Uniks NOVA Safety guide

Manual for installation tester NOVA and
NOVA PRO

NOVA and NOVA PRO
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NOVA and NOVA PRO
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Sommario
1. Preface............................................................................................................................................................................... 4
2. Safety and operational considerations............................................................................................................................... 5
2.1. Warnings and notes .......................................................................................................................................................... 5
2.2. Batteries............................................................................................................................................................................ 7
2.3. Charging ............................................................................................................................................................................ 7
2.4. Precautions on charging of new battery cells or cells unused for a longer period ........................................................... 7
2.5. Standards applied ............................................................................................................................................................. 8
3. Instrument description....................................................................................................................................................... 9
3.1. Front panel........................................................................................................................................................................ 9
3.2. Connector panel.............................................................................................................................................................. 10
3.3. Back panel....................................................................................................................................................................... 10
3.4. Bottom view –Information label .................................................................................................................................... 12
3.5. Carrying the instrument.................................................................................................................................................. 12
4. Instrument operation....................................................................................................................................................... 13
4.1. Meaning of symbols and messages on the Instrument display ...................................................................................... 13
4.2. The online voltage and output terminal monitor ........................................................................................................... 14
4.3. Message field –battery status........................................................................................................................................ 14
4.4. Status field –measurement warnings/results symbols .................................................................................................. 15
4.5. Sound warnings............................................................................................................................................................... 15
4.6. Performing measurement............................................................................................................................................... 16
4.6.1. Measurement function/sub-function.................................................................................................................. 16
4.6.2. Selecting measurement function/ sub-function................................................................................................. 16
4.6.3. Performing tests ................................................................................................................................................... 16
4.6.4. Setup menu............................................................................................................................................................ 16
4.7. Help screen ..................................................................................................................................................................... 17
5. Measurements................................................................................................................................................................. 18
5.1. MInsulation resistance ............................................................................................................................................... 18
5.2. Continuity........................................................................................................................................................................ 19
5.2.1. R low test............................................................................................................................................................... 19
5.2.2. Continuity test....................................................................................................................................................... 22
5.3. Testing RCDs.................................................................................................................................................................... 23
5.3.1. Limit contact voltage ............................................................................................................................................ 24
5.3.2. Nominal differential trip-out current.................................................................................................................. 24
5.3.3. Multiplier of nominal residual current................................................................................................................ 24
5.3.4. RCD type and test current starting polarity........................................................................................................ 24
5.3.5. Testing selective (time-delayed) RCDs ............................................................................................................... 24
5.3.6. Contact voltage...................................................................................................................................................... 25
5.3.7. Trip-out time......................................................................................................................................................... 27

NOVA and NOVA PRO
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5.3.8. Trip-out current.................................................................................................................................................... 28
5.3.9. Autotest ................................................................................................................................................................. 30
5.4. Z LOOP Fault loop impedance and prospective fault current ......................................................................................... 35
5.4.1. Fault loop impedance ........................................................................................................................................... 35
5.4.2. The fault loop impedance test RCD (for RCD protected circuits)...................................................................... 37
5.5. Z LINE Line impedance and prospective short-circuit current ........................................................................................ 39
5.5.1 V% Voltage drop test........................................................................................................................................ 41
5.6 Phase sequence testing................................................................................................................................................... 44
5.7 Voltage and frequency .................................................................................................................................................... 45
5.8 Re Earth Resistance (Only NOVA PRO)............................................................................................................................ 47
5.8.1. Earth Resistance (Re) - 3-wire, 4wire ................................................................................................................. 47
5.8.2. Specific earth resistance (Ro only NOVA PRO).................................................................................................. 49
6Maintenance.................................................................................................................................................................... 51
6.1. Replacing fuses................................................................................................................................................................ 51
6.2. Cleaning........................................................................................................................................................................... 51
6.3. Periodic calibration ......................................................................................................................................................... 51
6.4. Service............................................................................................................................................................................. 51
7Technical specifications.................................................................................................................................................... 53
7.1 Insulation resistance ....................................................................................................................................................... 53
7.2 Continuity resistance ...................................................................................................................................................... 53
7.3 RCD testing...................................................................................................................................................................... 54
7.4 Fault loop impedance and prospective fault current...................................................................................................... 56
7.5 Line impedance and prospective short-circuit current................................................................................................... 57
7.6 Phase rotation................................................................................................................................................................. 57
7.7 Voltage and frequency .................................................................................................................................................... 57
7.8 Earth Resistance (only NOVA PRO) ................................................................................................................................. 58
7.9 General data.................................................................................................................................................................... 59
8Storing measurements ..................................................................................................................................................... 60
8.1. Overview ......................................................................................................................................................................... 60
8.2. Saving results .................................................................................................................................................................. 61
8.3. Recalling results .............................................................................................................................................................. 63
8.4. Deleting results ............................................................................................................................................................... 64
9USB communication......................................................................................................................................................... 65
9.1. MFT Records - PC software ............................................................................................................................................. 65
9.2. Downloading records to PC............................................................................................................................................. 65

