METREL MI 3200 User manual

TeraOhm 10 kV
MI 3200
User Manual
Version 4.0; Code No. 20 751 097

2
Distributor:
Producer:
METREL d.d.
Ljubljanska 77
SI-1354 Horjul
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
http://www.metrel.si
Mark on your equipment certifies that this equipment meets the requirements of the EU
(European Union) concerning safety and interference causing equipment regulations
© 2015 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 3200 TeraOhm 10 kV Table of contents
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Table of contents
1. General introduction................................................................................................. 4
1.1. Features................................................................................................................4
1.2. Applied Standards................................................................................................. 4
2. Instrument Description............................................................................................. 5
2.1. Instrument Casing................................................................................................. 5
2.2. Operator’s Panel................................................................................................... 5
2.3. Accessories........................................................................................................... 6
2.4. Test leads.............................................................................................................. 6
2.4.1. High voltage shielded test lead with High voltage tip....................................... 7
2.4.2. High voltage shielded test leads with High voltage alligator clips.................... 7
2.4.3. Guard test lead with alligator clib .................................................................... 7
3. Warnings and notes.................................................................................................. 8
4. Performing measurements..................................................................................... 10
4. 1. Switching on the instrument............................................................................... 10
Autocalibration ........................................................................................................10
4.2.1 Configuration..................................................................................................... 11
4.2.2 Setup................................................................................................................. 12
5. Measurements......................................................................................................... 14
5.1. Generally Information about High DC voltage testing ......................................... 14
5.2. Guard terminal .................................................................................................... 17
5.3. Filter options........................................................................................................ 18
5.4. Voltage measurement......................................................................................... 19
5.5. Insulation Resistance measurement ................................................................... 20
5.6. Diagnostic test..................................................................................................... 24
5.7. Step Voltage Insulation Resistance testing......................................................... 30
5.8. Withstanding voltage........................................................................................... 33
6. Working with your Results..................................................................................... 36
6.1. Storing, Recalling and Clearing Results............................................................. 36
6.2. Transferring Data to a PC .................................................................................. 38
7. Maintenance ............................................................................................................ 39
7.1. Inspection............................................................................................................ 39
7.2. Inserting and charging batteries for the first time ................................................ 39
7.3. Replacing and charging batteries........................................................................ 39
7.3. Cleaning.............................................................................................................. 41
7.4. Calibration........................................................................................................... 41
7.5. Service................................................................................................................ 41
8. Specifications.......................................................................................................... 42
8.1. Measurement specifications................................................................................ 42
8.2. General specifications......................................................................................... 45

MI 3200 TeraOhm 10 kV General introduction
4
1. General introduction
1.1. Features
The TeraOhm 10 kV Tester is a portable battery / mains powered test instrument
intended for the testing of Insulation Resistance by using high test voltages of up to
10kV.
The instrument is designed and produced with the extensive knowledge and experience
acquired through many years of of working in this sector.
Available functions offered by the TeraOhm 10 kV Tester:
High insulation resistance measurement up to 10 T
-Programmable test voltage from 500 V up to 10 kV, step 25 V
-R(t) Graphs
-Programmable timer (1s up to 100 min)
-Automatic discharge of test object after completion of measurement
-Capacitance measurement
Insulation resistance measurement versus test voltage (step-up voltage test)
-Five discrete test voltages proportionately set within preset test voltage range
-Programmable timer 1 min up to 30 min per step
Polarization Index (PI), Dielectric Absorption ratio (DAR) and Dielectric Discharge
(DD) ratio
-PI = RINS (t2) / RINS (t1)
-DAR = R1min / R15s
-DD = Idis1min / CU
Withstanding voltage (DC) up to 10 kV
-Programmable ramp test voltage from 500 V up to 10 kV
-High resolution ramp (approx. 25 V per step)
-Programmable threshold current up to 5 mA
Voltage and frequency measurement up to 600 V AC/DC
A dot matrix LCD offers easy-to-read results and all associated parameters. The
operation is straightforward and clear to enable the user to operate the instrument
without the need for special training (except reading and understanding this Users
Manual).
Test results can be stored on the instrument. The new professional PC SW enables
straightforward transfer of test results and other parameters in both directions between
the test instrument and PC.
1.2. Applied Standards
Instrument operation IEC / EN 61557-2
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) EN 61326 Class B
Safety EN 61010-1 (instrument),
EN 61010-031 (accessories)

