METREL MI 3122 User manual

Z Line-Loop / RCD
MI 3122
Instruction manual
Version 1.4, Code no. 20 751 245

2
Distributor:
Manufacturer:
METREL d.d.
Ljubljanska cesta 77
1354 Horjul
Slovenia
web site: http://www.metrel.si
e-mail: [email protected]
Mark on your equipment certifies that this equipment meets the requirements of the EU
(European Union) concerning safety and electromagnetic compatibility regulations
© 2013 METREL
The trade names Metrel, Smartec, Eurotest, Autosequence are trademarks registered or pending in Europe
and other countries.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means
without permission in writing from METREL.

MI 3122 Smartec Z Line-Loop / RCD Table of contents
3
Table of contents
1Preface ..................................................................................................................................5
2Safety and operational considerations ..............................................................................6
2.1Warnings and notes...........................................................................................................6
2.2Battery and charging..........................................................................................................8
2.2.1New battery cells or cells unused for a longer period................................................9
2.3Standards applied............................................................................................................10
3Instrument description ......................................................................................................11
3.1Front panel.......................................................................................................................11
3.2Connector panel ..............................................................................................................12
3.3Back site ..........................................................................................................................13
3.4Display organization ........................................................................................................14
3.4.1Terminal voltage monitor .........................................................................................14
3.4.2Battery indication .....................................................................................................14
3.4.3Message field...........................................................................................................14
3.4.4Result field...............................................................................................................15
3.4.5Sound warnings.......................................................................................................15
3.4.6Help screens............................................................................................................15
3.4.7Backlight and contrast adjustments.........................................................................16
3.5Instrument set and accessories .......................................................................................17
3.5.1Standard set.............................................................................................................17
3.5.2Optional accessories................................................................................................17
4Instrument operation .........................................................................................................18
4.1Function selection............................................................................................................18
4.2Settings............................................................................................................................19
4.2.1Language.................................................................................................................19
4.2.2Initial settings...........................................................................................................20
4.2.3Memory....................................................................................................................21
4.2.4Date and time...........................................................................................................21
4.2.5RCD standard..........................................................................................................21
4.2.6Isc factor ..................................................................................................................23
4.2.7Commander.............................................................................................................23
5Measurements ....................................................................................................................24
5.1Testing RCDs ..................................................................................................................24
5.1.1Contact voltage (RCD Uc) .......................................................................................25
5.1.2Trip-out time (RCDt).................................................................................................26
5.1.3Trip-out current (RCD I)...........................................................................................27
5.1.4RCD Autotest...........................................................................................................27
5.2Fault loop impedance and prospective fault current ........................................................30
5.3Line impedance and prospective short-circuit current .....................................................32
5.4Voltage, frequency and phase sequence ........................................................................34
5.5PE test terminal ...............................................................................................................36
6Data handling......................................................................................................................38
6.1Memory organization .......................................................................................................38
6.2Data structure ..................................................................................................................38
6.3Storing test results ...........................................................................................................40
6.4Recalling test results........................................................................................................40
6.5Clearing stored data ........................................................................................................42
6.5.1Clearing complete memory content.........................................................................42

MI 3122 Smartec Z Line-Loop / RCD Table of contents
4
6.5.2Clearing measurement(s) in selected location.........................................................42
6.5.3Clearing individual measurements...........................................................................43
6.6Communication................................................................................................................44
7Maintenance........................................................................................................................45
7.1Cleaning...........................................................................................................................45
7.2Periodic calibration ..........................................................................................................45
7.3Service.............................................................................................................................45
8Technical specifications....................................................................................................46
8.1RCD testing .....................................................................................................................46
8.1.1General data............................................................................................................46
8.1.2Contact voltage RCD-Uc..........................................................................................46
8.1.3Trip-out time.............................................................................................................47
8.1.4Trip-out current ........................................................................................................47
8.2Fault loop impedance and prospective fault current ........................................................47
8.2.1No disconnecting device or FUSE selected.............................................................47
8.2.2RCD selected...........................................................................................................48
8.3Line impedance and prospective short-circuit current .....................................................48
8.4Voltage, frequency, and phase rotation ...........................................................................49
8.4.1Phase rotation..........................................................................................................49
8.4.2Voltage.....................................................................................................................49
8.4.3Frequency................................................................................................................49
8.5Online terminal voltage monitor .......................................................................................49
8.6General data ....................................................................................................................50
AAppendix A - Fuse table ....................................................................................................51
A.1Fuse table - IPSC ............................................................................................................51
A.2Fuse table - impedances (UK) .........................................................................................53
A.3Fuse table - Impedances at 230 V a.c. (AS/NZS 3017)...................................................54
BAppendix B - Accessories for specific measurements...................................................56
CAppendix C – Country notes.............................................................................................57
C.1List of country modifications ............................................................................................57
C.2Modification issues ..........................................................................................................57
C.2.1AUS / NZ modification – Fuse types according to AS/NZS 3017 ............................57

