Vanguard Instruments CT-8000 S3 User manual

CT-8000 S3
DIGITAL CIRCUIT BREAKER ANALYZER
USER’S MANUAL
Vanguard Instruments Company, Inc.
1520 S. Hellman Ave.
Ontario, California 91761, USA
TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
October 2013
Revision 1

CT-8000 S3 USER’S MANUAL REV 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-8000 S3, or cause errors in the test results. Vanguard
Instruments Company, Inc. assumes no liability for unsafe or improper use of the CT-8000 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 the CT-8000 S3. All devices under test shall be off-line and fully
isolated. Do not perform test procedures or service unless another person is also present who
is capable of rendering aid and resuscitation.
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-8000 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.
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 Optional Features ............................................................................................................ 4
1.3 Technical Specifications ................................................................................................... 5
1.4 CT-8000 S3 Controls and Indicators................................................................................. 6
2.0 PRE-TEST SETUP ................................................................................................................... 8
2.1 LCD Screen Contrast Control............................................................................................ 8
2.2 Printer Paper Control....................................................................................................... 8
2.3 Printer Paper.................................................................................................................... 8
3.0 OPERATING PROCEDURES ................................................................................................. 10
3.1 Cable Connections ......................................................................................................... 10
3.1.1. Contact Cable Connections .................................................................................... 10
3.1.2. Initiate Cable Connections ..................................................................................... 12
3.1.3. Dynamic Resistance Test Connections................................................................... 14
3.1.4. Online Timing Connections (with optional Online Timing feature) ....................... 15
3.1.5. Dual Ground Connections (with optional Dual Ground feature)........................... 17
3.1.6. Analog and Digital Voltage Monitoring Connections............................................. 18
3.1.7. External Trigger Input Connections........................................................................ 19
3.1.8. Digital Transducer Connection ............................................................................... 20
3.1.9. Resistor Type Transducer Connection.................................................................... 21
3.2 Changing Setup Parameters........................................................................................... 22
3.2.1. Entering Test Record Header Information ............................................................. 22
3.2.2. Setting the Clock..................................................................................................... 25
3.2.3. Configuring Automatic or Manual Printing of Test Results.................................... 26
3.2.4. Setting the Units of Measure ................................................................................. 27
3.2.5. Setting the OPEN Timing Analysis Points ............................................................... 28
3.2.6. Selecting the Contact Cycle Reading Frequency .................................................... 31
3.2.7. Configuring the Channel Settings........................................................................... 35
3.2.8. Configuring the Contact Filter Settings .................................................................. 37
3.2.9. Configuring the Transducer Encoder Filter Setting ................................................ 39
3.2.10. Configuring the Digital Rotary Transducer Settings ............................................... 41
3.2.11. Configuring the Resister Type Transducer Settings ............................................... 43
3.3 Performing Circuit Breaker Timing Tests ....................................................................... 51
3.3.1. Timing an OPEN Operation..................................................................................... 52
3.3.2. Timing a CLOSE-OPEN Operation ........................................................................... 55
3.3.3. Timing an OPEN-CLOSE-OPEN Operation............................................................... 59
3.3.5. Performing a Static Resistance Test ....................................................................... 68
3.3.6. Performing a Dynamic Resistance Test .................................................................. 70
3.3.7. Printing or Viewing Timing Results......................................................................... 74
3.4 Working with Test Records............................................................................................ 85
3.4.1. Saving a Timing Record in Flash EEPROM .............................................................. 85

