Vitrek 4600A User manual

4600A Precision High Voltage Meter
Operating Manual
9880A Via Pasar, San Diego CA 92126 USA
V: [phone] F: [phone]
Web: www.vitrek.com E-mail: [email protected]
Copyright Vitrek Corporation 2001, all rights reserved, rev 12/20/2001

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CERTIFICATION
______________________________________________________
Vitrek Corporation certifies that this instrument was thoroughly tested and
inspected and found to meet published specifications when shipped from the
factory. Vitrek Corporation further certifies that its calibration measurements are
traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology to the extent
allowed by NIST's calibration facility.
WARRANTY
______________________________________________________
This product is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a
period of one year. Damage due to improper handling and exposure to excessive
voltage is not covered under this warranty. We will repair or replace the
instrument under warranty, provided it is returned to Vitrek Corporation freight
prepaid. No other warranty is expressed or implied. We are not liable for
consequential damages. Permission and a return authorization number must be
obtained directly from the factory for warranty repairs. No liability will be
accepted if returned without such permission. Due to continuing product
refinement and due to possible parts manufacturer changes, Vitrek Corporation
reserves the right to change any or all specifications without notice.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
_______________________________________________________________
SECTION I: UNPACKING AND INSTALLATION
1-1 Introduction
1-2 Inspection
1-3 Fuse Protection
1-4 Bench Use
1-5 Rack Mounting
1-6 Tips for Battery Option
1-7 Safety Precautions
SECTION II: SPECIFICATIONS
2-1 Accuracy
2-2 DC Voltage Measurements
2-3 AC Voltage Measurements (True RMS)
2-4 General Specifications
SECTION III: OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
3-1 General
SECTION IV: OPERATION
4-1 General
4-2 Front Panel Controls
4-3 Making High Voltage Measurements
4-4 Option "Peak Hold" Operation
SECTION V: ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
5-1 General
5-2 Required Test Equipment
5-3 Calibration Verification Chart
5-4 Battery Replacement Instructions

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SECTION I UNPACKING & INSTALLATION
_______________________________________________________________
1-1. Introduction
The Vitrek 4600A is a Precision High Voltage Measurement Instrument. It is the ideal instrument for
calibrating Hipot testers and measuring and calibrating a wide variety of high voltage power sources.
The 4600A features a 4½-digit (19999 count) display, two voltage ranges (2kV and 20kV) and either
DC or true RMS AC measurement modes. The 4600A operates from 115/230 VAC 50-60 Hz line
power. An internal rechargeable battery supply is optionally available (typical battery life is 5-6 hours
between charges).
The 4600A has been designed with safety in mind. However, high voltages may be hazardous or
fatal if mis-handled! Please read this manual thoroughly, and follow all safety precautions in section 1-
7, before attempting to operate the Model 4600A.
1-2. Inspection
If the shipping carton is damaged, request that the carrier's agent be present when the unit is unpacked.
If the instrument appears damaged, the carrier's agent should authorize repairs before the unit is returned
to the factory. Even if the instrument appears undamaged, it may have suffered internal damage in
transit that may not be evident until the unit is operated or tested to verify conformance with its
specifications. If the unit fails to operate or fails to meet the performance specifications of Section 2,
notify the carrier's agent and the nearest Vitrek Sales Office. Retain the shipping carton for the carrier's
inspection. DO NOT return equipment to Vitrek Corporation or any of its sales offices prior to
obtaining authorization to do so.
1-3. Fuse Protection
The Model 4600A uses two internal fuses, one to protect the main power supply from an over current
condition and other protects the battery option from receiving an excessive charging current. Both fuses
are the same type: 5 X 20mm, 250VAC, 1A slow-blo fuse. If either fuse is blown, it may indicate a
problem with the internal power supply circuits. Refer all servicing of this instrument to qualified
technical personnel. For protection against fire, Replace fuses with the exact equivalent only!
1-4. Bench Use
The unit is supplied with all the hardware required for bench use and special instructions for use in this
manner are not necessary. The user should become familiar with the operating instructions in Section 4
before attempting to operate the voltmeter.

