MARTINDALE EZ150:EZ650 User manual

EZ150 / EZ650
SOCKET TESTER
INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION: Always read before proceeding.
Warning
These instructions contain both information and warnings that are
necessary for the safe operation and maintenance of this product. It is
recommended that you read the instructions carefully and ensure that
the contents are fully understood. Failure to understand and to comply
with the warnings and instructions can result in serious injury, damage
or even death.
In order to avoid the danger of electrical shock, it is important that
proper safety measures are taken when working with voltages
exceeding 30V AC RMS, 42V AC peak or 60V DC.
This product must only be used by a competent person capable of
interpreting the results under the conditions and for the purposes for
which it has been constructed. Particular attention should be paid to the
Warnings, Precautions and Technical Specifications. Always check the
unit is in good working order before use and that there are no signs of
damage to it. Do not use if damaged.
Where applicable other safety measures such as use of protective
gloves, goggles etc. should be employed.
Please keep these instructions for future reference. Updated
instructions and product information are available at:
www.martindale-electric.co.uk/instruct
REMEMBER: SAFETY IS NO ACCIDENT
MEANING OF SYMBOLS:
equipment complies with relevant EU Directives
alternating current (ac)
caution - risk of danger & refer to instructions
end of life disposal of this equipment should be
in accordance with relevant EU Directives
Thank you for buying one of our products. For safety and full
understanding of its benefits please read this manual before use.
Technical support is available from 01923 441717 and
[email protected].
CONTENTS
1 Introduction 1
1.1 Inspection 1
1.2 Description 1
1.3 Earth Loop Impedance 1
1.4 Variants 3
2 Product Specific Safety Information 4
2.1 Precautions 4
3 Operation 6
3.1 Description of Indicators 6
3.2 Self-Test 6
3.3 Using the E-Ze Check™ Xtra 7
3.3.1 Loop Test 7
3.3.2 Wiring and Voltage Check 8
3.3.3 RCD’s in the Circuit Under Test 11
3.3.4 Possible Errors when Measuring Earth Loop Impedance 11
4 Maintenance 12
4.1 Calibration 12
4.2 Cleaning 12
4.3 Repair & Service 12
4.4 Storage Conditions 12
5 Warranty 13
Specifications
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Inspection
Examine the shipping carton for any sign of damage. Inspect the
unit and any accessories for damage. If there is any damage then
consult your distributor immediately.
1.2 Description
The E-Ze Check™ Xtra is a socket tester that additionally checks
the earth loop impedance of the wiring under test, and indicates the
range that the measured earth loop impedance falls within. If the
wiring is faulty the earth loop impedance test is not performed.
The E-Ze Check™ Xtra will also indicate if the mains voltage is below
195V or above 270V.
The ‘T Safe’ technology employed by the E-Ze Check™ Xtra allows
the earth loop impedance to be measured with a 30mA or higher
RCD in circuit without it tripping.
The E-Ze Check™ Xtra Professional Kit is supplied with both a 13A
3 pin adaptor and a flying lead with croc clips which can be used at
junction boxes and terminals where there is only access to bare wires.
1.3 Earth Loop Impedance
Health and Safety regulations require that electrical installations be
periodically checked for satisfactory operation, and for electricians to
work to the British Standard BS7671, which lays down a schedule
for such testing.
1

The presence, quality and connection of the earth wiring is part of
the check, with loop impedance a necessary test. This measurement
requires some current to flow through a temporary live to earth link
(made by the tester), which causes a small mains voltage change and
allows the impedance value to be assessed.
Readings for earth loop impedance should normally be a few ohms,
or less; but in rural areas can be tens or even hundreds of ohms. This
is because outlying locations rely on one or two copper coated steel
earth rods inserted into the ground, instead of the more usual solid
metal sheath of the supply cable being connected back to a main
earth at the source of supply.
Low earth loop impedance values are important to achieve the flow of
a large fault current in the event of a fault in order to disconnect the
mains supply very quickly through a circuit breaker.
Increasingly, protective devices (RCD’s or RCBO’s) are used for
the earth circuit, just as fuses or breakers are used in the live
circuit. These RCD’s can be sensitive to test currents used during
a temporary measurement link and trip out easily, which can cause
both nuisance and loss of data in computer systems. More modern
electronic protective devices are particularly sensitive, even being
tripped out by instruments which were usable with the earlier electro-
mechanical types.
Martindale non-trip testers use our own Patented T-Safe™ technique
to make earth loop impedance checks. They ensure rapid, easy to use
operation, all without tripping the 30mA or higher RCD or RCBO.
2
1.4 Variants
The E-Ze Check™ Xtra, EZ150, is a plug style unit that plugs straight
into a 13A socket.
