Nieaf-Smitt RCT-S User manual

User manual
RCCB Tester
Supplier: Nieaf-Smitt bv
Vrieslantlaan 6
3526 AA Utrecht Holland
P.O. box 7023 3502 KA Utrecht
Specifications of the equipment: RCT-S
Specifications of the user manual: Date:1-12-2005
Number: 561144040
Ref.: 003

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Preface This manual describes the RCCB Tester. The information in this manual is important for proper and safe
functioning of the machine. In case you are not familiar with the operation, the preventive maintenance,
etc. of the RCCB Tester, then you read this user manual from the beginning to the end thoroughly.
If you are familiar with these matters, you can use this manual for reference. You can find the required
information rapidly using the table of contents.
In this user manual, the following four marking conventions are used to focus attention on certain
subjects of actions.
TIP:
gives you suggestions and advice to perform certain tasks easier or handier.
ATTENTION:
a remark with additional information; draws your attention to possible problems.
CAUTION:
the machine may be damaged, if you do not carefully execute the procedures.
WARNING FOR DANGER:
you can (seriously) hurt yourself or seriously damage the product, if you do not
carefully execute the procedures.
- this document is described with the words manual or user manual;
- the test equipment is described with the words tester, instrument or test device;
- values or displayed data is placed between inverted commas for example “230 V”;
- keys or switch positions are placed between angular brackets for example [Start] key.

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Warranty
Nieaf-Smitt bv guaranties the tester for a period of 6 months.
The period of warranty will be effective at the day of delivery. The warranty clauses and the stipulations
regarding liability in terms of delivery (FME and HE).
© Copyright 1997
All rights reserved. Nothing from this edition may be multiplied, or made public in any form or manner,
either electronically, mechanically, by photocopying, recording, or in any manner, without prior written
consent form Nieaf-Smitt bv.
Nieaf-Smitt bv reserves the right to change parts at any given moment, without prior or direct notification
to the client. The contents of this user manual may also be changed without prior warning.
This user manual is compiled with all possible care, but Nieaf-Smitt bv can not accept any responsibility
for possible errors in this user manual or any consequences resulting from that.

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Warning pictograms on the tester
There are a number of pictograms on the tester, meant to warn the user of remaining risks that may be
present in spite of the safe design.
Pictogram Description Location on the tester
Warning:
General sign for danger. Read the
instructions carefully before use.
At the back side of the tester on the instruction
label.
Warning:
Danger for direct contact with live parts. At the back side of the tester on the instruction label and under the battery cover.
Mark:
Insulation class II (double insulation). At the back side of the tester on the instruction label.
Mark:
Marks the KEMA certification of the tester.
The KEMA KEUR is placed on the front side
of the tester.
CE-mark:
Declares the conformity with the European
Directives.
The CE-mark is placed on the front side of the
tester.
All peripherals which are used by this tester, must be provided with a CE-mark. For example the use of a PC.
Table 1: Pictograms on the tester

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CONTENTS
1. GENERAL SAFETY REGULATIONS.................................................................................................................. 7
2. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................................8
2.1 GENERAL ........................................................................................................................................................ 8
2.1.1 The intended use......................................................................................................................................8
2.1.2 Target group............................................................................................................................................8
2.1.3 Working principle....................................................................................................................................9
2.2 SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................................................ 11
2.3 CERTIFICATION.......................................................................................................................................... 13
3. TESTER COMPOSITION....................................................................................................................................14
3.1 GENERAL ...................................................................................................................................................... 14
3.2 PRINCIPLE OF MEASUREMENT..............................................................................................................14
3.2.1 Visual inspection ................................................................................................................................... 14
4. INSTALLATION; STARTING UP AND ADJUSTMENT.................................................................................. 15
5. HOW TO USE THE TESTER?............................................................................................................................ 16
5.1 OPERATION..................................................................................................................................................16
5.1.1 Starting .................................................................................................................................................. 18
5.2 TESTING........................................................................................................................................................ 18
5.2.1 Setting of the contact voltage (VC) ....................................................................................................... 19
5.2.2 Test 1: Contact voltage (VC)................................................................................................................. 19
5.2.3 Test 2: Tripping time (t)........................................................................................................................ 20
5.2.4 Test 3: Trip out current (I) at tripping time (t)..................................................................................... 22
5.2.5 Test 4: Voltage (VL-PE) or frequency (f)............................................................................................. 23
5.3 MEMORIZING OF RESULTS......................................................................................................................24
5.4 RECALLING OF MEMORISED RESULTS................................................................................................26
5.5 RS232 COMMUNICATION ..........................................................................................................................28
5.6 ERASING OF RESULTS...............................................................................................................................30
5.7 RESET OF THE INSTRUMENT.................................................................................................................. 32
5.8 TROUBLESHOOTING.................................................................................................................................. 33
5.9 CALIBRATION AND REPAIR .....................................................................................................................34
6. MAINTENANCE................................................................................................................................................... 35
6.1 BATTERIES REPLACEMENT..................................................................................................................... 35
6.2 CLEANING..................................................................................................................................................... 36
7. ACCESSORY AND REPLACEABLE PARTS..................................................................................................... 37

