Fluke BT521 User manual

March 2014
© 2014 Fluke Corporation. All rights reserved. Specifications are subject to change without notice.
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.
BT521
Battery Analyzer
Users Manual

LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Each Fluke product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and
service. The warranty period is three years and begins on the date of shipment. Parts, product repairs, and
services are warranted for 90 days. This warranty extends only to the original buyer or end-user customer of
a Fluke authorized reseller, and does not apply to fuses, disposable batteries, or to any product which, in
Fluke's opinion, has been misused, altered, neglected, contaminated, or damaged by accident or abnormal
conditions of operation or handling. Fluke warrants that software will operate substantially in accordance
with its functional specifications for 90 days and that it has been properly recorded on non-defective media.
Fluke does not warrant that software will be error free or operate without interruption.
Fluke authorized resellers shall extend this warranty on new and unused products to end-user customers
only but have no authority to extend a greater or different warranty on behalf of Fluke. Warranty support is
available only if product is purchased through a Fluke authorized sales outlet or Buyer has paid the
applicable international price. Fluke reserves the right to invoice Buyer for importation costs of
repair/replacement parts when product purchased in one country is submitted for repair in another country.
Fluke's warranty obligation is limited, at Fluke's option, to refund of the purchase price, free of charge repair,
or replacement of a defective product which is returned to a Fluke authorized service center within the
warranty period.
To obtain warranty service, contact your nearest Fluke authorized service center to obtain return
authorization information, then send the product to that service center, with a description of the difficulty,
postage and insurance prepaid (FOB Destination). Fluke assumes no risk for damage in transit. Following
warranty repair, the product will be returned to Buyer, transportation prepaid (FOB Destination). If Fluke
determines that failure was caused by neglect, misuse, contamination, alteration, accident, or abnormal
condition of operation or handling, including overvoltage failures caused by use outside the product’s
specified rating, or normal wear and tear of mechanical components, Fluke will provide an estimate of repair
costs and obtain authorization before commencing the work. Following repair, the product will be returned to
the Buyer transportation prepaid and the Buyer will be billed for the repair and return transportation charges
(FOB Shipping Point).
THIS WARRANTY IS BUYER'S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY
OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. FLUKE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE
FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES,
INCLUDING LOSS OF DATA, ARISING FROM ANY CAUSE OR THEORY.
Since some countries or states do not allow limitation of the term of an implied warranty, or exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages, the limitations and exclusions of this warranty may not
apply to every buyer. If any provision of this Warranty is held invalid or unenforceable by a court or other
decision-maker of competent jurisdiction, such holding will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other
provision.
Fluke Corporation
P.O. Box 9090
Everett, WA 98206-9090
U.S.A.
Fluke Europe B.V.
P.O. Box 1186
5602 BD Eindhoven
The Netherlands
11/99

i
Table of Contents
Chapter Title Page
1 Product Overview and Specifications ................................................. 1-1
Introduction .............................................................................................. 1-1
Contact Fluke........................................................................................... 1-1
Product Overview..................................................................................... 1-1
Standard Equipment ................................................................................ 1-3
Safety Information.................................................................................... 1-4
Keys and I/O Terminals of the Product ................................................... 1-6
General Specifications............................................................................. 1-8
Accuracy Specifications........................................................................... 1-9
2 Basic Operation and Setup of the Product......................................... 2-1
Introduction .............................................................................................. 2-1
Tilt Stand .................................................................................................. 2-1
Adjust Display Contrast ........................................................................... 2-2
Set Language........................................................................................... 2-2
Set Date and Time ................................................................................... 2-2
Turn On/Off Beep..................................................................................... 2-3
AutoHold and AutoSave Modes .............................................................. 2-3
Set Auto Power Off Time......................................................................... 2-4
View Device Information .......................................................................... 2-4
Reset to Factory Mode ............................................................................ 2-4
View Memory Usage Information ............................................................ 2-4
3 Use the Product ..................................................................................... 3-1
Introduction .............................................................................................. 3-1
Switch Between Meter Mode and Sequence Mode................................ 3-1
Use a Profile in Sequence Mode............................................................. 3-3
Manage Profiles ................................................................................... 3-3
Create a Profile .................................................................................... 3-3
Edit a Profile......................................................................................... 3-4
Edit a Profile During Creation .......................................................... 3-4
Modify a Profile During Measurement ............................................. 3-4
Load a Profile....................................................................................... 3-5

