Gossen MetraWatt METRAVOLT 12D+L User manual

Operating Instructions
METRAVOLT 12D+L
Voltage and Continuity Tester
with Phase and Polarity Tester
and Phase Sequence Indicator
3-349-592-02
4/4.12
GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH
Südwestpark 15
90449 Nürnberg • Germany
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
E-Mail [e-mail]
www.gossenmetrawatt.com

2 GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH
1Testprobes
2 Low voltage display (red LED):
as of 50 V AC / 120 V DC
3LED (green): lights up for resistance
measurement from 0 to 1999 k(continuity is
indicated by means of a sound generator)
4 LEDs for phase sequence indication left/right
5 Polarity display (~ or –)
6 LCD panel for voltage and resistance
7HOLD key: freezes the display value
8/V and CAL key: shift key for resistance /
voltage measurement and zero balancing for
resistance measuring range
9 and test key: On/Off key (manual) and
function test
10 Handle bar
11 Connection cable
Meanings of symbols on the instrument:
Warning concerning a source of danger
(attention: observe documentation!)
VDE testing authority approval mark
Indicates EC conformity
This device may not be disposed of with
the trash. Further information regarding
the WEEE mark can be accessed on the
Internet at www.gossenmetrawatt.com by
entering the search term ’WEEE’.
ED: On-time for voltage testing
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Table of Contents Page
1 Applications ............................................... 3
2 Safety Precautions ..................................... 4
3 Initial Start-Up ............................................ 5
3.1 Battery ................................................................. 5
3.2 Testing for Correct Display and Function ................ 5
4 Measuring and Testing .............................. 6
4.1 General Instructions .............................................. 6
4.2 Testing Voltage and Polarity .................................. 6
4.2.1 Voltages of Less than 24 V .................................... 7
4.2.2 Voltages of 24 ... 1000 V AC / 1500 V DC ............. 7
4.2.3 Voltages of 1000 V AC ... 1200 V AC ..................... 7
4.2.4 Voltages greater than 1200 V AC/1500 V DC ......... 7
4.3 Testing of Phase and Phase Sequence ................... 7
4.3.1 Phase Test ........................................................... 8
4.3.2 Testing of Phase Sequence ................................... 8
4.4 Resistance and Continuity Testing .......................... 8
5 Characteristic Values ................................. 9
6 Maintenance – Recalibration ................... 10
6.1 Battery ............................................................... 10
6.2 Housing ............................................................. 11
6.3 Recalibration ...................................................... 11
6.4 Device Return and Environmentally Compatible
Disposal ............................................................. 12
7 Repair and Replacement Parts Service
Calibration Center
and Rental Instrument Service ................ 12
8 Product Support ....................................... 12
1 Applications
The METRAVOLT 12D+L is a 2-pole voltage tester
with digital display, combined with an integrated
continuity, phase and polarity tester, and a phase
sequence indicator. It allows for safe detection and
measurement of AC and DC voltages within a
range of 24 to 1000 V at frequencies of up to
4 kHz. Resistance within a range of 0 to 1999 k
can also be measured with the integrated
continuity tester. Voltage and resistance values
appear in digital format at the LCD. In addition to
this, 3 LEDs indicate dangerous contact voltage
and phase sequence, with another LED indicating
resistance and a sound generator for continuity.
The METRAVOLT 12D+L can also be used in
precipitation thanks to IP 65 protection.

