PCE INSTRUMENTS PCE-IT 150 High Voltage Insulation Tester

FAQs

Q: Can I use this tester on live circuits?

A: No, this instrument must not be used on live circuits. Ensure all circuits are de-energized before testing.

Q: What should I do if I hear a rapid pulsating bleep while using the tester?

A: If you hear a rapid pulsating bleep while using the tester, do not proceed to test and immediately disconnect the instrument from the circuit. Refer to the warning message displayed on the tester.

Safety Precautions

Electricity can cause severe injuries even with low voltages or currents. Therefore it is extremely important that you read the following information before using your high voltage insulation tester.

• a. This Instrument must only be used and operated by a competent trained person and in strict accordance with the instructions. we will not accept liability for any damage or injury caused by misuse or noncompliance with instructions and safety procedures.
• b. This instrument must not be used on live circuits. Ensure all circuits are de-energized before testing. see paragraph for details of built-in warning features should your high voltage insulation tester be connected to a live system.
• c. Always inspect your high voltage insulation tester and test leads before use for any sign of abnormality or damage. If any abnormal conditions exist (broken test leads, cracked case, display faulty, etc…) do not attempt to take any measurement or use the tester.
• Return your high-voltage insulation tester to your nearest distributor for service.
• d. Your high voltage insulation tester has been designed with your safety in mind. However, no design can completely protect against incorrect use. Electrical circuits can be dangerous and/or lethal when a lack of caution or poor safety practices is used.
• e. Pay attention to cautions and warnings which will inform you of potentially dangerous procedures.
• f. Your high voltage insulation tester has a live circuit warning beeper. If it is connected to a live circuit, a rapid pulsating bleep will be heard. DO NOT proceed to test and immediately disconnect the instrument from the circuit. In addition, your tester will display the warning message.
• g. Rated environmental conditions :
  1. Indoor use.
  2. Installation Category Ⅳ.
  3. Pollution Degree 2.
  4. Altitude up to 2000 meters.
  5. Relative humidity 80% max.
  6. Ambient temperature 0ºC~40ºC.
• h. Observe the international Electrical Symbols listed below :

The meter is protected throughout by double insulation or reinforced insulation.
Warning! Risk of electric shock.
Caution! Refer to this manual before using the meter.

Earth

Overview

This is a variable high voltage insulation tester from 500V to 15kV in 500V steps. The is menu-driven and uses Dynamic Current Auto ranging technology. When pressing the on/off button, the top line of the display shows the current year, month, date, hour, and minutes indication. The bottom line of the display shows the Insulation Meter. When doing the test, the top line of the display shows Ω reading and the time duration. The bottom line of the display shows output voltage and current. This instrument displays a voltage warning and sounds when AC or DC is present before injecting the test voltage.

Features

• Microprocessor controlled.
• 2 Lines x 16 characters, large intelligent LCD module.
• 30 insulation test voltages :
• 500V, 1kV, 1.5kV, 2kV, 2.5kV, 3kV,
• 3.5kV, 4kV, 4.5kV, 5kV, 5.5kV, 6kV,
• 6.5kV, 7kV, 7.5kV, 8kV, 8.5kV, 9kV,
• 9.5kV, 10kV, 10.5kV, 11kV, 11.5kV, 12kV,
• 12.5kV, 13kV, 13.5kV, 14kV, 14.5kV, 15kV
• AC/DC Voltmeter.
• PI (Polarization Index) indication.
• DAR (Dielectric Absorption ratio) indication.
• Auto-ranging on all insulation ranges.
• Current measurement.
• acklight function.
• Menu driven.
• Visual and audible warning if an external voltage is present. (≥30Vac or ≥30Vdc)
• Short-circuit current up to 5mA
• Auto-hold function to freeze the reading.
• Overload protection.
• Adjustment for testing time (duration): 1~30 minutes.
• Calendar.
• Indication memory for data storage.
• Optical USB to RS-232 data transmission.
• Auto-off.
• 200 measurement results can be saved in the memory and recalled on the display.

