Positron 3782651U/50 User manual

Positron Universal Insulator Tester
With Instant Graphical Capability
Model # 3782651U/50 & 3782651U/60
User Manual
Description and Operation Guide
Version 7.0
Disclaimer Notice: Although Positron Inc. has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the
information contained herein, this document is subject to change.

Table of Contents
i

Table of Contents
ii
Contents
1.0 General Information........................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Publication Information ..................................................................................................................... 3
1.2 About this Guide ................................................................................................................................ 4
1.3 How to use this Guide ........................................................................................................................ 4
1.4 List of Associated References ............................................................................................................. 4
2.0 Introduction to the Universal Insulator Tester.................................................................................... 7
2.1 General .............................................................................................................................................. 7
2.2 Universal Insulator Tester Model Numbers ........................................................................................ 9
3.0 Description of Insulator Tester Kit .................................................................................................... 13
3.1 The U-Tester Kit................................................................................................................................ 13
3.2 Probe Charger .................................................................................................................................. 14
3.3 Universal Insulator Tester Hot Stick Attachments ............................................................................ 14
3.4 Insulator Edge Guides....................................................................................................................... 15
3.5 Tablet/Laptop .................................................................................................................................. 15
3.5.1 General ................................................................................................................................ 15
3.5.2 Separating the Tablet While in the Field .............................................................................. 16
4.0 Windows-based Insulator Tester Software....................................................................................... 18
4.1 Insulator Tester Software Description .............................................................................................. 18
4.2 The Bluetooth Serial Adaptor ........................................................................................................... 19
4.3 Instant Graphical GO/NO-GO Reporting Capability .......................................................................... 19
5.0 Using the Interactive Insulator Tester & Software ............................................................................ 23
5.1 BEFORE Testing Sessions .................................................................................................................. 23
5.1.1 Select the Default Folder...................................................................................................... 23
5.1.2 Changing the Folder ............................................................................................................. 24
5.1.3 Create a List of Insulator Identifications............................................................................... 24
5.1.4 Verifying Communication Before a Testing Session.............................................................. 26
5.1.5 Switching the Probe On ....................................................................................................... 26
5.1.5.1 Power-On Self-Test (POST) of the Probe ............................................................................ 27
5.1.6 Check Long-Range Bluetooth Serial Port Communication .................................................... 28
5.1.7 Get Revision of the Probe .................................................................................................... 30

Table of Contents
iii
5.2 DURING Testing Sessions.................................................................................................................. 31
5.2.1 Performing a Scan ................................................................................................................ 33
5.2.1.1 Preparing the Probe for a Scan .......................................................................................... 33
5.2.1.2 Scanning with the Universal Insulator Tester..................................................................... 34
5.2.2 After an Insulator Scan......................................................................................................... 35
5.2.2.1 Downloading Data ............................................................................................................. 35
5.3 AFTER Testing Sessions..................................................................................................................... 38
5.3.1 Displaying Graphs ................................................................................................................ 38
5.3.2 Searching the Database ....................................................................................................... 39
5.4 Important General Notes ................................................................................................................. 40
6.0 Interpreting Graphic Results............................................................................................................. 43
6.1 Understanding the Graphic .............................................................................................................. 43
6.2 Linear / Log Graphic Options ............................................................................................................ 44
6.3 Interpreting Results.......................................................................................................................... 44
7.0 Specifications ................................................................................................................................... 47
8.0 Important Information ..................................................................................................................... 51
8.1 Service and Support ......................................................................................................................... 51
8.2 Technical Customer Support............................................................................................................. 51
8.3 Customer Training ............................................................................................................................ 51
8.4 Repair Service................................................................................................................................... 51
8.5 Warranty.......................................................................................................................................... 52
8.6 Limitation of Liability........................................................................................................................ 52
8.7 Disclaimer Notice ............................................................................................................................. 53
8.8 Cancellation and Rescheduling Charges............................................................................................ 53

