Megger EZ-ThumpV3 User manual

EZTV3-UG-EN-V01
Feb 2022
User Manual
Portable
Fault Locating System
EZ-ThumpV3-3/4/12 kV
all V3 models
are MULTI SHOT only
Read this entire manual before operating
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Valley Forge Corporate Center
2621 Van Buren Avenue
Norristown, PA 19403-2329
U.S.A.
610-676-8500
www.megger.com

Portable Fault Locating System
EZ-ThumpV3-3/4/12kV

Copyright© 2019 by Megger. All rights reserved.
No part of this handbook may be copied by photographic or other means unless Megger have
before-hand declared their consent in writing. The content of this handbook is subject to change
without notice. Megger cannot be made liable for technical or printing errors or shortcomings of
this handbook. Megger also disclaims all responsibility for damage resulting directly or indirectly
from the delivery, supply, or use of this matter.
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 one year following shipment. Our liability is specifically limited to replacing or repai-
ring, at our option, defective equipment. Equipment returned for repair must be shipped prepaid
and insured. Contact your local MEGGER representative for instructions and a return authoriza-
tion (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 bat-
teries, 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 recom-
mended operating procedures) or failure by the customer to perform specific maintenance as indi-
cated in this manual.

Local Megger Offices
Australia
Canada
France
Megger Pty Limited
Unit 1, 11-21 Underwood Road
Homebush
NSW 2140
T: [phone]
F:[phone]
110 Milner Avenue Unit 1
Scarborough Ontario
M1S 3R2 Canada
T: 1 416 298 6770
F: 416 298 0848
9 rue Michael Faraday
78180 Montigny-le-Bretonneux
T: 01 30 16 08 90
F: 01 34 61 23 77
Germany
India
Kingdom of Bahrain
Megger Germany
Dr. Herbert Iann Str. 6
96148 Baunach / Germany
T: [phone]
F: [phone]
Megger (India) Pvt Limited
501 Crystal Paradise Mall
Off. Veera Desai Road
Andheri (W)
Mumbai 400053
T: [phone]
F: [phone]
P.O. Box 15777
Office 81, Building 298
Road 3306, Block 333
Manama
Kingdom of Bahrain.
T: [phone]
F: + 973 177 20 975
[e-mail]
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Sweden
PO Box 1168
Khobar 31952
T: [phone]
F: [phone]
[e-mail]
PO Box 22300
Glen Ashley 4022
Durban
South Africa
T: [phone]
F:[phone]
Megger Sweden AB
Eldarvägen 4
Box 2970
SE-187 29 TÄBY
SWEDEN
T: [phone]
F: [phone]
Switzerland
United Kingdom (Dover)
Megger Schweiz AG
Ob. Haselweg 630
5727 Oberkulm
Aargau
T: [phone]
F: [phone]
Megger Limited
Archcliffe Road
Dover CT17 9EN
T: 01304 502101
F: 01304 207342
United States
(Dallas)
United States
(Valley Forge)
MFG Plant + Product Management
United States
(College Station)
4545 W Davis St.,
Dallas, Texas 75211 USA
T: 1-800-723-2861
F: 1-214-331-7399
Valley Forge Corporate Center
2621 Van Buren Avenue
Norristown, PA 19403 USA
T: 610-676-8500
F: 610-676-8610
Changing April 28th, 2022 to
400 Opportunity Dr
Phoenixville, PA 19460
no change in phone / fax numbers
4064 State Highway 6 South
College Station, TX 77845 USA
T: 979-690-7925
F: 979-690-0276

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EZTV3-UG-EN-V01 Feb 2022
i
Table of Contents
1 SAFETY...................................................................................................................................... 1
Precautions .................................................................................................................................. 1
Warning and Caution Notices..................................................................................................... 1
Working with the Product .......................................................................................................... 2
Operating Personnel ................................................................................................................... 2
Repair and Maintenance.............................................................................................................. 2
General Cautions and Warnings ................................................................................................. 2
Intended Application............................................................................................................... 2
What to Do if Equipment Malfunctions ................................................................................. 3
Five Safety Rules ..................................................................................................................... 3
Important Safety Advisory Note - When Working With Hv Surge Generator / Thumper ... 4
Requirements for Safe High Voltage Work Environment ...................................................... 4
2 TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................. 6
System Description ..................................................................................................................... 6
Functional Description............................................................................................................ 6
Product Models ....................................................................................................................... 7
Features ................................................................................................................................... 7
Scope of Delivery .................................................................................................................... 8
Available Accessories............................................................................................................... 8
Technical Data ............................................................................................................................ 9
Control Elements, Indicators and Connectors...........................................................................10
Power Supply .............................................................................................................................11
Battery Operation ..................................................................................................................11
Introduction .......................................................................................................................11
Battery Status and Automatic Shutoff ................................................................................11
Charging .............................................................................................................................12
120/230V AC Line Operation................................................................................................13
3 SETTING UP THE SYSTEM...................................................................................................14
Connection Diagram..................................................................................................................15
Connection Sequence .................................................................................................................15
4 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.............................................................................................16
Power on the System..................................................................................................................16
Basics of Operation ....................................................................................................................16
Operation with Rotary Knob.................................................................................................16
High Voltage Control ............................................................................................................17
Safety Circuit .............................................................................................................................17
Introduction ...........................................................................................................................17
Conditions of the Safety Circuit ............................................................................................18

