ELTEX EM03 User manual

Operating Instructions
Electric Field Meter EM03
BA-en-1020-1804
F00029y

2BA-en-1020-1804_EM03

BA-en-1020-1804_EM03 3
List of Contents
1 Outline of appliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.1 Identification of risks and hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.2 Technical advance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.3 Proper Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.4 Work and operational safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.1 Startup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.2 Taking measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.3 Power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.4 Battery monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.1 Changing the batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.2 Zero setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.3 Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5 Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
6 Technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
7 Accesories and spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

4BA-en-1020-1804_EM03
Dear Customer
The EM03 Electric Field Meter is a small, compact unit with digital display
for measuring static charges directly in Volts. The mode of function of the
instrument is based on the influence principle.
The integrated micro-computer automatically converts the measured field-
strength over the pre-selected measuring distance (distance between
measured object and measuring electrode) into charges in Volts.
The distance between object and measuring electrode is selectable
between 1 and 20 cm. Charges of up to 200 kV can be measured; if
1,000 Volts are detected, the instrument automatically switches over into
the kV display range.
The electric field meter is a parametric amplifier. The charges influenced
by the electrical field generate an alternating current proportional to the
field strength. This alternating current is measured via a selective amplifier
without drawing time-averaged energy from the electrical field. No radio-
active substances are used in the instrument.
Please read these instructions carefully before starting the unit. This will
help you prevent personal injuries and damage to property.
Please give us a call if you have any suggestions, proposals or ideas for
improvements. We greatly appreciate the feedback from the users of our
appliances.

BA-en-1020-1804_EM03 5
1. Outline of appliance
Delivery Electric Field Meter EM03:
• Electric Field Meter EM03
• Coiled cable for ground connection,
2 meters, with split plug and alligator clip
• 19 V-Ni-MH-battery pack
• Battery charger
• Instrument case
• Operating instructions
• Works calibration certificate de-en-fr
The instrument is encased in an antistatic plastic housing with membrane
front plate.
The star-shaped influence measuring electrode is built into an aluminium
front plate. A modulation wind mill-type wheel of the same star shape,
connected to frame, rotates a short distance ahead of the electrode.
A ring electrode system enclosing the influence electrode serves as
mechanical protection.
Fig. 1:
Outline of appli-
ance EM03
1 Spacer (2 cm)
2 Modulator system
(measuring sensor)
with protective cap
3 Zero trimmer
(side-mounted)
4 LC display
(2 x 12 characters,
alphanumerical)
5 Function key ON/OFF,
HOLD, DISTANCE
6 Battery compartment
(rear)
7 Ground socket for connec-
ting the ground cable
Z00203y
distance
hold off
on
function
EM 03
68
114
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

6BA-en-1020-1804_EM03
2. Safety
The units have been designed, built and tested using state-of-the-art engi-
neering, and have left the factory in a technically and operationally safe
condition. If used improperly, the units may nevertheless be hazardous to
personnel and may cause injury or damage. Read the operating instruc-
tions carefully and observe the safety instructions.
2.1 Identification of risks and hazards
Possible risks and hazards resulting from the use of the units are referred
to in these operating instructions by the following symbols:
Warning!
This symbol appearing in the operating instructions refers to operations
which, if carried out improperly, may result in serious personal injuries.
Caution!
This symbol appearing in the operating instructions refers to operations
which, if carried out improperly, may result in damage to property.
2.2 Technical advance
The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes to the technical
specifications without prior notice in order to adapt the units to state-of-
the-art engineering. Eltex will provide the latest information on any
changes or modifications in the operating instructions on request.
2.3 Proper Use
The EM03 Electric FieldMeter must be used only for measuring static
charges. The unit is not approved for explosion hazard areas and must on
no account be used in this environment.
The use of the unit in power installations is not permitted.
The manufacturers will not assume any liability and warranty if the system
is used improperly or used outside the intended purpose.
Modifications and changes made to the electric field meter are not permit-
ted.
Use only original Eltex spare parts and accessories.