1
Chapter 1
General Information

General Information
2

General Information
3
1.0 General Information
1.1 Publication Information
© 2017 Positron Inc.
Positron Universal Insulator Tester,
Description and Operation Guide
Part # of User Manual: 925W378265-07E
Publication date: May 2017
Published By
Positron Inc.
5101 Buchan Street, suite 220
Montréal, Québec
H4P 2R9 Canada
Trademarks
Positron Insulator Tester is a trademark of Positron Inc.
The Insulator Testers are manufactured by Positron Inc. in Montreal, Canada. The Positron
Insulator Testers is protected by US patents including “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE
VERIFICATION OF AN ELECTRICAL INSULATOR DEVICE BASED ON THE ANALYSIS OF THE
ELECTRICAL FIELD ALONG THE INSULATOR”.
Product names, other than Positron’s, mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered
trademarks of their respective companies.
Confidentiality Notice
The information contained in this document is the property of Positron Inc. Except as specifically
authorized in writing by Positron Inc., the holder of this document:
1) shall keep all information contained herein confidential and shall protect same in whole or
in part from the disclosure and dissemination to all third parties, and
2) shall use same for operating and maintenance purposes only.

General Information
4
1.2 About this Guide
This guide introduces and describe to you the operation of Positron’s Live Line High Voltage
Tester used as a maintenance tool to test and report defects in Porcelain and Composite
(Polymeric) Insulators and for use as a safety tool to determine the condition of high-voltage
insulators prior to beginning Live-Power Line work.
1.3 How to use this Guide
This guide was designed to describe the operational modes of the Universal Insulator Testers:
The reader is invited to use the digital (PDF) version of this document to allow searching by
keywords. Select Edit, then Find from the pull-down menu.
1.4 List of Associated References
[1] “Suspension Insulator Puncture Tester”; Report No. ELE 92-62; Bonneville Power Administration Division of Laboratories;
December 7, 1992.
[2] G.H. Vaillancourt, J.P. Bellerive, M. St-Jean, C. Jean, “New Live Line Tester for Porcelain Insulators on High-Voltage Power Line,”
IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, Vol. 9, January 1994, pp. 208-219.
[3] “J.C. Pohlman, C.R. Davis, “Cracked Insulators Create Hazardous Working Conditions During Restoration after Extreme Ice
Storms,” Proceedings of ESMO-95, Columbus, Ohio, USA, October 29 - November 3, 1995, IEEE Paper 95CH35755.
[4] A.S. Jagtiani, J.R. Booker, “Aging of Porcelain Insulators Under Mechanical and Electrical Stress on EHV AC Lines,” Proceedings of
ESMO-95, Columbus, Ohio, USA, October 29 - November 3, 1995, IEEE Paper ESMO 95-CP-08.
[5] G. H. Vaillancourt, M. Hamel, J. Frate, “Experience with Two Faulty Composite Insulators Detection Methods in Hydro-Quebec,”
Conference Proceedings of 10th International Symposium on High Voltage Engineering, Montreal, Canada, August 25-29, 1997.
[6] G. H. Vaillancourt, P. Bilodeau, “Diagnostic Testing of Composite Insulators Used on Series Compensation Platforms in Hydro-
Quebec,” Conference Proceedings of 11th International Symposium on High Voltage Engineering, London, England, August 22-27,
1999.
[7] G. H. Vaillancourt, S. Carignan, C. Jean, “Experience with the detection of faulty composite insulators on High-Voltage power lines
by the E-field measurement method,” IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, Val. 13, No. 2, April 1998, pp 661-666.
[8] Y.C. Chen, C. R. Li, X. Liang, S. Wang, “The Influence of Water and Pollution on Diagnosing Defective Composite Insulators by E-
field Mapping,” Conference Proceedings of 11th International Symposium on High Voltage Engineering, London, England, August 22-
27, 1999.
[9] D. H. Shaffner, D. L. Ruff, G. H. Vaillancourt, “Experience with a Composite Insulator Testing Instrument based on the Electric
Field method” ESMO 2000, Montreal, Canada, October 8-12, 2000.
[10] L. J. Fernandez, J. M. Munoz, A. Andrés, "Electric field measurement on composite insulators using live working techniques", 5th
International Conference on Live Maintenance, ICOLIM 2000, Madrid, Spain, May 17-19, 2000.
[11] I. Gutman (SE), A. Pigini (IT) et al. "Assessment of Composite Insulators by means of Online Diagnosis", CIGRE WG B2.21 2013.
[12] C. Jean, "High Voltage Insulator Testing based on Electric Field method" 2015 INMR World Congress Conference, Munich,
Germany, September 2015.

