Chauvin Arnoux C.A 6470N TERCA 3 User manual

ENGLISH Overview
Earth and resistivity tester
C.A6470N

2
WARNING - risk of DANGER! Read the user’s manual.
In these operating instructions, failure to follow or carry out instructions preceded by this
symbol may result in personal injury or damage to the device and the installations.
Instrument fully protected by double insulation or reinforced insulation.
The rubbish bin 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.
Earth terminal.
DEFINITION OF MEASUREMENT CATEGORIES
Measurement category IV corresponds to measurements taken at the source of low-voltage
installations.
Measurement category III corresponds to measurements on building installations.
Measurement category II corresponds to measurements taken on circuits directly connected to
low-voltage installations.
Measurement category I corresponds to measurements taken on circuits not directly connected
to the network.
Thank you for purchasing a C.A 6470N earth and resistivity tester.
To obtain the best service from your unit:
read these operating instructions carefully,
comply with the precautions for use, that is to say, temperature, humidity, altitude, degree of
pollution and site of use.






INTRODUCTION
This is an overview of the complete C.A 6470N user manual which enables the user to easily find:
The rules for using the instrument,
The operation of keys and measurement setting configuration,
The general configuration of the instrument,
The meaning of alarm indicators,
The meaning of the various error codes,
A glossary lists the terms and abbreviations used on the instrument and the digital display.
RULES FOR USE







3
1. CHARACTERISTICS LABEL
Stick one of the 5 characteristics labels supplied, in the appropriate language, inside the instrument
lid.
2. INSTRUMENT FUNCTIONS
The instrument is designed and made for the verification and measurement of the various electrical
parameters of earthing installations.
As an instrument powered by 8 x 1.2 V rechargeable internal batteries, with a maximum voltage output
of 16 V or 32 V, as required, the tester is not dangerous for the user. The instrument meets the safety
criteria of standards IEC 61010-1, 61010-2-31&32 and IEC 61557, parts 1, 4 and 5 subject to the
following conditions:
Maximum altitude for use: 3,000 m
Use: indoor or outdoor
Max. voltage relative to earth: 50 V
Installation category: IV
Pollution level: 2
Maximum differential voltage at inputs : 75 Vrms
Maximum short-term voltage: 250 Vrms (on any 2 of the 4 inputs)
The tester also meets standards IEC 60479-1, -2 and –3 and IEC 61326-1. Between the H and E inputs,
the instrument is protected by a 0.63 A, 250 V, 5 x 20 mm fast fuse with high 1.5 kA cutout power.
If voltages over 42 V are present on inputs, the warning symbol appears and flashes on the top
left of the display.








4
3 - PRECAUTIONS FOR USE
This measuring instrument should be used by personnel trained in the functions of the instrument,
as well as in the safety rules and standards applicable to its use. This rule also applies to the use of
accessories made by other manufacturers.
If there is a suspicion that use of the appliance may be dangerous for the operator, the instrument must
be taken out of service, making accidental use impossible. This is particularly true if the instrument:
Shows visible sign of deterioration,
Does not work properly,
Has been exposed to climatic conditions not within specifications,
Has been subjected to significant mechanical stress.
For safety reasons,
Only use accessories, the overvoltage category and assigned voltage of which are at least equal to
or higher than those of the instrument (EN 61010-2-031 and 32).
Only use the mains adapter unit supplied with the instrument to recharge the battery; this is adapted
to charging conditions and meets overvoltage category II requirements ensuring the user's safety
from an electrical standpoint. To obtain the best use from your battery and prolong its efficiency:
Only charge the instrument between 0° and +40°C.
Comply with the conditions for use defined in the user manual.
Comply with the conditions for storage defined in the user manual.
Do not use the instrument if its accessories appear damaged.
Apart from the applications specified, never measure resistance on a powered-up circuit or with a
link to the electricity network maintained.
Never exceed the protection limits indicated in the specifications.
In general, boots, gloves and insulated mats should be used.
The equipotentiality of the various locations of the stakes used to measure the earth may be
compromised if there are major faults on nearby electrical installations or in certain meteorological
conditions (stormy weather). It is up to the operator to judge whether to continue with or postpone a
measurement campaign for each situation.
Using a specific power unit, the C.A 6470N can also be recharged from a 12 VDC socket in a vehicle.
In this case, the low point of the vehicle 12 VDC socket is located at the potential of the E and ES inputs
of the instruments. For safety reasons, the instrument must not be used or connected to this power
supply unit if the presence of voltage in excess of 32V is suspected on these inputs.
4. MAINTENANCE
For maintenance, use only the specified spare parts. The manufacturer cannot accept any responsibility
for accidents occurring following repairs carried out outside its after-sales department or approved
maintenance network.
Changing the battery:
The battery for this instrument is specific: it contains precisely adapted protection and safety elements.
Failure to replace the battery with the specified model may lead to material damage and bodily injury
due to explosion or fire. To ensure continued safety, only replace the battery with the original model
defined in the user manual.
If the battery is changed, the following safety instructions must be adhered to:
Never short-circuit the positive and negative poles.















