METREL EasiPLUS MI 3000 User manual

EasiPLUS
MI 3000
Instruction manual
Version 1.0, HW 3; Code No. 20 752 201

Distributor:
Manufacturer:
METREL d.d.
Ljubljanska cesta 77
1354 Horjul
Slovenia
web site: http://www.metrel.si
e-mail: [email protected]
© 2004 -2013 METREL
Mark on your equipment certifies that this equipment meets the requirements of the EU
(European Union) concerning safety and interference causing equipment regulations.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means
without permission in writing from METREL.
2

MI 3000 EasiPLUS Table of contents
3
1......................................................................................................... 5Preface
2..................................................... 6Safety and operational considerations
2.1 .................................................................................... 6Warnings and notes
2.2 ..................................................................................................... 9Batteries
2.3 ..................................................................................................... 9Charging
2.4
......................................................................................................... 9
Precautions on charging of new battery cells or cells unused for a longer
period
2.5 ..................................................................................... 11Standards applied
3............................................................................. 12Instrument description
3.1 ............................................................................................... 12Front panel
3.2 ................................................................................................ 14Back panel
3.3 .............................................................................................. 15Bottom view
3.4 ............................................................................ 16Carrying the instrument
4................................................................................ 17Instrument operation
4.1 .......................... 17 Meaning of symbols and messages on the instrument display
4.1.1 ................................... 17The online voltage and output terminal monitor
4.1.2 .............................................................. 18Message field – battery status
4.1.3 ............................. 18Message field – measurement warnings/messages
4.1.4 ........................................................................................... 19Result field
4.1.5 ................................................................................... 19Other messages
4.1.6 .................................................................................... 19Sound warnings
4.1.7 ................................................................. 20Function and parameter line
4.2 .......................................... 20Selecting measurement function/ subfunction
4.3 ............................................ 20Setting measurement parameters and limits
4.4 ................................................................................................ 20Help menu
4.5 .............................................................................................. 21Setup menu
4.5.1 ............................................................................ 21Supply system setup
4.5.2 ................................................... 22Impedance scaling factor adjustment
4.5.3 .............................................................................. 22Language selection
4.5.4 ............................................................. 22Plug / Tip commander support
4.5.5 ..................................................................... 23Recalling original settings
4.6 ...................................................................... 23Display contrast adjustment
5........................................................................................... 24Measurements
5.1 ................................................................................. 24Insulation resistance
5.2 .................................................................................................. 26Continuity
5.2.1 .......................................................................................... 26R Lowtest
5.2.2 .................................................................... 28Low current continuity test
5.3 ........................................................................................... 30Testing RCDs
5.3.1 ............................................................................. 30Limit contact voltage
5.3.2 ...................................................... 30Nominal differential trip-out current
5.3.3 .................................................... 30Multiplier of nominal residual current
5.3.4 ........................................... 30RCD type and test current starting polarity
5.3.5 ................................................ 31Testing selective (time-delayed) RCDs
5.3.6 .................................................................................... 31Contact voltage
5.3.7 ......................................................................................... 33Trip-out time
5.3.8 ..................................................................................... 34Trip-out current
5.3.9 ................................................................................................ 36Autotest
5.4 ................................. 39Fault loop impedance and prospective fault current

MI 3000 EasiPLUS Table of contents
4
5.4.1 ........................................................................... 39Fault loop impedance
5.4.2 .................... 41The fault loop impedance test for RCD protected circuits
5.5 .............................. 43Line impedance and prospective short-circuit current
5.6 ........................................................................... 45Phase sequence testing
5.7 .............................................................................. 46Voltage and frequency
5.8 ............................................................................ 48Testing the PE terminal
6............................................................................................... 50Maintenance
6.1 ........................................................................................ 50Replacing fuses
6.2 ................................................................................................... 50Cleaning
6.3 ................................................................................... 50Periodic calibration
6.4 ...................................................................................................... 50Service
7........................................................................... 51Technical specifications
7.1 ................................................................................. 51Insulation resistance
7.2 ................................................................................ 51Continuity resistance
7.2.1 .................................................................................................... 51Low
7.2.2 .......................................................................... 52Low current continuity
7.3 .............................................................................................. 52RCD testing
7.3.1 ........................................................................................ 52General data
7.3.2 .................................................................................... 53Contact voltage
7.3.3 ......................................................................................... 53Trip-out time
7.3.4 ..................................................................................... 53Trip-out current
7.4 ................................. 54Fault loop impedance and prospective fault current
7.5 .............................. 55Line impedance and prospective short-circuit current
7.6 .......................................................................................... 55Phase rotation
7.7 .............................................................................. 55Voltage and frequency
7.8 .............................................................................. 56Online voltage monitor
7.9 ............................................................................................. 56General data
A....................................................................................... 57Fuse base tables
B..................................................................................... 58IT supply systems
C..................................................... 62Reduced low voltage supply systems