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Tables:
Table 1: Pictograms on the tester
Table 2: Switches
Table 3: Admissible ranges of disconnection times according to IEC 1008-1 standard
Table 4: Saving the results into the memory
Table 5: Default values
Table 6: General faults and warnings
Figures:
Figure 1: TT System connection
Figure 2: Alternating fault current
Figure 3: Operating
Figure 4: An example of a test result of the contact voltage
Figure 5: An example of a test result of the tripping time
Figure 6: An example of a test result of the displayed trip out current, the tripping time at the trip out current
Figure 7: An example of a test result of the VL-PE voltage and the mains frequency (f)
Figure 8: Identification number of each function
Figure 9: RS232 connector
Figure 10: RS232 cable
Figure 11: An example of print out
Figure 12: Batteries inserted
Figure 13: Test leads
Attachments:
Attachment 1: EU-Declaration of Conformity
Attachment 2: Circuit diagrams
- Contact voltage (Vc) at the current of I
Δ N (ordinary type) or at the current of 2I Δ N (selective type)
without tripping
- Tripping time (t) at the current of I
Δ N, 2I Δ N, 5I Δ N
- Trip out current (I
Δ )
- Mains voltage between phase and protective earth terminals

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1. GENERAL SAFETY REGULATIONS
Read, before you perform any action in connection with the tester, this user manual
carefully.
Nieaf-Smitt bv is not liable for injuries, (financial) damage and/or excessive wear
resulting from incorrectly performed maintenance, incorrect use of or modifications
to the instrument.
It is not allowed to remove, to skirt or to tide over (b
y
hand
y
constructions) the
enclosure or safeties of the tester during normal use. Method of
measurement and range are indicated on the back side of the instrument.
It’s forbidden to place and/or to use the instrument in a room where is a risk of
explosion.
If the tester is used by a third party, you being the owner are responsible, unless
otherwise specified.
Repair can only be done by Nieaf-Smitt bv.
Provide a clean and save workplace which has sufficient lightning.

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2. INTRODUCTION
2.1 GENERAL
2.1.1 The intended use
The RCCB tester is intended to be used for judgement of the safety of electrical installations.
The RCT-S is intended for execution of all tests concerning different protective switches with
differential current protection. If the instrument is used in manner not specified in this user manual,
the protection provided by the instrument may be impaired and the supplier is excluded from any
responsibility.
2.1.2 Target group
The target group of people for whom the tester and this user manual are applicable are competent and
technical qualified persons.
Competent persons are persons who:
- have got a certain level of technical knowledge gained by education/training and who;
- have got certain skills required to operate the tester.
Technical qualified persons are persons who:
- are competent and who;
- have got a certain level of technical knowledge gained by education/training and who;
- are familiar with the applied technology in the instrument and are aware of the possible dangers and
risks.
Repair can only be done by Nieaf-Smitt bv.
By operating we mean:
- setting up the instrument and executing tests;
- processing the test results.

