Fluke 1508 User manual

®
1508
Insulation Tester
Users Manual
June 2005 Rev. 1, 2/09
© 2005-2009 Fluke Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in China. Specifications are subject to change without notice.
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.

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 one year
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 soft-
ware 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, IN-
CLUDING 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 dam-
ages, 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
To register your product online, visit register.fluke.com

i
Table of Contents
Title Page
Introduction .................................................................................................................... 1
Contacting Fluke ............................................................................................................ 1
Safety Information .......................................................................................................... 2
Unsafe Voltage............................................................................................................... 4
Battery Saver (Sleep Mode) ........................................................................................... 4
Rotary Switch Positions.................................................................................................. 4
Buttons and Indicators.................................................................................................... 5
Understanding the Display ............................................................................................. 7
Input Terminals............................................................................................................... 9
Power-Up Options.......................................................................................................... 9
Making Measurements ................................................................................................... 10
Measuring Volts......................................................................................................... 11
Measuring Earth-Bond Resistance ............................................................................ 11
Measuring Insulation Resistance............................................................................... 13
Measuring Polarization Index and Dielectric Absorption Ratios ..................................... 14
Using the Compare Function.......................................................................................... 16
Using the Memory Function ........................................................................................... 17

1508
Users Manual
ii
Storing a Measurement ........................................................................................ 17
Recalling a Measurement..................................................................................... 17
Clearing Memory.................................................................................................. 17
Cleaning......................................................................................................................... 18
Testing the Batteries...................................................................................................... 18
Testing the Fuse ............................................................................................................ 18
Replacing the Batteries and Fuse.................................................................................. 19
Specifications................................................................................................................. 21
General Specifications .............................................................................................. 21
AC/DC Voltage Measurement................................................................................... 22
Earth-Bond Resistance Measurement ...................................................................... 23
Insulation Specifications............................................................................................ 23

iii
List of Tables
Table Title Page
1. Symbols................................................................................................................................. 3
2. Rotary Switch Selections....................................................................................................... 5
3. Buttons and Indicators........................................................................................................... 6
4. Display Indicators .................................................................................................................. 7
5. Error Messages ..................................................................................................................... 8
6. Input Terminal Descriptions................................................................................................... 9
7. Power-Up Options ................................................................................................................. 10

1508
Users Manual
iv

v
List of Figures
Figure Title Page
1. Rotary Switch ........................................................................................................................ 4
2. Buttons and Indicators........................................................................................................... 5
3. Display Indicators .................................................................................................................. 7
4. Input Terminals...................................................................................................................... 9
5. Measuring Volts..................................................................................................................... 11
6. Measuring Earth-Bond Resistance........................................................................................ 12
7. Measuring Insulation Resistance........................................................................................... 14
8. Measuring Polarization Index and Dielectric Absorption Ratios ............................................ 16
9. Using the Compare Function................................................................................................. 17
10. Testing the Fuse.................................................................................................................... 19
11. Replacing the Fuse and Battery ............................................................................................ 20

1508
Users Manual
vi

1
1508
Insulation Testers
Introduction
The Fluke model 1508 is a battery-powered insulation
tester (hereafter, "the Tester"). This Tester meet CAT IV
IEC 61010 standards. The IEC 61010 standard defines
four measurement categories (CAT I to IV) based on the
magnitude of danger from transient impulses. CAT IV
Testers are designed to protect against transients from
the primary supply level (overhead or underground utility
service).
The Tester measures or tests the following:
•AC / DC Voltage •Earth-Bond Resistance
•Insulation Resistance
Contacting Fluke
To contact Fluke, call:
1-888-993-5853 in USA
1-800-363-5853 in Canada
[phone] in Europe
[phone] in Japan
[phone] in Singapore
[phone] from anywhere in the world
Visit Fluke's web site at: www.fluke.com
Register your Tester at: register.fluke.com

1508
Users Manual
2
Safety Information
Use the Tester only as specified in this manual. Otherwise, the protection provided by the Tester may be impaired. See
Table for a list of symbols used on the Tester and in this manual.
A XWWarning identifies hazardous conditions and actions that could cause bodily harm or death.
A XWCaution identifies conditions and actions that could damage the Tester, the equipment under test, or cause
permanent loss of data.
XWWarning
To avoid possible electric shock or personal injury, follow these guidelines:
•Use the Tester only as specified in this manual or the protection provided by the Tester might be
impaired.
•Do not use the Tester or test leads if they appear damaged, or if the Tester is not operating properly. If
in doubt, have the Tester serviced.
•Always use the proper terminal, switch position, and range for measurements before connecting Tester
to circuit under test.
•Verify the Tester’s operation by measuring a known voltage.
•Do not apply more than the rated voltage as marked on the Tester, between the terminals or between
any terminal and earth ground.
•Use caution with voltages above 30 V ac rms, 42 V ac peak, or 60 V dc. These voltages pose a shock
hazard.
•Replace the battery as soon as the low battery indicator (b) appears.
•Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before testing resistance,
continuity, diodes, or capacitance.
•Do not use the Tester around explosive gas or vapor.
•When using the test leads, keep your fingers behind the finger guards.