5
Never dismantle the battery and its cells.
Never incinerate or expose to heat sources.
Never clean with water or corrosive agents.
Never use the battery if it shows signs of leakage or mechanical deterioration.
Collect used batteries for recycling within the framework of protection of the environment.
To ensure continued safety, only replace a faulty fuse by a fuse with characteristics that are strictly
identical to those defined in the user manual.
OPERATING PRINCIPLE
The device has 2 operating modes:
Automatic mode for routine applications,
Manual/Expert mode in which the user can change the parameters of the measurement functions.
1. AUTOMATIC MODE
Set the switch to the desired function,
Make the connections appropriate to the function,
Press the START button. The device makes the measurement and stops automatically.
Read the measurement result on the display unit and the relevant parameters using the DISPLAY
key. You can record all of this information in the internal memory of the device.
2. MANUAL OR EXPERT MODE
Set the switch to the desired function,
Make the connections appropriate to the function,
Select “MANUAL” mode.
Choose the various measurement parameters using the CONFIG key.
Press the START button. The measurement frequency or the direction of the current (resistance
measurement) can be changed during the measurement to view their impact upon the measurement
and the parameters relevant to the measurement can be viewed using the DISPLAY key.
When the measurement results are acceptable, stop the measurement by pressing the STOP
button.
View the result on the display and toggle through the relevant parameters using the DISPLAY key.
You can save all of this information to the internal memory of the device.
FUNCTIONS OF KEYS
The primary functions of keys are indicated above the keys in white.
The secondary key functions (indicated in yellow italics beneath them) are accessible by pressing then
releasing the yellow key then the relevant key. The same operation is used to return to the primary
function.




















6
2nd Activation /deactivation of the secondary key function. The symbol 2nd is displayed
on the screen.
CONFIG/
FREQUENCY
Setting measurement parameters before measuring:
mΩ
AUTO – 2 wire/4 wire measurement
MANU – 2 wire/4 wire measurement – measurement current flow
direction
3 poles AUTO – UOUT
MANU – UOUT – measuring frequency – coupling (EARTH COUPLING)
4 poles AUTO – UOUT
MANU – UOUT – measuring frequency
ρAUTO – measuring method - UOUT
MANU – measuring method – UOUT – measuring frequency
Setting measurement parameters during measurement in MANUAL mode:
All functions except mΩ : measuring frequency
mΩ: measurement current flow direction


DISTANCE Only when measuring ground resistivity (ρ), programming distances Aand/or d,
before or after measurement.
DISPLAY Display of the various screens and results available in roll mode.
Exit of the memory function without recording.
SMOOTH Activation / deactivation of the smoothing of measurement display.
MEM
Memorisation of a measurement and all the information relating to an address defined
by an object number (OBJ.) and test number (TEST).
An index for the following functions is automatically associated with the test
number:
1, 2, 3, 4 for coupling measurements (EARTH COUPLING).
DISTANCE for resistivity (ρ)
MEM needs to be pressed twice:
1st press: confirmation of the memorisation address (can be changed with the
and keys).
2nd press: memorisation at the chosen address




MR
Reading of the values memorised.
The address (OBJ./TEST) and, as applicable, the associated index, are selected with
the and keys.
All the information linked to the recalled measurement can be displayed with the
DISPLAY key.
Selects the parameter to be modified (in roll mode, from left to right).
The modifiable parameter flashes.
Incrementation in roll mode of the value of the flashing parameter selected.
Decrementation in roll mode of the value of the flashing parameter selected.

