FLIR VP42, VP40 User Manual

USER MANUAL

FLIR Non-Contact Voltage Detectors +
Flashlight

Models VP40 and VP42

FLIR VP40_VP42 USER MANUAL Document Identifier: VP40_VP42-en-US_AA

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Table of Contents

1. Advisories ................................................................................................................... 3

1.1 Copyright ...................................................................................................................................... 3

1.2 Quality Assurance .......................................................................................................................... 3

1.3 Documentation ............................................................................................................................. 3

1.4 Disposal of Electronic Waste ........................................................................................................... 3

2. Introduction .............................................................................................................. 4

3. Description ................................................................................................................ 4

3.1 Meter Description ......................................................................................................................... 4

3.2 Button and Indicator Descriptions ................................................................................................... 5

4. Operation .................................................................................................................. 5

4.1 High/Low Sensitivity Modes ............................................................................................................ 5

4.2 Basic Operation ................................................................................................ ............................. 6

4.3 Flashlight ................................................................................................................................ ...... 6

4.4 Low Battery Indication ................................................................................................................... 6

4.5 Auto Power OFF (APO) ................................................................................................................... 6

5. Maintenance .............................................................................................................. 7

5.1 Cleaning and Storage ..................................................................................................................... 7

5.2 Battery Replacement ..................................................................................................................... 7

6. Safety ........................................................................................................................ 7

7. Specifications ............................................................................................................ 9

8. Technical Support .................................................................................................... 10

9. Three-Year Limited Warranty .................................................................................. 10

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1. Advisories

1.1 Copyright

© 2018, FLIR Systems, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. No parts of the software

including source code may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed or translated into
any language or computer language in any form or by any means, electronic, magnetic,
optical, manual or otherwise, without the prior written permission of FLIR Systems.
The documentation must not, in whole or part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced,
translated or transmitted to any electronic medium or machine readable form without
prior consent, in writing, from FLIR Systems.
Names and marks appearing on the products herein are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of FLIR Systems and/or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, trade names or
company names referenced herein are used for identification only and are the property
of their respective owners.

1.2 Quality Assurance

The Quality Management System under which these products are developed and
manufactured has been certified in accordance with the ISO 9001 standard.
FLIR Systems is committed to a policy of continuous development; therefore, we reserve
the right to make changes and improvements on any of the products without prior
notice.

1.3 Documentation

To access the latest manuals and notifications, go to the ‘Downloads’ tab at:
http://support.flir.com. It only takes a few minutes to register online. In the download
area, you will also find the latest releases of manuals for our other products, as well as
manuals for our historical and obsolete products.

1.4 Disposal of Electronic Waste

As with all electronic products, this equipment must be disposed of in an
environmentally friendly way, and in accordance with existing regulations for
electronic waste. Please contact your FLIR Systems representative for more
details.

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2. Introduction

Thank you for selecting the FLIR VP40_VP42 Non-Contact Voltage Detector. Proper use
and care of this meter will provide many years of reliable service.

The VP40_VP42 detects the presence of AC voltage at electrical outlets, junction strips,
electrical circuits, and other devices without having to contact the device physically. The
VP40 has a minimum excitation voltage of 90V AC; The VP42 has a minimum excitation
voltage of 190V AC. Both models have a high sensitivity mode allowing detection down
to 24V AC. Vibrating and visual cues alert the user when AC voltage is present.

The bright tip lights, near the sensor tip, permit operation in dimly lit areas. Note that
when you switch ON the larger Flashlight, the detector will not operate.

This device is shipped fully tested and calibrated and, with proper use, will provide years
of reliable service.

