Amprobe AMB-110 User Manual
AMB-110
10000V Insulation Resistance
Tester
Users Manual
• Mode d’emploi
• Bedienungshandbuch
• Manual d’Uso
• Manual de uso
AMB-110
10000V Insulation Resistance Tester
Users Manual
English
June 2011 , Rev.1
©2011 Amprobe Test Tools.
All rights reserved. Printed in China
Limited Warranty and Limitation of Liability
Your Amprobe product will be free from defects in material and workmanship for 1 year from the date of
purchase, unless local laws require otherwise. This warranty does not cover fuses, disposable batteries or
damage from accident, neglect, misuse, alteration, contamination, or abnormal conditions of operation or
handling. Resellers are not authorized to extend any other warranty on Amprobe’s behalf. To obtain service
during the warranty period, return the product with proof of purchase to an authorized Amprobe Test Tools
Service Center or to an Amprobe dealer or distributor. See Repair Section for details. THIS WARRANTY IS YOUR
ONLY REMEDY. ALL OTHER WARRANTIES - WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STAUTORY - INCLUDING IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR MERCHANTABILITY, ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED.
MANUFACTURER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES OR LOSSES, ARISING FROM ANY CAUSE OR THEORY. Since some states or countries do not allow
the exclusion or limitation of an implied warranty or of incidental or consequential damages, this limitation of
liability may not apply to you.
Repair
All test tools returned for warranty or non-warranty repair or for calibration should be accompanied by the
following: your name, company’s name, address, telephone number, and proof of purchase. Additionally,
please include a brief description of the problem or the service requested and include the test leads with the
meter. Non-warranty repair or replacement charges should be remitted in the form of a check, a money order,
credit card with expiration date, or a purchase order made payable to Amprobe® Test Tools.
In-Warranty Repairs and Replacement – All Countries
Please read the warranty statement and check your battery before requesting repair. During the
warranty period any defective test tool can be returned to your Amprobe® Test Tools distributor for an
exchange for the same or like product. Please check the “Where to Buy” section on www.amprobe.com
for a list of distributors near you. Additionally, in the United States and Canada In-Warranty repair and
replacement units can also be sent to a Amprobe® Test Tools Service Center (see address below).
Non-Warranty Repairs and Replacement – US and Canada
Non-warranty repairs in the United States and Canada should be sent to a Amprobe® Test Tools Service
Center. Call Amprobe® Test Tools or inquire at your point of purchase for current repair and replacement
rates.
In USA In Canada
Amprobe Test Tools Amprobe Test Tools
Everett, WA 98203 Mississauga, ON L4Z 1X9
Tel: 877-AMPROBE (267-7623) Tel: 905-890-7600
Non-Warranty Repairs and Replacement – Europe
European non-warranty units can be replaced by your Amprobe® Test Tools distributor for a nominalv
charge. Please check the “Where to Buy” section on www.amprobe.com for a list of distributors near
you.
European Correspondence Address*
Amprobe® Test Tools Europe
Beha-Amprobe GmbH
In den Engematten 14
79286 Glottertal, Germany
Tel.: +49 (0) 7684 8009 - 0
www.amprobe.eu
*(Correspondence only – no repair or replacement available from this address. European customers
please contact your distributor.)
AMB-110 10000V Insulation Resistance Tester
11 12 13 14 15
20
LCD
Display
19
18
16
START/STOP key to start or stop any measurement.
1
ON/OFF key to switch the instrument ON or OFF.
2
MEM key to store, recall and erase results.
3
SELECT key to enter set-up mode for the selected function or to select the active parameter to be set.
4
cursor key to select an option upward.
5
cursor key to select an option downward.
6
cursor key to decrease the selected parameter.
7
cursor key to increase the selected parameter.
8
ESC key to exit the selected mode.
9
Light key to turn the display backlight ON or OFF.
10
Positive Insulation Resistance test terminal (+OUT)
11
12 13
GUARD test terminals intended to lead away potential leakage current while measuring the Insulation.
