MARTINDALE VR2230 Operator's manual

1
ELECTRICIAN’S TESTER VR2230
INSTALLATION TESTER VR2240
MULTIFUNCTION TEST INSTRUMENTS
USER INSTRUCTION MANUAL

2
Index:
1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND PROCEDURES....................................................................4
1.1. Preliminary instructions...........................................................................................................4
1.2. During use
1.3. After use .................................................................................................................................5
2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION.....................................................................................................6
2.1. Instrument description ............................................................................................................8
3. PREPARATION FOR USE...................................................................................................10
3.1. Initial quality checks..............................................................................................................10
3.2. Power suppply ......................................................................................................................10
3.3. Battery Replacement ............................................................................................................10
3.4. Calibration ............................................................................................................................10
3.5. Storage.................................................................................................................................10
4. DESCRIPTION OF THE ROTARY SWITCH FUNCTIONS ..................................................11
4.1. LOWΩ: Continuity test of earth, potective and equalising potential conductors..........11
4.1.1. "CAL" mode ..........................................................................................................................12
4.1.2. Procedure to measure continuity of equalising potential conductors ....................................14
mode "AUTO", "R+", "R-", "R+TIMER", "R-TIMER"
4.1.3. Other Error Screens "AUTO", "R+", "R-", "R+TIMER", "R-TIMER" tests ...............................16
4.2. MΩ: Insulation resistance measurement with the test voltage of 50V, 100V, 250V, 500V
OR 1000V ............................................................................................................................18
4.2.1. Procedure to measure insulation resistance in any mode.....................................................19
4.2.2. Special cases which may occur during the tests "MAN", "AUTO", "TIMER"..........................23
4.3. RCD RCD : tests on RCDS type A OR AC ...................................................24
4.3.1. Procedure for RCD testing....................................................................................................27
4.3.2. Tripping times for general and selective RCDS ....................................................................33
4.3.3. Other situations which may occur during RCD tests in any working mode............................34
4.4. Loop ZS /IK: measurement of line impedance E, Fault loop impedance
and calculation of prospective short and fault circuit current........................................38
4.4.1. "P-N" mode ..........................................................................................................................39
4.4.2. "P-P" mode ..........................................................................................................................41
4.4.3. "P-PE" mode ........................................................................................................................42
4.4.4. Other situations which may occur during loop, ZS/IK tests in any working mode..................44
4.5. Ra15mA : measurement of earth resistance with
15mA current and calculation of prospective fault current (PFC) ..................................47
4.5.1. Other situations which may occur during RA15MA tests ...................................................49
4.6. Phase Sequence Rotation
.............................................................................................52
4.6.1. Procedure for Phase Sequence testing ................................................................................52
4.6.2. Other situations which may occur during Phase Sequence tests..........................................54
5. HOW TO SAVE, RECALL AND CLEAR DATA STORED IN MEMORY (VR2240 Only).....55
5.1. SAVE: "SAVE" KEY..............................................................................................................55
5.2. RECALL: "RCL" KEY............................................................................................................56
5.3. CLEAR: "CLR" KEY..............................................................................................................57

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6. RESETTING THE INSTRUMENT AND DEFAULT PARAMETERS.....................................59
6.1. Reset Procedure...................................................................................................................59
6.2. Default Parameters...............................................................................................................59
7. CONNECTION TO A PC (VR2240 ONLY) ...........................................................................60
8. PRINTING WITH AN OPTIONAL SERIAL PRINTER (VR2240 ONLY) ...............................61
9. ACCESSORIES & MAINTENANCE…….……………………………………..…………………62
10. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ..........................................................................................63
10.1. Technical features ................................................................................................................63
10.1.1. Safety standards...................................................................................................................65
10.1.2. General specifications ..........................................................................................................65
10.2. Environment .........................................................................................................................66
10.2.1. Environmental working conditions ........................................................................................66
10.2.2. EMC .....................................................................................................................................66
11. SERVICE..............................................................................................................................67