3. Description

3.1 Meter Description

1. AC Voltage sensor

2. Tip lighting

3. Alarm indicator

4. Status indicator

5. Power button: ON (short press); OFF (long press); Low/high sensitivity toggle

(short presses with meter ON)

6. Pocket clip

7. Flashlight ON/OFF button (long press)

8. Battery compartment access knob

9. Flashlight

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3.2 Button and Indicator Descriptions

Power button

Short press to switch the meter ON; Long Press to switch OFF

When meter is powered, short press to toggle high/low sensitivity

Flashlight button

Long press to switch the Flashlight ON/OFF (the detector does not operate
when the Flashlight is ON)

Alarm indicator

When voltage is detected, the alarm indicator flashes red (low sensitivity
mode) or flashes amber (high sensitivity mode)

Status indicator

When the meter is functioning normally and not in an alarm condition, the
status indicator glows solid green (low sensitivity mode) or solid amber
(high sensitivity mode)

If the status indicator is flashing amber, please replace the batteries

If the status indicator is flashing red, the meter is malfunctioning, please
return the meter for service

4. Operation

WARNING: Do not use this instrument before testing on a known live circuit.

WARNING: Keep hands and fingers on the probe body, away from the probe tip.

WARNING: Do not use this unit if it is wet or if it appears damaged.

4.1 High/Low Sensitivity Modes

The meter operates in one of two modes: Normal (Low-sensitivity mode) or High­sensitivity mode. The excitation voltage required to activate the meter alarm is much
lower in High-sensitivity mode.

• In Normal mode, the minimum excitation voltage is 90V AC (VP40)/190V AC (VP42).

• In High-sensitivity mode, the minimum excitation voltage is 24V AC.

Note: Do not attempt to repair this unit. There are no user-serviceable parts.

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Note: Static electricity and other stray sources of energy can randomly trigger the
VP40_VP42 sensor. This is normal. Random triggering is more likely in high sensitivity
mode but can also occur in the normal sensitivity mode.

4.2 Basic Operation

1. Short press the power button to switch the meter ON. The meter vibrates

briefly and the tip lights turn ON. The status indicator should be solid green,
indicating a proper working condition. If the status indicator is flashing amber, replace
the batteries. If the status indicator is flashing red, the meter is experiencing a
malfunction - contact FLIR for service.

2. Once powered, short press the power button to toggle between High-sensitivity

mode and Normal mode.

• In Normal mode, the status indicator illuminates in a solid green color.

• In High-sensitivity mode, the status indicator illuminates in a solid amber color.

WARNING

Test on a known live circuit before testing on an uncertain circuit.

Varying electrical socket designs and insulation thickness/types can affect the meter’s

voltage detection performance; please use caution

3. Hold the AC voltage sensor very close to the voltage source. The maximum detection

distance is 1 cm (0.4”).

4. If voltage is present, the meter vibrates and the alarm indicator flashes.

• In Normal mode, the alarm indicator flashes red.

• In High-sensitivity mode, the alarm indicator flashes amber color.

5. To switch off the meter, long press the power button. The status LED and the tip

lights turn off.

4.3 Flashlight

To turn the Flashlight (9) on or off, long press the Flashlight button . Note that the
voltage detector does not operate while the Flashlight is ON.

4.4 Low Battery Indication

When the battery voltage falls too low, the status indicator flashes amber color. After 1
minute of flashing, the meter automatically turns off. See the Maintenance section for
battery replacement details.

4.5 Auto Power OFF (APO)

When using the meter in Low (normal) or High sensitivity mode, the meter turns off after
3 minutes of inactivity. The Flashlight turns off after 30 minutes regardless of activity.

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5. Maintenance

5.1 Cleaning and Storage

With the meter OFF, clean the meter with a damp cloth and mild detergent, do not use
abrasives or solvents.
If you will not be using the meter for an extended period, remove the batteries and store
them separately.

5.2 Battery Replacement

1. Switch off the meter before replacing the two ‘AAA’

batteries.

2. Unscrew the knob, as shown.

3. Replace the batteries, observing correct polarity.

4. Secure the compartment cover ensuring that the red

plastic ring in the battery cap aligns with the battery,
as shown.

