Prostat SureTest PGT-61-154 User manual

P R O F E S S I O N A L
S T A T I C
C O N T R O L
P R O D U C T S
Operations Manual
SureTest® Circuit Analyze
r
PGT-61-154
SureTest®, Manufactured by
Ideal Industries, Sycamore, Illinois USA

Copyright ©2001-2007 by PROSTAT®Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of
America. No part of this manual may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written
permission. For information contact PROSTAT Corporation, 1072 Tower Lane, Bensenville, IL 60106
PROSTAT is the registered trademark of PROSTAT®Corporation

PGT-61-154 SureTestCircuit Analyzer
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROSTAT®PGT-61-154®SURETEST CIRCUIT ANALYZER
Title Page #
I. Introduction .................................................................................................................... 3
II. General Operation........................................................................................................... 3
III. Menu Structure................................................................................................................ 4
IV. Menu Buttons.................................................................................................................. 4
V. Display ............................................................................................................................ 4
VI. Operation ......................................................................................................................... 5
VII. Quick Reference Guide................................................................................................. 15
General Specifications.................................................................................................. 17

PGT-61-154 SureTest Circuit Analyzer
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I. Introduction
The SureTest circuit analyzer was designed to troubleshoot branch circuits quickly,
easily and accurately. It has a patented technology that allows it to test branch circuits
under a full load condition to identify hidden problems behind the wall that will not be
found with traditional testing methods.
1. Menu Structure
2. Menu Buttons
3. Display
4. GFCI Test Button
5. Not included on the 61-154
Product Features
• True RMS
• Measures voltage drop under 12, 15 and 20-amp loads
• Line voltage
• Peak voltage
• Frequency
• Ground impedance
• Hot and neutral conductor impedances
• Ground-neutral voltage
• Identifies proper wiring in 3-wire receptacles
• Identifies false (bootleg) grounds
• Tests GFCI’s for proper operation
• Includes 1-ft extension cord
II. General Operation
The PGT-61-154 SureTest Circuit Analyzer takes only seconds to test each outlet and
circuit under a full load. It checks for various wiring conditions including; correct wiring,
polarity reversal, hot/ground reversal and no ground. A simple programming menu gives
access to measurements of line voltage, voltage drop under a full load condition, ground-
neutral voltage and line impedances. The ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) test is
performed separately, and will disrupt the electrical supply if a functional GFCI is present.
For proper troubleshooting of a branch circuit, insert the SureTest into the furthest
receptacle from the panel. Any discrepancies from a normal reading during a
measurement indicate that a problem has been detected in the circuit. Allow at least 20
seconds between insertions. Repeatedly inserting the SureTest into a receptacle will
cause the unit to heat up which may affect the accuracies.

PGT-61-154 SureTestCircuit Analyzer
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III. Menu Structure
The measurements taken by the SureTest Model 61-154 are organized into a simple
menu. The first measurement in each menu selection is listed on the face of the unit. To
the right of each menu is the unit of measure for the tests performed within that menu. The
grid, and up and down arrows are representative of how the display will indicate the units
position within the menu. The grid has four regions (one for each menu selection). When
the unit is in the line voltage menu, the first section of the grid will be shaded in on the
display to indicate that the unit is in the first menu selection. When the unit is in the
Voltage Drop menu, the second section of the grid of the grid will be shaded in on the
display to indicate that the unit is in the second menu selection. This follows for the
Ground-Neutral Voltage and Line Impedance menus as well.
Additional tests are located in the sub-menu for each of these menu selections. An up
arrow indicates that the unit is in the main menu, and a down arrow indicates that the unit
is in a sub-menu. This will be displayed just under the menu grid on the unit’s display.
Using the menu grid and menu level indication will help the user step through the menu as
indicated by the menu structure listed on the face of the unit.
IV. Menu Buttons
Menu Buttons The SureTest Model 61-154 uses two buttons to navigate through the
measurement menu. The down arrow button (↓) moves the unit forward to the next menu
selection. If the SureTest is on the last menu selection (Line Impedance), pressing the
down arrow button returns the unit to the first menu selection (Line Voltage).
The side arrow button (→) moves the unit through all the measurements within the menu
selection. If the SureTest is in the last measurement of the menu selection, pressing the
side arrow button returns the unit to the first measurement.
The quick reference guide at the end of this manual lists all of the available
measurement in the SureTest menu.
VI. Display
A. The graphical LCD on the SureTest indicates the value of the measurement
function, the test being performed and the position within the menu structure.
1. Test Results
2. Measurement icon
3. Menu Structure icon
WARNING!
Do not use on outputs from UPS system, light dimmers or square
wave generating equipment.

