Sonel MPI-505 User manual

OPERATING MANUAL
METER FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
PARAMETERS
MPI-505
SONEL SA
ul. Wokulskiego 11
58-100 Świdnica
Version 1.03 20.08.2014

OPERATING MANUAL MPI-505 version 1.03
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The MPI-505 meter is a modern, easy and safe measuring device. Please acquaint yourself with the
present manual in order to avoid measuring errors and prevent possible problems related to operation
of the meter.

OPERATING MANUAL MPI-505 version 1.03
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CONTENTS
1SAFETY....................................................................................................................5
2MEASUREMENTS..................................................................................................6
2.1 SELECTION OF GENERAL MEASUREMENT PARAMETERS.........................................6
2.2 REMEMBERING THE LAST MEASUREMENT RESULT ................................................7
2.3 MEASUREMENT OF ALTERNATING VOLTAGE (AC) ................................................7
2.4 CHECKING THE CORRECTNESS OF PE (PROTECTIVE EARTH)CONNECTIONS...........8
2.5 MEASUREMENT OF FAULT LOOP PARAMETERS ......................................................8
2.5.1 Selection of measurement parameters ...........................................................9
2.5.2 Prospective short-circuit current...................................................................9
2.5.3 Measurement of fault loop parameters in the L-N and L-L circuits ............10
2.5.4 Measurement of fault loop parameters in the L-PE circuit .........................13
2.5.5 Measurement of short circuit loop impedance in L-PE circuit protected with
a residual current device (RCD)..................................................................14
2.6 MEASUREMENT OF RCD PARAMETERS ...............................................................16
2.6.1 Measurement of RCD disconnection current...............................................16
2.6.2 Measurement of RCD disconnection time....................................................19
2.6.3 Automatic measurement of RCD parameters...............................................21
2.7 MEASUREMENT OF INSULATION RESISTANCE ......................................................25
2.7.1 Measurement of insulation resistance of individual objects........................25
2.7.2 Additional Information ................................................................................27
2.8 LOW-VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT OF RESISTANCE..................................................28
2.8.1 Measurement of continuity of protective conductors and equipotential
bondings with  200 mA current ..................................................................28
2.8.2 Low-current measurement of resistance......................................................30
2.8.3 Compensation of test leads resistance - autozeroing...................................31
2.9 CHECKING SEQUENCE OF PHASES........................................................................33
3MEMORY OF MEASUREMENT RESULTS.....................................................34
3.1 STORING THE MEASUREMENT RESULT DATA IN THE MEMORY .............................34
3.2 CHANGING THE CELL AND BANK NUMBER...........................................................36
3.3 VIEWING MEMORY DATA.....................................................................................37
3.4 DELETING MEMORY DATA...................................................................................39
3.4.1 Deleting bank data.......................................................................................39
3.4.2 Deleting the whole memory .........................................................................40
3.5 COMMUNICATION WITH A COMPUTER .................................................................41
3.5.1 Computer connection accessories ...............................................................41
3.5.2 Data transmission........................................................................................41
3.5.3 Software update...........................................................................................42
4TROUBLESHOOTING.........................................................................................43
5METER POWER SUPPLY...................................................................................45

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5.1 MONITORING OF THE POWER SUPPLY VOLTAGE...................................................45
5.2 REPLACEMENT OF BATTERIES .............................................................................45
5.3 GENERAL PRINCIPLES REGARDING USING NI-MH ACCUMULATORS.....................48
6CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE....................................................................49
7STORAGE ..............................................................................................................49
8DISMANTLING AND UTILISATION................................................................49
9TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................50
9.1 BASIC DATA ........................................................................................................50
9.2 ADDITIONAL DATA..............................................................................................55
9.2.1 Additional uncertainties according to IEC 61557-2 (RISO)..........................55
9.2.2 Additional uncertainties according to IEC 61557-3 (Z)..............................55
9.2.3 Additional uncertainties according to IEC 61557-4 (R ±200mA) ...............56
9.2.4 Resistance of voltage electrode Rs[Ω]Additional uncertainties according to
IEC 61557-6 (RCD).....................................................................................56
10 EQUIPMENT .........................................................................................................56
10.1 STANDARD EQUIPMENT.......................................................................................56
10.2 OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES .....................................................................................56
11 MANUFACTURER ...............................................................................................57

