METREL VoltScanner MI 2130 User manual

VoltScanner
MI 2130
User Manual
Version 3.0, Code No. 20 750 703

2
Mark on your equipment certifies that this equipment meets the requirements of the EU
(European Union) concerning safety and interference causing equipment regulations
© 2000 METREL
No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means
without permission in writing from METREL.

MI 2130 VoltScanner Table of contents
3
1. Introduction-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
1.1 Features-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
1.2 Applied standards----------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
1.3 Warnings----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
1.4 Accessories------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5
1.5 PC Hardware Requirements---------------------------------------------------------------------5
1.6 Batterycharging specifications-----------------------------------------------------------------5
1.7 Maintenance-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6
2Setting Up the VoltScanner------------------------------------------------------------------------7
2.1 Installing ScanLink package---------------------------------------------------------------------7
2.2 Selecting Language--------------------------------------------------------------------------------7
2.3 Sending Parameters to the VoltScanner-----------------------------------------------------7
2.3.1 Selecting a COM Port------------------------------------------------------------------------7
2.3.2 Setting the Instrument Type----------------------------------------------------------------8
2.3.3 Setting the Thresholds-----------------------------------------------------------------------8
2.3.4 Sending the Parameters--------------------------------------------------------------------13
3Plugging in the VoltScanner---------------------------------------------------------------------15
3.1 Light Indicators-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------15
4Downloading and Analysing Data--------------------------------------------------------------17
4.1 Periodics mode-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------17
4.2 Periodics graphs-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------19
4.3 Event and Transient mode----------------------------------------------------------------------21
4.4 Event and Transient graphs--------------------------------------------------------------------23
4.5 SupplyVoltage Interruptions-------------------------------------------------------------------25
5Managing Data----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------27
6Specifications-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------29
6.1 General-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------29
6.2 Measurements--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------29

MI 2130 VoltScanner Introduction
4
1. Introduction
1.1 Features
The VoltScanner is asimple instrument designed to record voltage characteristics at
the customers supplyterminals in public electricitydistribution systems, according to
the EN50160 standard.
It records voltage dips, swells, transient overvoltages, frequencyvariations and supply
interruptions.
The parameters that tell the VoltScanner what to record are set byPC using the
ScanLink package. Communication between the VoltScanner and aPC is carried via
RS232 cable and is opticallycoupled, so that the PC is electricallyisolated.
VoltScanner can store about 3500 events.
The VoltScanner has four LEDs to provide different information about the state ofthe
VoltScanner (memoryfull, lowbattery, polarity, events).
1.2 Applied standards
Instrument operation: EN 50160
Safety: EN 61010-1
EMC emission: EN 50081-1
EMC immunity: EN 50082-2
1.3 Warnings
In order to reach the highest level ofoperator’s safety,it is necessaryto consider the
following general warnings:
♦ If the instrument is used in amanner not specified in this User Manual, the
protection provided bythe instrument maybe impaired!
♦ Do not use the instrument and accessories, if anydamage is noticed!
♦ Service intervention is allowed to be carried out onlybyacompetent and
authorised person!
♦ Consider all generallyknownprecautions in order to avoid the risk of electric
shock while dealing with electric installations!
♦ Use onlystandard or optional test accessories supplied byyour distributor!
♦ Disconnect all test leads before opening the batterycover!
♦ Do not use nonrechargeable batteries
♦ If the instrument is disconnected, download Data during data retention time
(130 h with batterycapacityof 600 mAh), otherwise data will be lost.