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B. Measurement Icon
The measurement icon is located on the right-hand side of the
display. The icon consists of the measurement symbol and test to
describe which test is being measured. For example, the
following icon indicates that the numerical value displayed is the
% of voltage drop under a 12-Amp load.
C. Menu Structure Icon
The menu structure icon is to the right of the measurement icon. It
consists of a grid and, either an up or down arrow. The grid on the
display has four regions that correspond to each of the menu
selections as listed on the face of the unit. The appropriate region is
shaded in to indicate which test is being performed. If the unit is
performing any test within the Line Voltage menu or sub-menu, the
first region is shaded. The arrow underneath the grid indicates
whether the unit is in the main menu or sub-menu. An up-arrow (↑) indicates that
the unit is in the main menu, and a down arrow (↓) indicates that the unit is in a
sub-menu.
If the unit is performing a test within the Line Voltage sub-menu, the first region of
the grid will be shaded with a down arrow underneath the grid.
V. Operation
A. GFCI Test Button
This button activates the GFCI test. This test can be activated from any point
within the SureTest menu.
B. Wiring Verification
Immediately after being inserted into a receptacle, the SureTest
checks for proper wiring. While it is performing this test, the
IDEAL logo will be displayed on the LCD. The Model PGT-61-
154 checks for the following conditions and indicates the test
result on the display next to the receptacle test icon.
Wiring Condition Display Indication
Normal Wiring OK
No Ground Error No Ground
Polarity Reversal Error Rev Polarity
Hot/Ground Reversal No Display
Open Hot/Open Neutral No Display
If the wiring is OK, enter the SureTest measurement menu by pressing the down
arrow button (↓). If no ground condition exists, the user may enter the

PGT-61-154 SureTestCircuit Analyzer
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measurement menu, but only the line voltage and voltage drop measurements
are available. In a polarity reversal condition, the SureTest will not be able to take
any measurement, so the unit will not be able to access the measurement menu
under these conditions. In a hot/ground reversal, open hot or open neutral
condition, the unit will not have power for any measurements so the unit will not
display any information.
C. False Ground Indication
The neutral conductor can only be bonded to the ground conductor at the main
neutral buss, where a large copper conductor carries all the return and faulted
current back to the earth. Sometimes through error or ignorance, the neutral and
ground are connected upstream from the service entrance. This condition is
referred to as a false or bootleg ground. Common receptacle testers will test this
condition as a normal wiring condition.
The SureTest will analyze the neutral and ground conductors to identify a
potential false ground condition. If the unit is within 15 feet of a connection
between neutral and ground, the SureTest will indicate a potential false ground
condition.
A false ground may also be indicated if the receptacle is within 15 feet of the
neutral-ground bonding point at the main panel. After the false ground condition
has been checked out, press the down arrow button (↓) to enter the
measurement menu.
D. SureTest Measurements
Use the down arrow (↓) and the side arrow (→) buttons to navigate through the
measurement menu as outlined in the menu buttons section of this manual.
There are four measurement menu options; line voltage, voltage drop, ground-
neutral voltage and line impedance.
WARNING!
If the SureTest unit does not power up when plugged, contact a licensed
electrician to dia
g
nose the
p
roblem.
WARNING!
An indication of “No Ground” in the wiring verification test indicates a safety
hazard is
p
resent. Defective
g
rounds must be re
p
aired
p
rior to the GFCI test.