MI 3122 Smartec Z Line-Loop / RCD Preface
5
1 Preface
Congratulations on your purchase of the instrument and its accessories from METREL.
The instrument was designed on basis of rich experience, acquired through many years of
dealing with electric installation test equipment.
The multifunctional hand-held installation tester Smartec Z Line-Loop / RCD is intended for
tests and measurements required for inspection of electrical installations in buildings. In
general for the following tests and measurements:
True rms voltage, frequency, and phase sequence,
Line impedance,
Loop impedance,
RCD protection,
The graphic display with backlight offers easy reading of results, indications, measurement
parameters and messages. Two LED Pass/Fail indicators are placed at the sides of the
LCD.
The operation of the unit is clear and simple – the operator does not need any special
training (except reading this instruction manual) to operate the instrument.
In order for operator to be familiar enough with performing measurements in general and
their typical applications it is advisable to read Metrel handbook Guide for testing and
verification of low voltage installations.
The instrument is equipped with all the necessary accessory for comfortable testing.

MI 3122 Smartec Z Line-Loop / RCD Warnings and notes
6
2 Safety and operational considerations
2.1 Warnings and notes
In order to reach high level of operator’s safety while carrying out various tests and
measurements using Smartec Z Line-Loop / RCD, as well as to keep the equipment
undamaged, it is necessary to consider the following general warnings:
Warning on the instrument means »Read the Instruction manual with
special care to safety operation«. The symbol requires an action!
If the test equipment is used in a manner not specified in this user manual the
protection provided by the equipment might be impaired!
Read this user manual carefully, otherwise use of the instrument may be
dangerous for the operator, for the instrument or for the equipment under test!
Do not use the instrument and accessories if any damage is noticed!
Consider all generally known precautions in order to avoid risk of electric
shock while dealing with hazardous voltages!
Do not use the instrument in supply systems with voltages higher than
600 V!
Service intervention or adjustment and calibration procedure is allowed to be
carried out only by a competent authorized person!
Use only standard or optional test accessories supplied by your distributor!
Consider that older and some of new optional test accessories compatible with
this instrument meet overvoltage category CAT III / 300 V! It means that
maximum allowed voltage between test terminals and ground is 300 V!
Instrument contains rechargeable NiCd or NiMh battery cells. The cells should
only be replaced with the same type as defined on the battery placement label
or in this manual. Do not use standard alkaline battery cells while power supply
adapter is connected, otherwise they may explode!
Hazardous voltages exist inside the instrument. Disconnect all test leads,
remove the power supply cable and switch off the instrument before removing
battery compartment cover.
All normal safety precautions have to be taken in order to avoid risk of electric
shock when working on electrical installations!
Notes related to measurement functions:
General
Indicator means that the selected measurement can't be performed because of
irregular conditions on input terminals.
PASS / FAIL indication is enabled when parameters are set. Apply appropriate limit
value for evaluation of measurement results.
In case that only two of three wires are connected to test electrical installation, only
voltage indication between these two wires is valid.

MI 3122 Smartec Z Line-Loop / RCD Warnings and notes
7
RCD functions
Parameters set in one function are also kept for other RCD functions.
The Contact voltage test will normally not trip-out RCD of tested installation.
However, the RCD trip-out may occur and Uc measurement is affected as a result
of existing PE leakage currents in the installation.
RCD trip-out current and time will be measured only if the contact voltage - pretest
passed successfully.
L and N test terminals are reversed automatically according to detected terminal
voltage (except in UK version).
It can happen that the RCD trips-out during the safety pretests. Possible reasons for
trip-out are incorrect set RCD parameters (IN), existing leakage currents or
defective RCD.
Z-LOOP
The Z-LOOP impedance function will trip-out the RCD in RCD protected installation
that is tested. Use the Zs rcd impedance function to prevent the trip-out.
The Zs rcd impedance function takes longer time to complete but has much better
accuracy then RLsub-result in RCD: Uc function.
Specified accuracy of tested parameters is valid only if mains voltage is stable
during the measurement.
L and N test terminals are reversed automatically according to detected terminal
voltage (except in UK version).
Z-LINE
In case of measurement of ZLine-Line with the instrument test leads PE and N
connected together the instrument will display a warning of dangerous PE voltage.
The measurement will be performed anyway.
Specified accuracy of tested parameters is valid only if mains voltage is stable
during the measurement.
L and N test terminals are reversed automatically according to detected terminal
voltage (except in UK version).