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Load a Profile When Switched to Sequence Mode......................... 3-5
Make Measurements ............................................................................... 3-5
Test Battery Resistance and Voltage .................................................. 3-5
Battery Test Probes ......................................................................... 3-6
View Test Readings on the Screen ................................................. 3-6
Set Measurement Range................................................................. 3-7
Save Battery Test Readings............................................................ 3-8
Erase Test Readings ....................................................................... 3-8
Activate Low-Pass Filter for Resistance Measurement .................. 3-8
Set Measurement Thresholds ......................................................... 3-9
How the Thresholds Work ............................................................... 3-10
Measure DC Voltage ........................................................................... 3-11
Set Measurement Range................................................................. 3-11
Save DC Voltage Readings............................................................. 3-11
Measure AC Voltage............................................................................ 3-12
Measurement Range ....................................................................... 3-12
Save AC Voltage Readings ............................................................. 3-12
Measure Ripple Voltage ...................................................................... 3-13
Set Measurement Range................................................................. 3-13
Save Ripple Voltage Readings........................................................ 3-13
Measure Discharge Voltage ................................................................ 3-13
Make Measurements ....................................................................... 3-13
Typical Display................................................................................. 3-14
4 Use the Handle and Probes .................................................................. 4-1
Introduction .............................................................................................. 4-1
BTL21 Overview ...................................................................................... 4-1
Connect the Probe to the Product ........................................................... 4-2
Configure the Handle on the Product ...................................................... 4-2
Set the Handle Audio........................................................................... 4-2
Set Temperature Unit .......................................................................... 4-2
Turn On/Off the Handle Power (BTL20/BTL21) ...................................... 4-3
Understand the Handle Display............................................................... 4-3
Interchange Long and Short Probes ....................................................... 4-4
Replace the Probe Tips ........................................................................... 4-5
Use the Attachable Torch ........................................................................ 4-5
Zero Calibration ....................................................................................... 4-6
Measure Temperature ............................................................................. 4-6
5 View Memory .......................................................................................... 5-1
Introduction .............................................................................................. 5-1
View Data Saved in Meter Mode............................................................. 5-1
Delete Data Saved in Meter Mode .......................................................... 5-1
View Profiles Saved in Sequence Mode ................................................. 5-2
Delete Profiles Saved in Sequence Mode............................................... 5-2
6 Connection to PC or Mobile Device..................................................... 6-1
Introduction .............................................................................................. 6-1
Connect the Product to PC...................................................................... 6-1
Connect the product to Mobile device..................................................... 6-1
7 Maintenance ........................................................................................... 7-1
Introduction .............................................................................................. 7-1

Contents (continued)
iii
Install or Replace the Battery Pack ......................................................... 7-3
Replace the Fuse..................................................................................... 7-4
Clean the Product .................................................................................... 7-5
Charge the Battery................................................................................... 7-5
Parts and Accessories ............................................................................. 7-6

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v
List of Tables
Table Title Page
1-1. Standard Equipment .................................................................................... 1-3
1-2. Symbols ....................................................................................................... 1-5
1-3. Keys of the Product...................................................................................... 1-6
4-1. Elements of the Handle ............................................................................... 4-2
4-2. Typical Elements on the Handle Display..................................................... 4-3
7-1. Parts and Accessories ................................................................................. 7-6