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3.4.2. Printing a Directory of Test Records Stored in the CT-8000 S3's Memory ............ 86
3.4.3. Printing a Directory of Test Records Stored in a USB Flash Drive.......................... 88
3.4.4. Recalling a Test Record from the Flash EEPROM ................................................... 89
3.4.5. Restoring a Test Record from a USB Flash Drive.................................................... 91
3.4.6. Copying Test Records to a USB Flash Drive............................................................ 93
3.4.7. Deleting Test Records from the Flash EEPROM ..................................................... 95
3.4.8. Deleting Test Records from a USB Flash Drive....................................................... 98
3.5 Working With Test Plans.............................................................................................. 101
3.5.1. Recalling a Breaker Test Plan for Use................................................................... 101
3.5.2. Printing a Directory of Test Plans Stored in the CT-8000 S3’s Memory............... 104
3.5.3. Printing a Directory of Test Plans Stored in a USB Flash Drive ............................ 106
3.5.4. Printing a Breaker Test Plan Stored in the CT-8000's Memory............................ 108
3.5.5. Printing a Breaker Test Plan Stored in a USB Flash Drive..................................... 110
3.5.6. Copying a Test Plan to a USB Flash drive ............................................................. 112
4.0 DIAGNOSTICS, VERIFICATION, AND TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................... 117
4.1 Performing a Slow-Close Test ...................................................................................... 117
4.2 Performing a Transducer Self-Test .............................................................................. 119
4.3 Testing the Cable Hookups .......................................................................................... 121
4.4 Printing Raw Test Record Data .................................................................................... 123
4.5 Troubleshooting Guide ................................................................................................ 125
5.0 APPENDICES ..................................................................................................................... 127
5.1 APPENDIX A – ITE Model 14.4K Circuit Breaker Timing Charts and Reports............... 127
5.2 APPENDIX B – Siemens TCP Breaker Velocity Calculation........................................... 132
5.3 APPENDIX C – Siemens SPS2 Breaker Velocity Calculation ......................................... 133
5.4 APPENDIX D – CT-8000 S3 Test Plan for Siemens SPS2 ............................................... 134
5.5 APPENDIX E – CT-8000 S3 Transducer Illustrations ..................................................... 135
5.6 APPENDIX F – CT-8000 S3 Accessories......................................................................... 138
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. CT-8000 S3 Technical Specifications ................................................................................. 5
Table 2. Functional Descriptions of CT-8000 S3 Controls and Indicators....................................... 7
Table 3. Descriptions of Tabulated Test Results Elements ........................................................... 78

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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. CT-8000 S3 Controls and Indicators................................................................................. 6
Figure 2. Typical 3-Phase Circuit Breaker Connections ................................................................ 10
Figure 3. Typical Connections for Series Contact Circuit Breaker ................................................ 11
Figure 4. Typical DC Trip and DC Close Control Circuit Connection ............................................. 12
Figure 5. Typical DC Trip and AC Close Control Circuit Connection.............................................. 13
Figure 6. Typical Dynamic Resistance Test Connections .............................................................. 14
Figure 7. On-line Timing Probe Set (Part No. 9021-OT)................................................................ 15
Figure 8. Typical Connections for Optional On-line Timing Mode ............................................... 16
Figure 9. Typical Connections for Optional Dual Ground Testing Mode ...................................... 17
Figure 10. Typical Analog and Digital Voltage Monitoring Connections ...................................... 18
Figure 11. Typical External Trigger Input Cable Connections ....................................................... 19
Figure 12. Typical Digital Transducer Connection ........................................................................ 20
Figure 13. Typical Resistor Type Transducer Connection............................................................. 21
Figure 14. Typical 50 Hz Tabulated Test Results........................................................................... 34
Figure 15. Typical 60 Hz Tabulated Test Results........................................................................... 34
Figure 16. Contact Filter Setting Illustrations ............................................................................... 38
Figure 17. Sample Resistor Type Transducer Setup Directory ..................................................... 49
Figure 18. Sample Timing Report Using a Resistor Type Transducer ........................................... 50
Figure 19. Typical O-C-O Test Results Graph ................................................................................ 64
Figure 20. Typical Tabulated Test Results Printout for an O-C-O Operation................................ 65
Figure 21. Typical On-Line Timing Test Graph Printout................................................................ 66
Figure 22. Typical On-Line Timing Test Results Printout .............................................................. 67
Figure 23. Typical Static Resistance Test Report .......................................................................... 69
Figure 24. Dynamic Resistance Graph (0 - 400 micro-ohm linear scale)...................................... 72
Figure 25. Dynamic Resistance Graph (0 - 2000 micro-ohm linear scale).................................... 73
Figure 26. Dynamic Resistance Graph in Semi-Log Scale ............................................................. 73
Figure 27. Typical Tabulated Test Results Printout for a CLOSE Operation ................................. 77
Figure 28. Typical Test Results Graph (CB CLOSE Test) ................................................................ 79
Figure 29. Expansion Graph from 0ms to 200ms (CB CLOSE Test)............................................... 80
Figure 30. Typical O-C-O Test Results Graph ................................................................................ 81
Figure 31. Typical Tabulated Test Results Printout for an O-C-O Operation................................ 82
Figure 32. Graphical Interpretation of an OPEN Timing Shot....................................................... 83
Figure 33. Graphical Interpretation of a CLOSE Timing Shot........................................................ 83
Figure 34. Graphical Interpretations of an OPEN-CLOSE and CLOSE-OPEN Timing Shot ............. 84
Figure 35. Sample Test Record Directory Printout ....................................................................... 87
Figure 36. Typical Test Results Printout with Pass/Fail Indicators ............................................. 103
Figure 37. Typical Test Plan Directory Printout .......................................................................... 105
Figure 38. Typical Breaker Test Plan Printout............................................................................. 114
Figure 39. Siemens SPS2 121 CLOSE Timing Illustration............................................................. 115
Figure 40. Siemens SPS2 121 OPEN Timing Illustration.............................................................. 116
Figure 41. Typical Slow-Close Test Results Printout ................................................................... 118
Figure 42. Partial Data Points Printout ....................................................................................... 124

