Phenix Technologies PM10A User manual

1
PM10A
PM10A
10 kV Insulation tester
User’s Manual
Phenix Technologies, Inc
75 Speicher Drive
Accident, Maryland 21520
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
(GU-1547RB)
© 2016 Phenix Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Rev 8/6/2016 nab

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PM10A
Safety Warnings
Read and understand all Safety Warnings and instructions in this User’s Manual before using
this instrument.
Observe safety procedures and rules for working near energized high voltage systems during
the use of this equipment. The generated voltages may be dangerous.
Do not connect or disconnect the test leads during the measurement.
Be careful not to create short-circuit between the terminals while a measurement is running,
because it could be dangerous for the operator.
Be sure that there are not any voltage difference between the points to which the equipment will
be connected to, neither between them and ground.
The panel, terminals, and connectors of the equipment must stay dry and clean.
This equipment should be used only by a trained and
competent person, strictly applying suitable safety
rules.
Symbols Used
Caution, risk of electric shock.
Caution, refer to User Guide.
Battery
Printer
Capacitance
Voltmeter
Equipment complies with current EU Directives.
The rubbish bin with a line through it means that in the European Union,
the product must undergo selective disposal for the recycling of electric
and electronic material, in compliance with Directive WEEE 2002/96/EC.

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PM10A
Contents
1. Description........................................................................................................ 4
2. Panel control functions ..................................................................................... 5
2.1. Keyboard.................................................................................................... 6
2.2. Display....................................................................................................... 7
3. Charging battery ............................................................................................... 8
4. Connecting the PM10A ..................................................................................... 9
5. Use of “Guard” (G) terminal ........................................................................... 10
6. Setting tests .................................................................................................... 11
6.1. Test voltage definition............................................................................... 11
6.2. Selection of the operation mode ............................................................... 11
6.2.1. Normal mode..................................................................................... 11
6.2.2. SVT Mode (step voltage tests)........................................................... 12
6.2.3. TIMER Mode...................................................................................... 13
6.2.4. Pass / Fail Test mode ........................................................................ 13
7. How to perform tests...................................................................................... 14
7.1. Measurement of the Dielectric Absorption Index (DAI).............................. 15
7.2. Measurement of the Polarization Index (PI).............................................. 15
8. Other functions............................................................................................... 16
8.1. Backlight................................................................................................... 16
8.2. Filter......................................................................................................... 16
8.3. True RMS AC/DC Voltmeter..................................................................... 16
8.4. Leakage current measurement................................................................. 16
8.5. Capacitance measurement....................................................................... 16
8.6. Hold.......................................................................................................... 17
8.7. Internal memory ....................................................................................... 17
8.8. Battery status check................................................................................. 17
8.9. Auto power-off.......................................................................................... 17
9. Software.......................................................................................................... 18
9.1. USB Drivers.............................................................................................. 18
9.1. MegaLogg2 software................................................................................ 18
10. Printer ........................................................................................................... 19
11. Cleaning ........................................................................................................ 19
12. Technical specifications ................................................................................ 20
13. Application note 32....................................................................................... 22
14. Customer Comments / Suggestions.............................................................. 24

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PM10A
1. Description
The digital insulation tester model PM10A is an advanced insulation analyzer, and it is one of the more complete and
sophisticated on the international market. It uses an efficient, well tested technology that provides safe, reliable, and
accurate measurements of insulation resistances up to 10 TΩ, with 4 preselected test voltages: 500 V -1 kV -5 kV. -
10 kV. Other test voltages may be selected in steps of 25 V, 100 V, or 500 V.
A microprocessor controls the equipment, making the operation easier and enabling the incorporation of advanced
features such as:
Auto-range selection
Memory enables storing up to 4000 readings
AC/DC voltmeter
Polarization and Dielectric absorption index automatic measurement; Measurement of Leakage Current and
Capacitance
TIMER to program resistance test time
“Limit” to allow making test type Pass / Fail with programmable limits Step Voltage Test
Built-in Printer
Real Time Clock and Calendar for measurement identification
Built-in chronometer, indicating elapsed time, in minutes and seconds, since the test started.
The USB interface enables communication of the equipment with a computer to transmit registered data. The
MegaLogg2 software analyzes the results and displays through charts and tables, automatically generating the test
protocol. The built-in printer records values on paper every 15 seconds.
Due to its constructive features, this instrument delivers an excellent performance both with laboratory and field work,
under difficult environmental conditions.