7
OPERATING MODES
The instrument has 3 measurement modes:
AUTO mode: Measurement is activated by pressing the START/STOP key and measurement frequency
selection is automatic. Measurement stops as soon as the results are available on the
display.
MANUAL mode: Measurement is activated by the START/STOP key and stopped by pressing the
START/STOP key again. The operator can modify measurement frequency during
measurement without it being stopped.
SET-UP MODE
Modifiable parameters Command keys Values possible Default value
Distances unit DISPLAY (1st press) m (metres) or ft (feet) m
mΩalarm measure (2 wires) DISPLAY (2nd press)
ON / OFF
direction ( > or < )
value (1…999 Ω)
OFF > 2 Ω
Buzzer DISPLAY (3rd press) ON / OFF ON
Modbus address DISPLAY (4th press) 1…247 1
Date CONFIG (1st press) yyyy.mm.dd current date
Time CONFIG (2nd press) hh.mn current time
Communication speed
(Bauds) CONFIG (3rd press) 9.6k / 19.2k / 38.4k 38.4k
Configuration by default CONFIG (4th press) Yes / no Yes
Memory occupied MEM
xxx out of 512 (total
possible number of
locations)
-
Display of the instrument serial number and software version: Hold down the CONFIG key while
turning the rotary switch on the "SET-UP" position.
Viewing all the display segments: Hold down the DISPLAY key while turning the rotary switch on the "SET-
UP" position.

8
INDICATORS OF LIMITS OF USE
After the measurement has started there are indicators of when:
The values RHand/or RSare too high
The measurement current IH-E is too low
Measurement instability is high
Those conditions that may give uncertain results are indicated on the display of the unit as follows:
Functions Triggering threshold Indication on the display
3P, 4P, ρIH-E < 1 mA flashes (2)
H
flashes
All RS> 30 kΩflashes (2)
S
flashes
All
Values measured (U, I, R) unstable,
varying by more than 5% of their
average value. (1)
fixed (2)
>
<
flashes
All US-ES, US-E, UH-E > 42 V flashes (2)
All
Spurious voltage of which the
frequency and/or value is likely to
interfere with the measurement.
NOISE
(3)
(1) Not active if the SMOOTH function is selected.
(2) The symbol may also appear if there is an external voltage > 42 V on the terminals of the
device.
(3) You should change to manual mode and modify the measurement voltage and/or frequency to
make a valid measurement (when the NOISE symbol is no longer illuminated).




9
LIST OF CODED ERRORS
On initial operation, the C.A 6470N automatically runs a self-diagnosis. If a fault appears during self-
diagnosis or measurement, the instrument displays a message in the format Err XX.
These errors are classified into 3 categories:
Not serious Errors 6, 7 and 11
The message is displayed for around 1 second to inform the user. Envisage repair
if the error recurs.
Recoverable Errors 5, 14, 15, 18, 19, 30, 31, 32 and 33
The error concerns the measurement function in process and disappears if the
function is changed. The instrument can therefore be used but will need to be
repaired if the error persists.
Special cases:
An 18 error indicates it is impossible to recharge the internal battery of the
instrument. If an 18 error is declared while the battery is being recharged and
remains present once the instrument has been started again, stop recharging
and replace the battery.
In the event of a 19 error, erasing the instrument memory may remove this
error.
For errors 31, 32 and 33, excessively high voltage or current appeared during
measurement. Check the measurement circuit.
Fatal Errors 0, 1, 2, 3, 8, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18 (when recharging batteries) and 21
These errors stop the instrument from working. Stop the instrument and start it
again. If the error persists, the instrument needs to be repaired.