NOVA and NOVA PRO
Safety and operational considerations
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1. Preface
Congratulations on the purchase of the NOVA or NOVA PRO instrument from UNIKS Srl ! The design of the
instrument is based on the experience of UNIKS, acquired
through many years of management of equipment for safety tests in civil and industrial electrical systems.
The NOVA series allows you to perform the following measurements and tests:
Continuity test with 200mA or continuously with 7mA
Insulation resistance test up to 1000V
RCD type A,AC,F,B,B+ and EV test with 6mA DC
High current Line/Loop impedance measurement
Measurement of global ground resistance Ra in differential-protected TT systems.
Voltage and frequency,
Cyclic sense of phases,
Ground resistance with the Voltamperometric method (Only NOVA PRO)
Soil resistivity (Only Nova PRO)
Large color TFT display with backlight provides easy-to-read results, directions,
measurement parameters and error messages.
The Nova series allows you to save all the measurements in the internal memory and through THE USB port will
allow you to create REPORTS of the measurements in Excel form then customizable by the user.
NOVA Tool:
Standard accessories:
3 pcs. PVC test cables (1 m)
1 pcs. Schuko-plug cable,
3 pcs. Tips
3 pcs. crocodile clip
1 pcs instruction manual IT
1 rigid carrying bag with shoulder strap
1 Software including USB and SW cable for Excel-based PC reporting
Optional Accessories:
1 SET battery charger consisting of batteries ( 6 x 1.2V without Ni-MHbrand), charging circuit, plug-in power
supply............ Code. N1180
1 remote TIP with TEST button............. code N1400
1 EV CHECK Accessory for the test of electric charging stations....... Code EV CHECK
NOVA PRO tool
Standard accessories:
3 pcs. PVC test cables (1 m)
1 pcs. Schuko-plug test cable,
3 pcs. test probes
3 pcs. crocodile clip
1 pcs instruction manual EN
1 carrying bag with shoulder strap
1 SET battery charger consisting of batteries ( 6 x 1.2V without Ni-Mh), charging circuit, plug-in power supply
1 Software including USB and SW cable for Excel-based PC reporting
Optional Accessories:
1 Set of ground kit consisting of 4 cables and 4 pegs...... Code N2030
1 REMOTE TIP code.... N1400
1 EV CHECK Accessory for the test of electric charging stations. Code EV CHECK

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Safety and operational considerations
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ff
2. Safety and operational considerations
2.1.Warnings and notes
In order to maintain the highest level of operator safety while carrying out various tests and
measurements, UNIKS SRL recommends keeping your NOVA AND NOVA PRO
instruments in best possible condition and undamaged.When using the instrument,
consider the following general warnings:
❑ The symbol means »Mark on your equipment certifies that it meets
requirements of all subjected EU regulations. «
❑ The symbol means »This equipment should be recycled as electronic waste.
«
❑ The symbol on the instrument means »Read the Instruction manual with
special care for safe operation«. The symbol requires an action!
❑ The symbol means »Danger: risk of high voltage! «
❑ The symbol means »Class II: Double Insulated«. No need for safety
connection to Earth.
❑ If the test equipment is used in a manner not specified in this user manual, the
protection provided by the equipment could be impaired!