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CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS DOCUMENT
This document uses the following conventions:
• A key or switch on the CT-8000 S3 is indicated as [KEY] and [SWITCH] .
•
Menu options are referenced as (MENU OPTION).
•
Screen and menu names are referenced as “SCREEN/MENU NAME”.
•
The terms “test record” and “test shot” are used interchangeably.
• CT-8000 S3 LCD 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-8000 S3 is Vanguard's fourth generation EHV circuit breaker analyzer. The CT-8000 S3 is
available with 3 (part number 9103-UC) or 6 contact timing channels (part number 9104-UC).
The CT-8000 S3 can fully analyze a circuit breaker's performance by measuring the main contact
and resistor contact time, stroke, velocity, over-travel, bounce back and contact wipes. Also, an
outstanding feature of the CT-8000 S3 is the ability to perform dynamic resistance tests on
circuit breaker contacts.
Dynamic Contact Resistance Test
The CT-8000 S3 can perform dynamic-resistance tests using a 200-ampere, built-in, DC power
supply. One channel is available for performing a dynamic contact resistance test. The
resistance measuring range is from 1 micro-ohm to 1,999 micro-ohms. The resistance chart can
be used to analyze the circuit-breaker contact condition during the CB operation. This
important feature can help detect circuit-breaker contact erosion or other contact problems
that cannot be detected in static resistance tests. The CT-8000 S3 can also be used as a 200-
ampere micro-ohmmeter to test circuit-breaker contact resistance and bus connections, or can
be used for other applications where a low-resistance measurement is required.
Contact Timing Input Channels
The CT-8000 S3's dry contact timing channels (up to 6 channels) are used to time the circuit
breaker main contacts. Each main contact timing channel is capable of detecting the main
contact and insertion resistor contact time. Timing results are displayed in milliseconds and
cycles. The CT-8000 S3's timing window is selectable between 1 second, 10 seconds, and 20
seconds.
Resistor Type Transducer Inputs
The CT-8000 S3 offers 3 resistor type transducer input channels. These input channels are used
to interface with any resistor-type transducers to monitor the circuit breaker motion.
Transducer resistance ranges from 200 Ohms to 10K Ohms.
Breaker Stroke and Velocity
Three dedicated digital travel transducer channels are available on the CT-8000 S3 for
measuring circuit-breaker contact stroke, velocity, over-travel, and bounce back. With the use
of the Vanguard digital travel transducers, neither calibration nor setting is required. Circuit
breaker contact velocity is calculated based on contact’s travel distance over a period of time.
Special formulas to calculate velocity is also accommodated by the CT-8000 S3. Special feature
is also available to “Slow-Close” test the circuit breaker and obtain a test result report.

