Vanguard instruments Vbt-75 User manual

VBT-75

VACUUM BOTTLE TESTER

USER’S MANUAL

Vanguard Instruments Company, Inc.

1520 S. Hellman Ave.

Ontario, California 91761, USA

TEL: (909) 923-9390

FAX: (909) 923-9391

March 2015

Revision 1

VBT-75 USER’S MANUAL REV 1

SAFETY SUMMARY

FOLLOW EXACT OPERATING PROCEDURES

Any deviation from the procedures described in this operator’s manual may create one or more safety hazards,

damage the VBT-75, or cause errors in the test results; Vanguard Instruments Co., Inc. assumes no liability for

unsafe or improper use of the VBT-75. The following safety precautions must be observed during all phases of test

set up, test hookups, testing, and test-lead disconnects.

SAFETY WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS

This device shall be used only by trained operators. All circuit breakers under test shall be off line and fully

isolated.

SERVICE AND REPAIR

• Do not install substitute parts or perform any unauthorized modification to any VBT-75 test unit.

• Repairs must 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.

EQUIPMENT RATINGS

IP Rating: The enclosure for the VBT-75 has an IP rating of 32.

Pollution Degree: The VBT-75 has a pollution rating of 2.

Operating Voltage: The VBT-75 is rated for use with an operating voltage of 120V or 240V, auto-ranging ±10% of

selected voltage.

Power Cord: The VBT-75 is supplied with a 16 AWG, 16A power cord with a NEMA 5-15P plug. Replacement cable

shall have the same or better rating and is available through the manufacturer.

VENTILATION REQUIREMENTS

The VBT-75 must be operated with the enclosure lid open.

SAFETY SYMBOLS

Indicates that caution should be exercised

Indicates location of chassis ground terminal

CLEANING

To clean the VBT-75:

• Disconnect all cables and turn the unit off.

• Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe all surfaces clean.

• Avoid getting moisture in openings and connectors.

• Don't use any cleaning products or compressed air.

REV 1 VBT-75 USER’S MANUAL

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 VBT-75 Controls and Indicators ....................................................................................... 4

2.0 CABLE CONNECTIONS .......................................................................................................... 6

3.0 OPERATING PROCEDURES ................................................................................................... 7

3.1 Set the Date and Time ..................................................................................................... 7

3.2 Changing the LCD Screen Contrast .................................................................................. 8

3.3 Performing a Test............................................................................................................. 9

3.4 Changing Test Parameters ............................................................................................. 11

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. VBT-75 Technical Specifications........................................................................................ 3

Table 2. Functional Descriptions of VBT-75 Controls and Indicators ............................................. 5

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. VBT-75 Controls and Indicators ....................................................................................... 4

Figure 2. VBT-75 Connection Diagram............................................................................................ 6

REV 1 VBT-75 USER’S MANUAL

CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS DOCUMENT

This document uses the following conventions:

•

A key or switch on the VBT-75 is indicated as

[KEY]

and

[SWITCH]

•

Screen and menu names are referenced as “SCREEN/MENU NAME”.

• VBT-75 LCD screen output is shown as:

• Warning messages are indicated as:

WARNING

Warning message

• Important notes are indicated as:

NOTE

Note details

DISPLAY TEXT LINE 1

DISPLAY TEXT LINE 2

VBT-75 USER’S MANUAL REV 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 General Description and Features

The VBT-75 is a microprocessor-based, portable, 75kV dc vacuum bottle tester. This lightweight,

portable tester is designed for testing circuit-breaker vacuum bottles in the field and at the

shop.

Test voltages can be selected from 10 kV dc to 75 kV dc in 5 kV steps. The high-voltage test time

can be set from 5 seconds to 2 minutes. The test voltage is raised to the selected voltage and

held for the test time duration. After the test time duration has elapsed and the leakage current

did not pass the pre-set value of 100 µA, 200 µA, or 300 µA, the test voltage is returned to zero

and a "Pass" message is displayed. If a flash-over condition occurs, such as bottle failure, the

test voltage is immediately turned off, a “Failure” message is displayed on the LCD screen, and

the “TEST FAIL” LED light on the unit is also illuminated.

