Megger SG32-1500M User manual

SG32-UG-EN-V01
Dec 2016
User Guide
SG32-1500M
Megger Portable
Cable Fault Locator
HIGH VOLTAGE EQUIPMENT
Read this entire manual before operating.
EN 61326
M
Valley Forge Corporate Center
2621 Van Buren Avenue
Norristown, PA 19403-2329
U.S.A.
610-676-8500
www.megger.com

SG32-1500M
Megger Portable Cable Fault Locator

Copyright ©2016 by Megger. All rights reserved.
The information presented in this manual is believed to be adequate for the intended use of the product.
The products described herein should not be used for purposes other than as specified herein. 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 repairing, 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 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.
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
[e-mail]
23 rue Eugène Henaff
ZA du Buisson de la Couldre
78190 TRAPPES
T: 01 30 16 08 90
F: 01 34 61 23 77
Germany India Kingdom of Bahrain
SebaKMT
Megger Group Company
Dr. Herbert Iann Str.6
D 96148 Baunach, Germany
T: [phone]
F: [phone]
[email protected]
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)
United States
(College Station)
4271 Bronze Way,
Dallas, Texas 75237-1019 USA
T: 1-800-723-2861
F: 1-214-331-7399
Valley Forge Corporate Centre
2621 Van Buren Avenue
Norristown, PA 19403 USA
T: 610 676 8500
F: 610-676-8610
4064 State Highway 6 South
College Station, TX 77845 USA
T: 979-690-7925
F: 979-690-0276

Safety
Voltages of greater than 50 V applied across dry unbroken human skin are capable of
producing heart fibrillation if they produce electric currents in body tissues which
happen to pass through the chest area.[citation needed] The electrocution danger is
mostly determined by the low conductivity of dry human skin. If skin is wet, or if
there are wounds, or if the voltage is applied to electrodes which penetrate the skin,
then even voltage sources below 40 V can be lethal if contacted. Additionally
research has shown that where the skin has been compromised, very small voltage of
up to 3V can kill.
Accidental contact with high voltage supplying sufficient energy will usually result in
severe injury or death. This can occur as a person's body provides a path for current
flow causing tissue damage and heart failure. Other injuries can include burns from
the arc generated by the accidental contact. These can be especially dangerous if the
victim's airways are affected. Injuries may also be suffered as a result of the physical
forces exerted as people may fall from height or be thrown a considerable distance.
Low-energy exposure to high voltage may be harmless, such as the spark produced
in a dry climate when touching a doorknob after walking across a carpeted floor.

SG32-UG-EN-V01 Dec 2016
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Table of Contents
1 SPECIFICATIONS...............................................................................................................................1
Supply.........................................................................................................................................................1
Input Voltage Source ............................................................................................................................1
Modes of Operation.................................................................................................................................1
HIGH VOLTAGE ...............................................................................................................................1
Surge Impulse (Voltage Impulse) .....................................................................................................2
Arc Reflection & Arc Reflection (Multi-shot) Prelocating ...........................................................2
ICE / Surge Pulse / Current Decoupling / Impulse Current Prelocating ................................2
LOW VOLTAGE.................................................................................................................................3
MTDR 100 (Time Domain Reflectometer, built into lid) ............................................................3
Metering.....................................................................................................................................................3
Environmental..........................................................................................................................................3
Safety..........................................................................................................................................................4
Dimensions & Weights............................................................................................................................4
Accessories ................................................................................................................................................4
Standard (supplied with instrument)...................................................................................................4
Optional (not supplied as standard)....................................................................................................5
2 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR SG32-1500M.................................................................................7
Basic Operating Principle of User Interface ........................................................................................7
All Controls ............................................................................................................................................7
Overview of Methods available on the SG32-1500M ........................................................................7
TDR / Pulse Reflection........................................................................................................................7
Arc Reflection ........................................................................................................................................7
Arc Reflection (Multi-shot)..................................................................................................................7
Differential Arc Reflection (DART)...................................................................................................8
ICE (Impulse Current, Surge Pulse or Current Decoupling)..........................................................8
Top Panel Controls..................................................................................................................................9
Metering...................................................................................................................................................12
External Connections ............................................................................................................................13
External Connections cont’d................................................................................................................14
Integrated MTDR...................................................................................................................................15
3 SAFETY ................................................................................................................................................17
General Safety Precautions ...................................................................................................................17
Handling Guidance .............................................................................................................................17
Safety in Using the SG System.............................................................................................................19
4 PREPARING FOR TEST..................................................................................................................21
IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS.............................................................................................21
Site Preparation.......................................................................................................................................21
Making Connections..............................................................................................................................22
Earth (Ground) the Instrument.........................................................................................................22
AC Supply Cord...................................................................................................................................22
HV-Return / Sheath / Concentric connection...............................................................................23
High Voltage Cable Connection........................................................................................................23
Safety Zone...........................................................................................................................................23