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1 Safety
MPI-505 meter is designed for performing check tests of protection against electric shock in
mains systems. The meter is used for making the measurements the results of which determine safe-
ty of electrical installations. Therefore, in order to provide conditions for correct operation and the cor-
rectness of the obtained results, the following recommendations must be observed:
Before you proceed to operate the meter, acquaint yourself thoroughly with the present manual
and observe the safety regulations and specifications determined by the producer.
Any application that differs from those specified in the present manual may result in a damage to
the device and constitute a source of danger for the user.
The device must be operated solely by appropriately qualified personnel with relevant certificates
to realise measurements of electric installation. Operation of the meter realised by unauthorised
personnel may result in damage to the device and constitute a source of danger for the user.
Using this manual does not exclude the need to comply with occupational health and safety regu-
lations and with other relevant fire regulations required during the performance of a particular type
of work. Before starting the work with the device in special environments, e.g. potentially fire-
risk/explosive environment, it is necessary to consult it with the person responsible for health and
safety.
It is unacceptable to operate the following:
A damaged meter which is completely or partially out of order,
A meter with damaged test leads insulation,
A meter stored for an excessive period of time in disadvantageous conditions (e.g. excessive
humidity). If the meter has been transferred from a cool to a warm environment of a high level
of relative humidity, do not realise measurements until the meter has been warmed up to the
ambient temperature (approximately 30 minutes).
It should be remembered that BAT message appearing on the display indicates that supply volt-
age of the meter is too low. This message signals also that the batteries must be replaced or the
accumulator charged. Measurements performed by means of the meter whose supply voltage is
too low are burdened with additional errors that are impossible to be estimated by the user. Such
measurements must not be relied on in order to state correctness of protection of a network test-
ed.
Battery spill and damage to the meter may occur if discharged batteries are left in the meter.
Before measurements may commence, make sure the test leads are connected to the appropri-
ate measurement sockets.
Do not operate a meter with an open or incorrectly closed battery (accumulator) compartment or
power it from other sources than those specified in the present manual.
The RISO inputs of the meter are protected electronically from overload (e.g. due to having been
connected to a live circuit) up to 440V rms for 60 seconds.
Repairs may be realised solely by an authorised service point.
ATTENTION!
Only standard and additional accessories for a given device should be used, as listed
in the "Equipment" section. Use of different accessories can lead to errors in the test
connection and can introduce additional measurement uncertainties.
Attention:
Due to continuous development of the meter’s software, the actual appearance of the
display, in case of some of the functions, may slightly differ from the display presented
in this operating manual.

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Note:
An attempt to install drivers in 64-bit Windows 8 may result in displaying "In-
stallation failed" message.
Cause: Windows 8 by default blocks drivers without a digital signature.
Solution: Disable the driver signature enforcement in Windows.
2 Measurements
WARNING:
During measurements (short circuit loop, RCD), do not touch earthed and ac-
cessible parts of the tested electrical installation.
WARNING:
During a measurement, switching of the range switch is forbidden because it
may damage the meter and pose a threat to the user.
2.1 Selection of general measurement parameters
SET
Keeping SET button depressed,
turn on the meter and wait for the pa-
rameter selection screen.
SEL
SEL button is used to go to the next parameter
and to confirm the changes in the currently di-
splayed parameter.
Use and buttons to change the parameter
value. The value or symbol to be changed is flas-
hing.
The symbol indicates an active parameter,
the - symbol indicates an inactive one.
Set the parameters according to the following algorithm:

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Parameter
Mains
voltage
RCD-AUTO parameters
Auto-OFF
Main re-
sult
of the loop
Symbol(s)
ENTER
Press ENTER to validate the last change and go to
the measurement function,
or
ESC
Press ESC to go the measurement function without vali-
dating the last change.
Note:
- Before first measurements, select the mains rated voltage Un(115/200V, 220/380V, 230/400V or
240/415V), used in the area where measurements are performed. This voltage value is used for cal-
culating the values of prospective short-circuit current.
- Symbol in this case indicates positive phase/polarity, while symbol - negative.
2.2 Remembering the last measurement result
The result of the latest measurement is remembered by the meter until a next measurement is
started or measurement settings are changed or the measuring function is changed by means of the
rotary switch or the meter is switched off. When you go to the output screen of a given function, you
can recall this result with ESC button by pressing ENTER. This applies to Z, RCD and RISO measu-
rements. The result of last measurement is remembered even after the meter is turned off and on
again.
2.3 Measurement of alternating voltage (AC)
The meter measures and displays alternating mains voltage in all measuring functions except
R. This voltage is measured for the frequencies within the range of 45..65 Hz. The test leads should
be connected as for a given measuring function.

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2.4 Checking the correctness of PE (protective earth) connections
or
PE
Note:
WARNING:
When a dangerous voltage is detected on PE conductor, measurements must
be immediately stopped and a fault in the installation must be removed.
- The person making a measurement must ensure that he/she is standing on a non-insulated floor du-
ring the measurement; otherwise the result of the measurement may be incorrect.
- The threshold value, which triggers the signal of exceeded allowable voltage on PE conduit, is ap-
proximately 50 V.
2.5 Measurement of fault loop parameters
If there are residual current devices in the network tested, they should be by-
passed by bridging for the period of impedance measurement. However, it
should be remembered that the tested circuit is modified in this way and the
obtained results may slightly differ from the actual results.
After completing measurements, always remove modifications introduced to
the tested system for the period of measurements and check the operation of
the residual current switch.
The above remark does not apply to measurements of short circuit loop impe-
dance with ZL-PE RCD function.
After connecting the meter according to the dra-
wing, touch the contact electrode with a finger
and wait for about 1 second. When voltage is fo-
und on PE the meter displays symbol (error in
the installation; PE connected to the phase con-
ductor) and generates a continuous beep. This
option is available for all measuring functions of
residual current devices (RCD) and for short
circuit loops excluding ZL-N,L-L.

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2.5.1 Selection of measurement parameters
Turn the rotary switch to one of
the loop impedance measure-
ment ranges.
Set the parameters according to the following algorithm,
and according to the rules described in general parameters
setting.
NOTE: WS-01 test lead with a mains plug is detected by
the meter and after that it is impossible to select the length
of the test lead (symbol is displayed). Before starting to
measurement, using test leads terminated with banana
plugs, select the appropriate length of the phase conductor,
compatible with the length of the test lead used for measu-
rement.
Parameter
Phase con-
ductor length
Note:
Using test leads from known manufacturers and selecting the correct length gu-
arantees the declared measurement accuracy.
2.5.2 Prospective short-circuit current
The meter always measures impedance. The short-circuit current is calculated according to the
following formula:
S
n
kZ
U
I
where: Un- mains rated voltage, ZS- measured impedance.

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On the basis of Unrated voltage selected (section 2.1), the meter automatically recognizes the
measurement at phase-to-neutral or phase-to-phase voltage and takes it into account in the calcula-
tions. If the voltage of the network being tested is outside the tolerance range, the meter will not be
able to determine a proper rated voltage for the short-circuit current calculation. In such a case, hori-
zontal dashes will be displayed instead a short-circuit current value. The following diagram shows vol-
tage ranges for which short-circuit current value is calculated.
230 400 440 U [V]
UL-N voltage ranges for which short-circuit
current value is calculated
Voltage range for which impedance measurement is made
207 253 360 103
115 127 180 200 220
220 380 418
198 242 342
373 415 440 216 240 264
103 440 U [V]
103 440 U [V]
103 U [V]
U =115V
n
U =220V
n
U =230V
n
U =240V
n
UL-L voltage ranges for which
short-circuit current value is calculated
2.5.3 Measurement of fault loop parameters in the L-N and L-L circuits
Turn on the meter.
Turn the rotary switch
to Z/UL-N,L-L position.
Depending on the needs, select the measurement parameters accor-
ding to section 2.5.1.