MI 3000 EasiPLUS Preface
5
1 Preface
Congratulations on your purchase of the EasiPLUS instrument and its accessories from
METREL. The instrument was designed on a basis of rich experience, acquired through
many years of dealing with electric installation test equipment.
The EasiPLUS instrument is professional, multifunctional, hand-held test instrument
intended to perform all the measurements required in order for a total inspection of
electrical installations in buildings. The following measurements and tests can be
performed:
Voltage and frequency,
Continuity tests,
Insulation resistance tests,
RCD testing,
Fault loop / RCD trip-lock impedance measurements,
Line impedance,
Phase sequence,
The large graphic matrix display with backlight offers easy to read results, indications,
measurement parameters and messages. The operation of the instrument is designed
to be as simple and clear as possible and no special training (except for the reading this
instruction manual) is required in order to begin using the instrument.
To become more familiar with how to perform measurements in general and in typical
applications, we recommend reading Metrel handbook Measurements on electric
installations in theory and practice.
The instrument is equipped with all accessories required in order to perform testing
comfortably. The soft carrying bag, included with the meter, protect the instrument and
keep all accessories together making it simple and easy to move between locations.

MI 3000 EasiPLUS Safety and operational considerations
6
2 Safety and operational considerations
2.1 Warnings and notes
In order to maintain the highest level of operator safety while carrying out various tests
and measurements, Metrel recommends keeping your EasiPLUS instruments in good
condition and undamaged.. When using the instrument, consider the following general
warnings:
The symbol on the instrument means »Read the Instruction manual
with special care for safe 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 could be impaired!
Read this user manual carefully, otherwise the use of the instrument may
be dangerous for the operator, the instrument or for the equipment under
test!
Do not use the instrument or any of the accessories if any damage is
noticed!
If a fuse blows in the instrument, follow the instructions in this manual in
order to replace it!
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
550 V!
Service intervention or adjustment is only allowed to be carried out by a
competent authorized personnel!
Use only standard or optional test accessories supplied by your
distributor!
Consider that older accessories and some of the new optional test
accessories compatible with this instrument only meet CAT III / 300 V
overvoltage safety rating! This means that maximal allowed voltage
between test terminals and ground is 300 V!
The instrument comes supplied with rechargeable Ni-Cd or Ni-MH battery
cells. The cells should only be replaced with the same type as defined on
the battery compartment label or as described in this manual. Do not use
standard alkaline battery cells while the 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 must be taken in order to avoid risk of
electric shock while working on electrical installations!

MI 3000 EasiPLUS Safety and operational considerations
7
Warnings related to measurement functions
Insulation resistance
Insulation resistance measurement should only be performed on de-energized
objects!
When measuring the insulation resistance between installation conductors, all
loads must be disconnected and all switches closed!
Do not touch the test object during the measurement or before it is fully
discharged! Risk of electric shock!
When an insulation resistance measurement has been performed on a capacitive
object, automatic discharge may not be done immediately! The warning message
and the actual voltage is displayed during discharge until voltage drops below
10 V.
Do not connect test terminals to external voltage higher than 550 V (AC or DC) in
order not to damage the test instrument!
Continuity functions
Continuity measurements should only be performed on de-energized objects!
Parallel impedances or transient currents may influence test results.
Testing PE terminal
If phase voltage is detected on the tested PE terminal, stop all measurements
immediately and ensure the cause of the fault is eliminated before proceeding
with any activity!
Notes related to measurement functions
General
The indicator means that the selected measurement cannot be performed
because of irregular conditions on input terminals.
Insulation resistance, continuity functions and earth resistance measurements
can only be performed on de-energized objects.
PASS / FAIL indication is enabled when limit is set. Apply appropriate limit value
for evaluation of measurement results.
In the case that only two of the three wires are connected to the electrical
installation under test, only voltage indication between these two wires is valid.
Insulation resistance
If voltages of higher than 10 V (AC or DC) are detected between test terminals,
the insulation resistance measurement will not be performed.
Continuity functions
If voltages of higher than 10 V (AC or DC) are detected between test terminals,
the continuity resistance test will not be performed.
Before performing a continuity measurement, where necessary, compensate test
lead resistance.

