Thurlby Thandar Instruments BS407 User Manual [en, de, fr, it]

THURLBY THANDAR INSTRUMENTS

BS407

PRECISION MILLI/MICRO OHMMETER

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Table of Contents

Introduction 2
Specification 3
EMC 5
Safety 6
Installation 7
Connections 8
Front Panel Controls 9
Operation 10
Maintenance 13

Instructions en Francais

Sécurité 14
Installation 15
Connexions 16
Commandes du panneau frontal 17
Fonctionnement 18
Maintenance 22

Bedienungsanleitung auf Deutsch

Sicherheit 23
Installation 24
Anschlüsse 25
Frontplatten-Bedienungseinrichtungen 26
Betrieb 27
Reparatur 31

Istruzioni in Italiano

Sicurezza 32
Installazione 33
Collegamenti 34
Controlli sul pannello frontale 35
Operazione 36
Manutenzione 39

Instrucciones en Español

Seguridad 40
Instalación 41
Conexiones 42
Controles del panel frontal 43
Funcionamiento 44
Mantenimiento 48

1

Introduction

The BS407 is fully optimised for accurate measurement of low resistances with a best resolution
of 1µΩ. It has applications beyond the testing of components such as measuring the resistance of
motor or transformer windings, the properties of materials, the thickness of plates, the security of
pipework joints or wiring installations and many others.

It uses a Direct Current technique to measure true resistance, rather than the resistive
component of impedance which is shown by AC excited RLC bridges. The test current for each
range has been carefully chosen to minimise heating of the sample under test while being
sufficient to minimise the effects of thermal emf and noise. This gives much greater accuracy at
low resistances than can be obtained from the very low test currents used by general purpose
high resolution multimeters. The low-noise low-drift bipolar amplifiers employed need much less
noise filtering than alternative chopper stabilised technologies resulting in faster settling to the
correct reading.

The BS407 uses a four terminal measurement system and is supplied with a set of high quality
Kelvin clip leads. For speed and convenience front panel switches are provided for current
diversion (allowing in-situ zero adjustment) and current reversal (for identifying thermal emf
effects). An indicator lamp confirms correct flow of the measuring current thus preventing
spurious results from being recorded.

The BS407 has eight push-button selected decade measurement ranges from 1999µΩ up to

19.99kΩ. A front panel operated ‘clamp’ switch is available to limit the maximum voltage across
the unknown to 20mV. This is a requirement for the measurement of switch contact resistances to
international standards. With a lowest range of 1999µΩ the BS407 can resolve 1µΩ. Precision
analogue circuitry ensures high measurement accuracy of up to 0.1% of reading ±1 digit.

The BS407 is a fully portable instrument which operates from NiMH rechargeable batteries.
Stabilised internal operating conditions ensure that readings do not vary with the state of the
battery charge. The battery charger is built into the instrument and can be operated while
measurements continue.

2

Ranges and Accuracy

The 3½ digit display has a 1999 count full scale. Eight ranges are provided:

Range Resolution Test Current F.S. voltage Accuracy

Specification

Accuracies apply for a calibration interval of 1 year at 23º ±5ºC after 5 minutes warm-up, with the
instrument and test connections in thermal equilibrium and the zero correctly set.
Temperature coefficient outside the stated range is < ±45 ppm/ºC.

Facilities

Set zero by front panel control with switch to divert test current from unknown.
Test current polarity reversal for thermal emf detection.
Front panel lamp indicates correct force circuit measurement conditions.
20mV source emf clamp to limit open circuit voltage across the unknown to 20mV maximum for

"dry circuit" testing of switch and relay contacts. (Not available on 2kΩ and 20kΩ ranges.)