MI 3200 TeraOhm 10 kV Instrument Description
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2. Instrument Description
2.1. Instrument Casing
The instrument is housed in a plastic box that maintains the protection class defined in
the general specifications.
2.2. Operator’s Panel
The operator’s panel is shown in the figure below (Fig.1).
Fig. 1. Front panel
Use original test accessories only!
Max. allowed external voltage between test terminals and ground is 600V!
Max. allowed external voltage between test terminals is 600V!
Disconnect all test leads, mains supply cable and switch off instrument
before removing the battery cover – Hazardous voltage!

MI 3200 TeraOhm 10 kV Instrument Description
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Legend:
1..........START/STOP key to start or stop any measurement.
2..........ON/OFF key to switch the instrument ON or OFF.
3..........MEM key to store, recall and erase results.
4..........SELECT key to enter set-up mode for the selected function or to select the
active parameter to be set.
5..........cursor key to select an option upward.
6..........cursor key to select an option downward.
7..........cursor key to decrease the selected parameter.
8..........cursor key to increase the selected parameter.
9..........ESC key to exit the selected mode.
10........Light key to turn the display backlight ON or OFF.
11........Positive Insulation Resistance test terminal (+OUT)
12,13...GUARD test terminals intended to lead away potential leakage current while
measuring the Insulation. Sockets under points 12 and 13 are connected
together inside the instrument.
14........Negative Insulation Resistance test terminal. (-OUT)
15........Screw (unscrew to replace the batteries).
16........Galvanic separated USB connector to connect the instrument to PC.
17........Distributor label or could be blank.
18........Galvanic separated RS 232 connector to connect the instrument to PC.
19........Mains connector to connect the instrument to the mains supply.
20........Serial number of the instrument.
2.3. Accessories
The accessories consist of standard and optional accessories. Optional accessories can
be delivered upon request. See attached list for standard configuration and options or
contact your distributor or see the METREL home page: http://www.metrel.si.
2.4. Test leads
The standard length of test leads is 2m, optional lengths are 8m and 15m. For more
details see attached list for standard configuration and options or contact your distributor
or see the METREL home page: http://www.metrel.si.
All test leads are made of high voltage shielded cable, because shielded cable provides
higher accuracy and immunity to disturbance of measurements that can occur in
industrial environment.

MI 3200 TeraOhm 10 kV Instrument Description
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2.4.1. High voltage shielded test lead with High voltage tip
Application notes:
This test lead is designed for hand held testing of insulation.
Insulation ratings:
-High voltage tip (red): 10kV d.c (double insulation);
-High voltage banana connector (red): 5 kV d.c (double
insulation), 10 kV d.c. (basic insulation);
-Guard banana connector (green): 600V CAT IV (double
insulation);
-Cable (yellow): 12kV (shielded).
2.4.2. High voltage shielded test leads with High voltage alligator clips.
Application notes:
These test leads is designed for diagnostic testing of
insulation.
Insulation ratings:
-High voltage banana connector (red, black): 5kV d.c
(double insulation), 10 kV d.c. (basic insulation);
-Alligator clibs (red, black): 5kV d.c (double insulation),
10 kV d.c. (basic insulation);
-Guard banana connector (green): 600V CAT IV (double
insulation);
-Cable (yellow): 12kV (shielded).
2.4.3. Guard test lead with alligator clib
Insulation ratings:
-Guard test lead with banana connectors (green): 600V CAT IV (double insulation);
-Alligator (green): 600V CAT IV (double insulation).