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2.1.3 Working principle
Theoretical principles of RCD operation
'
Figure 1: TT system connection
RNgrounding resistance of transformer
RSEC resistance of transformer’s secondary
If a portion of the phase current is leakage through a bad insulation to the enclosure a test device a
hazardous contact voltage Vc can appear across the grounding resistance RE. Some RCD’s are
sensitive only to positive or negative half periods. The RCT-S has the possibility to generate the fault
current with a positive (0°) or a negative (180°) start phase, see figure 2 (a & b).
a) Alternating form (starting phase 0°)

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b) Alternating form (starting phase 180°)
Figure 2: Alternating fault current.
Structure
The RCT-S is an electronic microprocessor controlled instrument intended for the execution of all
tests concerning different protective switches with differential current protection (with or without
switch-off delay) Select the test by means of the rotary switch. The user is able to prescribe the desired
measuring method now
RCD types which can be tested by RCT-S:
1. The sensitivity according to the form of the fault current
- type AC.
2. The disconnection delay
- without delay (standard type);
- with delay (selective type).
3. The rated values of the fault currents
- 10 mA; 30 mA; 100 mA; 300 mA; 500 mA.
Connecting
The instrument is powered by four alkaline batteries (4 x 1,5 V IEC). The tester is provided with a on/off
switch and can, after powering up the instrument, be used at once. The test cord or the RS232 cable (data
transfer cable) are connected at the upper side of the tester.
Measuring
Each test has it’s specific circuit diagram which is given in the attachments.
The following measurements can be executed by the instrument:
1. The contact voltage (Vc) at the current of I
Δ N (ordinary type) or at the current of 2I Δ N (selective
type) without tripping
2. The tripping time (t) at the current of I
Δ N, 2I Δ N, 5I Δ N
3. The trip out current (I
Δ ) and the tripping time (t) at the trip out current (I Δ )
4. The mains voltage between the phase and the protective earth terminals

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2.2 SPECIFICATIONS
General
Power supply : 4 x 1,5 V IEC LR14 alkaline batteries
Battery life time : approx. 2000 measurements (1 measurement per 5
minutes)
Display : 3 digit 7 segment LCD 19 mm
with additional warnings
Quality standard : design, development and production according to ISO
9001
Mass : approx. 0,75 kg including batteries and accessories
Dimensions (wxhxd) : 110 x 65 x 290 mm
Automatic L/N exchanged : incorporated
Environment and storage
Reference temp. range : 5°C - 35°C
Operating temp. range : 0°C - 40°C
Storage temp. range : -10°C - 60°C
Max. operating humidity : 85% RH (0°C - 40°C)
Max. storage humidity : 80% RH (40°C - 60°C)
90%RH(-10°C - 40°C)
Degree of protection : IP50
Protection classification : double insulation
Pollution category : Class II
Over voltage protection : Category III 300V
Tests
Nominal voltage : 100 - 250 Vac
Nominal frequency : 45 - 65 Hz
Max. voltage against ground : 250 Vac
Max. voltage L/N : 264 Vac
Tripping time (t) of a standard of selective RCD
Leakage current
Range t (ms) Resolution (ms) Accuracy
IΔN0 ÷1000
2 IΔN0 ÷200 1 ±(2% of reading + 3ms)
5 IΔN0 ÷50 (150 m)

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RMS values (10 ms) of fault currents
IΔN(mA)
2 IΔN(mA) 5 IΔN(mA)
10 20 250 *
30 60 250 *
100 200 500
300 600 1500
500 1000 2500
Accuracy of fault current: +10%, -0%
* For rated values IΔN≤30mA the five-fold test current is 0.25A.
Contact voltage (VC)at the rated fault current (a standard RCD type) or at double rated
fault current (selective RCD type)
Range VC (V) *
Resolution (V) Accuracy
0 ÷99,9
0, 1 +10%, -0% (of reading) ±0,2 V
(Vc = 0 ÷9,9 V)
+10%, -0% (of reading)
(Vc = 10.0 ÷99.9 V)
Test current: 0.5 IΔN
The specifications of the above table are valid under the following conditions:
- max. instability of line voltage during measurement is ±1%,
- the protective conductor is free of interfering voltages.
Tripping out current (IΔ) of a standard RCD
Range IΔ
Resolution Accuracy
(0,5 ÷1,4) IΔN0,1 IΔN- 0,1 IΔN .... + 0,2 IΔN
- Tripping time (t) of a standard RCD at trip out current:
Range t (ms)
Resolution (ms) Accuracy
0 ÷500 1 ±(2% of reading + 2 ms)

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Alternating voltage UL-PE
Range UL-PE (V)
Resolution (V) Accuracy
0 ÷250 1 ±(2% of reading +2V)
Frequency
Range f (Hz)
Resolution (Hz) Accuracy
25 ÷99,9 0,1
100 ÷499 1 ±(0,1% of reading +1dig)
Transport
The tester is a portable test device which can be hand-held or lay down (solid foundation) during the
tests. Take care of the instrument during transport to avoid any damage.
2.3 CERTIFICATION
The tester and this manual have been designed, constructed and tested according to the European
directives. During all these phases the relevant (preliminary) European standards have been taken into
account. The CE-mark has been mounted on the instrument. The directives and the standards mentioned
are enumerated in the EC-Declaration of Conformity.