BA-en-1020-1804_EM03 7
2.4 Work and operational safety
Warning!
Please read these notices carefully!
• The unit must not be used in the explosion hazard area and in power
installations.
• Alternating fields > 1 Hz cannot be measured with this instrument.
• When measuring high static charges, the electric field meter must be
grounded using the alligator clip supplied with the unit.
The first measurement must be made from a sufficient distance to
ensure that the maximum applied surface potentials are determined
from a safe measuring distance.
• Spark discharges onto the modulator system must be avoided.

8BA-en-1020-1804_EM03
3. Operation
3.1 Startup
Warning!
The instrument must NOT be used in explosion hazard area.
When measuring extremely high static charges, the electric field meter
must be grounded using the alligator clip supplied with the unit. The first
measurement must be made from a sufficient distance to ensure that the
maximum applied surface potentials are determined from a safe measu-
ring distance.
To obtain reliable results on magnitude and polarity of the measured elec-
trical field, the unit itself must be adequately grounded.
Connect the instrument to ground via the grounding cable and the groun-
ding socket (7, Fig. 1) (bondingconductor).
During normal use it is sufficient if the person taking the measurements is
grounded (e.g. conductive footwear or touching grounded machine parts)
and touches the grounding socket (7, Fig. 1).
The unit is switched on by pressing the "function on"-key on the front plat
(5, Fig. 1). Pressing the key twice in brief succession during normal opera-
tion will switch the unit off.
Note!
The unit will switch off automatically after five minutes to avoid battery
exhaustion. Switch the unit back on for subsequent measurements.
3.2 Taking measurements
Remove the protective cap from the modulator system.
The preset measuring distance after switching on is 2 cm.
If this setting is used for measurements, hold the instrument at a distance
of 2 cm from the object to be measured. This measuring distance is ideal
in most cases because it will allow you to measure charges of up to 20 kV
(see Technical Specifications). When measuring at a distance of 2 cm, use
the spacers mounted in the aluminium plate next to the modulator system.
There are instances when the measuring distance ought to be changed.
For instance, if you have very high static charges or a very rough surface
on the measured object, the measuring distance ought to be increased.
On the other hand, if you have very small static charges, and if the surface
of the object measured allows, you should select the smallest measuring
distance of 1 cm.

BA-en-1020-1804_EM03 9
The top line of the display shows the selected measuring distance in cm,
the bottom line shows the measured charge in Volts. If 999 V are reached
during measurement, the unit automatically switches to the kV display
range. The measured value is always displayed with three digits, 578 V;
3,85 kV; 24,0 kV or 274 kV.
If the message "overflow!" appears on the display, select a larger measu-
ring distance!
Changing the measuring distance
Keep the "function/on" key pressed until the bottom line of the display
shows "change distance" (approx. 2 sec). The topline shows the current
distance in cm. You can now change the distance by briefly pressing the
"function/on". The setting changes every time you press the key:
2 cm => 5 cm => 10 cm =>20 cm => 1 cm => 2 cm and so on.
As soon as the desired setting appears in the display, wait without pres-
sing the "function/on" key until the bottom line again shows the current
measuring value. The top line now shows the newly selected distance.
This measuring distance is now used for any subsequent measurement.
The measuring distance results from the distance between the measuring
electrode (behind the modulator wheel) and the measured object. The
measuring electrode is located 3 mm ahead of the front of the unit. For
this reason 3 mm must be added to every distance value when taking
measurements from the front (aluminium plate).
Caution!
After switching the unit off and back on, the unit always returns to the 2 cm
measuring distance setting!
HOLD
The instrument is equipped with a Hold function to "freeze" the measured
value. The value measured at this point in time is held in the display by
briefly pressing the "function/on" key once. The top line will show "Hold",
the bottom line will show the measured value. The Hold function is swit-
ched off by again pressing "function/on" key briefly. The current measured
value appears.