1999 µΩ 1 µΩ

19.99 mΩ 10 µΩ

199.9 mΩ 100 µΩ
1999 mΩ 1 mΩ

19.99 Ω 10 mΩ

199.9 Ω 100 mΩ
1999 Ω 1 Ω

19.99 kΩ 10 Ω

250 mA 500 µV 0.1% reading + 0.4% range

50 mA 1 mV 0.1% reading + 0.2% range
10 mA 2 mV 0.1% reading + 0.1% range

5 mA 10 mV 0.1% reading + 0.1% range

500 µA 10 mV 0.1% reading + 0.1% range

50 µA 10 mV 0.1% reading + 0.1% range
10 µA 100 mV 0.1% reading + 0.1% range
10 µA 200 mV 0.1% reading + 0.2% range

Built-in battery charger allows instrument operation while re-charging.

Measurement circuit

Source emf: 18 mV (±2mV) with clamp active, < 6 V otherwise.
Compliance:
Protection: The meter is protected against the back-emf of its own test current from any

General

Battery: 4 internal non-removable Ni-MH cells. Low battery indication in display.
Operating time: Typically > 150 hours with no test current flowing, > 8 hours continuous

Power: 110V–120V or 220V–240V AC (internal setting) ±10%, 50/60 Hz, 20VA max.
Recharge time: Nominally 12 hours with instrument not in use.
Operating Range: Indoor use +5ºC to +40ºC, 20% to 80% RH, up to 2000m, Pollution Degree 1.
Storage Range:
Safety and EMC: Complies with EN61010–1 (safety) and EN61326 (EMC).
Size and Weight: 220 mm (w) x 102 mm (h) x 235 mm (d), 1.5 kg.

> 0.5 V on 1999µΩ range, > 1.0 V on all other ranges.

inductance and against accidental short-term connection to external voltage
sources up to 50 V.

measurement on lowest range.

−40ºC to +50ºC.

Accessories: Supplied with Kelvin clip leads.

3

EC Declaration of Conformity

We Thurlby Thandar Instruments Ltd
Glebe Road
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire PE29 7DR
England

declare that the

BS407 Micro/milli Ohmmeter

meets the intent of the EMC Directive 2004/108/EC and the Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC.
Compliance was demonstrated by conformance to the following specifications which have been
listed in the Official Journal of the European Communities.

EMC

Emissions: a) EN61326-1 (2006) Radiated, Class B

b) EN61326-1 (2006) Conducted, Class B
c) EN61326-1 (2006) Harmonics, referring to EN61000-3-2 (2006)

Immunity: EN61326-1 (2006) Immunity Table 1, referring to:

a) EN61000-4-2 (1995) Electrostatic Discharge
b) EN61000-4-3 (2006) Electromagnetic Field
c) EN61000-4-11 (2004) Voltage Interrupt
d) EN61000-4-4 (2004) Fast Transient
e) EN61000-4-5 (2006) Surge
f) EN61000-4-6 (2007) Conducted RF
Performance levels achieved are detailed in the user manual.

Safety
EN61010-1 Installation Category II, Pollution Degree 2.

4

CHRIS WILDING
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

2 May 2009

This instrument has been designed to meet the requirements of the EMC Directive 2004/108/EC.
Compliance was demonstrated by meeting the test limits of the following standards:

Emissions

EN61326-1 (2006) EMC product standard for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and
Laboratory Use. Test limits used were:

a) Radiated: Class B
b) Conducted: Class B
c) Harmonics: EN61000-3-2 (2006) Class A; the instrument is Class A by product category.

Immunity

EN61326-1 (2006) EMC product standard for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and
Laboratory Use.

Test methods, limits and performance achieved are shown below (requirement shown in
brackets):

a) EN61000-4-2 (1995) Electrostatic Discharge : 4kV air, 4kV contact, Performance A (B).

EMC

b) EN61000-4-3 (2006) Electromagnetic Field:

3V/m, 80% AM at 1kHz, 80MHz – 1GHz: Performance B
Performance A (A); 1V/m, 2.0GHz to 2.7GHz: Performance A (A).

