Vanguard Instruments Company RFD-200 S3 User manual

RFD-200 S3
PORTABLE RELAY TEST SET
USER’S MANUAL
Vanguard Instruments Company, Inc.
1520 S. Hellman Ave.
Ontario, California 91761, USA
TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
July 2012
Revision 1

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SAFETY SUMMARY
FOLLOW EXACT OPERATING PROCEDURES
Any deviation from the procedures described in this User’s Manual may create one or more
safety hazards, may damage the RFD-200 S3, or cause errors in the test results. Vanguard
Instruments Company, Inc. assumes no liability for unsafe or improper use of the RFD-200 S3.
All safety precautions provided in this manual must be observed during all phases of testing
including test preparation, test lead connection, actual testing, and test lead disconnection.
SAFETY WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
Only trained operators shall use this device. All devices under test shall be off-line and fully
isolated.
DO NOT MODIFY TEST EQUIPMENT
To avoid the risk of introducing additional or unknown hazards, do not install substitute parts or
perform any unauthorized modification to any RFD-200 S3 test unit. To ensure that all designed
safety features are maintained, it is highly recommended that repairs be performed only by
Vanguard Instruments Company factory personnel or by an authorized repair service provider.
Unauthorized modifications can cause safety hazards and will void the manufacturer’s
warranty.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS DOCUMENT ..................................................................................... 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 General Description and Features ................................................................................... 2
1.2 RFD-200 S3 Technical Specifications................................................................................ 4
1.3 Controls and Indicators.................................................................................................... 6
2.0 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................. 7
2.1 RFD-200 S3 Auxiliary Power Supply................................................................................. 7
2.2 RFD-200 S3 Current and Voltage Sources........................................................................ 7
2.3 Control Switches .............................................................................................................. 8
2.3.1. Voltage and Current Source Output Controls .......................................................... 8
2.3.2. LCD Contrast Control................................................................................................ 8
2.4 Timer Start and Timer Stop Inputs................................................................................... 9
2.5 RFD-200 S3 Power Resistors ............................................................................................ 9
2.6 RFD-200 S3 External Voltage Input................................................................................ 10
2.7 RFD-200 S3 External Current Input................................................................................ 10
3.0 OPERATING PROCEDURES ................................................................................................. 11
3.1 Setting the Voltage or Current Source........................................................................... 11
3.2 Setting the RFD-200 S3 for a Time Delay Test ............................................................... 12
3.3 Using the RFD-200 S3’s Timer to Test Circuit Breaker Response Time ......................... 15
3.4 Using the RFD-200 S3’s Timer in Single Input Mode ..................................................... 17
3.5 Using the RFD-200 S3 to Plot a Current Transformer Excitation Curve ........................ 19
3.6 Using the RFD-200 S3 to Measure CT Primary and Secondary Currents....................... 21
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. RFD-200 S3 Technical Specifications................................................................................. 4
Table 2. RFD-200 S3 Output Specifications .................................................................................... 5
Table 3. RFD-200 S3 Timing Accuracy............................................................................................. 5
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. RFD-200 S3 Controls and Indicators ................................................................................ 6
Figure 2. Typical Over Current Relay Connection......................................................................... 14
Figure 3. Typical Circuit Breaker Timing Connection.................................................................... 16
Figure 4. Typical CT Excitation Test Connection ........................................................................... 20
Figure 5. Typical CT Turns Ratio Test Connection......................................................................... 23

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CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS DOCUMENT
This document uses the following conventions:
•A key, switch, input, or knob on the RFD-200 S3 is indicated as [KEY], [SWITCH],
[INPUT], [KNOB].
•RFD-200 S3 LCD screen output is shown as:
•Warning messages are indicated as:
WARNING
Warning message
•Important notes are indicated as:
NOTE
Note details
0mS 0.0CY
V Mtr: -0.003 V
Int I: 0.080 A
Ext I: -0.001A