MI 3200 TeraOhm 10 kV Warnings
8
3. Warnings and notes
In order to maintain the highest level of operator safety while carrying out various tests
and measurements Metrel recommends keeping your TeraOhm 10 kV test equipment in
good condition and undamaged. When using this test equipment, consider the following
general warnings:
The symbol on the test equipment means »Read the Instruction manual
with special care for safe operation«. The symbol requires an action!
The symbol on the test equipment means “Hazardous voltage may be
present at the test terminals!”.
If the test equipment is used in a manner not specified in this Instruction manual,
the protection provided by the equipment could be impaired!
Read this Instruction manual carefully, otherwise the use of the test equipment
may be dangerous for the operator, the test equipment itself or for the tested
object!
Do not use the test equipment or any of the 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 connect the test equipment to a mains voltage different from the one
defined on the label adjacent to the mains connector, otherwise it may be
damaged.
Service intervention or adjustment is only allowed to be carried out by competent
authorized personnel!
Hazardous voltages exist inside the test equipment. Disconnect all test leads,
remove the power supply cable and switch off the test equipment before opening
the battery compartment.
All normal safety precautions must be taken in order to avoid risk of electric shock
while working on electrical installations!
Do not use the equipment in a wet environment, around explosive gas, vapour or
dust.
Only adequately trained and competent persons may operate the equipment.
Warnings related to measurement functions:
Working with the instrument
Use only standard or optional test accessories supplied by your distributor!
Test tips should only be used for TRMS voltage measurement (CAT IV 600 V).
Do not use high voltage test lead with tip for TRMS voltage measurement in CAT
III or CAT IV environment. Risk of bridging two high-energy conductors with tip
resulting in arc flash and short circuit.

MI 3200 TeraOhm 10 kV Warnings
9
Always connect accessories to the test equipment and to the test object before
starting high voltage measurement. Do not touch test leads or crocodile clips
during measurement.
Only hand-held part of high voltage test lead with tip is allowed to be touched
(held) during measurement.
Do not touch any conductive parts of equipment under test during the test, risk of
electric shock!
Make sure that the tested object is disconnected (mains voltage disconnected)
and
de-energized before connecting the test leads and starting the measurement
(except Voltage measurement)!
In case of a capacitive test object, automatic discharge of the object may not be
done immediately after finishing the measurement.
Do not connect test terminals to an external voltage higher than 600 V DC or AC
(CAT IV environment) to prevent any damage to the test equipment!
In rare cases (internal fault) the test equipment can behave in an uncontrolled
manner (LCD blinking, freezing, not responding to keys, etc.). In this case
consider the test equipment and the test object as hazardous live, and perform all
safety measures to turn off (reset) the test equipment and to discharge the test
object manually!
Handling with capacitive loads
Note that 40 nF charged to 1 kV or 4 nF charged to 10 kV are hazardous live!
Never touch the measured object during the testing until it is totally discharged
automatically and manually!
Because of dielectric absorption, capacitive test objects (capacitors, cables,
transformers, etc.) must be shorted out after the measuring process is completed.
Note:
For manual discharge Metrel recommends the use of A 1513 Discharge link.
The internal discharge resistors of A 1513 ensure a damped discharge up to 10
uF at 10 kV.
Warnings related to Batteries:
Disconnect all test leads, main supply cable and switch the power off before
opening the Battery cover!
Use only NiMh rechargeable batteries (D size)!

MI 3200 TeraOhm 10 kV Performing measurements
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4. Performing measurements
4. 1. Switching on the instrument
Autocalibration
The instrument is switched ON by pressing the ON/OFF key. After turning on, the
instrument will execute the autocalibration (Fig. 3).
Note:
If batteries are defective or missing and the instrument is powered from mains supply,
the instrument will not turn ON
Measuring test leads should be disconnected during autocalibration. If not, the
autocalibration procedure could be false and instrument will require disconnection of the
test leads and repeat switching OFF and ON.
After finishing the autocalibration, the MAIN MENU (Fig. 4) will appear and instrument is
ready for normal operation.
Auto-calibration prevents the reduction in accuracy when measuring very low currents. It
compensates the effects caused by ageing, temperature and humidity changes etc.
A new auto-calibration is recommended when the temperature changes by more than
5C.
Fig. 2. First introduction Fig. 3. Auto-calibration state
Fig. 4. Main Menu
Note:
If the instrument detects an incorrect state during the autocalibration, the following
warning message will be displayed:
ERROR!
-TEST LEADS CONNECTED:
DISCONNECT AND SWITCH ON THE INSTRUMENT AGAIN
- CONDITIONS OUT OF RANGE: PRESS START TO CONTINUE
Possible reasons for out of range conditions are excessive humidity, excessively high
temperature, etc. In this case it is possible to perform measurements by pressing the
START/STOP button again but results could be out of technical specification.