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Safety and operational considerations
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❑ Read this user manual carefully, otherwise the use of the instrument may be
dangerous for the operator, the instrument or for the equipment under test!
❑ Stop using the instrument or any of the accessories if any damage is
noticed!
❑ If a fuse blows in the instrument, follow the instructions in this manual in order
to replace it!
❑ Consider all generally known precautions in order to avoid risk of electric shock
while dealing with hazardous voltages!
❑ Do not use the instrument in supply systems with voltages higher than 550V!
❑ Service intervention or adjustment is only allowed to be carried out by
competent authorized personnel!
❑ Use only standard or optional test accessories supplied by your
distributor!
❑ The instrument comes supplied with rechargeable Ni-MH battery cells. The
cells should only be replaced with the same type as defined on the battery
compartment label or as described in this manual. Do not use standard
alkaline battery cells while the power supply adapter is connected, otherwise
they may explode!
❑ Hazardous voltages exist inside the instrument. Disconnect all test leads,
remove the power supply cable and switch off the instrument before removing
battery compartment cover.
❑ All normal safety precautions must be taken in order to avoid risk of
electric shock while working on electricalinstallations!
Warnings related to measurement functions
Insulation resistance
❑ Insulation resistance measurement should only be performed on de-energized
objects!
❑ When measuring the insulation resistance between installation conductors, all loads
must be disconnected and all switches closed!
❑ Do not touch the test object during the measurement or before it is fully
discharged! Risk of electric shock!
❑ Do not connect test terminals to external voltage higher than 550 V (AC or DC) in order
not to damage the test instrument!
Continuity functions
❑ Continuity measurements should only be performed on de-energizedobjects!
❑ Parallel impedances or transient currents may influence test results.
Testing PE terminal
❑ If phase voltage is detected on the tested PE terminal, stop all measurements
immediately and ensure the cause of the fault is eliminated before proceeding with
any activity!

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Safety and operational considerations
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Notes related to measurement functions
General
❑ The ! indicator means that the selected measurement cannot be performed
because of irregular conditions on input terminals.
❑ Insulation resistance, continuity functions and earth resistance measurements can
only be performed on de-energized objects.
❑ PASS / FAIL indication is enabled when limit is set. Apply appropriate limit value for
evaluation of measurement results.
❑ In the case that only two of the three wires are connected to the electrical
installation under test, only voltage indication between these two wires isvalid.
Insulation resistance
❑ If voltages of higher than 10 V (AC or DC) are detected between test terminals, the
insulation resistance measurement will not be performed.
Continuity functions
❑ If voltages of higher than 10 V (AC or DC) are detected between test terminals, the
continuity resistance test will not be performed.
❑ Before performing a continuity measurement, where necessary, compensate test lead
resistance.
RCD functions
❑ Parameters set in one function are also kept for other RCDfunctions!
❑ The measurement of contact voltage does not normally trip an RCD. However, the trip
limit of the RCD may be exceeded as a result of leakage current flowing to the PE
protective conductor or a capacitive connection between L and PE conductors.
❑ RCD trip-out time and RCD trip-out current measurements will only be performed if the
contact voltage in the pre-test at nominal differential current is lower than the set contact
voltage limit!
❑ The auto-test sequence (RCD AUTO function) stops when trip-out time is out of
allowable time period.
Loop impedance (with No-Trip RCD option)
❑ Isc depends on Z, Un and scaling factor
❑ The current limit depends on fuse type, fuse current rating, fuse trip-out time
❑ The specified accuracy of tested parameters is valid only if the mains voltage is stable
during the measurement.
❑ Fault loop impedance measurements will trip anRCD.
❑ The measurement of fault loop impedance using trip-lock function does not normally trip
an RCD. However, the trip limit may be exceeded as a result of leakage current flowing
to the PE protective conductor or a capacitive connection between L and PE
conductors.
Line impedance
❑ Isc depends on Z, Un and scaling factor
❑ The current limit depends on fuse type, fuse current rating, fuse trip-out time
❑ The specified accuracy of tested parameters is valid only if the mains voltage is stable
during the measurement.

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Safety and operational considerations
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2.2. Batteries
When connected to an installation, the instruments battery compartment can contain
hazardous voltage inside! When replacing battery cells or before opening the
battery/fuse compartment cover, disconnect any measuring accessory connected to the
instrument and turn off the instrument,
❑ Ensure that the battery cells are inserted correctly otherwise the instrument will not
operate and the batteries could be discharged.
❑ If the instrument is not to be used for a long period of time, remove all batteries from
the battery compartment.
❑ Rechargeable Ni-MH batteries (size AA) can be used. It is recommended only using of
rechargeable batteries with a capacity of 2300mAh or above.
❑ Do not recharge alkaline battery cells!
2.3.Charging
The batteries will begin charging whenever the power supply adapter is connected to the
instrument. The built-in protection circuits control the charging procedure and assure maximum
battery lifetime. The power supply socket polarity is shown in figure 2.1.
- +
Note:
Figure 2.1: Power supply socket polarity
Use only power supply adapter delivered from the manufacturer or distributor of the test
equipment to avoid possible fire or electric shock!
2.4.Precautions on charging of new battery cells or cells unused for a longer period
Unpredictable chemical processes can occur during the charging of new battery cells or cells
that have been left unused for long periods of time (more than 3 months).
When using an external intelligent battery charger, one complete discharging/charging cycle can
be performed automatically. After performing this procedure, a normal battery capacity should be
fully restored and the operating time of the instrument will approximately meet the data set out in
the in the technical specification.
Notes:
❑ The charger in the instrument is a pack cell charger. This means that the cells are
connected in series during the charging so all of them must be in similar state
(similarly charged, same type and age).

