General CA10 User Manual

AC CIRCUIT ANALYZER
USER’S MANUAL
CA10
Please read this manual carefully and thoroughly before using this product.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Key Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
What's in the Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Setup Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Install Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Attach Test Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Operating Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 – 13
Measuring Voltage Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 –7
Measuring Voltage Drop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 –8
Measuring Conductor Impedance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 – 11
Testing Residual Current Devices (RCDs). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Testing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs). . . . . . . . . . . 12
Testing Outlet Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 13
Other Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Operating & Maintenance Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 – 15
Replacing the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Housekeeping Hints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 – 15
Warranty Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Return for Repair Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
INTRODUCTION
The CA10 is a special-purpose electrical tester designed to quickly identify and locate single faults in low-voltage (120VAC) distribution lines (branch circuits). It can also test the reliability and response time of GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters) and RCDs (residual current devices) and check the wiring of outlet sockets. The instrument’s ease of use, versatility and accuracy make it the ideal electrician’s tool for preventing shocks, sparks, electrical fires, equipment damage and poor equipment performance.
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KEY FEATURES
• Measures a branch circuit’s line voltage, peak voltage, neutral-to-ground voltage and frequency
• Calculates a circuit’s voltage drop in response to a 12A, 15A or 20A load in order to check the circuit's integrity
• Measures the impedance of hot, neutral and ground conductors as well as available short-circuit current (ASCC)
• Tests the reliability and response time of GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters) and RCDs (residual current devices)
• Measures and displays True RMS values of all voltages except peak voltages
• Identifies wiring configurations and detects wiring faults and missing ground wires
• Compatible with 2- and 3-phase circuits
• 2.4 in. diagonal LCD with 30-second backlight
• Familiar menu/sub-menu operation
• Data hold and 30-minute auto power off functions
• Includes 6 ft. long test cable and standard tripod mount
• Powered by six “AAA” batteries (included)
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING!
Exercise caution when working with exposed wiring. Do not use this instrument on circuits carrying voltages higher than 120VAC.
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
The CA10 comes in an illustrated box containing a soft canvas carrying case. Inside the case are the instrument, a 6 ft. (1.83m) long test cable, six “AAA” batteries and this user’s manual.
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PRODUCT OVERVIEW
1
2
3
4
5 6
7 8
9
Fig. 1 shows the controls, indicators and physical features of the CA10. Familiarize yourself with their names and functions before moving on to the Setup Instructions and Operating Instructions.
Fig. 2 shows all possible indications on the CA10’s LCD.
1. Test cable socket
2. LCD
3. (POWER on/off) button
4. FUNC button
5. HOLD button
6. (Backlight) button
7. Submenu (up one line) button
8. Submenu (down one line) button
9. TEST button
10. Battery compartment (on back)
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Fig. 1. The controls, display and physical features of the CA10
Fig. 2. All possible indications on the CA10’s LCD
SETUP INSTRUCTIONS
INSTALL BATTERIES
The CA10 is powered by six “AAA” batteries (included).
To install the batteries:
1. Turn the unit over.
2. Remove the one Philips-head screw securing the battery compartment cover
(Figure 1, Callout 10) and set it aside.
3. Remove the battery compartment cover and set it aside as well.
4. Install the six supplied “AAA” batteries in the compartment, making sure to
match the polarity marks on the batteries with the marks stenciled inside the compartment.
5. Replace the battery compartment cover and secure it with the Philips-head screw.
ATTACH TEST CABLE
The test cable included with the CA10 has a plug compatible with American­style 110VAC sockets. To attach the cable, plug it into the three-pronged socket at the top of the CA10 (Fig. 1, Callout 1).
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
The symbols of the five main parameters/functions tested by the CA10— voltage (V), voltage drop (Vd), conductor impedance (Z), RCD performance and GFCI performance—are shown below as they appear on the bottom line of the LCD. Use the FUNC button to move from any test to the test on its right. When a test is selected, the border around its text icon is highlighted.
