 7 . 4 m A
R + 0 . 5 9 Ω
R - 1 . 0 8 Ω
1 %
..\..
1 %
Measurement with a positive cur-
rent (R+).
Case where the measurement is
below the alarm threshold.
3.2.3. READING OF THE RESULT
In the case of a 200 mA current:
To activate the alarm.
Measurement at positive polarity only.
Measurement at negative polarity only.
Value of the alarm threshold.
Measurement with reversal of polarity.
Once the parameters have been defined, you can start the measurement.
Measurement with a negative cur-
rent (R-).
Compensation for the resistance of
the measurement leads is activated.
Permanent mode.
002.00
k
Ω
Ω
To deactivate the alarm.
To set the alarm threshold (see §3.15). The default threshold is 2W.
Measurement result:
(R+) + (R-)
2
Use the key to see the rest of the
measurement display.

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In the case of a 12 mA current, there is no current reversal.
18 . 4 Ω
I 1 2 . 3 m A
..\..
2.00 Ω- - .- Hz
1 %
CONTINUITY
02/10/2009 10:47
Value of the alarm threshold.
Measurement result.
Case where the measurement is
above the alarm threshold.
The polarity of the current is positive.
Compensation for the resistance of
the measurement leads is activated.
Pulse mode.

To see the next display page.
CONTINUITE
10/02/2009 10:47
UΩ0 . 0 V
1 % ../..
2.00 Ω- - .- Hz
External voltage present on the
terminals just before the start of the
measurement.
Use the key to return to the previ-
ous display page.
Current measurement.
Use the key to see the rest of the
measurement display.

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For help with connections or any other information, use the on-line help.
In the case of a resistance measurement (kW), there is no current reversal and no compensation for the measurement leads.
3.2.4. ERROR INDICATION
The commonest error in the case of a continuity measurement is the presence of a voltage on the terminals. An error message is
displayed if a voltage greater than 0.5 VRMS is detected and you press the TEST button.
In this case, the continuity measurement is not enabled. Eliminate the cause of the interference voltage and start the measure-
ment over.
Another possible error is measurement of an overly inductive load that prevents the measurement current from stabilizing. In this
case, start the measurement in permanent mode with only one polarity and wait for the measurement to stabilize.
1 . 5 8 k Ω
1 %
..\..
2.00 kΩ- - .- Hz
RESISTANCE
02/10/2009 10:47
Value of the alarm threshold.
Measurement result.
Case where the measurement is
below the alarm threshold.
Use the key to see the rest of the
measurement display.
Permanent mode.

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3.3. INSULATION RESISTANCE MEASUREMENT
3.3.1. DESCRIPTION OF THE MEASUREMENT PRINCIPLE
The device generates a DC test voltage between the COM and MWterminals. The value of this voltage depends on the resistance
to be measured: it is greater than or equal to UNwhen R is greater than or equal to RN= UN/1 mA, and less otherwise. The device
measures the voltage and current present between the two terminals and from them deduces the value of R = V / I.
The COM terminal is the voltage reference point. The MWterminal therefore provides a negative voltage.
3.3.2. MAKING A MEASUREMENT
The alarm, if activated, serves to inform the user, by an audible signal, that the measurement is below threshold, making it un-
necessary to look at the display unit to check this point.
To activate the alarm.
Before the measurement: to display the measurements already recorded.
During or after the measurement: to record it.
The direction of the arrow indicates whether you can make a reading (arrow pointing out) or a recording (arrow
pointing in).
The percentage indicates the quantity of memory already used.
SET UP
OFF
R
6 %
Set the switch to MW.Use the leads to connect the device to be tested between the COM and MW
terminals of the device. The object to be tested must not be live.
Remark : To avoid leakage during the insulation measurement, which would
throw off the measurement, do not use the measuring cable when
you make this type of measurement, but two simple leads.
To choose the nominal test voltage UN: 50, 100, 250, 500 or 1000 V.
0500.0
M Ω
k
Ω
To deactivate the alarm.
To set the alarm threshold (see §3.15). As default, the threshold is set to
R (kW) = UN/ 1 mA.
Generally, an insulation measurement on an installation is made between the interconnected phase(s) and neutral, on the one
hand, and earth, on the other.
L3
PE
N
L1
L2
If the insulation is not sufficient, you must then make the measurement between each of the pairs to locate the fault. It is for this
reason possible to index the recorded value with one of the following values:
L-N/PE, L-N, L-PE, N-PE, L1-PE, L2-PE, L3-PE, L1-N, L2-N, L3-N, L1-L2, L2-L3 or L3-L1
To use the remote control probe, refer to its operating data sheet.
Before starting the measurement, you can configure it by modifying the parameters displayed:

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TEST

Once the parameters have been defined, you can start the measurement.
Keep the TEST button pressed until the measurement is stable. The measurement stops when the TEST button
is released.
INSULATION
02/11/2009 10:47 500 kΩ- - .- Hz
3 1 . 0 6 MΩ
7 s
2 %
Press TEST until the measurement
is stable
..\..
The bargraph provides a rapid quan-
titative indication of the insulation.
Measurement result.
Case where the measurement is
above the alarm threshold.
Before disconnecting the leads or starting another measurement, wait a few seconds for the device tested to be discharged
(when the symbol disappears from the display unit).
3.3.3. READING OF THE RESULT
Duration of the measurement.
Value of the alarm threshold.
The test voltage UNis present and
dangerous.
Use the key to see the rest of the
measurement display.