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Voltage Monitoring Channels
The CT-8000 S3 features three voltage monitoring input channels (V1, V2, and V3). The V1
voltage channel is dedicated to monitoring the substation DC supply or coil voltage (0-255 V, DC
or peak AC). The nominal and minimum DC supply voltage levels are recorded and printed on
the tabulated report. An analog waveform showing the DC power supply is plotted on the
graphical report. The two digital voltage input channels, V2 and V3, are dedicated to monitoring
voltage on/off status presence or absence of the circuit breaker auxiliary switches. Digital
waveforms showing V2 and V3 activity are plotted on the graphical report. Three timing events
of the V2 and V3 activities are recorded and printed on the tabulated report.
Breaker Initiate Features
A built-in solid-state initiate device is used to operate a breaker from the CT-8000 S3.
Operational modes include OPEN, CLOSE, OPEN-CLOSE, CLOSE-OPEN, and OPEN-CLOSE-OPEN.
Multiple operation like OPEN-CLOSE, CLOSE-OPEN, and OPEN-CLOSE-OPEN can be initiated by
using a programmable delay time (in milliseconds) or by sensing a specific breaker contact
condition.
OPEN/CLOSE Coil Current Monitoring
One built-in, hall-effect sensor records the OPEN/CLOSE coil current amplitude and waveform.
The circuit breaker’s coil current waveform, effectively, a coil performance “fingerprint” or
“current profile”, can be used as a diagnostic tool for analyzing the circuit breaker’s
performance.
Computer Interface
The CT-8000 S3 can be computer-controlled via the USB or optional Bluetooth interface.
Windows-based Circuit Breaker Analysis Software is provided with each unit. Using this
software, circuit breakers can be timed from the PC. Test records can be retrieved from the CT-
8000 S3 and then stored on the PC for future analysis and report generation. Circuit breaker
test plans can also be created on the PC and transferred to the CT-8000 S3. Additionally, test
records can be automatically exported in Excel, PDF, and XML formats.
Built-in Thermal Printer
The CT-8000 S3's built-in 4.5" wide thermal printer can print the breaker contact analysis
results in both tabular and graphic formats.
User Interface
The CT-8000 S3 features a back-lit graphic LCD screen (240 x 128 pixels) that is viewable in
direct sunlight and low-light levels. A rugged 44-key "QWERTY"-style membrane keypad is used
to control the unit and input information.