MI 2130 VoltScanner Introduction
5
1.4 Accessories
Standard
• VoltScanner instrument MI 2130 H
• Mains measuring cable 1.5 m
• Battery- rechargeable 4 x1.2 V
• Windows Software "ScanLink" with RS 232 interface cable
• Instruction Manual
• Declaration ofconformity
• Production verification data
• Declaration ofwarranty
Optional
• Small soft carrying bag Order No. A1020
• Universal test cable, 3 ×1.5 m
with 3 pcs safetytest tips Order No S 1112
• Set ofAlligator clips (black), 3 pcs Order No. S 2010
1.5 PC Hardware Requirements
• Pentium processor-based computer, with Windows 95, 98 or 2000, NT, XP
• one free serial port
• CD-ROM drive
1.6 Batterycharging specifications
• Emptybatteries charging current: 100 mA
• Full batteries charging current: 40 mA
• Charging time ofemptyaccumulators (NiCd type, 1000mAh): 18 h
• Current consumption ofdisconnected instrument: ca 3 mA
• Minimal data retention time offullycharged accumulators
(NiCd type, 1000mAh): 180 h
• Voltage range: 80 V – 265 V

MI 2130 VoltScanner Introduction
6
1.7 Maintenance
Batteries
! The instrument is under hazardous voltage. Disconnect all test leads before
removing batterycompartment cover.
If it is necessaryto replace batteries, all four MUST be replaced. Ensure that
batteries are installed with correct polarity.
Do not use nonrechargeable batteries.
There mayexist special environmental regulations concerning the disposal of
batteries. If requested, followthe regulations.
Cleaning
Toclean the surface ofan instrument, use asoftcloth slightlymoistened with soapy
water or alcohol. Then leave the instrument to drytotallybefore use.
• Do not use liquids based on petrol or hydrocarbons!
• Do not spill cleaning liquid over the instrument!
Service and ReCalibration
For repairs under warranty,recalibration ofthe VoltScanner, and for further information,
please contact your distributor. It is recommended that VoltScanner is recalibrated once
everytwo years.
Manufacturer's address:
METREL d.d.
Ljubljanska 77
SI-1354 Horjul
tel: +(386) 1 7558 200
fax: +(386) 1 7549 095
e-mail: [email protected]
internet: www.metrel.si

MI 2130 VoltScanner Setting Up the VoltScanner
7
2Setting Up the VoltScanner
2.1 Installing ScanLink package
• Close all other running applications, or restart Windowsbefore installing the
ScanLink package.
• Insert the ScanLink CD-ROM in your drive and run Setupex.exe.
• Select the Destination Directoryfor the ScanLink package.
• Click Next to begin the installation.
2.2 Selecting Language
Go to Config menu and choose Language option. It enables you to select one ofthe
available languages. You should restart the ScanLink program to applythe selected
language.
2.3 Sending Parameters to the VoltScanner
VoltScanner communicates with your PC via RS232 cable. Plug the RS232 cable into
an available COM port in your PC and into RS232 connector in the VoltScanner and
run the ScanLink.
2.3.1 Selecting a COMPort
With ScanLink program running, go to Config menu and choose COM port.The
following COM Port Configuration windowwill open. Choose appropriate COM port and
click OK. Baud Rate for the VoltScanner is bydefault 9600.

MI 2130 VoltScanner Setting Up the VoltScanner
8
2.3.2 Setting the Instrument Type
Before sending the Settings parameters to instrument for the first time you should
select Instrument type. Go to Config menu and choose Instrument type option. The
following Instrument Settings windowwill open:
2.3.3 Setting the Thresholds
Click the Settings button in the toolbar in the main window,or go to the File menu and
choose Settings. The following Instrument Settings windowwill open.

MI 2130 VoltScanner Setting Up the VoltScanner
9
VoltScanner can operate in twomodes -Event &Transient and Periodics. Select the
appropriate menu for the VoltScanner to operate.
Event and Transient mode
In this mode the VoltScanner records single events that fall aboveor belowthe set
thresholds.
Event & Transient section has three subsections.
• Line to Neutral
• Neutral to Ground
• Frequency
Tochange the value ofanythreshold click on the setting (the numbers become red)
and set the value with up and down buttons.