Sockets under points 12 and 13 are connected together inside the instrument.
Negative Insulation Resistance test terminal. (-OUT)
14
Screw (unscrew to replace the batteries).
15
Galvanic separated USB connector to connect the instrument to PC.
16
Distributor label or could be blank.
17
Galvanic separated RS 232 connector to connect the instrument to PC.
18
Mains connector to connect the instrument to the mains supply.
19
Serial number of the instrument.
20
1 529 3 84671017
15
Battery
cover
1
AMB-110 10000V Insulation Resistance Tester
CONTENTS
SYMBOLS ..................................................................................................................................................3
SAFETY INFORMATION ............................................................................................................................3
MEANING OF SYMBOLS ...........................................................................................................................3
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS ..........................................................................................................................3
BATTERIES .................................................................................................................................................3
EXTERNAL VOLTAGES ..............................................................................................................................4
WORKING WITH THE INSTRUMENT ........................................................................................................4
HANDLING WITH CAPACITIVE LOADS ....................................................................................................4
UNPACKING AND INSPECTION ................................................................................................................4
FEATURES ..................................................................................................................................................5
OPERATION ...............................................................................................................................................6
Performing measurements ...................................................................................................................6
Autocalibration .....................................................................................................................................6
Mains powered instrument operation ................................................................................................7
Backlight operation (battery powered instrument) ...........................................................................7
Backlight operation (mains powered instrument) .............................................................................7
Off function ..........................................................................................................................................7
Configuration .......................................................................................................................................7
To clear all memory locations ..............................................................................................................8
MEASUREMENTS ......................................................................................................................................8
The purpose of insulation tests ...........................................................................................................8
DC vs. AC testing voltage .....................................................................................................................9
Typical insulation tests .........................................................................................................................9
Electrical representation of insulating material .................................................................................9
Basic Insulation resistance test .............................................................................................................10
Voltage dependence test – Step voltage test .....................................................................................10
POLARISATION INDEX ..............................................................................................................................11
DIELECTRIC DISCHARGE ...........................................................................................................................11
Withstanding voltage test ...................................................................................................................12
Humidity and insulation resistance measurements ............................................................................12
Guard terminal .....................................................................................................................................12
Filter options .........................................................................................................................................13
THE PURPOSE OF FILTERING ....................................................................................................................13
Example .................................................................................................................................................14
Voltage measurement ..........................................................................................................................14
Measurement procedure ......................................................................................................................14
Insulation Resistance measurement ....................................................................................................14
Measurement procedure ......................................................................................................................15
Setting up parameters for Insulation Resistance ................................................................................16
Enable/Disable the graph R(t) and Set-up the graph R(t) parameters in the Insulation Resistance function
.. 17
Diagnostic test ......................................................................................................................................18
2
DIELECTRIC ABSORPTION RATIO (DAR) ..................................................................................................19
POLARIZATION INDEX (PI) .......................................................................................................................20
DIELECTRIC DISCHARGE TESTING (DD) ...................................................................................................20
Measurement procedure ......................................................................................................................20
Setting up the parameters of the Diagnostic Test ..............................................................................21
Enable/Disable the graph R(t) and Set-up the graph R(t) parameters in the Diagnostic Test function
...........22
Step Voltage Insulation Resistance testing .........................................................................................23
Measurement procedure ......................................................................................................................24
Setting up the parameters of the Diagnostic Test ..............................................................................25
Enable/Disable the graph R(t) and Set-up the graph R(t) parameters in the Step Voltage function
..............25
Withstanding voltage ...........................................................................................................................26
Measuring procedure: ..........................................................................................................................27
Setting up the parameters of the Diagnostic Test ..............................................................................27
WORKING WITH YOUR RESULTS .............................................................................................................28
Storing, Recalling and Clearing Results ............................................................................................... 28
TRANSFERRING DATA TO A PC ................................................................................................................31
How to transfer the stored data .......................................................................................................... 31
With the communication program, the following tasks can be performed ..................................... 31
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................................................................31
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................................................................35
Battery power supply 7.2 V DC (6 × 1.2V Ni-MH; IEC LR20) ............................................................... 35
Environment Conditions ......................................................................................................................35
Autocalibration .....................................................................................................................................35
Connecting System ...............................................................................................................................35
Discharging ...........................................................................................................................................35
RS232 Serial Communication ...............................................................................................................35
Usb Communication .............................................................................................................................35
Clock ......................................................................................................................................................35
MAINTENANCE .........................................................................................................................................36
Inserting and charging batteries for the first time ............................................................................36
Replacing and charging batteries ........................................................................................................ 36
Cleaning ................................................................................................................................................37
Calibration ............................................................................................................................................37
AMB-55 AND AMB-110 PC SOFTWARE INSTRUCTION MANUAL ..........................................................38
3
SYMBOLS
SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING!