†

Note: The BS407 is a sensitive measuring instrument and, if subjected to sufficiently

large RF fields, measurements may deviate beyond the accuracy specification at certain
frequencies up to 600MHz. However, possible deviations will be small and are not
deemed to be a problem in practice.

c) EN61000-4-11 (2004) Voltage Interrupt: ½ cycle and 1 cycle, 0%: Performance A (B);

25 cycles, 70%: Performance A (C); 250 cycles, 0%: Performance A (C).

d) EN61000-4-4 (2004) Fast Transient, 1kV peak (AC line), 0·5kV peak (signal connections),
Performance A (B).

e) EN61000-4-5 (2006) Surge, 0·5kV (line to line), 1kV (line to ground), Performance A (B).
f) EN61000-4-6 (2007) Conducted RF, 3V, 80% AM at 1kHz (AC line only; signal

connections <3m, therefore not tested), Performance A (A).
According to EN61326 the definitions of performance criteria are:

Performance criterion A: ‘During test normal performance within the specification limits.’
Performance criterion B: ‘During test, temporary degradation, or loss of function or

performance which is self-recovering’.
Performance criterion C: ‘During test, temporary degradation, or loss of function or

performance which requires operator intervention or system reset occurs.’

†

(A) and 1.4GHz to 2GHz:

Cautions

To ensure continued compliance with the EMC directive the following precautions should be
observed:

a) After opening the case for any reason ensure that all signal and ground connections are

remade correctly before replacing the cover. Always ensure all case screws are correctly
refitted and tightened.

b) In the event of part replacement becoming necessary, only use components of an identical

type, see the Service Manual.

5

Safety

This instrument is Safety Class I according to IEC classification and has been designed to meet
the requirements of EN61010−1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement,
Control and Laboratory Use). It is an Installation Category II instrument intended for operation
from a normal single phase supply.

This instrument has been tested in accordance with EN61010−1 and has been supplied in a safe
condition. This instruction manual contains some information and warnings which have to be
followed by the user to ensure safe operation and to retain the instrument in a safe condition.

This instrument has been designed for indoor use in a Pollution Degree 2 environment in the
temperature range 5°C to 40°C, 20% −80% RH (non−condensing). It may occasionally be
subjected to temperatures between +5° and −10°C without degradation of its safety. Do not
operate while condensation is present.

Use of this instrument in a manner not specified by these instructions may impair the safety
protection provided. Do not operate the instrument outside its rated supply voltages or
environmental range.

WARNING! THIS INSTRUMENT MUST BE EARTHED

Any interruption of the mains earth conductor inside or outside the instrument will make the
instrument dangerous. Intentional interruption is prohibited. The protective action must not be
negated by the use of an extension cord without a protective conductor.

When the instrument is connected to its supply, terminals may be live and opening the covers or
removal of parts (except those to which access can be gained by hand) is likely to expose live
parts. The apparatus shall be disconnected from all voltage sources before it is opened for any
adjustment, replacement, maintenance or repair.

Any adjustment, maintenance and repair of the opened instrument under voltage shall be avoided
as far as possible and, if inevitable, shall be carried out only by a skilled person who is aware of
the hazard involved.

If the instrument is clearly defective, has been subject to mechanical damage, excessive moisture
or chemical corrosion the safety protection may be impaired and the apparatus should be
withdrawn from use and returned for checking and repair.

The instrument contains both non-resetting and self-resetting thermal fuses which are not
replaceable by the user. The short-circuiting of these protective devices is prohibited.

The instrument contains Nickel Metal Hydride batteries. Do not open, puncture, incinerate or
short circuit these cells. These batteries must be disposed of in accordance with local regulations
and should be removed from the instrument before its final disposal.

Do not wet the instrument when cleaning it.
The following symbols are used on the instrument and in this manual:−

Caution −refer to the accompanying documentation,
incorrect operation may damage the instrument.