MI 3200 TeraOhm 10 kV Performing measurements
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Mains powered instrument operation
If you connect instrument to the mains supply when instrument is turned OFF, internal
charger will begin to charge the batteries but instrument will remain turned OFF. In
button left angle of LCD, flashing battery indicator will appear to indicate that the
batteries are charging.
Note: If batteries are defective or missing, the charger will not work. In button left corner
of LCD screen only plug character will be appeared.
If the instrument is connected to the mains supply when the instrument is turn ON, the
instrument will automatically switch from the battery supply to the main supply. In button
left corner of the LCD screen, the plug character will appear. If instrument is not in
measuring mode*, the internal charger will begin to charge the batteries. In button left
corner of LCD screen battery indicator will start to flash, indicating that the batteries are
charging.
Note: It is not recommended to connect or disconnect the instrument to mains supply
while the instrument is in measuring mode*.
* measuring mode When the instrument is performing a test.
Backlight operation (battery powered instrument)
After turning the instrument ON the LCD backlight is automatically turned ON. It can be
turned OFF and ON by simply clicking the LIGHT key.
Backlight operation (mains powered instrument)
After turning the instrument ON the LCD backlight is automatically turned OFF. It can be
turned OFF and ON by simply clicking the LIGHT key.
Off function
The instrument can be switched OFF only by pressing the ON/OFF key. The auto-off
function is not available to allow long-term measurements to be performed..
4.2.1 Configuration
The configuration function enables the selection and adjustment of parameters (Table
1a.) of the measurements. In addition memorized results can be cleared in this menu.
(Fig. 5a).
In the lower section of the display the power supply status is shown.
The following procedure must be carried out when adjusting some of the configuration
parameters:
1. Use and arrows to select parameter (line) to be adjusted.
2. Use and arrows to change the value of the selected parameter. If there are two
or more sub-parameters in one line (e.g. date and time) then use the SELECT key to
skip to the next sub-parameters and back.
To clear all memory locations:
1. Select Configuration from the main menu

MI 3200 TeraOhm 10 kV Performing measurements
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1. Highlight the Memory Clear option using and arrows.
2. Press the SELECT key, (“Press MEM to confirm!” message will be displayed).
3. Press the MEM key to clear all memory locations or ESC to cancel the activity.
Fig. 5a. Configuration menu
Parameter Value Note
Memory clear Clear all memory locations
Filter Fil1, Fil2, Fil3,
Fil0 Selection of noise rejecting filter, see the chapter 5.3. Filter Option
DIAG.
Starting time 0%..90% Adjustment of start of the timer in the
DIAGNOSTIC TEST functions, according to the
nominal voltage Unominal. See additional
explanation in chapter 5.6.
Table 1a. Parameters in Configuration menu
4.2.2 Setup
The setup function enables the selection and adjustment of general parameters (Table
1b.) of the instrument (Fig. 5b).
In the lower section of the display the power supply status is shown.
The following procedure must be carried out when adjusting some of the configuration
parameters:
3. Use and arrows to select parameter (line) to be adjusted.
4. Use and arrows to change the value of the selected parameter. If there are two
or more sub-parameters in one line (e.g. date and time) then use the SELECT key to
skip to the next sub-parameters and back.
Fig. 5b. Setup menu

MI 3200 TeraOhm 10 kV Performing measurements
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Parameter Value Note
Contrast 0%..100% Adjustment of the LCD contrast
Time Set real time (hour: minute)
Date Set current date (day-month-year)
Com Port RS 232 2400,
RS 232 4800,
RS 232 9600,
RS 232 19200,
USB 115000
Set communication mode and rate.
Language Set language
Initialization For internal factory and service maintenance only!
Table 1b. Parameters in Setup menu