In order to reach the highest level of operator’s safety while carrying out various
measurements and tests using this Tester, as well as to ensure that the test equipment remains
undamaged, it is necessary to consider the following warnings:
MEANING OF SYMBOLS
Symbol on the instrument means “Read the User Manual with special care!”.
Symbol on the instrument means “Hazardous voltage higher than 1000 V may be present at
the test terminals!”.
Refer to the explanation in this
Manual
Risk of electric shock
Alternating Current
Direct Current
Do not dispose of this product as
unsorted municipal waste
Double Insulated or Reinforced
insulation
Earth Ground
Fuse
Complies with EU directives
Conform to relevant Australian
standards
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
• If the test equipment is used in a manner not specied in this Users Manual, the protection
provided by the equipment may be impaired!
• Do not use the instrument and accessories, if any damage is noticed!
• Consider all generally known precautions in order to avoid the risk of electric shock while
dealing with electric installations!
• Service intervention or recalibration procedure can be carried out only by a competent and
authorized person!
• Only adequately trained and competent persons may operate the instrument.
• A dot matrix LCD offers easy-to-read results and all associated parameters. Operation is simple
and clear; the operator does not need any special training (except reading and understanding
this Users Manual) to operate the instrument.
BATTERIES
• Disconnect all test leads, main supply cable and switch the power off before opening the
Battery cover!
• Use only Ni-MH rechargeable batteries (IEC LR20)!
4
EXTERNAL VOLTAGES
• Do not connect the instrument to a mains voltage different from the one dened on the label
adjacent to the mains connector, otherwise the instrument may be damaged.
• Do not connect test terminals to an external voltage higher than 600 V DC or AC (CAT IV
environment) to prevent any damage to the test instrument!
WORKING WITH THE INSTRUMENT
• Use only standard or optional test accessories supplied by your distributor!
• This product is intended to be used to measure installations in process plants, industrial
installations, and residential applications.
• Equipment under test must be switched off (i.e. de-energized) before test leads are connected
to the equipment.
• Do not touch any conductive parts of equipment under test during the test.
• Make sure that the tested object is disconnected (mains voltage disconnected) before starting
the Insulation Resistance measurement!
• Do not touch the tested object whilst testing it, risk of electric shock!
• Before and after testing, conrm that no hazardous voltage presents at the terminals.
• In case of a capacitive test object (long tested cable etc.), automatic discharge of the object
may not be done immediately after finishing the measurement – “Please wait, discharging”
message will be displayed.
HANDLING WITH CAPACITIVE LOADS
• Note that 40 nF charged to 1 kV or 5 nF charged to 10 kV are hazardous live!
• Never touch the measured object during the testing until it is totally discharged.
• Maximum external voltage between any two leads is 600 V (CAT IV environment).
UNPACKING AND INSPECTION
Your shipping carton should include:
1 AMB-110 Meter
4 Test Leads
3 Aligator Clips (Red, Black, Green)
1 Power Supply Cord Set
1 Software CD
1 USB Cable
1 RS232 Cable
1 Users Manual
6 D Size Rechargeable Ni-MH batteries
If any of the items are damaged or missing, return the complete package to the place of purchase
for an exchange.
