Megger BITE 2 User manual

AVTM246004
June 2022
Rev 13
Instruction Manual
BITE 2 and BITE 2P
Battery Impedance
Test Equipment
BITE 2: Catalog No. 246002B
BITE 2P: Catalog No. 246004
HIGH-VOLTAGE EQUIPMENT
Read this entire manual before operating.
M
Megger Valley Forge
400 Opportunity Way
Phoenixville, PA 19460 USA
610-676-8500
www.megger.com

BITE 2 and BITE 2P
Battery Impedance Test Equipment
Instruction Manual

Copyright © 2003-2022 by Megger. All rights reserved.
The information presented in this manual is believed to be adequate for the intended use of the
product. If the product or its individual instruments are used for purposes other than those specified
herein, confirmation of their validity and suitability must be obtained from Megger. Refer to the
warranty information below. Specifications are subject to change without notice.
WARRANTY
Products supplied by Megger are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a
period of two years following shipment. Our liability is specifically limited to replacing or repairing, at
our option, defective equipment. Equipment returned to the factory for repair must be shipped
prepaid and insured. Contact your MEGGER representative for instructions and a return
authorization (RA) number. Please indicate all pertinent information, including problem symptoms.
Also specify the serial number and the catalog number of the unit. This warranty does not include
batteries, lamps or other expendable items, where the original manufacturer’s warranty shall apply.
We make no other warranty. The warranty is void in the event of abuse (failure to follow
recommended operating procedures) or failure by the customer to perform specific maintenance as
indicated in this manual.
MValley Forge!
400 Opportunity Way
Phoenixville, PA 19460 USA
610-676-8500 (Telephone)
610-676-8610 (Fax)
www.megger.com
email: [email protected]
Technical Support
E-mail - http://www.megger.com/us/services/index.php#SupportForm
TSG Phone Number - 1-800-723-2861 ext 3519

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Contents
1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 1
About the BITE 2 and BITE 2P… .................................................................................................... 1
How the BITE 2/2P Works ............................................................................................................... 2
2 SAFETY ........................................................................................................................................... 3
Overview ........................................................................................................................................... 3
Safety Requirements ......................................................................................................................... 3
Cautions and Warnings ..................................................................................................................... 5
3 GLOSSARY ..................................................................................................................................... 7
4 CONTROLS, CONNECTORS, INDICATORS AND MENUS ...................................................... 9
Overview ........................................................................................................................................... 9
BITE 2 Transmitter ..................................................................................................................10
BITE 2P Transmitter ................................................................................................................12
Receiver ...................................................................................................................................14
Receiver Keys ..........................................................................................................................15
Receiver Reset Switch .............................................................................................................21
5 STANDARD TEST PROCEDURE ............................................................................................... 23
Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 23
Step One: Prepare for Testing ......................................................................................................... 25
Step Two: Powering-on the Receiver ............................................................................................. 26
Step Three: Scanning Test Information with the Wand (Optional) .................................................. 28
Step Four: Setting Baseline, Warning and Fail Values ................................................................... 30
Step Five: Splitting the Strap (if needed) ........................................................................................ 31
Step Six: Terminal Impedance (if needed) ..................................................................................... 32
Step Seven: Connecting the Receiver and the BITE 2 or BITE 2P Transmitter to the Battery ...... 33
Step Eight: Measuring the Cell and the Strap ................................................................................. 36
Step Nine: What to Do When the Test Is Complete ....................................................................... 41
Powering Down and Disconnecting the BITE 2/2P ....................................................................... 43
6 MODIFIED PROCEDURES FOR SPECIAL CONDITIONS ...................................................... 45
Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 45
Reversing the Current Source Leads ............................................................................................... 45
Verifying the Source Current .......................................................................................................... 46
Sectioning a Battery System ....................................................................................................47
7 TRANSFERRING, PRINTING, AND DELETING TEST RESULTS ......................................... 53
Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 53
Exporting Test Results from the Receiver to a PC ......................................................................... 54
Printing Test Results in the BITE 2P Transmitter Printer .............................................................. 56
Deleting Test Results from the Receiver ........................................................................................ 57