The E-Ze Check™ Xtra Professional Kit, EZ650, is fitted with an IEC
inlet and is supplied with both a 13A plug lead and a TL88 3 way
fused test lead set for use with light fittings and distribution boards.
The kit is supplied in a soft carry case.
The E-Ze Check™ Xtra EZ650/C/13A is fitted with an IEC inlet and
supplied with a 13A plug lead only.
3
2. PRODUCT SPECIFIC SAFETY INFORMATION
2.1 Precautions
This product has been designed with your safety in mind, but please
pay attention to the following warnings and cautions before use.
Warning
Before use check the unit for cracks or any other damage. Make
sure the unit is free from dust, grease and moisture. Also check
any associated leads and accessories for damage. Do not use if
damaged.
Warning
If the E-Ze Check™ Xtra does not power-up and none of the
indicators illuminate this does not necessarily mean the circuit under
test is dead. E.g. the earth and neutral lines could both be open
circuit, or the mains supply voltage could be less than 160V but still
at a dangerous level.
Warning
Wherever possible verify that the E-Ze Check™ Xtra is in good
working order before use by testing it in a known correctly wired
socket.
Warning
If the E-Ze Check™ Xtra indicates a fault condition in the wiring under
test, always investigate the wiring or have the wiring investigated by
a competent person.
4
Warning
Do not use the E-Ze Check™ Xtra EZ650 at main incoming
distribution boards, or any other area which would require a
Cat. III / 300V instrument.
Warning
Do not connect across two phases of a three phase supply.
Warning
The E-Ze Check™ Xtra will not correctly test circuits using isolation
transformers.
Caution
Avoid severe mechanical shock or vibration and extreme temperature.
KEY TO LED COLOURS IF THIS DOCUMENT IS PRINTED IN
BLACK AND WHITE
OFF
red
orange
green
5

3. OPERATION
3.1. Description of Indicators
The E-Ze Check™ Xtra uses two rows of 3 LED’s to indicate earth
loop impedance, mains voltage level and wiring faults. The top row of
3 tri-colour LED’s marked LOOP TEST indicate the range within which
the measured earth loop impedance falls.
Note: The Loop Test indicators will not illuminate if there is a wiring
fault or the mains voltage is <195V or >270V. The bottom row of 3
tri-colour LED’s indicate the condition of the wiring and if the mains
supply is <195V or >270V.
Note: The level of the mains supply is only indicated if the wiring is correct.
3.2. Self Test
Every time the E-Ze Check™ Xtra is plugged in it will perform its self-test
routine by flashing each row of indicators once in the following sequence:-
If the E-Ze Check™ Xtra does not perform its self-test and none of the
indicators illuminate this could mean the supply voltage is less than
160V (see section 2 Precautions). Verify the E-Ze Check™ Xtra in a
known correctly wired socket.
If any indicators do not illuminate or do not illuminate in the above
sequence then do not use the E-Ze Check™ Xtra and return it for repair.
Top row
Bottom row
Top row
Bottom row
Top row
Bottom row
6
3.3. Using the E-Ze Check™ Xtra
Ensure you have read the precautions (Section 2) before proceeding
and have tested the unit in a known correctly wired socket or fitting
if using the professional kit.
Plug the E-Ze Check™ Xtra EZ150 into the socket to be tested. If
you are using the E-Ze Check™ Xtra EZ650 with TL88 leads to test
wiring, connect the green clip to earth, black to neutral and red to
live in that order and then plug the TL88 lead into the E-Ze Check™
Xtra IEC inlet socket.
Verify that the E-Ze Check™ Xtra performs its self-test routine correctly
(see section 3.2) then simply compare the status of the flashing
indicators with figures 1 & 2 referring also to sections 3.3.1 and 3.3.2.
If the E-Ze Check™ Xtra does not power up and perform its self-test
and none of the LED’s illuminate this could mean that the wiring is
incorrect or that the supply voltage is less than 160V (see section
2 Precautions). Investigation of the wiring is required. In such
circumstances verify the E-Ze Check™ Xtra in a known correctly wired
socket to confirm the need for investigation.
The E-Ze Check™ Xtra is designed to be plugged into a socket and
removed after the test has been performed. If the E-Ze Check™
Xtra is left plugged into a socket or connected to wiring, then after
approximately 2 minutes the measurement rate and indicator flash
rate will be decreased automatically.
3.3.1. Loop Test
If the wiring is correct and the supply voltage of the circuit under test
is between 195V and 270V the lower indicators will all flash green
and one of the top indicators (Loop Test) will indicate the range into
which the measured earth loop impedance falls.
7
E.g. If the top centre indicator is flashing green then the measured
earth loop impedance of the circuit under test is between 1.7:and
5:, or if the top left-hand indicator is flashing red then the measured
earth loop impedance is between 10:and 100:.
