Radio-Service E6-32 User manual

"RESEARCH AND PRODUCTION COMPANY "RADIO-SERVICE" JSC
INSULATION RESISTANCE TESTER / MEGOHMMETER
Е6-32
OPERATION MANUAL

This Operation Manual is intended for studying of structure and operating principle of
the digital Insulation resistance tester / megohmmeter Е6-32 (hereinafter referred to as
instrument) and contains the data relevant for proper operation, safety precautions and
calibration.
Operation conditions of instrument are as follows:
- temperature range from 15 to plus 50 ºС ;
- upper limit of relative humidity is 90 % at temperature of plus 30 ºС;
Standard conditions :
- ambient air temperature of plus 15 to plus 25 ºС;
- relative air humidity of 30 to 80%;
- atmospheric pressure of 84 to 106 kPa (630 to 795 mm Hg);
Protection grade of the casing IP54 in accordance with IEC 60529
Electrical safety as per IEC 61010-1, IEC 61010-2-30:2010.
The instrument satisfy the EMC compatibility requirements complies with
EMC directives complies with IEC 61326-1:2012.
Due to permanent upgrade of instruments, the items produced and the design
described in this Operation Manual may differ to some extent.
Attention! Please read this Operation Manual before switching the megohmmeter on.
Attention! At measurement sockets of megohmmeter the dangerous voltage
up to 3 kV is generated.
This device is protected by a double insulation or by a reinforced insulation.
CAT III 1000V CAT IV 600V Measurement category
AC voltage at sockets "+" and "-" shall not exceed 770 V.
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1 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
1.1 Designation of instrument
Instrument is intended for measurement:
- insulation resistance of circuits that are not under voltage;
- DC/AC voltage before measurement;
- automatically calculate Dielectric Absorption Ratio (DAR) and Polarization Index (PI);
- continuity of earth connections and equipotential bonding;
- parameters of overvoltage protective devices (varistor voltage of overvoltage
suppressors at by direct-current flow 1 mА, static breakdown voltage discharge arresters at
DC).
1.2 Basic metrological characteristics:
Table 1 – Basic metrological characteristics
1 Electric resistance measurement of insulation to direct current
Resistance measurement range Аccuracy
1 kΩ to 999 MΩ  (3% + 3 digits)
(3% + 3 digits)
1.00 to 9.99 GΩ
 (5% + 5 digits) (< 250 V test voltages)
10.0 to 99.9 GΩ (from 500 V test voltages)  (5% + 5 digits)
100 to 300 GΩ (from 500 V test voltages)  (15% + 10 digits)
Resistance measurement range, as per IEC 61557-2
from R= Utest /1 mA to 10 GΩ
(at test voltage less than 500 V)
from R= Utest /1 mA to 300 GΩ
(at test voltage more than 500 V)
2 Test voltages
Test voltage 50, 100, 250, 500, 1000, 2500 V or
any from 50 to 2500 V (setup step 10 V)
Test voltage accuracy +15% maximum on open-circuit
Short-circuit current < 2mA
3 Voltage measurement (DC/ AC 45-60 Hz sine)
Measurement range 40 to 700 V
Accuracy  (5% + 3 digits)
4 Measurement of varistor voltage at 1 mA DC Test current
Мeasurement range 100 to 1500 V
Accuracy  (3% + 5 digits)
Error of 1 mA test current generation 2,5 %
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5 Measurement of spark-gap breakdown voltage at DC
Мeasurement range 100 to 3000 V
Accuracy  (5% + 10 digits)
6 Continuity measurement
Мeasurement range 0.01 Ω to 9.99 kΩ
Мeasurement range as per IEC 61557-4 0.13 Ωto 10 kΩ
Accuracy  (3% + 3 digits)
Test current 200 mA (0 - 10 Ω);
Measurement voltage at open sockets, V 11 to 14
7 Complementary errors
Maximum permissible complementary error of measurement of AC voltage, insulation resistance, continuity,
varistor voltage and spark-gap breakdown voltage due to temperature change within the operating range,
1.5%
Maximum permissible complementary error of measurement of AC voltage, insulation resistance, continuity,
varistor voltage and spark-gap breakdown voltage due to ambient air relative humidity change within the
operating range, 5 %
1.3 General specifications
1.3.1 Nominal current of an instrument at measurement of insulation resistance as per IEC
61557-2 is not less than 1 mA.