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vii
List of Figures
Figure Title Page
1-1. I/O Terminals of the Product........................................................................ 1-7
2-1. Tilt Stand, USB Port and Battery Charger Input. ........................................ 2-1
3-1. Test Battery Resistance and Voltage .......................................................... 3-5
3-2. Connect Test Lead to Battery Pole ............................................................. 3-6
3-3. Measure DC Voltage ................................................................................... 3-11
3-4. Measure AC Voltage.................................................................................... 3-12
4-1. Interactive Handle........................................................................................ 4-1
4-2. Interchange the Long and Short Probes ..................................................... 4-4
4-3. Replace the 4-Wire Pins .............................................................................. 4-5
4-4. Attachable Torch.......................................................................................... 4-5
4-5. Meaure the Temperature of a Battery Pole................................................. 4-6
7-1. Install or Replace a Battery Pack ................................................................ 7-3
7-2. Replace the Fuse......................................................................................... 7-4

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1-1
Chapter 1
Product Overview and Specifications
Introduction
This chapter supplies information about the Product, safety information, contact
information, and specifications.
Contact Fluke
To contact Fluke, call one of the following telephone numbers:
•Technical Support USA: 1-800-44-FLUKE (1-800-443-5853)
•Calibration/Repair USA: 1-888-99-FLUKE (1-888-993-5853)
•Canada: 1-800-36-FLUKE (1-800-363-5853)
•Europe: [phone]
•China: [phone]
•Japan: [phone]
•Singapore: [phone]
•Anywhere in the world: [phone]
Or, visit Fluke's website at www.fluke.com.
To register your product, visit http://register.fluke.com.
To view, print, or download the latest manual supplement, visit
http://us.fluke.com/usen/support/manuals.
Product Overview
The Fluke BT521 Battery Analyzer (the Product) is a multifunctional meter designed for
the test and measurement of a stationary battery system. The Product can measure the
battery internal resistance (hereinafter referred to as “resistance”) and voltages. These
measurements can be used to determine the overall condition of the system. It can also
measure electrical parameters for battery system maintenance, including dc voltage up
to 1000 V, ac voltage up to 600 V, and ripple voltage.
Features of the Product include:
•Threshold and Warning – Users can configure a maximum of 10 sets of thresholds
and receive a Pass/Fail/Warning indication after each measurement.
•Meter and Sequence Modes – The Meter mode is for a quick test or trouble-
shooting. In this mode you can save and read the readings in a time sequence. The
Sequence mode is for maintenance tasks with multiple power systems and battery

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strings. Before a task starts, users can configure a profile for the task for data
management and report generation.
•Discharge Volts – The Discharge mode collects the voltage of each battery several
times at a certain interval during a discharge or load test. Users can calculate the
time a battery takes to drop to the cut-off voltage and use this time to determine the
capacity loss of this battery.
•AutoHold – When AutoHold is turned on, the Product freezes the reading when it
remains stable for 1 second. The frozen reading is released when a new
measurement starts.
•AutoSave – When the AutoSave mode is on, measured values are saved to the
internal memory of the Product automatically after AutoHold.
•CAT III 600 V Safety Rated – The product can measure a maximum of 600 V ac in a
Category III environment.
•Ripple Voltage Test – Measures the unwanted residual ac component of the
rectified voltage in dc charging and inverter circuits. Allows users to test ac
components in dc charging circuits and find one of the root causes of battery
deterioration.
•Fluke Battery Analyze Software – Easily import data from the Product to a PC. The
measurement data and battery profile information is stored and archived with the
Analyze Software and can be used for comparison and trend analysis. All
measurement data, battery profile and analysis information can be used to easily
generate reports.

Product Overview and Specifications
Standard Equipment 1
1-3
Standard Equipment
The items listed in Table 1-1 are included with the Product.
Table 1-1. Standard Equipment
Item No. Description Quantity Remarks
1 BT521 Meter 1
2 BP500 (battery) 1 7.4 V 3000mAh Lithium-ion
battery
3 BC500 (charger) 1 18 V dc power adapter
4 Power cord 1
5 BTL10 1
6 BTL Adapter 1
7 TL175 1
8 Current clamp i410 1
9 Magnetic plate 1
10 Belt strap 1
11 Shoulder strap 1
12 USB cable 1 Cable length: 1m
13 Safety Sheet 1
14 Large bag 1
15 Zero calibration 1
16 BTL21 1
17 Torch 2
18 Spare fuse 1