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1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND PROCEDURES
This tester conforms with safety standards BSEN61557 and BSEN 61010-1 relating to
electronic measuring instruments.
WARNING
For your own safety as well as that of the apparatus you are recommended to
follow the procedures described in this instruction manual and carefully read
all the notes preceded by the symbol .
Adhere strictly to the following instructions before and during measurements:
)Do not take measurements in wet environments.
)Do not perform measurements in environments with explosive gas, fuels or dust.
)Do not touch the object under test whilst taking measurements.
)Avoid any contact with exposed metal parts, ends of test leads not in use, circuits, etc.
)Do not perform any measurements if the instrument is damaged eg: cracked case,
leakage of batteries, absence of display reading etc.
)Pay careful attention when using test voltages exceeding 25V in places such as
building sites, swimming pools, and damp environments etc. and 50V elsewhere
due to the risk of electric shock.
The following symbols are used in this manual:
Caution: refer to the instructions in this manual; improper use may
damage the tester or its components.
AC Voltage or Current.
Unidirectional pulsating Voltage or Current.
Rotary switch of the instrument.
1.1. PRELIMINARY INSTRUCTIONS
)This instrument has been designed for use in environments with pollution degree 2.
)It can be used for tests on electrical installations with over-voltage category III up to
265V (to Earth).
)You are recommended to comply with the standard safety practices aimed at:
9Protecting you against dangerous currents.
9Protecting the instrument against improper use.
)Only the leads supplied with the instrument guarantee compliance with safety standards.
They must be in good condition and must be replaced if necessary, with identical models.
)Do not perform measurements on circuits exceeding the specified voltage limits.
)Do not perform any measurement under environmental conditions beyond the limits
specified in this manual.
)Check that batteries have been inserted correctly.
)Before connecting test leads to the circuit under test, check that rotary switch
position is correct.
)Check that LCD and rotary switch indicate the same function.

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1.2. DURING USE
Read carefully the following recommendations and instructions:
WARNING
Non-compliance with the Warnings and/or Instructions may damage the
apparatus and/or its components or seriously injure the operator.
)Before selecting any function disconnect the test leads from the circuit under test.
)When the instrument is connected to a circuit, do not touch any test lead which is
not being used.
)Do not carry out resistance measurements in the presence of external voltages:
even though the instrument is protected, too high a voltage may cause damage.
WARNING
If the symbol is displayed during use, stop testing and replace batteries
The instrument remembers stored data even when batteries are not
installed.
1.3. AFTER USE
)When the measurements are completed disconnect the test leads from the
circuit under test and switch OFF the instrument.
)Remove batteries when the instrument is to be unused for long periods.

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2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This all-in-one tester incorporates continuity, insulation resistance, RCD, earth loop
impedance, phase loop impedances, earth resistance and phase rotation tests.
This unit is smaller and more compact than other machines on the market, which
makes them very comfortable to use in confined and hazardous areas.
The unit can be held comfortably in one hand.
*The Veritest VR2240 can store test results in its internal memory and then download
them to a P.C. via optional software and accessories.
The Veritest is supplied complete with test leads, a protective carry case and user
guide as standard.
Your new instrument will give you accurate and reliable measurements provided
that it is used properly.
These instruments have been designed to give the user the highest level of safety
possible thanks to their innovative design assuring double insulation and over voltage
category III.
)LOWΩ: Continuity test of earth, protective and equalizing potential conductors with
test current higher than 200mA and open circuit voltage ranging from 4V to 24V.
)RISO: Measurement of insulation resistance with DC test voltage at 50V*,
100V*, 250V, 500V or 1000V.
)RCD : Measurement on general and/or selective RCDs AC type ( ) of the
following parameters:
9Tripping time.
9Tripping current.
9Contact voltage (Ut).
9Overall earth resistance (Ra).
In this mode the instrument can measure the overall earth resistance
without causing RCD’s to trip
* VR2240 only

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)RCD : Measurement on general and/or selective RCDs A type ( )
of the following parameters:
9Tripping time.
9Tripping current.
9Contact voltage (Ut).
9Overall earth resistance (Ra).
In this mode the instrument can measure the overall earth
resistance without causing RCD’s to trip.
)LOOP ZS/IK: Measurement of line and fault loop impedance with calculation of
prospective short circuit current.
)Ra15mA : Measurement of fault loop impedance between earth and phase
conductors with current of 15mA and calculation of prospective
short circuit current.
): Indication of phase rotation sequence.

