NARDA NIM-511 User manual

NIM-511 / NIM-513
Narda Industrial Field Meter
Operating Manual
Distributed by:
Air-Met Scientic Pty Ltd
Work with Confidence
Air-Met Sales/Service
P: 1800 000 744
F: 1800 000 774
E: [email protected]
Air-Met Rental
P: 1300 137 067
E: [email protected]
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Narda Safety Test Solutions GmbH
Sandwiesenstraße 7
72793 Pfullingen, Germany
® Names and Logo are registered trade-
marks of Narda Safety Test Solutions GmbH
and L3 Communications Holdings, Inc. –
Trade names are trademarks of the owners.
This product is protected by the following
patents:
United States Patent US6084551
© 2009
Order no.: 2403/98.22
Edition: 01/09.11, A...
Previous edition: -
Subject to change.
Our normal guarantee and delivery terms
apply.
Printed in Germany

Contents
Narda NIM-51x i
Contents
1 Useful information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1 Measuring electromagnetic fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.2 About this instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.3 About this operating manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Characters and symbols used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2 Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.1 Using this operating manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.2 Proper use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.3 Improper use. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.4 Dangers from electromagnetic fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Strong Fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Measurement Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Probe is not operating properly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.5 Dangers when handling rechargeable batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.6 Dangers from AC adapter/charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3 Preparing the NIM-51x for use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.1 Unpacking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Items included. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Transport damage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
After transport and storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.2 Instrument overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Contents
ii NIM-51x Narda
3.3 Power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Operation from rechargeable batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Charge state and power source indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
3.4 Connecting the probe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4 Measuring with the NIM-51x . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4.1 Avoiding measurement errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Electrostatic charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Changes in temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Strong low frequency fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
4.2 Switching on. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4.3 Displaying the instrument configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4.4 Self test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
4.5 Setting the contrast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
4.6 Overview of the display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
4.7 Selecting the result type. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
ACT (Actual) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
MAX (Maximum) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
AVG (Average) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
SPATIAL (spatial average) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
4.8 Selecting the units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.9 Freezing a result . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.10 Changing the field type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.11 Switching off. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Contents
Narda NIM-51x iii
5 Instrument maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
5.1 Cleaning the instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
5.2 Replacing / removing the batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
5.3 Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Rechargeable batteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Instrument. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
5.4 Checking for proper operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
6 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
6.1 Display and Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
6.2 Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
6.3 Uncertainty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
6.4 General specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
6.5 Standards compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
6.6 AC Adapter / Charger Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
6.7 CE Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
6.8 Declaration of origin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
7 Ordering information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
7.1 NIM-511 and NIM-513 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
7.2 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Contents
iv NIM-51x Narda

Narda NIM-51x 1
1Useful information
This chapter contains basic information about measuring
electromagnetic fields and about using the NIM-51x.
1.1 Measuring electromagnetic fields (page 2)
1.2 About this instrument (page 2)
1.3 About this operating manual (page 4)

1 Useful information
2 NIM-51x Narda
1.1 Measuring electromagnetic fields
In today’s world, practically everyone lives and works in an
environment surrounded by technical equipment that gener-
ates electromagnetic fields. Our recognition of the problems
associated with such fields and our depth of information in
this area has increased as the effects of such fields on the
human body have been examined more closely. Various
authorities have long defined limit values designed to pro-
tect users from the dangers of exposure to such emissions.
1.2 About this instrument
The Narda Industrial Meters NIM-511 and NIM-513 com-
bine an unprecedented ease of operation with powerful
measurement capabilities. It provides the industrial plant
manager and safety professional with an accurate and inex-
pensive solution for proving compliance with regulations
that cover exposure to RF radiation. Both models provide a
complete measurement system comprised of an extremely
easy to operate meter (NIM-510) and a probe (NIM-511 or
NIM-513) that contains sensors to measure both the electric
(E) and magnetic (H) field components of an electromag-
netic wave.
The NIM-513 operates from 10 MHz to 42 MHz and is
adjusted to the reference calibration frequency at
27.12 MHz. The NIM-511 has a much broader sensor that
operates from 300 kHz to 100 MHz and is adjusted to the
reference calibration frequency at 13.56 MHz.