6

alternating current.

Mains Operating Voltage

The operating voltage of the instrument is shown on the rear panel. Should it be necessary to
change the operating voltage from 230V to 115V or vice-versa, proceed as follows:

1. Disconnect the instrument from all voltage sources.

2. Remove the screws which hold the case upper to the case lower and lift off.

3. Disconnect the 3 way cable from the power supply PCB, remove the six screws and lift
the PCB from the case. The Power Supply PCB has an insulator attached to its underside
to ensure that the batteries are not accidentally short circuited. The centre pin of the
retaining rivets can be carefully pushed out allowing them to be re-used. Replace the
insulator immediately after servicing is complete.

4. Fit the soldered links for the required operating voltage:­ For 230V fit only LK2

For 115V fit LK1 and LK3 and not LK2
These links may be either tinned copper wire or zero-ohm resistors.

5. Refit the power supply PCB to the case lower and reconnect the 3 way cable.

Installation

6. Refit the case upper taking care not to overtighten the screws.

7. To comply with safety standard requirements the operating voltage marked on the rear

Fuses

There are no user replaceable fuses in the instrument.

Mains Lead

When a three core mains lead with bare ends is provided it should be connected as follows:

Any interruption of the mains earth conductor inside or outside the instrument will make the
instrument dangerous. Intentional interruption is prohibited.

panel must be changed to clearly show the new voltage setting.

Brown - Mains live
Blue - Mains Neutral
Green/Yellow - Earth

WARNING! THIS INSTRUMENT MUST BE EARTHED

7

Input Terminals

Connections are provided on the front panel for standard 4-terminal resistance measurements.
The test current flows between the terminals marked FORCE + and – and the voltage across the
unknown resistance is measured between the terminals marked SENSE + and –. To obtain
correct readings the entire measurement circuit should be connected only to the resistance being
measured.

The instrument is supplied with a Kelvin lead set consisting of two special crocodile clips
connected to four 4mm plugs. The upper and lower jaws of each crocodile clip are not electrically
connected: the grey jaws are used as the force terminals and the coloured jaws (red and black)
as the sense terminals. The grey jaws are connected to the plugs which have a grey collar.

Connect these leads to the instrument as follows:

Connections

Plug Connection

All red Sense +

Red with grey collar Force +

The instrument can be used with any other 4 terminal connection arrangement as required by the
physical size of the resistance being measured.

The measurement circuit is not grounded (even when the battery is charging) but for the safety of
the operator the connections should be within ±30 volts from earth. It is permissible for the circuit
to be externally connected to earth at one point only.

The maximum voltage emitted from the instrument is 6V DC.

Protection

When measuring the resistance of large iron-cored inductors the test current builds a magnetic
field within the core. When this current is removed a back-emf is generated as the field collapses.
Take care when disconnecting the test leads from inductors not to touch the terminals as the
back-emf can give a noticeable electric shock. It is better to depress the Set Zero switch and
allow the instrument to absorb the stored energy before disconnecting the inductor.

Protection circuits within the instrument ensure that it will not be damaged by the back-emf of its
own test current from any inductance.

It is not intended that any external voltage be applied to the input terminals. However, there are
circuits designed to protect the instrument against brief accidental connections. In the case of
more severe misuse fusible resistors protect the internal circuits. These resistors are not
replaceable by the user.

All black Sense –

Black with grey collar Force –

8

Front Panel Controls

The following paragraphs give a brief description of the controls. Fuller details of the operation of
the instrument are given in later sections.

Operate

The Operate switch connects the measurement circuits to the battery; it does not control the
battery charger which operates whenever the unit is connected to the supply mains.

Set Zero

Depressing the Set Zero switch diverts the test current away from the Force terminals so there is
no voltage drop across the resistance being measured. The reading can then be set to zero
taking account of the effect of external thermal emfs.

