Description
SWER is a good choice for a distribution system when conventional return
current wiring would cost more than SWER's isolation transformers and small
power losses. Power engineers experienced with both SWER and conventional
power lines rate SWER as equally safe, more reliable, less costly, but with
slightly lower efficiency than conventional lines
Power is supplied to the SWER line by an isolating transformer of up to 300 kVA.
This isolates the grid from ground or earth, and changes the grid voltage
(typically 22 kilovolts line to line) to the SWER voltage (typically 12.7 or 19.1
kilovolts line to earth).
The SWER line is a single conductor that may stretch for tens or even hundreds
of kilometres, visiting a number of termination points. At each termination point,
such as a customer's premises, current flows from the line, through the primary
coil of a step-down transformer, to earth through an earth stake. From the earth
stake, the current eventually finds its way back to the main step-down
transformer at the head of the line, completing the circuit. SWER is therefore a
practical example of a phantom loop.
The secondary winding of the local transformer will supply the customer with
either single ended single phase (N-0) or split phase (N-0-N) power in the
region's standard appliance voltages, with the 0 volt line connected to a safety
earth that does not normally carry an operating current.
A large SWER line may feed as many as 80 distribution transformers. Since the
distribution system must carry reactive power (vars), as well as real power
(watts), capacities are measured in volt-amperes, not watts. The transformers
are usually rated at 5 kVA, 10 kVA and 25 kVA. The load densities are usually
below 0.5 kVA per kilometer (0.31 kVA per mile) of line. Any single customer's
maximum demand will typically be less than 3.5 kVA, but larger loads up to the
capacity of the distribution transformer can also be supplied.
History
At the end of the 19th century, Nikola Tesla demonstrated a single wire was
necessary for power systems, with no need for a wired return conductor (using
the Earth instead).
[2]
Lloyd Mandeno fully developed SWER in New Zealand
around 1925 for rural electrification. Although he termed it "Earth Working Single
Wire Line" it was often called "Mandeno's Clothesline." More than 200,000
kilometres have now been installed in Australia and New Zealand. It is
considered safe, reliable and low cost, provided that safety features and earthing
are correctly installed. The Australian standards are widely used and cited. It has
been applied in Saskatchewan, Brazil and Africa, and SWER interties have been
proposed for Alaska and prototyped.
Safety
SWER violates common wisdom about electrical safety, because it lacks a
traditional metallic return to a neutral shared by the generator. SWER's safety is
instead assured because transformers isolate the ground from both the generator
and user.
However, grounding is critical. Significant currents (of the order of 8 amperes)
flow through the ground near the earth point, so a good-quality earth connection
is needed to prevent risk of electric shock near this point. Separate grounds for
power and safety are also used. Duplication of the grounds assures that the
system is still safe if either of the grounds are damaged.
A good earth connection is normally a 6 m stake of copper-clad steel driven
vertically into the ground, and bonded to the transformer earth and tank. A good
ground resistance is 5-10 ohms.
Other standard features include automatic reclosing circuit breakers (reclosers).
Most faults (overcurrent) are transient. Since the network is rural, most of these
faults will be cleared by the recloser. Each service site needs a rewirable drop
out fuse for protection and switching of the transformer. The transformer
secondary should also be protected by a standard high-rupture capacity (HRC)
fuse or low voltage circuit breaker. A surge arrestor (spark gap) on the high
voltage side is common, especially in lightning-prone areas.
Bare-wire or ground-return telecommunications can be compromised by the
ground-return current if the grounding area is closer than 100 m or sinks more
than 10 A of current. Modern radio, optic fibre channels and cell phone systems
are unaffected.
Low cost: the main advantage
SWER's main advantage is its low cost. It is often used in sparsely populated
areas where the cost of building an isolated distribution line cannot be justified.
Capital costs are roughly 50% of an equivalent two-wire single-phase line. They
can be 70% less than 3-wire three-phase systems. Maintenance costs are
roughly 50% of an equivalent line.
SWER also reduces the largest cost of a distribution network, the number of
poles. Conventional two wire or three wire distribution lines have a higher power
transfer capacity, but can require seven poles per kilometre, with spans of 100 m
to 150 m. SWER's high line voltage and low current permits the use of low-cost
galvanized steel wire. Steel's greater strength permits spans of 400 m or more,
reducing the number of poles to 2.5/km.
Reinforced concrete poles have been traditionally used in SWER lines because
of their low cost, low maintenance, and resistance to water damage, termites and
fungus. Local labor can produce them in most areas, further lowering costs.
If the cable contains optic fibre
[3]
, or carries RF phone line service, this can
further amortize the capital costs.
Reliability: a strength
SWER can be used in a grid or loop, but is usually arranged in a linear or radial
layout to save costs. In the customary linear form, a single-point failure in a
SWER line causes all customers further down the line to lose power. However,
since it has fewer components in the field, SWER has less to fail. For example,
since there is only one line, winds can't cause lines to clash, removing a source
of damage, as well as a source of rural brush fires.
Since the line can't clash in the wind, and the bulk of the transmission line has
low resistance attachments to earth, excessive ground currents from shorts and
geomagnetic storms are far more rare than in conventional metallic-return
systems. So, SWER has fewer ground-fault circuit-breaker openings to interrupt
service.
Power quality: a weakness
SWER lines tend to be long, with high impedance, so the voltage drop along the
line is often a problem, causing poor power quality. Variations in demand cause
variation in the delivered voltage. To combat this, some installations have
automatic variable transformers at the customer site to keep the received voltage
within legal specifications.
When used with distributed generation, SWER is substantially more efficient than
when it is operated as a single-ended system. For example, some rural
installations can offset line losses and charging currents with local solar power,
wind power, small hydro or other local generation. This can be an excellent value
for the electrical distributor, because it reduces the need for more lines. (Kashem
and Ledwich)
After some years of experience, the inventor (Mandeno, below) advocated a
capacitor in series with the ground of the main isolation transformer to counteract
the inductive reactance of the transformers, wire and earth return path. The plan
was to improve the power factor, reduce losses and improve voltage
performance due to reactive power flow. Though theoretically sound, this is not
standard practice.
Upgrading a SWER line
Transformers need not be permanently installed. It is perfectly possible to place
maximum-indicating thermometers in them, and install larger transformers as
needed, moving the smaller ones to other positions.
As demand grows, a well-designed SWER line can be substantially upgraded
without new poles. The first step may be to replace the steel wire with more
expensive copper-clad or aluminum-clad steel wire.
If more capacity is needed, a second SWER line can be run on the same poles to
provide two SWER lines 180 degrees out of phase. This requires more insulators
and wire, but doubles the power without doubling the poles. Many standard
SWER poles have several bolt holes to support this upgrade. This configuration
causes most ground currents to cancel, reducing shock hazards, and
interference with communication wirelines.
Conventional two phase service is also possible with a two-wire upgrade: Though
less reliable, it is more efficient and conforms to standard distribution practices.
As more power is needed the lines can be upgraded to match the load, from
single wire SWER to two wire, single phase and finally to three wire, three phase.
This ensures a more efficient use of capital and makes the initial installation more
affordable.
Customer equipment installed before these upgrades will all be single phase, and
can be reused after the upgrade. If moderate amounts of three-phase are
needed, it can be economically synthesized from two-phase with on-site
equipment.
Use in interties
In 1981 a high-power 8.5 mile prototype SWER intertie was successfully installed
from a coal plant in Bethel, Alaska to Napakiak, Alaska. It operates at 80 kV, and
has special lightweight fiberglass poles that form an A-frame. The poles can be
carried on lightweight snow machines, and most poles can be installed with
hand-tools on permafrost without extensive digging. Erection of "anchoring" poles
still required heavy machinery, but the cost savings were dramatic.
The phase conductor also carries a bundle of optic fibres within the steel armor
wire
[4]
, so the system supplies telecommunications as well as power.
Researchers at the University of Fairbanks estimate that a network of such
interties, combined with coastal wind turbines, could substantially reduce
Alaska's dependence on increasingly expensive diesel fuel for power generation.
[5]
Alaska's state economic energy screening survey advocated further study of
this option, in order to use more of the state's underutilized power sources.
[6]
Regulatory issues
Many national electrical regulations (notably the U.S.) require a metallic return
line from the load to the generator. In these jurisdictions, each SWER line must
be approved by exception.
Use for HVDC systems
Many HVDC systems using submarine power cables are (or were until their
expansion to bipolar schemes) single wire earth return systems. In order to avoid
electrochemical corrosion, the ground electrodes of such systems are situated
apart from the converter stations and not in the proximity of the transmission
cable. The electrodes can be situated in the sea or on land. As cathodes, bare
copper wires can be used in the sea or on land. As anodes, graphite rods dug in
the ground, or titanium grids in the sea are used. In order to avoid
electrochemical corrosion (and passivation of titanium surfaces) the current
density at the surface of the electrodes may be only small and therefore large
electrodes are required. The advantage of such schemes is saving money for a
second conductor, because the saltwater is an excellent conductor. Some
ecologists claim bad influences of electrochemical reactions, but they do not
occur on very large underwater electrodes
Earthing system
Contents
[hide]
• 1 IEC nomenclature
o 1.1 TN network
o 1.2 TT network
o 1.3 IT network
• 2 Properties
o 2.1 Cost
o 2.2 Safety
o 2.3 Electromagnetic compatibility
• 3 Regulations
• 4 Application examples
• 5 See also
• 6 Reference
In electricity supply systems, an earthing system defines the electrical potential of
the conductors relative to that of the Earth's conductive surface. The choice of
earthing system has implications for the safety and electromagnetic compatibility
of the power supply. Note that regulations for earthing (grounding) systems vary
considerably between different countries.
A protective earth (PE) connection ensures that all exposed conductive surfaces
are at the same electrical potential as the surface of the Earth, to avoid the risk of
electrical shock if a person touches a device in which an insulation fault has
occurred. It also ensures that in the case of an insulation fault, a high fault
current flows, which will trigger an overcurrent protection device (fuse, MCB) that
disconnects the power supply.
A functional earth connection serves a purpose other than providing protection
against electrical shock. In contrast to a protective earth connection, a functional
earth connection may carry a current during the normal operation of a device.
Functional earth connections may be required by devices such as surge
suppression and electromagnetic-compatibility filters, some types of antennas
and various measurement instruments. Generally the protective earth is also
used as a functional earth, though this requires care in some situations.
IEC nomenclature
International standard IEC 60364 distinguishes three families of earthing
arrangements, using the two-letter codes TN, TT, and IT.
The first letter indicates the connection between earth and the power-supply
equipment (generator or transformer):
T : direct connection of a point with earth (French: terre);
I : no point is connected with earth (isolation), except perhaps via a high impedance.
The second letter indicates the connection between earth and the electrical
device being supplied:
T : direct connection with earth, independent of any other earth connection in the
supply system;
N : connection to earth via the supply network.