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2 Safety Precautions
You have selected an instrument which provides
you with a high level of safety.
The METRAVOLT 12D+L voltage tester has been
manufactured and tested in accordance with
requirements set forth in DIN EN 61243-3
(VDE 0682 part 401) regarding 2-pole voltage
testers. When used for its intended purpose, the
safety of the operator, as well as that of the
instrument, is assured.
In order to maintain flawless technical safety conditions,
and to assure safe use, it is imperative that you read
these operating instructions thoroughly and carefully
before placing your instrument into service, and that you
follow all instructions contained therein.
The instrument provides for excellent electrical
safety by means of two series resistors immediately
downstream from each of the two test probes as
well as two completely autonomous test systems:
• Low voltage test display which reliably indi-
cates any existing voltage by means of one
LED, even without batteries.
• Digital display for exact test values.
The METRAVOLT 12D+L voltage tester has been
approved by the VDE test authority for application
of the VDE GS mark.
Observe the following safety precautions:
• The instrument has a nominal voltage range of
24 to 1000 V AC/1500 V DC. The instrument
may only be used in electrical systems whose
nominal voltage lies within this range.
• The faultless functioning of the display is only
guaranteed in the temperature range from
– 10 °C to + 55 °C.
• Touch the instrument by the handles only
during testing, and never touch the test
probes.
• The voltage tester is equipped with IP65
protection, and can be used in wet weather
conditions (protected against jet water
streams from all directions).
However, powerful water jets, flooding and
submersion or immersion must be avoided.
• If one of the displays fails during the self-test
described in chapter 3 – even if only partial
failure occurs – or if no display appears
indicating that the instrument is ready for use,
the voltage tester may not be placed into
operation.
• The voltage tester may not be dismantled by un-
authorized persons (see chapter 7 on page 12).
• The voltage tester has a maximum allowable
on-time of 2 minutes for voltage tests.
• Voltage testers must be kept dry and clean.
The housing can be cleaned with isopropyl
alcohol or soapy water.

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3 Initial Start-Up
3.1 Battery
Your instrument is supplied with an installed 9 V block
battery in accordance with I
EC 6 LR 61.
Attention!
!
Be sure to refer to chapter 6.1 before initial
start-up, or after your device has been in
storage for a lengthy period of time.
3.2 Testing for Correct Display and Function
According to DIN VDE 0105 part 1, voltage testers
must be tested for correct functioning shortly
before they are used for testing for the absence of
voltage.
ÐPress and hold the key. All display
segments light up at the LCD, the and
phase sequence LEDs light up as well and the
buzzer sounds.
ÐRelease the key.
A value within a range of 0.00 to 0.02 V
appears at the display.
ÐNow press the /V key.
OL and Mappears at the display
ÐShort-circuit the two test probes.
A value within a range of 0.00 to 0.02 k
appears at the LCD. An acoustic signal is
generated at the same time, and the
green LED lights up. All device functions
have now been tested.
ÐCheck the function of the low voltage display
(LED = red) at a known voltage source,
e.g. a 230 V socket. At the same time, the
tested voltage value is indicated at the LCD.
Zero-balancing for the resistance measuring range can
be recalibrated if necessary:
ÐActivate the range with the /V key
ÐPress the two test probes firmly together.
ÐPress the /V key until CAL appears at the
display and the green LED blinks.
Calibration has been successfully completed
as soon as 000 kis displayed and the 
LED lights up permanently. An acoustic signal
is generated for the entire duration of this
procedure.
Attention!
!
If one of the displays fails during the self-
test – even if only partial failure occurs – or
if no display appears indicating that the
instrument is ready for use, the voltage
tester may not be placed into operation!

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4 Measuring and Testing
4.1 General Instructions
Automatic On/Off
The voltage tester is switched on automatically as
soon as a voltage value as of 24 V is applied.
If “continuity testing” has been activated, the
instrument switches automatically to “voltage
testing”.
The instrument automatically selects the
measuring range which corresponds to the
applied voltage value (see Characteristic Values).
The instrument is switched off automatically
approximately 30 seconds after the last
measurement in order to extend battery life.
Note!
If only one pole of a test probe is
connected to voltage or to a statically
charged object, the voltage tester may
turn itself on automatically. This has no
significance.
“Freezing” the Measured Value
The maximum voltage value can be „stored“ on
the display when pressing and holding the „HOLD“
button. The value is shown for approx. 30 seconds
or until you press the „HOLD“ button again. The
Hold function is deactivated when voltage is
applied again.
If the measured value remains stable for approx.
2 seconds, the maximum value has been
recorded.
4.2 Testing Voltage and Polarity
Attention!
!
The maximum allowable on-time for
voltage testing is 2 minutes.
ÐSecurely contact the measuring points with
the test probes.
Attention: Dangerous Voltage!
The low voltage display lights up as from a
voltage of at least 50 V AC/120 V DC. A haz-
ardous voltage is present!
The low voltage display (LED) even remains in
working order when the battery is empty or when
the device is not equipped with a battery. If this is
the only signal that lights up, please observe
chapter 3.2.