Specifications

Test Voltage	From 500Vdc to 15kVdc Adjustable in 500V steps
Preset buttons	1kV, 5kV, 10kV, 15kV
Measuring ranges	1TΩ / 0.5kV 1TΩ at 0.5kV~30TΩ at 15kV
Accuracy	1kV : 0~200GΩ 5kV : 0~1TΩ 10kV : 0~2TΩ 15kV : 0~3TΩ	±(5%rdg+5dgt)
	1kV : 200GΩ~2TΩ 5kV : 1TΩ~10TΩ 10kV : 2TΩ~20TΩ 15kV : 3TΩ~30TΩ	±20%
Resolution	1GΩ : 0.001GΩ          10GΩ : 0.01GΩ 100GΩ : 0.1GΩ          1TΩ : 1GΩ 10TΩ : 10GΩ             30TΩ : 100GΩ
Short circuit current	up to 5mA
Current measurement	0.5nA~0.55mA (Depending on the insulation resistance)
PI (Polarization Index)	√
DAR (Dielectric Absorption Ratio)	√
Voltmeter	ACV : 30~600V (50/60Hz) DCV: 30~600V Accuracy : ±(2.0%rdg+3dgt) Resolution : 1V
Power source	Rechargeable battery
AC Adapter	Input : 100-240Vac ,0.4A ,50-60Hz Output: 24Vdc    0.62A
Dimensions	430(L) x 324(W) x 127(D)mm
Weight	Approx: 6.56kg
Accessories	Instruction manual        Test leads Data transmission cable USB flash driver for PC interface Charger        Alligator clip       Test report

Connections

FIRST MEASUREMENT

MEASURE WITHOUT THE GUARD TO TAKE EVERYTHING INTO ACCOUNT AND FIND OUT IF NEED CLEANING

DIRTY INSULATORELECTRICAL EQUIVALENT CIRCUIT DIRTY INSULATOR

SECOND MEASUREMENT MEASURE WITH THE GUARD TO ENSURE THE INSULATOR IS CORRECT.

RESISTANCE DUE TO CONTAMINATION CAN BE VERY LOW AND LOWER THE TOTAL RESISTANCE. CLEANING PERIODICALLY CAN ALSO REDUCE SYSTEM POWER CONSUMPTION.

Instrument layout

1. Power ON/OFF button
2. Insulation resistance test at 1kV button
3. Insulation resistance test at 5kV button
4. Insulation resistance test at 10kV button
5. Insulation resistance test at 15KV button
6. To add the (+500V) button to the selected test voltage
7. To subtract the (-500V) button from the selected test voltage
8. TEST/STOP button
9. ENTER & SAVE button
10. ESC button ID
11. BACKLIT button
12. Connection socket for data transmission
13. Battery-charge socket
14. Charge indicator

Measuring procedure

This tester provide one main and five minor functions: Main Function: insulation resistance test.

Minor functions:

• Function 1 ─ Voltage meter
• Function 2 ─ RTC Adjustment
• Function 3 ─ Test Timer
• Function 4 ─ LOG Display
• Function 5 ─ LOG Clear

Insulation resistance measurement test (main function)

Note:

1. Before the test is performed, be sure that no voltage is made on the specimen. If voltage exists therein, remove the power supplied.
2. To secure the operator’s safety, check if there is any damage on the tester or test cable.
3. During the test, do not touch the metal on the specimen surface or test cable.
4. Wear insulation gloves and rubber shoes while operating this high-voltage measuring instrument.

(a) Checks before a test is performed: Press the power switch and check if the power supply is sufficient. If insufficient, “Low Battery” will be displayed on the LCD display. Charge the battery before making measurements.