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Switching On........................................................................................................................................23
Connection Diagram...........................................................................................................................24
5 OPERATION OF THE SG32-1500M............................................................................................25
Test Modes..............................................................................................................................................25
Connections ............................................................................................................................................25
Switching on the unit.............................................................................................................................26
Test Procedures......................................................................................................................................26
D.C. Dielectric withstand (Proof) Test ............................................................................................26
D.C. Dielectric Proof/Burn...............................................................................................................27
TDR / Pulse Echo (Time Domain Reflectometer) Low Voltage TDR Pre-location...........29
Arc Reflection / Arc Reflection Multi-Shot - High Voltage Pre-location ..................................30
ICE / Current Impulse (Surge Impulse) - High Voltage Prelocation .........................................31
Surge Generation (Surge Impulse) - High Voltage Pinpoint Location........................................33
Switching Off the Unit ..........................................................................................................................34
6 MAINTENANCE ...............................................................................................................................35
ADDENDUM 1: Cable Fault Location Applications Guide.............................................................37
ADDENDUM 2.......................................................................................................................................39
Typical Fault Locating Strategy............................................................................................................39
Overview of Fault Pre-location Methods...........................................................................................41
Description of TDR (Pulse Echo) Techniques...............................................................................41
Description of Arc Reflection ...........................................................................................................42
Description of ICE / Impulse Current............................................................................................43
Description of Voltage Decay ...........................................................................................................44
ADDENDUM 3: MTDR100 User Guide............................................................................................45
1 MTDR100 Specification......................................................................................................................47
2 Getting to know your MTDR100 ......................................................................................................49
Methods available on the MTDR100..................................................................................................50
TDR / Pulse Echo ..............................................................................................................................50
Arc Reflection Multi-shot...................................................................................................................50
Differential Arc Reflection (DART).................................................................................................50
Current Impulse (ICE or Impulse Current) ....................................................................................50
Loop-off / Loop-on............................................................................................................................51
Display .....................................................................................................................................................51
Status Bar.................................................................................................................................................52
Operator Menu Bar................................................................................................................................53
Single Button Operation .......................................................................................................................54
Rotary Jog-Dial ....................................................................................................................................54
3 OPERATION OF THE MTDR100 ................................................................................................55
Initial Set-up............................................................................................................................................56
Arc Reflection Multi-shot...................................................................................................................63

SG32-UG-EN-V01 Dec 2016
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UPON RECEIPT OF YOUR DELIVERY
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.

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Standard Manual Conventions
This manual uses the following conventions:
Bold indicates emphasis or a heading.
NOTE: is used to set off important information from the rest of the text.
F A WARNING symbol alerts you to a hazard that may
result in equipment damage, personal injury, or death.
Carefully read the instructions provided and follow all
safety precautions.
G A CAUTION symbol alerts you that the system may not
operate as expected if instructions are not followed.

SG32-UG-EN-V01 Dec 2016
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1
SPECIFICATIONS
Supply
Input Voltage source
SG32-1500M-xx is fitted with a universal input power supply and as such
can be supplied from 108-265V AC Power supplies.
2 each fuses, 12A slow blow, for 120V operation are installed
if operated from 230V please install 2 each 6A slow blow fuses provided in
the accessory bag
The SG32-1500M-xx, maximum power requirement is 1200 VA when used
with AC input. Two-pole three-terminal grounding type connector must be
used.
Modes of Operation
High Voltage Hipot / Proof / Burn, Surge Impulse (Thump), Arc Reflection ,
Arc Reflection (Multi-shot), Differential Arc Reflection (DART) , ICE
Low Voltage TDR / Pulse Echo ; Direct; Comparison
HIGH VOLTAGE
Output voltage 0 to 16 kV DC
0 to 32 kV DC
Proof Current 0 to 40 mA (16 kV range)
0 to 20 mA (32 kV range)
Burn Current 0 to 40 mA (16 kV range)
0 to 20 mA (32 kV range)

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Surge Impulse (Voltage Impulse)
Ranges Two (2)
Impulse voltage 0 to 16 kV
0 to 32 kV
Impulse Energy @ 100% of range 1500 joule @ 0 to 16 kV
1500 joule @ 0 to 32 kV
Impulse Repetition Rate Single Shot
1 to 15 seconds
Arc Reflection & Arc Reflection (Multi-shot) Prelocating
Voltage 0 to 16 kV
0 to 32 kV
Energy @ 100% of range 1500 joule @ 0 to 16 kV
1500 joule @ 0 to 32 kV
Number of Traces (Multi-shot): 1024 to 16
(Dependent on range selected)
ICE / Surge Pulse / Current Decoupling / Impulse Current Prelocating
Voltage 0 to 16 kV / 0 to 32 kV
Energy @ 100% of range 1500 joule @ 0 to 16 kV
1500 joule @ 0 to 32 kV