The presence of high voltage is indicated by an audible tone and an illuminated “HIGH

VOLTAGE” LED light. For additional operator safety, an “ARM” switch must be held down during

testing.

The VBT-75 features a back-lit LCD screen (16 characters by 2 lines) that is viewable in both

bright sunlight and low-light levels. A turn-and-press knob is used to control the unit. An RS-

232C interface port is provided for factory calibration and diagnostic testing.

The VBT-75 is furnished with a 10-foot test cable that is terminated with a quick-disconnect test

clip. A transportation case is also included.

REV 1 VBT-75 USER’S MANUAL

1.2 Technical Specifications

Table 1. VBT-75 Technical Specifications

TYPE Portable 75 kV vacuum bottle tester

PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS Dimensions: 17”W x 10.5”H x 6.5” D (42.7 cm x 26.9 cm x 16.5 cm)

Weight: 10 lbs. (4.53 Kg)

INPUT POWER 2 amps, 90-240 Vac, 50/60 Hz

OUTPUT VOLTAGE 10 kV to 75 kV dc in 5,000 volt steps

OUTPUT RIPPLE VOLTAGE 3% max

DISCHARGE TIME Maximum discharge time for internal high voltage is 3 seconds

DISPLAY Backlit LCD, 2-lines by 16 characters, visible in bright sunlight and low light

conditions

CONTROL Single turn-and-press knob selector

COMPUTER INTERFACE One RS-232C port for factory calibration and diagnostics

ENVIRONMENT Operating: -10˚ to 50˚ C (15˚ to +122˚ F);

Storage: -30˚ C to 70˚ C (-22˚ to +158˚ F)

HUMIDITY (MAX) 90% RH @ 40˚ C (104˚ F) non-condensing

ALTITUDE (MAX) 2000m (6562 ft) to fully safety specifications

CABLES One power cord, one ground cable, one 10' high-voltage cable, one 10' high-

voltage return cable

SHIPPING CASE Shipping case is included

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.

VBT-75 USER’S MANUAL REV 1

1.3 VBT-75 Controls and Indicators

The VBT-75’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 VBT-75. 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. VBT-75 Controls and Indicators

REV 1 VBT-75 USER’S MANUAL

Table 2. Functional Descriptions of VBT-75 Controls and Indicators

Item

Number Panel Markings Functional Description

1 HIGH VOLTAGE High voltage cable connector

2 RS-232C RS-232C interface port for factory calibration and diagnostics

3 Back-lit LCD screen (2 lines x 16 characters). Visible in bright sunlight and

low-light levels.

120/240 Vac, 2A,

50-60 Hz

F3A250V

Input power connector with built-in fuse holder and power switch

5 GROUND VBT ground stud. Connect ground stud to substation ground using the provided

cable.

6 TEST FAIL Test failure indicator. This indicator turns on if the test current exceeds the

present current threshold (100, 200, or 300 μA).

7 CHANGE

SELECT

VBT turn-and-press control knob.

8 HIGH VOLTAGE

ENABLE

This indicator turns on when high test voltage is present at the test leads.

9 PUSH TO

"ARM"

Arm switch; press and hold during testing.

10 GROUND High voltage return cable connector

VBT-75 USER’S MANUAL REV 1

2.0 CABLE CONNECTIONS

The VBT-75 comes furnished with one 10-foot (3.05m) high voltage cable and one 10-foot

voltage return cable. Both cables are terminated with alligator clamps that are used to connect

to the vacuum bottle being tested. A typical cable connection is shown in Figure 2 below.

WARNING

• To protect the VBT-75 against static discharge in the substation, always connect

the unit's ground stud to the substation ground.

• The circuit breaker must be off-line and completely isolated.

• The vacuum bottle under test should be in the OPEN position.

Figure 2. VBT-75 Connection Diagram

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3.0 OPERATING PROCEDURES

3.1 Set the Date and Time

Follow the steps below to set the date and time for the VBT-75's internal clock:

a. Start from the "START-UP" menu:

Turn the [CONTROL KNOB] until the following screen is displayed:

Press the [CONTROL KNOB].

b. The following screen will be displayed:

Press the [CONTROL KNOB].

c. The following screen will be displayed:

Turn the [CONTROL KNOB] to select the first digit of the month and then press the

[CONTROL KNOB]. The cursor will move over to the second digit of the month.