MI 2130 VoltScanner Setting Up the VoltScanner
10
Voltage Swell
Avoltage swell is an increase in line voltage that can last for an indefinite period. The
VoltScanner records swells that are abovethe set threshold for at least one cycle
(20ms/50Hz) with a 3 volts hysteresis.
Voltage swells are usuallycaused byfault conditions, the energization oflarge loads
which require high starting currents, intermittent loose connections in power wiring,
large load changes and power line switching. The fault condition can be close to or
remote from the point ofinterest. Ifswells reach too high apeak, theycan damage
electrical equipment. The utility's voltage regulating equipment maynot react quickly
enough to prevent all swells.
The next picture shows a short voltage swell lasting onlytwo cycles.
Voltage Swell
Voltage Dip
Avoltage dip is adecrease in line voltage that can last for an indefinite period. The
VoltScanner records dips that are belowthe set threshold for at least one cycle
(20ms/50Hz) with a 3 volts hysteresis.
Voltage dips are generallycaused byfaults occurring in the customers installations or in
the public distribution system. Common causes are short circuits on the electric power
system, motor starting, customer load additions, and large load additions in the utility
service area. Dips can cause computers and other sensitiveequipment to malfunction
or simplyshut off and can damage certain types ofelectrical equipment. The events
occur mostlyin random manner. The majorityof voltage dips have duration less than 1s
and depth less than 60%. The nextpicture showsashort voltage dip lasting onlytwo
cycles.
Voltage Dip

MI 2130 VoltScanner Setting Up the VoltScanner
11
Voltage Transient
Avoltage transient is ashort duration overvoltage which lasts afewmilliseconds or
less. The VoltScanner records transients both on L-N and N-PE inputs, which are
abovethe set threshold and last at least 1us. It records magnitude and phase ofa
transient. Ifthere are more transients in one halfcycle, the VoltScanner records
magnitude and phase ofthe highest transient and the number oftransients that
occured.
Transients are usuallycaused bylightning, electrostatic discharges, load switching or
faultywiring. Transients can erase or alter computer data and, in extreme cases, they
can even destroyelectronic circuitryand damage the electrical equipment. Generally
speaking, transients can be classified into two categories:
• An impulsive transient is asudden, non-power frequencychange in the steadystate
condition ofvoltage, which is unidirectional in polarity(either positiveor negative).
The most common cause ofimpulsivetransients is lightning. Theyare generallynot
conducted far from the source ofwhere theyenter the power system, although they
may, in some cases, be conducted for quite some distance along utilitylines.
• An oscillatorytransient is a sudden, non-power frequencychange in the steadystate
condition ofvoltage which includes both positive and negative polarityvalues.
Impulsive Transient
FrequencyVariations
FrequencyVariations are defined as adeviation ofthe power system fundamental
frequencyfrom its specified nominal value (e.g. 50 Hzor 60 Hz).
The power system frequencyis directlyrelated to the rotational speed of the generators
supplying the system. There are slight variations in frequencywhen the dynamic
balance between load and generator changes. The sizeofthe frequencyshiftand its
duration depends on the load characteristics and the response of the generation control
system to load changes.
Frequencyvariations that go outside the accepted limits for normal steadystate
operation ofthe power system can be caused byfaults on the bulk power transmission
system, alarge block ofload being disconnected, or alarge source ofgeneration going
off- line.
The VoltScanner records frequencyevents whether the frequencygoes above or

MI 2130 VoltScanner Setting Up the VoltScanner
12
belowthe set threshold for at least three cycles.
The following picture showsashort frequencyvariation (high frequency), lasting only
two cycles. FrequencyVariation
Voltage Interruptions
Voltage Interruptions can be the result ofpower system faults, equipment failures and
control malfunctions. Interruptions can be classified into two categories:
• long interruptions (longer than three and a halfminutes)
• short interruptions (up to three and a halfminutes)
Long interruptions are often permanent and require human intervention to repair the
system for restoration. The VoltScanner records an interruption, ifvoltage drops below
90Vrms for at least one cycle (20ms/50Hz).
Periodics mode
In this mode the VoltScanner records the mean values ofthe supplyvoltage over a
given sampling interval. It also records the minimum and maximum cycle during each
sampling interval. This sampling interval is set in Periodics section bychoosing
minutes or seconds and setting the time with up and downbuttons. It can be set
between 1second and 21 minutes at 50 Hzand 1second and 18 minutes at 60 Hz.
The Estimated time tells you howlong the VoltScanner will be recording before it runs
out of memory.If sampling interval is 1 second, this will be approximately1 hour and for
sampling interval of21 minutes, VoltScanner will keep recording for 47 days.
General Settings
There are some general parameters in the Instrument Settings windowthat haveto be
set regardless ofthe thresholds chosen in Event & Transient or Periodics section.
Frequency
In this section the nominal frequency(50Hzor 60Hz) ofthe supplyvoltage must be set.