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
To see the next display page.
INSULATION
02/11/2009 10:47 500 kΩ- - .- Hz
UM Ω0 . 0 V
../..
2 %
Press TEST until the measurement
is stable
External voltage present on the
terminals just before the start of the
measurement.
Use the key to return to the previ-
ous display page.
For help with connections or any other information, use the on-line help.
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3.3.4. ERROR INDICATION
The commonest error in the case of an insulation measurement is the presence of a voltage on the terminals. If it is greater than
50 V, the insulation measurement is not enabled. Eliminate the voltage and start the measurement over.
The measurement may be unstable, probably because of an overly capacitive load or an insulation fault. In this case, read the
measurement on the bargraph.

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3.4. 3P EARTH RESISTANCE MEASUREMENT
This function is the only one that can measure an earth resistance when the electrical installation to be tested is not live (new
installation, for example). It uses two additional rods, with the third rod being constituted by the earth electrode to be tested
(whence the name “3P”).
It can be used on an existing electrical installation, but the power must be cut off (main RCD). In all cases (new or existing instal-
lation), the earthing strip of the installation must be open during the measurement.
It is possible to make a rapid measurement and measure only REor else to make a more detailed measurement by also measur-
ing the resistances of the rods.
3.4.1. DESCRIPTION OF THE MEASUREMENT PRINCIPLE
The device generates between the H and E terminals a square wave at a frequency of 128 Hz and an amplitude of 35 V. It meas-
ures the resulting current, IHE , along with the voltage present between the S and E terminals, USE. It then calculates the value of
RE= USE/IHE.
To measure the resistances of the RSand RHrods, the device internally reverses the E and S terminals and makes a measurement.
It then does likewise with the E and H terminals.
3.4.2. MAKING A MEASUREMENT
There are several measurement methods. We recommend the «62%» method.
SET UP
OFF
Connect the cables to the H and S terminals. Power down the installation and disconnect the earth strap. Then connect the E
terminal to the earth electrode to be checked.
The alarm, if activated, serves to inform the user, by an audible signal, that the measurement is above threshold, making it un-
necessary to look at the display unit to check this point.
Before starting the measurement, you can configure it by modifying the parameters displayed:
62% d
d
HS
To compensate for the resistance of the lead connected to the E terminal, for measurements of low values (see §3.14).
To deactivate the alarm.
Set the switch to RE 3P. Plant the H and S rods in line with the earth electrode. The distance between the S rod
and the earth electrode must be approximately 62% of the distance between the H rod
and the earth electrode.
In order to avoid electromagnetic interference, we recommend paying out the full length of
the cables, placing them as far apart as possible, and not making loops.
Choice of type of measurement: rapid, to measure RE only (icon crossed out), or detailed, to measure also rod
resistances RSand RH. This last case is useful if the ground is dry, making the resistance of the rods high.
050.00
k Ω
ΩTo set the alarm threshold (see §3.15). As default, the threshold is set to 50W.
To activate the alarm.
earth
strap

20
Before the measurement: to display the measurements already recorded.
During or after the measurement: to record it.
The direction of the arrow indicates whether you can make a reading (arrow pointing out) or a recording (arrow
pointing in).
The percentage indicates the quantity of memory already used.
6 %
EARTH 3P
02/12/2009 10:47 50.0 Ω50.1 Hz
R E3 2 . 0 8 Ω
R s 1 . 5 8 k Ω
R h 1 . 3 2 k Ω
3 %
..\..
Measurement result.
Resistance of the S rod.
Resistance of the H rod.
Case where the measurement is
below the alarm threshold.
3.4.3. READING OF THE RESULT
In the case of a detailed measurement:
Press the TEST button to start the measurement. The measurement stops automatically.
This symbol invites you to wait while the measurement is in progress.
TEST

Value of the alarm threshold.
Compensation for the resistance of
the measurement leads is activated.
If the measurement must be made in a damp environment, remember to change the value of maximum contact voltage ULin
Setup (see §5) and set it to 25 V.
The key is used to see the voltages
before the beginning of the test.
Do not forget to reconnect the earth strap at the end of the measurement
before powering the installation back up.