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2.1. INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION
OFF
ESC
DISPLAY
SAVE
RECALL
START
STOP
CLEAR
OFF
ESC
DISPLAY
SAVE
RECALL
START
STOP
CLEAR
Rotary
switch:
Rotate to
select the
function
3
1
FUNC
Un
/
I∆n S ▲
UL▼
GO
ESC
SAVE
DISP
CLR
RCL
GO
DISP
VERITEST VR2240
VERITEST VR2230
Rotary
switch:
Rotate to
select the
function
1
3
Un
/
I∆n
FUNC
S ▲
UL▼
V
R2240
V
R2230

9
Description of controls
)Multifunction key to select measuring modes.
)Key for selection of differential currents during tests of RCDs or rated
voltages during tests of insulation resistance (depends on the selected
measurement) with the rotary switch.
)Key for selection of RCD type (General or Selective) or to increase the
test duration interval or to scroll through the results of the stored tests.
)Key for selection of contact voltage limit or to decrease the test duration
interval or to scroll through the results of the stored tests.
)Key to start or to stop tests.
*
)*Key to quit the function of selected mode
*
)*Key to save tests
*
)*Key to recall stored tests
)Key to scroll between single and multiple test results
(Eg: RCD auto) which have been stored.
*
)*Key to delete the stored tests
* VR2240 only
GO
UL▼
ESC
SAVE
RCL
DISP
CLR
FUNC
Un/I∆n
S ▲

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3. PREPARATION FOR USE
3.1. INITIAL QUALITY CHECKS
This instrument has been checked mechanically and electrically prior to shipment.
Every care has been taken to ensure that the instrument reaches you in perfect condition.
In the unlikely event that you have to send the instrument back to us, please follow the
instructions detailed in section 11.
3.2. POWER SUPPLY
This instrument is supplied with six batteries model 1.5V – LR6 – AA – AM3 – MN 1500
included as standard
3.3. BATTERY REPLACEMENT
When the symbol is displayed the batteries should be replaced.
WARNING
Before replacing batteries make sure that all test leads have been disconnected
from input terminals. The VR2240 is capable of storing data when batteries
are removed
1. Switch OFF the instrument.
2. Remove all of the test leads from the input terminals.
3. Unscrew the fixing screws from the battery compartment cover and remove it.
4. Remove all batteries replacing them with 6x of the same type
(1.5V – LR6 – AA – AM3 – MN 1500) observing correct polarity.
5. Fix the screws on the battery compartment cover.
3.4. CALIBRATION
This Instrument is shipped to you manufactured within the specification shown in
section 10 of this manual. Performance within the specification is guaranteed for
one year. Annual re-calibration is recommended. A Calibration certificate for this
instrument is available as a chargeable extra and is not supplied as standard.
Please contact us on 01923 441717 for more details.
3.5. STORAGE
In order to ensure the accuracy of measurements, after a period of storage
in extreme environmental conditions, wait for the instrument to acclimatize
back to normal measuring conditions (see environmental specifications listed
in paragraph 10.2.1).

