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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has been replaced by a non-user serviceable resistor to provide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: service@martindale-electric.co.uk
Tel: 01923 650660
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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