Refer to the IEE Wiring Regulations, 16th Edition or later, to
determine if the indicated earth loop impedance of the wiring under
test meets the necessary requirements.
Figure 1. Loop Test (Top Indicators)
0 - 1.7:
1.7 - 5:
5 - 10:
10 - 100:
100 - 200:
200 - 500:
>500:or wiring fault or
voltage <195V or >270V
3.3.2 Wiring and Voltage Check
If the wiring is faulty or the supply voltage is <195V or >270V or the
earth loop impedance is >500:one of the fault sequences of figure
2 will be indicated on the lower indicators. The top indicators will not
illuminate as a loop impedance measurement is not made if a wiring
fault is detected or the supply voltage is <195V or >270V.
If a fault is detected, always investigate the wiring under test or have
the wiring investigated by a competent person.
8
Figure 2. Mains Wiring Connections to Check Plug Pins
N E L
E N L
E E L
N N L
OPEN E L
OPEN N L
OPEN L E
OPEN L N
NOPEN L
EOPEN L
LOPEN E
LOPEN N
L E OPEN
L N OPEN
E L OPEN
N L OPEN
MAINS WHEN CORRECT
N E L
Wiring correct, voltage OK (>195V & <270V)
Wiring correct, voltage high (>270V)
Wiring correct, voltage low (<195V)
Wiring correct, earth neutral voltage (>30V)
Open neutral
Open earth (>500:)
Phase (Live) fault
SOCKET WIRES
UNDER TEST
POSSIBLE INDICATIONS
9
Note: ‘OPEN’ can mean absent connection or poor connection

N L E
E L E
E L N
N L N
L E L
L N L
L E N
L E E
L N E
L N N
E L L
N L L
OPEN OPEN OPEN
L L L
L L OPEN
LOPEN L
OPEN L L
LOPEN OPEN
OPEN LOPEN
OPEN OPEN L
Phase neutral reversal
Phase earth reversal
Serious wiring fault or Voltage <160V
(see section 3.1 Precautions)
SOCKET WIRES
UNDER TEST
POSSIBLE INDICATIONS
Note: ‘OPEN’ can mean absent connection or poor connection
Note: The E-Ze Check™ Xtra does not detect earth-neutral reversal,
or faults that have commoned the earth and neutral pins of the E-Ze
Check™ Xtra.
10
3.3.3 RCD’s in the Circuit Under Test
The E-Ze Check™ Xtra should operate satisfactorily on circuits
protected by most 30mA or higher RCDs or RCBOs.
Factors which should be considered are where equipment, such
as computers may introduce earth leakage currents due to internal
noise filter circuits. This earth leakage current can approach the
trip threshold of an RCD or RCBO, and the E-Ze Check™ Xtra
test current will add to it with the possibility of the protective device
tripping.
Before using the E-Ze Check™ Xtra on critical circuits which supply
computers, medical equipment, or other systems where loss of
supply is unacceptable, ensure these are not being operated, in line
with normal practice when using electrical test equipment.
3.3.4 Possible Effects on Accuracy when Measuring Earth Loop
Impedance
Where supply circuits under test have highly inductive or capacitive
loads distributed on that circuit or there is an excessive amount of
mains disturbance present (e.g. motors running, etc) it is possible the
earth loop impedance measurement could be affected.
In such circumstances, where possible, disconnect any loads that
may be a source of error. Alternatively, perform the measurement
when the wiring under test is electrically quiet.
The effect of these mains disturbances can be to reduce accuracy on
the lower two ranges, e.g. if the actual loop impedance of the circuit
under test is <1.7:then the E-Ze Check™ Xtra may indicate in the
range 1.7:to 5:.
11
12
4. MAINTENANCE
4.1 Calibration
To maintain the integrity of measurements made using your
instrument, Martindale Electric recommends that it is returned
at least once a year to an approved Calibration Laboratory for
recalibration and certification.
Martindale Electric is pleased to offer you this service. Please
contact our Service Department for details.
Email: [email protected] Tel: [phone]
4.2 Cleaning
The unit may be cleaned using a soft dry cloth. Do not use moisture,
abrasives, solvents, or detergents, which can be conductive.
4.3 Repair & Service
There are no user serviceable parts in this unit other than those that
may be described in section 3. Return to Martindale Electric if faulty.
Our service department will quote promptly to repair any fault that
occurs outside the guarantee period.
Before the unit is returned, please ensure that you have checked the
unit, poor connections and the leads (EZ650 only).
4.4 Storage Conditions
The instrument should be kept in warm dry conditions away from
direct sources of heat or sunlight, and in such a manner as to
preserve the working life of the unit. It is strongly advised that the
unit is not kept in a tool box where other tools may damage it.
5. WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
This Martindale product is warranted to be free from defects in material
and workmanship under normal use and service. The warranty period is
2 years and begins on the date of receipt by the end user. This warranty
extends only to the original buyer or end-user customer, and does not
apply to fuses, disposable batteries, test leads or to any product which, in
Martindale’s opinion, has been misused, altered, neglected, contaminated,
or damaged by accident or abnormal conditions of operation, handling or
storage.
Martindale authorised 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 Martindale.
Martindale’s warranty obligation is limited, at Martindale’s option, to refund
of the purchase price, free of charge repair, or replacement of a defective
product which is returned to Martindale within the warranty period.
This warranty is the buyer’s sole and exclusive remedy and is in lieu of
all other warranties, expressed or implied, including but not limited to any
implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
Martindale 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 jurisdictions 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 part of 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 or other part of that provision.
Nothing in this statement reduces your statutory rights.
13

14
Specification
EZ150
E-ZE Check Xtra
Nominal operating voltage: 230V
Frequency: 50Hz
Non-trip Earth loop impedance ranges:
0-1.7 - 5-10-100-200-500:
Earth loop threshold accuracy:
±(10% + 0.3:) *
Voltage low indication: <195V ± 5%
Voltage high indication: >270V ± 5%
Earth neutral voltage high indication: > 30V ± 5%
Open earth indication: >500:
Temperature Range: -10 to 40°C, non-condensing.
Dimensions: Approx 65mm x 65mm x 50mm Weight: Approx 64g
Power supply: From mains
Power consumption: <2.5W
Overvoltage category: Cat II / 300V
Pollution degree: 2
Safety: Complies with BS EN 61010-1:1993
* Note: Measurement accuracy can be affected by highly inductive or capacitive
loads distributed on the supply (see section 3.3.4)
Specification
EZ650
E-ZE Check Xtra Pro
EZ650 E-Ze Check Xtra Pro is supplied
with an IEC socket with an interchangeable
3 pin adaptor and a 3 way flying lead with
croc clips allowing testing at light fittings,
junction boxes and terminals.
Nominal operating voltage: 230V
Frequency: 50 Hz
Non-trip Earth loop impedance ranges: 0-1.7 - 5-10-100-200-500:
Earth loop threshold accuracy: ±(10% + 0.3:)*
Voltage low indication: <195V ± 5%
Voltage high indication: >270V ± 5%
Earth neutral voltage high indication: >30V ± 5%
Open earth indication: >500:
Temperature Range: -10 to 40°C, non-condensing
Dimensions: 315mm x 260mm x 85mm Weight: Approx 1kg
Power supply: From mains
Power consumption: <2.5W
Overvoltage category: Cat II / 300V
Pollution degree: 2
Safety: Complies with BS EN 61010-1:1993
* Note: Measurement accuracy can be affected by highly inductive or capacitive
loads distributed on the supply (see section 3.3.4)
Specification
EZ650/C/13A
E-ZE Check Xtra
EZ650/C/13A E-Ze Check Xtra is supplied
with an IEC socket with an interchangeable
3 pin adaptor and a 13A plug lead.
Nominal operating voltage: 230V
Frequency: 50 Hz
Non-trip Earth loop impedance ranges: 0-1.7 - 5-10-100-200-500:
Earth loop threshold accuracy: ±(10% + 0.3:)*
Voltage low indication: <195V ± 5%
Voltage high indication: >270V ± 5%
Earth neutral voltage high indication: >30V ± 5%
Open earth indication: >500:
Temperature Range: -10 to 40°C, non-condensing
Dimensions: 315mm x 260mm x 85mm Weight: Approx 1kg
Power supply: From mains
Power consumption: <2.5W
Overvoltage category: Cat II / 300V
Pollution degree: 2
Safety: Complies with BS EN 61010-1:1993
* Note: Measurement accuracy can be affected by highly inductive or capacitive
loads distributed on the supply (see section 3.3.4)
OMotor Maintenance Equipment
OMultifunction Testers
ONon-trip Loop Testers
OPat Testers & Accessories
OPhase Rotation Testers
OProving Units
OSocket Testers
OThermometers & Probes
OTest Leads
OVoltage Indicators
OSpecialist Metrohm Testers
OSpecialist Drummond Testers
Check out what else you can get from
Martindale:
O18th Edition Testers

OAccessories
OCalibration Equipment
OContinuity Testers
OElectricians’ Kits
OEnvironmental Products
OFull Calibration & Repair Service
OFuse Finders
ODigital Clamp Meters
ODigital Multimeters
OLabels
OMicrowave Leakage Detectors
Martindale Electric Company Limited
Metrohm House, Imperial Park, Imperial Way, Watford, WD24 4PP, UK
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.martindale-electric.co.uk
© Martindale Electric Company Ltd. 2018
Registered in England No. 3387451. Rev 3 LITEZ650