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Internal Test Record and Test Plan Storage
The CT-8000 S3 uses Flash memory to store up to 200 test records internally. Test records can
be recalled and printed on the unit's built-in 4.5" wide thermal printer. Test records can also be
transferred to a USB Flash drive or exported to a PC via the USB port or Bluetooth (optional)
with the included Windows-based software.
Up to 100 circuit breaker test plans can be stored in the CT-8000 S3's Flash memory. A test plan
is comprised of all circuit breaker performance specifications (contact time, stroke, velocity,
etc.). When a test plan is used with a timing test, a Pass/Fail report is generated by comparing
the actual performance with the specifications in the stored test plan. Test plans can be
transferred to the CT-8000 S3 from a USB Flash drive, or from a PC via the USB port or
Bluetooth (optional).
External Test Record and Test Plan Storage
A USB Flash drive can be used to store and transfer test plans and up to 999 test records.
Diagnostic Capabilities
The CT-8000 S3 can perform diagnostics on its internal electronics. Diagnostics can be
performed to verify contact cable connections and to test the travel transducer’s electronics.
1.2 Optional Features
“On-line” Timing Mode
In addition to the conventional off-line timing mode, the CT-8000 S3 also offers an optional
three-phase “on-line” timing mode. In this mode, the CT-8000 S3 captures the breaker’s trip or
close time, the trip/close coil current “fingerprint,” and the battery supply voltage while the
breaker is still in service. The trip/close time is derived from the time of trip, or close coil
initiation, to the breaker’s bushing current breaker-make as detected by a AC clamp-on current
sensing probes. Trip/Close current waveforms are also captured by an external clamp-on DC
current probe.
The “on-line” timing mode can detect a breaker’s operating conditions with little or no down
time. In this mode, the first trip operation time of the breaker is captured. If a breaker has been
in service for a long period of time and sitting in close position, the first trip time of the breaker
may be slow possibly due to a sticky mechanism. The “on-line” mode is very useful in such
cases because traditional breaker timing may not detect this condition since several operations
may have occurred before the first timing test is conducted.
Dual Ground Testing Mode
With the optional dual ground testing mode, the CT-8000 S3 can measure a CB contact time
with ground being applied to both sides of the bushings. The clamp-on probe is connected to
one side of the CB safety ground straps, and an AC signal is coupled to this strap. A sensor on
the probe will detect a change in the induced AC signal when the CB contact is opened or
closed.
Bluetooth Interface
The optional Bluetooth interface can be used to wirelessly connect the CT-8000 S3 with a PC.

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1.3 Technical Specifications
Table 1. CT-8000 S3 Technical Specifications
TYPE Portable circuit-breaker analyzer
PHYSICAL SPECIFICATION
S
16”W x 11”H x 14”D (40.6 cm x 29.9 cm x 35.6 cm); Weight: 22 lbs (9.98 kg)
INPUT POWER 100-240Vac, 10A, 50/60Hz
DRY-CONTACT INPUT
S
3 channels (9103-UC) or 6 channels (9104-UC). Channel can detect the main contact and
resistor contact time.
TIMING WINDOW
S
1 second, 10 seconds, or 20 seconds
TIMING RESOLUTION
S
±50 micro-seconds @ 1 sec. duration,
±500 micro-seconds @ 10 sec. duration,
±1.0 milliseconds @ 20 sec. duration
TIMING ACCURACY 0.05% of reading ±0.05 ms @ 1 second duration
DRY-CONTACT CHANNEL PROTECTIO
N
All contact inputs are grounded until test. Input channels are also protected against static
discharge.
DRY-CONTACT DETECTION RANGE Closed: Less than 20 Ohm.
Opened: greater than 5000 ohm
INSERTION RESISTOR DETECTION RANGE 50 – 5,000 ohms
TRIGGER INPUT VOLTAGE Open/Close trigger voltage: 24 V – 300V DC or peak AC
VOLTAGE SENSING INPUT RANGE V1: analog input; 0 – 250 V DC or peak AC; sensitivity ±1 V; record and print voltage level
V2 and V3: voltage presence/absence detector input; 24 – 255 V DC or peak AC; record and
print 3 timing events
BREAKER OPERATION
S
Initiate Open, Close, Open-Close, Close-Open, Open-Close-Open
BREAKER INITIATE CAPACITY 30A, 250 Vac/dc max
INITIATE CURRENT READING RANGE one, non-contact, Hall-effect sensor, 0 ¬ 20 amp range, dc to 5 Khz AC
DIGITAL TRAVEL TRANSDUCER INPUT
S
3 digital travel transducer channels; linear range: 0.0 ¬ 60.0 in (±0.01 in)
rotary range: 0 ¬ 360 degrees (±0.36 degrees)
RESISTOR TYPE TRANSDUCER INPUT
S
3 channels, 200 ohm – 10K ohms
CONTACT TRAVEL POINT DIFFERENCE measures “slow-close” contact-point distances; results can be printed
DYNAMIC/STATIC RESISTANCE RANGE 0.1 – 1,999 micro-ohms; accuracy: ±2% of reading, ±5 micro-ohms
RESISTANCE TEST CURREN
T
200 amperes max
DISPLAY back-lit LCD screen (128 x 240 pixels); viewable in bright sunlight and low light
PRINTER built-in 4.5” wide thermal printer that can print both graphic contact travel waveforms and
tabulated test results
INTERNAL TEST RECORD STORAGE Store up to 200 test records and 100 test plans
EXTERNAL TEST RECORD STORAGE USB Flash drive interface for external storage of test records and test plans
COMPUTER INTERFACE
S
One USB port, optional Bluetooth wireless interface
PC SOFTWARE Windows® based Breaker Analysis software included with purchase price
CABLE
S
furnished with full set of test leads
OPTION
S
transportation cases (available for the CT-8000 S3 and travel transducers), on-line timing
mode, dual ground testing mode, Bluetooth interface
SAFETY designed to meet UL 6101A-1 and CAN/CSA C22.2 No 1010.1-92 standards
ENVIRONMEN
T
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
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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1.4 CT-8000 S3 Controls and Indicators
The CT-8000 S3’s controls and indicators are shown in Figure 1 below. A leader line with an
index number points to each control and indicator, which is cross-referenced to a functional
description in Table 2. The table describes the function of each item on the control panel. The
purpose of the controls and indicators may seem obvious, but users should become familiar
with them before using the CT-8000 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. CT-8000 S3 Controls and Indicators

