Triplett MG600 User Manual

User Manual

MG600

Digital High Voltage Megohmeter/Insulation
Tester

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the Triplett MG600 High Voltage
Megohmeter/Insulation Tester. This meter provides four Insulation
Resistance test ranges plus Continuity, AC/DC Voltage, Polarization
Index and Dielectric Absorption Ratio measurements.

Safety

International Safety Symbols

This symbol, adjacent to another symbol or terminal, indicates
the user must refer to the manual for further information.

This symbol, adjacent to a terminal, indicates that, under normal
use, hazardous voltages may be present.

Danger: identifies conditions and actions that pose hazard(s) to
the user.

Warning: alerts the user to avoid electric shock.
Caution: identifies conditions and actions that may damage

the Insulation Resistance tester.
Operating Caution: identifies conditions where the user needs to

take extra care during the operation of the Insulation resistance
tester

Danger: Use of this instrument in a manner not specified by the
manufacturer may impair safety features/protection provided by
the equipment. Read all of the safety information carefully
before using or servicing the instrument.

This symbol indicates that the meter uses double or reinforced
insulation.

Safety Notes

Do not exceed the maximum allowable input range for

any of the meter’s functions. Set the function switch OFF

when the meter is not in use.

Remove the batteries if the meter is to be stored for longer than 60 days.

Warnings

Set the function switch to the appropriate position before measuring. Do
not measure current on a circuit whose voltage exceeds 600V.
When changing ranges always disconnect the test leads from the circuit
under test.

Do not use the Insulation resistance tester if it is damaged or if metal
parts are exposed. Also, check the meter for cracks or missing
plastic.

Be careful when working above 30V AC rms or 30V DC. Such
voltages pose a shock hazard. Discharge all circuit loads under test
after measuring high voltage.

Do not replace the batteries with the tester in a wet environment.

Place the test leads in the proper input terminals. Ensure
that the test leads are firmly connected to the Insulation
Resistance tester’s input terminals.

Ensure that the Insulation Resistance tester is switched off
when opening the battery compartment.
Cautions

Improper use of this meter can cause damage, shock, injury or
death. Read and understand this user manual before operating
the meter.

Always remove the test leads before replacing the batteries.

Inspect the condition of the test leads and the meter itself for any
damage before operating the meter. Repair or replace any damage
before use.

Voltage checks on electrical outlets can be difficult and misleading
because of the uncertainty of a definitive connection to the
recessed electrical contacts. Other means should be used to
ensure that the outlet terminals are not "live".

If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the
manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be
impaired.

Do not use the Insulation resistance tester near explosive gas, vapor or
dust.

When using the test leads, keep fingers away from the lead

contacts. Keep fingers behind the test lead finger guards.
Do not use the tester if its cover or any of its parts are removed.
When performing resistance tests, remove all power from the circuit

under test.

When servicing the Insulation Resistance tester, use only the

supplied test leads and power adaptor.
Do not use the Insulation resistance tester if the battery indicator shows

a low battery.

Do not use or store the meter in areas of high humidity, high

temperature, potentially explosive or flammable environments, or in

strong magnetic fields.

Soft cloth and mild detergent should be used to clean the surface

of the Insulation resistance tester when servicing. Do not use

abrasives or solvents.
Dry the Insulation resistance tester before storing if it is wet.
Remove the test leads and set the Range selector switch to the OFF

position after use.

Safety Category Information

This Insulation resistance tester complies with IEC61010 standard
safety measurement requirements: pollution degree 2, over-voltage
category (CAT. IV) 600V, with double insulation.

