Vanguard Instruments Company CT-3500 S2 User manual

CT-3500 S2
Digital Circuit Breaker Timer
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 CT-3500 S2, or cause errors in the test results. Vanguard
Instruments Company, Inc. assumes no liability for unsafe or improper use of the CT-3500 S2.
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 the CT-3500 S2. All devices under test shall be off-line and fully
isolated. Do not perform test procedures or service alone.
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 CT-3500 S2 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.
WARNING
Do not remove test leads during a test. Failure to heed this warning can result in electrical
shock to personnel and damage to the equipment.
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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 Technical Specifications ................................................................................................... 3
1.3 CT-3500 S2 Controls and Indicators................................................................................. 4
2.0 PRE-TEST SETUP ................................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Operating Voltages .......................................................................................................... 5
2.2 LCD Screen Contrast Control............................................................................................ 5
3.0 OPERATING PROCEDURES ................................................................................................... 6
3.1 Connection Diagrams....................................................................................................... 6
3.3 Setting the Frequency...................................................................................................... 9
3.4 Using a PC to Retrieve Test Shots from the CT-3500 S2................................................ 10
3.5 Testing Procedures ........................................................................................................ 12
3.5.1. Entering Test Record Header Information ............................................................. 12
3.5.2. Timing an OPEN Operation..................................................................................... 15
3.5.3. Timing a CLOSE Operation...................................................................................... 18
3.5.4. Timing an OPEN-CLOSE Operation ......................................................................... 21
3.5.5. Timing a CLOSE-OPEN Operation ........................................................................... 24
3.5.6. Timing a Special OPEN Operation .......................................................................... 27
3.6 Working With Test Shots ............................................................................................... 30
3.6.1. Viewing the Contents of the Working Memory ..................................................... 30
3.6.2. Saving Test Results to a Test Shot .......................................................................... 32
3.6.3. Restoring a Test Shot From Flash EEPROM............................................................ 34
3.6.4. Restoring a Test Shot From a USB Flash Drive ....................................................... 37
3.6.5. Copying Test Records to a USB Flash Drive............................................................ 39
3.6.6. Printing the Test Record Directory......................................................................... 42
3.6.7. Erasing Test Records from the Flash EEPROM ....................................................... 44
3.7 Performing Cable Diagnostics........................................................................................ 47
4.0 Getting the Latest Firmware, Software, and Manuals....................................................... 48
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. CT-3500 S2 Technical Specifications ................................................................................. 3
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. CT-3500 S2 Controls and Indicators................................................................................. 4
Figure 2. Typical CT-3500 S2 Connection Diagram (Trigger Cable with 4 Leads) ........................... 6
Figure 3. Typical CT-3500 S2 Connection Diagram (Trigger Cable with 3 Leads) ........................... 7
Figure 4. Sample OPEN Test Results Printout............................................................................... 17
Figure 5. Sample CLOSE Test Results Printout.............................................................................. 20
Figure 6. Sample OPEN-CLOSE Test Results Printout ................................................................... 23
Figure 7. Sample CLOSE-OPEN Test Results Printout ................................................................... 26
Figure 8. Sample Special OPEN Test Results Printout................................................................... 29
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CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS DOCUMENT
This document uses the following conventions:
•A key, switch, or knob on the CT-3500 S2 is indicated as [KEY], [SWITCH], [KNOB].
•Menu options are referenced as (MENU OPTION).
•The terms “test record” and “test shot” are used interchangeably.
•CT-3500 S2 screen output is shown as:
•When instructions are provided, the menu item that should be selected is shown in bold as
shown below (option 3 should be selected):
•Warning messages are indicated as:
WARNING
Warning message
•Important notes are indicated as:
NOTE
Note details
1. OPTION 1
2. OPTION 2
3. OPTION 3
4. OPTION 4
5. OPTION 5
1. OPTION 1
2. OPTION 2
3. OPTION 3
4. OPTION 4
5. OPTION 5
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 General Description and Features
The CT-3500 S2 is Vanguard’s second generation, stand-alone, digital, microprocessor-
controlled, circuit-breaker timer. It measures the elapsed time from the instant a breaker coil is
energized to the instant of opening or closing of a circuit-breaker’s dry contacts. In addition to
timing a breaker’s contact response time, the CT-3500 S2 can also time relays or other
switching functions that use an initiating trigger voltage (24-300 Volts DC or AC). The timer-
triggering voltage starts three independent electronic timers. Each timer is individually stopped
by its respective dry-contact closing or opening. The CT-3500 can fully analyze the timing of all
circuit breaker operations (Open, Close, Open – Close, and Close – Open). Timing results are
displayed in milliseconds and cycles on the unit’s back-lit LCD screen and can be printed on the
built-in 2.5-inch wide thermal printer.
