Gossen MetraWatt PROFITEST PVSUN User manual

Operating Instructions
PROFITESTPVSUN
Test Instrument for Testing PV Modules
and Strings per DIN EN 62446 (VDE 0126-23) 3-349-672-03
1/2.12
These operating instructions are available
in this, as well as other languages, in PDF
format on the Internet at
www.gossenmetrawatt.com.

2GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH
Contents Page
1 Scope of Delivery ............................................................. 2
2 Significance of Symbols .................................................. 2
3 Introduction ...................................................................... 2
4 Transport and Storage ..................................................... 3
5 Safety Precautions ........................................................... 3
6 Use for Intended Purpose ................................................. 3
7 Operating and Display Elements ..................................... 3
8 Initial Start-Up .................................................................. 3
9 Measurements ................................................................. 4
9.1 Testing Protective Conductor Continuity
per EN 62446 (VDE 0126-23) (> 200 mA) ......................................4
9.2 Polarity Test / Measuring Open Circuit Voltage U0
per EN 62446 (VDE 0126-23) ........................................................4
9.3 Measuring Short-Circuit Current ISC per EN 62446 ..........................5
9.4 Testing Insulation Resistance per EN 62446 ....................................5
9.5 General Insulation Resistance Measurement ....................................6
9.6 Ground Fault Test ..........................................................................6
9.7 Temperature Measurement (optional) ..............................................6
10 Characteristic Values ....................................................... 7
11 Maintenance .................................................................... 7
11.1 Battery Replacement ......................................................................7
11.2 Housing ........................................................................................7
12 Repair and Replacement Parts Service ........................... 8
13 Product Support ............................................................... 8
1 Scope of Delivery
1PROFITEST PVSUN
4 Batteries, 1.5 V IEC LR6 (AA)
3 Safety measurement cables, 1.5 m, red, blue and yellow
1 Safety test probe
1 Safety alligator clip
2 Solar plug adapter, red
2 Solar plug adapter, blue
1 Carrying case with foam insert
1 Set of operating instructions
2 Significance of Symbols
Meanings of Symbols on the Instrument
Warning concerning a point of danger
(attention: observe documentation!)
Protection class II device
(continuous, doubled or reinforced insulation)
This device may not be disposed of with the trash. Fur-
ther information regarding the WEEE mark can be
accessed on the Internet at www.gossen-
metrawatt.com by entering the search term “WEEE”.
EC mark of conformity
Meanings of Symbols in the Operating Instructions
Caution! Dangerous Voltage
Warning!
Warning concerning a source of danger
Attention!
!
Non-observance may result in distorted measurement
results.
Note
Please observe!
Measuring Categories and their Significance per IEC 61010-1
3 Introduction
These operating instructions contain information and directions
which are necessary for safe operation and use of the instrument.
Before using the instrument, the operating instructions must be
carefully read and all points contained therein must be followed
correctly. Non-observance of the operating instructions, as well
as warnings and directions included therein, may result in severe
injury to the user or damage to the instrument.
The PROFITEST PVSUN is used for simple testing of solar cells and
modules. The terms used in these operating instructions to desig-
nate systems for generating electrical power from sunlight
include: solar system, photovoltaic system, PV system and the
like.
Scope of Functions
• Voltage measurement to 1000 V DC
• Short circuit current measurement to 20 A DC
• Selection of insulation test voltage: 250, 500 or 1000 V DC
• Insulation measurement to 20 Mwith display of limit value
• Testing of protective conductor continuity
• Earth fault measurement
• Polarity check
•BacklitLCDpanel
• Optional temperature measurement
!
CAT Definition
0
Measurements in other electrical circuits
which are not directly connected to the mains:
e.g. electrical systems in motor vehicles and aircraft, batteries
etc.
II
Measurements in electrical circuits
which are electrically connected to the low-voltage mains:
via plug, e.g. in household, office and laboratory applications
III
Measurements in building installations:
Stationary consumers, distributor terminals, devices connected
permanently to the distributor
IV Measurements at power sources for low-voltage installations:
meters, mains terminals, primary overvoltage protection devices

GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH 3
4 Transport and Storage
Please retain the original packaging for subsequent shipment of
the instrument. Transport damages due to inadequate packaging
are excluded from the guarantee.