MI 2130 VoltScanner Setting Up the VoltScanner
13
Voltage
In this section, the nominal value (220 -240V or 110 -130V) of the supplyvoltage must
be set.
Memory
In this section, you can choose between twomodes ofstoring data. VoltScanner can
stop recording when memoryis full, or can operate as circular FIFO (first in first out)
register and overwrite the oldest data.
Default Parameters
The VoltScanner has factory-installed threshold parameters that can be reached by
clicking the Default Parameters button.
Ifthese factory-installed parameters don’t suit you, you can set your owndefault
parameters. Byclicking the Saveas Default button, you can savethe parameters
which are currentlyin the Instrument Settings windowas your default parameters. Note
that the factory-installed settings are erased once you saveyour owndefault
parameters.
EN 50160
Byclicking the EN 50160 button, the parameters are set according to EN 50160
standard. This means:
• Voltage Swell and Voltage Dip in the Line to Neutral section are set to ±10% ofthe
nominal voltage
• High Frequencyis set to 50,5Hzand LowFrequencyto 49,5Hz.
• Sampling interval in the Periodics section is set to 10 minutes.
2.3.4 Sending the Parameters
Bysending the parameters to the VoltScanner, all the data that is stored in the
VoltScanner is lost.
Click the Settings button in the toolbar and then click the Send Parameters button. The
following dialog boxwill appear.

MI 2130 VoltScanner Setting Up the VoltScanner
14
Ifyou want to proceed click the yes button. Anotice Connecting to Instrument will
appear until the communication is over, which maytake up to 8seconds. Ifeverything
is OK, the following dialog boxwill appear:
Click the OK button to clear the message. The VoltScanner starts to record immediately
after the communication has been successfullycompleted.
Ifnot:
Click the OK button to clear the message and check the following possible errors:
• Make sure that RS232 cable is securelyplugged in the VoltScanner and PC
• Make sure that no other windows program is using the serial port.
• Make sure that your COM port settings are correct

MI 2130 VoltScanner Plugging in the VoltScanner
15
3Plugging in the VoltScanner
After the parameters were successfullysent, the VoltScanner is readyto begin
recording. Every8seconds it checks the line voltage. Ifthe voltage is higher than 70V,
it wakes up from this power downmode and starts recording. So after the VoltScanner
is plugged in, it maytake up to 8seconds before it starts recording. The nextpicture
showsthe VoltScanner plugged into an outlet with shuko plug, and universal test cable
with crocodiles.
L
N
PE
Blue
Black
Green
L
N
PE
3.1 Light Indicators
VoltScanner has four LEDs which indicate its condition:
• Polarity –indicates ifVoltScanner is correctly(proper polarityconnection) plugged
into an outlet. Ifit is plugged in correctly,the LED lights steadily,otherwise it blinks
once everysecond. This will not damage the VoltScanner, but Neutral to Ground
events are not recorded correctly,because the VoltScanner will measure Line to
Ground voltage instead ofNeutral to Ground voltage.
This LED also indicates the presence ofa line voltage (at least 90Vrms) in an outlet.
• Event –indicates ifanyevents havebeen stored. As soon as the VoltScanner
stores one event, LED starts blinking once asecond. Ifline voltage drops below
90Vrms for more than 3.5 minutes, it blinks onlyonce every8 seconds, ifanyevents
have been stored.
• Memory –indicates ifthe memoryofthe VoltScanner is full. When the memoryis
full ( about 3500 events), LED starts blinking once a second.
• Battery –indicates batterystatus. Ifbatteryvoltage is dangerouslylow(the data
could be lost when operating on batterypower), it blinks once asecond. The
VoltScanner has four 1.2V rechargeable batteries. When plugged into an outlet with
line voltage present, the VoltScanner doesn't consume anybatterypower and the
rechargeable batteries (iflow)are constantlycharging bythe internal charger. The
VoltScanner onlyoperates on batterypower when there is no line voltage present
(before it is plugged in, during voltage interruptions and after it is plugged out).