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4. DESCRIPTION OF THE ROTARY SWITCH FUNCTIONS
4.1. LOWΩ: CONTINUITY TEST OF EARTH, PROTECTIVE AND EQUALIZING
POTENTIAL CONDUCTORS
The measurement is performed with a test current higher than 200mA and open circuit
voltage ranging from 4 to 24V DC according to BSEN 61557-4 and VDE 0413 part 4.
WARNING
Before carrying out the continuity test make sure that there is no voltage
at the ends of the conductors under test.
Turn the switch to the LOWΩposition.
FUNC key is used to select one of the following measuring modes
(which can be shown in rotation when pressing the key):
)AUTO Mode (the instrument carries out two measurements one with
positive polarity R+ and one with negative polarity R-, and displays their
average value Ravg). This mode is recommended for the continuity test.
)R + Mode (measurement with positive polarity, red cable will be
positive polarity and black cable will be negative polarity).
)R - Mode (measurement with negative polarity, black cable will be
positive polarity and red cable will be negative polarity).
)R + TIMER Mode (measurement with positive polarity with adjustable
test duration). The operator can set a measuring time long enough to
permit them to move the conductors while the instrument is carrying
out the test so detecting bad connections.
)R - TIMER Mode (measurement with negative polarity with adjustable
test duration). In this case the operator can set a measuring time long
enough to permit them to move the protective conductors while the
instrument is carrying out the test so detecting bad connections.
)CAL Mode (compensation for the resistance of the test leads).
Note: If the resistance is lower than 16Ω(including the resistance of the leads) the
continuity test is performed with a current higher than 200mA. If the resistance
is higher than 16Ωthe continuity test is performed with a current of 40mA.
FUNC

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4.1.1. "CAL" MODE
1. Select CAL mode with the FUNC key.
2. Connect the Red and Black cables to the instrument input terminals Pand Nrespectively:
E
L2
N
L3
P
L1
(P)
CAT III
INPUT MAX
44 0 V P-N -E
25 0 V
Linking of instrument terminals during calibration procedure.
3. Connect the crocodile clips to the cable terminals.
4. Short-circuit the measuring cable ends making sure that the conductive parts of the
crocodile clips make good contact with each other (see picture).
5. Press the GO key. The instrument carries out the calibration.
)CAL LOWΩ
0.00Ω
203 mA
At the end of the test
the result is stored and
used as an OFFSET (it
is subtracted from
any continuity test
carried out) for all
subsequent
measurements until a
new calibration is
carried out.
This screen is displayed for only 2 seconds
then the instrument beeps twice (indicating
that the calibration is completed) and displays
the default screen for the LOWΩtest under
AUTO mode.
Note: The instrument compensates for leads with resistance below 5Ω.
CAL:
indicates that the
instrument has a
stored value for
the resistance of
the test leads; this
symbol remains
on the display
for any further
measurements
even when the
unit is switched
off and on a
g
ain.
Current supplied
by the instrument
during the
calibration
procedure.
GO
Black
Red

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LEADS USED FOR THE TEST Before any measurement always make sure that
the unit has been calibrated with the test leads in
use. During a continuity test, if the resistance
value measured is less the calibration offset value
stored, the symbol is displayed as well as
blinking “CAL” (see 4th screen in paragraph 4.1.3).
This indicates that the calibration stored in the
instrument memory may be for leads other than
those in use, so a new calibration is required.
Never disconnect the test leads while “Measuring” is displayed.
4.1.1.1. Procedure to remove stored calibration and cal symbol
LOWΩ
>5.00Ω
cal
Measuring
To remove a stored calibration (and the
symbol CAL) you need to perform a
calibration procedure with a resistance
higher than 5Ω(for Example with
disconnected test leads). When this
procedure is carried out the screen
opposite is displayed first, followed by the
screen below:
LOWΩ
es
cal
The screen opposite is displayed for 2
seconds, after which the instrument emits a
long sound signal and then displays the
default screen for the LOWΩtest under
AUTO mode without displaying the symbol
CAL.
>5Ω: Indicates
that the
instrument
measured a
resistance higher
than 5Ωso it will
proceed with
reset
p
rocedure.
rES: Indicates
that the
instrument
removed
(RESET) the
stored calibration
& cal symbol