The instrument may only be stored in dry, closed rooms.
If the instrument is subjected to extreme temperature during
transport, it requires at least 2 hours for acclimatization before it is
switched on.
5 Safety Precautions
The instrument has been manufactured and tested in accordance
with IEC/EN 61010-1, “Safety requirements for electrical equip-
ment for measurement, control and laboratory use”, and has been
shipped from the factory in flawless technical safety condition. In
order to assure that this condition is retained, the user must
observe the safety precautions included in these operating
instructions.
Caution! Dangerous Voltage
In order to prevent electrical shock, corresponding safety
precautions must be implemented when working with
voltages of greater than 120 V (60 V) DC or 50 V (25 V)
AC TRMS. In accordance with DIN VDE, these values
specify the limit for exposed (touchable) voltages (the val-
ues in parentheses apply to, for example, the fields of
medicine and agriculture).
Before each measurement, make sure that the measurement
cables and the measuring instrument are in flawless condition.
The measuring instrument may only be used within the specified
measuring ranges.
If the safety of the user is no longer assured, the instrument must
be removed from service and secured against unintentional use.
Safety of the user is no longer assured if the instrument:
• Demonstrates apparent damage
• No longer performs the desired measurements
• Has been stored for too long under unfavorable conditions
• Has been subjected to mechanical stressing during transport
The instrument may not be opened, dismantled or modified in any
way. The instrument may only be used with recommended
accessories. The use of unsuitable accessories is impermissible.
Trade association accident prevention regulations for electrical
systems and operating equipment must be adhered to during all
work with the instrument.
Do not allow the instrument to warm up due to exposure to direct
sunlight. Flawless functioning and a long service life cannot other-
wise be assured.
6 Use for Intended Purpose
The instrument may only be used under the conditions and for the
purposes for which it has been designed. In this respect, special
attention must be given to safety precautions, technical data
regarding ambient conditions and use in a dry environment.
Warning!
The instrument may not be operated at measuring cate-
gory II, III and IV mains power circuits.
In accordance with EN 61010-1:2010, the instrument
has been designed without a rated measuring category,
and may only be used at direct voltage circuits with up to
1000 V without transient overvoltages.
Operating safety is no longer assured in the event of modification
or alteration. The instrument may only be opened by authorized
service technicians.
Never operate the instrument at a higher voltage than specified in
the technical data! The instrument may otherwise be destroyed or
permanently damaged.
7 Operating and Display Elements
1 LCD panel with background illumination
2 Sensor socket for temperature measurement (optional)
3 On/Off switch / background illumination
4 Low-resistance measurement RLOW /
measurement cable compensation COMP
5 Short-circuit measurement ISC /
insulation resistance measurement RISO per EN 62446
6 General insulation resistance measurement RISO /
selection of insulation test voltage
7Measurementinput+/ continuity test
8 Measurement input – / insulation measurement /
continuity test
9 Measurement input ground terminal / insulation measurement
10 Back: battery compartment
11 Battery level indicator
8 Initial Start-Up
The PROFITEST PVSUN is supplied with power from four AA batteries
(1.5 V IEC LR6). The batteries must be inserted before the instru-
ment can be used.
➭Remove the battery compartment lid on the back of the in-
strument by loosening the two Phillips head screws.
➭Insert the batteries. Be sure to observe the polarity symbols
which are embossed into the floor of the battery compart-
ment.
➭Replace the battery compartment lid and retighten the
screws.
Attention!
!
The test instrument may only be operated with installed
battery compartment lid.
2
17
8
9
34 56 10
11
Battery full Battery weak

4GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH
9 Measurements
Warning!
The photovoltaic system’s plug connectors may not be
disconnected under load. Please observe warnings and
instructions provided by the plug manufacturer.
Caution! Dangerous Voltage
Solar modules continuously generate current, even when
shaded. Regulations for working with live voltage must
be adhered to during all work.