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8 INTERPRETING TEST RESULTS ............................................................................................... 59
Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 59
Instantaneous Interpretation ............................................................................................................ 60
Short-Term Interpretation ............................................................................................................... 61
Long-Term Interpretation ............................................................................................................... 61
NiCD Battery Evaluation ................................................................................................................ 61
9 SETTING OPTIONS ...................................................................................................................... 63
Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 63
Turning the Receiver Backlight ON and OFF ................................................................................ 63
Adjusting the Receiver Screen Contrast ......................................................................................... 64
Selecting the Receiver Language .................................................................................................... 64
Setting the Receiver Clock .............................................................................................................. 65
Selecting the Line Frequency .......................................................................................................... 66
10 MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING ......................................................................... 67
Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 67
Cleaning and Inspecting the BITE 2 and BITE 2P ......................................................................... 67
Charging the Receiver ..................................................................................................................... 68
Replacing Batteries in the Receiver ................................................................................................ 69
Maintaining the Receiver Charger in the BITE 2 and BITE 2P ..................................................... 72
Maintaining Fuses in the BITE 2 and BITE 2P Transmitters ......................................................... 73
Interpreting Error Messages ............................................................................................................ 82
If the BITE 2 or BITE 2P Needs Repairs ....................................................................................... 82
11 SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................................ 83
Application ...................................................................................................................................... 83
Electrical ......................................................................................................................................... 83
Mechanical ...................................................................................................................................... 85
Environmental ................................................................................................................................. 86
Accessories - Standard .................................................................................................................... 87
12 REPLACEABLE PARTS .............................................................................................................. 89
Catalog Numbers 246002B and 246004 ......................................................................................... 89
Catalog Numbers 246002B and 246004 ......................................................................................... 90
How to Order Replaceable Parts for the BITE 2/2P ....................................................................... 90

CONTENTS
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 4-1: BITE 2 Transmitter ......................................................................................................... 10
Figure 4-2: BITE 2P Transmitter ....................................................................................................... 12
Figure 4-3: Voltage Selector Card Orientation .................................................................................. 13
Figure 4-4: Receiver Controls, Connectors, and Indicators ............................................................... 14
Figure 4-5: Flowchart for Test Menu Structure-1 .............................................................................. 16
Figure 4-6: Flowchart for Test Menu Structure-2 .............................................................................. 17
Figure 4-7: Flowchart for Main Menu Structure ............................................................................... 18
Figure 4-8: Flowchart for Print Menu Structure ................................................................................ 19
Figure 4-9: Receiver Menu ................................................................................................................ 20
Figure 4-10: Receiver RESET Switch ............................................................................................... 21
Figure 5-1: Receiver Controls, Connectors and Indicators ................................................................ 26
Figure 5-2: Screens ............................................................................................................................ 27
Figure 5-3: Scanning Test Information .............................................................................................. 29
Figure 5-4: Receiver Controls, Connectors, and Indicators ............................................................... 33
Figure 5-5: BITE 2/2P Transmitter Connected to the Battery ........................................................... 34
Figure 5-6: Receiver and Potential Probe Positioned on top of Battery Cell Terminals ................... 37
Figure 5-7: Receiver and Potential Probe Positioned on top of Battery Strap Terminals ................. 38
Figure 6-1: Reversing the Current Source Leads on a Single String of Cells when a High or Low
Current Message is Displayed. ........................................................................................ 46
Figure 6-2: Sectioning a Battery System Greater Than 275 V .......................................................... 48
Figure 6-3: Sectioning a Parallel String of Cells ............................................................................... 50
Figure 7-1: Exporting Data to a PC ................................................................................................... 55
Figure 7-2: Printing Test Results ....................................................................................................... 56
Figure 7-3: Deleting Test Results from the Receiver ........................................................................ 58
Figure 8-1: Generic Curve of Impedance vs. Cell Life ..................................................................... 62
Figure 10-1: RTC Battery "Piggybacks" the System Battery ............................................................. 71
Figure 10-2: BITE 2 Transmitter Secondary Fuses (Front View) ...................................................... 77
Figure 10-3: BITE 2P Transmitter Secondary Fuses (Front View) .................................................... 80

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INTRODUCTION
About the BITE 2 and BITE 2P…
NOTE: Before attempting to use the BITE 2/2P, be
sure that you read and understand the safety
requirements and operating procedures contained in
this manual.
Thank you for selecting a Megger product. This instrument
has been thoroughly tested and inspected to meet rigid
specifications before being shipped.
It is ready for use when set up and operated as described in
this manual.
The BITE 2 and BITE 2P are testing instruments used to
evaluate the condition of stationary battery strings. They
measure the complete electrical path of the battery:
§ internal ac impedance of each cell/jar in the string
§ dc terminal voltage of each cell/jar
§ interconnection resistance
These measurements, along with other maintenance data
such as ambient and pilot cell temperatures and ac ripple
currents, help determine the condition of a battery system.
The BITE 2/2P consists of a transmitter and a receiver that
enable an operator to test for sulfating plates, post-strap
corrosion, poor internal connections and poor inter-cell
connections.

