MARTINDALE VT25 User manual

VT25 / VT28
VOLTAGE TESTER
Instruction
Manual
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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
REMEMBER: SAFETY IS NO ACCIDENT
MEANING OF SYMBOLS:
Equipment complies with relevant EU
Directives
End of life disposal of this equipment
should be in accordance with relevant
EU Directives
Caution - risk of electric shock
Caution - risk of danger & refer to
instructions
Equipment protected by double or
reinforced insulation (Class II)
Suitable for live working
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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
[e-mail].
CONTENTS
1 Introduction 1
1.1 Inspection 1
1.2 Description 1
1.3 Battery Installation 1
2 Product Specific Safety Information 2
2.1 Precautions 2
3 Operation 4
3.1 Description of VT25/VT28 Elements 4
and LED Indicators
3.2 Auto-power On/Off 6
3.3 Torch 6
3.4 Low Battery Check 6
3.5 Removable Probe Tip Covers 6
3.6 Operating Duty Ratio 6
3.7 Proving Check 6
3.8 Testing for the Presence of Hazardous 7
Live Voltage
3.9 Interference (Phantom) Voltage 8
3.10 Single Pole PhaseTest 8
3.11 Phase RotationTest 8
3.12 Testing for Continuity 9
4 Maintenance 10
4.1 Battery Replacement 10
4.2 Calibration 10
4.3 Cleaning 10
4.4 Repair & Service 10
4.5 Storage Conditions 10
5 Warranty 11
Specifications
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1
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 VT25 and VT28 are voltage testers
used for proving circuits are dead i.e. not
hazardous live. They are constructed in
accordance with the latest safety standards.
They have the following features:
AC and DC Voltage testing up to 690V
LCD indication of AC and DC voltage
(VT28 only)
Continuity test with optical and
acoustical indication up to 500 k:
Single pole phase test
Phase rotation test
Auto-power On/Off
Automatic AC/DC detection
Indication of voltage above the ELV level
when batteries flat
Probe-tip protection
Torch
Measurement Category CAT IV 600V,
CAT III 1000V
Fully meets BS EN61243-3:2010
1.3 Battery Installation
Refer to Section 4.1 (Battery Replacement)
for the battery installation instructions for the
VT25 and VT28.
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2
2. PRODUCT SPECIFIC SAFETY
INFORMATION
Measurement Category II (CAT II) is
applicable to test and measuring equipment
connected directly to utilization points (socket
outlets and similar points) of the low-voltage
MAINS installation.
Measurement Category III (CAT III) is
applicable to test and measuring equipment
connected to the distribution part of the
building’s low-voltage MAINS installation.
Measurement Category IV (CAT IV) is
applicable to test and measuring equipment
connected at the source of the building’s
low-voltage MAINS installation.
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.
Warnings
The voltage tester must only be used by a
skilled and competent person who is familiar
with the relevant regulations, the safety risks
involved and the consequent normal safe
working practices.
Before each use the voltage tester should
be examined for damage, cracks, cuts or
scratches to the housing and cable. The
cable has black outer and contrasting inner
insulation, to allow damage to the cable to
be easily identified. If there is any doubt the
voltage tester should not be used.
Make sure the voltage tester is dry, clean and
free from dust, grease and moisture while in
use to avoid the danger from electric shock
due to surface leakage.
Before and after each use, the voltage tester
must be proven using a suitable proving
device or a known good voltage source. Do
not use the voltage tester if any expected
indication LED’s fail to illuminate correctly
during proving.
Testing for a voltage that exceeds the
specified limits of the voltage tester may
damage the voltage tester and expose the
operator to a shock hazard. Always check the
voltage tester’s specified limits before use.
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3
The specified measurement category means
the voltage tester will be safe to the user if
inadvertently connected to a voltage up to
1000V AC/DC to earth on a CATIII or CAT II
installation and 600V AC/DC to earth on a
CAT IV installation. It does not mean it can be
used to test for a voltage beyond its maximum
specified limits.
The voltage tester must only be used on
CAT IV installations up to 600V to earth, on
CAT III and CAT II installations up to 690V to
earth, and within the operating temperature
and humidity range specified.
If the removable probe tip covers are not fitted
to the probes, the measurement category
becomes CAT II 1000V, and the voltage tester
must not be used on CAT III or CAT IV
installations to avoid the risk of shorting high
energy circuits and arc flash.
Do not use the voltage tester if the battery
cover is not fitted.
Always keep your fingers behind the finger
guards. Never touch the exposed metal probe
tips.
Do not use the voltage tester during rain or
precipitation.
The voltage tester must not be dismantled or
modified in any way by unauthorized persons.
The safety of the voltage tester cannot be
guaranteed under such circumstances and
must not be used.
Cautions
Avoid severe mechanical shock or vibration
and extreme temperature.
If the voltage tester has been stored or
transported in temperatures outside its
normal operating range it should be given
sufficient time to stabilise in the environment
where it is to be used. An acclimatisation
time of at least 2 hours is required prior to
operation of the voltage tester.
To avoid corrosion from leaking batteries,
remove the batteries when the unit is not in
use for an extended period.