Switching the PROFITEST PVSUN On
➭The test instrument is switched on by pressing the key.
➭After the test instrument has been switched on, background
illumination can be switched on by briefly pressing the same
key once again.
➭Briefly pressing the key a third time switches background illu-
mination back off.
➭The test instrument can be switched off by pressing and hold-
ing the key for longer than 2 seconds.
9.1 Testing Protective Conductor Continuity
per EN 62446 (VDE 0126-23) (> 200 mA)
If a protective conductor or an equipotential bonding conductor is
included at the DC side of the photovoltaic system, its electrical
connection must be tested for continuity.
The connection to the main grounding terminal must also be
tested.
Warning!
Disconnect all solar modules from the system before
performing the measurement.
Compensation for Measurement Cable Resistance
Ohmic measurement cable resistance can be subtracted from the
measurement results automatically. Proceed as follows in order to
determine the resistance offset value:
➭Switch the PROFITEST PVSUN test instrument on.
➭Connect the measurement cables to the (+) and (–) sockets
and short-circuit the plug-on test probes.
➭Press and hold the COMP key for at least 2 seconds in order to
trigger offset resistance measurement.
The following display appears after completion of the mea-
surement: RLOW: 0.0 .
The measured ROFFSET value is not displayed, but is permanently
stored internally and is subtracted from the actual result of all sub-
sequent RLOW measurements, until a new offset resistance value is
acquired.
Protective Conductor Resistance Measurement
➭Connect the (+) socket to a protective conductor terminal at
the solar module and the (–) socket to the equipotential bond-
ing busbar.
➭Briefly press the RLOW key.
Measurement is started. The RLOW resistance value measured for
the protective conductor system appears at the display:
Attention!
!
Measurement results may be distorted due parallel con-
nected impedances at load current circuits, as well as
equalizing current.
9.2 Polarity Test / Measuring Open Circuit Voltage U0
per EN 62446 (VDE 0126-23)
Warning!
Disconnect the solar module under test from the system
before performing measurement.
➭Connect the PROFITEST PVSUN test instrument to the module
with the help of suitable solar plugs.
➭Switch the PROFITEST PVSUN test instrument on.
The module’s open circuit voltage U0appears at the display.
Note
In the case of incorrect polarity, a warning symbol
appears to the right of the voltage display.
➭Reverse polarity at the solar module and start testing over
again.
U0: 0 V
RLOW: 0.1 
RISO: ---
U0: 500 V
ISC: ---
RISO: ---
U0: Pol
ISC: ---
RISO: ---
!

GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH 5
9.3 Measuring Short-Circuit Current ISC per EN 62446
Warning!
Disconnect the solar module under test from the system
before performing the measurement.
➭Connect the PROFITEST PVSUN test instrument to the module
with the help of suitable solar plugs.
➭Switch the PROFITEST PVSUN test instrument on.
The module’s open circuit voltage U0appears at the display.
➭Press the ISC key.
Open circuit voltage U0and short-circuit current ISC appear at the
display:
The (+) and (–) terminals at the solar module are short circuited
during the measurement, and momentary short-circuit current is
measured. Insulation resistance is measured at the same time
(see section 9.4).
9.4 Testing Insulation Resistance per EN 62446
Warning!
Disconnect the solar module under test from the system
before performing measurement.
Attention!
!
Insulation measurement per EN 62446 is executed be-
tween short circuited (+) / (–) and () terminals.
➭Connect the PROFITEST PVSUN test instrument to the module
with the help of suitable solar plugs.
➭Connect the ground terminal at the PROFITEST PVSUN to the
module frame.
➭Switch the PROFITEST PVSUN test instrument on.
The module’s open circuit voltage U0appears at the display.
Selecting the Test Voltage
➭Press and hold the RISO/250V/500V/1000V key for at least 2
seconds.
The currently selected test voltage appears the display.
➭Select the required insulation test voltage by briefly and re-
peatedly pressing the RISO/250V/500V/1000V key.
