FLIR VP50 User manual

User’s manual
FLIR VP50/VP52
Non-contact AC voltage detector

User’s manual
FLIR VP50/VP52
#T559851; r. AG/ 10041/10041; en-US

Table of contents
1 Disclaimers. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1 Copyright. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1
1.2 Quality assurance . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1
1.3 Documentation updates . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.4 Disposal of electronic waste. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 1
2 Safety information . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 2
3 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 6
4 Description . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 7
4.1 Meter parts. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 7
5 Operation . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
5.1 Modes. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
5.2 Basic operation .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 9
5.3 Work light . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .10
5.4 Indication of low battery level. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .10
5.5 Auto power off . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 10
6 Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .11
6.1 Cleaning and storage. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .11
6.2 Battery replacement . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
7 Technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .12
7.1 System specifications . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
7.2 Environmental specifications . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .12
8 Technical support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
9 FLIR Limited Lifetime Warranty . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .14
#T559851; r. AG/ 10041/10041; en-US v

1 Disclaimers
1.1 Copyright
© 2013, FLIR Systems, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.
No parts of the software including source code may be re-
produced, transmitted, transcribed or translated into any
language or computer language in any form or by any
means, electronic, magnetic, optical, manual or otherwise,
without the prior written permission of FLIR Systems.
The documentation must not, in whole or part, be copied,
photocopied, reproduced, translated or transmitted to any
electronic medium or machine readable form without prior
consent, in writing, from FLIR Systems.
Names and marks appearing on the products herein are
either registered trademarks or trademarks of FLIR Sys-
tems and/or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, trade
names or company names referenced herein are used for
identification only and are the property of their respective
owners.
1.2 Quality assurance
The Quality Management System under which these
products are developed and manufactured has been certi-
fied in accordance with the ISO 9001 standard.
FLIR Systems is committed to a policy of continuous de-
velopment; therefore we reserve the right to make
changes and improvements on any of the products with-
out prior notice.
1.3 Documentation updates
Our manuals are updated several times per year, and we
also issue product-critical notifications of changes on a
regular basis.
To access the latest manuals and notifications, go to the
Download tab at:
http://support.flir.com
It only takes a few minutes to register online. In the down-
load area you will also find the latest releases of manuals
for our other products, as well as manuals for our historical
and obsolete products.
1.4 Disposal of electronic waste
As with most electronic products, this equipment must be
disposed of in an environmentally friendly way, and in ac-
cordance with existing regulations for electronic waste.
Please contact your FLIR Systems representative for
more details.
#T559851; r. AG/ 10041/10041; en-US 1

2 Safety information
Note
Before operating the device, you must read, understand, and follow all in-
structions, dangers, warnings, cautions, and notes.
Note
FLIR Systems reserves the right to discontinue models, parts or accessories,
and other items, or to change specifications at any time without prior notice.
Note
Do not try to repair this unit. There are no user serviceable parts.
Note
Remove the batteries if the device is not used for an extended period of time.
Note
Static electricity and other stray sources of energy can randomly trigger the
FLIR VP50/VP52 sensor. This is normal. Random triggering is more likely in
high sensitivity mode but certainly can occur in the normal sensitivity mode as
well.
WARNING
Do not operate the device if you do not have the correct knowledge. Formal
qualifications and/or national legislation for the electrical inspections can ap-
ply. Incorrect operation of the device can cause damage, shock, injury or
death to persons.
WARNING
Before you use the unit, always do a test of the Voltage Detector on a known
live circuit to make sure that it operates correctly. There is a risk of electrocu-
tion if you do not do this. Injury to persons can occur.
#T559851; r. AG/ 10041/10041; en-US 2