Meter Description

1. Insulation resistance Test/Lock

switch

2. REL /down button

3. HOLD button

4. BATT /up button

5. MAX /MIN /STOP button

6. LCD Display

7. DC power adaptor Input

8. EARTH Input

9. VΩ input and IR GUARD

terminal

10. VΩ COM input and High voltage

shielding terminal

11. LINE: 500V to 500V High

Voltage Input

12. /PEAK button

13. Backlight /AUTO OFF button

14. Function Selector Switch

Display Description

1. Timed Test Indicators

2. AC/DC Indicators

3. Polarization Index and Dielectric Absorption Ratio Indicators

4. Analog Bargraph

5. Auto Range Indicator

6. Low Battery Indicator

7. High Voltage Indicator

8. Auto discharge Indicator

9. Continuity Buzzer Indicator

10. PASS /FAIL Indicator

11. Live Circuit Voltage Indicator

12. Units Indicator

13. Function Indicator

14. Function Indicator

Insulation Resistance Testing

CAUTIONS:

PRESS TO TEST Knob

Ensure that no electrical charge
exists on the circuit under test.
Insulated gloves should be worn
while testing.
Use extreme caution to avoid touching the tips of the test

leads or the circuit under test when the PRESS TO TEST

button is pressed; High Voltage is present.
Do not make measurements when the battery cover is removed.
Always connect the Earth Cord (black) to the Earth terminal of the

circuit under test.

CAUTION: When the live circuit warning indicates “>30V” or the

warning buzzer sounds and

the display flashes, the measurement

cannot be made even if the “Press to Test” button is

pressed.

DANGER

Do not touch the circuit under test immediately after testing.

Voltage stored in the circuit may cause electric shock.

Leave the test leads connected to the circuit under test and

never touch the circuit until the discharge is complete.

All insulation resistance tests are initiated
with the PRESS TO TEST knob.

1. Press and HOLD the knob to perform a

test. Release the knob to end the test.

2. Press and TURN the knob 90 degrees clockwise to the LOCK

position to lock the meter in the continuous
test mode. To end a test, either rotate the
knob 90 degrees counterclockwise or
press the STOP button.

3. Always return the knob to the vertical

position before beginning a test

Emergency Stop

To stop a test at any time, press the STOP button or rotate the PRESS
TO TEST knob in a counter-clockwise direction.

The STOP button also clears the display and beeper after a discharge is
complete.

Insulation Resistance Test

Manual Test

1. Connect the Black

Earth test lead to the
Earth connector and
the Red test lead to the
LINE and COM
connectors.

2. Set the Function

Selector switch to the
desired insulation test
voltage.

3. Connect the test leads to
the device under test.

4. Press and hold the

PRESS TO TEST
button to run the test.
The buzzer will beep
during the test.

5. Read the measured value on the LCD display.

6. Release the button to end the test and

discharge the device. While the circuit is
discharging, the icon will

flash. The measured value, HOLD and the

measurement time will remain in the display.

7. Press the STOP button to clear the display.

8. Set the Function Selector switch to OFF position and remove the test
leads from the circuit.

Locked Test

1. Repeat steps 1 to 3 as above.

2. Press and turn the PRESS TO TEST button to the lock position to
run the test. The buzzer will beep during the test.

3. Read the measured value on the LCD display.

4. Rotate the PRESS TO TEST button to the PRESS TO TEST position
to end the test and discharge the device. While the circuit is
discharging, the icon will flash. The measured value,
HOLD and the measurement time will remain in the display.

5. Press the STOP button to clear the display.

6. Set the Function Selector switch to OFF position and remove the test
leads from the circuit.

Timed Insulation Test

The timed insulation test feature allows the user to specify the period of
time the test will run. The run time can be set from 1 to 15 minutes in 1
minute increments.

1. Connect the Black Earth test lead to the Earth connector and the Red
test lead to the LINE and COM connectors.

2. Connect the test leads to the device under test.

3. Set the Function Selector switch to the desired insulation test
voltage.

4. Use the Time Set ▲ and ▼ arrow buttons to select the desired run
time for the insulation test. The selected time will be shown in the
lower left corner of the LCD.

5. Press and hold the PRESS TO TEST knob (or lock it). The beeper
will sound and the voltage warning icon will flash at one second
intervals during the test.