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EZTV3-UG-EN-V01 Feb 2022
ii
User Modes ................................................................................................................................18
System Settings .......................................................................................................................19
5 HOW TO PERFORM A TEST................................................................................................24
Detecting and Locating a Cable Fault in a Shielded Medium Voltage Power Cable ..................24
Locating a Faulty Cable Segment (Sectionalizing)..................................................................24
Introduction .......................................................................................................................24
How to Determine the Faulted Section..............................................................................25
How to Verify a Faulted Cable Section..............................................................................27
Locating a Cable Fault (shielded MV power cable) ................................................................28
How to Test the Dielectric Strength of the Cable..............................................................28
How to Pre-Locate the Fault..................................................................................................30
Arc Reflection Method (ARM)...........................................................................................30
Current Decoupling / Surge Pulse (ICE) NOT AVAILABLE in EZ-Thump Family.....32
How to Pinpoint a High Resistance (Flash-over) Fault..........................................................32
Detecting a Sheath Fault in a shielded Medium Voltage Cable or a Ground Fault in an
Unshielded, Low Voltage Cable (both must be directly buried)................................................34
How to Pinpoint a Sheath Fault in a Shielded Medium Voltage cable or a Ground Fault in an
Unshielded Low Voltage Cable (both must be directly buried) .................................................36
6 CUSTOMIZE TDR FEATURES (applicable to TDR and ARM Mode)..................................37
Introduction ...............................................................................................................................37
Customized TDR Features.........................................................................................................38
Completing the Operation.........................................................................................................40
7 ADVANCED SYSTEM SETTINGS.........................................................................................41
How to Edit the Cable List........................................................................................................41
Introduction ...........................................................................................................................41
XML Structure of a Cable List File ........................................................................................41
How to Edit the Cable List ....................................................................................................42
How to Setup Customer-Specific TDR Features .......................................................................43
How to Use EasyPROT Software to Plot DC HIPOT/Sheath Test Data ................................45
8 CARE and MAINTENANCE ..................................................................................................46
Maintenance ...............................................................................................................................46
Storage........................................................................................................................................46
APPENDIX 1 ................................................................................................................................48
Overview of TDR Features........................................................................................................49

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EZTV3-UG-EN-V01 Feb 2022
iii
Receiving Instructions
1. Check the equipment received against the packing list to ensure that all
materials are present. Notify Megger of any shortage. Email your local Service
Representative or send to VFCustomerSu[email protected].
2. Examine the equipment for damage received in transit. If damage is discovered,
file a claim with the carrier at once and notify Megger, giving a detailed
description of the damage.
3. Prior to operation, check for loosened hardware or damage incurred during
transit. If these conditions are found, a safety hazard is likely,
DO NOT attempt to operate equipment.
Please contact Megger as soon as possible.
Please check your delivery against:
a) your order
b) our advice note
c) the item delivered, and
d) the parts list
any shortages must be reported immediately.
Consultation with Megger
The present system manual has been designed as an operating guide and for
reference. It is meant to answer your questions and solve your problems in
as fast and easy a way as possible. Please start with referring to this manual
should any trouble occur.
In doing so, make use of the table of contents and read the relevant
paragraph with great attention. Furthermore, check all terminals and
connections of the instruments involved.
Should any question remain unanswered, please contact:
VFCustomerSu[email protected]
or
phone: [phone] (USA)

