Vanguard Instruments 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]
June 19, 2017
Revision 1.1

CT-3500 S2 USER’S MANUAL REV 1.1
i
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.

REV 1.1 CT-3500 S2 USER’S MANUAL
ii
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

CT-3500 S2 USER’S MANUAL REV 1.1
iii
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

REV 1.1
1
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CT-3500 S2 USER’S MANUAL REV 1.1
2
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.

REV 1.1
3
1.2
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CT-3500 S2 USER’S MANUAL REV 1.1
4
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

REV 1.1 CT-3500 S2 USER’S MANUAL
5
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

CT-3500 S2 USER’S MANUAL REV 1.1
6
3.0 OPERATING PROCEDURES
3.1 Connection Diagrams
Figure 2. Typical CT-3500 S2 Connection Diagram (Trigger Cable with 4 Leads)

REV 1.1 CT-3500 S2 USER’S MANUAL
7
Figure 3. Typical CT-3500 S2 Connection Diagram (Trigger Cable with 3 Leads)

CT-3500 S2 USER’S MANUAL REV 1.1
8
3.2 Setting the Date and Time
To set the date and time:
a. Start from the “START-UP” menu:
Press the [3] key (SETUP).
b. The following screen will be displayed:
Press the [4] key (SET DATE & TIME)
c. The following screen will be displayed:
Type in the date using the keypad. The following screen will be displayed:
Enter the time using the alpha-numeric keypad. When the time has been entered, you
will be immediately returned to the “START-UP” menu.
ENTER TIME
HH:MM:SS
ENTER DATE
MM-DD-YY
1. SHOT DESCRIPTION
2. SAVE / RESTORE
3. SET 50/60 HZ
4. SET DATE & TIME
1. TIME BRKR 05/14/12
2. GET RSLT 08:45:25
3. SETUP
4. DIAGNOSTICS

REV 1.1 CT-3500 S2 USER’S MANUAL
9
3.3 Setting the Frequency
Follow the steps below to set the frequency (50 or 60 Hz):
a. Start from the “START-UP” menu:
Press the [3] key (SETUP).
b. The following screen will be displayed:
Press the [3] key (SET 50/60 HZ).
c. The following screen will be displayed:
Select the preferred frequency by pressing the corresponding key on the keypad ([1] or
[2]). The frequency will be set and a confirmation screen will be displayed as shown
below:
Press any key to return to the “START-UP” menu.
60 HZ SET
1. SET 50 HZ
2. SET 60 HZ
1. SHOT DESCRIPTION
2. SAVE / RESTORE
3. SET 50/60 HZ
4. SET DATE & TIME
1. TIME BRKR 05/14/12
2. GET RSLT 08:45:25
3. SETUP
4. DIAGNOSTICS

CT-3500 S2 USER’S MANUAL REV 1.1
10
3.4 Using a PC to Retrieve Test Shots from the CT-3500 S2
The CT-3500 S2 can be connected to a PC, and test records can be retrieved from the unit using
the included Vanguard Universal Software (VUS, version 2.05 and above). Follow the steps
below to properly connect the CT-3500 S2 and configure the VUS application to recognize the
unit.
a. Install the Vanguard Universal Software.
b. Connect the CT-3500 S2 to the PC by connecting a USB cable from an open USB port on
the PC to the unit’s “USB PC” port.
c. Turn on the power on the CT-3500 S2.
d. If this is the first time you are connecting the unit to the PC, Windows will recognize it as
a new device and automatically install necessary drivers. If using Windows XP, you may
be prompted to install drivers. Select the automatic installation option and Windows will
locate the generic drivers necessary.
e. Please note that although the unit is connected via USB, it uses an internal serial
interface to communicate with the PC. As such, it will appear in the windows Device
Manager as a USB Serial Port. Open the Device Manager from the Windows Control
Panel and note the COM port number. For example, in the installation shown below, the
CT-3500 S2 is shown as COM10 (USB Serial Port).

