CharlesWater Meg 99035 Technical Bulletin

Phone: 00 44 (0) 1892-665313, Fax: 00 44 (0) 1892-668838 • E-mail: [email protected], Internet: www.charleswater.co.uk PPE-5046.E 6/01 Page 1 of 3 :Meg™ Pocket Megohmmeter Operation and Maintenance Figure 1. 99035 :Meg Pocket Megohmmeter Description The Charleswater Europe :Meg Pocket Megohmmeter is a portable test instrument designed for measuring both surface resistivity and surface-to-ground resistance of static dissipative and conductive materials. Seven colour- coded LEDs, reading from right to left, easily identify static dissipative and conductive ranges. The :Meg will test materials with surface resistivity of 105 - 1010 Ohms/sq. This test instrument is ideally suited for Quality Control and Field Service personnel as well as for use in your regular auditing of your ESD protective materials. The :Meg features simple one-button operation and a 9V battery for constant use and maximum portability. This state-of-the-art, auto- ranging instrument provides top performance, yet weighs only 170 grams. The high-impact plastic case ensures durability despite the meter’s light weight. The :Meg has not been designed to meet BS IEC 61340-5 test equipment requirements and therefore measurements obtained with this device may not agree with measurements taken according to the BS IEC 61340-5 test procedure. This test instrument is intended for use only as an auxiliary tool for monitoring surface resistivity. If you are interested in obtaining a meter which does meet all the test equipment requirements of BS IEC 61340-5, we recommend our model 99100 Surface Resistance Test Kit. For more information on this product ask for techical bulletin PPE-5033.E. Installation Remove the meter from the carton and inspect for damage. Each unit should be fully charged and includes: 1 :Meg Pocket Megohm meter 1 Surface-to-Ground, cord assembly 1 PPE-5046.E technical bulletin 1 Installed 9V battery Properly store the meter and its component assemblies when not in use. Operation The :Meg will perform Surface resistivity and Surface-to-Ground resistance measurements. Work surfaces and materials to be tested should be cleaned prior to testing to ensure that surface dirt and contamination do not affect results. It is recommended that non-silicone based cleaners such as Charleswater Europe’s ‘REZTORE’ Surface and Mat Cleaner be used for regular cleaning of ESD protective work surfaces. When non-ESD surfaces are being used, ‘Reztore’ Topical Antistat is recommended for eliminating static charge generation. Figure 2. Cleaning the work surface before testing. Surface resistivity and Surface-to- Ground resistance readings are indicated by the series of LEDs on the face of the meter. The LEDs are read from right to left as follows: 1. Red >1010 Ohms, Meter is on and battery is functioning 2. Red Less than 1x1010 Ohms 3. Green Less than 1 x 109 Ohms 4. Green Less than 1 x 108 Ohms 5. Green Less than 1 x 107 Ohms 6. Yellow Less than 1 x 106 Ohms 7. Yellow Less than 1 x 105 Ohms Each LED indicates one order of magnitude of resistance. If the test surface is conductive to less than 105 Ohms, all the LEDs will be lit. If it is neither conductive nor static dissipative, only the red “On” LED will be lit. Surface Resistivity Measurements (Rp) Surface resistivity measurements are made using only the meter without the cord assembly. When the white button is depressed a test voltage of 9 VDC is applied to the meter’s center electrode. The second resistivity electrode will supply the resistance bridge and provide the measurement. To perform surface resistivity tests, follow these simple instructions: A. Check battery operation by depressing the white button on the center of the meter. The red “On” lamp at the far right should light to indicate that the unit is functioning properly. B. Place the meter on the surface being tested. All three electrodes should make contact with the surface. C. Press the white button. The surface resistivity will be indicated by the number of LEDs which light up. The more lights illuminated, the greater the conductivity of the surface. Figure 3. Measuring surface resistivity. WORK SURFACE