TN network
In a TN earthing system, one of the points in the generator or transformer is
connected with earth, usually the star point in a three-phase system. The body of
the electrical device is connected with earth via this earth connection at the
transformer.
The conductor that connects the exposed metallic parts of the consumer is called
protective earth (PE). The conductor that connects to the star point in a three-
phase system, or that carries the return current in a single-phase system, is
called neutral (N). Three variants of TN systems are distinguished:
TN-S : PE and N are separate conductors that are connected together only near the
power source.
TN-C : A combined PEN conductor fulfils the functions of both a PE and an N
conductor.
TN-C-S : Part of the system uses a combined PEN conductor, which is at some point
split up into separate PE and N lines. The combined PEN conductor typically
occurs between the substation and the entry point into the building, whereas
within the building separate PE and N conductors are used. In the UK, this
system is also known as protective multiple earthing (PME), because of the
practice of connecting the combined neutral-and-earth conductor to real earth
at many locations, to reduce the risk of broken neutrals - with a similar
system in Australia being designated as multiple earthed neutral (MEN).
TN-S: separate protective earth (PE)
and neutral (N) conductors from
transformer to consuming device,
which are not connected together at
any point after the building
distribution point.
TN-C: combined PE and N conductor
all the way from the transformer to the
consuming device.
TN-C-S earthing system: combined
PEN conductor from transformer to
building distribution point, but
separate PE and N conductors in fixed
indoor wiring and flexible power
cords.
It is possible to have both TN-S and TN-C-S supplies from the same transformer.
For example, the sheaths on some underground cables corrode and stop
providing good earth connections, and so homes where "bad earths" are found
get converted to TN-C-S.
TT network
In a TT earthing system, the protective earth connection of the consumer is
provided by a local connection to earth, independent of any earth connection at
the generator.
IT network
In an IT network, the distribution system has no connection to earth at all, or it
has only a high impedance connection. In such systems, an insulation monitoring
device used to monitor the impedance.
Properties
Cost
• TN networks save the cost of a low-impedance earth connection at the site of each
consumer. Such a connection (a buried metal structure) is required to provide
protective earth in IT and TT systems.
• TN-C networks save the cost of an additional conductor needed for separate N
and PE connections. However, to mitigate the risk of broken neutrals, special
cable types and lots of connections to earth are needed.
• TT networks require RCD protection, and often an expensive time-delay type is
needed to provide discrimination with an RCD downstream.
Safety
• In TN, an insulation fault is very likely to lead to a high short-circuit current that
will trigger an overcurrent circuit-breaker or fuse and disconnect the L
conductors. In the majority of TT systems, the earth fault loop impedance will be
too high to do this, and so an RCD must be employed.
• In TN-S and TT systems (and in TN-C-S beyond the point of the split), a residual-
current device can be used as an additional protection. In the absence of any
insulation fault in the consumer device, the equation I
L1
+I
L2
+I
L3
+I
N
=0 holds, and
an RCD can disconnect the supply as soon as this sum reaches a threshold
(typically 10-500 mA). An insulation fault between either L or N and PE will
trigger an RCD with high probability.
• In IT and TN-C networks, residual current devices are far less likely to detect an
insulation fault. In a TN-C system, they would also be very vulnerable to
unwanted triggering from contact between earth conductors of circuits on
different RCDs or with real ground, thus making their use impracticable. Also,
RCDs usually isolate the neutral core, and it is dangerous to do this in a TN-C
system.
• In single-ended single-phase systems where the Earth and neutral are combined
(TN-C, and the part of TN-C-S systems which uses a combined neutral and earth
core), if there is a contact problem in the PEN conductor, then all parts of the
earthing system beyond the break will rise to the potential of the L conductor. In
an unbalanced multi-phase system, the potential of the earthing system will move
towards that of the most loaded live conductor. Therefore, TN-C connections
must not go across plug/socket connections or flexible cables, where there is a
higher probability of contact problems than with fixed wiring. There is also a risk
if a cable is damaged, which can be mitigated by the use of concentric cable
construction and/or multiple earth electrodes. Due to the (small) risks of the lost
neutral, use of TN-C-S supplies is banned for caravans and boats in the UK, and it
is often recommended to make outdoor wiring TT with a separate earth electrode.
• In IT systems, a single insulation fault is unlikely to cause dangerous currents to
flow through a human body in contact with earth, because no low-impedance
circuit exists for such a current to flow. However, a first insulation fault can
effectively turn an IT system into a TN system, and then a second insulation fault
can lead to dangerous body currents. Worse, in a multi-phase system, if one of the
live conductors made contact with earth, it would cause the other phase cores to
rise to the phase-phase voltage relative to earth rather than the phase-neutral
voltage. IT systems also experience larger transient overvoltages than other
systems.
• In TN-C and TN-C-S systems, any connection between the combined neutral-and-
earth core and the body of the earth could end up carrying significant current
under normal conditions, and could carry even more under a broken neutral
situation. Therefore, main equipotential bonding conductors must be sized with
this in mind; use of TN-C-S is inadvisable in situations such as petrol stations,
where there is a combination of lots of buried metalwork and explosive gases.
• In TN-C and TN-C-S systems, any break in the combined neutral-and-earth core
which didn't also affect the live conductor could theoretically result in exposed
metalwork rising to near "live" potential!
Electromagnetic compatibility
• In TN-S and TT systems, the consumer has a low-noise connection to earth,
which does not suffer from the voltage that appears on the N conductor as a result
of the return currents and the impedance of that conductor. This is of particular
importance with some types of telecommunication and measurement equipment.
• In TT systems, each consumer has its own high-quality connection with earth, and
will not notice any currents that may be caused by other consumers on a shared
PE line.
Regulations
• In residential and commercial installations in the U. S. and Canada, the feed from
the distribution transformer uses a combined neutral and grounding conductor
(two phase and one neutral, for three wires total), but within the structure separate
neutral and protective earth conductors are used (TN-C-S). The neutral must be
connected to the earth (ground) conductor only on the supply side of the
customer's disconnecting switch. Additional connections of neutral to ground
within the customer's wiring are prohibited.
• For wiring less than 1000 V, the United States National Electrical Code and
Canadian electrical code forbid the use of systems that combine the grounding
conductor and neutral beyond the customer's disconnecting switch.
• In Argentina, France (TT) and Australia (TN-C-S), the customer must provide
their own ground connection.
Application examples
• Most modern homes in Europe have a TN-C-S earthing system. The combined
neutral and earth occurs between the nearest transformer substation and the
service cut out (the fuse before the meter). After this, separate earth and neutral
cores are used in all the internal wiring.
• Older urban and suburban homes in the UK tend to have TN-S supplies, with the
earth connection delivered through the lead sheath of the underground lead-and-
paper cable.
• Some older homes, especially those built before the invention of residual-current
circuit breakers and wired home area networks, use an in-house TN-C
arrangement. This is no longer recommended practice.
• Laboratory rooms, medical facilities, construction sites, repair workshops, mobile
electrical installations, and other environments that are supplied via engine-
generators where there is an increased risk of insulation faults, often use an IT
earthing arrangement supplied from isolation transformers. To mitigate the two-
fault issues with IT systems, the isolation transformers should supply only a small
number of loads each and/or should be protected with an insulation monitoring
device (generally used only by medical or military IT systems, because of cost).
• In remote areas, where the cost of an additional PE conductor outweighs the cost
of a local earth connection, TT networks are commonly used in some countries,
especially in older properties. TT supplies to individual properties are also seen in
mostly TN-C-S systems where an individual property is considered unsuitable for
TN-C-S supply (e.g. petrol stations).
• In Australia, the TN-C-S system is in use; however, the wiring rules currently
state that, in addition, each customer must provide a separate connection to earth
via both a water pipe bond (if metallic water pipes enter the consumer's premises)
and a dedicated earth electrode. In older installations, it is not uncommon to find
only the water pipe bond, and it is allowed to remain as such, but the additional
earth electrode must be installed if any upgrade work is done. The protective earth
and neutral conductors are combined until the consumer's neutral link (located on
the customer's side of the electricity meter's neutral connection) - beyond this
point, the protective earth and neutral conductors are separate.
Definitions :( in alphabetical order)
Accessible - (As applied to wiring methods) Capable of being removed or
exposed without damaging the building structure or finish, or not permanently
closed in by the structure or finish of the building.
Accessible - (as applied to equipment) Admitting close approach: not guarded
by locked doors, elevation, or other effective means. (see Accessible, Readily)
Accessible, Readily - (Readily Accessible) Capable of being reached quickly for
operation, renewal, or inspections, without requiring those to whom ready access
is requisite to climb over or remove obstacles or to resort to portable
ladders,chairs,etc.
Ambient Temperature - The temperature of the air, water, or surrounding
earth. Conductor ampacity is corrected for changes in ambient temperature
including temperatures below 86°F. The cooling effect can increase the current
carrying capacity of the conductor. (Review Section 310-10 of the Electrical Code
for more understanding)
Ammeter - An electric meter used to measure current, calibrated in amperes.
Ampacity - The current-carrying capacity of conductors or equipment,
expressed in amperes.
Ampere - The basic SI unit measuring the quantity of electricity.
Bonding Jumper - A bare or insulated conductor used to ensure the required
electrical conductivity between metal parts required to be electrically connected.
Frequently used from a bonding bushing to the service equipment enclosure to
provide a path around concentric knockouts in an enclosure wall: also used to
bond one raceway to another.
Continuity - The state of being whole, unbroken.
Continuos Load - A load where the maximum current is expected to continue
for three hours or more. Rating of the branch circuit protection device shall not
be less tan 125% of the continuos load.
Demand Factor - For an electrical system or feeder circuit, this is a ratio of the
amount of connected load (in kva or amperes) that will be operating at the same
time to the total amount of connected load on the circuit. An 80% demand factor,
for instance, indicates that only 80% of the connected load on a circuit will ever
be operating at the same time. Conductor capacity can be based on that amount
of load.
Dustproof - Constructed or protected so that dust will not interfere with its
successful operation.
Dusttight - Constructed so that dust will not enter the enclosing case under
specified test conditions.
Duty, continuos - A service requirement that demands operation at a
substantially constant load for an indefinitely long time.
Duty, intermittent - A service requirement that demands operation for
alternate intervals of load and no load, load and rest, or load, no load, and rest.
Duty, periodic - A type of intermittent duty in which the load conditions
regularly reoccur.
Duty, short time - A requirement of service that demands operations at a
substantially constant load for a short and definitely specified time.
Duty, varying - A requirement of of service that demands operation at loads,
and for intervals of time, both of which may be subject to wide variation.
Explosionproof - Designed and constructed to withstand and internal
explosion without creating an external explosion or fire.
Feeder - A circuit, such as conductors in conduit or a busway run, which carries
a large block of power from the service equipment to a sub-feeder panel or a
branch circuit panel or to some point at which the block power is broken into
smaller circuits.
Ground - A large conducting body (as the earth) used as a common return for an
electric circuit and as an arbitrary zero of potential.