1.3.2 Instrument ensure automatic switching of measurement ranges and
measurement units determining.
1.3.3 Upon switching off, the megohmmeters save the last measurement settings,
and restore them when switched on.
1.3.4 Instrument stores up to 10000 measurement results with the possibility of data
exchange with PC using specialized program “RS-terminal”.
1.3.5 Supply voltage range is from 7.5 to 5.2 V. 7 Instrument provides self-check of
supply voltage. At voltage decrease from 5.2 V to 5.0 V the megohmmeters are switched off.
1.3.6 Power supply is from nickel-metal-hydride (Ni-Mh) storage battery with “6 V”
rated voltage, “2000 mA/h” capacity or from five replaceable AA power components placed
in a battery compartment. It is allowed to use five AA batteries of 1.2 V rated voltage.
Consumption power is 6,5 W max.
1.3.8 Instrument has a storage battery charging mode, which is automatically
switched on when the power supply is connected. Charging process is shown on the
display. Instrument provides protection from incorrect connection of storage battery and
overcharge.
1.3.10 Instrument’s continuous operating time at resistance measurement during
cycle operation: measurement – 1 minute, pause – 2 minutes, is minimum 5 hours.
Table 1 – Basic metrological characteristics
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1.3.11 In case of instrument’s non-use during 2 to 3 minutes it is automatically
switched off.
1.3.14 Weight is 0.8 kg max. Overall dimensions are 88х105х245 mm max.
1.3.16 Service life is at least 10 years.
1.4 Completeness
Components of megohmmeter delivery set are given in Table 2.
Table 2 – Delivery set
Description and designation Quantity
1 Insulation resistance tester / megohmmeter Е6-32 1
2 Operation Manual 1
3 Power unit 1
4 Cable set, including:
measuring cable RLPA.685551.002 – red, 1.5 m long;
connective cable RLPA.685641.002 – black, 1.5 m long;
connective cable RLPA.685641.002-01 – blue, 1.5 m long;
shielded measuring cable RAPM.685631.001 – 1.5 m long
1
1
1
1
5 Battery holder 5xAA RAPM.436244.007 1
6 Crocodile clip 2
7 Bluetooth-USB adapter 1
8 Instrument bag 1
9 Shipping package 1
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1.5 Design and Operation
General view of instrument is given in Figure 1.1.
Figure 1.1
1 - jack for connection of the
power unit (central pin – “minus”);
2 – protective plate (protective cover);
3 – front panel;
4 – handle (hook).
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Arrangement of controls and connectors of measuring cables is given in Figure 1.2.
Figure 1.2
1…4 – jacks for cables connection;
5 – LCD display;
6 – button switches
megohmmeter on and off;
7 – button calls a memory
function (writing, reading, deletion,
transmission of measured values to a
computer);
8 – button starts and stops
measurements. In the menu mode, the
button is used to confirm the selected option
or to return to the main mode.
9 – button switches between types and scopes of the displayed information
during insulation test (see item 2.3.4): value of insulation resistance, Dielectric Absorption
Ratio, Polarization Index. After the active measurement is finished, holding this button
returns to the main menu. In the menu mode, the button allows scrolling down the menu.
10 – button is intended for modes switching: selection of test voltage during
insulation resistance measurement, measuring of metallic bonding resistance and
classification voltage. In the menu mode, the button allows scrolling up the menu.