(b) Measuring procedure:

1. Connect the specimen by test cable.
2. Press ① (ON/OFF) button.
3. Select test voltage:
   • (1) Select one from 1kV, 5kV, 10kV or 15kV, press (② , ③, ④ or …⑤) respectively.
   • (2) To select a voltage other than the four indicated, press anyone among ②, ③, ④, ⑤…, then, press ⑥ (volt-add) or ⑦ (volt-reduce) till the required voltage is reached.
4. Be sure that the cable connecting the specimen and Tester is correct. Then, press ⑧ (TEST/STOP); LCD displays as below:
5. Then, press ⑧ (TEST/STOP).
   • Note:
   • a. During test process, if there is an exterior voltage (above AC30V or DC30V) exerted, the beeper activates in response; and LCD displays the warning picture as shown in below:
   • Now, a test cannot be performed. To go on the test it should remove the exterior voltage.
   • b. While the test is running, the beeper activates to remind the operator that the test is underway.
   • c. After the set test time is due (see Function 3: the test time setting), the test stops, and the system will automatically lock down the test value.
   • d. To read the test value on the LCD display, press the ⑪ BACKLIT button()
6. Read the test value from LCD display.
7. Press ⑧ (TEST/ STOP); LCD shows the “discharging”.
8. To store the data, press ⑨ (ENTER/SAVE); LCD displays the picture shown below.
   • Note:
   • When do the insulation test, always connect the test leads to the object we want to measure before pressing the TEST button. Do not press the TEST button in advance.

Measure voltage (Voltage Meter) ─ Function 1

1. Press ① (ON/OFF) button.
2. Press ⑥ value-add “+” or ⑦ value-reduce “-”; LCD displays the picture shown in below:
3. Press ⑨(ENTER/SAVE) to perform measurement; LCD displays the picture shown in below:
4. Read the data measured from LCD display.
5. Press ⑩ (ESC) to return back to the former screen.
6. Then, press ⑩ (ESC) to return back to the main page.
   • Note: SAVE cannot be applied during the voltage measurement process.

Date/time adjustment (RTC Adjustment) ─ Function 2

1. Press ① (ON/OFF) button.
2. Press ⑥ (value-add) “+” 2 times; LCD display the following pictures respectively:
3. Press the ⑨ (ENTER/SAVE) button.
4. Press ⑥ (value-add) “+” or ⑦ (value-reduce) “-” till the correct voltage is reached. Press ⑧ (TEST/STOP) to switch to next time unit and go on the required adjustment.
5. After all adjustments are complete, press ⑨ (ENTER/ SAVE) to confirm and save the data measured.
   • Note: if time unit (year, month, day, hour, minute or second) needs not to be adjusted, press ⑧ (TEST/STOP) to skip it.
6. Press ⑩ (ESC) to return back to the main page.

Measurement time setting (Test Timer) ─ Function 3

1. Press ① (ON/OFF) button.
2. Press ⑥ (value-add) “+” for 3 times; LCD display the following pictures respectively:
3. Press⑨ (ENTER/SAVE), LCD displays the picture shown in below:
4. Press ⑥ value-add“+” or ⑦ value-reduce “-” to set the test time.
5. After setting is complete, press ⑨ (ENTER/SAVE) to confirm & save the data measured.
6. Press ⑩ (ESC) to return back to the main page.

Display the data stored (LOG Display) ─ Function 4

1. Press ① (ON/OFF) button. (Main page)
2. Press ⑥(value-add) “+” for 4 times; LCD display the following pictures respectively:
3. Press ⑨ (ENTER/SAVE), LCD displays the picture shown in below:
4. Press ⑨ (ENTER/SAVE), LCD displays the “DAR” and “PI” picture shown in below:
5. Press ⑨ (ENTER/SAVE), LCD displays the “Volt” picture shown below:
6. Press ⑨ (ENTER/SAVE), LCD displays the “Date” and “Time” pictures shown below:
7. Press ⑥ value-add”+” or ⑦ value-add”-” to find LOGS which has been saved.
8. Press ⑥ value-add“+” or ⑦ value-reduce “-” to select the required data value. If no data is available, LCD displays the picture shown below:
9. Press ⑨ (ENTER/SAVE) to query the subpage of data.
10. After the query is over, press ⑩ (ESC) twice to go back the main page.

Clear/erase the display of data stored (LOG Clear) ─ Function 5

1. Press ① (ON/OFF) button.
2. Press ⑥(value-add) “+” for 5 times; LCD display the following pictures respectively:
3. Press ⑨ (ENTER/SAVE) to inquire whether to clear up the data or not; LCD displays the picture shown below:
   • Erase ─ press ⑨ (ENTER/SAVE). LCD displays the picture shown below:
   • Not erase ─ press ⑩ (ESC) to go back to the main page.