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1-5. Rack Mounting
An optional kit is available for mounting the 4600A in a standard 19" equipment rack. This is listed in
Section 3. Follow the installation instructions included with the option. If the 4600A is to be
transported while mounted in a rack, it should be supported so as to prevent upward or downward
movement.
It is recommended that blank panels at least 1.75 inches high be installed between this and any other
units in the rack to ensure freedom of airflow. Under no circumstances should the ambient air
temperature around the unit exceed 50°C while the unit is in operation or 70°C when power is removed.
1-6. Tips for Longer Battery Life
If your 4600A is equipped with the battery option, the battery pack consists of three rechargeable lead-
acid batteries. These batteries are quite reliable and should provide years of service. Observing the
following notes can maximize this life span:
1. Fully charged batteries have a useable duration of 5-6 hours in the Model 4600A voltmeter.
2. High ambient temperatures while in storage or operation will reduce battery life span. Whenever
possible, keep the batteries cool.
3. Keep the 4600A connected to line power (for battery charging purposes) when not in use.
4. Do not allow batteries to fully discharge (i.e. do not leave it on overnight if it is disconnected from
line power).
5. If the batteries do become depleted to the point that they will no longer store a charge, please refer to
section 5-4 for battery replacement instructions.

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1-7. Safety Precautions
Warning: The Vitrek Model 4600A has been designed to provide a safe high voltage
measurement. However, extreme caution must always be used when working with high voltages.
Operators should be aware of general safety precautions for working with hazardous voltages and
must always heed the following precautions:
1. Ensure that the 4600A is properly earth grounded either through its 3-wire power cord or via
its rear panel ground terminal. When battery power is used without out power cord, you must
connect rear panel ground terminal to earth ground.
2. Always connect the high voltage probe lead to the 4600A probe input BNC connector before
contacting high voltage with the HV probe tip.
3. Always keep your hands and body behind the HV probe safety washer and away from the HV
probe tip.
4. Never attempt to measure voltages greater than the probe rating: 20kV DC or peak AC.
5. Whenever possible remove power from the high voltage source when not in use.
6. The maximum isolation of the COMMON terminal from the instrument chassis (which should
be at earth ground) is ±500 volts DC or peak AC. This means that a shock hazard may occur
if the COMMON input is raised more than 500 volts from earth ground potential.

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SECTION II SPECIFICATIONS
_______________________________________________________________
2-1. Accuracy
The accuracy specifications for the Model 4600A are valid for a period of 1 year from the date of
calibration at 23˚C (±3°C).
2-2. DC Voltage Measurements
Ranges: 2kV and 20kV
Resolution: 100mV on 2.0000kV, 1V on 20.000kV
Accuracy: ±0.04% of reading ±0.02% of range
Temperature coefficient: ±0.005% of reading / ˚C from 10 to 20, and 26 to 40 °C
Voltage Coefficient: ±0.2ppm/V
Maximum Inputs: ±20kVDC at HV probe input, 500 VDC max at common terminal
2-3. AC Voltage Measurements (True RMS)
Ranges: 2kV and 20kV
Resolution: 100mV on 2.0000kV, 1V on 20.000kV
Maximum Inputs: 20kV peak AC (15kVRMS) at HV probe input, 500 Volts peak AC at
common terminal
Accuracy: 2kV Range
20 to 100Hz = ±0.07% of reading ±0.1% of range
100 to 400Hz = ±0.4% of reading ±0.2% of range
20kV Range
20 to 100Hz = ±0.4% of reading ±0.2% of range
Temperature coefficient: ±0.005% of reading / ˚C from 10 to 20, and 26 to 40 °C
Voltage Coefficient: ±0.4ppm/V
Minimum Input: 100VAC RMS on 2kV range, 1000VAC RMS on 20kV range
Crest Factor: 3:1, not to exceed 150% of range
2-4. General Specifications
Display Resolution: 4 ½ digits (19,999 count)
Input Impedance: 200MΩ
NMRR: 50db at 50 or 60 Hz
CMRR: 50db
Power: 115/230VAC ±10%, 50/60Hz, 10VA maximum
Dimensions: 292mmW x 203mmD x 83mmH (11.5"W x 8"D x 3"H)
Weight: 2.5kg (5.5 lbs) Net, 5kg (11 lbs) Shipping
Accessories: 10” High Voltage probe with 6 ft lead, common lead, power cord,
operating manual, NIST traceable certificate of calibration