5
FEATURES
This Tester is a portable battery / mains powered test instrument intended for the testing of
Insulation Resistance by using high test voltages of up to 10kV.
The instrument is designed and produced with the extensive knowledge and experience acquired
through many years of of working in this sector.
Available functions offered by this Tester:
• High insulation resistance measurement up to 10 T
- Programmable test voltage from 500 V up to 10 kV, step 25 V
- R(t) Graphs
- Programmable timer (1s up to 99 min)
- Automatic discharge of test object after completion of measurement
- Capacitance measurement
• Insulation resistance measurement versus test voltage (step-up voltage test)
- Five discrete test voltages proportionately set within preset test voltage range
- Programmable timer 1 min up to 99 min per step
• Polarization Index (PI), Dielectric Absorption ratio (DAR) and Dielectric Discharge (DD) ratio
- PI = RINS (t2) / RINS (t1)
- DAR = R1min / R15s
- DD = Idis1min / C.U
• Withstanding voltage (DC) up to 10 kV
- Programmable ramp test voltage from 500 V up to 10 kV
- High resolution ramp (approx. 25 V per step)
- Programmable threshold current up to 5 mA
• Voltage and frequency measurement up to 600 V AC/DC
A dot matrix LCD offers easy-to-read results and all associated parameters. The operation is
straightforward and clear to enable the user to operate the instrument without the need for
special training (except reading and understanding this Users Manual).
Test results can be stored on the instrument. The new professional PC software enables
straightforward transfer of test results and other parameters in both directions between the test
instrument and PC.
6
OPERATION
Performing measurements
Switching on the instrument
Autocalibration
The instrument is switched ON by pressing the ON/OFF key. After turning on, the instrument will
execute the autocalibration (Fig. 2).
Note:
If batteries are defective or missing and the instrument is powered from mains supply, the
instrument will not turn ON.
Measuring test leads should be disconnected during auto-calibration. If not, the autocalibration procedure could be false and instrument will require disconnection of the test leads
and repeat switching OFF and ON.
After finishing the auto-calibration, the MAIN MENU (Fig. 3) will appear and instrument is
ready for normal operation.
Auto-calibration prevents the reduction in accuracy when measuring very low currents. It
compensates the effects caused by ageing, temperature and humidity changes etc.
A new auto-calibration is recommended when the temperature changes by more than 5 °C.
AMB-110 10kV
Fig. 1 First introduction Fig. 2 Auto-calibration
Note:
If the instrument detects an incorrect state during the auto-calibration, the following warning
message will be displayed:
ERROR
• Test Leads Connected:
Disconnect And Switch On The Instrument Again
• Conditions Out Of Range: Press Start To Continue
Possible reasons for out of range conditions are excessive humidity, excessively high
temperature, etc. In this case it is possible to perform measurements by pressing the START/
STOP button again but results could be out of technical specification.
Fig. 3 Main Menu
state
7
Mains powered instrument operation
If you connect instrument to the mains supply when instrument is turned OFF, internal charger will
begin to charge the batteries but instrument will remain turned OFF. In button left angle of LCD,
flashing battery indicator will appear to indicate that the batteries are charging.
Note:
If batteries are defective or missing, the charger will not work. In button left corner of LCD
screen only plug character will be appeared.
If the instrument is connected to the mains supply when the instrument is turn ON, the
instrument will automatically switch from the battery supply to the main supply. In button
left corner of the LCD screen, the plug character will appear. If instrument is not in measuring
mode*, the internal charger will begin to charge the batteries. In button left corner of LCD
screen battery indicator will start to flash, indicating that the batteries are charging.
Note:
It is not recommended to connect or disconnect the instrument to mains supply while the
instrument is in measuring mode*.