SPECIFICATIONS
SG32-UG-EN-V01 Dec 2016
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LOW VOLTAGE
MTDR 100 (Time Domain Reflectometer, built into lid)
Operation Single Jog-Dial
Modes Pulse Echo, Direct, Comparison,
Arc Reflection, Arc Reflection Multi-shot,
Differential Arc Reflection (DART) Impulse Current
Ranges 10 ranges:
100 m to 55 km ; 328 ft to 180,445 ft
Pulse Width 50 ns, 100 ns, 200 ns, 500 ns, 1 μs, 2 μs, 5 μs, 10 μs
Pulse Amplitude 25V into 50 Ohms
Sampling Rate 100 MHz
Resolution (VP=55%) 0.82 m / 2.7 ft
Time base accuracy 200 ppm
Output impedance 50 Ohms
Gain Variable over 60 dB in 5 dB steps
Display XGA 1024 x 768 : 26.5 mm (10.4”)
Storage On-board and USB
Metering
Voltmeter Analog 0 to 40 kV / Accuracy 5%
Ammeter Analog 0 to 75 mA / Accuracy 5%
Environmental
Operating Temp -0 to 50oC / 32 to 120o F
Storage Temperature -20 to 55oC / -4 to 131oF
Humidity 5 to 95% RH non-condensing (operating)
Elevation Maximum 1600 m (De-rate voltages at higher altitudes)

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Safety
Certification to CE 61326
F-OHM Safety Interface, ensures correct and low resistance grounding
Key Interlock Prevents unauthorized switching to HV ON
Dimensions & Weights
Height 965 mm / 38 inches
Width 536 mm / 21 inches
Depth 503 mm / 20 inches
Weight (Total) 131 kgs / 290 lbs
Accessories
Standard (supplied with instrument)
Safety Ground Cable 15 m flexible ground cable with ferrules 19265-15:
Input/supply Cable line cord/ supply cable (1 x ea) 17032-4 ; North American
17032-5 ; International
17032-12; BS
170032-13; EU SHUKO
Documentation User Guide SG32-UG-EN
Software Cable Analysis Software CAS-1

SPECIFICATIONS
SG32-UG-EN-V01 Dec 2016
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Optional (not supplied as standard)
High Resistance Fault Pinpointer Digiphone Plus
Cable Reels / Rack Systems Megger have several cable drums and cable drum
assemblies which need to be specified dependent on
installation and possible combination with other
instruments.
Another consideration is where the equipment is
installed into a vehicle or trailer the available payload
must be taken into consideration.
It is recommended that the factory is contacted prior
to ordering the optional cable reels or cable rack
assemblies.

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2
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR SG32-1500M
Basic Operating Principle of User Interface
All Controls
The built-in controller (PLC) ensures that all operational steps must be executed
in a logical sequence, which provides the highest level of safety to the operator
when working with this type of HV equipment. The guiding principle for
operation of the SG32-1500M is to always push the lit button to go to the
next step.
Overview of Methods available on the SG32-1500M
TDR / Pulse Reflection
TDR or Pulse Echo is a low voltage method of fault pre-location suitable for
locating short and open circuits and other faults below about 300Ohm. It is not
suitable for high impedance or flashing faults, where HV method should be
used.
Arc Reflection
Arc Reflection is the most widely HV method of fault Pre-location used, especially
on solid dielectric insulated MV and HV cables. It is suitable for high resistance,
flashing and other faults that can be ignited by a surge generator. A reference
trace is taken without the arc, and then a real-time trace is taken during the arc
and recorded and compared to the reference trace. The point of divergence
(impedance change) is the fault position.
Arc Reflection (Multi-shot)
Arc Reflection Multi-shot defines a technique with multiple TDR pulses fired during
the HV phase. It allows finding the optimal trigger point without having to
adjust the optimum trigger delay. It provides the advantage of being able to view
multiple traces, all of which have been captured during the period of the arc at
different times. It's an excellent feature for hard to flash over / capture faults,
e.g. in PILC cables.