MI 3122 Smartec Z Line-Loop / RCD Battery and charging
8
2.2 Battery and charging
The instrument uses six AA size alkaline or rechargeable Ni-Cd or Ni-MH battery cells.
Nominal operating time is declared for cells with nominal capacity of 2100 mAh.
Battery condition is always displayed in the lower right display part.
In case the battery is too weak the instrument indicates this as shown in figure 2.1. This
indication appears for a few seconds and then the instrument turns itself off.
Figure 2.1: Discharged battery indication
The battery is charged whenever the power supply adapter is connected to the instrument.
Internal circuit controls charging assuring maximum battery lifetime. The power supply
socket polarity is shown in figure 2.2.
+
-
Figure 2.2: Power supply socket polarity
The instrument automatically recognizes the connected power supply adapter and begins
charging.
Symbols:
Indication of battery charging
Figure 2.3: Charging indication
Before opening battery compartment cover disconnect all measuring
accessories connected to the instrument and switch off the instrument.
Insert cells correctly, otherwise the instrument will not operate and the batteries
could be damaged.
Remove all battery cells from the battery compartment if the instrument is not used
for a long period of time.
Do not charge alkaline battery cells!
Take into account handling, maintenance and recycling requirements that are
defined by related regulations and manufacturers of alkaline or rechargeable
batteries!
Use only power supply adapter delivered from the manufacturer or distributor of the
test equipment to avoid possible fire or electric shock!

MI 3122 Smartec Z Line-Loop / RCD Battery and charging
9
2.2.1 New battery cells or cells unused for a longer period
Unpredictable chemical processes can occur during charging of new battery cells or cells
that were unused for a longer period (more than 3 months). Ni-MH and Ni-Cd battery cells
are affected to capacity degradation (sometimes called as memory effect). As a result the
instrument operation time can be significantly reduced.
Recommended procedure for recovering battery cells:
Procedure Notes
Completely charge the battery. At least 14h with in-built charger.
Completely discharge the battery. Use the instrument for normal testing until the
unit displays the “Bat” symbol on screen.
Repeat the charge / discharge cycle for
at least twice. Four cycles are recommended.
Complete discharge / charge cycle can be performed automatically for each cell using
external intelligent battery charger.
Notes:
The charger in the instrument is a pack cell charger. This means that the battery
cells are connected in series during the charging. The battery cells have to be
equivalent (same charge condition, same type and age).
One different battery cell can cause an improper charging and incorrect discharging
during normal usage of the entire battery pack (it results in heating of the battery
pack, significantly decreased operation time, reversed polarity of defective cell,…).
If no improvement is achieved after several charge / discharge cycles, then each
battery cell should be checked (by comparing battery voltages, testing them in a cell
charger, etc). It is very likely that only some of the battery cells are deteriorated.
The effects described above should not be confused with the normal decrease of
battery capacity over time. Battery also loses some capacity when it is repeatedly
charged / discharged. Actual decreasing of capacity, versus number of charging
cycles, depends on battery type. This information is provided in the technical
specification from battery manufacturer.

MI 3122 Smartec Z Line-Loop / RCD Standards applied
10
2.3 Standards applied
The MI 3122 Smartec Z Line-Loop / RCD instrument is manufactured and tested according
to the following regulations, listed below.
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
IEC/ EN 61326-1 Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use -
EMC requirements -- Part 1: General requirements
Class B (Hand held equipment used in controlled EM environments)
IEC/EN 61326-2-2 Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use -
EMC requirements -- Part 2-2: Particular requirements - Test
configurations, operational conditions and performance criteria for
portable test, measuring and monitoring equipment used in low-
voltage distribution systems
Safety (LVD)
IEC/ EN 61010 - 1 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement,
control, and laboratory use – Part 1: General requirements
IEC/ EN 61010 - 031 Safety requirements for hand-held probe assemblies for electrical
measurement and test
Functionality
IEC/ EN 61557 Electrical safety in low voltage distribution systems up to 1000 V a.c. and
1500 V d.c. - Equipment for testing, measuring or monitoring of
protective measures
Part 1 General requirements
Part 3 Loop resistance
Part 6 Residual current devices (RCDs) in TT and TN systems
Part 7 Phase sequence
Part 10 Combined measuring equipment
Other reference standards for testing RCDs
IEC/ EN 61008
Residual current operated circuit-breakers without integral
overcurrent protection for household and similar uses
IEC/ EN 61009
Residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral overcurrent
protection for household and similar uses
IEC/ EN 60755
General requirements for residual current operated protective
devices
IEC 60364-4-41
Electrical installations of buildings - Part 4-41: Protection for safety
- Protection against electric shock
BS 7671 IEE Wiring Regulations
AS / NZ 3760 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment

MI 3122 Smartec Z Line-Loop / RCD Front panel
11
3 Instrument description
3.1 Front panel
Figure 3.1: Front panel
Legend:
1 LCD 128 x 64 dots matrix display with backlight.
2 TEST TEST Starts measurements.
Acts also as the PE touching electrode.
3 UP Modifies selected parameter.
4 DOWN
5 MEM Store / recall / clear tests in memory of instrument.
6 Function selectors Selects test function.
7 Backlight, Contrast Changes backlight level and contrast.
8 ON / OFF
Switches the instrument power on or off.
The instrument automatically turns off 15 minutes after the last
key was pressed.
9 HELP / DISPLAY
Accesses help menus.
In RCD Auto toggles between top and bottom parts of results
field.
10 TAB Selects the parameters in selected function.
11 PASS Indicate acceptance of result.
12 FAIL

MI 3122 Smartec Z Line-Loop / RCD Connector panel
12
3.2 Connector panel
Figure 3.2: Connector panel
Legend:
1 Test connector Measuring inputs / outputs, connection of measuring cables.
2 Protection cover Protects from simultaneous access to test connector and power
supply adapter socket / communication connectors.
3 Charger socket Connection of power supply adapter.
4 USB connector Communication with PC USB (1.1) port.
5 PS/2 connector Communication with PC serial port and connection to optional
measuring adapters.
Warnings!
Maximum allowed voltage between any test terminal and ground is 600 V!
Maximum allowed voltage between test terminals is 600 V!
Maximum short-term voltage of external power supply adapter is 14 V!

MI 3122 Smartec Z Line-Loop / RCD Back site
13
3.3 Back site
Figure 3.3: Back site
Legend:
1 Side belt
2 Battery compartment cover
3 Fixing screw for battery compartment cover
4 Back panel information label
5 Holder for inclined position of the instrument
6 Magnet for fixing instrument close to tested item (optional)
Figure 3.4: Battery compartment
Legend:
1 Battery cells Size AA, alkaline or rechargeable NiMH / NiCd
2 Serial number label

MI 3122 Smartec Z Line-Loop / RCD Display organization
14
3.4 Display organization
Figure 3.5: Typical function display
Function name
Result field
Test parameter field
Message field
Terminal voltage
monitor
Battery indication
3.4.1 Terminal voltage monitor
The terminal voltage monitor displays on-line the voltages on the test terminals and
information about active test terminals.
Online voltage is displayed together, all test terminals are used for
selected measurement.
L and N test terminals are used for selected measurement.
L and PE are active test terminals; N terminal should also be connected
for correct input voltage condition.
3.4.2 Battery indication
The indication indicates the charge condition of battery and connection of external charger.
.
Battery capacity indication.
Low battery.
Battery is too weak to guarantee correct result. Replace or
recharge the battery cells.
Recharging in progress (if power supply adapter is connected).
3.4.3 Message field
In the message field warnings and messages are displayed.
Measurement is running, consider displayed warnings.
Conditions on the input terminals allow starting the measurement;
consider other displayed warnings and messages.
Conditions on the input terminals do not allow starting the measurement,
consider displayed warnings and messages.
RCD tripped-out during the measurement (in RCD functions).

MI 3122 Smartec Z Line-Loop / RCD Display organization
15
Instrument is overheated. The measurement is prohibited until the
temperature decreases under the allowed limit.
Result(s) can be stored.
High electrical noise was detected during measurement. Results may be
impaired.
L – N polarity is changed.
Warning! Dangerous voltage on the PE terminal! Stop the activity
immediately and eliminate the fault / connection problem before
proceeding with any activity!
3.4.4 Result field
Measurement result is inside pre-set limits (PASS).
Measurement result is out of pre-set limits (FAIL).
Measurement is aborted. Consider displayed warnings and messages.
3.4.5 Sound warnings
Continuous sound Warning! Dangerous voltage on the PE terminal is detected.
3.4.6 Help screens
HELP Opens help screen.
The help menus contain some basic schematic / connection diagrams to illustrate
recommended connection of the instrument to the electrical installation and information
about the instrument.
Pressing the HELP key in main function menu generates help screen for selected function.
Keys in help menu:
UP / DOWN Selects next / previous help screen.
HELP Scrolls through help screens.
Function selectors / TEST Exits help menu.
Figure 3.6: Examples of help screens
Note:
Function of the key Help is modified to DISPLAY in RCD-Auto.