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3. TESTER COMPOSITION
3.1 GENERAL
The RCT-S is built in an enclosure of solid ABS plastic. The display is situated at the front side of the
tester. The test results are displayed. The main parts (see figures in Chapter 5) are listed below:
Front:
1. On/off key
2. Rotary switch
3. LCD-display (NR. 13 in the figure)
Back:
1. Instruction label
2. Serial number
3. Battery cover
4. Battery cover fastening screw
3.2 PRINCIPLE OF MEASUREMENT
3.2.1 Visual inspection
Visually check the test object or installation before executing the safety tests. The function of the visual
inspection is to ensure the electrically safety of the latter parts. Check wires, cables and components for
possible damages. If any damage has been noticed, it isn’t allowed to perform any tests before a technical
qualified person has repaired the test object or installation . The visual inspection is executed by the
operator.

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4. INSTALLATION; STARTING UP AND ADJUSTMENT
The tester can only be used if no damages and/or defects are noticed and all original
components belonging to the tester are mounted
The transportation and the handling of the tester should be done carefully to prevent
any damage.
This paragraph describes the installation and the starting up procedure of the instrument. The
installation, the starting up and the adjustment of the instrument may be done by competent persons.
1. Unpack the instrument.
Remove the packing materials without causing damages to the environment. Check the tester on
damages. If damages are noticed, contact Nieaf-Smitt bv. at once;
2. Put the instrument in a horizontal position, at the work place or on a table in the test room.
Keep enough clearance around the instrument to facilitate an easy operation, adjustment and
reading of the test results, without problems or extra danger.
3. Insert the batteries in the instrument.
4. Connect the test object according to the circuit diagrams with the RCT-S.
5. Carry out the selected test.
Find a place to put the manual such that it is within reach during the
use of the instrument.

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5. HOW TO USE THE TESTER?
5.1 OPERATION
1. On/off key
2. Rotary switch
3. Increase key of memory location
4. Erase key of memory location
5. VCLimit/Display key
6. Selective RCD type
7. Decrease key of memory location
8. Start key
9. Store key to save measuring results
10. Recall key to recall saved results
11. Memory indication LED
12. LED’s to indicate the selected multiplier of the
nominal fault current in the t
Δ Nfunction
13. LCD Display
14. Connection (functional and RS232)
1. Instruction label
2. Serial number
3. Battery cover
4. Fixing screw for battery cover
5. Plastic cover of the locking screw
6. Locking screw covered by a rubber foot
Figure 3: Operating

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Keys
Function key description.
Selector position Description
On/off
Recall result
Save result
↑IΔNx
↓IΔN
Clear memory
[S]
Vc lim / Display
Contact voltage (VC)
Tripping time (t)
Trip out current (I)
Voltage (VL-PE)
Frequency (f)
Send Data (RS232)
- to switch on/off the tester; the tester will switch off automatically after it hasn’t
been used for ten minutes or more;
- to recall the saved results;
- to save the displayed measuring results;
- to increase/decrease object or measuring place identification number when saving
or recalling results;
- to check, in the [Recall Result] function, other results which have been saved
later than the displayed one under the same object and measuring place
identification number;
- to select the appropriate multiplier of the nominal fault current in the tΔNfunction
(IΔNx)
- to select the appropriate nominal fault current in the VC, tΔNor IΔfunctions (IΔN)
- to clear all saved results;
- to clear all saved results under a certain object identification number
(without dots YYY);
- to clear the saved results under a certain measuring place identification number
only (with dots XXX);
- to clear, in the [Recall Result]-function, the displayed result only;
- to execute a RESET of the instrument.
- key to select the ordinary or the selective (delayed trip out) type of the RCD in
the VCor tΔNfunctions
- to select [VC LIM] hen the rotary switch is in the [VC] position
- to display the results or the parameters of the displayed results
- to select, in the [Save Result] or in the [Recall Result]-function, the object
identification number or measuring place identification number;
- the measurement of the contact voltage;
- the measurement of the tripping time;
- the measurement of the trip out current;
- the measurement of the main voltage;
- measurement of main frequency;
- to transfer stored data to the printer or the PC.
Table 2: Switches