5
Chapter 2
Overview

Overview
6

Overview
7
2.0 Introduction to the Universal Insulator Tester
2.1 General
The document describes the operation of Positron’s Universal Insulator Tester:
Model # 3782651U/50: Universal Insulator Tester, 50Hz
Model # 3782651U/60: Universal Insulator Tester, 60Hz
Refer to Figure 1 on page 6 for a detailed drawing of the unit.
With the Universal Insulator Tester field Probe mounted onto a user-supplied (non-conductive)
hot-stick, the user takes a reading by pressing the field Probe against the insulator, using the
Pressure Switch-mounted Insulator Edge Guide for proper positioning during testing.
Each time the Pressure Switch is triggered, a reading is taken. The electric field surrounding the
insulator is recorded. Defective insulators are easily identified using the resulting data graphs
that present the contour of the electric field surrounding the insulator. The field Probe contains
a microprocessor-based recording system.
After an insulator is scanned by the Tower Operator, the Ground Operator immediately
downloads the Probe’s data via a long range Bluetooth communication link to the Tablet/Laptop
for on-site analysis. Any conductive defect in an insulator will cause a change in the electric field
surrounding the insulator. This perturbation of the electric field indicates a faulty insulator.
The fault is detected, identified, and measured by the Probe, and the data is immediately
downloaded to a database installed on the Tablet/PC for analysis. The graph displaying the E-
Field of the insulator is clearly displayed on the Tablet/Laptop while in the field enabling
GO/NOGO decision-making on-the-spot.
The data is stored in ASCII format in order to be compatible with any text editor, including Excel
spreadsheet and Microsoft NOTEPAD, plus the ASCII data can be imported into existing
customer databases.
Verify the Date and Time settings of the Tablet/Laptop
It is important to disable the WIFI of the Tablet/Laptop to avoid long operating system
updates while performing a testing session.
NOTE

Overview
8
Figure 1: Universal Insulator Tester (U-Tester)
Model #s 3782651U/60 (60Hz) & 3782651U/50 (50Hz)
Hot Stick Attachment
Insulator Edge
Guide
Pressure Switch
LED and Multi-Function
Push Button
Power Switch &
RS232 Port
Compartment
Metal Cover

Overview
9
2.2 Universal Insulator Tester Model Numbers
For ordering information, contact Positron Customer Support:
North America: 1-888-577-5254, Option 9, Option 1.
International: 001-514-345-2220, Option 9, Option 1
Testers and Model Numbers
Item Description
Model
Number
Universal tester, 60 Hz
3782651U/60
Universal tester, 50 Hz
3782651U/50
220Vac/120Vac charger replacement
378126
Rechargeable battery pack replacement for the Probe
378127
12Vdc auxiliary automotive power charger replacement
378128
RS232 Bluetooth adapter replacement
378325/3
Replacement cover plate for Probe power switch (Min Order 25 pcs)
378613
Figure 3

10

11
Chapter 3
Insulator Tester Elements

Insulator Tester Elements
12

Insulator Tester Elements
13
Figure 2
3.0 Description of Insulator Tester Kit
3.1 The U-Tester Kit
The U-Tester kit consists of:
Spare switch cover
A Quick Start Guide
A rugged carrying case
Two switch actuator bumpers
A 12Vdc auxiliary automotive power charger
A Universal Insulator Tester Electric Field Probe
User manual in print and stored electronically on the Tablet/Laptop
A long-range (100m / 328 ft) Bluetooth (RS232) Serial Adapter, pre-paired with the
Tablet/Laptop
A Tablet/Laptop with Insulator Tester Data Processing Software installed
Plug-in wall transformer: 120Vac/220Vac input, 12Vdc output (includes international wall-
plug adaptors)
The Operator Interface (see Figure 2) consists of:
a push-button,
a Status LED and
an internal buzzer.
In addition, an internal switch located near the RS232 connector is used to switch the power ON
or OFF. See Figure 3.
DO NOT SWITCH THE POWER SWITCH OFF BEFORE DOWNLOADING THE DATA.
When the power is switched off the accumulated data is lost. Once the data has been
downloaded, slide the switch away (left) from the RS232 connector to switch the unit off.
Figure 3
Power Switch
Location of Power Switch Cover
Power Switch Cover