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EZTV3-UG-EN-V01 Feb 2022
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SAFETY
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1
SAFETY
Precautions
This manual contains basic instructions on commissioning and operating
the EZ-THUMP 3/4/12kV models. For this reason, it is important to
ensure that the manual is always available to authorised and trained
personnel. Any personnel who will be using the devices shall read and
understand the manual thoroughly. The manufacturer will not be held
liable for any injury or damage to personnel or property through failure
to observe the safety precautions contained in this handbook.
Applicable local regulations must be observed.
Warning and Caution Notices
Warning and caution notices are used throughout this manual where
applicable. These notices appear in the format shown below and are defined
as follows:
F
WARNING!
Warning, as used in this manual, is defined as a condition or
practice which could result in personal injury or loss of life.
G
CAUTION
Caution, as used in this manual, is defined as a condition or
practice which could result in damage to or destruction of the
equipment or apparatus under test. The user must consult the
User Guide when this symbol marked on the instrument.
u
PROTECTIVE EARTH TERMINAL
NOTE: The notes contain important information and useful tips for
using the system. Failure to observe them can render the
measuring results useless.

SAFETY
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Working with the Product
It is important to observe the general electrical regulations of the country
in which the device will be installed and operated, as well as the current
national accident prevention regulations and internal company rules (work,
operating and safety regulations).
After working with the equipment, make sure to de-energise, protect
against re-energising; discharge, earth and short-circuit the equipment and
installations that have been worked on.
Use genuine accessories to ensure system safety and reliable operation. The
use of other parts is not permitted and invalidates the warranty.
Operating Personnel
This system and its peripheral equipment may only be operated by trained
or instructed personnel. Anyone else must be kept away.
The system may only be installed by a trained or authorized electrician. In
Germany DIN VDE 0104 (EN 50191), DIN VDE 0105 (EN 50110) and the
German accident prevention regulations (UVV) define an electrician as
someone whose knowledge, experience and familiarity with the applicable
regulations enables him to recognize potential hazards.
Repair and Maintenance
Repairs and service must only be done by Megger or Megger authorized
service departments. Megger recommends having the equipment serviced
and checked once per year at a Megger service location.
Megger also offers direct on-site support. Please contact our service office
for more information
General Cautions and Warnings
Intended Application
Safe operation is only warranted if using the equipment for its intended
purpose. Using the equipment for other purposes may result in bodily harm
or death of the operator and damage the equipment itself and that of the
involved test site.

SAFETY
EZTV3-UG-EN-V01 Feb 2022
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The limits described under technical data may not be exceeded. Operating
Megger products in environments, which feature high humidity in combi-
nation with condensation, may lead to flash-over, creepage, danger and da-
mage. The instruments should only be operated under tempered conditions.
Do not operate Megger products in direct contact with humidity, water or
near aggressive chemicals nor explosive gases and fumes.
What to Do if Equipment Malfunctions
The equipment shall only be used when working properly. If irregularities
or malfunctions appear which cannot be solved consulting this manual, the
equipment must immediately be put out of operation and marked as not
functional. In this case inform the person in charge who should inform the
Megger service to resolve the problem. The equipment shall only be
operated after the malfunction is resolved.
Five Safety Rules
The five safety rules must always be followed when working with HV
(High Voltage):
1. De-energize
2. Protect against re-energizing
3. Confirm absence of voltage
4. Ground and short-circuit
5. Cover close by energized components
Using cardiac pacemaker
Physical processes during operation of high voltage may endanger
persons wearing a cardiac pacemaker when near these high voltage
facilities
Fire fighting in electrical installations
According to regulations, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is required to be used
as extinguishing agent for fighting fire in electrical installations.
Carbon Dioxide is electrically nonconductive and does not leave
residues. It is safe to be used in energized facilities as long as the
minimum distances are maintained. A Carbon Dioxide fire extinguisher
must be always available within electrical installations.
If, contrary to the regulations, any other extinguishing agent is used for
firefighting, this may lead to damage at the electrical installation. Megger
disclaims any liability for consequential damage. Furthermore, when using
a powder extinguisher near high-voltage installations, there is a danger
that the operator of the fire extinguisher will get an electrical shock from an
ARC FLASH (voltage arc-over created by the powder dust cloud).
It is essential to observe the safety instruction on the extinguishing agent.
Applicable is DIN VDE 0132 in Germany