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3. OPERATION
3.1 Description of VT25/VT28 Elements
and LED Indicators
1Test probe L1
2Test probe L2
3Torch
4LCD (VT28 only)
5Torch button
6Main body
7Buzzer
8ELV warning and single pole test
indicator
9Continuity indicator
10 Phase rotation indicators
11 12V and polarity indicators
12 Voltage threshold indicators
13 Battery compartment
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14 Removable probe tip covers
15 Probe tip protective cover
Polarity indicators 11
When connected to a DC voltage source
either the + or – LED’s 11 will illuminate
dependant on polarity. The positive probe 2
is on the main body and is marked with L2
and +.
When connected to an AC voltage source
both the + and – LED’s 11 will illuminate.
The polarity LED’s 11 will illuminate when the
voltage source is t12V AC rms or DC.
Voltage threshold indicators 12
The voltage threshold LED’s 12 will illuminate
when the magnitude of the voltage source is
at a value approaching or greater than the
corresponding marked voltage. For example
if the voltage source is 55V AC rms then the
24V and 50V LED’s will illuminate, if 690V AC
rms all voltage threshold LED’s 12 from 24V
to 690V will illuminate.
ELV warning and single pole test indicator
8
If the batteries are low or exhausted a
hazardous live voltage will not be indicated
by the polarity or voltage threshold LED’s, but
an indication of a voltage above the ELV limit
(50V) will continue to be indicated by the ELV
LED 8.
The ELV LED 8also indicates the presence
of AC voltage when the unit is used as a
single pole phase detector.
Continuity indicator 9
The continuity LED RX 9will illuminate to
indicate continuity of a circuit under test.
Buzzer 7
The buzzer will sound when:
Voltage above the ELV LED 8threshold
is present, or AC voltage is detected when
used as a single pole phase tester, or circuit
continuity is detected.
5
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3.2 Auto-power On/Off
The voltage tester automatically powers on
when it detects continuity, AC or DC voltage
>10V approx. or a live phase on probe L2
(single pole test).
The voltage tester will automatically power off
5 seconds after ceasing to detect voltage or
continuity.
3.3 Torch 3
Pressing the torch button 6will turn on the
torch and power up the voltage tester.
The torch 3will automatically power off after
10 seconds.
3.4 Low Battery Check
Before and after each use short the test
probes of the voltage tester together.
On the VT25, check for an audible tone and a
bright Rx LED 9indication.
If there is no audible tone or the Rx LED is
faint the batteries need to be replaced (see
section 4.1 Battery Replacement).
On the VT28 if the batteries need replacing
will be displayed in the top left corner
of the LCD.
Do not use the unit if the batteries need
replacing.
3.5 Removable Probe Tip Covers
The probes are fitted with removable probe
tip covers 14 allowing the probes to comply
with GS38.
Where access to test points may require
extended probe tips, the probe tip covers may
be removed.
If removed, the voltage tester must not be
used on CAT III or CAT IV installations.
3.6 Operating Duty Ratio
The voltage tester should be operated (ON)
for a maximum period of 30 seconds. This
should be followed by a recovery period
(OFF) of 4 minutes.
The operating duty ratio is 8 to 1, so if the
voltage tester is only ON for 2 seconds then
the OFF period need only be 16 seconds.
3.7 Proving Check
Before and after use, verify the voltage tester
is functioning correctly with a proving device
(PD690 or PD700 is recommended), or a
known good voltage source. Do not use 6
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the voltage tester if any LED’s fail to illuminate
correctly during proving.
Also check the buzzer sounds during proving.
Note: The LED’s that illuminate during proving
will depend on the magnitude of the proving
unit output or the voltage source. For example
if the voltage source is 230V AC rms, the
ELV LED 8and all voltage threshold LED’s
(12) except the 400V and 690V LED’s must
illuminate.
If only the ELV LED 8illuminates during
proving then check the batteries.
Warning
If the proving device or voltage source exceeds
the specified limits of the voltage tester the
voltage tester may be damaged and the
operator exposed to a shock hazard. Always
check the specification of the proving device
or the voltage magnitude of the voltage source
before proceeding with a proving check.
During this verification emphasis should also
be placed upon the flexing of the voltage
tester’s cable along its length, and particularly
at the entry points to the hand held elements,
to confirm that the cable has not been
fractured.
3.8 Testing for the Presence of Hazardous
Live Voltage
Warning
Hold the voltage tester and test probe behind
the finger guards. Never touch the exposed
metal test prods or any part of the voltage
tester forward of the finger guards while
applied to hazardous voltages.
If testing at locations with high background
noise levels, always determine whether the
buzzer is perceptible before relying solely on
the buzzer indication.
While taking all required safety precautions
connect both test probes to the UUT (Unit or
location under test).
The polarity and voltage level of any voltage
present will be indicated by the illumination of
the voltage tester LED’s (see section 3.1).
The buzzer will also sound if a voltage is
present.
Note: The individual LED indications, including
the ELV LED, are not to be used for measuring
purposes.
