MARTINDALE VI13800 User manual

VI13800 VOLTAGE INDICATOR
Instruction
Manual
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ALWAYS READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE PROCEEDING
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 support@
martindale-electric.co.uk.
CONTENTS
1 Safety Information 1
1.1 Meaning of Symbols and Markings 1
1.2 Precautions 3
2 Introduction 5
2.1 Inspection 5
2.2 Description 5
3 Operation 6
3.1 Description of LED Indicators 6
3.2 Use of Test Prod Shrouds 7
3.3 Operating Duty Ratio 7
3.4 Proving Check 8
3.5 Testing for the Presence of Hazardous Live Voltage 9
3.6 Interference (Phantom) Voltage 9
4 Maintenance 10
4.1 Periodic Testing 10
4.2 Cleaning 10
4.3 Repair and Service 10
4.4 Storage Conditions 10
5 Warranty 11
Specifications
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1
1 SAFETY INFORMATION
REMEMBER: SAFETY IS NO ACCIDENT
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.
Particular attention should be paid to the Warnings, Precautions and
Technical Specifications.
Please keep these instructions for future reference.
Updated instructions and product information are available at:
www.martindale-electric.co.uk
1.1 Meaning of Symbols and Markings
Caution - risk of danger & refer to instructions
Caution - risk of electric shock
Equipment protected by double or reinforced
insulation (Class II)
Suitable for live working
Both direct and alternating current (AC and DC)
CAT III (Measurement Category III) is applicable to test and
measuring equipment connected to the distribution part of
the building’s low-voltage MAINS installation.
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CAT IV (Measurement Category IV) is applicable to test and
measuring equipment connected at the source of the
building’s low-voltage MAINS installation.
Equipment complies with relevant EU Directives
End of life disposal of this equipment should be in
accordance with relevant EU Directives
For further information on measurement categories visit
www.martindale-electric.co.uk.
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1.2 Precautions
This product has been designed with your safety in mind, but please
pay attention to the following warnings and cautions before use.
Warnings
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.
Where applicable other safety measures such as the use of protective
gloves, goggles etc. should be employed.
The voltage indicator 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 indicator should be examined for
damage, cracks, cuts or scratches to the housing, cable and prods.
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 indicator should not be used.
Make sure the voltage indicator 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 indicator must be proven using
a suitable proving device or a known good voltage source. Do not use
the voltage indicator if any expected voltage indication LED’s fail to
illuminate correctly during proving.
Testing for a voltage that exceeds the specified limits of the voltage
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indicator may damage the voltage indicator and may expose the
operator to a shock hazard. Always check the voltage indicators
specified limits before use.
The voltage indicator must only be used on installations up to 600V
to earth, and within the operating temperature and humidity range
specified.
The specified measurement category means the voltage indicator
will be safe to the user if connected to a voltage up to 1000V AC/DC
to earth on a CAT II or CAT III 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.
Always keep your fingers behind the finger guards. Never touch the
exposed metal prod tips.
Do not use the voltage indicator during rain or precipitation.
The different indicating signals of the voltage detector (including the
ELV limit indication) are not to be used for measuring purposes.
The voltage indicator must not be dismantled or modified in any way
by unauthorized persons. The safety of the voltage indicator cannot
be guaranteed under such circumstances and must not be used.
Cautions
Avoid severe mechanical shock or vibration and extreme
temperature.
If the voltage indicator 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 indicator.
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2. INTRODUCTION
2.1 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.
2.2 Description
The Martindale VI13800 is a development of the VI13700 which
is widely specified to ensure the electrical safety of users when
proving dead i.e. not hazardous live. It is constructed in accordance
with the latest safety standards.
The voltage tester has the following features:
Tests for DC and AC Voltage up to 600V
Automatic AC/DC detection
Bright LED indication
Full voltage indication function without batteries
Protective resistor in probe to limit current in the event of cable
damage
Contrasting colour of inner sheath to highlight cable damage
Ergonomic and robust housing
Retractable shrouds
Meets fully GS38 and BS EN 61243-3:2010
Measurement category CAT IV 600V, CAT III 1000V
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3. OPERATION
3.1 Description of LED Indicators
Voltage Polarity indication
thresholds
Polarity indication:
When connected to a DC voltage source either the + or – LED will
illuminate dependant on polarity. The prods are marked red (positive
input) and black (negative input).
When connected to an AC voltage source both the + and – LED’s
will illuminate.
The polarity LED’s will illuminate when the voltage source is approx.
12V AC rms or DC.