MI 3122 Smartec Z Line-Loop / RCD Display organization
16
3.4.7 Backlight and contrast adjustments
With the BACKLIGHT key backlight and contrast can be adjusted.
Click Toggles backlight intensity level.
Keep pressed for 1 s Locks high intensity backlight level until power is turned off or the
key is pressed again.
Keep pressed for 2 s Bargraph for LCD contrast adjustment is displayed.
Figure 3.7: Contrast adjustment menu
Keys for contrast adjustment:
DOWN Reduces contrast.
UP Increases contrast.
TEST Accepts new contrast.
Function selectors Exits without changes.

MI 3122 Smartec Z Line-Loop / RCD Instrument set and accessory
17
3.5 Instrument set and accessories
3.5.1 Standard set
Instrument
Short instruction manual
Product verification data
Warranty declaration
Declaration of conformity
Mains measuring cable
Universal test cable
Three test tips
Three alligator clips
Set of NiMH battery cells
Power supply adapter
CD with instruction manual, and
“Guide for testing and verification of
low voltage installations” handbook
Soft hand strap
3.5.2 Optional accessories
See the attached sheet for a list of optional accessories that are available on request from
your distributor.

MI 3122 Smartec Z Line-Loop / RCD Function selection
18
4 Instrument operation
4.1 Function selection
For selecting test function the FUNCTION SELECTOR shall be used.
Keys:
FUNCTION
SELECTOR
Select test / measurement function:
<VOLTAGE TRMS> Voltage and frequency and phase sequence.
<Z-LINE> Line impedance.
<Z-LOOP> Fault loop impedance.
<RCD> RCD testing.
<SETTINGS> General settings.
UP/DOWN Selects sub-function in selected measurement function.
TAB Selects the test parameter to be set or modified.
TEST Runs selected test / measurement function.
MEM Stores measured results / recalls stored results.
Keys in test parameter field:
UP/DOWN Changes the selected parameter.
TAB Selects the next measuring parameter.
FUNCTION SELECTOR Toggles between the main functions.
MEM Stores measured results / recalls stored results.
General rule regarding enabling parameters for evaluation of measurement / test result:
Parameter
OFF No limit values.
ON Value(s) – results will be marked as PASS or FAIL in
accordance with selected limit.
See Chapter 5 for more information about the operation of the instrument test functions.

MI 3122 Smartec Z Line-Loop / RCD Settings
19
4.2 Settings
Different instrument options can be set in the SETTINGS menu.
Options are:
Selection of language,
Setting the instrument to initial values,
Recalling and clearing stored results,
Setting the date and time,
Selection of reference standard for
RCD test,
Entering Isc factor,
Support of commanders.
UK version
Figure 4.1: Options in Settings menu
Keys:
UP / DOWN Selects appropriate option.
TEST Enters selected option.
Function selectors Exits back to main function menu.
4.2.1 Language
The instrument supports different languages.
Figure 4.2: Language selection
Keys:
UP / DOWN Selects language.
TEST Confirms selected language and exits to settings menu.
Function selectors Exits back to main function menu.

MI 3122 Smartec Z Line-Loop / RCD Settings
20
4.2.2 Initial settings
Selecting this option will allow the user to reset
the instrument settings and measurement
parameters and limits to the manufacturers
standard values.
Figure 4.3: Initial settings dialogue
Keys:
TEST Restores default settings.
Function selectors Exits back to main function menu without changes.
Warning:
Custom made settings will be lost when this option is used!
If the batteries are removed for more than 1 minute the custom made settings will
be lost.
The default setup is listed below:
Instrument setting Default value
Contrast As defined and stored by adjustment procedure
Isc factor (except in UK version) 1.00
Z factor (UK version only) 0.8
RCD standards EN 61008 / EN 61009
Language English
Function Parameters / limit value
Sub-function
Z - LINE Fuse type: none selected
Z - LOOP Fuse type: none selected
Zs rcd Fuse type: none selected
RCD RCD t
Nominal differential current: IN=30 mA
RCD type: G
Test current starting polarity: (0)
Limit contact voltage: 50 V
Current multiplier: 1
Note:
Initial settings (reset of the instrument) can be recalled also if the TAB key is
pressed while the instrument is switched on.