Insulation Testers
Safety Information
3
•Remove test leads from the Tester before opening the Tester case or battery door. Never operate the
Tester with the cover removed or the battery door open.
•Comply with local and national safety requirements when working in hazardous locations.
•Use proper protective equipment, as required by local or national authorities when working in
hazardous areas.
•Avoid working alone.
•Use only the replacement fuse specified or the protection may be impaired.
•Check the test leads for continuity before use. Do not use if the readings are high or noisy.
Table 1. Symbols
BAC (Alternating Current) JEarth Ground
FDC (Direct Current) IFuse
XWARNING: risk of electric shock TDouble Insulated
b Battery (Low battery when shown on display) WImportant information; see manual

1508
Users Manual
4
Unsafe Voltage
To alert you to the presence of a potentially hazardous
voltage, when the Tester detects a voltage ≥30 V in
insulation test, ≥2 V in resistance, or a voltage overload
(OL), the Zsymbol is displayed.
Battery Saver (Sleep Mode)
The Tester enters the “Sleep mode” and blanks the
display if there is no function change or button press for
10 minutes. This is done to conserve battery power. The
Tester comes out of Sleep mode when a key is pressed or
when the rotary switch is turned.
The 10-minute timer is disabled during any insulation
resistance or earth-bond resistance measurement. The
time period starts immediately following any
measurement.
Rotary Switch Positions
Turn the Tester on by selecting any measurement
function. The Tester presents a standard display for that
function (range, measurement units, modifiers, etc.). Use
the blue button to select any rotary switch alternate
functions (labelled with blue letters). Rotary switch
selections are shown in Figure and described in Table .
bbv03f.eps
Figure 1. Rotary Switch

Insulation Testers
Buttons and Indicators
5
Table 2. Rotary Switch Selections
Switch
Position Measurement Function
b AC or DC voltage from 0.1 V to 600.0 V.
o Ohms from 0.01 Ωto 20.00 kΩ.
f
e
250V
100V
50V
Ohms from 0.01 MΩto 10.0 GΩ.
Performs insulation tests with 50, 100, 250,
500 and 1000 V.
XWWarning
To avoid shock, injury, or damage to the
Tester, use only accessories with 1000 V CAT
III or 600 V CAT IV rating.
Buttons and Indicators
Use the buttons to activate features that augment the
function selected with the rotary switch. There are also two
indicators on the front of the Tester which light up when
active. The buttons and indicators are shown in Figure
and described in Table .
bbv02f.eps
Figure 2. Buttons and Indicators

1508
Users Manual
6
Table 3. Buttons and Indicators
Button/
Indicator Description
A Press the blue button to select alternate
measurement functions.
M Saves the last insulation or earth-bond
measurement.
M Shifted function. Retrieves any
measurements stored in memory.
C Sets a pass/fail limit for insulation tests.
C
Shifted function. Press to configure the
Tester for a polarization index or dielectric
absorption ratio test. The test will start
when you press the Tbutton.
L
Test lock. When pressed before T
button, the test remains active until you
press the lock or test button again to
release the lock.
L Shifted function. Clears all memory
locations.
Button/
Indicator Description
H Turns the backlight on and off. The
backlight goes off after 2 minutes.
T
Initiates an insulation test when the rotary
switch is an INSULATION position. Causes the
Tester to source (output) a high voltage
and measure insulation resistance.
Initiates a resistance test when the rotary
switch is in the ohms position.
I
Unsafe voltage warning. Indicates 30 V or
greater (ac or dc depending on the rotary
switch position) is detected on the input.
Also appears when the display shows 0L in
the bswitch positions, and when batt
appears on the display. The Zalso appears
when insulation test is active.
J
Pass indicator. Indicates when the
insulation resistance measurement is
greater than the selected compare limit.