Grounded, effectively - Intentionally connected to earth through a ground
connection or connections of sufficiently low impedance and having sufficient
current-carrying capacity to prevent the buildup of voltages that may result in
undue hazards to connect equipment or to persons.
Grounded Conductor - A system or circuit conductor that is intentionally
grounded, usually gray or white in color.
Grounding Conductor - A conductor used to connect metal equipment
enclosures and/or the system grounded conductor to a grounding electrode, such
as the ground wire run to the water pipe at a service; also may be a bare or
insulated conductor used to ground motor frames, panel boxes, and other metal
equipment enclosures used throughout electrical systems. In most conduit
systems, the conduit is used as the ground conductor.
Grounding Equipment Conductor - The conductor used to connect the
noncurrent-carrying metal parts of equipment, raceways, and other enclosures to
the system grounded conductor, the grounding electrode conductor, or both, of
the circuit at the service equipment or at the source of a separately derived
system.
Grounding Electrode - The conductor used to connect the grounding
electrode to the equipment grounding conductor, to the grounded conductor, or
to both, of the circuit at the service equipment or at the source of a separately
derived system.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter - A device intended for the protection of
personal that functions to de-energize a circuit or portion thereof within an
established period of time when a current to ground exceeds some predetermined
value that is less than required to operate the overcurrent protection device of the
supply circuit.
Ground Fault Protection of Equipment - A system intended to provide
protection of equipment from damaging line to ground fault currents by
operating to cause a disconnecting means to open all ungrounded conductors of
the faulted circuit. This protection is provided at current levels less than those
required to protect conductors from damage through the operations of a supply
circuit overcurrent device.
In Sight From - (within sight from, within sight) Where this Code specifies that
one equipment shall be "in sight from", "within sight from" or m"within sight",
etc. of another equipment, the specified equipment is to be visible and not more
that 50´ distant from the other
Interrupter Rating - The highest current at rated voltage that a device is
intended to interrupt under standard test conditions.
Labeled - Items to which a label, trademark, or other identifying mark of
nationally recognized testing labs has been attached to indentify the items as
having been tested and meeting appropriate standards.
Listed - Equipment or materials included in a list published by an organization
acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and concerned with product
evaluation, that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment
or materials, and whose listing states either that the equipment or material meets
appropriate designated standards or has been tested and found suitable for use in
specified manner.
Location, damp - A location subject to moderate amount of moisture such as
some basements, barns, cold storage, warehouse and the like.
Location, dry - A location not normally subject to dampness or wetness: a
location classified as dry may be temporarily subject to dampness or wetness, as
in case of a building under construction.
Location, wet - A location subject to saturation with water or other liquids.
Megger - A test instrument fpr measuring the insulation resistance of
conductors and other electrical equipment; specifically, a megaohm (million
ohms) meter; this is a regiestered trade mark of the James Biddle Co.
Megaohm - A unit of electrical resistamce equal to one million ohms.
Megaohmmeter - An instrument for measuring extremely high resistance.
Noninductive Circuit - A circuit in which the magnetic effect of the current
flowing has been reduced by one several methods to a minimum or to zero.
Nonlinear Load - A load where the wave shape of the steady state current does
not follow the wave shape of the applied voltage.
Ohm - The derived SI unit for electrical resistance or impedance; one ohm
equals one volt per am-pere.
Ohmmeter - an instrument for measuring resistance in ohms. Take a look at
this diagram to see how an ohmeter is used to check a small control transformer.
The ohmmeter's pointer deflection is controlled by the amount of battery current
passing through the moving coil. Before measuring the resistance of an unknown
resistor or electrical circuit, the ohmmeter must first be calibrated. If the value of
resistance to be measured can be estimated within reasonable limits, a range
selected that will give approximately half-scale deflection when the resistance is
inserted between the probes. If the resistance is unknown, the selector switch is
set on the highest scale. Whatever range is selected, the meter must be calibrated
to read zero before the unknown resistance is measured.
Overcurrent - Any current in excess of the rated current of equipment or the
ampacity of a conductor. It may result from overload, short circuit or ground
fault.
Overload - Load greater than the load for which the system or mechanism was
intended. A fault, such as a short circuit or ground fault, is not an overload.
Panelboard - A single panel or group of panel units designed for assembly in
the form of a single panel: includes buses and may come with or without switches
and/or automatic overcurrent protective devices for the control of light, heat, or
power circuits of individual as well as aggregate capacity. It is designed to be
placed in a cabinet or cutout box that is in or against a wall or partition and is
accessible only from the front.
Plenum - Chamber or space forming a part of an air conditioning system
Rainproof - So constructed, projected, or treated as to prevent rain from
interfering with the successful operation of the apparatus under specified test
conditions.
Raintight - So constructed or protected that exposure to a beating rain will not
result in the entrance of water.
Separately Derived System - A premises wiring system whose power is
derived from a battery, a solar photovoltaic system, or from a generator,
transformer, or converter windings, and that has no direct electrical connection,
including solidly connected grounded circuit conductor, to supply conductors
originating in another system.
Service Drop - Run of cables from the power company's aerial power lines to
the point of connection to a customer's premises.
Service Conductors - The supply conductors that extend from the street main
or transformers to the service equipment of the premises being supplied
Service Entrance Conductors - (Overhead) The service conductors between
the terminals of the service equipment and a point usually outside the building,
clear of building walls, where joined by tap or splice to the service drop.
Service Entrance Conductors - (Underground) The service conductors
between the terminals of the service equipment and the point of connection to
the service lateral.
Service Equipment - The necessary equipment, usually consisting of a circuit
breaker or switch and fuses and their accessories, located near the point entrance
of supply conductors to a building and intended to constitute the main control
and cutoff means for the supply to the building.
Service Lateral - The underground service conductors between the street main,
including any risers at a pole or other structure or from transformers, and the
first point of connection to the service-entrance conductors in a terminal box,
meter, or other enclosure with adequate space, inside or outside the building
wall. Where there is no terminal box, meter, or other enclosure with adequate
space, the point of connection is the entrance point of the service conductors into
the building.
Service Point - The point of connection between the facilities of the serving
utility and the premises wiring.
Switchboard - A large single panel, frame, or assembly of panels having
switches, overcurrent, and other protective devices, buses, and usually
instruments mounted on the face or back or both. Switchboards are generally
accessible from the rear and from the front and are not intended to be installed in
cabinets.
Switch, general use - A switch intended for use in general distribution and
branch circuits. It is rated in amperes and is capable of interrupting its rated
voltage.
Switch, general-use snap - A type of general-use switch so constructed that it
can be installed in flush device boxes or on outlet covers, or otherwise used in
conjunction with wiring systems recognized by the National Electric Code.
Switch, isolating - A switch intended for isolating an electrical circuit from the
source of power. It has no interrupting rating and is intended to be operated only
after the circuit has been opened by some other means.
Switch, knife - A switch in which the circuit is closed by a moving blade
engaging contact clips.
Switch, motor-circuit - A switch, rated in horsepower, capable of interrupting
the maximum operating overload current of a motor of the same horsepower
rating as the switch at the rated voltage.
Switch, transfer - A transfer switch is an automatic or nonautomatic device for
transferring one or more load conductor connections from one power source to
another.
Switch-Leg - That part of a circuit run from a lighting outlet box where a
luminaire or lampholder is installed down to an outlet box that contains the wall
switch that turns the light or other load on or off: it is a control leg of the branch
circuit.
Voltage Drop - The loss of voltage between the input to a device and the output
from a device due to the internal impedance or resistance of the device. In all
electrical systems, the conductors should be sized so that the voltage drop never
exceeds 3% for power, heating, and lighting loads or combinations of these.
Furthermore, the maximum total voltage drop for conductors for feeders and
branch circuits combined should never exceed 5%.
Watertight - So constructed that water/moisture will not enter the enclosure
under specified test conditions.
Weatherproof - So constructed or protected that exposure to the weather will
not interfere with successful operation.
From
Industrial Text and Video Co.
The Leader in Electrical, Motor
Control and PLCs
Video Training Programs
(www.industrialtext.com 1-800-752-8398)
Electrical Relay Diagram
and
P&ID Symbols
2
Electrical Relay
Diagram Symbols
www.industrialtext.com 1-800-752-8398
ELECTRICAL RELAY DIAGRAM SYMBOLS
SWITCHES
Disconnect
Circuit
Interrupter
Limit
Neutral Position
Circuit
Breaker
Normally
Open
Normally
Closed
Held
Closed
Held
Open
Actuated
Maintained
Position
Closed Open
Proximity Switch
Limit (cont.)
Normally
Open
Normally
Closed
Liquid Level Vacuum & Pressure
Normally
Open
Normally
Closed
Normally
Open
Normally
Closed
Temperature
Flow (Air, Water)
Normally
Open
Normally
Closed
Normally
Open
Normally
Closed
Foot Toggle Cable
Operated
(Emerg.)
Switch
Plugging Nonplug
Plugging
w/Lockout
Coil
2-Position
Selector
3-Position
Nonbridging
Contacts
Rotary Selector
Bridging
Contacts
OR OR
Total Contacts To Suit Needs
Thermocouple
Switch
Push Buttons
Single
Circuit
Normally
Open
Normally
Closed
Double Circuit
Mushroom
Head
Connections, Etc.
Maintained
Contact
Conductors
Not
Connected
Connected
DISC C1
CB
LS LS
LS LS
LS
NP
NP
LS
LS
PRS PRS FS FS PS PS TS TS
FLS FLS FTS FTS
TGS
COS
PLS
F
PLS
R
F F
PLS
R
F
PLS
1
LO
SS
1 2
SS
1 2 3
RSS RSS
RSS RSS
TCS
– +
OFF
1
2
–
–
+
+
PB
PB
PB
PB PB
PB
PB
3
Electrical Relay
Diagram Symbols
www.industrialtext.com 1-800-752-8398
Connections, Etc. (cont.)
Ground
Chassis
Or Frame
Not Necessarily
Grounded
Plug
and
Recp.
Contacts
Time Delay After Coil
Normally
Open
Normally
Closed
Normally
Open
Normally
Closed
Relay, Etc.
Normally
Open
Normally
Closed
Thermal
Over-
Load
GRD CH
RECP
PL TR TR TR TR CR M
CON
CR M
CON
OL
IDL
Coils
Relays,
Timers,
Etc.
Solenoids, Brakes, Etc.
General
2-Position
Hydraulic
3-Position
Pneumatic
CR
M
TR
CON
SOL SOL
2-Position
Lubrication
Thermal
Overload
Element
Control
Circuit
Transformer
2-H
SOL
3-P 2-L
SOL OL
IOL
H1 H3 H2 H4
X1 X2
Coils (cont.)
Reactors (cont.)