20mV Clamp

Depressing the 20mV Clamp switch limits the open circuit voltage of the force terminals to 20mV.
This is used when measuring the contact resistance of switches or relays as this low voltage does
not break down oxide films.

Polarity

Depressing the Polarity switch reverses the direction of the test current through the unknown. If
there are no thermal emfs in the measurement circuit the two readings should be the same (apart
from the minus sign). If a thermal emf is present it will add to one reading and subtract from the
other; the true resistance value is obtained by taking the numerical average.

Range switches

The legend above the range switches shows the display units (µΩ, mΩ, Ω or kΩ). The nominal
measurement current is shown below the switches for reference.

Charge lamp (red)

The Charge lamp will light while the unit is connected to the mains supply which causes the
battery to be charged. The unit should be disconnected from the supply when the battery is fully
charged.

Force On lamp (green)

The Force On lamp lights when the test current is flowing correctly. If the 20mV clamp is in use
the lamp will only light when the external voltage drop is less than the clamp threshold.

Display

The 3½ digit display shows the measurement result. It should only be taken as valid when the
Force On lamp is lit and the BAT indicator is off. When the resistance is too large for the range
selected (or the sense leads are open circuit) the overscale indication consists of a 1 and three
blank digits. A negative sign will show when reverse polarity readings are being taken. The zero
setting is signed; the display will alternate between –000 and +000 at true zero.

The signal BAT in the lower left corner of the display shows when the battery is nearly
discharged. At this point readings are still accurate, but there is no further indication when the
battery voltage falls to the point that errors arise; therefore when the BAT indication is displayed
the charger should be connected to the supply.

9

Switching On

Switch on the instrument using the Operate switch on the front panel. If there are no digits shown
in the display then the batteries may be completely discharged. Connect the unit to the supply
mains; the Charge lamp should light to show that charging is taking place. If display operation
does not resume after a few minutes charging time the unit may be faulty; switch off, disconnect
from the supply and seek service.

Battery Charging

When the unit is connected to the supply mains the red Charge lamp will be illuminated and the
battery will be charging. Resistance measurements may continue while charging with some small
reduction in accuracy because of the temperature rise within the unit. Charging normally takes
about 12 hours but if the 2000µΩ range is used the 250mA test current considerably reduces the
charging current and it will take longer to fully charge the battery. A taper charge characteristic is
employed to quickly raise the charge level of a completely discharged battery and reduce the
current once fully charged; nevertheless, the unit should not be left on continuous float charge as
this will reduce battery life.

The Ni-MH cells used do not suffer from any memory effect and are not harmed by either
complete discharge or partial re-charge.

While the unit is not in use the batteries will self-discharge. This effect is greatly increased at
higher temperatures. If the unit has been stored for so long that the batteries have become
completely discharged it may require two or three charge–discharge cycles for full capacity to be
restored.

The batteries are not replaceable by the user. If the capacity becomes noticeably low then the
unit should be sent to a qualified service facility for the batteries to be replaced. The cells must be
handled and disposed of in accordance with local safety and environmental requirements.

Operation

Principles of Operation

This instrument measures resistance using the ratiometric method: a test current is passed
through both a precise internal reference resistance and the unknown resistance. The magnitude
of the test current is chosen according to the range selected; it is a compromise between
sensitivity to noise and thermal emfs and minimising self-heating of the unknown. The voltages
developed across the two resistances are compared using a ratiometric Analogue to Digital
converter which calculates the result for the display.

The accuracy of this method depends on the accuracy of the reference resistors and on sensing
the exact voltage drop across the unknown, not on the magnitude of the test current. The two
main sources of error are voltage drops in the connections and thermal emfs.

The problem of voltage drops is overcome by the 4 terminal connection. The current flows in the
force leads and the instrument can tolerate any voltage drop in these leads up to its compliance
limit. There is no voltage drop in the sense leads because of the very high input impedance of the
voltage measuring circuit in the unit. The resistance is measured between the physical points
where the sense leads connect to the unknown.