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How the BITE 2/2P Works
Average impedance values for
different types of batteries are
available from Megger.
The operator connects the current source leads from the
BITE 2/2P transmitter to a battery string so that an ac test
current is capacitively coupled through the battery. It is best
to test the battery string when it is operating at full float, that
is, a constant charge level.
Then the operator uses the receiver to measure the voltage
drop across the cell terminals. When the voltage drop across
the cell is divided by the total ac current passing through the
battery, the calculated value is impedance according to Ohm's
Law. This impedance value gives the operator an indication of
the overall condition of the cell, with high impedance typically
indicating an unhealthy cell.
Several factors influence an impedance value, for instance,
the size and type of cell, ambient and electrolyte temperature,
and state of charge. Therefore, to determine the impedance of
a healthy cell, the operator should measure a large number of
similar cells under similar conditions and then calculate the
average value. Deteriorating cells are easily identified by their
higher-than-average impedance.
The BITE 2/2P also automatically measures and records the
cell voltage and the time and date of the test. This voltage
represents individual cell float voltage while measuring an
operational string of cells.
The BITE 2/2P also measures inter-cell or strap connections
and stores them with the cell impedance values. The BITE
2/2P can measure and record all aspects of the electrical path
of the battery, including:
§ location ID
§ user ID
§ test current
§ total current
§ internal cell impedance
§ dc voltage
§ inter-cell connector resistance
§ specific gravity
§ time and date

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SAFETY
Overview
The BITE 2 and BITE 2P and their recommended
operating procedures have been designed with careful
attention to safety. However, it is not possible to eliminate
all hazards from electrical test equipment or to foresee
every possible hazard that may occur. The user not only
must follow the safety precautions contained in this
manual, but also must carefully consider all safety
aspects of the operation before proceeding.
Any use of electricity inherently involves some degree of
safety hazard. While Megger has made every effort to
reduce the hazard, the operator must assume
responsibility for his or her own safety. Any work on
batteries is hazardous and requires constant attention to
safety. You should guard particularly against the
possibility of acid spills, explosion, and electrical shock.
Safety Requirements
The BITE 2/2P test instrument has been designed to the
IEC-1010-1 safety standard. Observe all industry
standard safety rules for testing batteries
§ The BITE 2/2P transmitter is designed for
connection to energized systems. Keep the BITE
2/2P transmitter S1 power switch set to O(OFF)
or turn off the Current On/Off switch when
connecting or disconnecting to the battery. Always
wear rubber gloves during these operations.
§ Ensure that the ground pin on the equipment’s
power cable is properly connected to the building
or installation ground.
§ Always connect the source leads to the BITE 2/2P
before connecting to the battery under test.
§ Always remove the instrument test leads from the
battery under test when not in use.

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§ The purpose of this equipment is limited to use as
described in this manual. Do not use the
equipment or its accessories for any purpose other
than specifically described.
§ To avoid electric shock hazard, operating personnel
must not remove the protective instrument covers.
Component replacement and internal adjustments
must be made by qualified service personnel only.
§ Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere.
Explosive gases such as hydrogen can be present
around batteries. A properly vented battery
environment is considered safe, but it is the
responsibility of the operator to verify conditions
before using the
§ BITE 2/2P.
§ Wear protective clothing and eye protection to
guard against skin and eye damage from battery
acid or in the event of short-circuit sparking.
Replacement leads can be obtained
from Megger.
§ Ensure that test leads and probes are in good
condition, clean, and free of broken or cracked
insulation.
§ Observe all cautions and warnings in this manual
and on the equipment.
§ This instrument is to be used only by suitably
trained personnel who are familiar with the
hazards involved in testing high voltage dc
systems.
§ Safety is the responsibility of the operator.

SAFETY
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Cautions and Warnings
This manual provides cautions and warnings where
applicable, and these safety features should be strictly
observed.
G
Cautions
Alert you to possible
damage to equipment.
CAUTION
Never allow water to enter the case
of the BITE 2/2P.
F
Warnings
Alert you to conditions
that are potentially
hazardous to people.
WARNING
Always power off and disconnect
the BITE 2/2P before cleaning it.
Notes provide important
information.
NOTE: If you do not want to test the
strap, pull the trigger and go directly
to Step Six.
Margin notes offer extra
information and
assistance.
Note: Use only the 120V or 240V setting.
The 100V and 230V will blow fuses.

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GLOSSARY
GF
Use only in accordance with this Instruction Manual.
active test
The measurements for the cells or battery string to which
the transmitter is currently connected
baseline
A value established as a reference for measurement; a
benchmark.
BITE
Battery Impedance Test Equipment
cell
A receptacle containing electrodes and an electrolyte either
generating electricity by chemical action or for use in
electrolysis.
cell reversal
A change in the normal polarity of a cell, typically
occurring during a deep discharge.
deviation
The percentage by which a value exceeds or falls short of
an established baseline or benchmark.
equivalent circuit
An arrangement of circuit elements that has
characteristics, over a range of interest, electrically
equivalent to those of a different circuit or device (used for
convenience of analysis).
float
A method of operation for storage batteries in which a
constant voltage is applied to the battery terminals
sufficient to maintain an approximately constant stage of
charge.
Hi_A
Screen display for ripple and current measurement
(I > 15 A).
LCD
Liquid Crystal Display.
Lo_A
Screen display for BITE 2/2P current measurement
(I < 3.0 A).