Voltage thresholds:
The voltage threshold LED’s 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 only the 50V LED will illuminate, if 450V AC rms
all four LED’s will illuminate.
3.2 Use of Test Prod Shrouds
The shrouds around the test prods are normally sprung forwards to
IP 2X rating and are retractable.
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For optimum safety, the shrouds should be allowed to spring forward
freely whenever the prod tips are removed from a location under test.
If desired, and before the unit is connected to any source of voltage,
the shrouds can be locked back by pushing and twisting 90°.
The prod tips will be exposed by 3 ± 0.5mm. In this position they are
GS38 compliant.
The probe is sealed and the fuse that was in earlier versions
has been replaced by a non-user serviceable resistor to provide
protection if the cable is damaged.
3.3 Operating Duty Ratio
The voltage indicator 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 indicator is only
ON for 2 seconds then the OFF period need only be 16 seconds.
3.4 Proving Check
Before each use the voltage indicator should be examined for
damage, cracks, cuts or scratches to the housing, cable and prods.
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 indicator should not be used.
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Before and after use, verify the voltage indicator is functioning
correctly with a proving device (PD430 or PD440 is recommended),
or a known good voltage source. Do not use the voltage indicator
if any expected voltage indication LED’s (50, 100, 200, 400V) fail to
illuminate correctly 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 then all LED’s except
the 400V LED must illuminate. If a PD430 or PD440 is used then all
LED’s should illuminate.
Illumination of the polarity LED’s depends on the type of proving
device used.
Warning
If the proving device or voltage source exceeds the specified limits
of the voltage indicator the voltage indicator may be damaged and
the operator may be 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 place upon
the flexing of the voltage indicator’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.
Any unexpected display should be investigated and the VI13800 not
used unless all expected voltage indication LED’s illuminate.
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3.5 Testing for the Presence of Hazardous Live Voltage
Warning
Hold the voltage indicator and test prod behind the finger guards
in a manner that will not obscure the voltage indication LED’s.
Never touch the exposed metal test prods or any part of the voltage
indicator forward of the finger guards while applied to hazardous
voltages.
While taking all required safety precautions connect both test prods
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 indicator LED’s.
3.6 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 indicators 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 VI13800 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 indicator capable of
distinguishing between the two should be used, or alternative tests
should be performed.
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4. MAINTENANCE
4.1 Periodic Testing
To maintain the integrity of the voltage indicator, Martindale Electric
recommends that it is returned at least once a year to verify physical
integrity, electrical specification and insulation integrity.
Martindale Electric is pleased to offer you this service. Please contact
our Service Department for details.
Email: [e-mail]
Tel: [phone]
4.2 Cleaning
Warning
To reduce the risk of surface leakage, this instrument must be kept in
a clean condition.
Warning
Prior to cleaning, ensure that the instrument is disconnected from any
voltage source.
If contamination is found, clean with a damp soft cloth and if
necessary a mild detergent or alcohol. Do not use abrasives, abrasive
solvents, or detergents which can cause damage to the unit. If a mild
detergent is used, the unit should subsequently be thoroughly cleaned
with a water dampened soft cloth. After cleaning, dry and allow to
remain in a dry environment for 2 hours before use.
4.3 Repair and Service
There are no user serviceable parts in this unit. Return to Martindale
Electric if faulty. Our service department will quote promptly to repair
any fault that occurs outside the guarantee period.
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Before the unit is returned, please ensure that you have checked the
unit.
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.
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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.
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SpeciÀcation
VI13800 Voltage Indicator
Electrical
Nominal voltage range: 50 - 600V DC/AC rms
Nominal voltage threshold indications:
50, 100, 200, 400 V DC/AC rms
Voltage threshold tolerance:
Conforms to BS EN 61243-3:2010
Polarity & voltage indication: t12V DC/AC rms
AC/DC voltage detection: automatic
Range detection: automatic
Response time: < 0.1s
Frequency range: DC, 1 - 400Hz
Test current: < 3.5mA at 600V DC/AC rms
Duty ratio: 30s ON (operated) / 240s OFF (recovery)
Environmental
Temperature & Humidity (Operating & Storage): -10°C to 55°C d85% R.H.
Altitude: up to 2000m
General
Power: From circuit under test
Dimensions: 205(L) x 67(W) x 27(D) mm
Weight: 130g approx.
Includes: Instructions
Safety
Conforms to BS EN 61243-3:2010 CAT IV 600 V, CAT III 1000V
Class II, Double Insulation
Pollution Degree 2
IP rating: IP54
EMC
Conforms to BS EN 61326-1
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Check out what else you can get from Martindale:
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. LIT13800 Document Rev2
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