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4.1.2. Procedure to measure the continuity of conductors "AUTO", "R+", "R-",
"R+TIMER" and "R-TIMER"
1. Select the desired mode with the FUNC key.
2. Connect the Red and Black cables to the instrument input terminals Pand Nrespectively.
E
L2
N
L3
P
L1
(P)
CA T I I I
INPUT MAX
44 0 V P-N- E
250 V
Connections during LOWΩtest.
3. Connect the two crocodile clips to the test lead terminals.
4. Short-circuit the measuring lead ends making sure that the conducting parts of the
crocodile clips make good contact with each other. Press the GO key. If the
instrument displays a resistance value other than 0.00 repeat the
instrument calibration (see paragraph 4.1.1).
6. Connect the crocodile clips to the conductors on which the continuity test is to
be carried out (see previous picture).
7. If "R+TIMER" or "R-TIMER" mode is selected use the following keys to
select the duration of the test:
Press this key to increase the duration of the test (Tmax=15 seconds).
Press this key to decrease the duration of the test (Tmin=3 seconds).
8. Press the GO key. The instrument performs the measurement.
In R+/R- Timer mode press GO key again if the test is to be stopped.
WARNING
Never disconnect the test leads while “Measuring” is displayed.
S ▲
UL▲
GO
Red
Black
Main Earth Connector
P-E Conducto
r

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4.1.2.1. "AUTO" Mode
)CAL LOWΩ
1.07Ω
219 mA
AUTO
At the end of the test, if the average
resistance value Ravg is lower than
5Ωthe instrument emits a double
sound signal indicating the positive
outcome of the test and displays a
screen similar to this.
*
*The test can be stored by pressing the SAVE key twice
4.1.2.2. "R+" or “R-" Mode
)CAL LOWΩ
1.07Ω
219 mA
R+
R-
At the end of the R+ or R- test if a
resistance value
lower than 5Ωwas detected, the
instrument emits a double sound
signal indicating a successful
outcome of the test and displays a
screen similar to this.
*
*The test can be stored pressing the SAVE key twice
4.1.2.3. "R+TIMER" or “R-TIMER" Mode
)CAL LOWΩ
1.08Ω
219 mA
5 s
R+
R-
T
IMER
If during the R+Timer or R-Timer test a
resistance value lower than 5Ωis
detected, the instrument (after the set
time has elapsed) emits a double sound
signal indicating the positive outcome
of the test and displays a screen similar
to this.
*
*The test can be stored pressing the SAVE key twice
* VR2240 only
Average test
current value
Iavg.
Average
resistance value
Ravg.
Duration time of
the test
Resistance value
R+ or R-.
Value of test
current I+ or I-.
The symbols R+or R- are displayed.
The symbols R+or R- are displayed.
Value of the test
current I+ or I-.
SAVE
SAVE
SAVE

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4.1.3. Error screens which may occur during "AUTO", "R+", "R-", "R+TIMER", "R-
TIMER" tests
)CAL LOWΩ
5.75Ω
216mA 5s
AUTO
If a value of Ravg or R+ or R- higher
than or equal to 5Ωbut lower than
99.9Ω(9.99Ωin R+TIMER and R-
TIMER) was detected, at the end of the
test the instrument emits a long sound
signal and displays a screen similar to
this.
)CAL LOWΩ
>99.9Ω
- - - mA
AUTO
If in modes AUTO, R+, R- and a Ravg
or R+ or R- higher than 99.9Ωwas
detected, at the end of the test the
instrument emits a long sound signal
and displays a screen similar to this.
)CAL LOWΩ
>9.99Ω
--- mA 4s
R+
TIMER
If R+TIMER or R-TIMER Mode was
selected and a R+ or R- higher than
9.99Ωwas detected, the instrument
emits an intermittent sound signal
during the test, a long sound signal
at the end of the test and displays a
screen similar to this.
)CAL LOWΩ
0.00Ω
219 mA
A
UTO
If the RMEASURED (measured resistance)
-RCALIBRATION (minus test lead
resistance) is less than 0Ωthe
instrument displays a screen similar to
this.
*
*The tests can be stored by pressing the SAVE key twice
* VR2240 only
WARNING: value of Rav
g
hi
g
her than 5Ω
99.9Ωis the
maximum value
which can be
measured in the
LOWΩAUTO or
R+ or R-mode.
9.99Ωis the
maximum value
which can be
measured in
LOWΩ,
R+TIMER or R-
TIMER mode.
AUTO mode.
AUTO mode.
WARNING: value of Ravg or R+ or R- is too
hi
g
h.
WARNING: value of R+ or R- is too high.
Only if mode
R+TIMER or R-
TIMER was
selected.
Blinking CAL.
WARNING: RMEASURED-RCALIBRATION< 0 AUTO mode.
SAVE