Insulation Testers
Understanding the Display
7
Understanding the Display
Display indicators are shown in Figure and described in
Table . Error messages that may appear on the display
are described in Table .
bbv01f.eps
Figure 3. Display Indicators
Table 4. Display Indicators
Indicator Description
l Indicates an insulation or resistance
test is locked on.
-
Q
Minus or greater than symbols
Z Unsafe voltage warning.
B
Low battery. Indicates when it is
time to replace the battery. When
Bis on, the backlight button is
disabled to conserve battery life.
XW Warning
To avoid false readings, which
could lead to possible electric
shock or personal injury,
replace the battery as soon as
the low battery indicator
appears.

1508
Users Manual
8
Table 5. Display Indicators (cont.)
Indicator Description
P d Polarization index or dielectric
absorption ratio test is selected.
Z Ohms lead zero is active.
VAC, VDC, Ω,
kΩ, MΩ, GΩMeasurement units
88.8.8 Primary display
t Insulation test indicator. Appears when
insulation test voltage is present.
VDC Volts
1888 Secondary display
c Indicates selected pass/fail compare
value.
18 m Storage memory location.
Table 5. Error Messages
Message Description
batt
Appears on the primary display and
indicates that the battery is too low for
reliable operation. The Tester will not
operate at all until the battery is replaced.
The Balso appears when batt is on the
primary display.
> Indicates an out of range value.
CAL Err Invalid calibration data. Calibrate the Tester.

Insulation Testers
Input Terminals
9
Input Terminals
Input terminals are shown in Figure and described in
Table .
1 3
2
bbv08f.eps
Figure 4. Input Terminals
Table 6. Input Terminal Descriptions
.
Item Description
A Input terminal for resistance measurement.
B Common (return) terminal for all measurements.
C Input terminal for volts or insulation test.
Power-Up Options
Holding a button down while turning the Tester on
activates a power-up option. Power-up options allow you
to use additional features and functions of the Tester. To
select a power-up option, hold down the appropriate
button indicated while turning the Tester from OFF to any
switch position. Power-up options are cancelled when the
Tester is turned OFF. Power-up options are described in
Table .

1508
Users Manual
10
Table 7. Power-Up Options
Button Description
A
bswitch position turns on all LCD
segments.
oswitch position displays the software
version number.
fswitch position displays the model
number.
L Starts the Calibration mode. The Tester
displays CAL and enters Calibration mode
when the button is released.
Note
Power Up options are active when the button is
pressed.
Making Measurements
The figures on the following pages show how to make
measurements.
When connecting the test leads to the circuit or device,
connect the common (COM) test lead before connecting
the live lead; when removing the test leads, remove the
live lead before removing the common test lead.
XWWarning
To avoid electric shock, injury, or damage to
the Tester, disconnect circuit power and
discharge all high-voltage capacitors before
testing.

Insulation Testers
Making Measurements
11
Measuring Volts
bbv09f.eps
Figure 5. Measuring Volts
Measuring Earth-Bond Resistance
Resistance tests should only be performed on
de-energized circuits. Check the fuse before testing. See
Testing the Fuse later in this manual. Connecting to an
energized circuit while the test is active will blow the fuse.
Note
Measurements can be adversely affected by
impedances of additional operating circuits
connected in parallel or by transient currents.
To measure resistance:
1. Insert test probes in the Ωand COM input terminals.
2. Turn the rotary switch to the oposition.
3. Short the ends of the probes together, press the blue
button and wait until dashes appear on the display.
The Tester measures the probe resistance, stores the
reading in memory, and subtracts it from readings.
The probe resistance reading is saved even when the
Tester is turned off. If the probe resistance is >2 Ω,
the resistance will not be saved.
4. Connect the probes to the circuit to be measured. The
Tester automatically detects if the circuit is energized.

1508
Users Manual
12
•The primary display shows ---- until you press the
Tbutton and a valid resistance reading is
obtained.
•The high voltage symbol (Y) along with a primary
display of >2 V warns if voltage greater than 2 V
ac or dc is present. In this condition, the test is
inhibited. Disconnect the Tester and remove
power before proceeding.
•If the Tester chirps when you press the T
button, the test is inhibited because voltage is
present at the probes.
5. Push and hold the Tbutton to start the test. The
ticon appears on the lower portion of the display
until you release the Tbutton. The resistance
reading appears on the primary display until a new
test is started or a different function or range is
selected.
When resistance is higher than the maximum display
range, the Tester displays the > symbol and the
maximum resistance for the range.
.
bbv04f.eps
Figure 6. Measuring Earth-Bond Resistance