Insulator Tester Elements
14
The Electric field Probe uses two infrared
detectors to detect the position of the Switch
Actuator. Please refer to Figure 4. The two
infrared detectors are identified as IR1 and IR2.
The RS232 connector port is used to recharge
the Probe’s battery and to connect a Bluetooth
adapter for data transfer.
3.2 Probe Charger
The Probe’s battery is recharged using a 120Vac/220Vac universal wall charger connected to a
cable with a DB-9, RS232 female connector to connect to the Probe. A set of AC charger
adaptors is provided to accommodate various country standards. For charging the Probe in the
field, a 12Vdc auxiliary automotive charger cable terminated in a DB-9 connector is supplied to
recharge the battery from a car or truck.
Both the AC power charger and the automotive DC charger are equipped with an LED status to
report on the charging time. When first plugged in to charge, the LED will glow red. After 9
hours on charge, the LED will glow green, indicating that the charging time is completed.
The battery should be recharged overnight the day before a testing session. The battery charge
will last one day with the power switch in the ON position.
The battery can be recharged with the power switch in the ON or OFF position, however the
Probe will charge faster when switched off.
The data accumulated by the Probe must be transferred via Bluetooth to a Tablet/Laptop prior
to switching the Probe off or the data will be lost.
3.3 Universal Insulator Tester Hot Stick Attachments
The Universal Insulator Tester Probe has an
integrated hot-stick coupler. Additionally, in
the field Probe kit there is a universal adaptor
joint that enables total flexibility for
positioning the field Probe actuator against the
insulator. See Figures 5.
NOTE
Figure 4
Model # 378265U1/x
Figure 5
Figure 5

Insulator Tester Elements
15
3.4 Insulator Edge Guides
The Universal Insulator Tester is shipped with two Insulator Edge Guides. See Figure 6.
The Insulator Edge Guides help guide the Probe onto the insulator. Use the guide that best fits
the insulators being tested.
3.5 Tablet/Laptop
3.5.1 General
A Tablet/Laptop is provided with the Probe. The Tablet/Laptop is Bluetooth-enabled and is
shipped paired with the Bluetooth transmitter of the Probe. Refer to Figure 7.
The Insulator Tester Data Processing Software is pre-installed on the
Tablet/Laptop.
The Tablet/Laptop is used on-site for transfer of the data from the
Probe after one or more scans of one insulator to view the resulting
graphs. The transfer of data to the Tablet on-site avoids the risk of
data loss should the tester be switched off.
The Tablet/Laptop must not be used by the lineperson at the top of
the transmission tower for safety reasons. The Tablet/Laptop should
be operated by a person at ground level.
Figure 6
Figure 7

Insulator Tester Elements
16
3.5.2 Separating the Tablet While in the Field
When using the Tablet/Laptop in the field, it is best to separate the Tablet
from its associated keyboard, as shown in Figure 8.
When attached, the keyboard is useful when creating insulator lists and
preparing for the field visit.
The Tablet has a generously sized touch screen. Large “Touch Buttons”
are used to operate the Windows-based Positron Insulator Tester
Software in the field.
While the Ground Operator is using the Tablet on the ground, the Tower Operator tests the
insulator. When they have completed one or more tests of the insulator, they download the
results immediately to the Tablet and see the profile of the E-field surrounding the insulator,
thereby revealing its health, and determining immediately if a hazardous condition exists prior
to live line transmission work.
The intensity of the Tablet’s screen display is factory adjusted to its maximum setting. If this
setting was changed by a user, it is important to adjust the intensity of the screen back to the
maximum (Select 100% after selecting the small battery icon).
Additionally, polarized sunglasses may prevent easily seeing the display on the Tablet screen in
Landscape mode (long edge of the Tablet screen is horizontal).
In this situation, rotate the Tablet 90oto switch to Portrait mode (short edge of the Tablet
screen is horizontal). Otherwise, avoid the use of polarized sunglasses during use.
Figure 8