Vanguard DigiTMR User Manual

TM

DIGITMR

DIGITAL CIRCUIT BREAKER ANALYZER

USER’S MANUAL

Vanguard Instruments Company, Inc.

1520 S. Hellman Ave.
Ontario, California 91761, USA

TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]

May 2009

Revision 3

DIGITMR USER’S MANUAL REV 3

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 DigiTMR, damage the test transformer, or cause errors in the
test results. Vanguard Instruments Company, Inc. assumes no liability for unsafe or improper
use of the DigiTMR.

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 WARNING AND CAUTIONS

The DigiTMR shall be used only by trained operators. When using the DigiTMR in Time-versus­Travel mode, all circuit breakers under test shall be off-line and fully isolated.

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 DigiTMR 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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REV 3 DIGITMR USER’S MANUAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS DOCUMENT ..................................................................................... 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. .. 2

1.1 General Description and Features ................................................................................... 2

1.2 Operational Modes .......................................................................................................... 6

1.2.1. Quick-Shot Mode ...................................................................................................... 6

1.2.2. Time-versus-Travel Circuit Breaker Analyzer Mode ................................................. 6

1.3 Supplied Cables ................................................................................................................ 6

1.4 Technical Specifications ................................................................................................... 7

1.5 DigiTMR Controls and Indicators ..................................................................................... 8

2.0 PRE-TEST SETUP ................................................................................................................. 10

2.1 Operating Voltages ........................................................................................................ 10

2.2 Main Power Fuse ........................................................................................................... 10

2.3 LCD Screen Contrast Control .......................................................................................... 10

2.4 Printer Paper Control ..................................................................................................... 11

2.5 Printer Paper .................................................................................................................. 11

3.0 OPERATING PROCEDURES ................................................................................................. 12

3.1 DigiTMR Cable Connections ........................................................................................... 12

3.1.1. Contact Cable Connections .................................................................................... 12

3.1.2. Initiate Cable Connections ..................................................................................... 13

3.1.3. Analog and Digital Voltage Monitor Connections .................................................. 15

3.1.5. AC Current Sensor Connection ............................................................................... 17

3.1.6. Transducer Connection .......................................................................................... 18

3.2 General Procedures ....................................................................................................... 19

3.3 Timing Breakers in Quick-Shot Mode ............................................................................ 19

3.4 Timing Breakers in Time-Travel Mode ........................................................................... 20

3.5 Performing Timing Tests ................................................................................................ 21

3.5.1. Timing an OPEN Operation With No Insertion Resistors ....................................... 21

3.5.2. Timing an OPEN Operation WITH Insertion Resistors ............................................ 24

3.5.3. Timing a CLOSE-OPEN Operation Using Contact Channel #1 ................................. 26

3.5.4. Timing an OPEN-CLOSE-OPEN Operation ............................................................... 28

3.6 Performing Diagnostic Tests .......................................................................................... 30

3.6.1. Performing a Slow-Close Test ................................................................................. 30

3.6.2. Performing a Transducer Self-Test ......................................................................... 32

3.6.3. Checking Cable Hookups ........................................................................................ 33

3.7 Printing Test Results ...................................................................................................... 34

3.7.1. Printing the Tabulated Test Results ....................................................................... 34

3.7.2. Printing the Graphic Test Results ........................................................................... 37

3.8 Working with Timing Shots ............................................................................................ 43

3.8.1. Saving Timing Shots in the DigiTMR’s EEPROM ..................................................... 43

3.8.2. Printing a Timing Shot Directory of Shots Stored in the EEPROM ......................... 45

3.8.3. Recalling a Timing Shot From the DigiTMR’s EEPROM .......................................... 47

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DIGITMR USER’S MANUAL REV 3

3.8.4. Erasing a Timing Shot From the DigiTMR’s EEPROM ............................................. 49

3.8.5. Erasing All Timing Shots from the DigiTMR’s EEPROM .......................................... 51

3.8.6. Entering Shot Description Information .................................................................. 53

3.9 Working with Breaker Test Plans ................................................................................... 56

3.9.1. Recalling a Breaker Test Plan ................................................................................. 56

3.9.2. Printing a Breaker Test Plan ................................................................................... 58

3.9.3. Printing the Breaker Test Plan Directory ................................................................ 60

3.10 Changing Setup Parameters ........................................................................................... 61

3.10.1. Setting Up Analysis Points ...................................................................................... 61

3.10.2. Setting the Measurement Units ............................................................................. 64

3.10.3. Setting the DigiTMR’s Internal Clock ...................................................................... 66

3.10.4. Setting the Preferred Printing Method .................................................................. 67

4.0 GLOSSARY OF TERMS ......................................................................................................... 68

5.0 DIGITMR TROUBLE-SHOOTING GUIDE ............................................................................... 69

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. DigiTMR Technical Specifications ...................................................................................... 7

Table 2. Functional Descriptions of DigiTMR Controls and Indicators ........................................... 9

Table 3. Voltage Selection Jumper Settings .................................................................................. 10

Table 4. Descriptions of Tabulated Test Results Elements ........................................................... 36

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REV 3 DIGITMR USER’S MANUAL

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. DigiTMR Controls and Indicators ..................................................................................... 8

Figure 2. Voltage Selection Jumper Settings and Initiate Relay ................................................... 10

Figure 3. Contact Cable Connections ............................................................................................ 12

Figure 4. DC Trip and DC Close Initiate Circuit Cable Connections ............................................... 13

Figure 5. DC Trip and AC Close Initiate Circuit Cable Connections ............................................... 14

Figure 6. Analog and Digital Voltage Monitoring Cable Connections .......................................... 15

Figure 7. External Trigger Cable Connections ............................................................................... 16

Figure 8. Typical CT Connection .................................................................................................... 17

Figure 9. Typical Transducer Connection ...................................................................................... 18

Figure 10. DigiTMR General Operating Procedures ...................................................................... 19

Figure 11. Typical "Slow-Close" Test Results Printout .................................................................. 31

Figure 12. Typical Tabulated Test Results Printout of an OPEN Operation .................................. 35

Figure 13. Typical Graphic Test Results Printout .......................................................................... 39

Figure 14. Expansion Graph from 0 to 200 ms ............................................................................. 40

Figure 15. Graphic Interpretation of an OPEN Timing Shot ......................................................... 41

Figure 16. Graphic Interpretation of a CLOSE Timing Shot ........................................................... 41

Figure 17. Graphic Interpretations of OPEN-CLOSE and CLOSE-OPEN Timing Shots ................... 42

Figure 18. Typical Shot Directory Printout .................................................................................... 46

Figure 19. Typical Test Plan Printout ............................................................................................ 59

Figure 20. Typical Test Plan Directory Printout ............................................................................ 60

Figure 21. Transducers Compatible with the DigiTMR ................................................................. 76

Figure 22. Linear Transducer on an OCB ...................................................................................... 76

Figure 23. Rotary Transducer on Alstom HE 1014 Circuit Breaker ............................................... 77

Figure 24. Rotary Transducer on ABB HMB Mech ........................................................................ 77

Figure 25. Westinghouse SFA Transducer Installation ................................................................. 78

Figure 26. ABB 72PM Circuit Breaker with Linear Transducer and Special Timing Rod ............... 78

Figure 27. Rotary Transducer on Megna Blast Breaker ................................................................ 79

Figure 28. Rotary Transducer on Federal Pacific Breaker ............................................................. 79

Figure 29. Linear Transducer on Mitsubishi 500-SFMT ................................................................ 80

Figure 30. Linear Transducer on Areva DT1-72.5F ....................................................................... 80

APPENDIX

Appendix A. ITE Circuit Breaker Model 14.4K Timing Chart ......................................................... 71

Appendix B. DigiTMR Test Plan for ITE Circuit Breaker Model 14.4K ........................................... 72

Appendix C. DigiTMR Timing Chart for ITE Circuit Breaker Model 14.4K ..................................... 73

Appendix D. DigiTMR Timing Chart for ITE Circuit Breaker Model 14.4K ..................................... 74

Appendix E. Timing Chart and Plan for Siemens Type SPS2, 121 Circuit Breaker ........................ 75

Appendix F. DigiTMR Transducer Illustrations .............................................................................. 76

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DIGITMR USER’S MANUAL REV 3

CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS DOCUMENT

This document uses the following conventions:

• A key or switch on the DigiTMR is indicated as [KEY].

Menu options are referenced as (MENU OPTION).

•

Screen and menu names are referenced as “SCREEN/MENU NAME”.

•

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

•

• DigiTMR LCD screen output is shown as:

1. OPTION 1

2. OPTION 2

3. OPTION 3

4. OPTION 4

• Warning messages are indicated as:

Warning message

WARNING

• Important notes are indicated as:

Note details

NOTE

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REV 3 DIGITMR USER’S MANUAL

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 General Description and Features

The DigiTMR is a microprocessor-based, time-versus-travel, circuit breaker analyzer. In Quick­Shot Mode (optional), the DigiTMR has the capability of online testing and can capture the
breaker’s trip or close time, the trip/close-coil current “fingerprint,” and the battery supply
voltage while the breaker is still in service. In Time-Travel mode, the DigiTMR can fully analyze a
circuit-breaker’s performance by testing the contact time, stroke, velocity, over-travel, and
contact wipe. Contact-motion analysis can be performed for all breaker contact operations
(Open, Close, Open – Close, Close – Open, and Open – Close – Open). The DigiTMR’s timing
window is selectable between 1-second, 10-second, or 20-second periods. The 10-second and
20-second timing windows are ideal for timing long duration events such as circuit-switcher
contact testing.

The DigiTMR can also perform a Slow-Close test. A Slow-Close test determines the contact
touch distance and penetration by using the travel transducer and dry contact channels.

The DigiTMR can be computer-controlled via its RS-232C interface. Computer control is fully
covered in the Vanguard Circuit Breaker Analyzer (VCBA) software manual. This manual focuses
on operating the DigiTMR in stand-alone mode.

The DigiTMR features:

• Three contact-input channels

• One analog voltage monitoring input channel

• One digital voltage monitoring input channel

• One external trigger input channel

• One digital travel transducer input channel

• One Trip/Close current monitoring channel

• One CT input channel (optional)

Contact Timing Channels

A breaker’s interruption of contacts is timed with the dry-contact input
channels. Each channel can detect the main contact’s and the insertion resistor
contact’s times in milliseconds and cycles.

In Time Travel Mode, each DigiTMR contact channel measures contact close
time, contact open time, insertion resistor contact open and close times,

contact bounce time, resistor on time, and contact spread time.

The DigiTMR can detect insertion resistances ranging from 10 to 7,000 Ohms.
Resistance over 7,000 Ohms is detected as an open contact. In Quick-Shot mode,

NOTE

the DigiTMR can provide the contact Close time and contact Cleared time using
the circuit breaker CT.

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DIGITMR USER’S MANUAL REV 3

Analog Voltage Monitoring Channel

One analog voltage monitoring channel, designated as “V1”, is dedicated to monitoring
the breaker’s DC power supply, or coil voltages from 0 to 255 Vdc or peak Vac. Test
results can be printed and include nominal voltage (when the supply voltage has no
load), and minimum voltage (when the supply voltage is under load or when a coil is
energized).

The “V1” connection can also monitor the DC power supply’s voltage fluctuations during a
breaker operation. This feature is effective in detecting breaker power supply problems that
normally cannot be detected using a voltmeter.

Digital Voltage Monitoring Channel

One digital voltage monitoring channel, designated as “V2”, monitors the status
voltage as “ON” or “OFF”. Voltages from 30 to 255 Vdc are considered “ON”, whereas
voltages less than 30 Vdc are considered “OFF”. This input channel is dedicated to
monitoring the breaker’s auxiliary switch action during a breaker operation. Input
voltage range is from 1 to 300 Vac/dc.

External Trigger Input Channel

The external trigger input can be used to trigger timing functions when the DigiTMR
senses a voltage. Voltage levels can range from 30 to 300 Vdc or peak Vac. Different
trigger voltages can be set at the factory per specific requests from users.

Travel Transducer Input Channel

The DigiTMR features one digital transducer input channel. It can interface with
linear and rotary transducers as well as with special transducers developed by
Vanguard Instruments Company, Incorporated. Transducers offered by
Vanguard include 10-inch, 25-inch, and 30-inch linear transducers, a 15-inch
universal transducer, a rotary transducer, an ABB AHMA-8 type transducer, an
ABB AHMB type transducer, and a Westinghouse SF/SFA type transducer.

Please see Appendix F for transducer illustrations.

In Time Travel Mode, the digital transducer measures the breaker stroke, over-travel, bounce
back, contact wipe, and contact velocity. Breaker contact velocity calculations are based upon a
contact’s travel distance over a period of time, which is defined by the manufacturer’s
specifications. The DigiTMR not only calculates simple distance-over-time velocities, but also
supports other formulas. An example is a Siemens SPS2 breaker velocity calculation formula
shown below:

V = 12.2 x a/b

The formula and analysis points can be stored in a test plan for later use in the field. Please see
section 3.9 for further information about test plans.

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REV 3 DIGITMR USER’S MANUAL

If a breaker test plan is used during testing, test results are compared with the
specifications in the test plan, and a “Pass” or “Fail” indicator is printed on the test

NOTE

report based on the results of this comparison.

Breaker Initiate Capability

A built-in, solid-state, initiate device is used to operate a breaker from the
DigiTMR. Operational modes include Open, Close, Open-Close, Close-Open, and

Open-Close-Open. The multiple operations of Open-Close, Close-Open, and
Open-Close-Open can be initiated with a programmable delay time or by sensing the breaker’s
contact state.

The solid-state switching implemented in the initiate circuitry allows the DigiTMR to switch a
breaker’s AC or DC control circuit (30 A max, 250 Vac/dc). Each trip and close circuit is
protected by a 5-Ampere slow-blow fuse. An interlocking “ARM” switch also protects the
initiate circuit.

The DigiTMR not only plots the trip or close current waveforms, but also prints the steady-state
current readings of the trip and close coils during an operation. The DigiTMR features one, non­contact, Hall-effect sensor with a range of 0-20 Amperes dc to 5Khz.

• If the DigiTMR initiates the OPEN test or the CLOSE test in Quick-Shot Mode,

NOTES

the test report will show the OPEN or CLOSE coil current readings and current
waveform.

• If the user operates the breaker in Quick-Shot mode using the external trigger,

no coil current reading or waveform will be recorded.

Trip/Close Current Monitoring

A built-in, hall-effect, current sensor records the trip and close coil current levels and duration.
The coil current waveform is graphically plotted on the DigiTMR’s built-in thermal printer. The
current reading is also printed on the tabulated test results report.

Built-in Thermal Printer

The DigiTMR features a built-in 4.5-inch wide thermal printer that can be
used to print the breaker’s contact analysis results in both tabular and
graphics formats. Please see section 2.5 for thermal paper ordering
information.

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DIGITMR USER’S MANUAL REV 3

Computer Interface

The DigiTMR can be computer-controlled via its RS-232C interface. A Windows®
XP/Vista-based Circuit Breaker Analysis software application (VCBA) is provided with
each unit. Using this software, circuit breakers can be timed from the PC. Test records
can be retrieved from the DigiTMR and then stored on the PC for future analysis and

report generation. Circuit breaker test plans can also be created on the PC and
transferred to the DigiTMR. Additionally, test records can be exported in Microsoft® Excel
format for further analysis.

User Interface

The DigiTMR features a back-lit LCD screen (20 characters by 4 lines) that is
viewable in both bright sunlight and low-light levels. A rugged, 16-key,
membrane keypad is used to control the unit.

Internal Test Record Storage

The DigiTMR can store up to 100 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 RS­232C interface.

Internal Breaker Test Plan Storage

The DigiTMR can store up to 99 circuit-breaker test plans. Test plans are comprised of all circuit­breaker performance specifications (stroke, velocity, and contact time). A test plan can be used
to immediately test a circuit-breaker. A pass/fail report is then generated by comparing actual
performance with the specifications in the stored test plan. Test plans can also be generated on
a PC and transferred to the DigiTMR via the unit’s RS-232C interface.

Diagnostic Capabilities

The DigiTMR is designed with self diagnostic capabilities to check the integrity of the
electronics. Self-testing of the contact cable connections and transducers allows the user to
examine the DigiTMR’s components whenever verification is required.

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REV 3 DIGITMR USER’S MANUAL

1.2 Operational Modes

1.2.1. Quick-Shot Mode

In Quick-Shot (online) mode, the trip/close time is derived from the time of trip, or close-coil
initiation, to the breaker’s bushing current-break-or-make as detected by an AC clamp-on
current sensing probe. The DIGITMR can time a circuit breaker’s OPEN operation by sensing the
time when the OPEN coil is energized until the bushing CT current returns to zero. The breaker’s
CLOSE time is detected when the close coil is energized until the bushing CT current is detected.
The Quick-Shot mode provides a quick way to diagnose a breaker’s performance and can reduce
maintenance costs.

1.2.2. Time-versus-Travel Circuit Breaker Analyzer Mode

In Time-versus-Travel mode, the DigiTMR applies a test voltage of 35 Vdc to each of the contact
channels, thus allowing an analog to digital converter (A/D) to determine a close, open, or an
insertion resistor as the state of the contact. The DigiTMR records into memory 10,000 readings
from the A/D’s and the transducer position counters. The contact time, circuit breaker stroke
and velocity are then derived from the stored data.

The DigiTMR uses an up-down counter to sense the breaker’s transducer reading. The
DigiTMR’s travel transducer employs optical encoders to send quadrature signals to the
DigiTMR’s counters. With the use of digital transducers and counters, the need to setup or
calibrate the transducers is eliminated.

1.3 Supplied Cables

The DigiTMR comes furnished with the following cables:

• 1 Ground Cable

• 1 Power Cord

• 1 Contact Lead

• 1 Contact Extension Cable

• 1 Transducer Cable

• 3 Voltage and Trigger Leads

• 3 Voltage and Trigger Extension Cables

• 1 AC Current Transducer and Cable (Quick-Shot option only)

• 1 Initiate Cable

• 1 RS-232C cable

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DIGITMR USER’S MANUAL REV 3

1.4 Technical Specifications

Table 1. DigiTMR Technical Specifications

TYPE Circuit-breaker analyzer

PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS 18”W x 7”H x 15”D (45.7 cm x 17.8 cm x 38.1 cm); Weight: less than 19 lbs

(8.6 kg)

INPUT POWER 3 Amps, 100 – 120 Vac or 200 – 240 Vac (factory pre-set), 50/60 Hz

DRY-CONTACT INPUTS 3 dry-input channels; each channel detects main and insertion-resist or

contacts

TIMING WINDOWS 1-second, 10-seconds, or 20-seconds

TIMING RESOLUTIONS ±100 micro-seconds @ 1-second duration

±1.00 milli-seconds @ 10-second duration
±2.00 milli-seconds @ 20-second duration

TIMING ACCURACY 0.05% of reading ±0.1 ms @ 1-second duration

DRY-CONTACT CHANNEL

PROTECTION

CONTACT DETECTION RANGE Closed: less than 20 ohms; Open: greater than 5,000 ohms

RESISTOR DETECTION RANGE 50 – 5,000 ohms

TRIGGER INPUT VOLTAGE Open/Close: 30 – 300V, DC or peak AC
VOLTAGE SENSING INPUT

RANGE

BREAKER OPERATIONS Initiate Open, Close, Open – Close, Close – Open, Open – Close – Open

BREAKER INITIATE CAPACITY 30A, 250 Vac/dc max

INITIATE CURRENT READING

RANGE

TRAVEL TRANSDUCER INPUT 1 digital travel transducer channel; Linear range: 0.0 – 60.0 in (±0.005 in.);

CONTACT TRAVEL POINT

DIFFERENCE

DISPLAY Back-lit LCD Screen (20 characters by 4 lines); viewable in bright sunlight

PRINTER Built-in 4.5-inch wide thermal printer can print both graphic contact travel

INTERNAL TEST RECORD

STORAGE

COMPUTER INTERFACE RS-232C port (19,200 baud)

PC SOFTWARE Windows® XP/Vista-based Circuit Breaker Analysis software is included

SAFETY Designed to meet UL 61010A-1 and CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 1010.1-92

ENVIRONMENT Operating: -10°C to 50° C (15°F to +122° F); Storage: -30° C to 70° C (-

OPTIONS Transportation case (available for the DigiTMR and the travel transd ucers)

WARRANTY One year on parts and labor

Fuses protect all isolated power supplies; all contact inputs are grounded
until test; input channels are protected against static discharge

V1: analog input; 0 – 255V, DC or peak AC; Sensitivity: ±1V
V2: voltage presence/absence detector input; 30 – 300V, DC or peak AC

One, non-contact, Hall-effect sensor, 0 – 20 amp range, dc to 5Khz

Rotary range: 0 – 360 degrees (±0.006 degrees)
Measures “slow-close” contact-point distances; results can be printed

and low-light levels

waveforms and tabulated test results

Stores up to 100 test records and 99 breaker test plans

with purchase price

standards

22°F to +158° F)

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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REV 3 DIGITMR USER’S MANUAL

1.5 DigiTMR Controls and Indicators

The DigiTMR’s controls and indicators are shown in Figure 1 below. A leader line with an index
number points to each control and indicator, which is cross-referenced to a functional
description in Table 2. The table describes the function of each item on the control panel. The
purpose of the controls and indicators may seem obvious, but users should become familiar
with them before using the DigiTMR. Accidental misuse of the controls will usually cause no
serious harm. Users should also be familiar with the safety summary found on the front page of
this User’s Manual.

8

Figure 1. DigiTMR Controls and Indicators

DIGITMR USER’S MANUAL REV 3

Table 2. Functional Descriptions of DigiTMR Controls and Indicators

Item

Number

1
2

3

4
5
6

7

8
9

10

11

12

13

14

Panel Markings Functional Description

RS-232C 9-pin serial computer interface

CONTACT INPUT 16-pin female connector for the 3 contact channels.

300V MAX
V1 and V2

300V MAX

TRIGGER

CT AC current sensor input channel.

TRAVEL

TRANSDUCER

100-120Vac, 2A,

50-60Hz

Fuse: 250Vac, 3A

Fast-Blow
GROUND Safety ground terminal. 5/16-18 th read stud with wing nut.

INITIATE

CLOSE, OPEN

250V, 5A

SLOW-BLOW

“PUSH” TO

ARM

None

None

None

3-pin connectors. Each input is a voltage detector fo r the ti ming vol tages of the
trip or close coil switching during the active period. Voltage detection levels
range from 30 to 300 Vdc or peak.

3-pin connector triggers timing functions. Voltage levels rangi ng from 30 to 300
Vac, dc or peak.

16-pin male connector. Travel en coder input used for contact motion data.

3-wire power plug. 3 Ampere , AC fuses. The ON/OFF switch is a 2-pole rocker.

4-pin connector used for the switching circuit for op era ting the circuit breaker
under test.

Close circuit fuse: 5 Ampere, 250V, Slow-Blow .
Open circuit fuse: 5 Ampere, 250V, Slow-Blow.

Spring-loaded, pushbutton switch . Press and hold to compl e te the Tri p or Close
circuits for breaker tests.

Thermal printer. Microprocessor controlled printer that uses specially treated,

4.5-inch wide thermal paper.
Membrane keypad, 10 alpha-numeric keys and 6 function keys (START,

STOP, CLEAR, ENTER, and CONTRAST/PAPER positioning UP and DOWN)

Back-lit LCD Screen (20 characters by 4 lines); viewable in bright sunlight and
low-light levels

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REV 3 DIGITMR USER’S MANUAL

2.0 PRE-TEST SETUP

2.1 Operating Voltages

The DigiTMR’s operating voltage is preset at the factory and is selectable between 100-120 Vac,
50/60 Hz or 200-240 Vac, 50/60 Hz. To set the proper operating voltage, the voltage selection
jumper must be configured properly as shown in Table 3. The initiate relay with the correct
operating voltage is also required. The jumper connector is shown in Figure 2 and is marked as
“JP3/VOLT SEL” on the circuit board.

Table 3. Voltage Selection Jumper Settings

Voltage Selection PINS Relay Part Number

100 – 120 Vac
200 – 240 Vac

1 & 2, 3 &4 HE2aN-Q-AC120V

2 & 3 HE2aN-Q-AC-240V

Figure 2. Voltage Selection Jumper Settings and Initiate Relay

2.2 Main Power Fuse

The DigiTMR uses an AC input module containing the AC receptacle, power switch, and
protective fuses. The fuses are 3-Ampere, 20mm, 250Vac, fast-blow types. The OPEN and
CLOSE initiate uses 5-Ampere, 3AG, 250Vac, slow-blow type fuses.

2.3 LCD Screen Contrast Control

To increase the LCD screen contrast, press and hold the

[PAPER ∧ Contrast] key for two

seconds.

To decrease the LCD screen contrast, press and hold the [PAPER ∨ Contrast] key for two
seconds.

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DIGITMR USER’S MANUAL REV 3

2.4 Printer Paper Control

To advance the DigiTMR’s printer paper, press and release the [PAPER ∧ Contrast] key.

To retract the DigiTMR’s printer paper, press and release the [PAPER ∨ Contrast] key.

2.5 Printer Paper

The DigiTMR’s built-in thermal printer uses 4.5-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-4 paper

BG Instrument Co.

13607 E. Trent Avenue
Spokane, WA 99216
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Part Number: VIC TP-4 paper

2.6 Replacing the Thermal Printer Paper

The roll of thermal paper is housed inside a dispenser underneath the printer cover. To replace
the paper, follow the steps below:

• Unscrew the two large printer cover screws and remove the printer cover.

• Remove the leftover thermal paper roll from the paper holder.

• Unroll the new thermal paper roll.

• Feed the thermal paper into the slot between the paper pocket and the rubber roller.

The printer will automatically pull the paper under the thermal head.

• Place the paper roll into the paper holder.

• Lift the thermal head and align the thermal paper if necessary.

• Re-install the printer cover.

Thermal paper has a chemical coating on one side of the paper. This side should be
facing the thermal print head. Incorrect paper loading may result in blank output on

NOTE

the thermal paper.

The thermal paper will show a red stripe to indicate that the roll is about to run out
of paper.

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REV 3 DIGITMR USER’S MANUAL

3.0 OPERATING PROCEDURES

3.1 DigiTMR Cable Connections

3.1.1. Contact Cable Connections

A typical contact cable connection to a circuit breaker is shown in Figure 3. Red clips are
connected to phase A, B, and C of the breaker’s bushings. The black clips are connected to the
ground or common side of the bushings. If the common side of the bushing is not grounded,
jumpers should be installed between the bushings.

It is advisable to ground one side of the contacts for most testing purposes. If a
breaker is floating or ungrounded, ensure that the contact input channels are

NOTE

protected against static discharge.

12

Figure 3. Contact Cable Connections

DIGITMR USER’S MANUAL REV 3

3.1.2. Initiate Cable Connections

The DigiTMR will trip or close breakers through a solid-state device which will operate on any
AC or DC control voltage ranging from 10 to 300 Volts. Both the trip and close circuits are
protected by 5-Ampere fuses. A typical DC trip and DC close control circuit test connection is
shown in Figure 4. A typical DC trip and AC close control circuit is shown in Figure 5.

Figure 4. DC Trip and DC Close Initiate Circuit Cable Connections

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Figure 5. DC Trip and AC Close Initiate Circuit Cable Connections

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DIGITMR USER’S MANUAL REV 3

3.1.3. Analog and Digital Vo ltage Monitor Connections

The analog voltage input “V1” can monitor a breaker’s DC control voltage during an operation.
The analog input records the nominal DC voltage at no load and the minimum DC voltage while
the Trip or Close coil is energized.

Nominal and minimum voltage readings can be printed on a tabulated report. Analog
waveforms can also be plotted graphically. Using the reports, the user can see the breaker’s DC
control voltage “dip” under load conditions and can easily detect problems such as a poor
connection or an excessive voltage drop.

The digital voltage input “V2” monitors the voltage status as “ON” or “OFF” states and can
graph the results.

A typical analog voltage monitoring connection (V1) and a typical digital monitoring connection
(V2) are shown in Figure 6.

Maximum voltage recorded is 255 Vdc.

NOTE

Figure 6. Analog and Digital Voltage Monitoring Cable Connections

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3.1.4. External Trigger Input Connections

The External Trigger Mode can be used to start recording when the DigiTMR senses a voltage. A
typical application for the External Trigger Mode is to time a circuit breaker in a close operation
and to start timing only when the close coil is energized, thus bypassing the 52X relay delay
time.

Since the 52X relay carries the close coil current, the initiate cable must be connected to the
close terminal as shown in Figure 4. The DigiTMR will energize the 52X relay to start the close
operation and will then start timing when it senses the voltage across the closing coil. Please
see Figure 7 for a typical test connection. Another application for the External Trigger Mode is
to start timing the breaker when the user trips or closes the breaker remotely.

• Minimum trigger voltage is set at 30 Vac/dc. Maximum continuous voltage is set

NOTES

at 300 Vac/dc.

• Different trigger voltages can be set at the factory based on specific user

requests.

• The DigiTMR will start looking for the external trigger voltage when the

message “AWAITING TRIGGER…” is shown on the LCD. If the external trigger
voltage is not sensed by the DigiTMR within ten seconds after the initiate
sequence has begun, the DigiTMR will return to the main menu.

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Figure 7. External Trigger Cable Connections

DIGITMR USER’S MANUAL REV 3

3.1.5. AC Current Sensor Connection

The DigiTMR can sense a breaker’s bushing current by using a clamp-on AC current sensor
connected to the breaker’s bushing CT. The AC current sensor is used in Quick-Shot Mode only.
The AC current sensor requires a minimum of 100 mA to operate. The maximum current is 25
Amperes. A typical AC sensor connection is shown in Figure 8.

Figure 8. Typical CT Connection

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3.1.6. Transducer Connection

A typical transducer connection is shown in Figure 9. See Appendix F for additional transducer
illustrations.

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Figure 9. Typical Transducer Connection

DIGITMR USER’S MANUAL REV 3

3.2 General Procedures

The main steps for timing a circuit breaker are listed in Figure 10 below.

Connect the DigiTMR

• Ground the DigiTMR (see note)

• Connect the DigiTMR cables to the circuit breaker

• Install the transducer and cable

Apply Power

• Turn on the power for the DigiTMR. Once the unit

goes through its start-up cycle, the “Start-Up”
menu will be displayed.

• Perform self test (hook-up test, cable test) if

necessary

Time Breaker

• Select DigiTMR test

• Operate Breaker

Get Test Results

• View or print tabulated results

• Print graphic results

• Save timing shot

Figure 10. DigiTMR General Operating Procedures

To reduce the possibility of damaging the DigiTMR due to static discharge in high
voltage substations, it is recommended that one side of the breaker’s bushings be

NOTE

grounded for the contact channels.

3.3 Timing Breakers in Quick-Shot Mode

The DigiTMR can provide OPEN or CLOSE times only in Quick-Shot Mode. The DigiTMR can
initiate the OPEN or CLOSE tests, and then the test report will show the OPEN or CLOSE coil
current reading and waveform. If the DigiTMR is operated in Quick-Shot mode using the
External Trigger, no coil current reading or waveform will be recorded.

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3.4 Timing Breakers in Time-Travel Mode

The DigiTMR can initiate the breaker operation and perform a timing test on the following
operations:

• OPEN

• CLOSE

• OPEN-CLOSE

• CLOSE-OPEN

• OPEN-CLOSE-OPEN

• The DigiTMR can start the OPEN-CLOSE operations without a delay or by using a

NOTES

programmable delay between the OPEN and CLOSE commands.

• The CLOSE-OPEN operation can be started by the DigiTMR using several

options:

o Contact #1 Close

The DigiTMR can initiate a CLOSE command and then an OPEN command
after detecting that the breaker’s contact was closed. The DigiTMR can
detect when the breaker’s contact is closed via contact channel #1. The
selection of this option is recommended for the CLOSE-OPEN operation
since it truly represents that the circuit breaker closed and then opened.

o Set DELAY

The DigiTMR can initiate a CLOSE command and then an OPEN command
after a programmable delay (in milliseconds).

o No DELAY

The DigiTMR can initiate a CLOSE command and then an OPEN command
without a delay. Since the circuit breaker is in the open state, the circuit
breaker’s 52B contact allows the close coil to be energized, which can start
the close command. When the circuit breaker is making the transition from
an open state to a close state, the 52A contact will close, allowing the
breaker to initiate the open command.

• The OPEN-CLOSE-OPEN operations can be initiated by the DigiTMR using a

programmable delay between each of the operations. The delays can be set
between the OPEN to CLOSE and between the CLOSE to OPEN operations.

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DIGITMR USER’S MANUAL REV 3

3.5 Performing Timing Tests

3.5.1. Timing an OPEN Operation With No Insertion Resistors

To time an OPEN operation with no insertion resistors:

a. Start from the “START-UP” menu:

1. TIME BRKR 04/17/09

2. GET RSLT 10:49:23

3. SET-UP

4. DIAGNOSTICS

Press the [1] key (TIME BRKR) to start a test.

If a previous test shot is in the DigiTMR’s memory, the following screen will be
displayed:

PREV SHOT NOT SAVED

1. SAVE SHOT

2. CONTINUE (NO SAVE)

1. SAVE SHOT

If you would like to save the previous shot in memory, press the [1] key (SAVE
SHOT). The following screen will be displayed:

SAVE SHOT # 0001
TEST: OPEN
DATE: 04/12/09
“ENTER” TO PROCEED

Press the [ENTER] key. The following screen will be displayed:

SAVING IN PROGRESS

PLEASE WAIT

Once the record is saved, the following screen will be displayed:

SHOT SAVED

Press the

[ENTER] key and you will be returned to the “START-UP” menu. Re-

start at step a.

2. CONTINUE (NO SAVE)

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