EA Technology CableData CDC2 User manual

CableData Collector
Operating Manual
Product Code: CDC2
Version: 1
January 2013

Contents
1Record of Changes 1
2EA Technology Range of Products 2
3EA Technology Training Courses 3
4Declaration of Conformity 4
5Operator Safety 5
6Warnings & Tips 6
6.1 Warnings 6
6.2 Tips 6
7Introduction 7
8Kit Contents 8
9CableData Collector Hardware 9
9.1 Connectors 9
9.2 Status LED Definition 10
9.3 Phase Reference 11
9.3.1 Transformer Reference 11
9.3.2 RFCT Reference 11
9.4 Calibration 12
10 CableData Collector Software 14
10.1 Software Installation 14
10.2 Connecting the CableData Collector 20
10.3 First Run 20
10.4 Operating the Software 22
10.4.1 Software Initialisation 22
10.4.2 Main Screen 24
10.4.3 Data Entry 25
10.4.4 Phase Information 27
10.4.5 Cable Type 29
10.4.6 Cable Length 30
10.4.7 Voltage 31
10.4.8 Switch Position 32
10.4.9 Commencing Data Capture 32
10.4.10 Aborting Data Capture 32
10.4.11 Repeating Data Capture 34
10.4.12 Data Capture Process 34
10.4.13 Single Phase Data Capture Sequence 35
10.4.14 Three Phase Data Capture Sequence 35
10.4.15 Progress Indication 36
10.4.16 Invalid Phase Reference 37
10.4.17 Capture Reports 38
10.4.18 File Output Location 40
10.5 Data Analysis 41

10.6 Restoring Software Default Options 41
10.7 Updating Software 42
10.8 Uninstalling the CableData Collector Software 43
11 Using the CableData Collector 45
11.1 Connecting the RFCTs 45
11.1.1 Practical RFCT Connection Requirements 45
11.1.2 Testing Three Phase Cables 45
11.1.3 Cable Partial Discharge (PD) 47
11.1.4 RFCT Connection Requirements 48
11.1.5 Cable Type Restrictions 49
12 Specification 50
12.1 Cable PD Inputs 50
12.2Hardware 50
12.3 Environmental 50
12.4 Dimensions 50
12.5 Power Supplies 50
12.6 Recommended PC Specification 50
13 Maintenance 51
14 Warranty Policy 52
15 Calibration 52
16 Repair 52
17 Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) 53
18 Note 53
19 Contact Us 53
20 Notes 54

EA Technology
CableData Collector Operating Manual
1365/L/01/1
Page 1 of 54
1 Record of Changes
Date
Drawing Number
Changes
December 2012
1365/L/01/1
First Issue.

EA Technology
CableData Collector Operating Manual
1365/L/01/1
Page 2 of 54
2 EA Technology Range of Products
Cable Instruments
CableSniffer™ - Locate underground LV cable Faults in minutes, with fewer excavations,
less disruption and lower costs.
Partial Discharge Instruments
UltraTEV Detector™ - hand held, dual sensor, Partial Discharge (PD) detector, which
enables swift and simple ‘first pass’ identification of potentially damaging HV equipment
faults and MV equipment faults before they become failures.
UltraTEV Plus+™ - advanced hand held, dual sensor, Partial Discharge (PD) detector,
which enables more detailed identification and comparison of PD activity across multiple
substation assets.
UltraMet Plus+™ - simple hand held tool for measuring Partial Discharge (PD) activity by
detecting ultrasonic sound. The sounds detected are displayed on screen as decibel
readings, as well as relayed to headphones as an audible signal
UltraTEV Locator™ - simple to use tool that can measure and record the exact location of
Partial Discharge (PD) activity to within 30cm in any substation assets, including cables and
overhead equipment. The most versatile PD investigation unit in the world, it can identify
faults before they become failures and deliver an accurate assessment of asset condition
UltraTEV Alarm™ - PD system that combines all the benefits of EA Technology’s award
winning Partial Discharge (PD) detection and monitoring, in one simple to install, automatic
set up. It can monitor over 100 assets simultaneously and raise the alarm if one or more
reaches critical PD levels.
UltraTEV Monitor™ -The ultimate system in EA technology’s PD instrument range, the
UltraTEV Monitor™ is much more than a fault detection and alarm system. It is the most
powerful tool ever developed for collecting and recording information on the condition of
large numbers of assets. It detects and locates, measures and monitors, records and
analyses all the data from all your substation equipment, including cables, to give you
unrivalled information on the condition of your assets.
PD Monitor GIS™ - purpose designed, retrofit condition monitoring system for all commonly
used pressurised Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS). It provides 24 hour detection, location
and analysis of PD activity to identify faults early and avoid costly failures and repairs.
Ultrasonic Contact Probe™- high tech detector that can identify the sounds of surface
discharge activity in sealed chambers by monitoring the vibrations produced in the chamber
walls. Designed to work with EA Technology’s extensive portfolio of Partial Discharge
instruments, including the UltraTEV Plus™, UltraTEV Locator™and UltraTEV Monitor™.
UltraTEV Calibration Checker™ - instantly checks whether your UltraTEV Detector or
UltraTEV Alarm Nodes are operating within specification