MEASURING VOLTAGE PARAMETERS
The CA10 can measure four parameters of an AC circuit voltage: 1) the True RMS value of its phase voltage (L-N), 2) the True RMS voltage to earth (ground) of its neutral line (N-E), 3) the peak value of the voltage (Peak), and 4) the frequency of the voltage. Each of the first three parameters is measured and displayed by choosing it from a submenu made available after the FUNC button has been used to select V. By contrast, the frequency of each of the three parameters is displayed on the top line of the LCD.
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To begin, plug the free end of the test cable into any outlet of the circuit to be tested. Press the or button to cycle through the three submenu options in either direction, as shown in the figure below. The text icon of the parameter being measured appears at the left of the display. The table below the figure shows the normal measurement result for each of the four parameters. It also lists possible causes of, and remedies for, abnormal results.
Parameter
Phase Voltage L-N (Nominal Voltage ± 10)
Voltage to earth of neutral line
N-E
Peak Voltage
(1.414 x Phase Voltage, or T value of Phase Voltage)
Frequency
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RMS
Normal Measurement Result
108 to 132V
<2V
121 to 262V
60Hz
Actual Result
Voltage is too high or too low
>2V
Voltage is too high or too low
Frequency is too high or too low
Possible Cause of Abnormal Result
Circuit is overloaded
High impedance point(s) in breaker box or circuit
Supply voltage is too high or too low
Leakage current
Three-phase imbalance
Harmonic interference
Supply voltage is too high or too low
Electronic device in circuit is distorting the AC sine wave
Supply frequency is too high or too low
Remedy
Redistribute circuit load
Visually inspect all connection points to detect or rule out loose connections and defective outlets. If none are apparent, locate points of high impedance using an infrared thermometer (IRT) to detect their heat, or a voltmeter to detect excessive voltage drops across parts. Repair or replace defective wiring/parts.
Consult your electricity provider
Find source of leakage (a multi-point ground, a device or piece of equipment) and repair or replace
Check and redistribute load
Install spectral filter or take other steps to reduce interference
Consult your electricity provider
Identify and relocate (if necessary) the device
Consult your electricity provider
Troubleshooting tips: 1) In a single-phase circuit, if the value of L-N is high the leakage current in the neutral line or the earth line will also be high. 2) In a three-phase circuit with a neutral line, if the value of N-E is high the three­phase load is either unbalanced or the neutral line is affected by harmonic interference.
MEASURING VOLTAGE DROP
The CA10 can calculate and display a circuit’s voltage drop in response to application of a 12A, 15A or 20A dummy load. In all three cases, the voltage drop displayed on-screen as a percentage is based on the True RMS value of the drop on the circuit’s phase (live) line.
To select the voltage drop test, press the FUNC button until Vd is highlighted. Then, for 120V circuits, press the or button to select the 15A or 20A test (see figure below) to match the rating (maximum load) of the circuit. Alternatively, select the 12A test for a 15A or 20A circuit to avoid tripping the breaker of a “preloaded” circuit (i.e., a circuit serving other loads during the load test).
To begin, plug the free end of the test cable into the branch circuit’s outlet that is furthest from the breaker box (distribution panel). Press the TEST button (Fig. 1, Callout 9) to initiate the test. The test result, a percentage, will appear on the lower readout of the display.
The normal measurement result of the voltage drop test is a number less than 8%. If your result for the most distant outlet in the circuit is <8%, there is no need to check any other outlet(s) of the circuit closer to the breaker box. If your result is greater than 8%, repeat the test on the outlet that is next-closest to the breaker box. Keep repeating the test until you get a normal measurement result. A voltage drop of more than 8% is usually caused by loose connections, poorly spliced conductors, or conductors that are too thin for the circuit’s load.
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The table below lists the possible causes of an abnormal result and suggests remedies and additional troubleshooting steps to take.