Adjustable
Iron Core
Air Core
Magnetic Amplifier
Winding
Motors
3-Phase
Motor
DC Motor
Armature
X
X
MAX MTR MTR
A
Pilot Lights Horns, Siren, Etc. Buzzer Bell
PL PL
Push to Test
AH ABU ABE
T
4
P&ID
Symbols
www.industrialtext.com 1-800-752-8398
P&ID SYMBOLS
I NSTRUMENT LI NE SYMBOLS
SYMBOLS FOR TRANSDUCERS AND ELEMENTS
Orifice plate
Control valve
Rotameter Magnetic
Venturi or nozzle
FE
10
FE
104
EE
4
FI
5
Capillary tube
Electric signal
EM, sonic, radioactive
Hydraulic
Pneumatic
Process
FV
101
5
P&ID
Symbols
www.industrialtext.com 1-800-752-8398
I NSTRUMENT I DENTI FI CATI ON LETTERI NG
First Letter Second Letter
A Analysis Alarm
B Burner, combustion User’s choice*
C User’s choice Control
D User’s choice
E Voltage Sensory (primary element)
F Flow rate
G User's choice Glass (sight tube)
H Hand (manually initiated)
I Current (electric) Indicate
J Power
K Time or time schedule Control station
L Level Light (pilot)
M User’s choice
N User’s choice User’s choice
O User’s choice Orifice, restriction
P Pressure, vacuum Point (test connection)
Q Quantity
R Radiation Record or print
S Speed or frequency Switch
T Temperature Transmit
U Multivariable Multifunction
V Vibration, mechanical analysis Valve, damper, louver
W Weight, force Well
X Unclassified** Unclassified
Y Event, state, or presence Relay, compute
Z Position, dimension Driver, actuator, unclassified
* User’s choice may be used to denote a particular meaning, having one
meaning as a first letter and another meaning as a second letter. The user
must describe the particular meaning(s) in the legend. This letter can be used
repetitively in a particular project.
** Unclassified letters may be used only once or to a limited extent. If used, the
letter may have one meaning as a first letter and another meaning as a second
letter. The user must specify the meaning(s) in the legend.
Reference: ANSI/ISA-S5.1-1984, Instrumentation Symbols and Identification, ISBN 0-87664-844-8
Sentry 10/20/30 Hipot Tester
Sentry CE 15/25/35 Hipot Tester
Instruction Manual
Form 150460/A8
The material in this manual is for informational purposes only and is subject to change, without
notice. QuadTech assumes no responsibility for any error or for consequential damages that may
result from the misinterpretation of any procedures in this publication.
WARNING
Potentially dangerous voltages may be present on front and rear panel terminals. Follow all
warnings in this manual when operating or servicing this instrument. Dangerous levels of energy
may be stored in capacitive devices tested by this unit. Always make sure the high voltage
indicator is not on when connecting or disconnecting the device under test.
!
Product will be marked with this symbol (ISO#3684) when it is necessary for the user to
refer to the instruction manual in order to prevent injury or equipment damage.
Product marked with this symbol (IEC417) indicates presence of direct current.
Product will be marked with this symbol (ISO#3684) when voltages in excess of 1000V
are present.
Introduction - Section 1
1.1 Unpacking and Inspection .....................................................................................................15
1.2 Product Overview .................................................................................................................15
1.3 Controls and Indicators ..........................................................................................................15
1.3.1 Front Panel Controls and Indicators ..........................................................................15
1.3.2 Rear Panel Controls and Connectors ........................................................................17
1.4 Installation .............................................................................................................................18
1.4.1 Dimensions ...............................................................................................................18
1.4.2 Instrument Positioning ..............................................................................................18
1.4.3 Power Requirements .................................................................................................18
1.4.4 Safety Inspection .......................................................................................................19
Operation - Section 2
2.1 Terms and Conventions ........................................................................................................21
2.2 Start-Up .................................................................................................................................23
2.3 Programming Hipot Tests .....................................................................................................24
2.3.1 Programming an AC Hipot Test ...............................................................................26
2.3.2 Programming a DC Hipot Test .................................................................................27
2.4 Programming Insulation Resistance (IR) Tests .....................................................................28
2.5 Instrument Zeroing/Offset .....................................................................................................29
2.6 Connection To Device Under Test ........................................................................................30
2.7 Measurement Procedure ........................................................................................................31
2.8 Programming A Two-Step Test ............................................................................................33
2.9 Special Function Key Lock ...................................................................................................34
2.10 Software Version Display .....................................................................................................34
2.11 Clear Setup Memory .............................................................................................................34
2.12 Continuity Check ..................................................................................................................35
2.13 Fail Continuous Mode ...........................................................................................................35
2.14 Beeper Setup Mode ...............................................................................................................36
2.15 Auto Range Mode .................................................................................................................36
2.16 Software Automatic Gain Control ........................................................................................37
Page 4 of 57
Contents (Continued)
Operation – Section 2 (Continued)
2.17 Pass/Fail Modes ....................................................................................................................37
2.17.1 High Limit Failure ....................................................................................................38
2.17.2 Low Limit Failure .....................................................................................................38
2.17.3 ARC Limit Failure ....................................................................................................39
2.17.4 CONt Ck Failure .......................................................................................................39
2.17.5 Exceed Upper Measurement Range ..........................................................................40
2.18 Remote Control .....................................................................................................................41
2.19 G16 International Power Strip ..............................................................................................43
2.20 S03 Corded Product Adaptor ................................................................................................44
2.21 S05 Foot Switch ....................................................................................................................45
2.22 S06 High Voltage Probe .......................................................................................................46
2.23 S07 Power Entry Adaptor Cable ...........................................................................................47
2.24 S08 Gun Probe ......................................................................................................................48
2.25 Connection to Sentry 50 Ground Bond Tester ......................................................................49
Service & Maintenance - Section 3
3.1 General ..................................................................................................................................51
3.2 Instrument Return .................................................................................................................51
3.3 Calibration .............................................................................................................................51
3.3.1 Sentry 10/20/30 ........................................................................................................51
3.3.1.1 Equipment ....................................................................................................51
3.3.1.2 Procedure .....................................................................................................52
3.3.1.2.1 Voltage Calibration ........................................................................52
3.3.1.2.2 Current Calibration ........................................................................53
3.3.2 Sentry 15/25/35 ........................................................................................................54
3.3.2.1 Equipment .....................................................................................................54
3.3.2.2 Procedure ......................................................................................................55
3.3.2.2.1 Voltage Calibration ........................................................................55
3.3.2.2.2 Current Calibration ........................................................................56
Page 5 of 57
Warranty
QuadTech warrants that Products are free from defects in material and workmanship and, when
properly used, will perform in accordance with QuadTech's applicable published specifications.
If within one (1) year after original shipment it is found not to meet this standard, it will be
repaired, or at the option of QuadTech, replaced at no charge when returned to a QuadTech
service facility.
Changes in the Product not approved by QuadTech shall void this warranty.
QuadTech shall not be liable for any indirect, special or consequential damages, even if
notice has been given of the possibility of such damages.
This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, including, but not
limited to any implied warranty or merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
SERVICE POLICY
QuadTech’s service policy is to maintain product repair capability for a period of at least five (5)
years after original shipment and to make this capability available at the then prevailing schedule
of charges.
Page 6 of 57
Page 7 of 57
Specifications
Sentry 10/15, 20/25 and 30/35
AC Output Voltage: Range: 0.1 to 5kV AC, in 10V/steps, 50/60 Hz
Accuracy Display: ±1% of reading +5V
Regulation: ≤1% +5V
Sentry 20/25 and 30/35 Only
DC Output Voltage: Range: 0.1 to 6kV DC, in 10V/steps
Accuracy Display: ±1% of reading +5V
Regulation: ≤1% +5V
Sentry 30/35 Only
Insulation Resistance: Range: 10MΩ - 10GΩ
Accuracy: ±10% of reading + 10 cts, ≥500V, <2GΩ
±15% of reading + 10 cts, <500V, <2GΩ
Decreased accuracy, >2GΩ
Voltage: 50 - 1000V DC in 1V steps
Accuracy: ±(5% of setting + 5V)
Limit: High/Low
Test Time: 0.1 - 999sec (±20ms)
Resistance Specification Range
Voltage
Specification Range
1000V
Resistance
100V
500V
10M 500M 50M
20M 1G
2G
Page 8 of 57
Specifications (continued)
Features Standard On All Sentry Units
Leakage Current: Range: • 0.001 to 15mA AC
• 0.001 to 5.0mA DC (15/25/35)
• 0.001 to 7.5mA DC (10/20/30)
Accuracy: ± (1.5% + 5 counts)
Breakdown: Detection: • Imax: 0.001 to 15mA AC, 5.0mA DC (15/25/35)
• Imax: 0.001 to 15mA AC, 7.5mA DC (10/20/30)
• Accuracy: ±(1% of limit + 5counts)
• ∆I: 10µsec, 1mA to 15mA
Indication: Pass/fail light, audible sound
Minimum Threshold: 0.001mA to Imax limit
Test Time: Ramp: 0.1 to 99.9sec (±20ms), Hold: 0.1 to 999sec (±20ms)
Item Quantity QuadTech P/N
U.S. AC Power Cable (3-prong) 1 4200-0300
International AC Power Cable (2-prong), 15/25/35 only 1 630031
High Voltage Lead Set 1m (1 Blk, 1 Red with clips) 1 S02
Continuity Check Clip Lead (White cable terminated by
black banana plug and black alligator clip)
1 700100
3.15A 250V Line Fuse: 115V Operation 1 520072
1.6A 250V Line Fuse: 230V Operation 1 520074
Instruction Manual 1 150460
Calibration Certificate 1 N/A
Accessories/Options Available
Item Quantity QuadTech P/N
HV Lead Set High & Low, 1m (std with unit) 1 S02
HV Lead Set High & Low, 2m 1 S04
HV Lead, 1 meter unterminated 1 S09
HV Lead, 2 meters unterminated 1 S10
Corded Product Adaptor, 115V 1 S03
Corded Product Adaptor, 115V, use for GB test 1 G13
Corded Product Adaptor, 240V, use for GB test 1 G25
Foot Switch 1 S05
Power Entry Adaptor Cable 1 S07
High Voltage Probe 1 S06
Gun Probe 1 S08
Gun Probe with Remote Start 1 S11
Load Box, Resistive 1 S12
Load Box, Custom Resistors 1 S14
Interconnect Cable (To Sentry 50) 1 S15
Rack Mount Assembly 1 S16
International Power Strip 1 G16
Page 10 of 57
Page 11 of 57
Safety Precautions
WARNING
The Sentry Series Hipot Tester can provide an output voltage as high as 6000VDC (5000VAC) to
the external device under test (DUT).
Although the Sentry unit is designed with full attention to operator safety, serious hazards could
occur if the instrument is used improperly and these safety instructions are not followed.
1. The Sentry unit is designed to be operated with its chassis connected to earth ground.
The Sentry instrument is shipped with a three-prong power cord to provide this
connection to ground. The power cord should only be plugged in to a receptacle that
provides earth ground. Serious injury can result if the Sentry unit is not connected to
earth ground.