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PM10A
2. Panel Control Functions
1. Voltage Output Terminal (-V)
2. Zero Reference Terminal (+R)
3. Guard (G) Terminal
4. Display Screen
5. USB Communication Port
6. High Voltage LED
7. Keyboard
8. On / Off Key
9. Power Supply Input
10. Printer
10
0
1
8
3
2
4
5
6
9
7

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PM10A
2.1. Keyboard
Key
Function
LED
Turns the printer on/off
Indicates that the printer
is turned on.
Hold - Freeze the last reading on the display
The Hold function is on
Battery - exhibits the battery charge status
on the display
Indicates that the battery
charger is on
Filter - Activates the filter that minimizes the
interferences of the external noise
Indicates that the filter is
on
Shows the calculated value on the display as
a result of a Step Voltage Test (SVT),
Polarization Index (PI), and Dielectric
Absorption Index (DAI)
–
Backlight - activates the display light
–
Capacitance –displays the capacitance
value
–
Activated enables the programming of the
Operation Mode (Normal, SVT or with
TIMER of selectable time)
Indicates that the
selection of the
Operation Mode is
enabled
Key
Function
LED
Activated, enables programming of 25 V
step tests voltages
25 V steps activated
Activated, enables programming of 100 V
step tests voltages
100 V steps activated
Activated, enables programming of 500 V
step tests voltages
500 V steps activated
Selection of 500 V test voltage
Indicates 500 V selected
Selection of 1 kV test voltage
Indicates 1 kV selected

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PM10A
Selection of 2.5 kV test voltage
Indicates 2.5 kV selected
Selection of 5 kV test voltage
Indicates 5 kV selected
These keys (decrease or increase) enable
the selection of the value that is being
programmed.
–
Activates / enables programming of the limit
for the “Pass / Fail” test
Indicates when the
measured resistance is
lower than programmed
limit
Start - Start test
Indicates that the test is
being executed
Stop - End of test
–
2.2 Display
Measurement results in the corresponding measuring unit, elapsed time since the measurement started, selected test
voltage, analog indication by means of a bar graph, and several messages to the operator are displayed on
alphanumeric LCD.

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PM10A
3. Charging Battery
The PM10A uses a rechargeable LiFePO4 12 V - 6000 mAh.
At the end of battery useful life, the battery must be recycled or
disposed of properly, in order to protect the environment.
Charging procedure:
Check if the PM10A is turned-off and connect it to the mains (AC adapter).
The charging indicator ( ) will turn on red and will remain that way until the battery is fully charged.
The light will remain green and stay that way until the PM5A2 is disconnected from the mains.
Alternate green and red
lights
Evaluation of the battery initial status when the
source is connected, during one second.
Steady red light
Battery under charge.
Flashing red light
The battery was not successfully charged. It
denotes some trouble in the battery charging
process.
Steady green light
The charge has successfully finished. The battery
is OK.
The rechargeable battery does not have “memory effect;” there are no restrictions
to start charging it as many times as is needed. However, the battery could be
damaged if it remains in deep discharge for a while.
To avoid this effect, charge the battery before placing the equipment in storage and
recharge within 30 days, even if the instrument wasn’t used (when stored, the battery
loses part of its charge).
IMPORTANT: while the equipment is connected to the mains supply, the START
key is inhibited; measurements cannot be made.

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PM10A
4. Connecting the PM10A
ATTENTION: For safe operation, follow the procedures detailed below with the device Powered-Off.
Check if there is no difference of potential voltages between the points where the PM10Ashall be connected to. Also,
check the same between those points and the ground.
At the time of the connection and power-on, the equipment automatically enters in the voltmeter mode and displays the
circuit voltage.
The circuit to be tested must be de-energized to avoid interferences in the measurement. The equipment will block the
start of measurement if it detects a voltage greater than 60 V in the circuit.
Connect the red cable security terminal to the equipment (-V) output terminal, the BNC terminal of the black cable to
the zero reference (+R) terminal, and the “alligator” terminals to the element to be measured as indicated in the figure.
NOTE: The test leads in the picture are merely illustrative.