EA Technology
CableData Collector Operating Manual
1365/L/01/1
Page 3 of 54
Field Instruments
PURL™- Pole Ultrasonic Rot Locator™ is the world’s most effective instrument for
accurately establishing the condition of pine poles, producing accurate condition
assessments without the guesswork of hammer tests or the intrusion of drill through tests.
Polarity Test Kit ™- comprises an accurate and versatile Polarity Test Pen and a Test Pen
Checker, in one lightweight, portable unit that is essential for safe working around potentially
live cables. It detects live cables in all standard 220-250V 50/60Hz supplies, with or without
current flow.
Extended Voltstick™- essential safety tool for identifying low voltage cables that have
been damaged during excavations.
3 EA Technology Training Courses
MSc in Power Asset Management
Postgraduate Certificate
Postgraduate Diploma
Master of Science
Substations
Partial Discharge
Insulating Oil Handling & Analysis
Switchgear Technology for Power Systems
SF6 Training
Substation Earthing
Transformers for Power Systems
Substation Design Course
Cables
Power Cable Fault Location
Cables for Power Systems (Part 1)
Cables for Power Systems (Part 2)
Oil Filled Cables
Protection
LV/HV Protection
Power System Protection
Commissioning & Testing
For further information on our complete range of products and training courses, please
contact:
Email: [e-mail]

EA Technology
CableData Collector Operating Manual
1365/L/01/1
Page 4 of 54
4 Declaration of Conformity
Manufacturers Name: EA Technology Ltd
Manufacturers Address: Capenhurst Technology Park
Capenhurst
Chester
CH1 6ES
UK
Type of Equipment: CableData Collector
Model Number: CDC2
I hereby declare that the equipment specified above conforms to the provisions of the EC
DIRECTIVE 2004/108/EC on Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC). Having met the
requirements of the following standards;
BS EN 61000-6-2 :2001
GENERIC EMC IMMUNITY & EMISSION STANDARDS
INDUSTRIAL
BS EN 61000-6-3 :2001
GENERIC EMC EMISSION STANDARDS
RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AND LIGHT INDUSTRY
Robert Davis
Chief Executive Officer
EA Technology Group Ltd

EA Technology
CableData Collector Operating Manual
1365/L/01/1
Page 5 of 54
5 Operator Safety
The CableData Collector is designed to detect partial discharge sources in High
Voltage (HV) cables. If no discharges are detected this does not necessarily imply
that an item of HV cable is discharge free. Discharge sites often have dormant
periods and insulation structures can fail through causes other than those attributable
to partial discharges. If discharges of considerable magnitude are detected in plant
that is connected directly to the high voltage power system, the authority responsible
for the plant should be notified immediately.
The CableData Collector is designed for use at ground potential only.
When testing electrical plant ensure that the metalwork is earthed before taking any
measurements.
Adhere strictly to local safety procedures.
Do not make measurements when there are electrical storms in the vicinity.
Do not make measurements immediately following the energisation of a circuit.
Do not disturb plant during measurements either mechanically (e.g. By shaking or
striking it), electrically (e.g. by increasing the voltage) or physically (e.g. by applying
heat).
Do not operate the instrument or its accessories in an explosive atmosphere.

EA Technology
CableData Collector Operating Manual
1365/L/01/1
Page 6 of 54
6 Warnings & Tips
6.1 Warnings
Do not leave any of the Current Transformers connected in place for a measurement
while a switching operation is being performed. Due to the charging of the cable
capacitance, this can create a large inrush current that may overwhelm the input
protection circuits and cause damage to the board.
Maintain safety clearances between structures at high voltage and the instrument, its
probes and the operator at all times.
Do not connect the CableData Collector to a USB hub. It is important that the
CableData Collector is connected directly to the machine it is being used on, as use
of a USB hub may result in intermittent errors.
Always take the Phase Reference Transformer in the event that it is not possible to
acquire phase information from the RFCTs. It is only possible to collect data with a
phase reference present. The CableData Collector will attempt to detect the phase
from the RFCTs used for data capture. In some cases, this may not be possible and
an alternative reference may be needed.
Only the supplied RFCT should be used with the CableData Collector. The RFCT we
supply has an integral protection circuit to protect the instruments against transients
caused by HV switching.
Only the supplied Phase Reference Transformer should be used with the CableData
Collector.
Do not insert an SD card into the SD card slot, it is currently unsupported and not
functional.
Do not insert a network cable into the Ethernet Socket, it is currently unsupported
and not functional.
6.2 Tips
The unit contains no user serviceable parts, always return to EA Technology or your
local distributor for service and repair.
The CableData Collector unit is designed to function with a mains frequency signal
present, which may occur because of imbalanced phases. The presence of higher
frequency signals may cause interference. An example of a source for an interfering
signal is a power line carrier system. These will introduce a higher frequency signal
into the power cable that may be picked up by the CableData Collector and may
reduce the accuracy of the measurements. Wherever safely possible, attempt to
eliminate any sources of higher frequency signals.
The CableData Collector contains relays inside that may make a clicking sound
shortly after power up and during data capture. This is to be expected and may occur
during normal use.