HD Electric 8280, 8281, 9390, 9391 Instruction Manual

®

HALO

A M M E T E R

Instruction
& Operation
Manual

MODEL NUMBERS:
8280, 8281, 9390 & 9391

®

HD ELECTRIC COMPANY

1 4 75 LA K ES I DE DR I VE • WA U KE GA N, I LLI NO IS 6 0 08 5 U .S. A.

PHONE [phone] • FAX [phone] • website: www.HDElectricCompany.com

HALO Ammeter

INSTRUCTION & OPERATING MANUAL

Table of Contents

GENERAL DESCRIPTION .................................................2

SAFETY...............................................................2

DESCRIPTION OF EQUIPMENT ............................................2

USING THE EQUIPMENT .................................................3

HALO - BATTERY REPLACEMENT ..........................................4

HALO FORKHEAD INSTRUCTIONS..........................................5

LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND LIABILITY ..................................7

1

Note - Prior to use, this manual should be fully read and understood.

General

HALO is a high-current, digital ammeter designed to be used on system voltages up to 69,000 volts
AC. The HALO ammeter will sense and display current to 1,999 amps, and will hold the maximum
reading and/or track the reading for the user.

HALO was designed for the purpose of measuring current flow on overhead lines and/or under­ground systems. When using the HALO, a hotstick must be used at all times and rigorous hotstick
work precautions must be followed. When used correctly, HALO can enable fast, accurate and safe
load surveys and load balance investigations.

The instrument is constructed of durable plastic and fiberglass tubing and will require
a minimum of maintenance. However, regular examinations are needed to ensure that
no deep scratches or physical damage has occurred. If damage does occur, remove
from service and arrange for repair.

The HALO has 4 models, HALO I HOOKHEAD and FORKHEAD has one mode (Hold).
HALO II HOOKHEAD and FORKHEAD has two modes of operation (Track and Hold).

The opening in the head is large enough to accept all sizes of wire conductors.

Safety

As HALO is often used on and in the vicinity of high voltage equipment, please practice the following
safety precautions.

1. Before use, make certain that:
A. Operating instructions are read, understood, and questions answered.
B. Rigorous hotstick work precautions are followed.
C. Industry and/or company standard safety practices are followed.
D. All parts of the equipment are dry, clean, properly secured together and in working order.
E. The equipment set-up is correct for the voltage system to be monitored.

2. During the use of the unit, make certain that:
A. Correct hotsticks are installed for the system voltage being tested.
B. Hands are kept only on the insulated handle section of the hotstick and not on the HALO!
C. Electrically safe, insulated rubber gloves are used at all times on the hotstick.
D. The HALO is not an insulator. Do not bridge the HALO from energized line to ground

or from line to line.

Description of Equipment

See Page 6 for a brief overview of the HALO’s features and operating procedures.

The HALO instrument has a molded sensing coil in the head and a 31⁄2 digit LCD display
in the fiberglass tube. The HALO measures current between 0 and 1,999 amperes. The HALO
is autoranging providing a reading between 0 to 199.9 on the low range and 200 to 1999
on the high range. When in the HOLD mode, the display will lock in at the highest current
monitored on the conductor. If an over-range condition exists (above 1,999 amps), the
display will show a 1. Reset display prior to using again.

2

The HALO I (models 8280/8281) has two pressure switches, one marked “ON/RESET” to switch on
the display and to reset the display after testing. The second switch marked “OFF” turns the HALO off
after use. The HALO II (models 9390/9391) has two pressure switches, one marked “OFF/ON” to
switch the display off and on. The second switch of the HALO II is marked “TRACK/HOLD”. In the
TRACK mode the readings will follow the current and in the HOLD mode the reading will display and hold
the highest current. When in TRACK mode, a sine wave appears in the lower left corner of the display.

The HALO units have an automatic shut off feature that will turn the unit off after
approximately 10 minutes.

The HALO is powered by a replaceable, 9 volt
alkaline battery. Under normal conditions, a
battery will provide approximately 50 hours
of continuous use. A low battery indicator is
displayed on the left hand side of the display
when the battery is low, as shown in Figure 1.
Incorrect readings may be displayed if the HALO
is operating with a low battery.

Low battery indicator signal shown in upper

Figure 1

lefthand corner of display.

Using the Equipment

1. Inspect HALO and hotstick for any damage, cleanliness and proper working order. If damage is
suspected, remove from service and arrange for repair.

2. Attach the hotstick, which can be supplied by HDE as an accessory or by the user, to the universal
spline located at the base of HALO.

Note - The load on the HALO should not exceed 22 lbs. (10kgs) longitudinal or 11 lbs. (5kgs)
in any other direction.