An emf is produced at any junction between dissimilar metals. The magnitude of this emf
depends on the materials and the temperature. In any closed circuit which starts and ends on the
same metal (as in the sockets of the instrument) there will be a equal number of junctions
between dissimilar metals. If all the pairs of junctions are at the same temperature then the net
emf around the circuit is zero, but if there are temperature differences then the sum of the emfs is
not zero - this difference is the thermal emf of the circuit. It is often of the order of a few tens of
microvolts which is sufficient to influence the reading on low resistance ranges.

10

The instrument cannot distinguish between this emf and the voltage drop across the test sample
caused by the measuring current. However if the direction of the test current is reversed then the
thermal emf will add to one reading and subtract from the other; the true resistance can be
calculated as the average of the two readings. This is the purpose of the Polarity switch.

The most effective way to remove thermal emfs is by removing the temperature differences; take
care when connecting samples not to hold the connections points in the fingers - do not touch
plug contacts when connecting the leads. Wait until thermal equilibrium is established - it can take
many minutes for the effect of even the most brief contact with the fingers to dissipate.

The effect of thermal emfs could also be eliminated by the use of an AC measurement technique
but this results in measuring the resistive component of impedance (including the effect of any
core losses etc.) rather than the true resistance value obtained by the DC method used in this
instrument.

Setting Zero

To set the zero reading it is necessary that the force current is flowing (so the reference
resistance is experiencing normal conditions) and that there is no voltage between the sense
terminals. The ZERO ADJUST control can then be set for a reading of zero to compensate for the
internal offset voltages of the instrument.

The most direct way to do this is to use one cable to connect FORCE + to FORCE – and a
second cable to join SENSE + to SENSE –, select the range required and use the ZERO
ADJUST control to obtain a reading of zero. Note that this reading is signed: the exact zero is at
the point where the minus sign in the display appears on alternate readings. These cables are
then removed and the test sample connected as required. This method zeros the internal offsets
within the instrument.

The zero adjustment can also be used to remove the effect of small external thermal emfs from
the measurement. Connect the test cables to the unknown ready to take a measurement and
select the required range. Depress the Set Zero button and set the reading to zero. Release the
Set Zero button and allow the reading to settle at the resistance value. This is the most
convenient method in normal use.

Note that the zero cannot be set with the sense terminals open circuit.

Connecting the Unknown Resistance

The Kelvin clips supplied with the instrument make the force and sense connections on opposite
sides of the conductor. This suits wire-ended components and long thin objects.

When measuring low resistance physically large samples, separate wires and clips may be
needed for the two sets of connections which must be made in a way that reflects the required
measurement. The sense terminals should be connected to the sample at the exact points
between which the resistance is to be measured; the force terminals should be connected to the
sample outside the sense terminals. They should be sufficiently far from the sense connections to
allow for the region where the current spreads out across the cross-section of the sample.

When measuring components the test connections should match the application connections as
closely as possible; when measuring the properties of material samples, consistency of
connection is the most important thing. This may require the construction of a suitable jig.

The green Force On lamp lights when the test current flowing through the unknown produces a
voltage drop within the compliance specification of the instrument. A valid reading can then be
obtained provided that the sense connections are properly made (if they are not then the display
will normally show the overrange indication). Note that when measuring very large inductances
(such as high voltage transformers) there may be a delay before the lamp lights as it takes some
time for the test current to rise to the full value (the rate of rise of the current depends on the
inductance and the source emf of the instrument). Similarly it takes time for the current to reverse
when the Polarity selection is switched.

It is very important when attaching connections to avoid touching any metallic part of the circuit,
because the heat conducted from the fingers will generate thermal emfs that take a significant
time to decay.