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4.2.1 Voltages of Less than 24 V
For voltages of less than 24 V (as from 0.1 V), the
instrument must be switched on, or the measuring
range has to be adapted with the key.
4.2.2 Voltages of 24 ... 1000 V AC / 1500 V DC
(Nominal voltage range per IEC 61243-3)
The instrument automatically shows the voltage
type (AC/DC) and the voltage in „V“ on the LC
panel.
4.2.3 Voltages of 1000 V AC ... 1200 V AC
(beyond the limits per IEC 61243-3)
The voltage tester allows for safely performing
tests beyond the nominal voltage range up to
1200 V AC. The measured value is indicated on
the display in flashing digits.
4.2.4 Voltages greater than 1200 V AC/1500 V DC
The display „OL“ and an acoustic signal warns
against voltages exceeding 1200 V AC/
1500 V DC. In this case, the test must be aborted
immediately!
Displaying Polarity
The voltage type is identified by means of the “~”
or the “–” symbol. Direct voltage: If the plus pole is
connected to the test probe identified with the “+”
symbol, no sign appears. If the minus pole is
connected to the test probe identified with “+”
symbol, the minus sign „–“ appears before the
displayed value.
4.3 Testing of Phase and Phase Sequence
The METRAVOLT 12D+L is equipped with two tri-
angular LED displays in order to perform phase
sequence tests. These tests can be performed at
a nominal voltage of at least 165 V (50 Hz) to
earth.
Attention!
!
When performing these tests, the handle
bar of the device must be clasped firmly
(see picture below).
Note!
You may wear insulating gloves when per-
forming the tests.
Tests can be impaired by unfavourable
locations, for example on wooden ladders
or insulating floor coverings, as well as in
improperly grounded AC voltage systems.

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4.3.1 Phase Test
The phase conductor is determined by applying
the test probe (+L1) to the conductor.
If “POL” appears at the LCD panel, the conductor
is live.
4.3.2 Testing of Phase Sequence
The phase sequence between two phases in a
grounded 3-phase system is determined as
follows by applying both test probes and by
clasping the handle bar of the display component:
ÐIdentify the phase conductors one pole at a
time (see “Phase Test“).
ÐApply both test probes to two phase
conductors (display approx. 400 V).
If phase L1 has been contacted with the test
probe with display (+L1), and if phase L2 has been
contacted with the other test probe, the LED „R“
lights up in the event of clockwise rotation. If the
LED „L“ lights up, the direction of rotation is
counter clockwise. If 230 V is displayed instead of
400 V, the neutral conductor may have been
contacted with one of the test probes.
4.4 Resistance and Continuity Testing
ÐWith the instrument switched on, press the
/V key.
„OL“ and „MO“ appear on the LCD.
ÐSecurely contact the measuring points with
the test probes.
If resistance values of 0 ... 10 kare present, the mea-
sured value is indicated on the LCD in „k“.The
green LED ““ lights up at the same time, and an
acoustic signal is generated.
If resistance values of 10 k...1.999 Mare present,
the measured value is indicated on the LCD panel
in „k“ or in „M“. The green LED ““ blinks at the
same time, and no acoustic signal is generated.
If resistance values > 2 Mare present, the display
passes to overflow and „OL” and “M“ appear on
the display. The LED does not light up and no
acoustic signal is generated.
For instructions on zero-balancing, see chapter 3.2.
Notes regarding continuity testing:
• During continuity testing, the measuring
voltage plus pole is located at the test probe
identified with L1.
• Measuring current has a constant value of
5A 0 49 kand 1 A for 50 1999 k
• If a voltage of 24 V or greater is applied when
the tester is in the “continuity testing” mode,
the instrument is automatically switched to
“voltage testing”.