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E. Line Voltage Measurements
There are three tests within the line voltage menu.
Measurement Icon
Line Voltage
Peak Voltage
Frequency
The line voltage measurement is the first measurement within this menu
selection. Pressing the side arrow button (→) moves the unit from
measurement to measurement within the line voltage menu. Pressing the
down arrow button (↓) moves the unit to the next menu selection – Voltage
Drop.
Troubleshooting Tips
The line voltage tests are conducted without a load. If these results are not met, it could be a
problem with the circuit, or a load on the circuit. To determine what may be causing the
problem, turn off the loads on the circuit and re-check. If the test results do not change, than the
problem may be within the circuit. If the test results return to normal, the problem is being
caused by one or more of the loads on the circuit.

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Measurement Expected
Result Problem Possible Causes Possible Solutions
Line Voltage 108 – 132 V High/Low line
voltage • Too much
load on
branch circuit
• High
resistance
connection
within the
circuit or at
the panel
• Supply
voltage too
high/low
• Redistribute
the load on
the circuit
• Locate high
resistance
connection/de
vice and
repair/replace
• Consult
power
company
Peak Voltage 153-185V High/Low peak
voltage • Supply
Voltage too
high/Low
• Distorted
wave form
caused by
electronic
equipment
on the line
• Consult
power
company
• Evaluate #
electronic
devices on
circuit and
redistribute if
necessary
Frequency 60 Hz High/Low
frequency • Supply
frequency
too high/low
• Consult
power
company
F. Voltage Drop Measurements
There are three tests within the voltage drop menu.
Measurement Icon
Voltage Drop at 15-Amp load
Voltage Drop at 12-Amp load

PGT-61-154 SureTest Circuit Analyzer
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Voltage Drop at 20-Amp load
The National Electrical Code recommends 5% as the maximum voltage drop
for branch circuits for reasonable efficiency (NEC article 210-19. FPN 4).
High voltage drop could be an indication of a high resistance connection
within the circuit, undersized wire for the load or length or run, or a defective
device on the branch circuit.
All of the voltage drop measurements are taken under an actual 12-Amp
load and extrapolated for 15 amp and 20 amp measurements. This allows
the user to test a 15-amp rated circuit at full capacity or 80% capacity, and
test a 20-amp rated circuit under a full capacity. Voltage drop under a 15-
amp load is the first measurement within this menu selection. Pressing the
side arrow button (→) moves the unit from measurement to measurement
within the line voltage menu. Pressing the down arrow button (↓) moves the
unit to the next menu selection – Ground-Neutral Voltage.
Troubleshooting Tips
Measurement Expected
Result Problem Possible Causes Possible Solutions
Voltage Drop < 5% High voltage
drop • Too much
load on the
branch circuit
• Undersized
wire for
length of run
• High
resistance
connection
within the
circuit or at
the panel
• Redistribute
the load on
the circuit
• Check code
requirements
and re-wire if
necessary
• Locate high
resistance
connection/de
vice and
repair/replace
G. Ground-Neutral Voltage Measurement
There is only one test within the Ground-Neutral Voltage menu. In a single-
phase circuit, high ground-neutral voltage indicates excessive leakage
between the neutral and ground conductors. In a 3-phase circuit with a
shared neutral, a high ground-neutral voltage could also indicate unbalanced
load between the three phases, or harmonic distortion on the shred neutral. A
reading of less than 2 volts usually indicates a usable outlet. An excessive

PGT-61-154 SureTestCircuit Analyzer
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ground-neutral voltage may result in inconsistent or intermittent equipment
performance. Pressing the down arrow button (↓) moves the unit to the next
menu selection – Line Impedance.
Troubleshooting Tips
Measurement Expected
Result Problem Possible Causes Possible Solutions
Ground-Neutral
Voltage < 2V High G-N voltage • Current
leading from
neutral to
ground
• Unbalanced
3-phase
system
• Harmonic
content
returning on
neutral in 3-
phase
system
• Identify
source of
leakage
(multiple
bonding
points)
• Check load
balance and
re-distribute
load
• Oversize
neutral or de-
rate
transformer
to dissipate
heat

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H. Line Impedance Measurements
There are three tests within the line impedance menu.
Measurement Icon
Hot Conductor impedance
Neutral conductor impedance
Ground impedance
The line voltage measurement is the first measurement within this
menu selection. Pressing the side arrow button (→) moves the unit
from measurement to measurement within the line voltage menu.
Pressing the down arrow button (↓) returns the unit to the first menu
selection – Line Voltage.