* measuring mode when the instrument is performing a test.
Backlight operation (battery powered instrument)
After turning the instrument ON the LCD backlight is automatically turned ON. It can be turned
OFF and ON by simply pressing the LIGHT key.
Backlight operation (mains powered instrument)
After turning the instrument ON the LCD backlight is automatically turned OFF. It can be turned
OFF and ON by simply clicking the LIGHT key.
Off function
The instrument can be switched OFF only by pressing the ON/OFF key. The auto-off function is not
available to allow long-term measurements to be performed.
Conguration
The configuration function enables the selection and adjustment of the parameters (Table 1.) that
are not directly involved in the measurement procedure (Fig. 4).
In the lower section of the display the power supply status is shown.
The following procedure must be carried out when adjusting some of the configuration
parameters:
and arrows to select parameter (line) to be adjusted.
1. Use
2. Use and arrows to change the value of the selected parameter. If there are two or more
sub-parameters in one line (e.g. date and time) then use the SELECT key to skip to the next subparameters and back.
8
To clear all memory locations:
1. Select Configuration from the main menu
2. Highlight the Memory Clear option using
and arrows.
3. Press the SELECT key, (“Press MEM to confirm!” message will be displayed).
4. Press the MEM key to clear all memory locations or ESC to cancel the activity.
Fig. 4 Configuration state
Parameter Value Note
Contrast 0%..100% Adjustment of the LCD contrast
Filter Fil1, Fil2, Fil3, Fil0
Time Set real time (hour: minute)
Date Set current date (day-month-year)
Com Port
Memory clear Clear all memory locations
Initialization For internal factory and service maintenance only!
DIAG. Starting time 0%..90%
RS 232 2400,RS 232 4800,
RS 232 9600,RS 232 19200,
USB 115000
Selection of noise rejecting filter, see the description of
Filter Option
Set communication mode and rate.
Adjustment of start of the timer in the DIAGNOSTIC
TEST functions, according to the nominal voltage
Unominal. See additional explanation in Diagnostic
test.
Table 1. Configuration parameters
MEASUREMENTS
Generally Information about High DC voltage testing
See page 4 WORKING WITH THE INSTRUMENT for safety warnings.
The purpose of insulation tests
Insulating materials are important parts of almost every electrical product. The material’s properties
depend not only on its compound characteristics but also on temperature, pollution, moisture,
ageing, electrical and mechanical stress, etc. Safety and operational reliability require the regular
maintenance and testing of the insulation material to ensure it is kept in good operational
condition. High voltage tests are used to test insulating materials.
9
DC vs. AC testing voltage
Testing with a DC voltage is widely accepted as being useful as testing with AC and / or pulsed
voltages. DC voltages can be used for breakdown tests especially where high capacitive leakage
currents interfere with measurements using AC or pulsed voltages. DC is mostly used for insulation
resistance measurement tests. In this type of test, the voltage is defined by the appropriate product
application group. This voltage is lower than the voltage used in the withstanding voltage test so
the tests can be applied more frequently without stressing the test material.
Typical insulation tests
In general, insulation resistance tests consist of the following possible procedures:
• Simple insulation resistance measurement also called a spot test;
• Measurement of the relationship between voltage and insulation resistance;
• Measurement of the relationship between time and insulation resistance
• est of residual charge after the dielectric discharge.
The results of this test can indicate whether the replacement of the insulation system is required.
Typical examples of where testing insulation resistance and its diagnosis are recommended are
transformer and motor insulation systems, cables and other electrical equipment.
Electrical representation of insulating material
The Fig. 5 represents the equivalent electrical circuit of an insulating material.
surface
Itest
+
material
Riss1
Cpi
Guard
Riso
Rpi
Ciso
Riss2
-
Fig. 5
R
iss1 and Riss2 - the surface resistivity (position of optional guard connection)
Riso – the actual insulation resistance of material
Ciso – capacitance of material
Cpi, Rpi - represents polarization effects.