2. Tightly connect cable(s) to the (black) GND terminal. If this is not done, the DUT’s
casing can be charged to the high voltage test level and serious injury or electrical shock
hazards could result if the DUT is touched.
3. Never touch the metal of the High Voltage probe directly. Touch only the
insulated parts of the lead(s).
4. Never touch the test leads, test fixture or DUT in any manner (this includes insulation on
all wires and clips) when the high voltage is applied and the red DANGER LED is lit.
5. Before turning on the Sentry unit, make sure the AC power cord is plugged
into the proper voltage source and that there is no device (DUT) or fixture
connected to the test leads.
6. After each test, press the [STOP] (red) button for safety. This terminates the high voltage
being applied to the output terminals.
7. When the DANGER LED is lit NEVER touch the device under test, the lead wires or the
output terminals.
8. Before touching the test lead wires or output terminals make sure:
a) The red [STOP] button has been pressed.
b) The DANGER LED is OFF.
c) The output voltage display is 0 (zero).
9. In the case of an emergency, turn OFF the [POWER] switch using a“hot stick” and
disconnect the AC power cord from the wall. DO NOT TOUCH THE Sentry
INSTRUMENT.
10. If the DANGER LED does not go off when the [STOP] button is pressed, immediately
stop using the tester. It is possible that the output voltage is still being delivered
regardless of the TEST ON/OFF control signal.
11. Be extremely careful when the Sentry instrument is used in remote control mode. The
High Voltage Output is being turned on and off with an external signal.
Page 12 of 57
Condensed Operating Instructions
WARNING
High Voltage is applied to the white H.V. output terminal anytime the red DANGER LED is lit
or flashing. Always make sure the DANGER LED is OFF when connecting or disconnecting
the Device under Test (DUT).
General Information
The Sentry Series AC/DC/IR testers are measuring instruments for direct readout of Hipot output
voltage, leakage current and insulation resistance. The voltage applied to the device under test is
adjustable from 0.1 to 5kVAC and 0.1 to 6kVDC. The current range is adjustable from 0.001 to
15mA AC and 0.001 to 5.0mA DC (15/25/35). The (10/20/30) units have a DC current range
from 0.001 to 7.5mA. PASS and FAIL LEDs provide a visual display of test results based on
preset limits. In FAIL mode, a buzzer gives an audible indication of test result based on preset
limit.
Start-Up
The Sentry unit can be operated from a power source between 90 and 250VAC at a power line
frequency of 50 or 60Hz. The Sentry (15/25/35) unit is shipped from QuadTech with a 3.15A
fuse in place for AC 100-240V operation. The Sentry (10/20/30) unit contains a 4A fuse in place
for AC 100-240V operation. The Sentry unit is shipped with the line voltage selector set for
108-132V. Refer to paragraph 1.4.3 to change a fuse and to change the line voltage selector.
Connect the Sentry instrument AC power cord to the source of proper voltage.
Press the [POWER] button on the front panel to apply power. To switch the power off press the
[POWER] button again or if measurements are to be made proceed with Test Parameter Set-Up
below. Note: the Sentry instrument should warm-up for 15 minutes prior to use.
Test Parameter Set-Up
Press [PROG] and enter the Test Parameters according to your test specification.
Test Test
Voltage
(kV)
Line
Frequency
(50 or 60Hz)
Current
HI Limit
(mA)
IR Test = HI R MΩ
Current
LO Limit
(mA)
IR Test = LO R MΩ
ARC
Detect
Test
Time
(sec)
Ramp
Time
(sec)
AC
Hipot
SET SET SET SET SET SET SET
DC
Hipot
SET SET SET SET SET SET
Insulation
Resistance
SET SET SET SET SET
Refer to paragraph 2.3 for full description of programming test parameters and instruction on
how to store the test setup. Note: Test parameters must be set before the Sentry unit can be
zeroed.
Page 13 of 57
Condensed Operating Instructions
Zeroing/Offset
After setting the test parameters, zero the Sentry unit by using the automatic offset (continuity
check must be set to OFF or continuity leads shorted together if set to ON, refer to
paragraph 2.12). Make sure the black ground cable is connected to the Sentry GND terminal
and the red high voltage test cable is connected to the Sentry H.V output terminal and the clips
are not touching. Press [ENTER] key twice then press [UP] key once. Display reads “OFSt
oFF”. Press [UP] key once. Display reads “OFSt GEt”. Press [START] key once. Display
shows the offset. Offset has to be recalculated each time the test parameters, test cables or test
fixture are changed.
Figure COI-1: Cable Connection for Offset Function
Measurement Mode
1 Turn [POWER] ON.
2 Let Sentry unit warm-up 15 minutes.
3 Connect Black ground cable to Sentry GND terminal.
4 Connect Red high voltage cable to Sentry H.V. terminal.
5 Press [PROG] and enter your Test Parameters Press [PROG] again to accept it.
6 [STORE] Test set-up (If desired).
7 Zero the Sentry unit (OFFSET).
8 Select Continuity Check OFF (¶ 2.12).
9 Connect Device Under Test (DUT).
10 Press [START].
11 Record Readings.
12 Press [STOP] .
Figure COI-2: Cable Connection To Device Under Test
POWER
QuadTech Sent r y 35 AC/ DC/ I R Hi pot Test er
1
0
STOP START CAL ENABLE
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAIL
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
IR kV
DC
AC
BUZZER
GND H.V.
DANGER
HI GH VOLTAGE
MAX: 5kVAC
6kVDC
!
RECALL UP STORE
ENTER DOWN PROG !
P OWE R
QuadTech Sent r y 35 AC/ DC/ I R Hi pot Test er
1
0
STOP START CAL ENABLE
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAIL
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
IR kV
DC
AC
BUZZER
GND H. V.
DANGER
HIGH VOLTAGE
MAX: 5kVAC
6kVDC
!
RECALL UP STORE
ENTER DOWN PROG !
DUT
Rx+
Rx-
Introduction Page 15 of 57
Section 1: Introduction
1.1 Unpacking and Inspection
Inspect the shipping carton before opening. If the carton is damaged, contact the carrier agent
immediately. Inspect the Sentry instrument for any damage. If the instrument appears damaged
or fails to meet specifications notify QuadTech (refer to instruction manual front cover) or its
local representative. Retain the shipping carton and packing materials for future use such as
returning for recalibration or service.
1.2 Product Overview
The Sentry is available in six models, all of which provide AC Hipot testing capability.
Additionally, the Sentry 20/25 provide DC Hipot testing, and the Sentry 30/35 provide DC Hipot
testing and Insulation Resistance testing. The hipot test can be programmed over a voltage range
of 0.1 to 5kV AC and 0.1 to 6kV DC with a min/max leakage current detection range of 10µA to
15mA AC and 5.0mA DC (15/25/35), 7.5mA DC (10/20/30). Insulation resistance
measurements are possible to 10GΩ at programmable DC test voltages between 50 and 1000V.
Each instrument comes standard with ground continuity check, internal storage of 10 test setups,
and interface with remote start/stop inputs and pass/fail outputs.
1.3 Controls and Indicators
1.3.1 Front Panel Controls and Indicators
Figure 1-1 illustrates the controls and indicators on the front panel of the Sentry 35 AC/DC/IR
Hipot Tester. Table 1-1 identifies them with description and function.
Figure 1-1: Sentry Series Front Panel Controls and Indicators
POWER
QuadTech Sent r y 35 AC/ DC/ I R Hi pot Test er
1
0
STOP START CAL ENABLE
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAI L
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
I R kV
DC
AC
BUZZER
GND H. V.
DANGER
Hi gh Vol t age
MAX: 5kVAC
6kVDC
!
RECALL UP STORE
ENTER DOWN PROG
!
1 4 2 3 7 6 5
10
9 8
11 12 13 16 15 14 18 17
Page 16 of 57 Introduction
Table 1-1: Sentry Series Front Panel Controls and Indicators
Reference
Number
Figure 1-1
Name Type Function
1 AC/DC/IR Green
LED
When lit indicates that tester is in AC Hipot, DC Hipot or Insulation
Resistance Mode
2 Voltage 4 Digit
Display
Green LEDs
Indicates voltage setting when test is not in process. Indicates output voltage
when test is in process. AC 0.1-5kV, DC 0.1-6kV, IR 0.05-1kVDC
3 Frequency Green LED Indicates output frequency (50/60Hz) when an AC Hipot Test is selected
4 Limit Indicator Green LED Indicates the function of the limit shown on the Limit Display
(HI, LO or ARC)
5 Limit/Measure
Display
4 Digit
Display
Green LEDs
Indicates Limit Setting when test is not in process. Indicates Testing Value
when test is in process.
WAC: HI (0-15mA)
LO (0-5.0mA: 15/25/35), (0-7.5mA: 10/20/30)
ARC (1-15mA)
WDC: HI (0-5mA)
LO (0-3.75mA)
ARC (1-5mA: 15/25/35), (1-7.5mA: 10/20/30)
IR: HI (1-9999MΩ), LO 1-9999MΩ)
6 Display Units Green LED Indicates the units for the Limit Display (mA: AC/DC Hipot , MΩ : IR)
7 Timer Indicator Green LED Indicates the Timer Display (Test or Ramp Time)
8 Timer Display 3 Digit
Display
Green LED
Indicates the time countdown. Ramp is the rising time of the Voltage
(0-99.9sec) and Test is the measure time (0-999sec). Setting the Test time
equal to 0 places the unit in continuous measure mode.
9 PASS/FAIL Grn/Red
LEDs
Indicates a pass or fail based on the preset limits.
10 H.V. White
4-point
Receptacle
High Voltage output terminal
11 DANGER Red LED When lit, high voltage is present on the output terminals
12 GND Blk Female
receptacle
Ground Terminal. Low potential terminal for high voltage output.
13 BUZZER Hole Audible output indicates test complete. Remains on until STOP pressed on
FAIL condition.
14 CAL ENABLE Hole For Qualified Service Personnel to use during instrument calibration.
15 Data Entry Keys
STORE
UP
RECALL
ENTER
DOWN
PROG
White Push
Button
Switches
6 keys to enter test conditions
PROG Press to enter Test Condition Change mode, Press again to exit
ENTER Press to confirm the entered Test Condition
↑ ↑↑ ↑ and ↓ ↓↓ ↓ Select step 1 or step 2 with unit in standby status (Refer to ¶ 2.5)
↑ and ↓ Increase/decrease selected parameter when programming test cond.
STORE Press to initiate storage of 1 to 40 2-Step or 80 1-Step test set-ups
RECALL Press to initiate recall of 1 to 40 2-Step or 80 1-Step test set-ups
16 START Green P-B
Switch
It starts a test and applies High Voltage to the Test Terminals
17 STOP Red P-B
Switch
It stops the test in progress. Must be pressed before a test is started (reset)
18 POWER Grey P-B
Switch
To Turn Power On (push button IN) or OFF (push button OUT)
Introduction Page 17 of 57
1.3.2 Rear Panel Controls and Connectors
Figure 1-2 illustrates the controls and connectors on the rear panel of the Sentry Series unit.