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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 General Description and Features
The RFD-200 S3 is a portable relay test set that delivers performance verification testing of
electromechanical, electronic, and microprocessor-based protective relays in their operating
installations. The RFD-200 S3 is a rugged test set suitable for testing a variety of protection
relays operated in both indoor and outdoor environments. The unit’s ergonomic design and
intuitive control panel layout make it ideal for first-time users who have little or no training.
Built-in Digital Timer
The RFD-200 S3’s digital timer features independent start and stop trigger inputs designed to
measure the time between event transitions and to display the elapsed time in both milli-
seconds and cycles. The RFD-200 S3’s timer has three different trigger inputs – Internal Trigger,
Dry-Contact, or Wet-Contact. The Internal Trigger can start or stop the timer by sensing the
application or removal of the unit’s voltage or current source. The Dry-Contact can trigger the
timer by detecting a change in state of the dry-contact input. Similarly, the Wet-Contact can
trigger the timer by detecting a change in state of the voltage input. Thus, the three inputs can
trigger the timer by the presence or removal of the unit’s voltage or current source or by
changes in voltage or current states.
AC Current Source
An AC current source with three outputs (10A, 40A, and 100A) provides test current to relays.
The current source output can be programmed to synchronize with the RFD-200 S3’s timer.
After a test is completed, the test current reading is latched and displayed on the LCD screen.
This feature reduces the possibility of overheating the relay coils.
Auxiliary Output Contact
A set of NO/NC dry contacts (240 Vac/3A) change state when a test is initiated.
AC Voltage Source
An AC voltage source (0-250 Vac) is available. The AC voltage source output can be
programmed to synchronize with the RFD 200 S3’s timer.
DC Voltage Source
A 0 – 300 Vdc voltage source is also available. The DC voltage source can also be programmed
to synchronize with the RFD-200 S3’s timer
Volt Meter
One volt meter input (0 to 600 V input range) is available on the RFD-200 S3.

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Ampere Meters
The test current is displayed on the unit’s backlit LCD screen that is viewable in both bright
sunlight and low-light levels. The current measuring range is from 0.00 to 250 A. A second
ampere meter is also available and can be used to read an external current input. The external
current input is rated at 6 A max and is protected by a circuit-breaker.
Auxiliary AC/DC Power Supplies
The RFD-200 S3 provides three power supplies (24 Vdc, 48 Vdc and 124 Vdc) for powering solid-
state or microprocessor-based relays.
Built-in Power Resistor
The RFD-200 S3 features built-in power resistors for fine current adjustment.

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1.2 RFD-200 S3 Technical Specifications
Table 1. RFD-200 S3 Technical Specifications
TYPE Portable relay test set
INPUT POWER 100 – 120 Vac or 200 – 240 Vac (factory pre-set), 50/60 Hz
PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS Dimensions: 16.8”W x 12.6”H x 12”D (42.7 cm x 32.0 cm x 30.5 cm);
Weight: 35 lbs (15.9 kg)
AMPERE METER INPUT
RANGES
Internal input range: 0 – 250 A; Accuracy: 2% of reading ±10 mA
External AC input range: 0 – 6A; Accuracy: 1% of reading ±10mA
External DC input range: 0 – 6A; Accuracy: 0.5% of reading ±1 count
Measurement Method: True RMS for AC
VOLT METER INPUT RANGE 0 – 600.0V; AC accuracy: 1% of reading ±1 count; DC accuracy 0.5% of
reading ±1 count
Measurement Method: True RMS for AC
POWER RESISTORS 5 Ω/50 W, 1 Ω/50 W, 25 Ω/50 W, 100 Ω/50 W, 500 Ω/50 W
DRY CONTACT OUTPUT 3A, 240 Vac or 120 Vdc
AUXILIARY POWER SUPPLIES 24 Vdc @ 1 A, 48 Vdc @ 0.25 A, 124 Vdc @ 0.125 A
SAFETY Designed to meet IEC61010 (1995), UL61010A-1, CSA-C22.2 standards
ENVIRONMENT Operating: -10°C to +50°C (+15°F to +122°F);
Storage: -30°C to +70°C (-22°F to +158°F)
HUMIDITY 90% RH @ 40°C (104°F) non-condensing
ALTITUDE 2,000 m (6,562 ft) to full safety specifications
OPTIONS Transportation case
WARRANTY One year on parts and labor
NOTE
The above specifications are valid at nominal operating voltage and at a
temperature of 25°C (77°F). Specifications may change without prior notice.