Parameter
Voltage drop
Normal Measurement Result
0 to 8%
Actual Result
Voltage drop is too high
Possible Cause of Abnormal Result
Circuit is overloaded
Conductors are too thin for circuit length and/or circuit’s current
High impedance point(s) in breaker box or circuit
Remedy
Redistribute load
Replace wiring with heavier-gauge conductors suitable for circuit’s rating
Visually inspect all connection points to detect or rule out loose connections and splices, broken or improperly attached twist-on connectors (wire nuts), and defective outlets. If none are apparent, locate points of high impedance using an infrared thermometer (IRT) to detect their heat, or a voltmeter to detect excessive voltage drops across parts. Alternatively, run the Z-L and Z-N impedance tests described in the next section on the hot and neutral conductors; if one conductor produces a much higher reading than the other, it is defective. Repair or replace defective wiring/parts.
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MEASURING CONDUCTOR IMPEDANCE
The CA10 can measure and display the impedance of all three circuit conductors as well as one impedance-related parameter (available short-circuit current, or ASCC). The three impedance values represent the impedances of the phase (live) line (Z-L), the neutral line (Z-N), and the earth (ground) line (Z-E). Available short-circuit current is a measure of the amount of current that would pass through the circuit’s breaker if all of its conductors were to be short­circuited. It is calculated as Phase Voltage/(Live line impedance + Neutral line impedance). Using the terminology of the CA10: ASCC = (L-N)/(Z-L) + (Z-N).
Each of the four impedance parameters is measured and displayed by choosing it from a submenu made available after the FUNC button has been used to select Z.
To begin, plug the free end of the test cable into any outlet of the circuit to be tested. Press the or button to cycle through the four submenu options in either direction, as shown in the figure below. The text icon of the parameter selected for measurement appears at the left of the display. To initiate any test, press the TEST button.
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The table below the figure shows the normal measurement result for each of the four parameters. It also lists possible causes of, and remedies for, abnormal results.
Parameter
Impedance of live and neutral conductors (Z-L and Z-N)
Impedance of ground conductor (Z-E)
Normal Measurement Result
<0.15Ω/m for 14AWG conductor
<0.1Ω/m for 12AWG conductor
<0.03Ω/m for 10AWG line
<1Ω for personnel safety
<0.25Ω for equipment safety
Actual Result
Impedance is too high
Impedance is too high
Possible Cause of Abnormal Result
Circuit is overloaded
Conductor is too thin for circuit length and/or circuit’s current rating
High impedance point(s) in circuit or breaker box
Conductor is too thin for circuit length and/or circuit’s current rating
High impedance point(s) in circuit or breaker box
Remedy
Redistribute circuit load
Replace wiring with heavier-gauge conductors suitable for circuit’s rating
Visually inspect all connection points to detect or rule out loose connections and defective outlets. If none are apparent, locate points of high impedance using an infrared thermometer (IRT) to detect their heat, or a voltmeter to detect excessive voltage drops across parts. Repair or replace defective wiring/parts.
Replace wiring with heavier-gauge conductors suitable for circuit’s rating
Visually inspect all connection points to detect or rule out loose connections and defective outlets. If none are apparent, locate points of high impedance using an infrared thermometer (IRT) to detect their heat, or a voltmeter to detect excessive voltage drops across parts. Alternatively, run the Z-L and Z-N impedance tests on the hot and neutral conductors; if one conductor produces a much higher reading than the other, it is defective. Repair or replace defective wiring/parts.
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Notes: 1) Be sure any surge suppression system used is properly grounded so it can continue to protect loads during transient overvoltage conditions. 2) Before measuring any parameter, remove any heavy loads from the circuit to avoid producing an inaccurate test result. 3) Before measuring Z-E, be sure to disconnect any RCDs from the circuit to avoid triggering them. 4) A ground connection is required to test the impedance of conductors in 2-wire systems.
TESTING RESIDUAL CURRENT DEVICES (RCDs)
The CA10 can measure how much current it takes to trip an RCD, and how quickly it responds to an event that should cause a trip. It does so by placing a resistance across the circuit’s live and ground lines, generating a current between them. According to UL, it should take no more than 30mA to cause a trip. The CA10 measures and displays the triggering current (in mA) and the response time (in ms).
To select the RCD test, press the FUNC button until RCD is highlighted. Then plug the free end of the test cable into any outlet equipped with an RCD. To initiate the test, press the TEST button. During testing, the display will show the word TEST on the top line. If the device fails to be triggered, the analyzer will stop testing automatically after 6.5 seconds.
