Vanguard CT-3500 S2 User Manual

CT-3500 S2

Digital Circuit Breaker Timer

USER’S MANUAL

Vanguard Instruments Company, Inc.

1520 S. Hellman Ave.

Ontario, California 91761, USA

TEL: [phone]	July 2012
FAX: [phone]	Revision 1

CT-3500 S2 USER’S MANUAL REV 1

SAFETY SUMMARY

FOLLOW EXACT OPERATING PROCEDURES

Any deviation from the procedures described in this User’s Manual may create one or more safety hazards, may damage the CT-3500 S2, or cause errors in the test results. Vanguard Instruments Company, Inc. assumes no liability for unsafe or improper use of the CT-3500 S2.

All safety precautions provided in this manual must be observed during all phases of testing including test preparation, test lead connection, actual testing, and test lead disconnection.

SAFETY WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS

Only trained operators shall use the CT-3500 S2. All devices under test shall be off-line and fully isolated. Do not perform test procedures or service alone.

DO NOT MODIFY TEST EQUIPMENT

To avoid the risk of introducing additional or unknown hazards, do not install substitute parts or perform any unauthorized modification to any CT-3500 S2 test unit. To ensure that all designed safety features are maintained, it is highly recommended that repairs be performed only by Vanguard Instruments Company factory personnel or by an authorized repair service provider. Unauthorized modifications can cause safety hazards and will void the manufacturer’s warranty.

WARNING

Do not remove test leads during a test. Failure to heed this warning can result in electrical shock to personnel and damage to the equipment.

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	TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS DOCUMENT .....................................................................................		1
1.0	INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................	2
1.1	General Description and Features ...................................................................................	2
1.2	Technical Specifications ...................................................................................................	3
1.3	CT-3500 S2 Controls and Indicators.................................................................................	4
2.0	PRE-TEST SETUP ...................................................................................................................	5
2.1	Operating Voltages ..........................................................................................................	5
2.2	LCD Screen Contrast Control............................................................................................	5
3.0	OPERATING PROCEDURES ...................................................................................................	6
3.1	Connection Diagrams.......................................................................................................	6
3.3	Setting the Frequency......................................................................................................	9
3.4	Using a PC to Retrieve Test Shots from the CT-3500 S2................................................	10
3.5	Testing Procedures ........................................................................................................	12
3.5.1. Entering Test Record Header Information .............................................................		12
3.5.2. Timing an OPEN Operation.....................................................................................		15
3.5.3. Timing a CLOSE Operation......................................................................................		18
3.5.4. Timing an OPEN-CLOSE Operation .........................................................................		21
3.5.5. Timing a CLOSE-OPEN Operation ...........................................................................		24
3.5.6. Timing a Special OPEN Operation ..........................................................................		27
3.6	Working With Test Shots ...............................................................................................	30
3.6.1. Viewing the Contents of the Working Memory .....................................................		30
3.6.2. Saving Test Results to a Test Shot ..........................................................................		32
3.6.3. Restoring a Test Shot From Flash EEPROM............................................................		34
3.6.4. Restoring a Test Shot From a USB Flash Drive .......................................................		37
3.6.5. Copying Test Records to a USB Flash Drive............................................................		39
3.6.6. Printing the Test Record Directory.........................................................................		42
3.6.7. Erasing Test Records from the Flash EEPROM .......................................................		44
3.7	Performing Cable Diagnostics........................................................................................	47
4.0 Getting the Latest Firmware, Software, and Manuals.......................................................		48

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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. CT-3500 S2 Technical Specifications .................................................................................	3

	LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. CT-3500 S2 Controls and Indicators.................................................................................		4
Figure 2.	Typical CT-3500 S2 Connection Diagram (Trigger Cable with 4 Leads) ...........................	6
Figure 3.	Typical CT-3500 S2 Connection Diagram (Trigger Cable with 3 Leads) ...........................	7
Figure 4. Sample OPEN Test Results Printout...............................................................................		17
Figure 5.	Sample CLOSE Test Results Printout..............................................................................	20
Figure 6. Sample OPEN-CLOSE Test Results Printout ...................................................................		23
Figure 7. Sample CLOSE-OPEN Test Results Printout ...................................................................		26
Figure 8.	Sample Special OPEN Test Results Printout...................................................................	29

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CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS DOCUMENT

This document uses the following conventions:

•A key, switch, or knob on the CT-3500 S2 is indicated as [KEY], [SWITCH], [KNOB].

•Menu options are referenced as (MENU OPTION).

•The terms “test record” and “test shot” are used interchangeably.

•CT-3500 S2 screen output is shown as:

1.OPTION 1

2.OPTION 2

3.OPTION 3

4.OPTION 4

5.OPTION 5

•When instructions are provided, the menu item that should be selected is shown in bold as shown below (option 3 should be selected):

1.OPTION 1

2.OPTION 2

3.OPTION 3

4.OPTION 4

5.OPTION 5

•Warning messages are indicated as:

Warning message

WARNING

•Important notes are indicated as:

Note details

NOTE

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1.0INTRODUCTION

1.1General Description and Features

The CT-3500 S2 is Vanguard’s second generation, stand-alone, digital, microprocessorcontrolled, circuit-breaker timer. It measures the elapsed time from the instant a breaker coil is energized to the instant of opening or closing of a circuit-breaker’s dry contacts. In addition to timing a breaker’s contact response time, the CT-3500 S2 can also time relays or other switching functions that use an initiating trigger voltage (24-300 Volts DC or AC). The timertriggering voltage starts three independent electronic timers. Each timer is individually stopped by its respective dry-contact closing or opening. The CT-3500 can fully analyze the timing of all circuit breaker operations (Open, Close, Open – Close, and Close – Open). Timing results are displayed in milliseconds and cycles on the unit’s back-lit LCD screen and can be printed on the built-in 2.5-inch wide thermal printer.

Contact Timing Inputs

The CT-3500 S2 features three dry-contact, timer-channel monitoring inputs. The dry-contact channels use an isolated 15 Vdc power supply to monitor the circuit breaker contact states. All inputs are shunted to ground until the instant a test is initiated. All contact timing inputs are protected against static discharge. A contact self-test cable-mode is also available for testing cables or connections to the breaker.

User Interface

The CT-3500 S2 features a back-lit LCD screen (128 x 64 pixels) that is viewable in both bright sunlight and low-light levels. A rugged, 44-key, "QWERTY" membrane keypad is used to control the unit and input data. The unit's built-in 2.5-inch wide thermal printer can be used to print test reports.

Internal Test Record Storage

The CT-3500 S2 can store up to 128 test records in Flash EEPROM. Test records can be retrieved and printed on the built-in thermal printer, or they can be transferred to a PC via the unit’s USB interface. The USB interface can also be used for diagnostic testing and for updating firmware.

The CT-3500 S2 also features a USB Flash drive interface that can be used to store test records on an external USB Flash drive. A Windows®-based Circuit Breaker Analysis application is provided with each unit and can be used to transfer test records to a PC. Test records can also be reviewed, printed or exported in Excel, PDF, and XML formats for further analysis.

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1.2Technical Specifications

Table 1. CT-3500 S2 Technical Specifications

TYPE	portable circuit-breaker analyzer
PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS	16”W x 7”H x 13” D (40.6 cm x 17.4 cm x 33 cm); Weight: 14 lbs. (6.4 Kg)
INPUT POWER	100-240 Vac, 50/60 Hz
DRY-CONTACT INPUT	3 channels
TRIGGER INPUT VOLTAGE	open/close: 24-300 V, DC or peak AC
BREAKER OPERATIONS	Open, Close, Open-Close, Close-Open
TIMING RESOLUTION	±0.1 millisecond; accuracy: 0.05% of reading ±0.1 ms
DISPLAY	back-lit LCD screen (128 x 64 pixels); viewable in bright sunlight and low light
	conditions
KEYPAD	rugged, 44-key "QWERTY"-style membrane keypad
PRINTER	built-in 2.5-inch wide thermal printer
INTERNAL TEST RECORD	stores up to 128 timing records
STORAGE
COMPUTER INTERFACE	one USB PC interface, one USB Flash drive interface
PC SOFTWARE	Windows®-based Breaker Analysis software included with purchase price
SAFETY	designed to meet IEC61010 (1995), UL61010A-1, CSA-C22.2 standards
ENVIRONMENT	Operating: -10°C to +50°C (+15°F to +122°F);
	Storage: -30°C to +70°C (-22°F to +158°F)
HUMIDITY	90% RH @ 40°C (104°F) non-condensing
ALTITUDE	2,000 m (6,562 ft) to full safety specifications
CABLES	furnished with full set of test leads (including 20-foot contact leads, 30-foot
	contact lead extensions, trigger cable, power cable, and ground cable)
OPTIONS	transportation case
WARRANTY	one year on parts and labor

The above specifications are valid at nominal operating voltage and at a temperature of 25°C (77°F). Specifications may change without prior notice.

NOTE

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1.3CT-3500 S2 Controls and Indicators

The CT-3500 S2’s controls and indicators are shown in Figure 1 below. The purpose of the controls and indicators may seem obvious, but users should familiarize themselves with them before using the CT-3500 S2. Accidental misuse of the controls will usually cause no serious harm. Users should also familiarize themselves with the safety summary information found on the front page of this User’s Manual.

Figure 1. CT-3500 S2 Controls and Indicators

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2.0PRE-TEST SETUP

2.1Operating Voltages

The CT-3500 S2 operates on voltages between 100-240 Vac, 50/60 Hz.

2.2LCD Screen Contrast Control

To increase the LCD screen contrast, press and hold the [ ] key for two seconds. Release the button when the desired contrast level has been reached.

To decrease the LCD screen contrast, press and hold the [ ] key for two seconds. Release the button when the desired contrast level has been reached.

2.3Printer Paper Control

To advance the thermal printer paper, press and release the [ ] key.

To retract the thermal printer paper, press and release the [ ] key.

2.4Printer Paper

The CT-3500 S2’s built-in thermal printer uses 2.5-inch wide thermal paper for printing test results. To maintain the highest print quality and to avoid paper jams, the use of thermal paper supplied by Vanguard Instruments Company is highly recommended. Additional paper can be ordered from the following sources:

Vanguard Instruments Co, Inc.

1520 S. Hellman Avenue Ontario, CA 91761

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Part Number: VIC TP-3 paper

BG Instrument Co.

13607 E. Trent Avenue Spokane, WA 99216 Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]

Part Number: VIC TP-3 paper

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3.0OPERATING PROCEDURES

3.1Connection Diagrams

Figure 2. Typical CT-3500 S2 Connection Diagram (Trigger Cable with 4 Leads)

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Figure 3. Typical CT-3500 S2 Connection Diagram (Trigger Cable with 3 Leads)

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3.2Setting the Date and Time

To set the date and time:

a.Start from the “START-UP” menu:

1.TIME BRKR 05/14/12

2.GET RSLT 08:45:25

3.SETUP

4.DIAGNOSTICS

Press the [3] key (SETUP).

b.The following screen will be displayed:

1.SHOT DESCRIPTION

2.SAVE / RESTORE

3.SET 50/60 HZ

4.SET DATE & TIME

Press the [4] key (SET DATE & TIME)

c. The following screen will be displayed:

ENTER DATE

MM-DD-YY

Type in the date using the keypad. The following screen will be displayed:

ENTER TIME

HH:MM:SS

Enter the time using the alpha-numeric keypad. When the time has been entered, you will be immediately returned to the “START-UP” menu.

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3.3Setting the Frequency

Follow the steps below to set the frequency (50 or 60 Hz):

a.Start from the “START-UP” menu:

1.TIME BRKR 05/14/12

2.GET RSLT 08:45:25

3.SETUP

4.DIAGNOSTICS

Press the [3] key (SETUP).

b.The following screen will be displayed:

1.SHOT DESCRIPTION

2.SAVE / RESTORE

3.SET 50/60 HZ

4.SET DATE & TIME

Press the [3] key (SET 50/60 HZ).

c.The following screen will be displayed:

1.SET 50 HZ

2.SET 60 HZ

Select the preferred frequency by pressing the corresponding key on the keypad ([1] or [2]). The frequency will be set and a confirmation screen will be displayed as shown below:

60 HZ SET

Press any key to return to the “START-UP” menu.

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3.4Using a PC to Retrieve Test Shots from the CT-3500 S2

The CT-3500 S2 can be connected to a PC, and test records can be retrieved from the unit using the included Vanguard Universal Software (VUS, version 2.05 and above). Follow the steps below to properly connect the CT-3500 S2 and configure the VUS application to recognize the unit.

a.Install the Vanguard Universal Software.

b.Connect the CT-3500 S2 to the PC by connecting a USB cable from an open USB port on the PC to the unit’s “USB PC” port.

c.Turn on the power on the CT-3500 S2.

d.If this is the first time you are connecting the unit to the PC, Windows will recognize it as a new device and automatically install necessary drivers. If using Windows XP, you may be prompted to install drivers. Select the automatic installation option and Windows will locate the generic drivers necessary.

e.Please note that although the unit is connected via USB, it uses an internal serial interface to communicate with the PC. As such, it will appear in the windows Device Manager as a USB Serial Port. Open the Device Manager from the Windows Control Panel and note the COM port number. For example, in the installation shown below, the CT-3500 S2 is shown as COM10 (USB Serial Port).

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f.Launch the VUS application and then click on the “Settings” icon. The following window will be displayed:

Make sure that the “Use USB Port” option is UN-checked. Then, from the drop down menu to the right of the “Use USB Port” checkbox select the COM port that corresponds to the port that the CT-3500 S2 is connected to. In the above example, the CT-3500 S2 is connected to COM10. Then click the OK button.

g.You can now use the VUS software to transfer test records from the CT-3500 S2 to the PC.

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3.5Testing Procedures

3.5.1. Entering Test Record Header Information

You can enter the test record header information before performing tests. The record header includes identifying information such as the company, station, circuit, manufacturer, etc. Once the header information has been set, it will apply to all subsequent test records. Follow the steps below to enter the test header information:

a.Start from the “START-UP” menu:

1.TIME BRKR 05/14/12

2.GET RSLT 08:45:25

3.SETUP

4.DIAGNOSTICS

Press the [3] key (SETUP).

b.The following screen will be displayed:

1.SHOT DESCRIPTION

2.SAVE / RESTORE

3.SET 50/60 HZ

4.SET DATE & TIME

Press the [1] key (SHOT DESCRIPTION).

c. The following screen will be displayed:

COMPANY:

_

↑/↓ TO POSITION

"ENTER" TO ACCEPT

Type the company name using the keypad. Press the [ENTER] key when you are done typing the company name.

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