Appearance of shielded measuring cable is given in Figure 1.3.
Figure 1.3
Combined plug: signal wire to the
socket “-“, cable shield to the
socket “Е”
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2 INTENDED USE
2.1 Operation shall be performed by electrotechnical personnel trained and certified
for operation in electrical installations and studied this Operation Manual.
During operation with the instrument, observe the requirements of "Occupational
safety rules during operation of electrical installations" and use the means of protection
against electric shock as per "Instruction on use and testing of protection means used in
electrical installations".
ATTENTION! It is prohibited to operate a faulty, damaged and non-
tested instrument and to deviate from its operating procedure.
ATTENTION! During measurement, high voltage is generated at the socket
"+" and object under test. After measurement completion, monitor decrease
of residual voltage to safe level by voltmeter readings on the instrument display.
2.2 Preliminary Procedures
2.2.1 If the instrument was exposed to a temperature differing from the operating one,
first it shall be held under the operating temperature for two hours. Check instrument for
mechanical damages and dirt. Check operability of protective covers and fasteners, integrity
of insulation and cleanness of cables. Check the power unit for mechanical damages and
dirt. Check the date of last calibration of megohmmeter. The calibration validity period shall
not be expired.
Prior to instrument operation, clean measurement sockets and areas around them.
Violation of this recommendation can lead to significant error of measurement caused by
surface leakage current.
In case of shielded measuring cable use it is required to check electric resistance
between signal and shield circuits from time to time. Resistance shall be 3 GΩ minimum at
test voltage of 2500 V.
2.2.2 Charging the Storage Battery
The power supply of instrument is provided with a nickel metal hydride storage
battery “5Н-АА2000В-1” of 2000 mA/h rated capacity.
Note. Before charging, make sure that storage batteries (not the batteries) are
installed in the battery compartment. Failure to comply with this rule may lead to damage of
battery compartment and battery.
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Note. Storage battery is charged at ambient air temperature of plus 10 to plus 30 ºС.
Failure to comply with this rule may reduce the storage battery life.
To charge the storage battery, connect the output plug of power unit from the
delivery set to the instrument jack socket. Plug in the power unit to the 220 V mains.
On instrument the storage battery charging process is displayed by filling the
miniature battery symbol on the display. Upon charging completion the miniature battery
symbol is full.
To charge fully discharged storage battery, 7-8 hours are required.
If instrument is not used for a long period, it is recommended to recharge the storage
battery once in three months.
Note. Standard storage battery is charged with 400 mA to 500 mA current. When
charging a storage battery with other rated capacity, check its temperature regularly, for
example, by touch. If the temperature grows fast, stop charging.
2.3 Operating the megohmmeter Е6-32
To switch the instrument on / off press button .
After the instrument is switched on and self-tested, its software version is first shown
on the display, then the instrument switches over to mode of measurement that preceded
switching-off.
Supply voltage level is shown as miniature battery symbol in the top right corner:
shaded area is proportional to the supply voltage. If the display shows a caption "Battery is
dead. Switching off”, and the instrument switches off (supply voltage is lower than 5.2...5.0
V), charge the storage battery according to item 2.2.2, replace the storage battery or
batteries according to item 2.5.
2.3.1 Control and Service Options (Menu) of the Instrument
To enter the display menu press and hold button . The menu is context-
sensitive and depends on the current measurement mode. To scroll the menu, use buttons
and , to edit the selected option (selected options are shown in inverted form) and
to confirm use button .
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Option “GENERAL SETTINGS” allows to changes the contrast level of the display,
to select the interface language and to switch on/off the audio warnings. Example of setting
is given in Figure 2.1.
Figure 2.1 – Menu. Instrument settings
Option “SET OF MODES” allows to remove or add to the set of available test types:
fixed test voltages (50, 100, 250, 500, 1000 and 2500 V), measurement of continuity
(Rcont), measurement of varistor voltage (Uvar), measurement of spark-gap breakdown
voltage (Udis), as well as to change the values of user test voltages (Us1, Us2).