MI 3000 EasiPLUS Safety and operational considerations
8
RCD functions
Parameters set in one function are also kept for other RCD functions!
The measurement of contact voltage does not normally trip an RCD. However,
the trip limit of the RCD may be exceeded as a result of leakage current flowing
to the PE protective conductor or a capacitive connection between L and PE
conductors.
The RCD trip-lock sub-function (function selector switch in LOOP position) takes
longer to complete but offers much better accuracy of fault loop resistance (in
comparison to the RLsub-result in Contact voltage function).
RCD trip-out time and RCD trip-out current measurements will only be performed
if the contact voltage in the pre-test at nominal differential current is lower than
the set contact voltage limit!
The autotest sequence (RCD AUTO function) stops when trip-out time is out of
allowable time period.
Fault loop / RCD trip-lock impedance
The low limit prospective short-circuit current value depends on fuse type, fuse
current rating, fuse trip-out time and impedance scaling factor.
The specified accuracy of tested parameters is valid only if the mains voltage is
stable during the measurement.
Fault loop impedance measurements will trip an RCD.
The measurement of fault loop impedance using trip-lock function does not
normally trip an RCD. However, the trip limit may be exceeded as a result of
leakage current flowing to the PE protective conductor or a capacitive connection
between L and PE conductors.
Line impedance
The low limit prospective short-circuit current value depends on fuse type, fuse
current rating, fuse trip-out time and impedance scaling factor.
The specified accuracy of tested parameters is valid only if the mains voltage is
stable during the measurement.

MI 3000 EasiPLUS Safety and operational considerations
9
Testing the PE terminal
The PE terminal can only be tested in the RCD, LOOP and LINE functions!
For correct testing of PE terminal, the TEST key has to be touched for a few
seconds.
Make sure to stand on non-isolated floor while carrying out the test, otherwise the
test result may be wrong!
2.2 Batteries
When connected to an installation, the instruments battery compartment can
contain hazardous voltage inside! When replacing battery cells or before
opening the battery/fuse compartment cover, disconnect any measuring
accessory connected to the instrument and turn off the instrument,
Ensure that the battery cells are inserted correctly otherwise the instrument will
not operate and the batteries could be discharged.
If the instrument is not to be used for a long period of time, remove all batteries
from the battery compartment.
Alkaline or rechargeable Ni-Cd or Ni-MH batteries (size AA) can be used. Metrel
recommends only using rechargeable batteries with a capacity of 2100mAh or
above.
Do not recharge alkaline battery cells!
2.3 Charging
The batteries will begin charging whenever the power supply adapter is connected to
the instrument. The built-in protection circuits control the charging procedure and assure
maximum battery lifetime. The power supply socket polarity is shown in figure 2.1.
+
-
Figure 2.1: Power supply socket polarity
Note:
Use only power supply adapter delivered from the manufacturer or distributor of
the test equipment to avoid possible fire or electric shock!
2.4 Precautions on charging of new battery cells or cells
unused for a longer period
Unpredictable chemical processes can occur during the charging of new battery cells or
cells that have been left unused for long periods of time (more than 3 months). Ni-MH
and Ni-Cd cells can be subject to these chemical effects (sometimes called the memory
effect). As a result the instrument operation time can be significantly reduced during the
initial charging/discharging cycles of the batteries.