PGT-61-154 SureTestCircuit Analyzer
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Troubleshooting Tips
Measurement Expected
Result Problem Possible Causes Possible Solutions
Hot conductor
impedance <0.48Ω/foot of
14 gauge wire
<0.03Ω/foot of
12 gauge wire
<0.01Ω/foot of
10 gauge wire
High conductor
impedance • Too much
load on
branch circuit
• Undersized
wire for
length of run
• High
resistance
connection
within the
circuit or at
the panel
• Redistribute
the load on
the circuit
• Check code
requirements
and re-wire if
necessary
• Locate high
resistance
connection/de
vice and
repair/replace
Neutral
conductor
impedance
<0.48Ω/foot of
14 gauge wire
<0.03Ω/foot of
12 gauge wire
<0.01Ω/foot of
10 gauge wire
High conductor
impedance • Too much
load on
branch circuit
• Undersized
wire for
length of run
• High
resistance
connection
within
connection
within the
circuit or at
the panel
• Redistribute
the load on
the circuit
• Check code
requirements
and re-wire if
necessary
• Locate high
resistance
connection/de
vice and
repair/replace
Ground
Impedance <1Ωto protect
Personnel
<0.25Ωto
protect
equipment
High conductor
impedance • Too much
load on
branch circuit
• Undersized
wire for
length of run
• High
resistance
connection
within the
circuit or at
the panel
• Redistribute
the load on
the circuit
• Check code
requirements
and re-wire in
necessary
• Locate high
resistance
connection/de
vice and
repair/replace

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I. GFCI Testing
The SureTest applies 6mA through a fixed resistor to trip the GFCI. A
functional GFCI will disconnect the power. The reset button for the GFCI
may be at the receptacle or at the panel.
To activate the GFCI test, press the GFCI button (GFCI) from anywhere
within the measurement menu. The actual current being bled from hot to
neutral will be displayed. (6mA is the nominal current sent through the fixed
resistor. The actual current will vary depending on the line voltage per UL
1436.) Test in progress will than appear on the display to let the user know
that the GFCI test is being performed. The unit will bleed the current until the
GFCI trips, or up to 6 seconds.
If the GFCI device is functioning properly, it will disconnect power, and the
display on the unit will go out. When the circuit is reset and power is
restored, the unit will display the actual time that the GFCI took to trip the
circuit. Pressing the down arrow button (↓) resets the unit and returns it to
the wiring verification mode.
If the GFCI fails to trip, the SureTest will show invalid on the display
indicating that the GDCI may be installed incorrectly or the GFCI may be
defective.
Troubleshooting Tips
Measurement Expected
Result Problem Possible Causes Possible Solutions
GFCI Test GFCI trips with
trip time <
200mS
GFCI does not
trip (invalid test)
or trip time
>200mS
• GFCI may be
installed
incorrectly
• GFCI may be
defective
• Check wiring
and re-wire
device
according to
manufacturer’
s instructions
• Repair/replace
GFCI
NOTE:
The SureTest will not allow the GFCI test if a no ground condition exists.
Repair the ground circuit before testing.
NOTE:
In order to test GFCI’s in a 2-wire system (no ground), the # 61-175
ground continuity adapter must be used. Connect the alligator clip on the
adapter to a ground, such as a metal water or gas pipe.

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J. Locating High Resistance Connections
Troubleshooting to identify the cause of the high impedance within the
electrical system is actually quite simple. First, measure the voltage drop at
the furthest receptacle from the panel on the branch circuit under test. If the
voltage drop is high, then further investigation is necessary.
Testing the remaining receptacles in sequence, from next furthest from the
panel to the closest to the panel will identify the problem.
If the voltage drop reading changes significantly from one receptacle to the
next, then the problem is a high impedance point at or between the two
receptacles. It is usually located at a termination point, such as a bad splice
or loose wire connection, but it might also be a bad receptacle.
If the reading steadily decreases as you get closer to the panel, with no
significant decreases between receptacles, then the wire may be undersized
for the length of run, or for the load on the line Check at the panel to see if
the wire is sized per code, and measure the current on the branch circuit.
The reading may not decrease at all from the last receptacle to the first. This
would indicate that the problem could be at the first splice, or at the panel
itself. Most poor panel connections show up as hot spots on the panel.
These can be checked quickly with an infrared temperature meter.