MI 3200 TeraOhm 10 kV Measurements
14
5. Measurements
5.1. Generally Information about High DC voltage
testing
The purpose of insulation tests
Insulating materials are important parts of almost every electrical product. The material’s
properties depend not only on its compound characteristics but also on temperature,
pollution, moisture, ageing, electrical and mechanical stress, etc. Safety and operational
reliability require the regular maintenance and testing of the insulation material to ensure
it is kept in good operational condition. High voltage tests are used to test insulating
materials.
DC vs. AC testing voltage
Testing with a DC voltage is widely accepted as being useful as testing with AC and / or
pulsed voltages. DC voltages can be used for breakdown tests especially where high
capacitive leakage currents interfere with measurements using AC or pulsed voltages.
DC is mostly used for insulation resistance measurement tests. In this type of test, the
voltage is defined by the appropriate product application group. This voltage is lower
than the voltage used in the withstanding voltage test so the tests can be applied more
frequently without stressing the test material.
Typical insulation tests
In general, insulation resistance tests consist of the following possible procedures:
-Simple insulation resistance measurement also called a spot test;
-Measurement of the relationship between voltage and insulation resistance;
-Measurement of the relationship between time and insulation resistance
-Test of residual charge after the dielectric discharge.
The results of this test can indicate whether the replacement of the insulation system is
required.
Typical examples of where testing insulation resistance and its diagnosis are
recommended are transformer and motor insulation systems, cables and other electrical
equipment.
Electrical representation of insulating material
The Fig. 6 represents the equivalent electrical circuit of an insulating material.
Riso Cpi
Rpi
Ciso
Riss1
Riss2
material
surface Itest
+
-
Guard
IPI
ICiso IRiso IRiss
Itest
Fig. 6 Fig. 7

MI 3200 TeraOhm 10 kV Measurements
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Riss1 and Riss2 - the surface resistivity (position of optional guard connection)
Riso – the actual insulation resistance of material
Ciso – capacitance of material
Cpi, Rpi - represents polarization effects.
The Fig. 7 shows typical currents for that circuit.
Itest = overall test current (Itest= IPI+ IRISO+ IRISS)
IPI = polarization absorption current
IRISO = actual insulation current
IRISS = surface leakage current
Some application examples for using Teraohm 10 kV
Basic Insulation resistance test
Virtually every standard concerning the safety of electrical equipment and installations
requires the performance of a basic insulation testing. When testing lower values (in the
range of M), the basic insulation resistance (Riso) usually dominates. The results are
adequate and stabilize quickly.
It is important to remember the following:
-The voltage, time and limit are usually given in the appropriate standard or
regulation.
-Measuring time should be set to 60 s or the minimum time required for the Insulation
capacitance Ciso to be charged up.
-Sometimes it is required to take ambient temperature into account and adjust the
result for a standard temperature of 40C.
-If surface leakage currents interfere with the measurements (see Riss above) use the
guard connection (see 5.2.). This becomes critical when measured values are in the
Grange.
Voltage dependence test – Step voltage test
This test shows if the insulation under test has been electrically or mechanically
stressed. In this instance the quantity and size of insulation anomalies (e.g. cracks, local
breakdowns, conductive parts, etc). is increased and the overall breakdown voltage is
reduced. Excessive humidity and pollution have an important role especially in the case
of mechanical stress.
-The test voltage steps are usually close to those required in the DC withstanding
test.
-Sometimes it is recommended that the maximum voltage for this test should not be
higher than 60 % of the withstanding voltage.
If the results of successive tests show a reduction in the tested insulation resistance the
insulation should be replaced.
Time dependence test – Diagnostic test
POLARISATION INDEX
The purpose of this diagnostic test is to evaluate the influence of the polarization part of
insulation (Rpi, Cpi).