MI 3000 EasiPLUS Safety and operational considerations
10
In this situation, Metrel recommend the following procedure to improve the battery
lifetime:
Completely charge the batteries for at least 14h via the instrument built-in
charger.
Completely discharge the batteries (this can be performed by using the
instrument normally until the instrument is fully discharged).
Repeat the charge/discharge cycle at least 2-4 times in order to restore the
batteries to their normal capacity..
When using an external intelligent battery charger, one complete discharging/charging
cycle can be performed automatically. After performing this procedure, a normal battery
capacity should be fully restored and the operating time of the instrument will
approximately meet the data set out in the in the technical specification.
Notes:
The charger in the instrument is a pack cell charger. This means that the cells
are connected in series during the charging so all of them must be in similar state
(similarly charged, same type and age).
If even one deteriorated battery cell (or just one of a different type e.g. capacity,
chemical design) can cause disrupted charging of the entire battery pack which
could lead to overheating of the battery pack and a significant decrease in the
operating time.
If no improvement is achieved after performing several charging/discharging
cycles, the state of each individual battery cells should be determined (by
comparing battery voltages, checking them in a cell charger, etc). It is very likely
that one or more of the battery cells could have deteriorated.
The effects described above should not be mixed with the normal battery
capacity decrease over time. All charging batteries lose some of their capacity
when repeatedly charged/discharged. The actual decrease in capacity compared
to the number of charging cycles depends on the battery type. This information
is normally provided in the technical specification from battery manufacturer.

MI 3000 EasiPLUS Safety and operational considerations
11
2.5 Standards applied
The EasiPLUS instrument is manufactured and tested in accordance with the following
regulations:
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
BS EN 61326 Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory
use – EMC requirements
Class B (Hand-held equipment used in controlled EM
environments)
Safety (LVD)
BS EN 61010-1 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement,
control and laboratory use – Part 1: General requirements
BS EN 61010-
031
Safety requirements for hand-held probe assemblies for electrical
measurement and test
BS EN 61010-2-
032
Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement,
control, and laboratory use - Part 2-032: Particular requirements
for hand-held and hand-manipulated current sensors for electrical
test and measurement
Functionality
BS EN 61557 Electrical safety in low voltage distribution systems up to 1000
VAC and 1500 VAC – Equipment for testing, measuring or
monitoring of protective measures
Part 1 ......... General requirements
Part 2 ......... Insulation resistance
Part 3 ......... Loop resistance
Part 4 ......... Resistance of earth connection and equipotential
bonding
Part 6 ......... Residual current devices (RCDs) in TT and TN
systems
Part 7 ......... Phase sequence
Part 10........ Combined measuring equipment
DIN 5032 Photometry
Part 7 ......... Classification of illuminance meters and luminance
meters
Other reference standards for testing RCDs
BS EN 61008 Residual current operated circuit-breakers without integral
overcurrent protection for household and similar uses
BS EN 61009 Residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral
overcurrent protection for household and similar uses
EN 60364-4-41 Electrical installations of buildings
Part 4-41 .... Protection for safety – protection against electric
shock
BS 7671 IEE Wiring Regulations (17th edition)
Note about EN and IEC standards:
Text of this manual contains references to European and British standards. All
standards of EN 6XXXX (e.g. EN 61010) series are equivalent to IEC standards
with the same number (e.g. IEC 61010) and differ only in amended parts required
by European harmonization procedure.

MI 3000 EasiPLUS Instrument description
12
3 Instrument description
3.1 Front panel
Figure 3.1: Front panel
Legend:
1........ON/OFF key, to switch the instrument on and off.
The instrument will automatically switch off 10 minutes after the last key press /
function switch rotation.
2........Function selector switch.
3 ....... CAL key, to compensate for the test lead resistance in low-value resistance
measurements.
4 ...... HELP key, to access help menus...
5........Jogger keypad with cursors for navigating screen menus and TEST keys for
starting tests.
The TEST key also acts as the PE touching electrode which detects potentially
dangerous voltages appearing on the PE conductor.
6…….BACKLIGHT and CONTRAST key. This is used to turn the backlight on and off
and for adjusting the level of the contrast.
The high level backlight is automatically shut off 20 seconds after the last key
press / function switch rotation in order to extend service life of the battery.
7........128 64 dots matrix display with backlight.