Introduction of other functions

Dielectric absorption ratio (DAR): Ratio of insulation resistance between 1-min and 30-sec

DAR 

1. 1-min insulation resistance
2. 30-sec insulation resistance

2. Polarization index (PI): Ratio of insulation resistance between 10-min and 1-min

PI 

1. 10-min insulation resistance
2. 1-min insulation resistance

Lower insulation resistance tested takes longer test time, which would deteriorate the specimen. Thus, higher DAR or PI (as close to 1) would create a better insulation grade of the specimen.

Operation:

During the test run, wait for one minute, DAR will be displayed automatically; wait for 10 minutes, and PI will be displayed automatically.

AUTO OFF:

The system will shut down automatically after 3 minutes without operation.

Charge

(A) Timing:

After “Low Battery” is displayed on LCD display, perform battery charge; LCD displays the picture shown below:

Process:

1. Plug one end of the charger into the battery plug-in socket (Fig ⑬); and the other end into the ACV power socket.
2. If the ACV plug socket is energized, the charge indicator (Fig ⑭) is lit indicating that the charge is underway. If the ACV plug socket isn’t energized, remove it to another power-energized one making a power charge.
3. After the voltage reaches 16.5V, the charging process is complete. (It can be observed on LCD display.)

No measurement can be performed during the charging process.

Maintenance & Repair

• (A) To avoid an electric shock or device damage, do not wet the inner part of the tester.
• (B) Avoid the tester from being dropped down which would damage or disconnect devices apart.
• (C) Wipe the tester surface with a soft, dry cloth and mild detergent. Prohibit using sandpaper or solvent.

Note:

• This tester is HV-operated; the user should not open the outer casing. If any damage occurs, take the tester back to the manufacturer for repair.

REMEMBER TO CHARGE THE BATTERY!

ALWAYS recharge the battery when the Low Battery info appears on the display. Leaving the battery uncharged for a long period of time may affect the lifespan of the battery.
Charging interval: Every 3 months

Interface connection and operation

(A) Insulation Tester Installation Steps:

1. This program will install Insulation Tester on your computer automatically.
2. Click the “Next” key to set.
3. If you want to install a different folder, click Browse, and select another folder. If it’s not necessary, click the “Next” key.
4. Click the “Next” key.
5. It will show the information of all files are Installing to your personal computer.
6. It will show the information of Insulation tester has been successfully installed and then click “Finish” key.
   • (Note: If your personal computer system is Windows 7, it will indicate the driver automatically. It’s necessary to install the driver if your computer system is not windows 7, then the driver is in the compact disk (CD). The directory is “ E: USB
   • DRIVER/CDM 2.08.24 WHQL Certified x 86-32 bit”.)

Windows Comm Port setting:

1. Plug the data transmission cable into the personal computer USB port.
2. On the Windows interface, ① open the Start Menu.
3. ② Right-click on Computer, ③ Click on Properties in the sub-menu.
4. The windows appears Control Panel Home, On the left hand side of the window ④ click on Device Manger.
5. The windows appears Device Manager. (Alternatively, you can: open the Run command window (Start Menu → Run… or press + R) and type “devmgmt.msc” without the quotation marks.) ⑤ Click on the arrow to the left of Ports “(COM & LPT)” to expand the listing.
6. ⑥ right click on the correct COM port and click on Properties in the sub-menu that pops up.
7. In the window that appears ⑦ click on the Port Settings tab at the top and the display will change. ⑧ Click on the Advance button, the windows appears shows the Advance Setting for COMxx
8. ⑨ Click on the COM Port number list to expand it and click on a COM port number within the range of COM1 to COM8 (preferably one not in use, avoid choosing COM1; if all are in use and there are no other peripherals connected to your PC, assign it no any port between 1 and 8; this will cause the PC to lose the addressing of the last peripheral connected there (a USB printer for example) and will cause the PC to assign it to another number when you reconnect it).
9. Once the new COM port is chosen, ⑩ click on OK and again in the USB Serial Port Properties window. Close the device manager.