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LOW BATTERY
Receiver screen display indicating low battery-pack
capacity.
OVER VOLTAGE
Over range - screen display for dc terminal voltage,
impedance, and strap resistance.
RTC
Real-Time Clock.
ripple
The alternating component whose instantaneous current
values are the difference between the average and
instantaneous values of a pulsating unidirectional
current.
RMS
Root mean squared.
stationary battery
A storage battery designed for service in a permanent
battery location.
sulfating
Deposit formation of a white scale containing lead sulfate
(on the plates of a storage battery).
UPS
Uninterruptible Power Supply.
variation
The percentage by which the measured impedance of a cell
differs from the average impedance for the entire battery
string.

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4
CONTROLS, CONNECTORS, INDICATORS AND
MENUS
Overview
This chapter explains the locations and functions of the
controls, connectors, indicators and menus for the
BITE 2/BITE 2P transmitter and receiver.The first section
covers the BITE 2 transmitter, the second covers the BITE
2P transmitter, and the third covers the receiver.
Symbols used on the instrument are:
Safety warnings are precautions that must be read and
understood before the instrument is used. Refer to
accompanying notes in manual.
Equipment complies with current EU directives.
WEEE
The crossed out wheeled bin placed on Megger products is a
reminder not to dispose of the product at the end of its life
with general waste. Megger is registered in the UK as a
Producer of Electrical and Electronic Equipment. The
Registration No. is WEE/DJ2235XR.

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BITE 2 Transmitter
Figure 4-1 shows a front view of the BITE 2 transmitter.
Figure 4-1: BITE 2 Transmitter
Digital Meter—ac source current digital indicator with a
scale of 0 to 15 A.
Power Switch—The power switch is pressed to turn the
transmitter on and off. The power switch is marked with |
(for ON) and O(for OFF).
Current On/Off Switch—The current on/off switch is
pressed to start or stop the flow of the test current to the
battery.
Current On/Off Switch
Current Ready
Digital Meter
Control Panel
Power Switch
J3
J2
Over Voltage
Receiver Charger On/Off Indicator
Receiver Charger On/Off Indicator
J1
F1

CONTROLS, CONNECTORS, INDICATORS AND MENUS
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Receiver Charger On/Off Indicator—LED illuminates when
the receiver is plugged into the charger and the charger is
energized. It also indicates the state-of-charge of the receiver
battery. While the battery is charging, the LED remains
constant; when the battery is fully charged, the LED blinks.
Indicator Lamps:
CURRENT READY—Illuminates after the coupling
capacitors in the transmitter are charged to the bus
voltage. A delay timer allows current flow to the
battery under test.
POWER—Illuminates whenever the Power Switch is in
the | (ON) position and the unit is powered by 120 V
(230 V) ac line voltage
OVER VOLTAGE—Indicates that the voltage across the
current source leads is greater than 275 V dc. (The
READY light will go out and the current flow to the
battery will stop when an over-voltage condition
occurs.)
Transmitter
Connector Panel
Power module—The transmitter power module comprises
the following components:
J1 receptacle—The standard power cord supplied with
the instrument is inserted into this 120 V/60 Hz (230
V/50 Hz) receptacle for ac power.
F1 Fuse carrier/voltage selector—The fuse carrier is
removed as needed to replace fuses. The arrow located on
the connector panel directly to the left of the J1 receptacle
should point to the indicator on the fuse carrier that
corresponds to the proper voltage (120 V or 230 V). See
Figure 4-3.
J2 connector—The transmitter current source leads are
connected from this connector to the battery under test.
J3 connector—The receiver battery is charged from this
connector to J3 on the receiver to charge its battery.

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BITE 2P Transmitter
Figure 4-2 shows a front view of the BITE 2P transmitter.
Figure 4-2: BITE 2P Transmitter
Digital Meter—ac source current indicator with a scale of 0
to 15 A.
Power Switch—The power switch is pressed to turn the
transmitter on and off. The power switch is marked with a |
(for ON) and an O(for OFF).
Current On/Off Switch—The current on/off switch is
pressed to start or stop the flow of the test current to the
battery.
Receiver Charger
On/Off
Current On/Off Switch
J2
Printer
Storage
Bin
J3
Power
Module
Power
Switch
J1
Digital
Meter
Over Voltage
Current Ready
F1
J4
Control Panel