10 BA-en-1020-1804_EM03
3.3 Power supply
The instrument is supplied via a 9 V block battery inside the unit. In conti-
nuous operation the service life is approx. 10 hours.
3.4 Battery monitoring
The instrument is equipped with a permanent battery voltage monitoring
function. If the battery voltage drops below 7.5 V, the top line of the display
shows "Low Battery!" In this case the 9 V block battery must be replaced
or recharged. If the battery voltage drops below 7.0 V the bottom line of
the display signals "auto off" for about 2 seconds. The unit will then switch
off automatically to avoid battery exhaustion and battery leakage.
Caution!
Use only alkaline or lithium 9 V block batteries or Ni-Cd- or Ni-MH-
rechargeable batteries.
When using rechargeable batteries, recharge in a suitable charger outside
the unit. Observe manufacturer´s instructions!
Exhausted batteries may be returned to us or must be disposed of pro-
perly (hazardous waste).

BA-en-1020-1804_EM03 11
4. Maintenance
The components of the modulator system must not be touched. Keep the
components free of dust, dirt, ink and paint vapours and do not expose the
unit to condensation water. Use spirit and a lint-free cotton cloth to clean
the modulator carefully, if required. Avoid bending or deforming the modu-
lator wheel!
4.1 Changing the batteries
If the display show the message "Low Battery" replace the 9 V block bat-
tery or recharge the battery. To change the battery, turn the unit over and
open the battery compartment. Remove the battery and pull off the battery
clip. Push the battery clip over the new battery, put the assembly back in
the compartment and close the compartment.
4.2 Zero setting
Before each use of the unit, we recommend a check of the zero point. If,
with the modulator system protected (e.g. by covering the modulator sys-
tem by hand and the testing person being grounded), should it any time
fail to display U = 000 V, the zero setting can be readjusted via the side-
mounted trimmer (3, Fig. 1). The last digit of the display may be neglected
because the measuring error caused by it would be substantially smaller
than the permitted tolerance.
4.3 Calibration
We recommend returning the unit to Eltex at yearly intervals to check the
measured values.

12 BA-en-1020-1804_EM03
5. Warranty
The units are warranted for a period of 12 months provided that the opera-
ting conditions have been maintained, that the units have not been tam-
pered with and that the units show no mechanical damage.
The warranty applies only if the operating and assembly instructions spe-
cified by Eltex have been observed. The warranty period begins on the
date of delivery.
In the event of defects occurring during the warranty period, the units or
defective components will be repaired at Eltex. Defective components will
be replaced and installed free of charge.
If repairs are required at the customer's premises, the costs for sending a
technician (travel, travel time, expenses) will be charged to the customer.

BA-en-1020-1804_EM03 13
6. Technical specifications
7. Accesories and spare parts
Please specify the article number when ordering.
Measuring ranges
Measuring distances 1cm
Measuring distances 2 cm
Measuring distances 5 cm
Measuring distances 10 cm
Measuring distances 20 cm
-10 kV…0…+10 kV, max. resolution 1 V
-20 kV…0…+20 kV, max. resolution 2 V
-50 kV…0…+50 kV, max. resolution 5 V
-100 kV…0…+100 kV, max. resolution 10 V
-200 kV…0…+200 kV, max. resolution 20 V
Housing antistatic plastic with membrane front panel
Protection class IP 40
Dimensions 114 x 68 x 25 mm (L x W x H)
141 mm with spacer and grounding socket
Weight 175 g (with battery)
Sensor star-shaped influence measuring electrode
Display 2-line alphanumerical LCD, 2 x 12 digits
Batteries 9 V alkaline or lithium block battery
Type IEC 6F22 or Ni-Cd- or Ni-MH batteries
Operating period approx. 10 hours continuous operation
Measurement system
calibration
In the homogeneous field of a plate capaci-
tor, plate size 100 mm x 100 mm, plate spa-
cing 20 mm, modulator system installed
centered in the frame plate.
Article Article no.
Ground cable with plug and alligator clip LEI00318
9 V-Ni-MH battery ELM00092
Instrument case 101450
Battery charger 101448
Operating Instructions (specify language) BA-xx-1020

14 BA-en-1020-1804_EM03


Eltex-Elektrostatik-Gesellschaft mbH
Blauenstraße 67-69, D-79576 Weil am Rhein
Phone +49 (0) 76 21/ 79 05 - 230
Fax +49 (0) 76 21/ 79 05 - 330
eMail static-con[email protected]
Internet www.eltex.com
Eltex offices
and agencies
The addresses of all
Eltex agencies can be
found on our website at
www.eltex.com
Z01007y
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