3. Turn the HALO on by pressing the “ON/RESET” switch (HALO I) or “ON/OFF” switch (HALO II) for
approximately 5 seconds. While the button is depressed a reading of 1888 will be displayed to
indicate that all digits are functional. Note, the 1888 only appears momentarily with the HALO II.
The display will come ON and should display 0 to 2 on the HALO I and 00.0 to 00.6 on the HALO II.

Note - It is very important that the “ON” switch is held down for the 5 seconds for the HALO I.

4. Place the HALO, using the hotstick, over the conductor to be monitored. Leave in place for 5 to
10 seconds.

WARNING - Do not bridge the HALO from energized line to ground or from line to line.

Figure 2

Note - For best accuracy,
the opening of the
sensing coil (hook) of
the HALO should face
away from any other
energized conductors
so as not to influence the
reading. See Figure 2.

Note - When conductors are spaced closely, raise the HALO with the core parallel to the conductors,
then slip the coil over the desired conductor by rotating 90°. The sensing coil of the HALO may pick
up external signals from conductors if it passes within 12 inches (0.3 meters) of a conductor while
being lifted into position or lowered to the ground. Care should be taken to minimize this situation
by avoiding contact or close proximity with conductors other than the conductor being tested.

Coil
Opening

Current Carrying Conductors

Coil
Opening

Magnetic

Flux

Coil
Opening

Note - To maintain maximum accuracy, the head must be perpendicular as seen on the next page in
Figures 3 thru 6. Failure to do so may result in incorrect readings on the display.

3

CORRECT INCORRECT

Air Gap

Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6

5. HALO I will continue to lock on the maximum current reading during the time it is hanging on the
conductor. HALO II can be switched between modes by pressing the “TRACK/HOLD” switch.
When the sine wave symbol appears in the display, the ammeter is in the track mode. When
the sine wave does not appear, the ammeter is in Hold mode.

WARNING - Before switching modes, always remove HALO from the voltage source.
Note - If HALO II is reset in either mode it will automatically revert to the other mode.

6. On completion of a monitoring period, the instrument should be removed from the voltage
source, carefully lowered, and the reading on the display noted.

7. If another test is required, press the “ON/RESET” switch for HALO I to zero the display and test
again and “TRACK/HOLD” switch for HALO II. Prior to retesting, make certain HALO II is in
correct mode. Press and hold the “OFF” switch if testing is complete until the display is blank.

HALO - BATTERY REPLACEMENT

Note - Figure shows a cross sectional view
of the battery holder.

1. Place the HALO horizontally.

2. The Battery Holder is attached to the fiberglass body

by two brass screws (4 screws on some versions).
Remove the screws.

3. When the brass screws have been removed, carefully

slide the Battery Holder out beyond the end of the
fiberglass body.

CAUTION: The battery clip is attached to the circuit board
and to the battery that is located inside the Battery Holder.
IF THE BATTERY CLIP IS PULLED TOO FAR, THEN IT CAN
BE DISCONNECTED FROM THE CIRCUIT BOARD AND THE
HALO WILL NOT OPERATE.

4. Remove the old battery and disconnect from the battery clip.

5. Insert a new 9 volt alkaline battery in the battery clip and

install back in the Battery Holder.

6. Slide the Battery Holder back into the HALO body and

replace the brass screws that were removed in Step 2.

9 Volt
Battery

Figure 7

4

HALO FORKHEAD INSTRUCTIONS (Models 8281 and 9391)

The operational performance of the forkhead is the
same as the hookhead, but offers a slightly different
approach in obtaining current measurements. All safety
concerns that apply to the hookhead apply to the forkhead.
The positioning of the instrument with respect to the
conductor and the positioning of the conductor within
the forkhead is critical in obtaining an accurate reading.
To obtain the most accurate reading, the following
guidelines should be observed.

1. Be sure the HALO body is perpendicular (90°) to the
conductor (reference Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6 on page 4).

2. If there are other conductors in close proximity, face
the opening of the fork away from the other conductor(s)
as much as possible.

3. Position the forkhead so the conductor is close to, or
pressed against, the base of the fork and is centered
between the legs of the fork (See Figure 8).

4. Keep the opening of the forkhead perpendicular to the
conductor (See Figure 9).

WARNING - Do not bridge the HALO from energized line to ground or from line to line.

Note - When using the forkhead on underground systems near the elbow, the concentric neutral

cannot be inside the forkhead for the unit to perform properly. Position the forkhead around the
conductor where the concentric neutral is peeled back. This is usually high on the cable, just below
the elbow or on the elbow below the pulling ground.