MI 3200 TeraOhm 10 kV Measurements
16
After applying a high voltage to an insulator the electric dipoles distributed in the
insulator align themselves with the applied electrical field. This phenomenon is called
polarization. As the molecules polarize, a polarization (absorption) current lowers the
overall insulation resistance of the material.
The absorption current (IPI) typically collapses after a few minutes. If the overall
resistance of the material does not increase, this means that other currents (e.g. surface
leakages) dominate the overall insulation resistance.
-PI is defined as the ratio of the measured resistances in two time slots. The most
typical ratio is 10 min value to 1 min value but this is not a rule.
-The test is typically performed at the same voltage as the insulation resistance test.
-If the one-minute insulation resistance is greater than 5000 M, then this
measurement may not be valid (new modern types of insulation).
-Oiled paper used in transformers or motors is a typical insulation material that
requires this test.
In general, insulators that are in good condition will show a “high” polarization index
while insulators that are damaged will not. Note that this rule is not always valid. Refer to
Metrel’s handbook Insulation Testing Techniques for more information.
General applicable values:
PI value Tested material status
1 to 1.5 Not acceptable (older types)
2 to 4 (typically 3) Considered as good insulation (older types)
>4(very high insulation resistance) Modern type of (good) insulation systems
Example for minimum acceptable values for motor insulation (IEEE 43):
Class A =1.5, Class B = 2.0, Class F =2.0, Class H =2.0.
DIELECTRIC DISCHARGE
An additional effect of polarization is the recovered charge (from Cpi) after the regular
discharging of a completed test. This can also be a supplementary measurement for
evaluation of the quality of insulating material. This effect is generally found in insulating
systems with large capacitance Ciso.
The polarisation effect (described in “Polarisation Index”) causes a capacitance to form
(Cpi). Ideally this charge would dissipate immediately a voltage was removed from the
material. In practice, this is not the case.
In conjunction with the polarisation index (PI), Dialectic Discharge (DD) is another way to
check the quality and suitability of a insulation material. A material that discharges
quickly would provide a low value while a material that takes a long time to discharge will
provide a higher value (described in the table below, for more information see section
5.6).
DD value Tested material status
> 4 bad
2 - 4 critical
< 2 good

MI 3200 TeraOhm 10 kV Measurements
17
Withstanding voltage test
Some standards allow the use of a DC voltage as an alternative to AC withstanding
voltage testing. For this purpose the test voltage has to be present across the insulation
under test for a specific time. The insulation material only passes if there is no
breakdown or flash over. Standards recommend that the test starts with a low voltage
and reaches the final test voltage with a slope that keeps the charging current under the
limit of the current threshold. The test duration normally takes 1 min.
Withstanding voltage test or dielectric test is usually applied for:
-Type (acceptance) tests when a new product is being prepared for manufacture,
-Routine (production) tests for the verification of safety on each product,
-Maintenance and after service tests for any equipment where the insulation system
can be exposed to degradation.
Some examples for DC withstanding test voltage values:
Standard (only sample values) Voltage
EN/IEC 61010-1 CAT II 300 V basic insulation 1970 V
EN/IEC 61010-1 CAT II 300 V double insulation 3150 V
IEC 60439-1 (clearance between live parts…), withstanding impulse
voltage 4 kV, 500 m 4700 V
IEC 60598-1 2120 V
Humidity and insulation resistance measurements
When testing outside the reference ambient conditions, the quality of the insulation
resistance measurements can be affected by humidity. Humidity adds leakage paths
onto the surface of the complete measuring system, (i.e. the insulator under test, the test
leads, the measuring instrument etc). The influence of humidity reduces accuracy
especially when testing very high resistances (i.e. Tera ohms). The worst conditions
arise in environments containing high condensation, which can also reduce safety. In the
case of high humidity, it is recommended to ventilate the test areas before and during
the measurements. In the case of condensed humidity the measuring system must dry
and it can take several hours or even few days to recover.
5.2. Guard terminal
The purpose of the GUARD terminal is to lead away potential leakage currents (e.g.
surface currents), which are not a result of the measured insulation material itself but are
a result of the surface contamination and moisture. This current interferes with the
measurement i.e. the Insulation Resistance result is influenced by this current. The
GUARD terminal is internally connected to the same potential as the negative test
terminal (black one). The GUARDs test clip should be connected to the test object so as
to collect most of the unwanted leakage current, see the figure Fig. 8 below.