2 Safety information
WARNING
Make sure that you keep your hands and fingers on the body of the probe and
away from the probe tip. There is a risk of electrocution if you do not do this.
Injury can occur.
WARNING
Do not put the unit near high temperatures or in areas of high humidity. This
can cause damage to the instrument.
WARNING
Do not use the unit if it is wet or if there is damage to it. Injury to persons can
occur.
WARNING
Do not apply more than the rated voltage between the probe tip and the
ground. This can cause damage to the instrument and injury to persons.
WARNING
Do not operate with the case open. Injury to persons can occur.
WARNING
Do not use the instrument before you have done a test of it on a known live cir-
cuit. Injury to persons can occur.
WARNING
Do not try to use the instrument as an AC voltage detector if the batteries are
weak or bad. This can cause damage to the instrument.
#T559851; r. AG/ 10041/10041; en-US 3

2 Safety information
WARNING
Make sure that children cannot touch the device. The device contains danger-
ous objects and small parts that children can swallow. If a child swallows an
object or a part, speak with a physician immediately. Injury to persons can
occur.
WARNING
Do not let children play with the batteries and/or the packing material. These
can be dangerous for children if they use them as toys.
WARNING
Do not touch expired or damaged batteries without gloves. Injury to persons
can occur.
WARNING
Do not cause a short-circuit of the batteries. This can cause damage to the in-
strument and can cause injury to persons.
WARNING
Do not put the batteries into a fire. Injury to persons can occur.
CAUTION
Do not use the device for a procedure that it is not made for. This can cause
damage to the protection.
#T559851; r. AG/ 10041/10041; en-US 4

2 Safety information
This symbol, adjacent to another symbol or terminal, indicates that
the user must refer to the manual for further information.
This symbol, adjacent to a terminal, indicates that, under normal
use, hazardous voltages may be present.
Double insulation.
UL listing is not an indication or a verification of the accuracy of the
meter
#T559851; r. AG/ 10041/10041; en-US 5

3 Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the FLIR VP50/VP52 non-contact AC volt-
age detector. Proper use and care of this meter will provide many years of reli-
able service.
The portable, rugged FLIR VP50/VP52 can detect the presence of AC voltage at
an electrical outlet, junction strip, circuit, or other device without actually touching
the device under test (FLIR VP50: Minimum excitation voltage is 90 V AC; FLIR
VP52: Minimum excitation voltage is 190 V AC). The FLIR VP50/VP52 includes a
high-sensitivity mode that can be used to detect low-level AC voltage signals
down to a minimum of 24 V AC. The vibrating and visual cues alert the user to the
presence of AC voltage. The bright built-in light systems permit operation in dimly
lit areas.
#T559851; r. AG/ 10041/10041; en-US 6

4 Description
4.1 Meter parts
Figure 4.1 Meter parts
1. AC voltage sensor.
2. Tip light.
3. Alarm indicator.
4. Status indicator.
5. Power button.
6. Pocket clip.
7. Work light button.
8. Work light and cover for battery compartment.
#T559851; r. AG/ 10041/10041; en-US 7

5 Operation
Note
Do not try to repair this unit. There are no user serviceable parts.
WARNING
Do not use the instrument before you have done a test of it on a known live cir-
cuit. Injury to persons can occur.
WARNING
Do not try to use the instrument as an AC voltage detector if the batteries are
weak or bad. This can cause damage to the instrument.
WARNING
Before you use the unit, always do a test of the Voltage Detector on a known
live circuit to make sure that it operates correctly. There is a risk of electrocu-
tion if you do not do this. Injury to persons can occur.
WARNING
Make sure that you keep your hands and fingers on the body of the probe and
away from the probe tip. There is a risk of electrocution if you do not do this.
Injury can occur.
WARNING
Do not put the unit near high temperatures or in areas of high humidity. This
can cause damage to the instrument.
#T559851; r. AG/ 10041/10041; en-US 8

