Seaward TYPE L PLUS Operating Instructions Manual

Large Jaw Current Clamp Meter Operating Instructions Bracken Hill, South West Industrial Estate, Peterlee, Co. Durham. SR8 2SW. England. Tel: +44 (0)191 586 3511 Fax: +44 (0)191 586 0227 www.seaward.co.uk [email protected] [email protected]

2 Limited Warranty & Limitation of Liability SEAWARD Electronic Limited guarantees this product for a period of 1 year. The period of warranty will be effective at the day of delivery. © Copyright 2003 All rights reserved. Nothing from this edition may be multiplied, or made public in any form or manner, either electronically, mechanically, by photocopying, recording, or in any manner, without prior written consent from SEAWARD Electronic Limited. This also applies to accompanying drawings and diagrams. Due to a policy of continuous development SEAWARD Electronic Limited reserves the right to alter the equipment specification and description outlined in this publication without prior notice and no part of this publication shall be deemed to be part of any contract for the equipment unless specifically referred to as an inclusion within such contract.

3 Disposal of Old Product This product has been designed and manufactured with high quality materials and components that can be recycled and reused. When the crossed out wheelie bin symbol is attached to a product it means the product is covered by the European Directive 2002/96/EC. Please familiarise yourself with the appropriate local separate collection system for electrical and electronic products. Please dispose of this product according to local regulations. Do not dispose of this product along with normal waste material. The correct disposal of this product will help prevent potential negative consequences for the environment and human health.

4 Operating Instructions Type L Plus Current Clamp Meter The Seaward Type L Plus current clamp meter is a precision instrument designed to measure AC currents flowing through conductors that are placed within the jaws of the instrument. The technology utilised in the Type L Plus provides a number of advantages including, complete linearity over the measurement range 0 – 2000 amps, significant reductions in weight and a very high level of electrical protection. Contents 1. User Notes 2. Safety Notes 3. Description 4. Electrical Specifications 5. Operation 6. Battery Installation and Replacement 7. Maintenance 8. Cleaning 1.0 User Notes These operating instructions are intended for the use of competent personnel. The Type L Plus current clamp has been designed to make measurements in a dry environment. The following symbols are used in these operating instructions and on the Type L Plus instrument. Warning of electrical danger! Indicates instructions must be followed to avoid danger to persons. Important, follow the documentation! This symbol indicates that the operating instructions must be adhered to in order to avoid danger.

5 2.0 Safety Notes The Type L Plus current clamp meter has left the factory in a perfectly safe state. To maintain this state and ensure safe operation of the unit, all notes and warnings in these instructions must be observed at all times. The Type L Plus current clamp meter may be safely applied to un-insulated conductors up to 600volts, provided all necessary care is taken to avoid the operator’s body or hands moving in dangerous proximity with the conductor. The Type L Plus current clamp meter must be checked for signs of damage before the equipment is operated. Where safe operation of the Type L Plus current clamp meter is no longer possible it should be immediately shutdown and secured to prevent accidental operation. It must be assumed that safe operation is no longer possible: - if the Type L Plus shows visible signs of damage, or - the Type L Plus does not function, or - after long periods of storage under adverse environmental conditions.

6 3.0 Description The Type L Plus current clamp meter is comprised of the following features:- 3.1 The movable jaws allow the current flowing through a conductor to be measured using precision air core current sensor technology to accurately measure conductor current flow, in the range 0 – 2000 amps. 3.2 The movable jaws accept all conductor sizes up to 100mm in diameter. 3.3 The housing has been designed in such a way as to minimise the use of metallic components aiding safe working practices. 3.4 Current readings between 0 and 2000 amps are indicated on a 3.5” LCD display module with 12mm high characters. 3.5 Three fully sealed membrane type tactile response pushbuttons allow an operator to switch the Type L Plus Off and select between Store (optional) and Track modes. 3.6 The operator pressing either the Track or Store mode buttons will automatically switch the instrument on and default to continuous or peak reading mode respectively. 3.7 Store Mode allows the display to store the peak reading of the R.M.S. current monitored in a conductor over any given time. 3.8 Track Mode allows the display to continuously display the measured current. 3.9 The Type L Plus power supply is generated from a replaceable internal 9VDC battery. 3.10 The Type L Plus handle allows the operator to safely open and close the jaws of the current clamp meter.