MI 3200 TeraOhm 10 kV Measurements
18
I L
I L
I L
Ut Ut
I
A
I A
I M I M
A
A
+OUT +OUT
-OUT -OUT GUARD
Fig. 8. Connection of GUARD terminal to measured object
where:
Ut ........Test voltage
IL.........Leakage current (resulted by surface dirt and moisture)
IM.........Material current (resulted by material conditions)
IA.........A-meter current
Result without using GUARD terminal: RINS = Ut / IA= Ut / (IM+ IL) …incorrect result.
Result using GUARD terminal: RINS = Ut / IA= Ut / IM……correct result.
It is recommended to use the GUARD connection when high insulation resistance
(>10G ) are measured.
Note:
The guard terminal is protected by an internal impedance (400 K).
The instrument has two guard terminals to allow easy connection of shielded
measuring leads.
5.3. Filter options
Filters are built in to reduce the influence of noise on measurement results. This option
enables more stable results especially when dealing with high Insulation Resistances
(Insulation Resistance, Diagnostic Test, Step Voltage). In these functions, the status of
the filter option is shown in the top right corner of the LCD screen. The Table 2. below
contains a definition of the individual filter options:
Filter option Meaning
Fil0 Low pass filter with cut off frequency of 0.5 Hz in signal line.
Fil1 Additional low pass filter with cut off frequency of 0.05 Hz in the signal
line.
Fil2 Fil1 with increased integrating time (4 s).
Fil3 Fil2 with additional cyclic averaging of 5 results.
Table 2.Filter options

MI 3200 TeraOhm 10 kV Measurements
19
THE PURPOSE OF FILTERING
In simple terms the filters smooth the measured currents by means of averaging and
bandwidth reduction. There are various sources of disturbance:
-AC currents at the mains frequency and its harmonics, switching transients etc,
cause the results to become unstable. These currents are mostly cross talk through
insulation capacitances close to live systems,
-Other currents induced or coupled in the electromagnetic environment of the
insulation under test.
-Ripple current from internal high voltage regulator,
-Charging effects of high capacitive loads and / or long cables.
Voltage changes are relatively narrow on high resistance insulation, so the most
important point is to filter the measured current.
Note:
Any of the selected filter options increases the settling time with Fil1 to 60 s, Fil2 to 70 s,
and Fil3 to 120 s.
-It is necessary to pay close attention to the selection of time intervals when using the
filters.
-The recommended minimum measuring times when using filters are the settling
times of the selected filter option.
Example:
A noise current of 1 mA / 50 Hz adds approximately 15 % distribution to the measured
result when measuring 1 G.
By selecting FIL1 option the distribution will reduce to less than 2 %.
In general using FIL2 and FIL3 will further improve the noise reduction.
5.4. Voltage measurement
Selecting this function displays the following states (initial state and state with results
after completion of the measurement, see the Fig. 9).
Fig. 9. Voltage function display states
Measurement procedure:
-Connect the test leads to the instrument and to the measured source.

MI 3200 TeraOhm 10 kV Measurements
20
-Press the START key to start the measurement, continuous measurement starts to
run.
-Press the START key again to stop the measurement.
- The result (see the right figure in the Fig. 9) can optionally be saved by pressing the
MEM key twice, see chapter 6.1 Store, Recall and Clear Operation.
Warning!
Refer to Warnings chapter for safety precautions!
5.5. Insulation Resistance measurement
Selecting this function displays the following states (initial state and state with results
after the completion of the measurement). The Fig. 10 shows states when Graph R(t) is
disabled.
Initial display Display with results
Fig. 10. Insulation Resistance function display states - Graph R(t) disabled
The Fig. 11 shows states when Graph R(t) is enabled. When Graph R(t) is enabled you
can simple switching initial state and state with results after the completion of the
measurement, between numerical and graphical mode with pressing or keys.
graphical mode
numerical mode
Note:
- It is not possible to switching mode of presentation when measurement running!!!
Initial display - numerical mode Display with results - numerical mode