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PM10A
5. Use of “Guard” (G) Terminal
Depending on the measurement to be made, the Guard (G) may be used or not. During the measurements, the
equipment should be electrically grounded to avoid unsteady readings. When insulation is measured regarding
grounding, the Rterminal is connected to earth and the condition by means of which the equipment potential setting is
fulfilled. If the measurement is performed between two parts, which are not grounded (for example, between two phase
conductors in a three-phase cable), the equipment GUARD terminal must be grounded. This implies that whenever a
measurement is performed, one of the GUARD or R terminals must be grounded, but not both of them
simultaneously.
Technical Note 32, reproduced at the end of the manual, explains the usage of GUARD terminal in order to eliminate
the unwanted resistance effect over the result of measurements.

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PM10A
6. Setting Tests
The insulation tester PM10A is an extremely versatile instrument that enables automatic performance of several types
of insulation tests, and records them in its internal memory and/or prints the results. Thus, it is necessary to define the
tests to be performed, setting the following parameters before starting the measurement: Test voltage, Test duration
for “TIMER” mode test, Maximum Voltage for step voltage test (SVT), and Minimum resistance limit for “Pass/ Fail”
tests.
6.1 Test voltage definition
In order to define the test voltage value, first it is necessary to select one of the voltage adjustment keys:
. These keys enable both the pre-programmed voltage selection ( ) and the and keys
that increase or decrease the value of the step voltage test for 25 V, 100 V or 500 V, depending on the selected voltage
adjustment key.
As long as the equipment is on, the voltage adjustment key will be selected. Press the adjustment key selected
again at the moment when leaving the test voltage selection mode.
NOTE: Test voltage is the only one parameter that may be modified during tests.
6.2 Selection of the operation mode
The PM10Ainsulation tester has four operation modes: Normal, with TIMER, SVT, and Pass / Fail. The first three
modes are selected using the key; the “Pass/ Fail” test mode is activated pressing key.
6.2.1 Normal mode
The normal mode is used in the resistance measurement with unique voltage, without time limit. When selected, there
are no special indications in the display.

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PM10A
6.2.2 SVT Mode (step voltage tests)
The use of key allows the PM10A setting for the performance of a step voltage test; when this mode is selected,
the display shows the SVT abbreviation.
Under this operation mode, the user does not define a specific voltage test, but a maximum voltage value. The device
will start the test applying a 500 V voltage and increase this value in 500 V steps each minute until reaching the
programmed voltage. At each stage, the PM5A2 measures the resistance before advancing towards the following step.
The use of voltage adjusting keys determines the value of the highest voltage –which will be, in all cases, a multiple of
500 V, up to a 10,000 V limit. It is advisable to use the key in order to select this value; and keys may
be used, but if the selected value is not a multiple of 500, it will be rounded down.
The test result is calculated according to the following formula:
= SVT R
R
V MAX
500
After test ends, the value may be recovered by pressing key.

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PM10A
6.2.3. TIMER Mode
The use of key allows the PM10Asetting for the performance of a pre-set duration test. When this mode is
selected, the display shows the programmed time. Use and keys to define the duration of the tests in 1
minute, 3 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes or 90 minutes.
6.2.4. Pass / Fail Test mode
Press key in order to determine the lower insulation limit for type “Pass / Fail” test. Select this value using
and keys. Possible values are 10 MΩ, 100 MΩ, 1 GΩor 10 GΩ.
During a Pass / Fail test, the PM10Awill indicate when the insulation resistance is lower than the programmed limit,
both with an intermittent beep and the key led flashing. The key led will remain flashing until the end of tests,
or until the measurement of the resistance value is greater than the programmed limit.