REV 1.1 CT-3500 S2 USER’S MANUAL
11
f. Launch the VUS application and then click on the “Settings” icon. The following window
will be displayed:
Make sure that the “Use USB Port” option is UN-checked. Then, from the drop down
menu to the right of the “Use USB Port” checkbox select the COM port that corresponds
to the port that the CT-3500 S2 is connected to. In the above example, the CT-3500 S2 is
connected to COM10. Then click the OK button.
g. You can now use the VUS software to transfer test records from the CT-3500 S2 to the
PC.

CT-3500 S2 USER’S MANUAL REV 1.1
12
3.5 Testing Procedures
3.5.1. Entering Test Record Header Information
You can enter the test record header information before performing tests. The record header
includes identifying information such as the company, station, circuit, manufacturer, etc. Once
the header information has been set, it will apply to all subsequent test records. Follow the
steps below to enter the test header information:
a. Start from the “START-UP” menu:
Press the [3] key (SETUP).
b. The following screen will be displayed:
Press the [1] key (SHOT DESCRIPTION).
c. The following screen will be displayed:
Type the company name using the keypad. Press the [ENTER] key when you are done
typing the company name.
COMPANY:
_
↑/↓TO POSITION
"ENTER" TO ACCEPT
1. SHOT DESCRIPTION
2. SAVE / RESTORE
3. SET 50/60 HZ
4. SET DATE & TIME
1. TIME BRKR 05/14/12
2. GET RSLT 08:45:25
3. SETUP
4. DIAGNOSTICS

REV 1.1 CT-3500 S2 USER’S MANUAL
13
d. The following screen will be displayed:
Type the station name using the keypad and then press the [ENTER] key.
e. The following screen will be displayed:
Type the circuit information using the keypad and then press the [ENTER] key.
f. The following screen will be displayed:
Type the manufacturer name using the keypad and then press the [ENTER] key.
MANUFACTURER:
_
↑/↓TO POSITION
"ENTER" TO ACCEPT
CIRCUIT:
_
↑/↓TO POSITION
"ENTER" TO ACCEPT
STATION:
_
↑/↓TO POSITION
"ENTER" TO ACCEPT

CT-3500 S2 USER’S MANUAL REV 1.1
14
g. The following screen will be displayed:
Type the circuit breaker’s model information using the keypad and then press the
[ENTER] key.
h. The following screen will be displayed:
Type the circuit breaker’s serial number using the keypad and then press the [ENTER]
key.
i. The following screen will be displayed:
Type the circuit breaker’s KVA rating using the keypad and then press the [ENTER] key.
j. The following screen will be displayed:
Type the operator’s name using the keypad and then press the [ENTER] key. All
header information will be saved, and you will be returned to the “START-UP” menu.
OPERATOR:
_
↑/↓TO POSITION
"ENTER" TO ACCEPT
KVA RATING:
_
↑/↓TO POSITION
"ENTER" TO ACCEPT
SERIAL NUMBER:
_
↑/↓TO POSITION
"ENTER" TO ACCEPT
MODEL:
_
↑/↓TO POSITION
"ENTER" TO ACCEPT

REV 1.1 CT-3500 S2 USER’S MANUAL
15
3.5.2. Timing an OPEN Operation
Follow the steps below to time an OPEN operation:
a. Start from the “START-UP” menu:
Press the [1] key (TIME BRKR).
b. The following screen will be displayed:
Press the [1] key (OPEN).
c. The following screen will be displayed:
Manually open the breaker.
d. The following screen will be displayed:
Press the [1] key (YES) to print the test results on the unit’s built-in thermal printer.
PRINT TEST RESULTS?
1.YES
2.NO
TEST: OPEN
OPEN BREAKER NOW...
TIMING MODE:
1.OPEN 2.CLOSE
3.OPEN-CL 4.CL-OPEN
5. SP OPEN
1. TIME BRKR 05/14/12
2. GET RSLT 08:45:25
3. SETUP
4. DIAGNOSTICS

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16
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