The table below shows the normal measurement result of RCD testing. It also lists possible causes of, and remedies for, an abnormal result.
Parameter
RCD reliability and response time
Normal Measurement Result
RCD trips within specified time
Actual Result
RCD is too slow to trip
RCD fails to trip
Possible Cause of Abnormal Result
RCD is installed improperly
RCD is defective
Remedy
Check that installation complies with manufacturer’s requirement and relevant standards
Repair or replace RCD
Notes: 1) Before testing, remove any heavy loads from the circuit to avoid producing an inaccurate test result. 2) A ground connection is required to test RCDs in 2-wire systems. 3) Another common name for a residual current device (RCD) is a residual current circuit breaker (RCCB).
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TESTING GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTERS (GFCIs)
The CA10 can measure how much current it takes to trip a GFCI, and how quickly it responds to a condition that should cause a trip. It does so by placing a resistance across the circuit’s live and ground lines, generating a current between them. According to UL, it should take no more than 5mA to trigger a trip. The CA10 measures and displays the level of triggering current (in mA) and the response time (in ms).
To select the GFCI test, press the FUNC button until GFCI is highlighted. Then plug the free end of the test cable into any outlet equipped with a GFCI. To initiate the test, press the TEST button. During testing, the display will show the word TEST on the top line. If the device fails to be triggered, the analyzer will stop testing automatically after 6.5 seconds.
The table below shows the normal measurement result of GFCI testing. It also lists possible causes of, and remedies for, an abnormal result.
Parameter
GFCI reliability and response time
Normal Measurement Result
GFCI trips within specified time
Actual Result
GFCI is too slow to trip
GFCI fails to trip
Possible Cause of Abnormal Result
GFCI is installed improperly
GFCI is defective
Remedy
Check that installation complies with manufacturer’s requirement and relevant standards
Repair or replace GFCI
Notes: 1) Before testing, remove any heavy loads from the circuit to avoid producing an inaccurate test result. 2) A ground connection is required to test GFCIs in 2-wire systems.
TESTING OUTLET WIRING
The CA10 automatically checks the wiring of any outlet it is plugged into. The upper part of the display contains the following arrangement of three circles: N stands for the neutral conductor, L for the live conductor, and E for the earth (ground) conductor.
If the outlet’s wiring is normal, all three circles will be filled in, as shown in the table on the next page. Different combinations of filled in (on), empty (off) and flashing circles indicate specific faults.
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Wiring Condition
Normal
No ground wire detected
Live and neutral conductors are reversed
Screen Display
L E N
Legend
Off On Flashing
Other conditions
Any wiring abnormality will prevent the CA10 from performing tests to the full extent of its abilities. For example, in the absence of a ground wire the analyzer can only measure the circuit’s phase voltage and voltage drop. Furthermore, the CA10 cannot detect the voltage between two live lines, multiple concurrent faults, or reversed neutral and ground conductors.
OTHER FUNCTIONS
Backlight. Pressing the button while the CA10 is powered on turns on the display backlight. If no button is pushed for 30 seconds, the backlight will turn off automatically. You can turn off the backlight manually by pressing the button again.
Auto Power Off (APO). A 30-minute APO function is automatically enabled when the CA10 is powered on. When APO is enabled (indicated by a clock icon ( ) at the upper left of the display), if no button is pushed for 30 minutes the CA10 will automatically power off to extend battery life.
To disable the APO function, press and hold the FUNC button while pressing the
button to power on the unit. The clock icon will not be displayed.
Data Hold. Pressing the HOLD button freezes measurements of voltage parameters on the larger, lower readout. Other measurements cannot be held. To release the hold, press the HOLD button again.