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Table 2. Functional Descriptions of CT-8000 S3 Controls and Indicators
Item
Number Panel Markings Functional Description
1 CONTACT INPUTS
(C1-C6)
Female connectors for the contact channels. The CT-8000-6 S3 is pictured
with 6 channels
2 R1, R2, R3 Resistor type transducer inputs
3 T1, T2, T3 Digital travel transducer channels
4 V1 V1 voltage input channel dedicated to monitoring circuit breaker DC power
supply or coil voltages. Voltage sensing range is from 0-250 V DC or peak AC
5 V2, V3 V2 and V3 voltage input channels dedicated to detecting voltage absence or
presence. Voltage input ranges from 24-255 V DC or peak AC. Each voltage
channel records 3 timing events (voltage on/off) and the results are printed on
the tabulated report
6 EXT. TRIGGER Triggers voltage input for external trigger application. Voltage level ranges from
24 - 300 V DC or peak AC
7 DC CURRENT External DC current probe connector
8 Micro-Ohmmeter sense inputs
9 5 VDC, 200A 200A Micro-Ohmmeter current output terminals
10 120-240Vac, 12A
50-60Hz
Power plug and switch
11 GROUND Safety ground terminal
12 INITIATE 4-pin connector used for the switching circuit for operating the circuit breaker
under test
13 OPEN
250V/5A
Open circuit fuse: 5 Ampere, 250V, Fast-Blow
14 CLOSE
250V/5A
Close circuit fuse: 5 Ampere, 250V, Fast-Blow
15 "PUSH TO ARM" Spring-loaded pushbutton switch. Press and hold to complete the Trip or Close
circuits for breaker tests
16 Built-in 4.5" wide thermal printer
17 Rugged "QWERTY" style membrane keypad
18 BLUETOOTH Bluetooth status indicator (optional)
19 USB PC USB computer interface port
20 USB MEM USB Flash drive interface port
21 Back-lit LCD screen (128 x 240 pixels); viewable in bright sunlight and low light.