7 4.0 Electrical Specifications Display 3.5 digit LCD 12mm high characters Measurement range 0 – 2000 Amps Accuracy ± 3% ±1 digits f.s.d. on all ranges, with conductor positioned centre of jaws. Voltage 50 – 600 volts AC 50 Hz Operating Temperature 0 ºC to +40 ºC Storage Temperature -20 ºC to +50 ºC Battery 9VDC Alkaline MN1604 6LR61 5.0 Operation 5.1 Track Mode 5.1.1 Press and release the Track button on the Type L Plus control panel. The LCD display will indicate three zeroes, signifying no current flow detected. If the BAT symbol appears in the top left corner of the LCD display then the battery within the unit must be replaced (see section 6). 5.1.2 Operate the trigger mechanism on the Type L Plus handle to pivot open the jaws of the instrument and insert the conductor to be tested within them. It is not necessary for the jaws of a Type L Plus current clamp meter to be completely closed, however for maximum accuracy the tips of the jaws should be in contact with one another. For maximum accuracy, the conductor under test should be positioned in the centre of the internal jaw area. 5.1.3 The AC current flowing through the conductor is recorded on the LCD display and is continuously updated to reflect any changes in the conductor current. If the battery symbol is visible on the LCD display then the current reading must be assumed to be incorrect since the battery requires replacing.

8 5.1.4 Press the Off button on the Type L Plus control panel to switch the instrument off. 5.2 Store Mode 5.2.1 Press and release the Store button on the Type L Plus control panel to record the peak current flow through a conductor over any length of time period. If a battery symbol appears on the LCD display then the battery within the unit must be replaced (see section 6). Care should be taken to avoid external conductors, other than the ones being tested, being positioned too close to the LCD display. 5.2.2 The sensitivity of the Type L Plus is such that any current readings displayed on the LCD require that current to be flowing through the conductor for a period of 1 to 2 seconds. No current readings will be recorded for short term transient variations. If the battery symbol is visible on the LCD display then the current reading must be assumed to be incorrect since the battery requires replacing. 5.2.3 Once testing is complete press the Off button to switch the Type L Plus off. The Type L Plus is not designed for use in areas of high electromagnetic or electrostatic fields. 6.0 Battery Installation and Replacement A BAT symbol in the top left corner of the LCD display denotes that the battery requires charging. 6.1 Access to the battery compartment in a Type L Plus is by removing the retaining screw through the battery cover on the rear of the instrument. 6.2 Disconnect the battery from the internal connector then replace with a like type of battery, 9VDC Alkaline MN1604 6LR61.

9 6.3 Ensure the new battery is firmly fitted into the internal connector and with the right polarity. 6.4 Replace the battery cover and insert the retaining screw taking care to avoid over tightening. 7.0 Maintenance 7.1 The Type L Plus is extremely robust but should always be kept free from dust and any excessive temperature variations avoided. 7.2 Ensure the Type L Plus is kept dry with no surface moisture on either the body or the housing of the LCD display. 7.3 The body of the Type L Plus should be regularly inspected to ensure no deep scratches or physical damage. 7.4 If any of the above conditions have been observed then the Type L Plus must be appropriately secured to prevent any further use. 8.0 Cleaning 8.1 Clean the external case of the Type L Plus with a clean dry cloth. 8.2 Never apply lubricants to the pivot action of the Type L Plus. 8.3 Avoid using solvents and abrasive scouring agents to clean the external case of the Type L Plus. 8.3 Check the battery contacts and mounting compartment within the Type L Plus are free of electrolytic contamination. 8.4 Any contamination of the battery contacts or compartment should be cleaned with a dry cloth.