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Table 2. RFD-200 S3 Output Specifications
AC CURRENT OUTPUT
Range No-Load Voltage Load Voltage Load Current Load/Unload Times
10A 90 Vac 75 Vac 10 A 2 min / 15 min
40 A 25 Vac 20 Vac 40 A 1 min / 15 min
100 A 10 Vac 7.25 Vac 100 A 1 min / 15 min
100 A 10 Vac 3 Vac 250 A 1 sec / 5 min
AC VOLTAGE OUTPUT
Range No-Load Voltage Load Voltage Load Current Load/Unload Times
250 Vac 260 Vac 240 Vac 3 A 10 min / 45 min
DC VOLTAGE OUTPUT
Range No-Load Voltage Load Voltage Load Current Load/Unload Times
300 Vdc 300 Vdc 250 Vdc 2A 10 min / 45 min
Table 3. RFD-200 S3 Timing Accuracy
RFD-200 S3 TIMER SECOND DISPLAY
IN SECONDS AND CYCLES (50/60 HZ PROGRAMMABLE)
Range Resolution Accuracy
0 to 9.999 sec 1 ms ± (1 ms + 0.01%)
10.00 to 99.99 sec 10 ms ± (10 ms + 0.01%)
100.00 to 999.999 sec 100 ms ± (100 ms + 0.01%)
TIMER CYCLES DISPLAY
Range Resolution Accuracy
0 to 9.999 cycles 0.1 cycle ± (0.1 cycle + 0.01%)
1,000 to 49,999 cycles / 50 Hz 1 cycle ± (1 cycle + 0.01%)

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1.3 Controls and Indicators
The RFD-200 S3’s controls and indicators are shown in Figure 1. The purpose of the controls and
indicators may seem obvious, but users should become familiar with them before using the
RFD-200 S3. Accidental misuse of the controls will usually cause no serious harm. Users should
also be familiar with the safety summary found on the front page of this User’s Manual.
Figure 1. RFD-200 S3 Controls and Indicators

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2.0 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
2.1 RFD-200 S3 Auxiliary Power Supply
The RFD-200 S3 provides 3 auxiliary power supplies (24 Vdc, 48 Vdc, and 125 Vdc) for powering
electronic relays. Each power supply is fuse-protected. The power supply outputs are controlled
by the auxiliary power supply [ON/OFF] button. The LED next to the [ON/OFF] button is
illuminated when the power supply output is turned on.
Only one auxiliary power supply can be selected at a time. The [PWS SELECT] button (item
21 in Figure 1) is used to select the power supply. The active power supply is indicated by an
illuminated LED above the corresponding voltage label.
2.2 RFD-200 S3 Current and Voltage Sources
The RFD-200 S3 front panel offers three AC current source terminals (100A, 40A, 10A). Only one
current source should be used at a time. The [METER SELECT] button is used to select
whether to display the current generated by the RFD-200 S3 or the current input at the [EXT
INPUT CURRENT] terminals. The [RFD-200 CURRENT] LED will be illuminated when an
internal RFD-200 current source is in use and the output current is displayed on the LCD. The
internal current is labeled as “Int I:” on the LCD screen as shown below:
Two isolated voltage sources are also available, one 0-250 Vac and one 0-300 Vdc. Both the
current and voltage sources are controlled by the [OUTPUT CONTROL] knob .
0mS 0.0CY
V Mtr: -0.003 V
Int I: 0.080 A
Ext I: -0.001A
Internal Current