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Differential Arc Reflection (DART)
In Differential Arc Reflection mode unwanted and confusing reflections are
removed leaving a clean trace with only the fault position being displayed by a
positive pulse (HV trace is mathematically subtracted from LV trace). This method
can be helpful in locating high-resistance faults in complex cable systems;
however it is important to recognize that the fault reflection is positive in this
mode.
ICE (Impulse Current, Surge Pulse or Current Decoupling)
ICE is a good alternative if the ARC Reflection method does not provide reliable
fault distances on e.g. long-, wet- or PILC cables. The fault is ignited and the
resultant transients are recorded on the TDR, which in this mode acts as a
transient recorder (no active TDR pulse). The trace displays negative reflections
both at the point of fault (low impedance) and also where the surge generator is
connected to the cable. The first displayed reflection is indicative of the
“ionization delay” i.e. the time needed for the fault to flashover after the release
of the HV surge. The distance between 2 consecutive peaks of the transient
equals the distance to fault minus the length of the HV test lead. For added
accuracy more than one measurement at different voltages should be used.
Generally speaking the results are very comparable to those found with the ARM
method on longer cables; they could be slightly off on short cables.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR SG32-1500M
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Top Panel Controls
SAFETY INTERLOCKS:
1. CHECK KEY SWITCH LED
(Yellow): Indicates if Key
Switch Interlock activated.
When illuminated, this LED indicates that the key
switch interlock has been activated
2. ZERO START INTERLOCK
LED (Yellow): Indicates if
voltage control not at zero.
When illuminated, this LED indicates that the
voltage control knob is not at zero. Voltage control
must be at zero before commencing any voltage
changes. Active for all HV operations when initiating
for the first time or when re-initiating after a change
in mode or range.
3. CHECK GROUNDS
LED (Yellow): Indicates HV
Cable not connected properly.
When illuminated, this LED indicates that the safety
loop has a resistance in excess of 5 Ohms, indicating
poor grounding or no grounding.
4. CHECK MODE SWITCH
LED (Yellow): Indicates if
Mode Switch not seated.
This LED illuminates if the Test Mode selector
switch is not properly seated and a test mode not
correctly selected.
12. Voltage Control
Knob with ZERO Start
4. Warning Lamp
Check Mode Switch
5. Warning Lamp
Check Range
Switch
1. Warning Lamp
Check Ke
y
Switch
2. Warning Lamp
Zero Start Interlock
3. Warning Lamp
Check Grounds
7. Yellow LED
Overtem
p
6. High Voltage
Ke
y
Switch
8. Emergency
Sto
p
Switch
11. ON/OFF Unit
AC Power Li
g
ht
9. HV OFF
15. Single SHOT
13. Surge Timer
Control
10. HV ON
14. SELECT
V
olta
g
e Ran
g
e
20. ARC REFL
19. SURGE
22. Voltage
kV meter
16. SELECT Mode
17. PROOF/BURN
18. TDR
21. Milli-Ammeter

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SAFETY INTERLOCKS:
5. CHECK RANGE SWITCH
LED (Yellow): Indicates if
Range Switch not seated.
This LED illuminates if the Voltage Range switch is
not properly seated, and a voltage range correctly
selected.
6. HV ( High Voltage )
Key Switch Interlock
This key switch must be turned to the 3 O’clock
position for High Voltage to be available. When it is
removed in the off position, the unit cannot be
operated in any HV mode.
7. OVERTEMP FAULT
LED (Yellow): Indicates if
High Voltage Power Supply
temperature exceeded
When illuminated, this LED indicates that the
temperature limit of the high voltage power supply
has been exceeded and will be shut off.
8. EMERGENCY STOP
SWITCH
This switch acts as an Emergency Stop, and removes
AC Power from the unit. To disengage the
Emergency Stop and turn on the SG32-1500M, turn
the knob clockwise. Push this switch to turn off the
SG32-1500M, either in an emergency or when all
operations are complete.
9. HV OFF
LED (Red)
When the unit is in the state to output HV or is
delivering HV, it’s red HV OFF LED is on, signal-
ling that the entire test circuit is or must be
considered energized.
By pushing on the HV OFF button, the HV source
in the unit is powered off and the entire test circuit is
discharged and grounded. After this is accomplished
the green light on the HV ON button will illuminate,
signalling that the entire test circuit is deenergized
and grounded.
10. HV ON
LED (Green)
When the green LED in the HV ON button is
illuminated, it signals the unit has been properly
setup, that all safety circuits are working, and the unit
is in a stand-by mode ready to output HV if called
on. HV will be applied provided the operator takes
the next step by pushing the green button to
"authorize"/ apply HV to the test circuit. After this
is accomplished the green light goes out and the red
LED of the HV OFF button will illuminate.
11. ON/OFF Unit – AC Power
LED (White)
This Pushbutton is used to turn the SG32-1500M
ON and OFF (in a non-emergency situation). When
connecting the AC power cord to an energized
outlet, the white LED will come on and signal that