NOVA AND NOVA PRO
Safety and operational considerations
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❑ If even one deteriorated battery cell (or just one of a different type e.g. capacity,
chemical design) can cause disrupted charging of the entire battery pack which could
lead to overheating of the battery pack and a significant decrease in the operating
time.
❑ If no improvement is achieved after performing several charging/discharging cycles,
the state of each individual battery cells should be determined (by comparing battery
voltages, checking them in a cell charger, etc). It is very likely that one or more of the
battery cells could have deteriorated.
❑ The effects described above should not be mixed with the normal battery capacity
decrease over time. All charging batteries lose some of their capacity when
repeatedly charged/discharged. The actual decrease in capacity compared to the
number of charging cycles depends on the battery type. This information is normally
provided in the technical specification from batterymanufacturer.
2.5.Standards applied
The NOVA and NOVA PRO instrument is manufactured and tested in accordance with
the following regulations:
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
EN 61326 Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use
–EMC requirements
Class B (Hand-held equipment used in controlled EM
environments)
Safety (LVD)
EN 61010-1 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement,
control and laboratory use –Part 1: Generalrequirements
EN 61010-031 Safety requirements for hand-held probe assemblies for electrical
measurement and test
Functionality
EN 61557 Electrical safety in low voltage distribution systems up to 1000 VAC
and 1500 VAC –Equipment for testing, measuring or monitoring of
protective measures
Part 1............General requirements
Part 2............Insulation resistance
Part 3............Loop resistance
Part 4............Resistance of earth connection and equipotential
bonding
Part 5............Resistance to earth
Part 6............Residual current devices (RCDs) in TT and TN
systems
Part 7............Phase sequence
Part 10..........Combined measuring equipment
DIN VDE 0100
Note about EN and IEC standards:
❑ Text of this manual contains references to European standards. All standards of EN
6XXXX (e.g. EN 61010) series are equivalent to IEC standards with the same number
(e.g. IEC 61010) and differ only in amended parts required by European
harmonization procedure.

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Instrument description
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3. Instrument description
3.1.Front panel
Figure 3.1: Front panel
Legend:
1–Measure selector FCT
2- Backlight button (3 lighting levels)
3- Settings key
4 - Exit/Back/Return button
5 - Memory key
6- ZERO button to reset the resistance of the cables during the continuity measurement
7- Help button to view the connection diagrams
8 - Up and down keys
9- Left and right keys
10- TEST button for start/confirm the measurement.
11- Color TFT display
12 - ON/OFF button

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Instrument description
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3.2.Connector panel
Figure 3.2: Connector panel
Legend:
1 - Test connector.
Warning! Maximum allowed voltage between test terminals and ground is 600V!
Maximal allowed voltage between test terminals is 550 V!
2 - Socket for probe with Test push button
3 - Protection cover.
3.3.Back panel
Figure 3.3: Back panel
Legend:
1 - Battery/fuse compartment cover.
2 - Information label.
3 - Fixing screws for battery/fuse compartment cover.
1
2
3

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Instrument description
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1 2 3
4 5
Figure 3.4.: Battery and fuse compartment
Legend:
1Fuse F3.
2Fuse F2.
3Fuse F1.
4Battery cells (size AA).
5Battery contacts.

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Instrument description
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3.4.Bottom view –Information label
Figure 3.5: Bottom panel information label
3.5.Carrying the instrument
The neck strap supplied in standard set allows the instrument to be carried in a variety of
different ways. The operator can choose the most appropriate method based on the tasks they
are performing.
The instrument can be hung around operator's neck allowing the instrument to move freely.
This allows equipment to be moved quickly between test locations.