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Safety Information
A Warning identifies conditions and procedures that are dangerous to the user. A
Caution identifies conditions and procedures that can cause damage to the Product or
the equipment under test.
Warning
To prevent possible electrical shock, fire, or personal injury:
•Carefully read all instructions.
•Read all safety information before you use the Product.
•Use the Product only as specified, or the protection supplied by the
Product can be compromised.
•Do not use the Product around explosive gas, vapor, or in damp or wet
environments.
•Do not use the Product if it is damaged.
•Do not use the Product if it operates incorrectly.
•Do not apply more than the rated voltage, between the terminals or
between each terminal and earth ground.
•Do not touch voltages > 30 V ac rms, 42 V ac peak, or 60 V dc.
•Do not exceed the Measurement Category (CAT) rating of the lowest
rated individual component of a Product, probe, or accessory.
•Do not use the HOLD function to measure unknown potentials. When
HOLD is turned on, the display does not change when a different
potential is measured.
•Do not use test leads if they are damaged. Examine the test leads for
damaged insulation or exposed metal. Check test lead continuity.
•Avoid simultaneous contact with battery and frame racks or hardware
that may be grounded.
•Comply with local and national safety codes. Use personal protective
equipment (approved rubber gloves, face protection, and flame-
resistant clothes) to prevent shock and arc blast injury where
hazardous live conductors are exposed.
•Examine the case before you use the Product. Look for cracks or
missing plastic. Carefully look at the insulation around the terminals.
•Use only correct measurement category (CAT), voltage, and amperage
rated probes, test leads, and adapters for the measurement.
•Measure a known voltage first to make sure that the Product operates
correctly.
•Limit operation to the specified measurement category, voltage, or
amperage ratings.
•Keep fingers behind the finger guards on the probes.
•Remove all probes, test leads, and accessories before the battery door
is opened.
•Use the correct terminals, function, and range for measurements.

Product Overview and Specifications
Safety Information 1
1-5
•Use only current probes, test leads, and adapters supplied with the
Product.
•Install the CAT III protective cap of test lead when you use the product
in CAT III environment. The CAT III protective cap decreases the
exposed probe metal to < 4 mm.
•Do not operate the Product with covers removed or the case open.
Hazardous voltage exposure is possible.
See Table 1-2 for a list of symbols used in this manual and on the Product.
Table 1-2. Symbols
Symbol Description Symbol Description
Risk of danger. Important
information. See manual. AC (Alternating Current)
Hazardous voltage. DC (Direct Current)
Earth ground. Battery
Fuse CAT II
Measurement Category II is applicable to
test and measuring circuits connected
directly to utilization points (socket outlets
and similar points) of the low-voltage
MAINS installation.
CAT III
Measurement Category III is
applicable to test and measuring
circuits connected to the
distribution part of the building’s
low-voltage MAINS installation.
CAT IV
Measurement Category IV is applicable to
test and measuring circuits connected at the
source of the building’s low-voltage MAINS
installation.
Inspected and licensed by TÜV
Product Services. Conforms to relevant North American Safety
Standards.

Conforms to European Union
directives. Conforms to relevant Australian Standards.

This product complies with the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) marking requirements. The
affixed label indicates that you must not discard this electrical/electronic product in domestic
household waste. Product Category: With reference to the equipment types in the WEEE
Directive Annex I, this product is classed as category 9 "Monitoring and Control
Instrumentation” product. Do not dispose of this product as unsorted municipal waste. Go to
Fluke’s website for recycling information.

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Keys and I/O Terminals of the Product
Table 1-3 identifies and describes the keys.
Table 1-3. Keys of the Product
1 2 3
5
6
89 4
7
hsz001.eps
Item Key Function
12
34 Softkeys that work flexibly for various functions on the display.
LSelects an item in a menu and scrolls through information.
Switches between manual ranging and auto ranging. Cycles through all ranges in
manual ranging mode.
Turns on or turns off backlight.
Opens the Setup menu for configurations such as contrast, language, date/time,
and power off time.
Enables connection between the Product and nearby mobile devices for data
transmission.
M
Switches between Meter and Sequence measurement modes. For details, see
Chapter 3. Switches between Meter and Sequence memories. For details, see
Chapter 4.
Turns on or turns off the Product.
Freezes the current reading on the display and allows the display reading to be
saved. Also enables AutoHold.