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2.0 PRE-TEST SETUP
2.1 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.
2.2 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.
2.3 Printer Paper
The CT-8000 S3’s built-in thermal printer uses 4.5-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: TP4-CS
BG Instrument Co.
13607 E. Trent Avenue
Spokane, WA 99216
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Part Number: VIC TP-4 paper

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2.4 Replacing the Thermal Printer Paper
The roll of thermal paper is housed inside a dispenser underneath the printer cover. To replace
the paper, follow the steps below:
• Unscrew the two large printer cover screws and remove the printer cover.
• Remove the leftover thermal paper roll from the paper holder.
• Unroll the new thermal paper roll.
• Feed the thermal paper into the slot between the paper pocket and the rubber roller.
The printer will automatically pull the paper under the thermal head.
• Place the paper roll into the paper holder.
• Lift the thermal head and align the thermal paper if necessary.
• Re-install the printer cover.
NOTE
Thermal paper has a chemical coating on one side of the paper. This side should be
facing the thermal print head. Incorrect paper loading may result in blank output on
the thermal paper.
The thermal paper will show a red stripe to indicate that the roll is about to run out
of paper.

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3.0 OPERATING PROCEDURES
3.1 Cable Connections
3.1.1. Contact Cable Connections
A typical contact cable connection to a circuit breaker is shown in Figure 2. Red and black clips
are connected across the circuit contact phases A, B, and C. A typical circuit breaker with series
contacts is shown in Figure 3.
NOTE
It is advisable to ground one side of the contacts for most testing purposes. If a
breaker is floating or un-grounded, ensure that the contact channel inputs are
protected against static discharge.
Figure 2. Typical 3-Phase Circuit Breaker Connections

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Figure 3. Typical Connections for Series Contact Circuit Breaker

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3.1.2. Initiate Cable Connections
The CT-8000 S3 can trip or close breakers through a solid-state device operating on any AC or
DC control voltage ranging from 10 to 300 Volts. Both the trip and close circuits are protected
by 5 Ampere fuses. A typical DC trip and DC close control circuit connection is shown in Figure
4. A typical DC trip and AC close control circuit connection is shown in Figure 5.
Figure 4. Typical DC Trip and DC Close Control Circuit Connection
NOTE
Auxiliary switches, in series with the OPEN and CLOSE coil control circuit, are used to
interrupt the coil current.

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Figure 5. Typical DC Trip and AC Close Control Circuit Connection

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3.1.3. Dynamic Resistance Test Connections
A typical connection for performing a dynamic resistance test is shown in Figure 6.
WARNING
Do not modify the length of the CT-8000 S3 current cables.
Figure 6. Typical Dynamic Resistance Test Connections

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3.1.4. Online Timing Connections (with optional Online Timing feature)
In addition to the conventional off-line timing mode, the CT-8000 S3 also offers an optional
three-phase “on-line” timing mode. In this mode, the CT-8000 S3 captures the breaker’s trip or
close time, the trip/close coil current “fingerprint”, the battery supply voltage, and auxiliary
switch times while the breaker is still in service. The trip/close time is derived from the time of
trip, or close coil initiation, to the breaker’s bushing current breaker make/break as detected by
a AC clamp-on current sensing probes. Trip/Close current waveforms are also captured by an
external clamp-on DC current probe.
The “on-line” timing mode can detect a breaker’s operating conditions with little or no down
time. In this mode, the first trip operation time of the breaker is captured. If a breaker has been
in service for a long period of time and sitting in close position, the first trip time of the breaker
may be slow possibly due to a sticky mechanism. The “on-line” mode is very useful in such
cases because traditional breaker timing may not detect this condition since several operations
may have occurred before the first timing test is conducted.
The CT-8000 S3 On-Line timing mode requires the use of 3 AC current sensors (provided with
the Online Timing Option, Part no. 9103-OT) to monitor the contact time phases A, B, and C.
The Open and Close coil current is monitored by using the provided DC current sensor
(provided with the Online Timing Option, Part no. 9103-OT). The On-Line timing mode requires
the External trigger to be connected. Please see Figure 8 for the On-Line timing test
connections.
Figure 7. On-line Timing Probe Set (Part No. 9021-OT)