Table 1-2 identifies them with description and function.
Figure 1-2: Sentry Series Rear Panel Controls & Connectors
Table 1-2: Sentry Series Rear Panel Controls & Connectors
Reference
Number
Figure 1-2
Name Type Function
1 VOLTAGE
SELECTOR
2 Red slide switches To select range of AC power source
Set to 100V position for 90-100VAC
Set to 120V position for 110-130VAC
Set to 220V position for 200-240VAC
Set to 240V position for 220-250VAC
2 REMOTE 11 Slot Screw Panel Terminals for remote control connections (¶ 2.17)
3 1Ω CAL Black Screw Calibration for Continuity
4 AC Line Output
3-wire AC Receptacle
and Fuse Drawer
Connection for AC power source and Replace Fuse
3.15A, 250V SB for 115V Operation (15/25/35)
1.6A, 250V SB for 230V Operation (15/25/35)
4A, 250V SB for 115V Operation (10/20/30)
2A, 250V SB for 230V Operation (10/20/30)
5 CONT. CHECK
OPTION
Black Banana Plug
Receptacle
Connection for Continuity Check
6 FAN 115V 50-60Hz 0.1A fan Temperature controlled fan
ON > 50°C
OFF < 50°C
7 Ground Silver Screw Banana Plug
Receptacle
Earth (Chassis) Ground Connection
8 Remote 9 Pin D-Type Remote control connections (¶ 2.17)
QuadTech
Ser i al No.
CE
!
!
WARNI NG: f or cont i nued pr ot ect i on
agai nst f i re hazard, repl ace onl y wi t h
same t ype and r at i ng of f use as speci f i ed
f or t he l i ne vol t age sel ect ed
CAUTI ON: NO OPERATOR
SERVI CEABLE PARTS. Ref er ser vi ci ng
t o qual i f i ed per sonnel .
100V~
VOLTAGE SELECTOR
240V~
220V~
120V~
1ΩCAL
Fuse Rat i ng T3. 15A 250V
100V/ 120V/ 220V/ 240V~
50/ 60Hz 300W MAX
Cont . Check Opt i on
FAN ( 50 C AUTO ON/ OFF)
START
COM
RESET
I NTER
LOCK
UNDER
TEST
PASS
FAI L
R
E
M
O
T
E
1 4
8
7 6 5 3 2
Page 18 of 57 Introduction
1.4 Installation
1.4.1 Dimensions
The Sentry unit is supplied in a bench configuration, i.e., in a cabinet with resilient feet or
placement on a table. Flip feet are provided under the front feet so that the Sentry instrument
can be tilted up for convenient operator viewing.
Figure 1-3: Sentry Instrument Dimensions
1.4.2 Instrument Positioning
The Sentry unit contains three (3) digital meters for direct readout of measured parameters. The
optimum angle for viewing is slightly down and about 10 degrees either side of center. For
bench operation the front flip feet should always be used to angle the instrument up. In bench or
rack mount applications the instrument should be positioned with consideration for ample air
flow around the rear panel fan ventilation hole. An open space of at least 3 inches (75mm) is
recommended behind the rear panel.
1.4.3 Power Requirements
The Sentry can be operated from a power source of 90 to 130 VAC or 200 to 250 VAC. Power
connection is via the rear panel through a standard receptacle. Before connecting the 3-wire
power cord between the unit and AC power source, make sure the voltage selection switches on
the rear panel (as indicated) are in accordance with the power source being used. 4A or 3.15A,
250V, 5x20mm, for 90-130V source and 2A or 1.6A, 250V, 5x20mm, for 200-250V source.
Always use an outlet that has a properly connected protection ground.
4. 00"
100. 00mm
10. 50"
262. 50mm
13. 75"
343. 75mm
POWER
QuadTech Sent r y 35 AC/ DC/ I R Hi pot Test er
1
0
STOP START CAL ENABLE
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAI L
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
I R kV
DC
AC
BUZZER
GND H. V.
DANGER
HI GH VOLTAGE
MAX: 5kVAC
6kVDC
!
RECALL UP STORE
ENTER DOWN PROG !
Introduction Page 19 of 57
WARNING
MAKE SURE THE UNIT HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED FROM ITS AC POWER
SOURCE FOR AT LEAST FIVE MINUTES BEFORE PROCEEDING.
Procedure For Changing A Sentry Fuse
Remove the fuse drawer, by inserting a flat head screwdriver behind the small tab located just
below the 3-prong receptacle, and force outward.
Once the fuse drawer has been removed from the instrument snap the fuse from the holder and
replace. Make sure the new fuse is of the proper rating. Note that the fuse drawer can also be
used to store a spare fuse.
Install the fuse drawer back in the inlet module (fuse down) by pushing in until it locks securely
in place.
Figure 1-4: Fuse Replacement Rear Panel Sentry Unit
1.4.4 Safety Inspection
Before operating the instrument inspect the power inlet module on the rear of the Sentry to
ensure that the properly rated fuse is in place, otherwise damage to the unit is possible. Refer to
paragraph 1.4.3.
The Sentry instrument is shipped with a standard U.S. power cord, QuadTech P/N 4200-0300
(with Belden SPH-386 socket or equivalent, and a 3-wire plug conforming to IEC 320). CE units
are shipped with an approved international cord set. Make sure the instrument is only used with
these cables (or other approved international cord set) to ensure that the instrument is provided
with connection to protective earth ground.
The surrounding environment should be free from excessive dust to prevent contamination of
electronic circuits. The surrounding environment should also be free from excessive vibration.
Do not expose the Sentry instrument to direct sunlight, extreme temperature or humidity
variations, or corrosive chemicals.
3- Pr ong Recept acl e
Fuse Dr awer
Fuse Rat i ng 115V
3. 15A 250V ( 15/ 25/ 35)
4A 250V ( 10/ 20/ 30)
Fuse Rat i ng 230V
1. 6A 250V ( 15/ 25/ 35)
2A 250V ( 10/ 20/ 30)
Operation Page 21 of 57
Section 2: Operation
2.1 Terms and Conventions
Table 2-1: Measurement Unit Prefixes
Multiple Scientific Engineering Symbol
1000000000000000 10
15
Peta P
1000000000000 10
12
Tera T
1000000000 10
9
Giga G
1000000 10
6
Mega M
1000 10
3
Kilo k
.001 10
-3
milli m
.000001 10
-6
micro u
.000000001 10
-9
nano n
.000000000001 10
-12
pico p
.000000000000001 10
-15
femto f
Dielectric Strength: The ratio between the voltage at which breakdown of the
insulating material occurs and the distance between the two
points subject to the applied voltage.
Dielectric Absorption: The physical phenomenon in which insulation appears to absorb
and retain an electrical charge slowly over time. Apply a voltage to
a capacitor for an extended period of time, and then quickly
discharge it to zero voltage. Leave the capacitor open circuited for
a period of time then connect a voltmeter to it and measure the
residual voltage. The residual voltage is caused by the dielectric
absorption of the capacitor.
Charging Current: An insulated product exhibits the basic characteristics of a
capacitor. Application of a voltage across the insulation causes a
current to flow as the capacitor charges. This current
instantaneously rises to a high value as voltage is applied then
exponentially decays to zero as the DUT becomes fully charged.
Charging current decays to zero much faster than dielectric
absorption.
Leakage Current: The steady state current that flows through the insulation. Leakage
current is equal to the applied voltage divided by the insulation
resistance.
Page 22 of 57 Operation
Discharge: The act of draining off an electrical charge to ground. Devices that
retain charge should be discharged after an IR or DC Hipot test.
Insulation Resistance: Measures the total resistance between any two points separated by
electrical insulation. The IR test determines how effective the
dielectric (insulation) is in resisting the flow of electrical current.
ARCing: Sparking or ‘flashing over’ caused by a breakdown of electrical
insulation.
RAMPing: The gradual increase or decrease of voltage or current over a
period of time (step).
Frequency: The rate at which current or voltage reverses polarity and then
back again completing a full cycle, measured in Hertz (Hz) or
cycles/second. AC Line Frequency = 50 or 60 Hz.
Ground: The base reference from which voltages are measured, nominally
the same potential as the earth. Also the side of a circuit that is
at the same potential as the base reference.
Ground Continuity Test: Test to verify that all conductive parts of a product that are
exposed to user contact are connected to the power line ground.
GC test is normally performed with a low current DC signal that
checks to ensure the ground connection has a resistance of <1Ω.
Mode: The test which is to be performed such as AC hipot (WAC), DC
hipot (WDC) or Insulation Resistance (IR).
Step: The Sentry instrument can perform up to 2 tests in a sequence.
The step number indicates in which order the tests will be
performed. For example, if Step 1 is an AC hipot test and Step 2 is
an insulation resistance test, then when the [START] button is
pressed, the Sentry instrument will perform an AC hipot test
followed by an insulation resistance test.
High Limit: The upper value for a test to be considered a PASS. If the
measured value is higher than the high limit, the test is
considered a FAIL. In hipot, leakage current and ground bond
test modes, a high limit is required.
Low Limit: The lower value for a test to be considered a PASS. If the
measured value is lower than the low limit, the test is considered
a FAIL. In IR test mode, a low limit is required.
Operation Page 23 of 57
2.2 Start-Up
Check to make sure the Voltage Selector Switch on the rear panel agrees with the power source
available (Depending on the power source the switch positions should be in the up or down
positions as shown on the instrument rear panel).
WARNING
When the high voltage is applied and red DANGER light ON
Never touch the test leads in any manner (this includes insulation on all wires and clips).
Use all precautions necessary to avoid touching the device under test when the red DANGER
light is ON or flashing.
Before connecting the instrument to its power source the interlock function on the rear panel
remote connector must be properly utilized. This is an important safety feature for the
protection of the operator. Turn on of the instrument's high voltage is inhibited with no
interlock connection and is functional with the interlock jumper in place (as shipped from the
factory).
Connect the instrument power cord to the source of proper voltage. The instrument is to be
used only with three wire grounded outlets.
Power is applied to the Sentry instrument by pressing the [POWER] button on the front panel.
WARNING
DO NOT TURN INSTRUMENT [POWER] ON OR OFF WITH TEST DEVICES
CONNECTED.
Page 24 of 57 Operation
Power Up Display
When powered-up the unit immediately indicates the line frequency, the model number (S10,
S15, S20, S25, S30 or S35), whether the OFFSET is on/off and is automatically set for those test
conditions when the unit was last powered down.
Line Frequency
Sentry Model No.
OFFSET On/Off
Software Version*
Last Test Set-Up
AC Hipot, 60 Hz, 1.20kV, 10.00mA HI Limit, 3.0 sec TEST time.