Product Overview and Specifications
Keys and I/O Terminals of the Product 1
1-7
Figure 1-1 shows the terminals of the Product.
hpo002.eps
Figure 1-1. I/O Terminals of the Product

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General Specifications
Fuse Protection for Resistance...................... 0.44 A (44/100 A, 440 mA), 1000 V FAST Fuse, Fluke specified part
only
Power Supply
Battery power...................................................... BP500 smart battery pack: double cell lithium-ion, 7.4 V, 3000 mAh
Battery life........................................................... >8 hours in continuous full-load operation
Battery charging time.......................................... ≤4 hours
Power adapter output voltage............................. Use only BC500 battery charger: 18 V, 840 mA
Line power .......................................................... 100 V ac to 240 V ac adapter with country specific plug
Frequency........................................................... 50 Hz to 60 Hz
Temperature
Operating ............................................................ 0 °C to 40 °C
Storage ............................................................... -20 °C to 50 °C
Lithium-ion battery charging ............................... 0 °C to 40 °C
Relative Humidity (non-condensing, 10 °C)
Operating............................................................ ≤80 % at 10 °C to 30 °C
≤75 % at 30 °C to 40 °C
Storage ............................................................... ≤95 %
Altitude
Operating............................................................ 2,000 m
Storage ............................................................... 12,000 m
Temperature Coefficient....................................... 0.1 x (specified accuracy) /°C (<18 °C or >28 °C)
Vibration ................................................................ Complies with MIL-PRF-28800F Class 2
Dimensions
Length................................................................. 220 mm
Width................................................................... 103 mm
Depth .................................................................. 58 mm
Weight................................................................. 850 g
Screen Size ........................................................ 77.00 mm x 56.50 mm
Memory
Data/Setup flash memory ................................... 8 MB
IP Rating ................................................................ IEC 60529: IP 40
Safety ..................................................................... IEC 61010-1, IEC 61010-2-030, Pollution Degree 2
600 V CAT III, 1000 V dc max; Derated to CAT II with CAT II probe cap
installed
Electromagnetic Environment............................. IEC 61326-1: Portable
Certifications ......................................................... , , , 

Product Overview and Specifications
Accuracy Specifications 1
1-9
Accuracy Specifications
Accuracy is specified for a period of one year after calibration, at 18 °C to 28 °C (64 °F
to 82 °F), with relative humidity to 80 %. Accuracy specifications are given as: ±([% of
reading] + [number of least significant digits]). Accuracy specification assumes ambient
temperature stable ±1 °C.
Function Range Resolution Accuracy
Battery Resistance[1]
3 mΩ0.001 mΩ1 % + 8
30 mΩ0.01 mΩ0.8 % + 6
300 mΩ0.1 mΩ0.8 % + 6
3000 mΩ1 mΩ0.8 % + 6
V dc
6 V 0.001 V
0.09 % +5
60 V 0.01 V
600 V 0.1 V
1000 V 1 V
V ac (45 Hz to 500 Hz with low-
pass filter) 600 V 0.1 V 2 % + 10
Frequency (Display with V ac)
Trigger level: ≥10 mV @V ac;
≥10 A @A ac
45 Hz to 500 Hz 0.1 Hz 0.5 % + 8
AC Voltage Ripple (20 kHz
max)
600 mV
6000 mV
0.1 mV
1 mV
3 % + 20
3 % + 10
Amps dc/Amps ac (With
accessory Fluke i410) 400 A 1 A 3.5 % + 2
Temperature 0 °C to 60 °C 1 °C ±2 °C
[1] The measurement is based on ac injection method. The injected source signal is <100 mA, 1 kHz.

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