PGT-61-154 SureTest Circuit Analyzer
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VI. Quick Reference Guide
Measurement Menu
Line Voltage Menu
Line Voltage
Measurement Press →
for next
test
Peak Voltage
Measurement Press →
for next
test
Frequency
Measurements Press →
for next
test
Press ↓to advance to Voltage Drop Menu
Voltage Drop Menu
Voltage Drop
Measurement
@ 15-Amp
Press →
for next
test
Voltage Drop
Measurement @
12-Amp
Press →
for next
test
Voltage Drop
Measurement
@ 20-Amp
Press →
for next
test
Press ↓to advance to Ground-Neutral Voltage Menu
Ground-Neutral Voltage Menu
Ground-
Neutral
Voltage
Measurement
Press ↓to advance to Line Impedance Menu
Line Impedance Menu
Hot Conductor
Impedance
Measurement
Press →
for next
test
Neutral
Conductor
Impedance
Measurement
Press →
for next
test
Ground
Impedance
Measurements
Press →
for next
test
Press ↓to advance to Line Voltage Menu
VII. Lifetime Limited Warranty
This meter is warranted to the original purchaser against defects in material or
workmanship for the lifetime of the meter. During this warranty period, IDEAL
INDUSTRIES, INC. will at its option, replace or repair the defective unit, subject to
verification of the defect or malfunction. This warranty does not apply to defects resulting
from abuse, neglect, accident, unauthorized repair, alteration, or unreasonable use of the
instrument.
Any implied warranties arising out of the sale of an IDEAL product, including but not
limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are
limited to the above. The manufacturer shall not be liable for loss of use of the instrument

PGT-61-154 SureTestCircuit Analyzer
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or other incidental or consequential damages, expenses, or economic loss, or for any
claim or claims for such damage, expenses or economic loss.
State laws vary, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty
gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state
to state.
Warranty is limited solely to repair or replacement; no warranty of merchantability, fitness
for a particular purpose or consequential damages.
Manufactured by: IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC, Sycamore, IL USA

PGT-61-154 SureTest Circuit Analyzer
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PGT-61-154 SureTest®Circuit Analyzer Specifications
General Specifications
Case Construction: ABS UL 94 V/0/5VA Rated
Operating Range: 108-132 Volts
Display: 97x32 Pixel Graphics Display with backlight
Dimensions: 6.5” x 3” x 1”
Weight: 9.4 oz
Environmental Specifications
Operating Temp: 0oC to 50oC
Storage Temp: 0oC to 50oC
Humidity: < 80% RH
Altitude: 2000m (6667 ft.)
Safety: Designed to IEC 1010-1 UL3111
Input Rating: 150VAC Category III
Overvoltage Category: Cat III: Distribution level mains, fixed installations
Cat II: Local level mains, appliances, portable equipment
Cat I: Signal level, special equipment or parts of equipment,
telecommunications, electronics
Pollution Degree 2: Do not operate in environments where conductive pollutants may
be present
Accuracy
Line Voltage: 108.0 -132.0VAC 1.0% +/- 1 digit
Peak Voltage: 151.0 – 185.0VAC 1.0% +/- 1 digit
Frequency: 45.0 – 85.0 Hz 1.0% +/- 1 digit
Voltage Drop: 0.1% - 20.0 % 1.0% +/- 1 digit
Ground-Neutral Voltage: 0.00 – 24.0 VAC 1.0% +/- 1 digit
Impedances: 0.01 – 9.99Ω1.0% +/- 1 digit
GFCI Trip Time: 1mS – 700mS 1.0% +/- 1 digit
Rev: PGT-61-154 – 08-2003
Format modification: 01-20-2005

Copyright 2001-2007, Prostat Corporation
Printed in U.S.A.
1072 Tower Lane, Bensenville, IL 60106 USA
www.prostatcorp.com