MI 3000 EasiPLUS Instrument description
13
Connector panel
13
2
> 550V
Figure 3.2: Connector panel
Legend:
1........ Test connector.
Warning! Maximum allowed voltage between test terminals and ground is
600V! Maximal allowed voltage between test terminals is 550 V!
2........Power supply socket.
3........ Protection connector cover.

MI 3000 EasiPLUS Instrument description
14
3.2 Back panel
12
3
Figure 3.3: Back panel
Legend:
1........Battery/fuse compartment cover.
2........Information label.
3........Fixing screws for battery/fuse compartment cover.
56
4
1
2
3
F1
F3
F2
Fuse
Fuse
Fuse
SIZE AASIZE AA
SIZE AA
SIZE AASIZE AASIZE AA
S/N XXXXXXXX
Figure 3.4.: Battery and fuse compartment

MI 3000 EasiPLUS Instrument description
15
Legend:
1........Fuse F1.
2........Fuse F2.
3........Fuse F3.
4........Serial number label.
5........Battery cells (size AA).
6........Battery holder.
3.3 Bottom view
Continuity 7mA
R: 0.0 1999
Test current: max. 7mA
Open-circuit voltage: 5.4V 7.2V
 

DC
DC DC
Insulation resistance (EN 61557-2)
R: 0.000M 199.9M , U =100V , 250V
R: 0.000M 999M , U = 500V , 1kV
U: 0V 1200V,
Nominal voltages: 100V , 250V , 500V , 1kV
Measuring current: min. 1mA at R =U 1k /V
Short-circuit current: <3mA
 
 


NDCDC
NDCDC
DC DC DC DC
NN
DC
R: 0.00 1999
Test current: min. ±200mA
Open-circuit voltage: 5.4V 9.0V
Low 
 

DC DC
Tripping time
non-delayed (time-delayed) RCDs
t : 0ms 300ms (500ms)
t : 0ms 150ms (200ms)
t : 0ms 40ms (150ms)
U : 0.00V 100.0V







C
Tripping current
I : 0.2 I 1.1 I
t : 0ms 300ms
U : 0.00V 100.0V
 

 


NN
C
Contact voltage
U : 0.00V 100.0V
R : 0.00 10.00k (R =U / I )
C
SSCN

  
Fault loop resistance (without tripping RCD)
R : 0.00 10k
U : 0.00V 100.0V, (U =R I )
S
CCSN
 
  
Line resistance
R : 0.00 1999
I : 0.06A 24.4kA
Nominal voltage: 100V 440V / 45Hz 65Hz
L-N(L)
PSC
AC AC
 


Fault loop resistance (EN 61557-3)
R : 0.00 1999
I : 0.06A 24.4kA
Nominal voltage: 100V 440V / 45Hz 65Hz
L-PE
PFC
AC AC
 


Voltage, frequency
U: 0V 440V
f: 45Hz 65Hz


Phase rotation (EN 61557-7)
Nominal voltage: 100V 440V / 45Hz 65Hz
Results: 1.2.3. or 2.1.3
AC AC

I : 10mA, 30mA, 100mA, 300mA, 500mA, 1A
Multiplier: / 1, 2, 5
Nominal voltage: 100V 264V / 45Hz 65Hz
 N
2
AC AC

 
1
RCD (EN 61557-6)
Continuity (EN 61557-4)
3
1
2
Figure 3.5: Bottom view
Legend:
1........Information label.
2........Neck strap openings.
3........Handling side covers.