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SPECIFICATIONS
Parameter or Component Measurement Measurement Resolution
Range Accuracy
Line Voltage 85 to 185VAC ±1% of reading ± 0.2V 0.1V
Peak Voltage 121 to 262VAC ±1% of reading ± 0.2V 0.1V
Line Frequency 45 to 65Hz ±1% of reading ± 0.2Hz 0.1Hz
Voltage Drop 0.1 to 99.9% ±2.5% of reading ± 0.2% 0.1%
Load Voltage 10 to 185VAC ±2.5% of reading ± 0.2V 0.1V
Neutral-to-Earth Voltage 0 to 10VAC ±2.5% of reading ± 0.2V 0.1V
Live, Neutral and 0 to 3Ω ±2.5% of reading ± 0.02Ω 0.01Ω Ground Line Impedance 3Ω NA
RCD Trip Time 1 ms to 6.5 sec. ±1% of reading ± 2 ms 1 ms
RCD Trip Current 30 to 37mA ±1% of reading ± 0.2mA 0.1mA
GFCI Trip Time 1 ms to 6.5 sec. ±1% of reading ± 2 ms 1 ms
Display Backlit 2.4 in. (61mm) diagonal LCD
Test Cable 18 AWG diameter, 6 ft. (1.83m) long
Auto Power Off Trigger 30 minutes of inactivity
Display Backlight Duration 30 seconds
Operating/Storage 32° to 122°F (0° to 50°C) @ <80% RH Temperature
Dimensions 7.6 x 3.1 x 1.5 in. (193 x 78 x 39mm)
Weight (Without Batteries) 10.4 oz. (295g)
Power Source Six “AAA” batteries
OPERATING & MAINTENANCE TIPS
REPLACING THE BATTERIES
When the (low battery) icon appears on the top line of the display, it’s time to replace the unit’s six “AAA” batteries. Follow the instructions on p. 5 for opening and closing the battery compartment and installing the batteries.
HOUSEKEEPING HINTS
DO NOT expose the CA10 to:
• Direct sunlight
• High humidity or temperatures (above 104°F/40°C during operation or
140°F/60°C in storage)
• Corrosive or explosive gas
• Excessive dust
• Strong mechanical vibration or stress (dropping, for example) or
electromagnetic radiation
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If the instrument has been exposed to extreme temperatures, allow several hours for it to acclimate to your local conditions before using it.
Do not open the housing of the unit. Doing so voids its limited warranty and could disable its safety circuitry.
You may clean the housing of the CA10 with a soft, clean cloth and water or a mild detergent. Never use benzene, alcohol, acetone, ether, ketone, paint thinner, gasoline or an organic solvent. After cleaning, dry the CA10 thoroughly with a clean cloth before using it again.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
General Tools & Instruments’ (General’s) CA10 AC Circuit Analyzer is warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of three years. Subject to certain restrictions, General will repair or replace this instrument if, after examination, the company determines it to be defective in material or workmanship.
This warranty does not apply to damages that General determines to be from an attempted repair by non-authorized personnel or misuse, alterations, normal wear and tear, or accidental damage. The defective unit must be returned to General Tools & Instruments or to a General-authorized service center, freight prepaid and insured.
Acceptance of the exclusive repair and replacement remedies described herein is a condition of the contract for purchase of this product. In no event shall General be liable for any incidental, special, consequential or punitive damages, or for any cost, attorneys’ fees, expenses, or losses alleged to be a consequence of damage due to failure of, or defect in any product including, but not limited to, any claims for loss of profits.
RETURN FOR REPAIR POLICY
Every effort has been made to provide you with a reliable product of superior quality. However, in the event your instrument requires repair, please contact our Customer Service to obtain an RGA (Return Goods Authorization) number before forwarding the unit via prepaid freight to the attention of our Service Center at this address:
General Tools & Instruments 75 Seaview Drive Secaucus, NJ 07094-1806 212-431-6100
Remember to include a copy of your proof of purchase, your return address, and your phone number and/or e-mail address.
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General Tools & Instruments
GeneralToolsNYC
GENERAL TOOLS & INSTRUMENTS
75 Seaview Drive
Secaucus, NJ 07094-1806
PHONE (212) 431-6100
FAX (212) 431-6499
TOLL FREE (800) 697-8665
e-mail: sales@generaltools.com
www.generaltools.com
CA10 User’s Manual
Specifications subject to change without notice
NOTICE - WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS.
©2016 GENERAL TOOLS & INSTRUMENTS
MAN#CA10
3/17/16
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