7
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3.9 Interference (Phantom) Voltage
It is possible for wiring that is ‘dead’ to
indicate the apparent presence of voltage at
power frequency.
If wiring that is live is running in close
proximity to the ‘dead’ wiring being tested,
there can be capacitive or inductive
coupling between the two, thereby causing
interference (phantom) voltages.
Voltage testers that draw a relatively low
current when testing for hazardous live
voltages may not be able to suppress the
interference voltage sufficiently to avoid
indicating the presence of a hazardous live
voltage when none is present.
The VT25 and VT28 will not suppress typical
levels of interference voltage as defined
by the test for interference voltage in the
standard EN 61243-3:2010.
If there is any doubt as to whether a voltage
indication is hazardous live or interference,
then an alternative voltage tester capable
of distinguishing between the two should
be used, or alternative tests should be
performed.
3.10 Single Pole Phase Test
Warning
Single pole phase testing is not suitable to
determine if a circuit is not hazardous live.
A double pole voltage test should always be
used for that purpose.
While taking all required safety precautions
connect the test probe marked L2 2to the
UUT (Unit or location under test).
The ELV LED 8will illuminate and the
buzzer will sound if the presence of AC
voltage >100V is detected.
3.11 Phase Rotation Test
While taking all required safety precautions
connect the test probes L1 and L2 to the
phases to be tested.
The phase to phase voltage will be indicated
by the voltage threshold LED’s 12 or for the
VT28 also by the LCD 4.
The direction of the phase rotation will be
indicated by one of the green phase rotation
LED’s 10 marked L(left rotation) and R
(right rotation).
Note: The method of phase sequence
8
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detection relies on capacitive coupling to
earth through the user. If the insulation/
grounding conditions of the installation under
test or user are not satisfactory then the test
results may be impaired.
3.12 Testing for Continuity
While taking all required safety precautions
firmly connect both test prods to the UUT
(Unit or location under test).
The continuity indicator LED RX(9) will
illuminate and the buzzer will sound to
indicate circuit continuity.
Do not rely solely on the buzzer as an
indication of continuity. Always check the
LED indications as the buzzer also sounds to
indicate the presence of voltage.
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10
4. MAINTENANCE
4.1 Battery Replacement
To avoid shock or injury, disconnect the
voltage indicator from any external circuits
before proceeding.
To gain access to the battery compartment
(13), use a coin or flat blade screwdriver to
turn the battery door anti-clockwise until the
dots align.
Pull out the battery door.
Fit 2 new 1.5V, AAA alkaline batteries (IEC
LR03, NEDA 24A).
Replace the battery door and turn it
clockwise until the dots align and the door is
flush with the main body.
Note: Do not mix old and new batteries.
4.2 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: [e-mail]
Tel: [phone]
4.3 Cleaning
Wipe the voltage tester with a cloth soaked
with alcohol or mild non-conductive
detergent. Do not use abrasives, abrasive
solvents, or detergents which can cause
damage to the voltage tester. Allow the
voltage tester to thoroughly dry before use.
4.4 Repair & Service
There are no user serviceable parts in this
unit other than those that may be described
in section 4. 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 and batteries.
4.5 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.
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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.
11
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Voltage Indicator
Maximum working voltage: 690V DC & AC rms
Nominal voltage threshold indications: 12, 24, 50, 120,
230, 400, 690V AC/DC
Nominal voltage threshold tolerance: Conforms to BS
EN61243-3:2010
Polarity indication: from 12V DC/AC rms
Range detection: Automatic
Response time: <1s at 100% of each nominal voltage
Frequency range: DC, 16 to 400Hz
Test current (In): <3.5mA at 690V
Duty ratio: 30s ON (operated) / 240s OFF (recovery)
Single Pole Phase Test
Voltage range: 100 to 690V AC rms
Frequency range: 50 to 60 Hz
Phase Rotation Test
Voltage range: 120 to 400V AC rms (phase to earth)
Frequency range: 50 to 60Hz
Continuity
Resistance range: 0 to 500k:+ 50%
Overvoltage protection: 690V DC or AC rms
Environmental
Temperature: (operating) -10°C to 55°C,
(storage) -20°C to 70°C, non condensing
Humidity (operating & storage): Max 85% R.H.
Altitude: up to 2000m
General
Power: 2 x 1.5V, AAA alkaline batteries (IEC LR03,
NEDA 24A)
Battery consumption: 80mA approx.
Dimensions: 205(L) x 67(W) x 27(D) mm
Weight packed: 130g approx.
Includes: 2 x 1.5V AAA batteries, instructions
Safety
Conforms to BS EN61243-3:2010 CAT IV 300V, CAT
III 600V
Class II, double Insulation
Pollution degree: 2
IP rating: IP64
EMC
Conforms to BS EN61326-1
SpeciÀcation
VT25/VT28
Voltage Tester
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Martindale Electric Company Limited
Metrohm House, Imperial Park, Imperial Way, Watford,
Hertfordshire, WD24 4PP, UK
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.martindale-electric.co.uk
© 2013 Martindale Electric Company Ltd.
Registered in England No. 3387451. E. & O.E.
Document Rev1
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