* The Software Version comes up only when you turn ON the unit and immediately press
[ENTER]. Otherwise it is not shown.
2.3 Programming Hipot Test Parameters
Figure 2-1 illustrates the three front panel displays on a Sentry instrument. Table 2-2 defines the
steps necessary to program the AC hipot, DC hipot and IR test parameters.
Figure 2-1: AC/DC Hipot Test Parameter Display
2. 50 5. 00 10. 0
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAI L
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
I R kV
DC
AC
Vol t age Leakage Cur r ent Test Ti me
Shown on Sent r y 30/ 35 onl y
Shown on Sent r y 20/ 25 & 30/ 35 onl y
Li ne 60
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAI L
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
IR kV
DC
AC
S35
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAI L
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
IR kV
DC
AC
OFSt ON
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAI L
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
IR kV
DC
AC
2000 0712
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAI L
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
IR kV
DC
AC
1. 20 10. 00 3. 0
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAI L
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
IR kV
DC
AC
Operation Page 25 of 57
NOTE
Before programming an AC, DC or IR test, select Continuity Check OFF (CONt oFF, ¶2.12)
Table 2-2: Programming Test Parameters
STEP Test
Parameter
AC
Hipot
DC
Hipot
IR Range
1 To enter
Test Parameters
[PROG] [PROG] [PROG]
2 Set
MODE
[UP] or [DOWN]
To AC
[ENTER]
[UP] or [DOWN]
To DC
[ENTER]
[UP] or [DOWN]
To IR
[ENTER]
3 Set
TEST
VOLTAGE
[UP] or [DOWN]
To value (kV)
[ENTER]
[UP] or [DOWN]
To value (kV)
[ENTER]
[UP] or [DOWN]
To value (kV)
[ENTER]
0.1-5kV AC
0.1-6kV DC
0.05-1.00kV IR
4 Set
LINE
FREQUENCY
[UP] or [DOWN]
To 50 or 60 Hz
[ENTER]
50 Hz or 60 Hz
5 Set
HI LIMIT
[UP] or [DOWN]
To high value (mA)
[ENTER]
[UP] or [DOWN]
To high value (mA)
[ENTER]
[UP] or [DOWN]
To high value (MΩ)
[ENTER]
0.001-15mA AC
0.001-5.0mA DC
LO limit-9999MΩ
6 Set
LO LIMIT
[UP] or [DOWN]
To low value (mA)
[ENTER]
[UP] or [DOWN]
To low value (mA)
[ENTER]
[UP] or [DOWN]
To low value (MΩ)
[ENTER]
0.001-HI Limit mA
1-9999MΩ
7 Set
ARC
[UP] or [DOWN]
To arc value (mA)
[ENTER]
[UP] or [DOWN]
To arc value (mA)
[ENTER]
1-15.00mA AC
1-5.0mA DC
8 Set
TEST TIME
[UP] or [DOWN]
To test time (sec)
[ENTER]
[UP] or [DOWN]
To test time (sec)
[ENTER]
[UP] or [DOWN]
To test time (sec)
[ENTER]
0.1-999sec
9 Set
RAMP TIME
[UP] or [DOWN]
To ramp time (sec)
[ENTER]
[UP] or [DOWN]
To ramp time (sec)
[ENTER]
[UP] or [DOWN]
To ramp time (sec)
[ENTER]
0.1-99.9sec
10 To Accept
SETUP
[PROG] [PROG] [PROG]
Page 26 of 57 Operation
2.3.1 Programming an AC Hipot Test
• Press [PROG] key once. AC LED is flashing.
• Press [ENTER] key once. kV LED is lit and voltage display is flashing.
• Enter Test Voltage in (kV) (Use UP or DOWN keys).
• Press [ENTER] key once 50Hz/60Hz LED is flashing.
• Enter Line Frequency in (Hz) (Use UP or DOWN keys).
• Press [ENTER] key once HI LED is lit and current display is flashing.
• Enter High Current Limit in (mA) (Use UP or DOWN keys).
• Press [ENTER] key once LO LED is lit and current display is flashing.
• Enter Low Current Limit in (mA) (Use UP or DOWN keys).
• Press [ENTER] key once. ARC LED is lit and current display is flashing.
• Enter ARC Setting in (mA) (Use UP or DOWN keys).
• Press [ENTER] key once. TEST LED is lit and time display is flashing.
• Enter Test Time in (sec) (Use UP or DOWN keys).
• Press [ENTER] key once. RAMP LED is lit and time display is flashing.
• Enter Ramp Time in (sec) (Use UP or DOWN keys).
• Press [ENTER] key once. AC LED is flashing.
• Press [PROG] key once to accept.
To STORE the present set of test conditions proceed as follows:
• Press the [STORE] key.
• Press the UP key or the DOWN key to the setup number desired.
• Press [ENTER] to store the present test conditions.
Before programming an AC Hipot Test, please NOTE the following limits:
Test Voltage: Range: 0.1-5kV AC
Frequency: 50Hz or 60Hz
HI Limit: Range: 0.001-15.00mA AC Any measured value of leakage current above set
limit will result in a FAIL decision.
LO Limit: Range: 0.001mA – HI Limit Any measured value of leakage current below set
limit will result in a FAIL decision. To DISABLE
the limit function, press DOWN key to display [----].
ARC: Range: 1-15.00mA AC Any measured value of arc current above set limit
will result in a FAIL decision.
TEST Time: Range: 0.1-999sec To set TEST Time to Continuous Mode, Press
DOWN key to a display of [----].
RAMP Time: Range: 0.1-99.9sec To set RAMP Time = 0, Press DOWN key to a
display of [----].
WARNING
EXTREME CAUTION MUST BE USED BY THE OPERATOR.
IN CONTINUOUS MODE, HIGH VOLTAGE IS APPLIED TO THE TEST TERMINALS UNTIL THE
[STOP] BUTTON IS PRESSED OR A HIGH CURRENT LIMIT IS EXCEEDED.
Operation Page 27 of 57
2.3.2 Programming a DC Hipot Test
• Press [PROG] key once. AC LED is flashing
• Enter Test Mode(AC/DC/IR) (Use UP or DOWN keys).
• Press [ENTER] key once. Voltage Display is flashing.
• Enter Test Voltage in (kV) (Use UP or DOWN keys).
• Press [ENTER] key once. HI LED is lit and current display is flashing.
• Enter High Current Limit in (mA) (Use UP or DOWN keys).
• Press [ENTER] key once. LO LED is lit and current display is flashing.
• Enter Low Current Limit in (mA) (Use UP or DOWN keys).
• Press [ENTER] key once. ARC LED is lit and current display is flashing.
• Enter ARC Setting in (mA). (Use UP or DOWN keys).
• Press [ENTER] key once. TEST LED is lit and time display is flashing.
• Enter Test Time in (sec). (Use UP or DOWN keys).
• Press [ENTER] key once. RAMP LED is lit and time display is flashing.
• Enter Ramp Time in (sec). (Use UP or DOWN keys).
• Press [ENTER] key once. DC LED is flashing.
• Press [PROG] Key once to accept.
To STORE the present set of test conditions proceed as follows:
• Press the [STORE] key.
• Press the UP key or the DOWN key to the setup number desired.
• Press [ENTER] to store the present test conditions.
Before programming a DC Hipot Test, please NOTE the following limits :
Test Voltage: Range: 0.1-6kV DC
HI Limit: Range: 0.001-5.0mA DC Any measured value above set limit will result in a FAIL
Range: 0.001-7.5mA (10/20/30) decision
LO Limit: Range: 0.001mA- HI Limit Any measured value below set limit will result in a FAIL
decision. To DISABLE limit function, Press DOWN key
to display [----].
ARC: Range: 1-5.0mA DC Any measured value above set limit will result in a FAIL
Range: 1-7.5mA (10/20/30) decision
TEST Time: Range: 0.1-999sec To set TEST Time to Continuous Mode, Press DOWN
key to a display of [----].
RAMP Time: Range: 0.1-99.9sec To set RAMP Time = 0, Press DOWN key to a display
of [----].
WARNING
EXTREME CAUTION MUST BE USED BY THE OPERATOR.
IN CONTINUOUS MODE, HIGH VOLTAGE IS APPLIED TO THE TEST TERMINALS UNTIL THE
[STOP] BUTTON IS PRESSED OR A HIGH CURRENT LIMIT IS EXCEEDED.
Page 28 of 57 Operation
2.4 Programming An Insulation Resistance Test (Sentry 30/35 only)
Figure 2-2: IR Test Parameter Display
Figure 2-2 shows the IR test parameter display. The sequence of steps in Table 2-2 is shown below.
• Press [PROG] key once. AC LED is flashing.
• Enter Test Mode (IR) (Use UP or DOWN keys).
• Press [ENTER] key once. IR & kV LEDs are lit and voltage display is flashing.
• Enter Test Voltage in (kV). (Use UP or DOWN keys).
• Press [ENTER] key once. LO & MΩ LEDs are lit and display is flashing.
• Enter Low Limit in MΩ. (Use UP or DOWN keys).
• Press [ENTER] key once. HI & MΩ LEDs are lit and display is flashing.
• Enter High Limit in MΩ (Use UP or DOWN keys).
• Press [ENTER] key once. TEST LED is lit and time display is flashing.
• Enter Test Time in (sec) (Use UP or DOWN keys).
• Press [ENTER] key once. RAMP LED is lit and time display is flashing.
• Enter Ramp Time in (sec). (Use UP or DOWN keys).
• Press [ENTER] key once. IR LED is flashing.
• Press [PROG] key once to accept.
To STORE the present set of test conditions proceed as follows:
• Press the [STORE] key.
• Arrow UP or arrow DOWN to the setup number desired.
• Press [ENTER] to store the present test conditions.
Before programming an IR Test, please NOTE the following limits :
Test Voltage: Range : 0.05-1.00kV DC
LO Limit: Range : 1-9999MΩ
HI Limit: Range : LO Limit – 9999MΩ Any measured value above set limit will result in FAIL
decision. To Disable limit function, Press DOWN key
to display [----].
Test Time: Range : 0.1-999sec Any measured value below set limit will result in FAIL
decision. To set TEST Time to Continuous Mode,
Press DOWN key to a display of [----].
Ramp Time: Range : 0.1-99.9sec To set RAMP Time = 0, Press DOWN key to a
display of [----].
WARNING
Setting TEST TIME to CONTINUOUS MODE means HIGH VOLTAGE is applied to test terminals
UNTIL the [STOP] button is pressed or an Insulation Resistance Limit is exceeded.
CAUTION
When programming an Insulation Resistance (IR) test, set the RAMP TIME > >> >1sec, or inconsistent test results
may occur.