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5 Characteristic Values
1)TRMS value, sinusoidal
2) Display as from 0,0 V
Nominal voltage range 24 ... 1000 V AC/1500 V DC
(auto on from 24 V onwards)
Overvoltage range
(beyond the limit specified in IEC 61243-3)
> 1000 V AC ... 1200 V AC
Nominal frequency range 15 Hz ... 10 kHz < 500 V
15 Hz ... 4 kHz > 500 V
Input impedance approx. 320 k
AC
approx. 710 k DC
Current 3.2 mA at 1000 V AC
1.4 mA at 1000 V DC
On-time 2 minutes
Digital Display
Digital display with background illumination
Type 7-segment characters
3½ place
Display range 0 ... 1999 digits
Overflow display “OL” appears
Measuring rate
3 measurements per second
LEDs 4 for voltage, continuity
and phase sequence
Power Supply
Battery 9 V block battery
alcaline manganese cell
per IEC 6 LR61,
or equivalent NiMH
rechargeable battery
Battery test The battery status is
symbolized by a 3-stage
battery indicator „ “.
Electrical Safety
Measurement category 1000 V CAT IV
Surge withstand
capability > 12 kV (1.2/50 μs)
Test voltage 6 kV
Meas-
ured
Qty.
Measuring 2)
Ranges
(auto-ranging)
Reso-
lution
Frequency
Range /
Measuring
Current
Intrinsic
Uncertainty
U–
0.10 V 8.99 V
9.0 V 99.9 V
100 V 1500 V
0.01 V
0.1 V
1 V
—(1.5% rdg.
+ 3 digits)
U~
TRMS
1.0 V 99.9 V
100 V 1200 V
0.1 V
1 V
15 Hz
1.8 kHz
(1.5% rdg.
+ 3 digits)
U~ 1)
15 V 99.9 V
100 V 1200 V
> 1.8 kHz
10 kHz (15% rdg.
+ 3 digits)
499 V ... 1200V > 1.8 kHz
4kHz
R0.1 49 k100 5μA (5% rdg.
+ 3 digits)
50 1999 k1k1μA

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Electromagnetic Compatibility
Interference emission EN 61326:2006 Class B
Interference immunity EN 61326:2006
Ambient Conditions
Operating temperatures –10 ... + 55 C
Relative humidity max. 85%
Elevation max. 2000 m
Mechanical Design
Protection IP 65
Extract from table on the meaning of IP codes
Housing Impact resistant, dust-tight
plastic housing with
unbreakable display cover
Connector cable
between test probes PUR sheathed cable
1000 V, 1 m
Dimensions Test probe with display
panel
62 mm×240 mm×39 mm
Weight 270 g (including battery)
6 Maintenance – Recalibration
6.1 Battery
ÐCheck the battery at short regular intervals to
make sure that no leakage has occurred. If
leakage occurs, electrolyte must be fully
removed from the instrument and a new
battery must be installed.
Remove the battery if the voltage tester is not to
be used for a lengthy period of time.
The current state of the battery is indicated by a
three-stage battery symbol in the display.
Battery full
Battery half full
(many measurements are still possible)
Battery empty
If the empty battery symbol appears at the display,
“ ”, the battery must be replaced. Depending
upon the utilized type of battery, 30 to 100
measurements can still be performed after the low
battery symbol appears.
Attention!
!
Measured values are no longer reliable
when the “ ” symbol starts blinking,
and the battery must be replaced
immediately.
IP XY
(1st digit X)
Protection against
foreign object
entry
IP XY
(2nd digit Y)
Protection against
the penetration of
water
6 dust-tight 5 water jets