SAFETY
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F
WARNING
Dangers when working with HV
Special attention and safety awareness are needed when operating HV equipment
and especially non-stationary equipment. The regulations VDE 0104 about setting
up and operation of electric test equipment, i.e., the corresponding EN 50191 as
well as country-specific regulations and standards must be observed.
Depending on the specific EZ-Thump system, it generates a dangerous voltage
of up to 12kV during operation. This voltage is supplied via a HV cable to the
test object.
The system is not to be operated by untrained personnel and without
supervision.
Safety installations may not be by-passed nor deactivated.
All metallic parts in proximity of the test equipment must be grounded to avoid
the build-up of hazardous electric surface charges.
F
WARNING
Not paying attention or correcting unsafe conditions can lead to personal injury
and potential death
IMPORTANT SAFETY ADVISORY NOTE -
WHEN WORKING WITH HV SURGE GENERATOR / THUMPER
REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFE WORK ENVIRONMENT WHEN PERFORMING MV or LV
POWER CABLE FAULT LOCATING BY DISCHARGING A HIGH VOLTAGE CAPACITOR
(Surge generator /Thumper)
Requirements for safe High Voltage work environment
(schematic on next page)
1. Safety Ground lead of unit is connected to system grounding point of power
device, ①, e.g., transformer, switchgear etc., via proper clamp,
no alligator clips.
2. High Voltage Return (= shield of test lead) ②is connected via clamp to
concentric neutral (shield) of power cable to be tested or to the grounded
second faulty core in case of belted MV cables or to the second faulty core
of a LV cable.
3. High Voltage lead ③is connected via clamp or other proper means to the
conductor of the power cable to be tested, no alligator clips.

SAFETY
EZTV3-UG-EN-V01 Feb 2022
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4. The Concentric Neutral (shield of the cable to be tested) of the MV power
cable, or a second core of a LV cable to be tested must be bonded to the system
grounding point of the power device (see also 1).
5. The resistance of the system grounding point of the power device to earth ground
must be 5 Ohms or less when measured with an earth ground meter
6. If a 5 Ωor less condition cannot be attained, the operator must follow the specific
work procedures and instructions, applicable to a “hot”/“energized”/“live”
work site; in Europe EN 50110-1 is mandatory, the reason being that in this
situation the entire test circuit is “floating above earth ground” under HV test
conditions and create a serious safety hazard for the operator.

EZTV3-UG-EN-V01 Feb 2022
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2
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
System Description
Functional Description
The EZ-THUMP 3/4/12kV models are compact fault location system,
typically to be used for fault locating of low voltage- and medium voltage
power cables. They offer 2 power sources to be operated from. The 2 power
sources are AC line voltage and an internal 24V battery system. When
connected to the AC line, the portable EZ-THUMP 3/4/12KV MODELS
will operate and charge its internal battery simultaneously.
The EZ-THUMP 3/4/12KV MODELS are ideally suited for use in both low
voltage distribution- / street light systems and medium voltage URD systems
(satellite concept) up to 25kV systems, depending on the model selected.
They are qualified for all type of cable insulation materials, XLPE, EPR and
also PILC due to their innovative Multishot ARM feature, which is unique
in this equipment class . The main advantages of the EZ-THUMP 3/4/12KV
MODELS are their solid HV performance, simple operation, automated fault
locating process, capable of operation in rainy conditions, weight,
ergonomics and being self-contained.
The EZ-THUMP 3/4/12KV MODELS provide the user with a battery
operated Tool Box Concept, offering the same convenience as available in
some innovative, larger, state of the art fault locating systems. This eliminates
the need for the user to carry a variety of stand alone pieces of equipment to
the job site. Beside the proven and superior pre-location method of inductive
ARM technology, combined with the Multishot feature, the EZ-Thump
provide the optional sectionalizing capability (trouble shooting in URD loop
systems, North America) / splice identication in medium voltage cables.The
integrated 500J single stage surge capacitor (2 stage 1.5/3kV capacitor in the
3kV unit) allows reliable fault pinpointing. The HV DC source for insulation
break- down detection, the display of insulation resistance and LV cable
Ground fault locating/ sheath testing / sheath fault locating locating
complete the tool box (Ground fault- and Sheath fault locating require
optional receiver ESG-NT).

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
EZTV3-UG-EN-V01 Feb 2022
7
Product Models
There are 4 configurations available for the EZ-THUMP 3/4/12KV
MODELS, either with 15 or 50ft (4.5 or 15m) HV/Ground leads and either
as a portable version or mounted on an integrated, stainless steel hand truck
with large air tires for easy use in open terrain.
This manual covers all models of the EZTV3-3/4/12 MODELS. If necessa-
ry, any differences are noted in the text.
Features
The EZ-Thump Systems combine the following features and functions in a
fully integrated, computer-controlled device:
Quick Steps, Expert Mode and TDR Manual Mode allow to address 3 levels
of user skill; TDR Manual Mode is new and only available in the new V3 models
(equipped with the Multishot feature); if set to this mode, all TDR features are
always available on the user interface and must be selected / manually adjusted
by the user; all automatic adjustments known from Quick-Steps and Expert mode
are disabled in Manual Mode. This mode caters to the small group of users who
prefer to set the TDR up according to their own experience and expertise
(Sectionalizing is not available when the TDR is set to Manual Mode) .
Quick Steps and Expert Mode provide Automatic fault Pre-location and
Optional Sectionalizing (fault locating with regard to the 2 closest transformers
or splice identification , this optional software is limited to use in MV circuits)
Quick Steps and Expert Mode provide Automatic cable end and fault
detection and localization
DC test up to 3 / 4 or 12kV with automatic breakdown detection and
insulation resistance measurement
or MV Sheath Fault Test with automatic Pinpointing of high resistance
faults in surge mode (0-3, 0-4, 0-12kV)
LV Ground Fault Test breakdown detection (3,4 or 5kV max. depending
on model)