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SECTION III OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
_______________________________________________________________
3-1. General
The Model 4600A is shipped with a 10” High Voltage probe with 6 ft lead, common lead, power cord,
operating manual, and NIST traceable certificate of calibration.
TL-20-46 High Voltage lead assembly terminated with a large alligator clamp in lieu of standard HV
probe assembly.
TL-30-46 High Voltage lead assembly terminated with a .25” ID ring lug in lieu of standard HV probe
assembly.
TL-40-46 High Voltage lead assembly terminated with a 4mm banana plug in lieu of standard HV
probe assembly.
BPH-46 Battery Power and Tilt Handle Option. Internal 6V gel cell, 6 hour battery life typical, 12
hour charge time, built–in charger, tilt bail/handle.
RM-46 Rack Adapter 2U (3.5”) X 19” rack panel with support tray
RPT-46 Rear panel input terminals (in parallel with front inputs)

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SECTION IV OPERATION
_______________________________________________________________
4-1. General
This section provides complete operating instructions for the Model 4600A. The 4600A is a safe and
reliable instrument when used in accordance with the operating instructions. However, High Voltage
encountered while using this instrument may be hazardous or fatal! Please read all instructions
thoroughly before attempting to operate the Model 4600A.
4-2. Front Panel Controls
The Power/Standby switch is a push ON, push OFF momentary switch located on the left side of the
front panel. The unit will automatically come up in the power on mode when line voltage is applied.
The AC/DC function switches determine whether AC or DC voltages will be measured. Make the
desired selection by depressing the corresponding push-button. The function switches are interlocked so
that only one mode may be selected at any one time.
Voltage range selection is accomplished using the 2KV / 20K push-buttons. The range switches are
interlocked so that only one range may be selected at any one time.

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4-3. Rear Panel Layout
The rear panel consists of the IEC-320 power inlet to the far right. To the left of the power inlet is the
chassis ground terminal. This terminal should be used for a reliable earth ground in the event that the
three wire power chord does not provide a reliable earth ground. In battery-power applications, this
terminal must be earth grounded prior to making high voltage measurements.
The optional rear panel input terminals are on the lower left side of the rear panel. Above the rear panel
inputs is the optional RS-232 interface.
4-4. Making High Voltage Measurements
Never attempt to make a high voltage measurement unless you have first been trained in the safe
and proper handling of the high voltage source which you are attempting to measure.
The 4600A has two measurement input terminals and a rear panel chassis ground terminal. For safe
operation the 4600A must be earth grounded either through its 3-wire power cord or via the rear
panel chassis ground terminal.
The COMMON terminal of the 4600A should be connected to the "common", "negative", "low",
"neutral", or "ground" of the high voltage source. The maximum input voltage on the common terminal
is ±500VDC or peak AC (relative to earth ground). Voltages greater than this may damage the unit.
The other measurement terminal on the 4600A is the BNC style HV probe input terminal. The 4600A is
calibrated to a specific HV probe. The probe is identified with a serial number tag which should match
the serial number of the main 4600A unit. For operator safety, the HV probe assembly must be
connected to the 4600A HV probe input (BNC connector) before the probe tip comes in contact
with high voltage. Once the BNC connector of the probe is attached to the BNC HV input terminal, the
probe can then be placed in contact with the "output", "line", "positive", or "high" of the high voltage
source.
The 4600A is designed to safely measure voltages up to 20 KVDC or peak AC (15 KVAC RMS).
Damage may occur to the operator and or the 4600A if the probe comes in contact with voltages
greater than above ratings.