Contact Timing Inputs
The CT-3500 S2 features three dry-contact, timer-channel monitoring inputs. The dry-contact
channels use an isolated 15 Vdc power supply to monitor the circuit breaker contact states. All
inputs are shunted to ground until the instant a test is initiated. All contact timing inputs are
protected against static discharge. A contact self-test cable-mode is also available for testing
cables or connections to the breaker.
User Interface
The CT-3500 S2 features a back-lit LCD screen (128 x 64 pixels) that is viewable in both bright
sunlight and low-light levels. A rugged, 44-key, "QWERTY" membrane keypad is used to control
the unit and input data. The unit's built-in 2.5-inch wide thermal printer can be used to print
test reports.
Internal Test Record Storage
The CT-3500 S2 can store up to 128 test records in Flash EEPROM. Test records can be retrieved
and printed on the built-in thermal printer, or they can be transferred to a PC via the unit’s USB
interface. The USB interface can also be used for diagnostic testing and for updating firmware.
The CT-3500 S2 also features a USB Flash drive interface that can be used to store test records
on an external USB Flash drive. A Windows®-based Circuit Breaker Analysis application is
provided with each unit and can be used to transfer test records to a PC. Test records can also
be reviewed, printed or exported in Excel, PDF, and XML formats for further analysis.
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1.2 Technical Specifications
Table 1. CT-3500 S2 Technical Specifications
TYPE portable circuit-breaker analyzer
PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS 16”W x 7”H x 13” D (40.6 cm x 17.4 cm x 33 cm); Weight: 14 lbs. (6.4 Kg)
INPUT POWER 100-240 Vac, 50/60 Hz
DRY-CONTACT INPUT 3 channels
TRIGGER INPUT VOLTAGE open/close: 24-300 V, DC or peak AC
BREAKER OPERATIONS Open, Close, Open-Close, Close-Open
TIMING RESOLUTION ±0.1 millisecond; accuracy: 0.05% of reading ±0.1 ms
DISPLAY back-lit LCD screen (128 x 64 pixels); viewable in bright sunlight and low light
conditions
KEYPAD rugged, 44-key "QWERTY"-style membrane keypad
PRINTER built-in 2.5-inch wide thermal printer
INTERNAL TEST RECORD
STORAGE stores up to 128 timing records
COMPUTER INTERFACE one USB PC interface, one USB Flash drive interface
PC SOFTWARE Windows®-based Breaker Analysis software included with purchase price
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
CABLES furnished with full set of test leads (including 20-foot contact leads, 30-foot
contact lead extensions, trigger cable, power cable, and ground cable)
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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1.3 CT-3500 S2 Controls and Indicators
The CT-3500 S2’s controls and indicators are shown in Figure 1 below. The purpose of the
controls and indicators may seem obvious, but users should familiarize themselves with them
before using the CT-3500 S2. Accidental misuse of the controls will usually cause no serious
harm. Users should also familiarize themselves with the safety summary information found on
the front page of this User’s Manual.
Figure 1. CT-3500 S2 Controls and Indicators
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2.0 PRE-TEST SETUP
2.1 Operating Voltages
The CT-3500 S2 operates on voltages between 100-240 Vac, 50/60 Hz.
2.2 LCD Screen Contrast Control
To increase the LCD screen contrast, press and hold the [∧] key for two seconds. Release the
button when the desired contrast level has been reached.
To decrease the LCD screen contrast, press and hold the [∨] key for two seconds. Release the
button when the desired contrast level has been reached.
2.3 Printer Paper Control
To advance the thermal printer paper, press and release the [∧] key.
To retract the thermal printer paper, press and release the [∨] key.
2.4 Printer Paper
The CT-3500 S2’s built-in thermal printer uses 2.5-inch wide thermal paper for printing test
results. To maintain the highest print quality and to avoid paper jams, the use of thermal paper
supplied by Vanguard Instruments Company is highly recommended. Additional paper can be
ordered from the following sources:
Vanguard Instruments Co, Inc.
1520 S. Hellman Avenue
Ontario, CA 91761
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Part Number: VIC TP-3 paper
BG Instrument Co.
13607 E. Trent Avenue
Spokane, WA 99216
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Part Number: VIC TP-3 paper
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3.0 OPERATING PROCEDURES
3.1 Connection Diagrams
Figure 2. Typical CT-3500 S2 Connection Diagram (Trigger Cable with 4 Leads)
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