17
)CAL LOWΩ
A
VOL AG
If a voltage higher than 10V is detected
at the test leads, the instrument does
not carry out the test and displays the
screen alongside for 5 seconds. Then
the instrument displays the screen for
the previously selected test mode
LOWΩunder AUTO mode.
*
THIS RESULT CANNOT BE SAVED.
* VR2240 only
WARNING: the
test was not
performed
because of
excessive voltage
at the terminal
ends.
SAVE

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4.2. MΩ: INSULATION RESISTANCE MEASUREMENT WITH TEST VOLTAGE OF
50V*, 100V*, 250V, 500V OR 1000V
The measurement is carried out in accordance with BSEN 61557-2 and VDE 0413 part 1.
Before carrying out the insulation test make sure that the circuit under test is
not energized and all the loads are disconnected.
Turn the switch to MΩposition.
The FUNC key is used to select one of the following measuring modes (which
can be shown in rotation when pressing the key):
)MAN Mode (minimum test time of 10 seconds, or for as long as the GO key
is held). Recommended test.
)AUTO Mode (the test ends when the measured value becomes stable).
This test can be used if the installation has capacitance which must be
charged to evaluate the real insulation resistance.
)TIMER Mode (test duration depending on the selected interval (from 10 to
999 seconds). This test can be used if a minimum measuring time is
required.
* VR2240 only
FUNC

19
4.2.1. Procedure to measure insulation resistance
1. Select the desired mode using the FUNC key.
2. Connect the Red and Black test leads to the instrument input terminals Pand N
respectively,
M
E
L2
N
L3
P
L1
(P)
CA T I I I
INPUT MAX
440 V P-N-E
250 V
Example insulation test between phase (#1) and earth
in a 3 phase electrical installation using test leads.
3. Connect the instrument terminals to the circuit which is to be subjected to the insulation
test after disconnecting the circuit under test from the supply and all relevant loads
(see previous picture).
4. Using the Un/I∆nKey, select the test voltage suitable for the type of test
being carried out (see table).
5. The values available are:
•50V*(test on telecommunication systems)
•100V*
•250V
•500V
•1000V
If “Measuring” is displayed the instrument is carrying out the measurement.
During this stage do not disconnect the test leads as the circuit under test
may remain charged at a dangerous voltage due to the capacitance of the
installation. The instrument discharges any stored energy after each test.
* VR2240 only
Un
/
I∆n
Black
Red

20
4.2.1.1. "MAN" Mode
6. Press the GO key.
The instrument performs the test lasting for:
9Minimum 10 seconds if the key is pressed and released within 5 seconds.
9Or until the key is released.
)RISO
1.00MΩ
500 V 20s
MAN
At the end of the test, if the resistance
value RISO detected is lower than RMAX
(see table below), the instrument beeps
twice indicating the positive outcome
of the test and displays a screen similar
to this.
*
*The test can be stored by pressing the SAVE key twice
Test Voltage RMAX = Maximum resistance value
50VDC* 99.9MΩ
100VDC* 199.9MΩ
250VDC 499MΩ
500VDC 999MΩ
1000VDC 1999MΩ
* VR2240 only
Rated voltage value
selected for the test.
Test duration.
In this case the
GO key has been
pressed for 20
seconds.
Manual mode.
SAVE
Insulation
resistance value
RISO.
GO