Active modes available at selection by button is marked by "V" sign (see
Figure 2.2). To add or remove the mode in the list of available ones select the
corresponding item and press button , except for Us1 and Us2.
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Example of user test voltages Us1 and Us2 change is given in Figure 2.2.
Figure 2.2 – Menu. Modes
Voltages Us1 and Us2 can be also added to the list or removed from it at selection of
“Add” or “Delete” options respectively.
Option “TEST SETTINGS” (available only in the mode of insulation resistance
measurement, see item 2.3.5) the following is allowed:
- setting of insulation test duration from 1 to 10 minutes;
- selection of calculation formula for Dielectric Absorption Ratio: DAR =R60/ R15 or DAR =R60/ R30;
- switching on/off of Polarization Index calculation.
2.3.2 Memory
In megohmmeter Е6-32, the memory is arranged as a set of 100 numbered objects,
each one consisting of 100 numbered cells. Additionally, the objects and the cells can be
assigned with their own names by means of RS-terminal program (see item 2.3.3).
After the measurement is finished, the display shows the last measurement result for 20
seconds. To save data, press button , the result can be recorded to the selected cell of
selected object according to Figure 2.3.
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Figure 2.3 – Memory menu. Recording of result
If the measurement is finished more than 20 seconds ago or the instrument is
switched off, then to view the last measured value and to record it to the memory of
instrument, press button , select "LAST MEASURED RESULT" option and save it in the
selected cell of selected object according to Figure 2.3.
To view the saved measurement results, in the menu of instrument select
"MEMORY VIEW" option – the display shows the object selection window. After selection,
the display shows information recorded to the current cell of the current object. If there is no
record in the selected cell, then "CELL EMPTY" information appears. To scroll between
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memory cells, use buttons and to escape the memory menu press button or
. To delete the content of the selected cell or object (all cells in the object) press and
hold button for two seconds.
2.3.3 Operating the Computer
Megohmmeter allows wireless data exchange with an external device (PC). To ensure
data transmission to PC, a Bluetooth device is required. When it is not built-in, an external
Bluetooth-USB adapter is required.
Reception and transmission are performed by operating system tools of the PC. Data
are transmitted and saved in PC as text files containing the information stored in the instrument
memory. To make data handling easier, a specialized program “RS-terminal” is used; it allows
assigning the proper names to objects and cells (name lengths is up to ten digits), generating
the reports, etc. The program and its detailed description can be downloaded from the
company's site www.radio-service.ru.
For data exchange with a computer it is required:
- turn on PC and run RS-terminal program;
- on the instrument, which shall be switched on, enter the mode “Память” (Memory),
select option “CONNECTION TO PC”;
- in the RS-terminal window, select all the necessary objects and cells. A file with
measurement results can be copied and edited by any text editor.
Note. Computer shall be located within the sight at a distance of not more than 8 meters
from the megohmmeter.
2.3.4 Voltage measurement
After the instrument is switched on and the mode of insulation resistance measurement
is selected by button , the instrument sets to the voltmeter mode, it measures and shows
on display the actual voltage value between sockets "+" and "-" and its type (DC or AC voltage).
Example of indication is shown in Figure 2.7.
Note. Actual voltage value between sockets "+" and "-" shall be maximum 770 V,
between other sockets –maximum 300 V. Failure to comply with this rule can cause the
instrument breakdown.
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2.3.5 Insulation resistance measurement
Before insulation resistance measurement, the following settings are possible in
"TEST SETTINGS" option of the instrument menu:
- test duration setting – time of test voltage generation – 1 to 10 minutes;
- selection of calculation method for Dielectric Absorption Ratio: DAR=R60/ R15 or
DAR=R60/ R30, see item 2.3.6;
- switching on/off of Polarization Index calculation, see item 2.3.6. Example of
parameters measurement is shown in Figure 2.4.