10
GLOSSARY
This glossary lists the terms and abbreviations used on the device and its digital display unit.
3 poles: earth resistance measurement with 2 auxiliary electrodes (3P).
4 poles: 4-wire measurement of low earth resistance using 2 auxiliary electrodes (4P).
C1: coupling coefficient of earth RAwith earth Rb(C1= RC/R1 ).
C2: coupling coefficient of earth Rbwith earth RA(C2= RC/R2 ).
d, A: distances to be programmed for the resistivity calculation depending on the
measurement method used.
mΩ: low resistance/continuity measurement.
E: terminal E (earth electrode, measurement current return terminal)
EARTH: earth measurement (3-pole or 4-pole).
EARTH COUPLING: measurement of coupling between 2 earth electrodes.
ES: terminal ES (acquisition of reference potential for the 4P earth resistance
calculation).
H: terminal H (measurement current injection terminal).
IH-E: measurement current flowing between terminals H and E.
NOISE: indicates that a spurious external voltage is present and interfering with the earth
or resistivity measurement.
R: mean resistance calculated from R+ and R-.
R+: resistance measured with a positive current flowing from terminal H to terminal E.
R-: resistance measured with a negative current flowing from terminal H to terminal E.
R1: first value measured to calculate the coupling between 2 earth electrodes
(R1= RA+ RC ).
R2: second value measured to calculate the coupling between 2 earth electrodes
(R2= Rb+ RC ).
R1-2: third value measured to calculate the coupling between 2 earth electrodes
(R1-2 = RA+ Rb ).
RA: first earth value calculated (RA= R1- RC ).
Rb: second earth value calculated (Rb= R1- RC ).
RC: coupling resistance between earths RAand Rb(RC= (R1+ R2- R1-2 )/2).
RE: resistance of the earth connected between terminal E and electrode S.
RH: resistance of the electrode connected to terminal H.
RS: resistance of the electrode connected to terminal S.
RS-ES (2): resistance between electrodes S and ES (used for the resistivity measurement).
R∆0: measurement leads compensation resistance.
S: terminal S (acquisition of measurement potential for the earth resistance
calculation).
U-Act (1): present (Act) external voltage on the terminals of the device.
UH-E: voltage measured between terminals H and E.
UOUT: voltage generated by the device between its terminals H and E (32V or 16V).

11
US-E: voltage measured between terminals S and E.
US-ES: voltage measured between terminals S and ES.
USr: frequency chosen by the user (“user” shortened).
ρS: soil resistivity measured by the Schlumberger method.
ρW: soil resistivity measured by the Wenner method.
(1): The suffix Act becomes In (for “Input”) when this value is recorded in the device, then read, in order
to distinguish between present value and recorded value. In both cases, the quantity displayed is
associated with its frequency.
(2): In this case, the resistances of the 4 electrodes used for the measurement are indicated by RP-H,
RP-S, RP-ES, RP-E.

04 - 2008
Code 692396A02 - Ed. 1
http://www.chauvin-arnoux.com
190, rue Championnet - 75876 PARIS Cedex 18 - FRANCE
Tél. : [phone] - Fax : [phone] - [email protected]
Export : Tél. : [phone] - Fax : [phone] - [email protected]
DEUTSCHLAND - Chauvin Arnoux GmbH
Straßburger Str. 34 - 77694 Kehl / Rhein
Tel: [phone] - Fax: [phone]
SCHWEIZ - Chauvin Arnoux AG
Einsiedlerstraße 535 - 8810 Horgen
Tel: [phone] - Fax: [phone]
ESPAÑA - Chauvin Arnoux Ibérica S.A.
C/ Roger de Flor N° 293, Planta 1- 08025 Barcelona
Tel: [phone] - Fax: [phone]
UNITED KINGDOM - Chauvin Arnoux Ltd
Waldeck House - Waldeck Road - Maidenhead SL6 8BR
Tel: [phone] - Fax: [phone]
ITALIA - Amra SpA
Via Sant’Ambrogio, 23/25 - 20050 Bareggia di Macherio (MI)
Tel: [phone] - Fax: [phone]
MIDDLE EAST - Chauvin Arnoux Middle East
P.O. BOX 60-154 - 1241 2020 JAL EL DIB (Beirut) - LEBANON
Tel: [phone] - Fax: [phone]
ÖSTERREICH - Chauvin Arnoux Ges.m.b.H
Slamastrasse 29/3 - 1230 Wien
Tel: [phone] - Fax: [phone]
CHINA - Shanghai Pu-Jiang - Enerdis Instruments Co. Ltd
3 F, 3 rd Building - N° 381 Xiang De Road - 200081 SHANGHAI
Tel: [phone] - Fax: [phone]
SCANDINAVIA - CA Mätsystem AB
Box 4501 - SE 18304 TÄBY
Tel: [phone] - Fax: [phone]
USA - Chauvin Arnoux Inc - d.b.a AEMC Instruments
200 Foxborough Blvd. - Foxborough - MA 02035
Tel: [phone] - Fax: [phone]