The last selected value is saved after a short period of time, and is
then cleared from the display.
Executing the Insulation Resistance Measurement
➭Press the ISC/RISO key and read the measured value from the
display.
The (+) and (–) terminals at the solar module are short circuited
during the measurement, and momentary short-circuit current is
measured. Insulation resistance is measured at the same time.
Minimum Permissible Limit Values for Insulation Resistance
Relative to Insulation Test Voltage per EN 62446
Note
If the limit value is fallen short of,
<1Mor < 0.5 Mappears for RISO.
U0: 500 V
ISC: 15 A
RISO: > 20 M
System Voltage (U0
x 1.25)
Test Voltage Limit Value
< 120 V 250 V 0.5 M
120 to 500 V 500 V 1 M
> 500 V 1000 V 1 M
U0: 500 V
ISC: 0.0 A
RISO: ---
Uiso = 1000 V
U0: 0 V
ISC: 0.0 A
RISO: < 1 M

6GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH
9.5 General Insulation Resistance Measurement
The PROFITEST PVSUN test instrument is additionally equipped with
system-independent insulation testing. This is helpful, for exam-
ple, when testing systems or supply lines when no modules have
yet been installed. All insulations tests known to date can be per-
formed.
Warning!
The test object must be potential-free. Assure absence
of voltage with the help of a suitable measuring instru-
ment, for example the METRAVOLT 12D+L voltage tes-
ter.
Note
General insulation measurement is executed between
short circuited (–) and () terminals.
➭Connect the (–) and () terminals at the PROFITEST PVSUN to the
device under test.
➭Switch the PROFITEST PVSUN test instrument on.
Selecting the Test Voltage
➭Press and hold the RISO/250V/500V/1000V key for at least 2
seconds.
The currently selected test voltage appears at the display.
➭Select the required insulation test voltage by briefly and re-
peatedly pressing the RISO/250V/500V/1000V key.
The last selected value is saved after a short period of time, and is
then cleared from the display.
Executing the Insulation Resistance Measurement
➭Press the RISO/250V/500V/1000V key and read the measured
value from the display.
Note
If the minimum permissible limit value is fallen short of,
<1Mor < 0.5 Mappears for RISO.
9.6 Ground Fault Test
If a ground fault occurs within the system, the error can be nar-
rowed down on the basis of the voltage ratio.
Warning!
Disconnect all solar modules from the system before
performing the measurement.
➭Connect the PROFITEST PVSUN to the module with the help of
suitable solar plugs.
➭Connect the ground terminal at the PROFITEST PVSUN to the
module frame.
➭Switch the PROFITEST PVSUN test instrument on.
Momentary open circuit voltage is displayed.
At the same time, a second voltage (Ue) appears in the event of a
ground fault.
9.7 Temperature Measurement (optional)
Warning!
Hot surfaces may cause burns.
➭Connect the temperature sensor to the sensor socket.
➭Switch the PROFITEST PVSUN on.
Current temperature appears at the display.