Insulation Tester Software Comm Port setting:

1. Connect data transmission cable to the Insulation Tester.
2. Click the icon of the “15kV Insulation Tester” on the desktop of the personal computer.
3. On the 15kV Insulation Tester window, select the correct “Comm Port and click the RS232 connection button.

Insulation Tester Interface:

1. RS 232 Connection.
2. Main operation interface.
3. Memory saving and downloading interface.
4. Click the “Download Log from Device” key to download the current data and statistics.
5. Click the “Chart Display” key to see the chart, picture shown in below:
6. Click the “Save Log” key to the file, picture shown inbelow:

Contact

If you have any questions, suggestions or technical problems, please do not hesitate to contact us. You will find the relevant contact information at the end of this user manual.

Disposal

For the disposal of batteries in the EU, the 2006/66/EC directive of the European Parliament applies. Due to the contained pollutants, batteries must not be disposed of as household waste. They must be given to collection points designed for that purpose. In order to comply with the EU directive 2012/19/EU we take our devices back. We either re-use them or give them to a recycling company that disposes of the devices in line with the law. For countries outside the EU, batteries, and devices should be disposed of in accordance with your local waste regulations. If you have any questions, please contact PCE Instruments.

contact information

Germany

• PCE Deutschland GmbH
• Im Langel 26
• D-59872 Meschede
• Deutschland
• Tel.: +49 (0) 2903 976 99 0
• Fax: +49 (0) 2903 976 99 29
• info@pce-instruments.com
• www.pce-instruments.com/deutsch

United Kingdom

• PCE Instruments UK Ltd
• Trafford House
• Chester Rd, Old Trafford Manchester M32 0RS
• United Kingdom
• Tel: +44 (0) 161 464902 0
• Fax: +44 (0) 161 464902 9
• info@pce-instruments.co.uk
• www.pce-instruments.com/english
• The Netherlands
• PCE Brookhuis B.V. Institutenweg 15 7521 PH Enschede

Nederland

• Telefoon: +31 (0)53 737 01 92
• info@pcebenelux.nl
• www.pce-instruments.com/dutch

France

• PCE Instruments France EURL
• 23, rue de Strasbourg
• 67250 Soultz-Sous-Forets
• France
• Téléphone: +33 (0) 972 3537 17 Numéro de fax: +33 (0) 972 3537 18 info@pce-france.fr
• www.pce-instruments.com/french

Italy

• PCE Italia s.r.l.
• Via Pesciatina 878 / B-Interno 6 55010 Loc. Gragnano
• Capannori (Lucca)
• Italia
• Telefono: +39 0583 975 114
• Fax: +39 0583 974 824
• info@pce-italia.it
• www.pce-instruments.com/italiano

United States of America

• PCE Americas Inc.
• 1201 Jupiter Park Drive, Suite 8 Jupiter / Palm Beach
• 33458 FL
• USA
• Tel: +1 561-320-9162
• Fax: +1 561-320-9176
• info@pce-americas.com
• www.pce-instruments.com/us
• PCE Ibérica S.L.

Spain

• Calle Mula, 8
• 02500 Tobarra (Albacete) España
• Tel. : +34 967 543 548
• Fax: +34 967 543 542
• info@pce-iberica.es
• www.pce-instruments.com/espanol

Turkey

• PCE Teknik Cihazları Ltd.Şti. Halkalı Merkez Mah.
• Pehlivan Sok. No.6/C
• 34303 Küçükçekmece – İstanbul Türkiye
• Tel: 0212 471 11 47
• Faks: 0212 705 53 93
• info@pce-cihazlari.com.tr
• www.pce-instruments.com/turkish

Denmark

• PCE Instruments Denmark ApS Birk Centerpark 40
• 7400 Herning
• Denmark
• Tel.: +45 70 30 53 08
• kontakt@pce-instruments.com
• www.pce-instruments.com/dansk

Documents / Resources

PCE INSTRUMENTS PCE-IT 150 High Voltage Insulation Tester [pdf] Instruction Manual PCE-IT 150 High Voltage Insulation Tester, PCE-IT 150, High Voltage Insulation Tester, Voltage Insulation Tester, Insulation Tester, Tester

References

• User Manual