NOVA AND NOVA PRO
Instrument operation
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4. Instrument operation
4.1.Meaning of symbols and messages on the Instrument display
The instrument display is divided into several sections:
Figure 4.1: Display outlook
Legend:
1 - Function line.
2 - Result field.
In this field the main result and sub-results are displayed.
3 - Status field
PASS/FAIL/ABORT/START/WAIT/WARNINGS status are displayed.
4 - Online voltage and output monitor.
Shows symbolized plugs, names the plugs depending on the measurements, always
shows the actual voltages.
5 - Options field
6 - Battery status indication
7 - Current time

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Instrument operation
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4.2.The online voltage and output terminal monitor
Online voltages are displayed together with test terminal
indication. All three test terminals are used for selected
measurement.
Online voltages are displayed together with test terminal
indication. L and N test terminals are used for selected
measurement.
4.3.Message field –battery status
Battery power indication.
Low battery indication. Battery pack is too weak to
guarantee correct result. Replace the batteries.
Recharging is shown by a LED near the supply socket.

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Instrument operation
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4.4.Status field –measurement warnings/results symbols
4.5.Sound warnings
Figure 4-1 List of status symbols
Short high sound button pressed
continued sound during continuity test when result is <35 Ohm
upwards sound attention, dangerous voltage applied
Short sound power off, end of measurement
downwards sound warnings (temperature, voltage at input, start not possible)
Warning! Phase voltage on the PE terminal! Stop all the
Periodic sound measurements immediately and eliminate the fault before proceeding
with any activity!

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Instrument operation
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4.6.Performing measurement
4.6.1. Measurement function/sub-function
NOVA and NOVA PRO:
❑ V-Hz-(Voltage/Frequency/Phase Direction Measurement)
❑ R Low (continuity with 200mA) / Continuity (with 7mA)
❑ M(insulation resistance)
❑ Z LINE (Line Impedance) / V% (Voltage Drop on line)
❑ Z Loop (high current L-PE line impedance) / Rs Non-Trip earth Loop Resistance
❑ RCD (test of RCD devices of type A, AC, F up to 1A and B, B+ up to 500mA)
Only NOVA PRO
❑ Re (Earth Resistance with Voltamperometric Method / Soil Resistivity)
The name of the function/sub-function is highlighted on the display by default.
4.6.2. Selecting measurement function/ sub-function
Using navigation keys ▲▼ select the parameter/limit value you want to edit. By using
◀▶ keys the value for the selected parameter can be set.
Once the measurement parameters are set, the settings are retained until new changes are
made.
4.6.3. Performing tests
When symbol is displayed test can be started by pressing the “TEST” button. After
completion of the test its result value and status will be displayed. In case ofPASSED
measurement, result value will be displayed in black color along with the status symbol. In
case of NOT PASSED measurement, the result value will be marked in red color along withthe
symbol.
4.6.4. Setup menu
To enter the Setup menu, press the SETUP key. In the Setup menu, the following actions can
be taken:
❑ Isc factor:
Set prospective short/fault current scaling factor
❑ Date/Time:
Set internal date and time
❑ Start function:
Selected function will start when switched on
❑ RCD standard:
Select national standard for RCD testing, e.g EN61008 or BS7671
❑ ELV:Select voltage for ELV warning.

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Instrument operation
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❑ Power off time:
Select time when device should switch off if not used.
❑ Cont timeout:
Select time-out when measurement should stop automatically.
❑ ISO timeout:
Select time-out when measurement should stop automatically.
❑ Supply system:
Select supply network/system, e.g. TN or IT.
❑ Device info:
Shows info about device, e.g. Firmware version
4.7.Help screen
The Help screens contain diagrams that show the correct use of the device.
Figure 4-8: example of a help screen
Press the HLP key to enter the help screen
Press the HLP key or the Exit/Back/Return key to exit the help screen
Press the Left and Right keys to switch to previous/next help screen

NOVA AND NOVA PRO
Measurements
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5. Measurements
5.1. MInsulation resistance
The Insulation resistance measurement is performed in order to ensure safety against electric
shock. Using this measurement, the following items can be determined:
❑ Insulation resistance between installation conductors,
❑ Insulation resistance of non-conductive rooms (walls and floors),
❑ Insulation resistance of ground cables,
❑ Resistance of semi-conductive (antistatic) floors.
How to perform an insulation resistance measurement
Step 1 Select Insulation function with the function selector FCT key. The following
menu is displayed:
Figure 5-1: Insulation resistance measurement menu
Step 2 Set the following measuring parameter and limitvalues:
❑ Volt: Nominal test voltage,
❑ Limit: Low limit resistance value.
Step 3 Ensure that no voltages are present on the item for testing. Connect the test leads to the
NOVA instrument. Connect the test cables to the item under test. (see figure 5.2) to
perform insulation resistance measurement.
Figure 5-2: Connection of universal test cable