1.2 About this instrument
Narda NIM-51x 3
Applications
Major safety standards worldwide require that both the elec-
tric and the magnetic field components (E and H fields) be
measured for equipment operating below 300 MHz. Most
high power industrial equipment operates at one of the fre-
quencies allocated for Industrial, Scientific, and Medical
(ISM) applications. Two ISM frequencies – 27.12 MHz and
13.56 MHz – are used extensively. The majority of heat
sealers and induction heaters operate at 27.12 MHz while
most semiconductor processing equipment operates at
13.56 MHz.
Examples:
• RF or High Frequency Heat Sealers
• Vinyl Welders
• Semiconductor Process Equipment
• Glass Deposition
• RF Induction Heating
• Dielectric Dryers and Heaters
• Plasma Generation Systems
RF energy can cause the body to be heated beyond its abil-
ity to thermally regulate itself. Since 1987 OSHA has had
the authority to cite employers for exceeding the limits spec-
ified by “state-of-the-art, scientific standards.” OSHA has
chosen the IEEE C95.1-2005 Standard for enforcement of
non-ionizing radiation safety. This IEEE standard includes
many changes from earlier standards and is considerably
more complex.
The Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) limits for Con-
trolled Environments are:
Table 1 IEEE C95.1-2005 exposure limits for controlled
environment
Frequency E Field
(mW/cm2)
H Field
(mW/cm2)
13.56 MHz 4.89 54.4
27.12 MHz 1.22 13.6
40.68 MHz 1.00 6.04

1 Useful information
4 NIM-51x Narda
For countries which follow the ICNIRP recommendations
the exposure limits are:
Table 2 ICNIRP 1998 Reference levels for occupational
exposure (extract)
1.3 About this operating manual
Characters and symbols used
Various elements are used in this operating manual to indi-
cate special meanings or particularly important passages in
the text.
Symbols and terms used in warnings
According to the American National Standard
ANSI Z535.6-2006, the following warnings, symbols, and
terms are used in this document:
Frequency f E Field
(V/m)
H Field
(A/m)
1 - 10 MHz 610 / f (f in MHz) 1.6 / f (f in MHz)
10 - 400 MHz 61 0.16
The general danger symbol warns of risk of serious injury
when used with the signal words CAUTION, WARNING,
and DANGER. Follow all the instructions in order to avoid
injuries or death.
NOTICE Indicates a danger that results in damage to or destruction
of the instrument.
CAUTION Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in minor or moderate injury.
WARNING Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
DANGER Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.

1.3 About this operating manual
Narda NIM-51x 5
Structure of warnings
All warnings are structured as follows:
Symbols and marks used in this document
SIGNAL WORD
Type and source of danger
Consequences of failure to observe warning
⇒Instructions for preventing danger
!Important instruction
Indicates an instruction that must be followed to avoid dan-
ger.
Requirement
Indicates a requirement that must be met before the next
instruction can be carried out, e.g.
The instrument is switched off.
⇒Instruction
Indicates a single instruction, e.g.
⇒Switch the instrument on.
1.
2.
3.
Sequence of instructions
Indicates a sequence of instructions that must be carried
out in the order given.
ªResult
Indicates the result of carrying out an instruction, e.g.
ªThe instrument starts a self test.
Bold type Control element
Indicates a control element on the instrument, e.g.
⇒Press the MODE key
Blue type Cross reference (in PDF document only)
Indicates a cross reference to another part of the docu-
ment. Click on the blue type in the PDF document to jump
directly to the cross reference.

1 Useful information
6 NIM-51x Narda
Terminology
Item Meaning
Battery Rechargeable battery
Dry battery Non-rechargeable battery

Narda NIM-51x 7
2Safety instructions
This chapter contains important instructions on how to use
the NIM-51x safely. Please therefore read this chapter
carefully and follow the instructions closely.
2.1 Using this operating manual (page 8)
2.2 Proper use (page 8)
2.3 Improper use (page 8)
2.4 Dangers from electromagnetic fields (page 9)
2.5 Dangers when handling rechargeable batteries
(page 10)
2.6 Dangers from AC adapter/charger (page 10)

2 Safety instructions
8 NIM-51x Narda
2.1 Using this operating manual
!Carefully read this entire operating manual before you
start using the instrument.
!Keep this operating manual so that it is available to
everyone who uses the instrument, and ensure that this
operating manual is with the instrument if you pass it on to
a third party.
2.2 Proper use
The NIM-51x is designed to measure and evaluate electro-
magnetic fields.
!Only use the instrument for the purpose and under the
conditions for which it has been designed.
!In particular, observe the technical data given in the
“Specifications” on page 37.
Proper use also includes:
!observing any national accident prevention regulations at
the place of use,
!ensuring that the instrument is used only by appropriately
qualified and trained persons.
2.3 Improper use
The NIM-51x is not a warning device that gives active notice
of the existence of dangerous fields by means of a visible or
audible warning signal.
!Remember that this instrument is a measuring device, not
a warning device.
!Carefully observe the actual measurement displayed
when you are approaching an unknown field source.
!If in doubt, use an additional warning device such as
“RadMan” or “Nardalert XT”, available from Narda Safety
Te s t S o l u t i o n s .