Figure 2.4 – Menu. Measurement parameters
Connection of megohmmeter Е6-32 for cable insulation resistance measurement is
shown in Figures 2.5 and 2.6 а. Measurement of resistances more than 10 GΩ with the rated
accuracy shall be performed using shielded measuring cable RAPM.685631.001 or
RLPA.685551.001, see Figure 2.5 b.
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Figure 2.5 – Measurement of cable insulation resistance
To avoid the influence of surface leakage currents (e.g. caused by contamination of
the measured object surface) use connection diagrams with three measuring cables. In case
of insulation resistance measurement between cable wires, the protective ring shall be used
(piece of foil mounted on the insulator of one of the wires and connected to the socket "G" of
megohmmeter (see Figure 2.6 a). In case of insulation test between transformer coils,
connect transformer case to the socket "G", see Figure 2.6 b.
Figure 2.6 – Reduction of surface leakage currents influence
Then use button to select the test voltage value. By voltmeter readings, check
absence of residual or induced voltage at the object under test. To start measurement press
button twice. Voltage generation is accompanied with occasional intermittent audio
signal, and the measured values of insulation resistance and actual voltage at the object are
shown on the display, see Figure 2.7. Please note that the steady readings are considered
to be valid.
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To view additional information on Dielectric Absorption Ratio (DAR) and Polarization
Index (PI) (see item 2.3.6) press button .
To interrupt measurement before the set time press button .
Figure 2.7 – Measurement of insulation resistance
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After measurement completion, the residual voltage is removed automatically from
the object, its value "Ui" is displayed on the display and accompanied with frequent
intermittent audio signal until safe level of 50 V is reached.
After measurement completion, the results are shown on the display during 20
seconds and can be recorded to the memory (see item 2.3.2). After that, instrument sets to
the mode of voltage measurement.
Note. During measurements on some grounded objects consider the following:
- normally, if one of the contacts of the measured resistance is grounded (Figure
2.6.а), it is recommended to connect "-" of the instrument to it. However, in case of unstable
readings the change of connection polarity can provide more stable readings.
- on some objects, it is required to determine the permissible polarity of test voltage
applying in advance to prevent actuation of safety devices. Polarity of the test voltage is
specified at the megohmmeter sockets.
- induced DC voltage can be present on the object. In this case it is recommended to
perform measurements twice –with change of applied test voltage polarity. This allows to
determine the true value of insulation resistance as an average value of two measurements.
For short-time measurements of the insulation resistance press and hold button
, the measurement is stopped after the button is released.
2.3.6 Calculation of Dielectric Absorption Ratio and Polarization Index
Dielectric Absorption Ratio (DAR) is used to evaluate the wetting degree of the
insulation on cable lines, transformers, electric motors, etc.: charge rate of the absorption
capacity is evaluated (capacity due to non-homogenity and contamination of material,
inclusions of air and moisture) for insulation at test voltage applying. Dielectric Absorption
Ratio is automatically calculated by the results of insulation resistance measurement by one
of the following formulas:
DAR=R60/ R30 (default) (1а)
DAR =R60/ R15 (1b),
where R15, R30, R60 – value of insulation resistance after 15, 30 and 60 seconds from
the beginning of measurement, respectively. On default, Dielectric Absorption Ratio
calculation is set to formula 1а and can be changed by the user during the measurement
parameters setting (see item 2.3.5).
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Insulation condition is considered to be perfect, if DAR>1.6 (long-term process of
the absorption capacity charging by low currents took place), satisfactory - if 1.3 ≤ DAR ≤ 1.6,
danger - if DAR<1.3 (short-term process of the absorption capacity charging by high
currents took place) within the temperature limits from 10 ºС to 30 ºС. In the latter case, as
well as if Dielectric Absorption Ratio is 20% more than the factory data, insulation drying is
recommended. For indication of the Dielectric Absorption Ratio during or after measurement
press button .