5 Operation
WARNING
Do not use the unit if it is wet or if there is damage to it. Injury to persons can
occur.
WARNING
Do not apply more than the rated voltage between the probe tip and the
ground. This can cause damage to the instrument and injury to persons.
WARNING
Do not operate with the case open. Injury to persons can occur.
5.1 Modes
The meter operates in two different modes: Normal mode and High-sensitivity
mode. The excitation voltage required to activate the meter alarm is much lower
in High-sensitivity mode.
• In Normal mode, the minimum excitation voltage is 90 V AC (FLIR VP50)/190
V AC (FLIR VP52).
• In High-sensitivity mode, the minimum excitation voltage is 24 V AC.
Note
Static electricity and other stray sources of energy can randomly trigger the
FLIR VP50/VP52 sensor. This is normal. Random triggering is more likely in
high sensitivity mode but certainly can occur in the normal sensitivity mode as
well.
5.2 Basic operation
1. Press and hold the power button for at least 2 seconds to switch on the me-
ter. The meter vibrates briefly and the tip light turns on. The status indicator
should be solid green, indicating a proper working condition. If the status in-
dicator is flashing amber through the square, replace the batteries. If the sta-
tus indicator is flashing red, the meter is experiencing a malfunction—
contact FLIR Systems for service.
#T559851; r. AG/ 10041/10041; en-US 9

5 Operation
2. Once powered on, press the power button to toggle between High-sensitivity
mode and Normal mode.
Note
Test on a known live circuit before testing on an uncertain circuit.
• In Normal mode, the status indicator illuminates a solid green color.
• In High-sensitivity mode, the status indicator illuminates a solid amber
color through the square.
3. Hold the AC voltage sensor very close to the voltage source.
4. If voltage is present, the meter vibrates and the alarm indicator flashes.
• In Normal mode, the alarm indicator flashes red.
• In High-sensitivity mode, the alarm indicator flashes an amber color.
5. To switch off the meter, press and hold down the power button for at least 2
seconds. The status LED and the tip light turn off.
5.3 Work light
To turn the work light on or off, press and hold the work light button for 2 seconds.
5.4 Indication of low battery level
When the battery voltage falls below 2.4 V DC, the amber status LED starts flash-
ing. After 1 minute of flashing, the meter automatically turns off.
5.5 Auto power off
When using the meter in Normal mode or High sensitivity mode, the meter turns
off after 3 minutes of inactivity. Press the power button to prevent the meter from
turning off. The auto power off time-out is then reset.
The work light turns off after 30 minutes. This can not be prevented by pressing
any button.
#T559851; r. AG/ 10041/10041; en-US 10

6 Maintenance
6.1 Cleaning and storage
Clean the meter with a damp cloth and mild detergent; do not use abrasives or
solvents.
If the meter is not to be used for an extended period, remove the batteries and
store them separately.
6.2 Battery replacement
1. Switch off the meter before attempting to replace the batteries.
2. Unscrew the head of the meter.
3. Replace the two standard AAA batteries, observing correct polarity.
4. Secure the battery compartment cover.
#T559851; r. AG/ 10041/10041; en-US 11

7 Technical specifications
7.1 System specifications
Dimensions 29 mm × 26 mm × 156 mm(1.1″ ×
1.0″ × 6.1″)
Weight 0.20 kg (0.44 lb), including batteries
Battery life 7 hours continuous with the work light
off
Battery type 2 × AAA (LR03)
Agency approvals CE, UL/cUL
FLIR VP50 excitation voltage 90 V AC minimum
FLIR VP52 excitation voltage 190 V AC minimum
Voltage ranges 90 to 1000 V (FLIR VP50)
190 to 1000 V (FLIR VP52)
24 to 1000 V in high sensitivity mode
(FLIR VP50 and FLIR VP52)
Detection distance 0 to 5 cm
Category rating CAT IV-1000 V
Frequency range 45 - 65 Hz
Built-in work light Yes
Vibrating indication Yes
Off switch Yes
7.2 Environmental specifications
Operating temperature 0℃to 60℃(–32℉to 140℉)
Storage temperature –40℃to 90℃(–40℉to 194℉)
#T559851; r. AG/ 10041/10041; en-US 12

8 Technical support
Website http://www.flir.com/test
Technical support T&[e-mail]
Repairs [e-mail]
Phone number [phone] (toll-free)
#T559851; r. AG/ 10041/10041; en-US 13

9 FLIR Limited Lifetime Warranty
See http://support.flir.com/warranty for the FLIR Limited Lifetime Warranty that
applies to this product.
#T559851; r. AG/ 10041/10041; en-US 14