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
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LV Ground Fault- or MV Sheath Fault pinpointing (requires optional
receiver ESG-NT) (3,4 or 5kV max. depending on model)
Integrated safety circuit for user’s safety (F-OHM for verification of
correct connections of Safety Ground and HV Return)
Optional external remotely operated safety device to shut off HV and
ground EZTV3-3/4/12 MODELS (remote Emergency Off function)
Operation from internal battery / inverter or from an external AC or
external DC source (e.g. external battery)
Sturdy and dust /weatherproof enclosure for outdoor use, IP53
Scope of Delivery
The scope of delivery of the EZ-THUMP 3/4/12KV MODELS comprises
of the following components:
HV output cable hard wired (15ft/4.2m or optional 50ft/15m)
Safety Grounding cable hard wired
AC Power cord
Owner’s manual
Available Accessories
The following accessories* can be ordered from Megger, if required:
Accessories Description Item number
Elbow adaptor with 14 mm
female MC connector, fits
T1 terminations
(NAFTA market)
Used to connect HV output
cable to transformer or
switchgear bushing
865000100100000 (15 kV)
865000200100000 (25 kV)
865000300100000 (35 kV)
External safety device Safety device with signal
lamps, key switch, and
EMERGENCY OFF switch
893024147 and 890024896
*See also separate Data Sheet for optional accessories and cable reels CFL_ACCESS_DS_US_V05

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
EZTV3-UG-EN-V01 Feb 2022
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Technical Data
Parameter Value
DC Test voltage 0 to 3/4/or 12 kV depending on model
Surge voltage 0 to 3/ 0-4/ 0-12 kV depending on model
Source current up to 94mA 3kV unit,
up to 36mA 4kV unit,
up to 12mA 12kV unit,
Insulation measurement 2 kΩ … 10 MΩ
Surge energy 500J @ max. voltage in each of both surge
levels 1.5kV / 3kV for 3kV unit
500J @ max. voltage of 4 and 12kV units
AC Power Input 100-264V, 50-60 Hz
2A 230V internal fuses (line and neutral)
IEC320-C14 receptacle
Internal Battery NiMH battery, 24V/5AH
Operating time battery 45 min (pinpointing) at full energy
Power consumption 144W
Display 7”, 1280 x 800 pixel HighBrite TFT direct
sunlight readable
Memory >100 traces
Interfaces USB port
TDR Range 3/4/12KV MODELS up to 170,000ft / 52km
Measuring resolution 0.8 m (2.6 ft) at 78 m/µs (255 ft/µs)
Max. sampling rate TDR 100 MHz
Update rate 5 samples / second
Dynamic range 64 db
Output impedance 64 Ω
Operating temperature -20 °C to +50 °C / -4°F to +122°F
Storage temperature -25 °C to +70 °C / -13°F to +122°F
Intended Environment Indoor and Outdoor
Relative Humidity 0-95% (non-condensing)
Operating Altitude 0 to 2000 meters / 6500 ft
Dimensions (W x H x D) 16x24x14 / 405/610/355mm
Weight 75lbs / 35kg (portable version)
Protection class
(in accordance with IEC 61140)
I
Protection rating
(in accordance with IEC 60529)
IP53 (open lid)

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
EZTV3-UG-EN-V01 Feb 2022
10
Control Elements, Indicators and Connectors
The EZ-THUMP 3/4/12KV MODELS has the following control elements, indicators, and
connectors:
Element DESCRIPTION Element DESCRIPTION
Battery Indicator Bar (green, orange, red)
see next page
Jack for connecting external safety device
(see next page & page 10, Avail. Accessories
❹❺ ❻ ❼
❾
❽
❶
❷
❸
Charger Status Indicator LED
see next page
, see next page