5. Check that the device powers up correctly before

attempting to make measurements.

6. Safety

SAFETY SYMBOLS

Read, understand, and follow all safety information, warnings, and cautions before

attempting to operate this device. Failure to do so can result in death or serious injury

Risk of electrical shock exists under normal use

Double insulation

CAUTIONS

• Do not attempt to repair this device

• Do not expose this device to extremes in temperature or humidity

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WARNINGS

 Please read, understand and follow all warnings, cautions, safety information and

instructions before operating this device. Failure to do so can result in death or
serious injury

 Keep hands and fingers on the body of the probe when measuring, do not touch live

circuits

 Risk of electric shock and burn. Contact with live circuits could result in death or

serious injury

 Use caution with voltages > 30V AC
 If the device indicates that no voltage is present, voltage may still be present, use

caution and double check your test results

 Before and after each use, verify proper operation by testing on a known ‘live’

circuit (within the stated range of this device)

 Never assume neutral or ground wires are de-energized. Neutrals in multi-wire

branch circuits may be energized when disconnected and must be retested before
handling

 This device will not detect DC voltage
 This device may not detect voltage if:

 The user is not holding the tester
 The device is at too long a distance from the voltage source
 The frequency is outside of the specified range

 Voltage detection performance is affected by varying electrical socket designs and

insulation thickness/type; use caution

 Static electricity can randomly trigger this device, this is normal
 In bright light conditions, the indicators will be less visible
 Do not use this device if it does not power up properly
 Do not use this device if it appears damaged or if does not function properly
 Do not attempt to detect voltages outside the specified range
 Always wear protective clothing and eye-ware
 Do not use this device for purposes that have not been outlined in the user

documentation

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7. Specifications

FLIR VP40 excitation voltage 90 V AC minimum

FLIR VP42 excitation voltage 190 V AC minimum

Voltage ranges 90 ~ 1000 V AC (FLIR VP40)

190 ~ 1000 V AC (FLIR VP42)

24 ~ 1000 V AC in high sensitivity mode

(FLIR VP40 and FLIR VP42)

Detection distance 0 ~ 0.4” (0 ~ 1 cm)

Category rating CAT IV-1000 V

Frequency range 45 ~ 65 Hz

Operating temperature -32oF ~ 140oF (0oC ~ 60oC)

Storage temperature -40oF ~ 194oF (-40oC ~ 90oC)

Dimensions 1.1″ × 1.0″ × 6.1″ (29 mm × 26 mm × 156 mm)

Weight 0.44 lbs. (0.20 kg) including batteries

Battery life 7 hours continuous with the Flashlight off

Battery type 2 × AAA (LR03)

APO Device powers OFF after 3 minutes of inactivity

For Flashlight: After 30 minutes

Drop-proof To 9.8 ft. (3m)

Agency approvals CE, UL/cUL, RCM

UL listing is not an indication or a verification of the accuracy of the meter

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8. Technical Support

Main Website

http://www.flir.com/test

Technical Support Website

http://support.flir.com

Technical support Email

[e-mail]

Service/Repair Support Email

[e-mail]

Support Telephone number

[phone] option 3 (toll-free)

9. Three-Year Limited Warranty

This product is protected by FLIR’s 3-Year Limited Warranty. Visit
www.flir.com/testwarranty to read the 3-Year Limited Warranty document. Register your
product at the website to receive a free 1-year warranty extension.

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Corporate Headquarters

FLIR Systems, Inc.
2770 SW Parkway Avenue
Wilsonville, OR 97070
USA
Telephone: [phone]

Customer Support

Technical Support Website http://support.flir.com
Technical Support Email [e-mail]
Service and Repair Email [e-mail]
Customer Support Telephone [phone] option 3 (toll free)

Publication Identification No.: VP40_VP42-en-US
Release Version: AA
Release Date: August 2018
Language: en-US