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PM10A
7. How to Perform Tests
After having set the desired measurement, press
key. The HIGH VOLTAGE indicator will turn
on indicating that the insulation tester is applying
high voltage to the element under test.
Then, the intelligent auto-range system will search for the most convenient range for the value under measure. At this
moment the display will show the message “WAIT...”.
As soon as the unit selects the appropriate range, the display will show the number of test, the selected voltage value,
displaying the value of the applied voltage and the leakage current. The unit records date and time, starts counting the
elapsed time and the resistance value indication will be displayed with its corresponding unit, and the analog indication
will start by bar graph. In order to end the test, press the key. At that moment, the last measured values will remain
frozen in the PM10A display. By pressing the key again, the equipment will return to the voltmeter function.
Example:
The display exhibits the test number (12), the measured resistance value (602 GΩ, the voltage selected of 2500 V,
the elapsed time (6:25 minutes), the applied voltage (2.51 kV), the leakage current (4.17 nA), and date and time.
NOTE: If the resistance measured is greater than 5 TΩ@ 5 kV, the following message will be exhibited: R > 5TΩ
WARNING: Never connect or disconnect the test leads with the equipment under operation or while the High Voltage
led is on. If there is a need to modify the connections, this should be done with the equipment disconnected and with
discharged potentials (High Voltage led off)

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PM10A
7.1. Measurement of the Dielectric Absorption Index (DAI)
When pressing the key during the test, the Dielectric Absorption Index (DAI) value will be exhibited on the display.
It is only possible to apply this function after a minimum of 1 minute of measurement; in case the key is pressed before
this minimum limit, the display will show the message of value exhibition of DAI value, but will not show any value.
The polarization index is the quotient between the values of the insulation resistance measured at the 60 and 30
second, and it is useful for preventive and predictive maintenance of windings (present in transformers, motors,
generators, etc.).
=
DAI R
R
60seconds
30seconds
7.2 Measurement of the Polarization Index (PI)
When pressing the key during the test, the Polarization Index (PI) value will be exhibited on the display. It is only
possible to apply this function after a minimum of 10 minutes of measurement. If the key is pressed before this minimum
limit, the display will show the message of PI value, but will not show any other values.
The polarization index is the quotient between the values of the insulation resistance measured both in 10 minutes and
1 minute. This index is useful to detect the damage of the insulation resistance by the excessive presence of dust, dirt
and greases or through the action of chemical and physical agents.
=
PI R
R
10minutes
1minute

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PM10A
8. Other Functions
8.1, Backlight
The equipment display has a backlight. To activate it, press key. After 10 seconds the backlight will turn off. To
reactivate it, press key again.
8.2. Filter
When insulation measurements are carried out in transformers or in large dimension machines in presence of strong
electromagnetic fields, it is possible for the equipment reading to be unstable, especially for resistance values higher
than 100 MΩ. In these cases it is convenient to press the key before starting the measurement activating the filter
that allows for the reaching of the insulation resistance value in an upward curve without significant oscillation.
8.3. True RMS AC/DC Voltmeter
In order to use this function, connect the test points and turn on the unit. The measured value will be exhibited
automatically in the display.
AC
DC
15V up to 600V rms.
15V up to 600V
Precision: ± (5% of the reading + 3 digits)
8.4. Leakage current measurement
During the tests, the equipment measures and displays the leakage current value within a range of 1 nA up to 3 mA,
with a precision of ± (10% of the reading + 3 digits).
8.5. Capacitance Measurement
The capacitance value is obtained by measuring the insulation resistance. After finishing measuring (when the key
has been pressed), wait until the high voltage LED turns off, and press the key and the capacitance value will be
exhibited on the display.
Voltage
Capacitance
500V
50nF up to 10µF
1,000V
50nF up to 5µF
2,500V
30nF up to 2µF
5,000V
30nF up to 1µF
10,000V
30nF up to 680µF
Precision: ± 10% of the measured value ± 3 digits
Note: “0” will be exhibited on the display when measuring values lower than 50nF

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PM10A
8.6. Hold
Thi``s function allows holding the last performed reading on the display at the moment when pressing the key,
without interrupting the test. When this key is pressed again, the equipment updates the resistance and chronometer
values. The led of key and the letter Hon the display indicate that the function has been activated
8.7. Internal memory
This equipment has an internal memory for up to 4000 measured values (approx. 280 DAI tests or 30 PI tests). This
memory is controlled by the instrument and works in a cyclic way. When the memory is full, the oldest values in the
memory will be replaced by the newest ones. To avoid loss of data, always download the internal memoryafter finishing
the measurements.
8.8. Battery status check
Press and hold the key in order to check the battery status during measurements. The analog bar graph will give
an approximate visual representation of the remaining charge percentage; additionally, the display will show the
message “Battery OK” if the charge is enough, or “Battery Low” if the charge is low. In this last case, it is highly
advisable to charge the battery before using the apparatus. If the battery charge is under 20% of the total, the message
Battery Low will automatically appear on the display.
8.9. Auto power-off
The PM10Aauto-turns off after 10 minutes of inactivity, or after 95 minutes of measuring without checking the battery
status.