Polarization Index (Pl) is used to evaluate the ageing degree of the insulation on
cable lines, transformers and electric motors. It considers the change of dielectric structure
and therefore the increase of charged particles ability to move under action of electric field.
PI index is automatically calculated by the results of insulation resistance measurement by
the following formula:
PI =R600/ R60 (2),
where R60, R600 – value of insulation resistance after 60 s and 600 s from the
beginning of measurement, respectively. Polarization Index calculation is OFF on default, it
can be set to ON by the user during the measurement parameters setting (see item 2.3.5).
It is recommended to use the following factors KPOL to evaluate the insulation quality:
PI <1 – service life of insulation is exhausted, the process of insulation resistance
decrease begins (possibly, to unacceptable level);
1≤ PI <2 – service life of insulation is decreased, but further operation is possible;
2≤ PI <4 – service life of insulation is sufficient, no operation limitations;
PI ≥4 – service life of insulation is not decreased, no operation limitations.
Note. Decision on operation of insulator with PI <1 shall be taken based on the
additional investigations: more frequent checks of insulation condition, forecasting of a
moment of resistance decrease to unacceptable level.
For indication of the Polarization Index during or after measurement press button
.
Note. If measurement time is not enough to calculate the Dielectric Absorption Ratio
or Polarization Index, then put the dashes in the corresponding items.
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2.3.7 Measurement of continuity
Use button to select the mode of continuity "Rcont". Connect measuring cables
according to Figure 2.8.
Figure 2.8 – Measurement of continuity
If external noise level at the measurement object allows to perform measurements with the
specified accuracy, then display in standby mode shows the symbol . Otherwise the
display shows the symbol accompanied by audio signal, and the measurements are
interlocked.
Attention! The instrument is provided with the protection against damages in case of
unintentional connection to live-line conductors. However, the voltage value between
sockets "Ω" and "G" shall not exceed 300 V. Failure to comply with this rule can cause the
instrument breakdown.
To start measurement press button . The measurement results are shown on
the display during 20 seconds and can be recorded to the instrument memory (see item
2.3.2).
Note that the true resistance of measurement object is lower than the instrument
readings by the value of measuring cables resistance and transient resistances in point of
their connection. Influence of the measuring cables resistance of 1 Ω maximum on the
measurement result can be corrected by subtraction of their resistance value from the
overall result, however such correction can not substitute four-wire measurement method,
when it comes to accuracy of low resistance measurements. If necessary, the instrument
allows to enable zero-point correction mode ">0<". For this enter the menu (see Fig. 2.9),
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select option “Correct >0<" and press button . After setting to correction menu select
option “Correct”, close the ends of the measuring cables (short the probes) and press button
. The instrument measures resistances of the measuring cables, saves the result in the
memory and enables the zero-point correction mode. After that the display shows “>0<”, and
the difference between the measured resistance and that of the measuring cables is shown
as a result. It is recommended to perform zero-point correction procedure from time to time,
as well as in case of measuring cables replacement.
Figure 2.9 – Correction of measuring cables resistance
To disable zero-point correction mode enter the correction menu, select option
“Disable” and press button .
Note. If the resistance of the measurement object is much lower than that of the
measuring cables, results with a negative sign can be displayed because of measurement
errors with enabled zero-point correction.
2.3.8 Measurement of varistor voltage, discharge arresters breakdown voltage
The modes are intended to check the compliance of overvoltage limiters with the
certificate specifications:
- varistor voltage is a voltage value at non-linear overvoltage limiter (varistor) at
passing of 1 mA direct current through it;
- static breakdown voltage of the discharge arrester is a voltage value, at which arc
ignition of the discharge occurs due to slow voltage increase.
Connect cables according to Figure 2.10.
Attention! During measurements, high voltage is generated at sockets and cables.
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