11

Taking the Reading

After setting zero, release the Set Zero switch and allow the reading to settle at the resistance
value. Note this reading and depress the Polarity switch; ideally (if there are no external thermal
emfs) this reading will be the same as the first. If it is not, take the numerical average of the two
(ignore the sign); this value is the true resistance. Note that if the sample is not in thermal
equilibrium the reading will be changing because of both thermal emfs and the temperature
coefficient of the unknown.

It is possible to check the results by depressing the Set Zero button, noting the zero reading and
then computing the two differences between this value and the reading of each polarity (taking
the signs into account). These two values should agree within a digit; if they do not, then the
thermal emfs are changing too rapidly for a reliable measurement to be made.

Contact Resistance Measurements

The contacts of relays, switches etc. are often covered by oxides or corrosion products. If the
voltage in the circuit being switched is not high enough to break down this insulating film the
contact resistance measured will be much higher than that measured in a high power conditions.
In order to obtain a reading that reflects the operation of the component in these “dry circuit”
conditions it is necessary to ensure that the test equipment does not subject the sample to a high
open circuit voltage. International standards define the “dry circuit” measurement voltage as being
not more than 20mV.

This instrument contains a suitable clamp circuit activated by the front panel 20mV Clamp push
button. This places an internal electronic shunt across the force terminals and controls the
resistance of this circuit to maintain a voltage of 18mV (±2mV) between these terminals. When
the contact being measured closes, its resistance must be sufficiently low for the voltage drop
across it (at the measuring current of the range selected) to be less than the clamp voltage. The
internal shunt then switches off, the green Force On lamp lights and the correct resistance
reading is displayed.

Note that battery drain is higher when the clamp is engaged as the measurement current is
always flowing, either through the internal clamp or the external contact.

The 20mV clamp facility does not operate with the 2kΩ or 20kΩ ranges as the maximum
measurement voltage on these ranges is greater than 20mV.

Applications

To measure the temperature rise of the windings of a transformer or motor first measure the
resistance with the item cold. Then disconnect the meter and operate the device for the required
period of time. Disconnect all supplies and re-connect the meter and measure the winding
resistance in the hot condition. Knowing the temperature coefficient of the winding material these
two resistance readings can be used to calculate the temperature change.

Measurement Notes

If the reading drifts continuously this may indicate either a change in a thermal emf caused by a
change in temperature or a real change in the resistance of the item being measured. If the
sample is physically small this may be caused by the heating effect of the test current. Using a
higher range reduces the test current but also reduces the measurement resolution.

Random fluctuations in the reading of more than a digit may indicate poor connections to the
sample under test, particularly the sense leads. It can also be caused by magnetic fields
intersecting the test circuit; move the leads to keep them close together and away from any
transformers or motors.

If the three readings (zero, normal and reverse polarity) do not correlate then either there is a
poor connection, or a thermal emf is changing rapidly or the actual value being measured is
changing rapidly.

12

Semiconductor junctions will appear open circuit in both directions because the measurement
voltage of this instrument is too small to cause any noticeable conduction.

The Manufacturers or their agents overseas will provide a repair service for any unit developing a
fault. Where owners wish to undertake their own maintenance work, this should only be done by
skilled personnel in conjunction with the service manual which may be purchased directly from
the Manufacturers or their agents overseas.

Cleaning

If the instrument requires cleaning use a cloth that is only lightly dampened with water or a mild
detergent.

WARNING! TO AVOID ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR DAMAGE TO THE INSTRUMENT, NEVER
ALLOW WATER TO GET INSIDE THE CASE. TO AVOID DAMAGE TO THE CASE NEVER
CLEAN WITH SOLVENTS.

Calibration

To ensure that the accuracy of the instrument remains within specification the calibration must be
checked (and if necessary adjusted) annually. This requires access to accurately known standard
resistors; the instrument is adjusted to obtain the correct readings from these resistors. This
instrument has independent calibration for each range.

Maintenance

Fuses

The transformer primary is protected by a non-resetting thermal fuse inside the windings. It can
only be replaced by fitting a new transformer.