Figure 8

Figure 9

SPECIFICATIONS AND DIMENSIONS

Display: 31⁄2 digit LCD 1⁄2” (13mm) high characters

Measurement Range: 0.1 to 199.9 amps low range - 199.9 to 1,999 amps high range

Accuracy:

Operating Temperature: 0°F to 122°F (-18°C to 50°C)

Storage Temperature: 0°F to 122°F (-18°C to 50°C)

System Voltage: Up to 69,000 volts AC

Maximum Hook Opening: 2.3” (5.8cm)

Maximum Hook Depth: 3.7” (9.4cm)

Outside Fork Dimension: 5.5”W x 8.5”L x 1.1875”Thick (14cm x 22cm x 3cm)

Inside Fork Dimension: 2.75”W x 5.5”Deep (7cm x 14cm)

Overall Length: 28” (71cm)

Tube Dimensions: 18” x 13⁄4” (45.7cm x 4.5cm) diameter

Weight: 2lbs. 13oz. (1.26 kg)

+/-

3% of reading

*Specifications subject to change without notice

+/- 3 counts

5

1. Inspect HALO. Turn on by
pressing “On/Reset” button
and check for “Low Battery”
indication on Display. Replace
battery if needed before using.

Molded plastic head, locates

conductor in proper position

eliminating errors due

to varying conductor

sizes and locations

Epoxy encapsulated

sensing coil

2. Attach to hotstick using
universal spline.

3. Hang on conductor for a
minimum of 5-10 seconds.

4. Remove from conductor and
read maximum amperes.

28"

(71cm)

Low battery
indication

Load-latching
electronics lock
on maximum
Amps

Warning label
“Hotstick Required”

Battery compartment
–uses replaceable
9V alkaline

Strength reinforcing collar

Hotstick-quality fiberglass

31⁄2 digit,

liquid crystal

display (LCD)

Maximum display

of 1,999 Amps

“OFF” button

“On/Reset” button

Membrane style

control panel

Universal
spline for

hotstick

5. Reset display by depressing
the “On/Reset” button down
for a minimum of 2 seconds.
HALO is ready to use again.
When finished, turn HALO off
by depressing “Off” button
and return HALO to case.

6

LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND LIABILITY

N

OTICE: READ THIS LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND LIABILITY BEFORE BUYING OR
USING THIS PRODUCT. IF THE TERMS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE, RETURN THE PRODUCT
AT ONCE, AND THE PURCHASE PRICE WILL BE REFUNDED.

It is impossible to eliminate all risks associated with the use of this product. Risks of serious
injury or death, including risks associated with electrocution, arcing and thermal burns,
are inherent in work in and around energized electrical systems. Such risks arise from
the wide variety of electrical systems and equipment to which this product may be applied,
the manner of use or application, weather and environmental conditions or unknown
factors, all of which are beyond the control of HD Electric Company.

HD Electric Company does not agree to be an insurer of these risks.
WHEN YOU BUY OR USE THIS PRODUCT, YOU AGREE TO ACCEPT THESE RISKS.

HD Electric Company warrants that this product is free of defects in material and
workmanship, under normal use and service, for a period of one (1) year from the
date of shipment. This warranty is void in the event of misuse, alteration, faulty installation,
or misapplication of the product.

HD ELECTRIC COMPANY MAKES NO OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF
FITNESS OR OF MERCHANTABILITY OR ANY OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY.

IN NO EVENT SHALL HD ELECTRIC COMPANY BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL,
CONSEQUENTIAL OR SPECIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OR HANDLING OF
THIS PRODUCT. BUYER’S OR USER’S BARGAINED-FOR EXPECTATION IS EQUIPMENT FREE
OF DEFECTS IN MATERIAL AND WORKMANSHIP WHICH IS CAPABLE, WHEN PROPERLY
APPLIED BY TRAINED PROFESSIONALS, OF PERFORMING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION. THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE USER OR BUYER AND THE
EXCLUSIVE LIABILITY OF HD ELECTRIC COMPANY OR SELLER FOR ANY AND ALL
CLAIMS, LOSSES, INJURIES OR DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES BASED ON BREACH
OF WARRANTY OR CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE, TORT OR STRICT LIABILITY), SHALL BE
THE RETURN OF THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE PRODUCT, OR AT THE ELECTION OF
HD ELECTRIC COMPANY OR SELLER, THE REPLACEMENT OF THE PRODUCT.

HD Electric Company must have prompt notice of any claim for damage or injury so that an
immediate product inspection and investigation of the incident can be made. Buyer and all
users shall promptly notify HD Electric Company of any claims, whether based on contract,
negligence, strict liability, or other tort or otherwise or be barred from any remedy.

HD Electric Company is committed to ongoing review and improvement of its product lines,

and thus reserves the right to modify product design and specifications without notice.

HD Electric Company products are available through HD sales representatives worldwide.

Printed in U.S.A. © HD Electric Company 2010 • Bulletin No. HALO-INSTd