Continue this process to enter the date and time. When you press the [CONTROL

KNOB] for the last time to set the second digit of the current minute, the date and

time will be set and you will be returned to the "START-UP" menu.

MM-DD-YY HH:MM

UTIL: <SET TIME>

14:16:22

MAIN: <UTIL>

14:16:18

MAIN: <RUN TEST>

14:16:15

VBT-75 USER’S MANUAL REV 1

3.2 Changing the LCD Screen Contrast

Follow the steps below to adjust the VBT-75's LCD screen contrast:

a. Start from the "START-UP" menu:

Turn the [CONTROL KNOB] until the following screen is displayed:

Press the [CONTROL KNOB].

b. The following screen will be displayed:

Turn the [CONTROL KNOB] clock-wise or counter-clockwise to adjust the screen

contrast. Press the [CONTROL KNOB] when the contrast is to your liking. You will be

returned to the "START-UP" menu.

CONTRAST ADJUST

"PRESS" to EXIT

MAIN: <CONTRAST>

14:16:15

MAIN: <RUN TEST>

14:16:15

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3.3 Performing a Test

Follow the steps below to perform a test:

NOTE

If you are performing a test for the first time since the unit has been turned on, you

will be prompted for the test duration time, test voltage, and test threshold. If you

have already performed a test since the unit has been turned on, the VBT-75 will use

the test parameters from the first test. To change the test parameters, see section

3.4.

a. Start from the “START-UP” menu:

Press the

[CONTROL KNOB]

b. The following screen will be displayed:

Turn the

[CONTROL KNOB]

to select the desired test duration and then press the

[CONTROL KNOB]

c. The following screen will be displayed:

Turn the

[CONTROL KNOB]

to select the desired test voltage and then press the

[CONTROL KNOB]

d. The following screen will be displayed:

Turn the

[CONTROL KNOB]

to select the flash-over threshold and then press the

[CONTROL KNOB]

e. The following confirmation screen will be displayed:

Press the

[CONTROL KNOB]

to confirm the test parameters.

f. The following screen will be displayed:

PRESS RED SWITCH

TO START TEST

"PRESS" IF OK

10KV 5sec 300uA

THRES: <300 uA>

18:02:20

VLTG: <10 KV>

18:02:15

TIME: <5 sec>

18:02:05

MAIN: <RUN TEST>

14:16:15

VBT-75 USER’S MANUAL REV 1

Press and hold the red [ARM SWITCH].

g. The VBT-75 will initiate the test and start the timer based on the test duration selected.

The screen will be updated with the test voltage and the leakage current as shown

below:

h. After the test time duration has elapsed, the test results will be displayed. If the leakage

current did not pass the preset value set in step d, the test voltage is returned to zero

and a "PASS" message is displayed as shown below:

However, if a flash-over condition occurred, such as bottle failure, the test voltage is

immediately turned off and a "FAIL" message is displayed as shown below:

The "TEST FAIL" LED on the front panel will also be illuminated to indicate a test failure.

Release the [ARM SWITCH] and press the [CONTROL KNOB] to return to the

"START-UP" menu.

10KV 5sec 300uA

>>FAIL<<

10KV 5sec 300uA

>>PASS<<

9.9KV 9.86uA

Time: 00:03

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3.4 Changing Test Parameters

The first time you perform a test after turning on the VBT-75, you will be prompted for the test

duration time, test voltage, and test threshold. The VBT-75 will use these settings for

performing subsequent tests. Follow the steps below to select different test parameters:

a. Start from the “START-UP” menu:

Turn the [CONTROL KNOB] until the following screen is displayed:

Press the [CONTROL KNOB].

b. The following screen will be displayed:

Turn the [CONTROL KNOB] to select the desired test duration and then press the

[CONTROL KNOB].

c. The following screen will be displayed:

Turn the [CONTROL KNOB] to select the desired test voltage and then press the

[CONTROL KNOB].

d. The following screen will be displayed:

Turn the [CONTROL KNOB] to select the flash-over threshold and then press the

[CONTROL KNOB].

The test parameters will be updated and any subsequent tests that are performed will

use these parameters.

THRES: <300 uA>