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5.1.1 Starting
Operating the instrument may only be done by competent persons.
Never open the instrument during the testing.
Check before every test:
* cables and test cords on possible damages;
* tester on possible damages and/or defects.
1. Check the instrument on visible damages and/or defects, for example the power plug, the line
cord etc.. Don’t carry out any test with a damaged or broken instrument. Provide skilled
reparation first.
2. Do not connect the test object as well as the test cords with the tester.
3. The instrument can be used at once.
Test selection
First carry out the visual inspection on the test object or the installation. Connect the tester conform
the circuit diagram.
We have four different tests:
Test 1: the measurement of the contact voltage (VC);
Test 2: the measurement of the tripping time (t);
Test 3: the measurement of the trip out current (IΔ) and the tripping out time(tΔ);
Test 4: the measurement of the main voltage and the main frequency.
5.2 TESTING
-Avoid testing objects or installations under the influence of high electromagnetic
and/or electrostatic fields.
In the following paragraph the test methods will be explained. We consider that the starting-up is
carried out as described in paragraph 5.1.1.

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5.2.1 Setting of the contact voltage (VC)
Don’t remove the test cords during the measuring. Otherwise it’s able that the test
object will contain live parts;
- Don’t touch the test object nor the installation during the measuring;
-Each result can be saved once only.
In normal house installations the admissible value of the contact voltage is 50 V. When higher safety
is required (e.g. hospitals), this value can be as low as 25 V. Therefore a admissible value can be
preset on the instrument by proceeding as follows:
Procedure setting contact voltage:
1. Connect the test cords with the instrument conform the circuit diagram of attachment 2
1. Set the rotary switch to [Contact voltage VC].
2. Set a correct ultimate value using the [VCLIM / Display] key.
The value is thus set is valid for all functions and remains stored even if the instrument is switched
off. After batteries have been exchanged, the instrument is set to the default value of 50 V.
5.2.2 Test 1: Contact voltage (VC)
How to carry out test 1:
1. Connect the test cords with the instrument conform the circuit diagram of attachment 2.
2. Set the rotary switch to [contact voltage Vc].
3. Use the [↓IΔN] key to set the required rated fault current.
4. Take into account that the maximal admissible value of the contact voltage VCLIM has already
been set (see paragraph 5.2.1).
5. Press the [Start] key and release it.
6. The result is displayed. Read out the result, save it if required, and note the memory codes when
necessary.
7. Press the [Display] key to check the parameters of the measurement.
8. Save the displayed results, if required, and note the memory codes when necessary.
9. Disconnect the test object or carry out another test.

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Contact voltage. (If the result is higher than the preset
limit contact voltage, then a general warning sign will
appear).
⏐
DISPLAY
↓
The nominal leakage current (fault current) which
holds the shown contact voltage.
Figure 4: An example of a test result of the contact voltage
5.2.3 Test 2: Tripping time (t)
How to carry out test 2:
1. Connect the cords to the instrument conform the circuit diagram of attachment 2.
2. Set the rotary switch to [Tripping time (t)].
3. Use the [↑IΔN] key to set the required rated fault current (as displayed on the RCD to be tested).
4. Use the [↓IΔNX] key to select the correct multiplier for the rated fault current.
5. Use [S] key to select the standard or the selective RCD type (symbol S indicates selective type).
6. Take into account that the admissible value of the contact voltage VCLIM has already been set (see
paragraph 5.2.1).
7. Press the [Start] key and release it.
8. The result is displayed. Read out the result..
One can change the starting current phase by pressing the [Start] key twice (180° is displayed). If
the selective RCD type is selected, wait 30 seconds for the result (a countdown 30 to 0 is
displayed).
9. Save the displayed results if required, and note memory codes when necessary.
10. Disconnect the test object or carry out another test.