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1. Ensure 4600A is properly earth grounded.
2. Disable the high voltage source by removing its power source or by other suitable means.
3. Set the 4600A range to 20KV and AC or DC as required.
4. Connect the common test lead to the common of the high voltage source.
5. Connect the HV probe BNC to the HV input BNC connector of the 4600A.
6. Enable the high voltage source.
►If the common test lead should pull loose after power is applied to the high voltage source,
do not touch it! Disable the high voltage source first and then reconnect the clip.
7. Allow time for the high voltage source to reach full output, and then touch the HV probe tip to the
high voltage source terminal. If the reading is less than 2KV, select the 2KV range.
►For best AC accuracy, hold the HV probe with fingertips only, near the cable end of the probe
handle (opposite end from the HV tip). Do not use full hand grip near safety washer when making
precise AC measurements. Keep probe perpendicular to the plane of the voltage source, keep probe
away from bench and other objects. Plate capacitor influence of objects will adversely affect AC
accuracy.
►It should be noted that if the 4600A receives an input that is significantly higher than the selected
range, it will attempt to protect itself by disabling the voltage measurement circuitry. This may be
seen as a condition in which the 4600A will not respond to any input in any range, and the display
may wander around aimlessly. This condition is temporary and will correct itself within 30 seconds
after removal of the input voltage. This automatic protection is limited and should not be used
as a substitute for selection of the proper range! Damage may occur to the 4600A due to
excessive inputs.
4-5. Option "Peak Hold" Operation
The Vitrek Model 4600A High Voltage Meter is available with an optional Peak Hold circuit. If the
option is not installed in your unit, the “peak hold” LED will not illuminate when the “peak hold”
switch is pressed. This feature allows the user to capture the peak RMS value of the input signal. This
makes for safer measurements as the high voltage need be applied only momentarily. The steps below
should be followed when using the Peak Hold function.
1) Select AC or DC mode and the desired range for the expected voltage level.
2) Ensure that the voltage source is disabled and make connections to the 4600A.
3) Press the "Peak Hold" button and confirm that the “Peak Hold” LED is illuminated. If this option is
not installed in your unit, the “peak hold” LED will not illuminate when the “peak hold” switch is
pressed.
4) Apply the test voltage. The highest RMS value will be held on the display. To clear the display,
press the “Peak Hold” button to turn off the peak hold feature.

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SECTION V ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
_______________________________________________________________
5-1. General
This section provides general maintenance information and a procedure for calibrating the voltmeter.
The Model 4600A should be calibrated on a routine basis (every 12 months is recommended) to ensure
continued accuracy.
5-2. Required Test Equipment
The test equipment listed below or its equivalent is required for performance of the calibration
procedure. The recommended Vitrek product is indicated in parentheses ().
MINIMUM
EQUIPMENT ACCURACY
DC Voltage Standard ± 0.003%, 0.1V to 200V
(Vitrek 2701C) ± 0.01%, 200V to 1000V
AC Voltage Calibrator± 0.02%, 0.1V to 100V
(Vitrek 2703) at 20Hz to 1kHz; with 1000V up to 400Hz.
Ross HV Reference Divider AC/DC 30KV +0.1%
5-3. Calibration Verification Chart
Reference Incoming
Readings
Outgoing
Readings
Uncertainty
500VDC V V ±.7V
1000VDC V V ±1.0V
1200VDC V V ±1.2V
5000VDC V V ±16V
10,000VDC V V ±28V
15,000VDC V V ±40V
500VAC 60Hz V V ±2.5V
1000VAC 60Hz V V ±3.1V
1000VAC 400Hz V V ±8.4V
1200VAC 60Hz V V ±3.4V
5000VAC 60Hz V V ±80V
10,000VAC 60Hz V V ±120V

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5-4. Battery Replacement Instructions
The rechargeable battery assembly used in the 4600A consists of three PCB mounted 2-volt cells. The
cells are of the sealed lead-acid type, and should provide years of trouble-free service. The replacement
battery assembly is available as Vitrek Stock 947-1000. The battery assembly should always be
replaced as a complete assembly.
Follow the instructions below for battery replacement.
1) Disconnect the power cord from the unit.
2) Remove handle assembly by turning handle up to keyed position and gently pulling out on each end
until handle slips off. Remove handle bushings.
3) Remove the top and bottom vent panels by sliding them off. Remove top cover by unscrewing the
four screws revealed by the vent panels.
4) Remove the two screws and cable ties that hold the battery PCB in place.
5) Disconnect the battery cable and remove battery assembly.
6) Install the new battery assembly and replace covers and handle.