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PM10A
9. Software
9.1. USB Drivers
To install the USB drivers required for the communication between PC and equipment, use the following instructions:
1. Connect the equipment to the PC using the USB cable.
2. If there is an available Internet connection, Windows will automatically connect to the Windows Update website and
install any suitable driver it finds for the device. If no suitable driver is automatically found, then insert the CD-ROM
supplied with the equipment in the PC, run the executable “usb-install.exe” and click “Install.”
9.2 MegaLogg2 software
This software makes communication between the equipment and a computer with Windows operative system easier.
It synchronizes the date and time of the equipment internal clock with the computer date and clock, to transfer the
stored date, to clear the memory, and to generate test graphics and protocols, etc. The installation and operation
instructions are included in the software.

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PM10A
10. Printer
To enable the printing function press key. Measured values will be printed each 15 seconds, and the Dielectric
Absorption Index and Polarization Index will be printed after 1 minute and 10 minutes, respectively. Printing may be
started or stopped at any time during the test. However, it is convenient to turn the printer on before starting the test in
order to print it completely, including the heading.
ATTENTION: Don’t pull the paper. The printer can be easily damaged.
This printer uses 56 mm-wide thermal paper, which comes in a 30 mm-diameter reel.
Pull the lever located on the lid.
Insert the paper reel as shown in the figure.
Keep the tip of the paper out of the printer and close the lid.
11. Cleaning
The panel, terminals, and connectors of the equipment must stay dry and clean. Cleaning should be made using a soft
detergent or isopropyl alcohol (be sure that the products to be used for cleaning do not affect plastic goods).

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PM10A
12. Technical specifications
Test voltages
:
500 - 1,000 - 5,000 - 10 kV with fast selection.
From 500V to 10kV selectable in 25V, 100V or
500V steps. DC, negative in relation to
grounding.
Maximum resistance
reading
:
10TΩ @ 10kV
DC Voltmeter
:
10V up to 600Vdc
Precision: ± (5% of the reading + 3 digits)
AC voltmeter
:
10V up to 600V rms.
Precision: ± (5% of the reading + 3 digits)
Over voltage protection
:
CAT. III –600V
Current measurement
:
1nA up to 3mA
± (10% of the reading + 3 digits)
Capacitance measurement
:
50nF up to 10µF @ 500V
50nF up to 5µF @ 1,000V
30nF up to 2µF @ 2,500V
30nF up to 1µF @ 5,000V
30nf up to 680nf @ 10,000V
Precision: ± 10% of the reading ± 3 digits
Short circuit current
:
Max. 3mA
Display
:
Alphanumeric. It exhibits measurements both in
digital and analog format by bar graph.
Test voltages accuracy
:
± 3% of nominal value over a 10GΩ resistance
Equipment accuracy
:
± 5% of reading between 1MΩ and 1TΩ @ 5kV
± 20% of reading between 1TΩ and 5TΩ @ 5kV
(For lower test voltages, the superior limit is
proportionally reduced)
± 20% of the reading between 10kΩ and 100kΩ
± 10% of the reading between 10kΩ and 1MΩ
Advanced features
:
• Automated Polarization Index computing
• Automated Dielectric Absorption Index
computing
• Pass-fail and fixed time tests
• Step Voltage Test
• Memory for up to 4000 measurements
• Filter to minimize interferences
Printer
:
Prints elapsed time, actual voltage applied to
the element under test, and measured
resistance
PC Interface
:
USB
Built-in chronometer
:
Indicates elapsed time from the beginning of
the measurement mm:ss format, up to 90:00
Environmental protection
index
:
IP54 (with closed lid)