2.4 Dangers from electromagnetic fields
Narda NIM-51x 9
2.4 Dangers from electromagnetic fields
Strong Fields
Very high field strengths can occur in the vicinity of
some radiation sources.
⇒Do not cross or ignore safety barriers or markings.
⇒Persons with electronic implants (e.g. heart pacemak-
ers) must avoid danger zones.
Measurement Errors
Metallic labels (stickers) affixed to the yellow sensor
area of the probe can lead to measurement errors, usu-
ally an underestimation of the electromagnetic field
strength.
⇒Affix labels of any type only to the black probe shaft.
⇒If the instrument malfunctions, take it out of service and
contact your Narda Service Center. The addresses are
listed at the end of this operating manual and on the In-
ternet at http://www.narda-sts.com.
Probe is not operating properly
Possibly present high radiation values are not recog-
nized.
⇒Check probes for proper operation with a signal source
before using this measuring instrument.
Narda offers portable sources to accomplish this impor-
tant step (see “Accessories” on page 46).
⇒Before beginning any RF radiation measurement, always
inform yourself of the frequencies and field strengths that
you could expect to encounter.

2 Safety instructions
10 NIM-51x Narda
2.5 Dangers when handling rechargeable
batteries
When handled improperly, rechargeable batteries can
overheat, explode, or ignite.
⇒Only use the NIM-51x with NiMH rechargeable batteries
(AA, Mignon).
⇒Do not use dry batteries.
⇒Do not replace individual batteries; always replace the
entire set.
⇒Always use identical batteries.
⇒Never touch both poles of the batteries simultaneously
with a metal object.
⇒Make sure you insert the batteries correctly as shown on
the base of the battery compartment.
⇒Always close the battery compartment immediately after
replacing batteries.
⇒Never use the NIM-51x with the battery compartment
open.
2.6 Dangers from AC adapter/charger
You could experience electric shock from the AC
adapter/charger.
⇒Do not use the instrument when the casing is damaged
because parts carrying dangerous voltages could be ex-
posed.
⇒Do not use an AC adapter/charger that has been moved
from a cold to a warm room, thereby forming condensa-
tion.
⇒Only use the AC adapter/charger indoors and at temper-
atures between 0 °C and +40 °C.
The AC adapter/charger could be destroyed if the volt-
age specification on the AC adapter/charger does not
match the AC line voltage.
⇒Only use the AC adapter/charger if the voltage specifica-
tion on the AC adapter/charger matches the AC line volt-
age.

Narda NIM-51x 11
3Preparing the NIM-51x for
use
This chapter describes all you need to do before starting to
use the NIM-51x.
3.1 Unpacking (page 12)
3.2 Instrument overview (page 14)
3.3 Power supply (page 16)
3.4 Connecting the probe (page 19)

3 Preparing the NIM-51x for use
12 NIM-51x Narda
3.1 Unpacking
Packaging
The packaging is designed to be re-used as long as it has
not been damaged.
⇒Keep the original packaging and use it whenever the in-
strument needs to be shipped or transported.
Items included
⇒Check that all the following items have been delivered:
– NIM-510 Basic unit
– 2 x NiMH Mignon/AA batteries for NIM-510 (packaged
separately)
– Probe NIM-511 or NIM-513 (as ordered)
–Case
– AC Adapter / Charger
– Shoulder strap
– Operating manual
– Calibration certificate
Transport damage
The addresses of your Narda Service Center are listed at
the end of this operating manual and on the Internet at
http://www.narda-sts.com.
NOTICE
Instrument/accessories damaged during
transportation
Using damaged instrument/accessories can lead to
subsequent damage.
⇒Check the instrument and all accessories for damage
when you have unpacked them.
⇒If the instrument is damaged, contact your Narda Ser-
vice Center.

3.1 Unpacking
Narda NIM-51x 13
After transport and storage
Note: The instrument is not ready for use until it has
reached a temperature within the operating
range of -10 to +50 °C.
NOTICE
Condensation on an instrument can lead to
damage
Condensation can form on an instrument that has
been stored at a low temperature when it is brought
into a warm room. It may be damaged if used.
⇒Wait until all visible condensation has evaporated from
the instrument surface to avoid damaging the instru-
ment.

3 Preparing the NIM-51x for use
14 NIM-51x Narda
3.2 Instrument overview
7
1
2
3
4
9
10
6a
6b
6
5
8
11