U0: 0 V
ISC: 0.0 A
RISO: ---
Uiso = 1000 V
U0: 0 V
ISC: 0.0 A
RISO: > 20 M
U0: 144 V
ISC: 0.0 A
Ue: 48 V
U0: 0 V
ISC: 0.0 A
RISO: ---
T = 19° C

GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH 7
10 Characteristic Values
Voltage Measurement U0
Measuring range 0 to 1000 V DC (no transient voltages)
Resolution 1 V
Accuracy (1% rdg. + 1 d)
Current (direct)
Measuring range 0 to 20 A DC
Voltage range 2 to 1000 V DC
Resolution 0.1 A
Accuracy (1% rdg. + 1 d)
Overcurrent protection Max. 24 A (shutdown of internal circuit)
Insulation Resistance Measurement RISO
Earth Fault Measurement
Measuring range 0 to 1000 V DC
Resolution 1 V
Accuracy (1% rdg. + 1 d)
Low-Resistance Measurement
Measuring range 0 to 10 
Test curre nt > 200 mA
Resolution 0.1 
Accuracy (1% rdg. + 1 d)
No. of measurements Approx. 500 low-resistance
measurements
(batteries: 1.5 V per IEC LR6)
Display
LCD Backlit multiple display
Dot matrix: 128 x 64 pixels
Reference Conditions
Ambient temperature +23° C 2K
Relative humidity 40 to 75%
Battery voltage 6 V 1V
Ambient Conditions
Operating
temperature 0 to +40° C
Storage temperature -10° C to 60° C
Relative humidity < 80%, no condensation allowed
Elevation Max. 2000 m above sea level
Power Supply
Batteries 4 ea. 1.5 V IEC LR6, AA, AM3, MN1500
Consumption Approx. 20 μA when switched off
Approx. < 30 mA during normal operation
Approx. 190 mA with backgr. illumination
Electrical Safety
Measuring category CAT 0 / 1000 V
Instrument without rated measuring
category per EN 61010-2-30:2010
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
EMC directive EMC 2004/108/EC
Basic standard EN 61326-1:2006
Mechanical Design
Protection Housing: IP 42
per DIN VDE 0470 part 1/EN 60529
Dimensions 209 x 98 x 35 mm
Weight Approx. 500 g with batteries
11 Maintenance
11.1 Battery Replacement
If the battery level indicator displays only minimal
remaining battery capacity (only one segment
appears, see figure at right), the batteries must be
replaced.
➭Switch the instrument off and disconnect it from all measuring
circuits.
➭Remove the battery compartment lid on the back of the in-
strument by loosening the two Phillips head screws.
➭Remove the depleted batteries.
➭Insert new batteries. Be sure to observe the polarity symbols
which are embossed into the floor of the battery compart-
ment.
➭Replace the battery compartment lid and retighten the
screws.
After inserting new batteries, all four segments
should appear at the display.
11.2 Housing
No special maintenance is required for the housing. Keep outside
surfaces clean. Use a slightly dampened cloth for cleaning. Avoid
the use of cleansers, abrasives or solvents.
Return and Environmentally Sound Disposal
The instrument is a category 9 product (monitoring and control
instrument) in accordance with ElektroG (German electrical and
electronic device law). This device is not subject to the RoHS
directive.
In accordance with WEEE 2002/96/EG and ElektroG, we
identify our electrical and electronic devices (as of Aug.
2005) with the symbol in accordance with DIN EN 50419
which is shown at the right. Devices identified with this symbol
may not be disposed of with the trash. Please contact our service
department regarding the return of old devices (see address in
section 12).
If the batteries used in your instrument are depleted, they must be
disposed of properly in accordance with valid national regulations.
Batteries may contain pollutants and heavy metals such as lead
(Pb), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg).
The symbol at the right indicates that batteries must not
be disposed of with the trash, and must be brought to a
designated collection point.
Test voltage 250 V DC 500 V DC 1000 V DC
Measuring range 0 to 1 M1 Mto 20 M1 Mto 20 M
Resolution 0.1 M1 M1 M
Accuracy (1% rdg. + 1 d) (1% rdg. + 2 d) (1% rdg. + 2 d)
Limit value > 0.5 M> 1 M> 1 M
No. of measurements Approx. 1000 (with battery set per IEC LR6)
Pb Cd Hg

Diese Bedienungsanleitung ist in der nächsten Auflage in den folgenden Sprachen verfügbar: Deutsch, Englisch, Französisch, Spanisch, Italienisch und Portugiesisch.
In the next edition, these operating instructions will be available in the following languages: German, English, French, Spanish, Italian and Portugese.
Edited in Germany • Subject to change without notice • PDF version available on the Internet
GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH
Südwestpark 15
90449 Nürnberg • Germany
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
www.gossenmetrawatt.com
12 Repair and Replacement Parts Service
If required please contact:
GMC-I Service GmbH
Service Center
Thomas-Mann-Strasse 16-20
90471 Nürnberg • Germany
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
e-mail [email protected]
www.gmci-service.com
13 Product Support
If required please contact:
GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH
Product Support Hotline
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]