The battery charge and discharge circuits are protected by self-resetting devices. If it is
suspected that one of these has tripped, disconnect the unit from the mains supply, switch it off
and wait ten minutes. It is likely that any such tripping indicates an internal fault and the unit
should be serviced by a competent repair facility.

13

Sécurité

Cet instrument est de classe de sécurité 1 conforme à la classification IEC et il a été conçu pour
satisfaire aux exigences de la norme EN61010-1 (Exigences de sécurité pour les équipements
électriques de mesure, de contrôle et d'utilisation en laboratoire). Il s'agit d'un instrument de
Catégorie II d'installation devant être exploité depuis une alimentation monophasée standard.

Cet instrument a été testé conformément à la norme EN61010-1 et il a été fourni en tout état de
sécurité. Ce manuel d'instructions contient des informations et des avertissements qui doivent
être suivis par l'utilisateur afin d'assurer un fonctionnement et un état en toute sécurité.

Cet instrument a été conçu pour être utilisé en intérieur, en environnement de pollution de
deuxième degré (Pollution degree 2) à des plages de températures de 5°C à 40°C, et à des taux
d'humidité compris entre 20% et 80% (sans condensation). Il peut être soumis de temps à autre à
des températures comprises entre +5°C et –10°C sans dégradation de sa sécurité. Ne pas
l'utiliser en conditions de condensation.

Toute utilisation de cet instrument de manière non spécifiée par ces instructions risque d'affecter
sa protection de sécurité. Ne pas utiliser l'instrument hors des plages de tension d'alimentation
nominale recommandées ni hors de ses tolérances d'environnement.

AVERTISSEMENT ! CET INSTRUMENT DOIT ETRE RELIE A LA TERRE

Toute interruption du conducteur de la terre du secteur à l'intérieur ou à l'extérieur de l'instrument
rendra l'instrument dangereux. Il est absolument interdit de priver intentionnellement l'instrument
de son branchement à la terre. La sécurité de l'instrument ne doit pas être annulée par l'utilisation
de rallonge sans conducteur de protection.

Lorsque l'instrument est relié au secteur, il est possible que les bornes soient sous tension :
l'ouverture des couvercles ou la dépose de pièces (à l'exception des pièces accessibles
manuellement) risque de mettre à découvert des pièces sous tension. L'instrument doit être
débranché du secteur et de toute source d'alimentationavant tout réglage, remplacement, travaux
d'entretien ou de réparations.

Eviter dans la mesure du possible d'effectuer des réglages, travaux de réparations ou d'entretien
lorsque l'instrument ouvert est branché au secteur. Si cela s'avère toutefois indispensable, seul
un technicien compétent connaissant les risques encourus doit effectuer ce genre de travaux.

S'il est évident que l'instrument est défectueux, qu'il a été soumis à des dégâts mécaniques, à
une humidité excessive ou à une corrosion chimique, la protection de sécurité est affaiblie :
l'instrument doit être retiré de l'exploitation et renvoyé vérifications et de réparations.

Cet instrument contient à la fois des fusibles thermiques non rajustables et auto-réglables ne
pouvant faire l'objet d'un remplacement par l'utilisateur. Il est strictement interdit de court-circuiter
ces fusibles de protection.

Cet instrument contient des piles au nickel-hydrure de métal. Ne pas ouvrir, percer, incinérer ni
court-circuiter ces piles. Ces piles doivent être jetées conformément aux lois et règlements locaux
en vigueur et doivent être retirées de l'instrument avant d'en disposer.

Ne jamais humidifier l'instrument lors du nettoyage.
Les symboles suivants se trouvent sur l'instrument, ainsi que dans ce manuel.

14

ATTENTION - se référer à la documentation ci-jointe; toute utilisation
incorrecte risque d'endommager l'appareil.

Courant alternatif (c.a.)