Phone: 00 44 (0) 1892-665313, Fax: 00 44 (0) 1892-668838 • E-mail: [email protected], Internet: www.charleswater.co.uk PPE-5046.E Page 2 of 3 Surface-to-Ground Measurements (Rg) The Surface-to-Ground feature is best used when expected results are less than 106 ohms, and when residual voltages can be removed from the test surface. Residual voltages may cause the two upper range LEDs to light, resulting in a false reading. When the Surface-to-Ground cord is plugged in, voltage is diverted from the center electrode to the cord in order to measure resistance. When making Surface-to-Ground tests, follow these procedures: A. Check battery operation by depressing the white button. The red “On” lamp will indicate that the unit is functioning properly. B. Plug the Surface-to-Ground cord into the left side of the meter. Figure 4. Installing Surface-to-Ground cord assembly. C. Place the µMeg on the test surface. D. Connect the test cord to the ground- point for the surface. E. Press the white button. The LEDs will indicate the test results. Figure 5. Measuring Surface-to-Ground resistance. F. Unplug the cord when testing is finished. Battery Operation Battery function is automatically checked by the unit when the meter is turned on. If the battery voltage drops below 8 VDC, the red LED on the far right of the meter will not light, indicating a “low battery” condition. Replace battery with a new 9V alkaline battery. Maintenance Your :Meg will require very little maintenance, and there are few user- serviceable parts. If your meter requires service beyond the simple procedures described below, please contact the factory. Electrode Cleaning To assure accurate measurements, the electrodes should be kept as clean as possible. A thorough cleaning at least every 3 months is recommended. The following is the recommended cleaning procedure: 1. Carefully remove the electrodes from their snap-jacks using a screw driver or other blunt flat bladed object. Avoid scratching or bending electrodes. Figure 6. Cleaning the electrodes. 2. Clean both the snap stud and the electrodes with a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol. Check the rubber centers for wear - the rubber should form a convex spot on the bottom of the electrode. If the rubber is worn, replace electrodes. Otherwise snap the clean electrodes back onto the meter. Electrode Replacement Charleswater Europe offers an electrode replacement kit for the :Meg (call customer service for information). Included with each kit are 3 gold plated electrodes and 3 conductive rubber electrodes. Replacement electrodes must be installed correctly to ensure proper operation. Follow these instructions carefully: A. Remove the old electrodes by placing a screwdriver under the lip of the gold cap and prying up to remove. B. Remove the conductive rubber piece from inside the snap stud. C. Clean the new electrode assemblies with isopropyl alcohol. D. Insert a new conductive rubber electrode into a new snap socket, with the widest end down. Be sure the rubber is pressed in all the way. E. Carefully trim the rubber electrode leaving 3.2mm exposed above the socket. F. Remove the rubber electrode and invert it (wide end up). G. Snap on a new gold electrode socket over the rubber electrode. H. The rubber electrode should be protruding slightly through the hole in the socket. If not, give the socket a slight twist until the rubber is exposed. Figure 7. Replacing the electrodes. Once you have replaced the electrodes, you may wish to make a quick calibration check (see Calibration Section) to assure that the electrodes are operative. Theory of Operation The :Meg measures resistivity by setting up a bridge between two precision 1% resistors of known value and the surface tested, of unknown value. When the white button is depressed a test voltage of 9 VDC is applied to the meter’s centre electrode or ground cord, depending on the test being performed. One of the bottom electrodes on the outside of the meter supplies the resistance bridge. The test voltage resulting from the bridge is compared to reference voltages established by six trimming potentiometers. Two integrated circuits are configured as comparators to check the voltage from the bridge against the potentiometers. Based on the setting of each potentiometer, the appropriate LED is lit. GROUND POINT SNAP SOCKET CONDUCTIVE RUBBER SNAP STUD NEW ELECTRODE SOCKET NEW RUBBER CONDUCTIVE