10
Itest
IPI
I
Ciso
The Fig. 6 shows typical currents for that circuit.
I
test = overall test current (Itest= IPI+ IRISO+ IRISS)
IPI = polarization absorption current
IRISO = actual insulation current
IRISS = surface leakage current
Some application examples for using Teraohm 10 kV
Basic Insulation resistance test
Virtually every standard concerning the safety of electrical equipment and installations requires the
performance of a basic insulation testing. When testing lower values (in the range of M), the basic
insulation resistance (Riso) usually dominates. The results are adequate and stabilize quickly.
It is important to remember the following:
• The voltage, time and limit are usually given in the appropriate standard or regulation.
• Measuring time should be set to 60 s or the minimum time required for the Insulation
capacitance Ciso to be charged up.
• Sometimes it is required to take ambient temperature into account and adjust the result for a
standard temperature of 40 °C.
• If surface leakage currents interfere with the measurements (see Riss above) use the guard
connection (see the description of Guard terminal). This becomes critical when measured
values are in the G range.
I
Riso
Fig. 6
I
Riss
Voltage dependence test – Step voltage test
This test shows if the insulation under test has been electrically or mechanically stressed. In this
instance the quantity and size of insulation anomalies (e.g. cracks, local breakdowns, conductive
parts, etc). is increased and the overall breakdown voltage is reduced. Excessive humidity and
pollution have an important role especially in the case of mechanical stress.
• The test voltage steps are usually close to those required in the DC withstanding test.
• Sometimes it is recommended that the maximum voltage for this test should not be higher
than 60 % of the withstanding voltage.
If the results of successive tests show a reduction in the tested insulation resistance the insulation
should be replaced.
Time dependence test – Diagnostic test
11
POLARISATION INDEX
The purpose of this diagnostic test is to evaluate the influence of the polarization part of insulation
(Rpi, Cpi).
After applying a high voltage to an insulator the electric dipoles distributed in the insulator
align themselves with the applied electrical field. This phenomenon is called polarization. As the
molecules polarize, a polarization (absorption) current lowers the overall insulation resistance of
the material.
The absorption current (IPI) typically collapses after a few minutes. If the overall resistance of the
material does not increase, this means that other currents (e.g. surface leakages) dominate the
overall insulation resistance.
• PI is dened as the ratio of the measured resistances in two time slots. The most typical ratio is
10 min value to 1 min value but this is not a rule.
• The test is typically performed at the same voltage as the insulation resistance test.
• If the one-minute insulation resistance is greater than 5000 M, then this measurement may
not be valid (new modern types of insulation).
• Oiled paper used in transformers or motors is a typical insulation material that requires this
test.
In general, insulators that are in good condition will show a “high” polarization index while
insulators that are damaged will not. Note that this rule is not always valid.
General applicable values:
PI value Tested material status
1 to 1.5 Not acceptable (older types)
2 to 4 (typically 3) Considered as good insulation (older types)
>4(very high insulation resistance) Modern type of (good) insulation systems
Example for minimum acceptable values for motor insulation (IEEE 43):
Class A =1.5, Class B = 2.0, Class F =2.0, Class H =2.0.
DIELECTRIC DISCHARGE
An additional effect of polarization is the recovered charge (from Cpi) after the regular discharging
of a completed test. This can also be a supplementary measurement for evaluation of the quality of
insulating material. This effect is generally found in insulating systems with large capacitance Ciso.
The polarisation effect (described in “Polarisation Index”) causes a capacitance to form (Cpi). Ideally
this charge would dissipate immediately a voltage was removed from the material. In practice, this
is not the case.
In conjunction with the polarisation index (PI), Dialectic Discharge (DD) is another way to check
the quality and suitability of a insulation material. A material that discharges quickly would
provide a low value while a material that takes a long time to discharge will provide a higher value
(described in the table below, for more information see the section of Diagnostic test).
DD value Tested material status
> 4 bad
2 - 4 critical
< 2 good
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