6. At the end of the timed period, keep the test leads connected the
meter will the device and the results will be held in
the display

7. Release or unlock the PRESS TO TEST knob and press the STOP
button to clear the display.

8. Set the Function Selector switch to the OFF position and remove the
test leads from the circuit.

Polarization Index (PI)

The polarization index Test calculates the ratio of the resistance
measurement after 10 minutes to the resistance measurement after 1
minute: Results are determined by the type, age and condition of the
insulation material tested. Established standards and test procedures
should be used to establish pass/fail criteria for each application.

Polarization Index = Resistance after 10 minutes / Resistance after 1 minute

1. Connect the Black Earth test lead to the Earth connector and the Red
test lead to the LINE and COM connectors.

2. Connect the test leads to the device under test.

3. Set the Function Selector switch to the desired insulation test
voltage.

4. Use the PI/DAR button to select TIME 1 (1:00) for the Polarization
Index (PI) function.

5. Press and hold the PRESS TO TEST button and turn it clockwise
to the LOCK position. The beeper will sound during the test.

6. When the test has completed, the LCD will display PASS if the
Polarization Index is greater than 1. FAIL will be displayed if the
Polarization Index is below 1.

7. Keep the test leads connected to the equipment under test and
release the PRESS TO TEST button. The circuit will discharge
through the meter. While the circuit is discharging, the

8. Press the STOP button to clear the results

Insulation Resistance Measurement Considerations

icon will flash.

The Resistance of an insulator is determined by applying a test

voltage to the insulator and then measuring the subsequent

current flow.

Notes:

Use of the Guard Terminal

The insulation resistance of a device may not be stable
therefore the readings supplied by the meter may vary.

An audible beep will be heard while a test is in progress, this is
normal.

Measurements taken on a capacitive load may take some time to
complete.

Insulation Resistance tests output a positive (+) voltage
from the Earth terminal and a negative (-) voltage from the
Line terminal.

When measuring a cable, leakage current flowing on the surface of

cable’s jacket and the current flowing inside the cable’s insulator combine

and may cause measurement errors. In order to prevent such errors, a

conductive wire should be wound around the point where leakage current
flows. The conductive wire should then be connected to the Guard
terminal as shown in accompanying figure. Be sure to use only the Guard
cable supplied with this instrument to connect the instrument to the Guard
terminal.

Data Hold

1. Press the HOLD button to freeze the displayed reading on the LCD
display. The HOLD display icon will switch ON in this mode.

2. Press the HOLD button again to return the meter to the normal
operation mode. The HOLD display icon will switch OFF.

Backlight

1. Press the backlight button to switch on the LCD display backlight.

2. Press the backlight button a second time to increase the brightness.

3. Press the backlight button a third time to switch off the backlight.

4. The backlight will turn off automatically after 60 seconds.

Auto Power Off

The auto-power off function extends the battery life of the unit. The unit
will automatically power off after 20 minutes of inactivity.

Battery Check

1. Disconnect the test leads from the unit.

2. Set the Function Selector Switch to the “ BATT” DCV position.

3. Press the BATT button. The “ ” (batt) icon will appear on the
LCD display.

4. Read the battery voltage level on the LCD. A reading of 12V or grater
indicates good batteries. A reading of 10V or less indicates the
remaining battery life is limited.

5. Press the BATT button again to exit the Battery Check mode. The
unit will also automatically exit the Battery Check mode after 5
seconds.

AC/DC Voltage and Resistance Testing

AC/DC Voltage Measurements

1. Connect the red test lead
to the V terminal and the
black test lead to the COM
input terminal.

2. Set the Function Selector Switch to
the “ ” VAC or the “

Low Resistance and Continuity Measurements

” VDC position.

3. Connect the test leads to the circuit
under test.

4. Note the voltage reading on the LCD
display

WARNING: Do not perform this test unless ACV/DCV = 0. Do

not use this mode to check diodes.

1. Connect the red test lead
to the V terminal and the
black test lead to the COM
input terminal.

2. Set the Function Selector Switch to the

Ω position.

3. Connect the test leads to the circuit
under test.

4. Note the resistance reading
on the LCD display. If the
resistance measured is less
than 50 the audible

alarm will sound and the icon will
display.

Peak Hold Function (AC/DC Voltage measurements only)

The PEAK HOLD function is used with the MAX/MIN function to capture
voltage max and min peaks in the range of 10 to 100mS (milliseconds).
The voltage range is 0.5V to 600V AC or DC.

1. Press the MAX/MIN button. MIN will appear on the LCD display.

2. Press the PEAK button. MIN/PEAK will appear on the LCD display.
The meter will now capture minimum readings.

3. Press the MAX/MIN button again to display the MAX/PEAK icon.
The meter will now capture maximum readings.

4. Press and hold the MAX/MIN button for at least 2 seconds to exit the
PEAK hold mode.

Relative Mode (AC/DC Voltage measurements only)

The relative mode displays the difference between the measured
value and a stored reference value.

1. Press REL to store the reading presently indicated on the display
as the reference value; the "REL" indicator will appear.

2. Subsequent readings will represent the difference between the
stored reference value and the measured value.

3. Press the REL button again to return to normal operation

MAX/MIN Function (AC/DC Voltage measurements only)

1. Press the MAX/MIN button to enter the MAX/MIN mode. The ‘MIN’ icon
will appear on the LCD display and the meter will display and hold only
the minimum value. The value will be held until a new minimum value
is measured.

2. Press the MAX/MIN button again and ‘MAX’ will appear on the LCD
display. The meter will display and hold only the maximum value. The
value will be held until a new maximum value is measured.

3. Press the MAX/MIN button a 3rd time, MAX/MIN will appear on the
LCD display. In this mode the meter will display the real time
readings but will continue to store maximum and minimum values for
later recall. Use the MAX/MIN button to check the MIN and MAX
values.

4. To exit MAX/MIN mode entirely, press and hold the MAX/MIN button
for at least 2 seconds.

Maintenance

Battery Replacement

WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect all of the test
leads from the unit before replacing the batteries.

Operating Caution

Do not mix old and new batteries.
Make sure the polarity is correct when
installing batteries. Do not take
measurements with the battery
compartment open.
Replace the batteries as soon as the low

battery indication appears. Do not
use the tester in a low battery condition.

1. Switch the meter off and disconnect
all of the test leads.

2. Remove the four screws that hold the battery

disposal of the device at the end of its lifecycle

compartment cover in place.

3. Remove the battery compartment cover.

4. Replace the eight (8) 1.5V batteries.

5. Replace the battery compartment cover and screws.

6.
You, as the end user, are legally bound (Battery ordinance) to

return all used batteries and accumulators; disposal in the

household garbage is prohibited!

7. You can hand over your used batteries / accumulators at
collection points in your community or wherever batteries /
accumulators are sold!

Disposal: Follow the valid legal stipulations in respect of the

Power Adaptor

1. The power adaptor input

terminal is located at the

Cleaning and Care

serviced by qualified personnel only

top left of the tester.

2. Ensure that the meter is

powered off before
inserting the power adaptor
into the input terminal.

3. It is highly recommended

that all of the batteries be
removed from the meter
before using the power
adaptor.

4. Ensure that the meter is

powered off when the
power adaptor is
disconnected from the
meter.

Warning: This device must be repaired, calibrated, or otherwise

Periodically wipe the case with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
Do not use abrasives or solvents to clean the instrument.

Periodically clean the terminals with a cotton swab and detergent;
grit or debris in the terminals can affect readings.

Moisture in the terminals can affect the reading. Keep the
instrument dry and clean. Switch the Insulation
resistance tester OFF when it is not in use.

Remove the batteries when the meter is removed from service for long
periods.

Do not use or store the meter in areas of high humidity, high
temperature, potentially explosive or flammable environments, or
in strong magnetic fields.

Display

6000 count LCD display with bargraph

Sampling Rate

2.5 times per second

Over range indication

"OL" appears on the LCD

Short Circuit Current

Approx. 1mA

Open Circuit Test
Voltage

> 4.5V

Low battery indication

Battery symbol appears on the LCD

Power supply

Eight (8) 1.5V ’C’ Cell Batteries or 13.5V 1Amp

AC adaptor

Fuse

500mA/600V (6 x 32mm) ceramic 3AG fast blow

Auto Power Off

After approximately 20 minutes of inactivity

Operating Temperature

0 to 40oC (32 to 104oF)

Operating Humidity

< 80% RH

Altitude

Up to 2000 meters

Storage Temperature

-10 to 60oC(14 to 140oF )

Storage Humidity

< 80% RH

Dimensions

198 x 148 x 86mm(7.8 x 5.8 x 3.4" )

Weight

Approx. 1438g. (50.7 oz) with battery

Safety
Standards/Ratings

Pollution degree 2, Meets IEC 61010-1 and IEC
61010-031

Category Rating

CAT IV 600V

Specifications

General Specifications

Test
Voltages

500V

1000V

2500V

5000V *

0.005~6.000MΩ

0.005~6.000MΩ

0.05~60.00MΩ

0.05~60.00MΩ

Measurement

6.01~60.00MΩ

6.01~60.00MΩ

60.1~600.0MΩ

60.1~600.0MΩ

Range

60.1~600.0MΩ

60.1~600.0MΩ

0.61~6.00GΩ

0.61~6.00GΩ

(Auto­ranging)

0.61~6.00GΩ

0.61~6.00GΩ

6.1~60.0GΩ

6.1~60.0GΩ

Open circuit

DC 500V

DC 1000V

DC

2500V

DC 5000V

Voltage

+20%,-0%

+20%,­0% +20%,-0%

+20%,-0%

Rated

1~1.2mA

1~1.2mA

1~1.2mA

1~1.2mA

current

(0.5 MΩ load)

(1 MΩ load)

(2.5 MΩ load)

(5 MΩ load)

Short-circuit

Approx.1mA

current

0.005~600.0MΩ

+2.5% reading +15

digits

Accuracy

0.61~6.00GΩ

+3% reading +15

digits

6.1~60.0GΩ

+4% reading +15

digits

5~6000VDC

+1.5%reading +5

digits

Note on
voltage

In Insulation Resistance test mode, this device is used to check whether
or not the

electric charge stored in the equipment under test has been discharged.
During an

display in IR
test

Insulation Resistance test, the voltage value displayed on the LCD
above the

mode

resistance measurement is the test reference voltage
value.

Insulation Resistance Measurement Specifications

* NOTE: For 5000V IR measurements, use of the ac adapter to power the
unit is recommended.

Range

Resolution

Accuracy

0.5 to
600

VAC (40 to 400Hz)

±1% of rdg + 5d (40 to 60 Hz)

0.1V

±2.5% of rdg + 10d (61 to 400 Hz)

0.5 to
600

VDC ±1% of reading + 5 digits

Range

Resolution

Accuracy

0.1 to 600

0.1

±1.5% rdg +

10d

601 to 6.00k

0.001k

±1.5% rdg +

15d

Continuity Buzzer

Triggers if the resistance is 50

or lower

Open Circuit Voltage

4.5V minimum

Short Circuit Current

200mA minimum

AC/DC Voltage Specifications

Low Resistance Measurement and Continuity Specifications

Warranty

Triplett / Jewell Instruments extends the following warranty to the original purchaser of
these goods for use. Triplett warrants to the original purchaser for use that the products
sold by it will be free from defects in workmanship and material for a period of (1) one
year from the date of purchase. This warranty does not apply to any of our products
which have been repaired or altered by unauthorized persons in any way or purchased
from unauthorized distributors so as, in our sole judgment, to injure their stability or
reliability, or which have been subject to misuse, abuse, misapplication, negligence,
accident or which have had the serial numbers altered, defaced, or removed.
Accessories, including batteries are not covered by this warranty

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www.triplett.com