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or
N L N L
a) b)
Connect test
leads accor-
ding to the
drawing
a) for measu-
rement in the
L-N circuit
or
b) for measu-
rement in the
L-L circuit
The meter is ready for
measurement.
Phase conductor le-
ngth or the sym-
bol.
UL-N voltage
START
Make measurement by pressing
START push-button.
Read the main mea-
surement result: fault
loop impedance ZSor
short-circuit current
IK.
To read additional results, use and
buttons.

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R
fault loop re-
sistance
XL
fault loop re-
actance
IK
short-circuit
current or
ZS
fault loop im-
pedance
Mains voltage
at the time of
measurement
Note:
- Enter the result into memory (see section 3.2) or press ESC to return to the voltage measurement.
- When many measurements are made in short time intervals, the meter may emit a large amount of
heat. As a result of this, the enclosure of the device may become hot. This is normal and the meter is
equipped with the protection against excessive temperature.
- Minimum interval between successive measurements is 5 seconds. This is controlled by the meter
which displays the message informing that the measurement can be made.

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Additional information displayed by the meter
The meter is ready for measurement.
L-N!
Voltage on terminals L and N is not within the measura-
ble range.
Error during the measurement.
Error during the measurement –voltage dip after the mea-
surement.
Short circuit malfunction!
2.5.4 Measurement of fault loop parameters in the L-PE circuit
Turn on the meter.
Turn the rotary switch
to Z/UL-PE position.
Depending on the needs, select the measurement parameters accor-
ding to section 2.5.1.
or
N LPE
Connect
the test
leads
according
to one
of the
drawings.
Checking effectiveness of protection against electric shock
of the enclosure in case of: a) TN b) TT.

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PE L
0
a)
b)
The meter is ready
for measurement.
Phase conductor le-
ngth or the sym-
bol.
UL-PE voltage.
START
Make measurement by pressing START push-button.
Remaining issues connected with the measurements are the same as those described for measu-
rements in L-N circuit or L-L circuit.
Note:
- Double lead measurement is possible when a test lead other that the lead with a mains socket is
selected.
Additional information displayed by the meter
The meter is ready for measurement.
L-N!
For the lead with the plug - voltage on terminals L and N
is not within the measurable range.
L-PE!
Voltage on terminals L and PE is not within the measura-
ble range.
Error messages - as for the L-N and L-L measurement.
2.5.5 Measurement of short circuit loop impedance in L-PE circuit protected
with a residual current device (RCD)
MPI-505 enables the user to measure fault loop impedance without altering the systems equipped
with RCD's and with the rated current of at least 30mA.

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Turn on the meter.
Turn the rotary switch
to
ZL-PE
RCD
position.
Depending on the needs, select the measurement parameters accor-
ding to section 2.5.1.
Connect the test leads according to one of the drawings.
Remaining issues connected with the measurements are the same as those described for measu-
rements of the L-PE circuit.
Note:
- Maximum measurement time is about 32 seconds. The measurement can be interrupted by
pressing the ESC button.
- In the electrical installations with 30 mA RCD's the sum of leakage currents of the installation and
the test current may trigger the RCD. If this happens, try to reduce the leakage current in the tested
mains (for example by disconnecting loads).

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Additional information displayed by the meter
The meter is ready for measurement.
L-N!
Voltage on terminals L and N is not within the measura-
ble range.
L-PE!
Voltage on terminals L and PE is not within the measura-
ble range.
Conductor N is not connected.
Huge noise in the system during the measurement. The
measurement result may be affected by a large, unspeci-
fied uncertainty.
Error messages - as for the L-N and L-L measurement.
2.6 Measurement of RCD parameters
2.6.1 Measurement of RCD disconnection current
Turn on the meter.
Turn the rotary switch
to IAposition.
Set the parameters according to the following algorithm, and accor-
ding to the rules described in general parameters setting.
Parameter
In
Current
waveform
Type
of RCD
UL
Measurement
mode