Phone: 00 44 (0) 1892-665313, Fax: 00 44 (0) 1892-668838 • E-mail: [email protected], Internet: www.charleswater.co.uk PPE-5046.E Page 3 of 3 Charleswater Europe Ltd. Specifications Sensitivity Range Surface Resistivity: Less than 1010 ohms Surface-to-Ground: Less than 109 ohms LED Key (from right to left) 1. Red: >1010 Ohms, Meter On, and Battery OK 2. Green: <1010 Ohms Static Dissipative 3. Green: <109 Ohms Static Dissipative 4. Green: <108 Ohms Static Dissipative 5. Green: <107 Ohms Static Dissipative 6. Yellow: <106 Ohms 7. Yellow: >105 Ohms Conductive Test Sample Size 7.5cm x 4cm or larger General Characteristics Power Supply 9 volt alkaline battery (included) Test Voltage Nominal 9 volts Electrodes Steel and conductive rubber Temperature Range Operating 10°C to 40°C Storage -15°C to +60°C Relative Humidity 0% to 99% (non condensing) Operation Resistance bridge Readout Seven LEDs Resolution One order of magnitude Accuracy ±10% all, except ±20% 109 Ohms, 1010 Ohms Repeatability ±3% Weight 170 grams Dimensions 10cm x 6cm x 4.5cm Calibration Any :Meg may be returned to the factory for calibration. Contact our Customer Service Department at 00 44 (0) 1892-665313 for a Return Material Authorization. Written Purchase Orders are required for calibration services. A check on the function of the :Meg can be performed with the following procedure. You will need 1% resistors of the following values: 100K, 1M, 10M, 100M, 1G and 10G ohms. These precision resistors will be placed across the two electrodes on the bottom of the meter (see Figure 8). A. Place the :Meg on an insulator (e.g. Teflon or glass) and press the white test button. Only the first red LED on the right, marked “On” should be illuminated. If this LED fails to light, the battery should be replaced before proceeding. B. Place the 10G ohm resistor across the middle electrode and the side electrode as illustrated in Figure 8. Press the test button. The second LED should light. Be sure not to contact the leads or the buttons as your body’s resistance will affect the readings. Figure 8. Calibration of the :Meg C. Continue this process with each consecutive resistor, checking to make sure the appropriate LEDs are illuminated. If all resistors check properly, the unit’s calibration is verified. Adjustment Unauthorized servicing or modifications to the :Meg will void the product warranty. Servicing should only be performed by the factory. See warranty section for repair charges. RESISTOR ELECTRODE Limited Warranty Charleswater Europe expressly warrants that for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase, Charleswater Europe :Megs will be free of defects in material (parts) and workmanship (labour). Within the warranty period, a unit will be tested, repaired or replaced at Charleswater Europe’s option, free of charge. Call Customer Service at 00 44 (0) 1892- 665313 for a Return Material Authorization, and for proper shipping instructions and address. Any unit under warranty should be shipped prepaid to the Charleswater Europe factory. Include a copy of your original packing slip, invoice, or other proof of date of purchase. Warranty replacements will take approximately two weeks. If your unit is out of warranty, Charleswater Europe will quote repair charges necessary to bring your unit up to factory standards. Call Customer Service at 00 44 (0) 1892- 665313 for proper shipping instructions and address. Units should be shipped prepaid. Warranty Exclusions THE FOREGOING EXPRESS WARRANTY IS MADE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER PRODUCT WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED AND IMPLIED, INCLUDING MERCHANT- ABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WHICH ARE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMED. The express warranty will not apply to defects or damage due to accidents, neglect, misuse, alterations, operator error, or failure to properly maintain, clean or repair products. Limit of Liability In no event will Charleswater Europe or any seller be responsible or liable for any injury, loss or damage, direct or consequential, arising out of the use of or the inability to use the product. Before using, users shall determine the suitability of the product for their intended use, and users assume all risk and liability whatsoever in connection therewith.