MI 3000 EasiPLUS Instrument description
3.4 Carrying the instrument
The neck strap supplied in standard set allows the instrument to be carried in a variety
of different ways.. The operator can choose the most appropriate method based on the
tasks they are performing. See the following examples:
The instrument can be
hung around operator's
neck allowing the
instrument to move
freely. This allows
equipment to be moved
quickly between test
locations.
The instrument can be used from inside the
soft carrying case – test cables can be
connected to the instrument through the front
flap of the carry case.
16

MI 3000 EasiPLUS Instrument operation
17
4 Instrument operation
4.1 Meaning of symbols and messages on the instrument display
The instrument display is divided into four sections:
1
2
3
4
Figure 4.1: Display outlook
Legend:
1........ Function and parameter line.
In the top line of the display, the measuring function/sub-function and
parameters are displayed.
2........ Result field.
In this field the main result and sub-results together with the
PASS/FAIL/ABORT status are displayed.
3........ Online voltage and output monitor.
4........ Message field.
4.1.1 The online voltage and output terminal monitor
Online voltages are displayed together with test terminal
indication. All three test terminals are used for selected
measurement.
Online voltages are displayed together with test terminal
indication. L and N test terminals are used for selected
measurement.
Polarity of test voltage applied to the output terminals, L
and N.
Unknown supply system.
L – N polarity changed.
fr Frequency out of range.

MI 3000 EasiPLUS Instrument operation
18
4.1.2 Message field – battery status
Battery power indication.
Low battery indication. Battery pack is too weak to
guarantee correct result. Replace the batteries.
Recharging is running (if power supply adapter is
connected).
4.1.3 Message field – measurement warnings/messages
Warning! High voltage is applied to the test terminals.
Warning! Phase voltage on the PE terminal! Stop all the
measurements immediately and eliminate the fault before
proceeding with any activity!
Measurement is running. Consider any displayed
warnings!
Measurement can be performed after pressing the TEST
key. Consider any displayed warning after starting the
measurement!
Measurement prohibited. Consider any displayed
warnings and check online voltage/terminal monitor!
Co Test leads resistance in low-value resistance
measurement is compensated.
RCD tripped during the measurement. The trip limit may
be exceeded as a result of leakage current flowing to the
PE protective conductor or capacitive connection
between L and PE conductors.
RCD not tripped during the measurement.
Instrument overheated. Temperature of internal
components in the instrument reached top limit.
Measurement is prohibited until the temperature is lower
then that limit.
Battery capacity is too low to guarantee correct result.
Replace the batteries.

MI 3000 EasiPLUS Instrument operation
19
Fuse F1 (continuity circuit) blown or not inserted.
S SF F Single fault condition in IT system.
4.1.4 Result field
Measurement passed.
Measurement failed.
Measurement is aborted. Check the conditions at the
input terminal.
4.1.5 Other messages
Hard Reset
Instrument settings and measurement parameters/limits
are set to initial (factory) values. For more information
refer to chapter 4.5.5. Recalling original settings.
CHECK SUM ERROR Memory contents damaged. Contact your distributor or
manufacturer for further information.
4.1.6 Sound warnings
The shortest sound Pressed key deactivated.
Sub-function is not available.
Short sound
Pressed key activated.
Measurement has been started after pressing the TEST
key. Consider any displayed warnings during
measurement.
Long sound Measurement is prohibited. Consider any displayed
warnings and check online voltage/terminal monitor!
Periodic sound
Warning! Phase voltage on the PE terminal! Stop all the
measurements immediately and eliminate the fault before
proceeding with any activity!

MI 3000 EasiPLUS Instrument operation
20
4.1.7 Function and parameter line
1
23
Figure 4.2: Function selector switch and belonging parameter line
Legend:
1……Main function name.
2……Function or sub-function name.
3……Measuring parameters and limit values.
4.2 Selecting measurement function/ subfunction
The following measurements can be selected with the function selector switch:
Voltage and frequency,
Insulation resistance,
Low-value resistance,
RCD testing,
Fault loop impedance,
Line impedance,
Phase sequence,
The function/sub-function name is highlighted on the display by default.
Sub-function can be selected by using and keys in function/parameter line.
4.3 Setting measurement parameters and limits
By using and keys select the parameter/limit value you want to edit. By using 
and keys the selected parameter can be set.
Once the measurement parameters are set, the settings are retained until new changes
are made or the original settings are recalled.
4.4 Help menu
Help menus are available in all functions. The Help menu contains schematic diagrams
for illustrating how to properly connect the instrument to electric installation. After
selecting the measurement you want to perform, press the HELP key in order to view
the associated Help menu.