MI 2130 VoltScanner Plugging in the VoltScanner
16
Note:
Before using the VoltScanner for the first time, plug it in an outlet for at least 5 hours
or over night, so that batteries will charge up.
Ifthe VoltScanner hasn’t been used for more than twomonths, also plug it in an
outlet for at least 5 hours or over night before using it again.
Ifyou don’t plan to use the VoltScanner for alonger period oftime, you can always
leaveit plugged into the nearest outlet (no need to be set), so that the batteries will
be full when you need it.
The LEDs onlyblink when line voltage is present. During longer voltage interruptions
(longer than 3.5 minutes), the VoltScanner goes into power downmode in which only
Event LED blinks every8 seconds, ifthere are anyevents stored.

MI 2130 VoltScanner Downloading and Analysing Data
17
4Downloading and Analysing Data
In the main windowclick the DownLoad button in the toolbar, or go to the File menu
and choose DownLoad. The following dialog boxwill appear:
Ifyou want to continue with the download click the Yes button. Note that once you
download the data, the VoltScanner is not set and will not record anydata until new
parameters are sent. Downloading can last up to 40 seconds (Baud Rate 9600) if
memoryis full. When downloading is completed, the results are displayed in the Data
Table.
4.1 Periodics mode
Data Table has four columns:
• average value measured over a given sampling interval
• minimum value ofa single cycle inside a given sampling interval
• maximum value ofa single cycle inside a given sampling interval

MI 2130 VoltScanner Downloading and Analysing Data
18
• date and time (at the end ofeach sampling interval)
Ifvoltage was out ofrange, the Data Table will showthe value 999.
Byclicking the EN 50160 button, software performs an analysis according to the EN
50160 standard which requires:
• 95% ofaverages must be within the range ±10% ofthe nominal voltage
• all averages must be within the range +10% and -15% ofthe nominal voltage
This standard also requires that the sampling interval lasts 10 minutes, but the software
performs the same analysis, ifsampling interval is different.
Before the analysis is performed, you must select the proper nominal voItage in order to
get the correct results.
The results ofthe EN 50160 analysis are presented at the top ofthe Data Table. The
first boxshowsthe percentage ofthe measured averages that were within the range
+10%,-15% ofthe nominal voltage (this must be 100%) and the second boxthe
percentage ofthe measured averages that were within the range ±10% (at least 95%).
Ifboth are OK, the overall evaluation is OK, otherwise NOTOK.

MI 2130 VoltScanner Downloading and Analysing Data
19
At the top ofthe Data Table is infoabout the file: the File name and the mode, in which
the VoltScanner has recorded this file (Event & Transient or Periodics).
Byclicking the Settings Info button, you can see with which thresholds the
VoltScanner was recording data in the current file.
Settings Info window:
4.2 Periodics graphs
Byclicking the Graph button, you can viewVoltage/Time graph with all three voltage
values: average, MIN and MAX.
IfEN 50160 analysis was performed before drawing the graph, the graph includes red
lines that indicate high and lowlimit ofthe EN 50160 (±10% ofnominal value).
Once the graph is drawn, it is easyto zoom in and out. For zooming in position the
mouse on the leftupper corner ofthe area you want to inspect, leftclick and mark the
desired area bydragging the mouse. For zooming out just leftclick and drag the mouse
left and up.

MI 2130 VoltScanner Downloading and Analysing Data
20
Zoom in graph: