Vanguard TRM-203, TRM-403 User Manual
TRM-203 and TRM-403
TRANSFORMER RESISTANCE METERS
USER’S MANUAL
Vanguard Instruments Company, Inc.
1520 S. Hellman Ave.
Ontario, California 91761, USA
TEL: (909) 923-9390
FAX: (909) 923-9391
November 2013
Revision 1.3
TRM-203 AND TRM-403 USER’S MANUAL REV 1
SAFETY SUMMARY
NOTICE
This manual applies to both the TRM-203 and TRM-403 transformer resistance meters. The
operating procedures are virtually the same for both models, and any differences are clearly
described where applicable.
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 TRM-203/403, 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 TRM-203/403.
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 TRM-203/403 shall be used only by trained operators. All transformers 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 TRM-203/403 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 ................................................................................................... 4
1.3 TRM Controls and Indicators ........................................................................................... 5
2.0 PRE-TEST SETUP ................................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Operating Voltages .......................................................................................................... 6
2.2 LCD Screen Contrast Control ............................................................................................ 6
2.3 Printer Paper Control ....................................................................................................... 6
2.4 Printer Paper .................................................................................................................... 6
2.5 Replacing the Thermal Printer Paper ............................................................................... 7
3.0 OPERATING PROCEDURES ................................................................................................... 8
3.1 Configuring the LTCA Software for use with the TRM ..................................................... 8
3.2 Connecting the TRM to a PC via Bluetooth ................................................................... 10
3.3 Typical Connections to a Load Tap Changer (LTC) ......................................................... 17
3.4 Typical TRM-203/403 Cable Connections ...................................................................... 17
3.5 General Procedures ....................................................................................................... 17
3.6 Entering Test Record Header Information ..................................................................... 19
3.7 Setting the Date and Time ............................................................................................. 23
3.8 Setting the Interface Language ...................................................................................... 24
3.9 Performing a Three-Phase Resistance Test ................................................................... 25
3.10 Performing a Single-Phase Resistance Test ................................................................... 35
3.11 Performing a Load Tap Changer / Voltage Regulator Resistance Test .......................... 42
3.12 Performing a Special Resistance Test ............................................................................ 51
3.13 Performing a Dynamic LTC Test ..................................................................................... 58
3.14 Performing a Diagnostic Test ......................................................................................... 63
3.15 Demagnetizing the Transformer Core ........................................................................... 65
3.16 Working with Test Records ............................................................................................ 67
3.16.1. Saving Test Records ................................................................................................ 67
3.16.2. Printing the Contents of the Working Memory ..................................................... 69
3.16.3. Printing a Test Record Directory ............................................................................ 70
3.16.4. Restoring a Test Record .......................................................................................... 73
3.16.5. Copying Test Records to a USB Flash Drive ............................................................ 77
3.16.6. Erasing Test Records ............................................................................................... 80
3.17 Converting Resistance Measurements .......................................................................... 85
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. TRM-203/403 Controls and Indicators ............................................................................ 5
Figure 2. Typical Connections to a Load Tap Changer (LTC) ......................................................... 17
Figure 3. Typical TRM Connections Diagram ................................................................................ 17
Figure 4. Typical Three-Phase (Delta) Resistance Test Results Printout ...................................... 33
Figure 5. Typical Three-Phase (Wye with Neutral) Resistance Test Results Printout .................. 34
Figure 6. Typical Single Phase Resistance Test Results Printout .................................................. 41
Figure 7. Typical LTC/Voltage Regulator Test Report Printout ..................................................... 50
Figure 8. Typical Special Resistance Test Results Printout ........................................................... 57
Figure 9. Typical Dynamic LTC Test Results Printout Showing an Opened Circuit ....................... 62
Figure 10. Sample Thumb Drive Test Record Directory Printout ................................................. 72
Figure 11. Sample Internal Test Record Directory Printout ......................................................... 72
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. TRM-203/403 Technical Specifications ............................................................................. 4
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CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS DOCUMENT
This document uses the following conventions:
• Both the TRM-203 and TRM-403 are simply referred to as “TRM” in this manual. The exact
model number is used only in cases where differences between the units are discussed.
•
A key, switch, or knob on the TRM is indicated as
[KEY], [SWITCH], [KNOB].
Menu names are referenced as “MENU NAME”
•
• TRM LCD 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 printed in bold as
shown below (option 3 should be selected in this example):
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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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 General Description and Features
The TRM-203 and TRM-403 are three phase transformer winding resistance meters that allow
the user to connect all test cables to the transformer bushings. The unit will then measure the
transformer resistance value for each of the phases without the need to disconnect and
reconnect cables for each phase.
The TRM-203 and TRM-403 can provide a fast and stable reading of very large transformers by
utilizing a 60Vdc power supply. The TRM-203 is capable of outputting a selectable test current
from 1A to 20A while the TRM-403’s test current is selectable from 1A to 40A.
Since both units can accurately measure resistance from 1 micro-ohm to 500 Ohms (up to 2000
Ohms for the TRM-203), they can be used as micro-ohm meters to measure EHV circuit breaker
contact resistance, or for any low resistance measuring application.
For a Delta transformer, the TRM-203/403 can measure the phase resistance readings and
provide the individual Delta winding resistance values. The TRM-203/403 can also provide the
individual winding resistance values for a Wye transformer without the neutral terminal.
If the transformer winding resistance temperature is available at the time of testing, the TRM203/403 can calculate the equivalent resistance value at any temperature value. This useful
feature can be used to compare the field readings against the factory test resistance values.
The TRM-203/403 can perform a special test to collect data automatically for up to 90 minutes
(at 60-second sampling intervals) or 45 minutes (at 30 second sampling intervals). The test data
is recorded with a time stamp.
All test results can be printed on the unit’s built-in 2.5” wide thermal printer. Test record
header information including the company, substation name, transformer information, and
operator information can also be entered using the rugged, 44–key “QWERTY”-style membrane
keypad.
The TRM-203/403 can automatically demagnetize the inductive device under test, eliminating
the manual task of demagnetizing the transformer core after a resistance test.
The TRM-203/403 also has a “make-before-break” test mode that can be used to test the Load
Tap Changer (LTC) or Voltage Regulator contact test sequence. The TRM-203/403 produces a
“Dynamic-Resistance” graph of the LTC or Voltage regulator contact under operation. An
opened contact can be detected visually from this resistance chart.
The TRM’s built-in LTC/Voltage regulator can be used to conveniently change the LTC/voltage
regulator tap position from the TRM-203/403 front panel.
User Interface
The TRM-203/403 features a back-lit graphic LCD screen (128 x 64 pixels) that is clearly visible in
both bright sunlight and low light levels. A 44-key “QWERTY”-style membrane keypad is used to
enter test information and operate the unit.
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Computer Interface
The TRM-203/403 can be connected to a PC via the unit’s RS-232C, USB, or Bluetooth interface.
A PC can be used to control the TRM-203/403 to perform transformer resistance tests. Test
records (stored in the TRM-203/403 or a USB Flash drive) can also be retrieved, reviewed, and
printed. Test records are automatically exported to PDF, Excel, and XML formats.
Safety Features
The TRM-203/403 automatically dissipates the energy stored in the transformer at the end of
each test. The discharge circuit will continue to work even if the TRM-203/403 power supply is
lost.
Test Record Storage
The TRM-203/403 can store up to 256 static test records (111 tests per record) and 120
dynamic test records internally. For external test record storage, the TRM-203/403 features a
USB Flash drive interface port. Up to 999 test records can be stored on a connected USB Flash
Drive.
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1.2 Technical Specifications
Table 1. TRM-203/403 Technical Specifications
TYPE Portable transformer winding resistance meter
PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS 21” W x 17” H x 9” D (53 cm x 43 cm x 24 cm); Weight: 35 lbs (15.8Kg)
OPERATING VOLTAGE 100-240 Vac, 50/60 Hz
RESISTANCE READING
RANGE
ACCURACY 1 – 19,999 micro-ohms: ±0.5% reading, ±1 count;
TEST CURRENT 1-20A in 1A increments (TRM-203); 1-40A in 1A increments (TRM403)
TEST VOLTAGE 60Vdc charging, 18V DC max during measurement
INPUT CHANNELS 4 input channels for measuring resistance
DISPLAY Back-lit LCD Screen (128 x 64 pixels), viewable in direct sunlight and low
PRINTER Built-in 2.5” wide thermal printer
INTERNAL DATA STORAGE 256 static test records (each can contain up to 111 readings) and 120
EXTERNAL DATA STORAGE Up to 999 test records on external USB Flash drive
COMPUTER INTERFACES RS-232C, USB, and Bluetooth
SAFETY Designed to meet UL 61010A-1 and Can/CSA C22.2 No 1010.1092
ENVIRONMENT Operating: -10˚C to 50˚ C (15˚F to +122˚ F); Storage: -30˚ C to 70˚ C (-
HUMIDITY (MAX) 90% RH @ 40° C (104° F) non-condensing
ALTITUDE (MAX) 2000m (6562 ft) to full safety specifications
CABLES Four 50-foot test cables, one LTC control cable, one ground cable, one
OPTIONS Transportation Case
WARRANTY One year on parts and labor
1 micro-ohm – 2000 Ohms (TRM-203);
1 micro-ohm – 500 Ohms (TRM-403)
20 – 999 milliohms: ±1% reading, ±1 count;
1 -2000 Ohms: ±1.5% reading, ±1 count
light levels
dynamic test records
standards
22˚F to +158˚ F)
power cord, one USB cable
TRM-203 AND TRM-403 USER’S MANUAL REV 1
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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1.3 TRM Controls and Indicators
The TRM-203/403’s controls and indicators are shown in Figure 1. The purpose of the controls
and indicators may seem obvious, but users should become familiar with them before using the
TRM. 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.
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Figure 1. TRM-203/403 Controls and Indicators
TRM-203 AND TRM-403 USER’S MANUAL REV 1
2.0 PRE-TEST SETUP
2.1 Operating Voltages
The TRM’s operating voltages are 100-240 Vac, 50/60 Hz.
2.2 LCD Screen Contrast Control
To increase the LCD screen contrast, press and hold the [∧] key for at least two seconds.
Release the [∧] key when the desired contrast level has been reached.
To decrease the LCD screen contrast, press and hold the [∨] key for at least two seconds.
Release the [∨] key when the desired contrast level has been reached.
2.3 Printer Paper Control
To advance the TRM printer paper, press and release the [∧] key.
To retract the TRM printer paper, press and release the [∨] key.
2.4 Printer Paper
The TRM’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: 909-923-9390
Fax: 909-923-9391
Part Number: VIC TP-3 paper
BG Instrument Co.
13607 E. Trent Avenue
Spokane, WA 99216
Tel: 509-893-9881
Fax: 509-893-9803
Part Number: VIC TP-3 paper
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2.5 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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3.0 OPERATING PROCEDURES
3.1 Configuring the LTCA Software for use with the TRM
The TRM can be used with a PC using the Vanguard LTCA software. Follow the steps below to
properly connect the TRM and configure the LTCA application to recognize the unit.
a. Install the LTCA software (please see the LTCA software user’s manual for details).
b. Connect the TRM 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 TRM.
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
TRM is shown as COM10 (USB Serial Port).
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f. Launch the LTCA application and then click on the “Settings” icon. The following window
will be displayed:
Make sure the “User USB Port” is UN-checked. Then, from the “COM Port” drop-down
menu, select the COM port that corresponds to the port that the TRM is connected to.
Then click the OK button. The LTCA software will now recognize the TRM.
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3.2 Connecting the TRM to a PC via Bluetooth
The TRM can also be connected wirelessly to a PC using Bluetooth. To connect the unit via
Bluetooth, it must first be paired with the PC. Follow the steps below to pair the TRM to a PC
via Bluetooth:
For Windows XP:
a. Make sure the TRM is turned on. Then double click on the Bluetooth system tray icon
(on the bottom right corner of your computer screen):
b. The “My Bluetooth Places” window will be displayed:
Click on “Add a Bluetooth Device” on the left window pane.
c. The Bluetooth Setup Wizard window will be displayed. Click on the “Next” button. The
PC will scan for nearby devices and list all available Bluetooth devices:
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The TRM will be listed as “TRM S/N” where S/N is the device’s serial number. Click on
the icon for the TRM and then click on the “Next” button.
d. The following window will be displayed asking for a secret key to connect to the TRM:
Type the word “default” (without the quotes and in all lower-case) and then click on the
“Next” button.
e. The following window will be displayed with the option to connect to the TRM as a serial
port:
Make sure to check the box next to “AT Serial” and then click on the “Next” button.
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f. The following confirmation screen will be displayed:
Click on the “Finish” button.
g. The TRM-20 will now be displayed in the “My Bluetooth Places” window:
Note the port number listed under the device name. In the above case, the port number
is COM14. Use this port number in the LTCA software to connect to the TRM.
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For Windows 7:
a. Make sure the TRM is turned on. Then double click on the Bluetooth system tray icon
(on the bottom right corner of your computer screen):
b. The “Bluetooth Devices” window will be displayed:
Click on “Add a device”.
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c. All nearby Bluetooth devices will be listed:
TRM-203 AND TRM-403 USER’S MANUAL REV 1
The TRM will be listed as “TRM S/N” where S/N is the device’s serial number. Click on
the icon for the TRM and then click on the “Next” button.
d. The device pairing screen will be displayed:
Click on “Enter the device’s pairing code” option.
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e. The following window will be displayed:
Type the word “default” (without the quotes and in all lower-case) in the text box and
click on the “Next” button.
f. The following screen will be displayed:
Click on the “Close” button.
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g. The TRM will now be listed under “Bluetooth Devices”:
Right click on the TRM-20 icon and select “Properties” from the pop-up menu.
h. The properties window will be displayed. Click on the “Hardware” tab:
Note the port number listed after the device name (COM23 in the above example). Use this
port number in the LTCA software to connect to the TRM.
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3.3 Typical Connections to a Load Tap Changer (LTC)
Figure 2. Typical Connections to a Load Tap Changer (LTC)
3.4 Typical TRM-203/403 Cable Connections
• Do not touch or disconnect any test lead that is connected to a transformer
WARNINGS
terminal while high current is being conducted during a test. Failure to heed
this warning can result in electric shock to personnel and/or damage to the
equipment.
• Disconnect the test clips from the transformer bushing only after the TRM
has completely discharged the transformer. Always disconnect the test clips
slowly from the transformer bushing to prevent an accidental flash-over.
Figure 3. Typical TRM Connections Diagram
3.5 General Procedures
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The main steps for using the TRM are outlined below:
a. Ground the TRM to the substation ground.
Always connect the TRM to the substation ground before connecting any
test lead to any transformer bushing. Failure to follow this procedure may
WARNING
damage the TRM.
b. Plug the TRM power cable into a power outlet.
c. Attach the test cable clamps to the transformer terminals.
d. Turn on the TRM.
e. The unit will self-calibrate, and then you will be presented with the “START-UP” menu as
shown below:
1. RUN TEST
2. SETUP
3. USER DIAGNOSTICS
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11:06:21
23°C 73°F
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3.6 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, model number, etc. Once
the header information has been entered, it will apply to all subsequent test records. To enter
the header information:
a. Start from the “START-UP” menu:
1. RUN TEST
2. SETUP
3. USER DIAGNOSTICS
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Press the [2] key (SETUP).
b. The following screen will be displayed:
1. RECORD ID
2. PRINT RECORD
3. SAVE/RESTORE RECORD
4. SET TIME
5. SET LANGUAGE
Press the [1] key (RECORD ID).
c. The following screen will be displayed:
COMPANY:
_
↑/↓ TO POSITION
"ENTER" TO ACCEPT
Type the company name using the keypad.
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d. The following screen will be displayed:
STATION:
_
↑/↓ TO POSITION
"ENTER" TO ACCEPT
Type the station name using the keypad and then press the [ENTER] key.
e. The following screen will be displayed:
CIRCUIT:
_
↑/↓ TO POSITION
"ENTER" TO ACCEPT
TRM-203 AND TRM-403 USER’S MANUAL REV 1
Type the circuit information using the keypad and then press the [ENTER] key.
f. The following screen will be displayed:
MANUFACTURER:
_
↑/↓ TO POSITION
"ENTER" TO ACCEPT
Type the manufacturer name using the keypad and then press the
[ENTER] key.
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g. The following screen will be displayed:
MODEL:
_
↑/↓ TO POSITION
"ENTER" TO ACCEPT
Type the model information using the keypad and then press the [ENTER] key.
h. The following screen will be displayed:
SERIAL NUMBER:
_
↑/↓ TO POSITION
"ENTER" TO ACCEPT
Type the serial number using the keypad and then press the [ENTER] key.
i. The following screen will be displayed:
KVA RATING:
_
↑/↓ TO POSITION
"ENTER" TO ACCEPT
Type the transformer’s KVA rating using the keypad and then press the
[ENTER] key.
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j. The following screen will be displayed:
OPERATOR:
_
↑/↓ TO POSITION
"ENTER" TO ACCEPT
Type the operator’s name using the alpha-numeric keypad and then press the [ENTER]
key.
All header information will be saved, and you will be returned to the “START-UP” menu.
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3.7 Setting the Date and Time
To set the date and time:
a. Start from the “START-UP” menu:
1. RUN TEST
2. SETUP
3. USER DIAGNOSTICS
Press the
[2] key (SETUP)
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b. The following screen will be displayed:
1. RECORD ID
2. PRINT RECORD
3. SAVE/RESTORE RECORD
4. SET TIME
5. SET LANGUAGE
Press the
[4] key (SET TIME).
c. The following screen will be displayed:
_
Type the current date using the keypad. The following screen will be displayed:
_
Enter the time using the keypad. When the time has been entered, you will be
immediately returned to the “START-UP” menu.
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ENTER DATE
MM-DD-YY
ENTER TIME
HH:MM:SS
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