2. 50 2475 10. 0
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAI L
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
IR kV
DC
AC
Vol t age Resi st ance Test Ti me
Operation Page 29 of 57
2.5 Instrument Zeroing/Offset
The Sentry instrument provides automatic zeroing/offset for lead or fixture effects. During the
zeroing/offset process a correction is made (subtracted out) as the result of lead leakage current
and stored in instrument memory to be applied to ongoing measurements. For maximum
measurement accuracy it is recommended that the unit be zeroed after power-up, any time the
test parameters are changed and any time the test leads or fixture is changed. The instrument
should warm-up for at least 15 minutes prior to zeroing.
PROCEED AS FOLLOWS FOR AUTOMATIC ZEROING/OFFSET:
• Continuity Check must be set to OFF or continuity leads shorted together if set to ON, refer
to paragraph 2.12.
• Plug the cable set (or other leads/fixture) into the front panel GND and H.V. connectors.
• With the instrument in the power-up state, Press [ENTER] 2X. Press [UP ] 1X.
• Press [UP ] key 1X, (or [DOWN ] key 1X) display should read : OFSt and oFF.
• Press [UP ] key 1X (or [DOWN ] key 1X) display should read :OFSt and GEt.
• Push the [START] 1X and the unit will perform a measurement and automatically store the
offset value.
• The offset will remain ON until turned off by pressing the [ENTER] key 2X, and the [UP
] key 1X (or [DOWN ] key 1X) to oFF. If the instrument is powered down with the
offset on it remains in effect when the unit is again powered up.
The following formulas apply to the offset function:
For AC offset current < 50µA:
( ) ( ) Display current = current read offset current
2 2
−
For DC offset or AC offset current ≥ 50µA:
Display current = (current read) - (offset current)
OFSt oFF 1. 0
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAI L
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
IR kV
DC
AC
OFSt GEt
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAI L
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
IR kV
DC
AC
1. 198 0. 06 0. 0
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAI L
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
IR kV
DC
AC
Page 30 of 57 Operation
2.6 Connection to Device Under Test
Before connecting the device for test, press the [STOP] key and make sure the red DANGER
light is OFF.
Connect the black test cable to the front panel GND connector. The metal retaining bracket
attached to this cable is intended to lock behind the connector and prevent this cable from
accidentally coming loose. Make sure this bracket is locked in place. Rotate the outer portion of
the black connector counter clockwise (ccw) to loosen and rotate clockwise (cw) to lock the
retaining bracket in place.
Plug the red test cable into the H.V. connector on the front panel.
Connect the black test cable (GND) to one side of the device under test and the red test cable
(High Voltage) to the other side of the device under test.
The Continuity Check Connector is connected to exposed metal on the chassis of the device
under test (DUT).
WARNING
NEVER TOUCH THE RED AND BLACK TEST LEADS WHEN THEY ARE CONNECTED TO THE
INSTRUMENT AND THE RED DANGER LIGHT IS ON OR FLASHING.
Figure 2-3: Connection To Device Under Test (DUT)
POWER
QuadTech Sent ry 35 AC/ DC/ I R Hi pot Test er
1
0
STOP START CAL ENABLE
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAI L
HI
SEC ARC
L O MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
I R k V
DC
AC
BUZZER
GND H. V.
DANGER
HI GH VOL TAGE
MAX: 5k VAC
6 k VDC
!
RECALL UP STORE
ENTER DOWN PROG !
QuadTech
Seri al No.
CE
!
!
WARNI NG: f or cont i nued prot ect i on
agai nst fi re hazard, repl ace onl y wi th
same t ype and rat i ng of f use as speci f i ed
for the l i ne vol tage sel ected
CAUTI ON: NO OPERATOR
SERVI CEABLE PARTS. Refer servi ci ng
to qual i fi ed personnel .
100V~
VOLTAGE SELECTOR
240V~
220V~
120V~
1ΩCAL
Fuse Rat i ng T3. 15A 250V
100V/ 120V/ 220V/ 240V~
50/ 60Hz 300W MAX
Cont . Check Opt i on
FAN ( 50 C AUTO ON/ OFF)
START
COM
RESET
I NTER
LOCK
UNDER
TEST
PASS
FAI L
R
E
M
O
T
E
DUT
HV
GND
Exposed
Met al on
chassi s of
DUT
Operation Page 31 of 57
2.7 Measurement Procedure
Before a measurement is made verify the following:
1 Sentry instrument [POWER] ON
2 15 minute warm-up
3 Test parameters programmed
4 Test setup stored
5 Offset function initiated
6 Continuity Check selected OFF
7 Device Under Test (DUT) connected
The operator has the choice of performing a test at power-up conditions (test conditions at
which the instrument was last powered down), or recalling one of 40 2-step or 80 single-step
stored setups. Refer to paragraph 2.3, 2.4 or 2.8 for instructions to change the test mode and/or
test conditions.
STOP START
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAI L
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
IR kV
DC
AC
RECALL STORE
ENTER PROG !
UP
DOWN
Figure 2-4: Instrument Control Keys
To initiate a test at “power up conditions” proceed as follows:
• Press [STOP] (red button) to place the instrument in its standby ready-to-test state.
• Press [START] (green button) to start the test. When this button is pressed the high voltage
is turned on. This is indicated by the DANGER light being ON to warn the operator that
high voltage is present at the test leads. The voltage display will indicate the voltage value,
the measure display will show current leakage value and the timer will show a countdown.
• Depending on the test conditions, the test voltage will cut off if a limit is exceeded or cut off
when the test time has expired. In the case of a FAIL situation press the [STOP] button once
to stop buzzer and test.
• The [STOP] button can be pressed at any time to stop the test.
Vol t age Leakage Cur r ent Test Ti me
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAI L
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
IR kV
DC
AC
Page 32 of 57 Operation
To initiate a test with “stored setup” proceed as follows :
Figure 2-5: Instrument Control Keys in RECALL mode
Sentry Hipot Testers with software version 2000-07-12 (or later) installed have the following
memory enhancement:
40 Memory Locations with 2-Steps each
or
80 Memory Locations with 1-Step each
An additional menu selection has been added to allow selection of either single or dual step
memory locations. To change between the two modes Press [ENTER] key three times and then
press [↓] key. Press [ENTER] key 4 times. Display will show Step No “1” or “2”. Use [↓] to
change between 1 step or 2 steps per memory location. Storing and recalling of setups is
performed as in the standard Sentry except rather than memory location 1 through 10, there will
be locations 1 through 40 or 1 through 80 depending upon the number of steps chosen.
NOTE:
When a setup is stored with OFFSET set to ON, the offset value is stored in memory.
To recall one of the forty (or 80) setups proceed as follows:
• Press the [RECALL] key 1X.
• Press Arrow [UP ] (or arrow [DOWN ]) to the setup number desired (Location X).
• Press [ENTER] to load the stored test conditions and then initiate a test as just described.
• Press [STOP] key 1X.
• Press [START] key 1X. Record Readings.
• At ANY time, press [STOP] key 1X to terminate HV to output terminals.
STOP START
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAI L
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
I R kV
DC
AC
RECALL STORE
ENTER PROG
!
UP
DOWN
rcl 1
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAI L
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
IR kV
DC
AC
rcl 50
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAI L
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
IR kV
DC
AC
2. 50 7. 500 3. 0
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAI L
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
IR kV
DC
AC
Operation Page 33 of 57
2.8 Programming A Two-Step Test
Each test can consist of one or two steps in sequence, for example, a typical two step test might
be an AC hipot test followed by an IR test. Each step may be programmed for any available
function (AC, DC or IR) with programmed test conditions independent from the other step.
Figure 2-6: Test Mode Status Indicators
To change the test mode proceed as follows:
• With the instrument in standby status ([STOP] button previously pressed and no lights
flashing).
• Press the [UP ] key to select or examine step 1.
• Press the [DOWN ] key to select or examine step 2.
• NOTE : For a single step test, the test voltage for step 2 must be set to 0.00, setting the
test voltage for step 1 to 0.00 will inhibit all testing.
• To change a test mode select the step to be changed (1 or 2) as described above.
• Press [PROG] (the AC/DC /IR light will be blinking).
• Press [UP ] key (or [DOWN ] key) to the newly desired test mode (AC, DC or IR).
• Enter your Test Parameters (Refer to Table 2-2).
• Press [PROG] to accept these Test Parameters.
• Press [STORE] to store this Test Setup.
Example of test mode change:
With no light flashing if [UP ] key selects AC and [DOWN ] key selects DC this means
that an AC Hipot and then a DC Hipot test would be performed in sequence (providing
neither test voltage is set to 0.00)
Let's assume it's desirable to change the DC Hipot test to an IR test so that an AC hipot and
IR test are performed sequence. With no light flashing arrow [DOWN ] to DC, press
[PROG], arrow [DOWN ] to IR and press [PROG] again.
2. 50 5. 00 10. 0
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAI L
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
I R kV
DC
AC
Test Mode Status Indicators
AC Hipot
60Hz
High Limit
5.00mA
Test Time
10.0 sec
Page 34 of 57 Operation
2.9 Special Function Key Lock
In the key lock mode the program function (ability to change test conditions) of the instrument is
disabled. It is however possible to recall any of the 10 setups and test. To activate or deactivate
the key lock function proceed as follows:
• Instrument [POWER] should be OFF.
• Press both the [POWER] and [STOP] buttons at the same time.
• Hold until display indicates KEY LOCK ON or OFF.
• Press [UP] key (or [DOWN] key) to select desired state.
• Press [ENTER].
2.10 Software Version Display
The version of software, installed in the instrument, can be displayed on the front panel.
To display software version:
• Press the front panel [POWER] switch to ON and immediately press the [ENTER] key.
The year will be shown in the left display and the month and day in the right display as
illustrated below. This software version display is only held for a couple of seconds.
2.11 Clear Setup Memory
All stored test conditions in instrument memory (10 setups) can be cleared with a few key
strokes.
To clear setup memory:
• Instrument in standby status (Stop button previously pressed and no lights flashing).
• Press the [ENTER] key three times.
• Press the [UP ] key one time.
• Press [ENTER] to clear memory.
• Press [PROG] to cancel.
2000 0712
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAI L
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
IR kV
DC
AC
Operation Page 35 of 57
2.12 Continuity Check
When activated the Sentry instrument provides an automatic continuity check preceding the
Hipot or IR tests. The continuity check verifies the resistance to be less than 1 ohm between the
rear panel continuity check connection and instrument ground. When the continuity function is
turned on the Sentry will proceed into the normal Hipot or IR test only if the continuity check is
good (pass condition).
Proceed as follows for Continuity Check ON or OFF:
• Instrument in the power-up state.
• Press [ENTER] key two times.
• Press [DOWN ] key once.
• Display reads “CONt OFF” (Unless continuity is already selected ON).
• Press [UP ] key (or [DOWN ] key) to display CONt ON.
• Press [ENTER] to accept.
The continuity check will remain ON until turned off by using the procedure above and selecting
“CONt OFF”. If the instrument is powered down with the continuity check on it remains in effect
when the unit is again powered up. Continuity is not stored as part of test setups.
2.13 Fail Continuous Mode
When activated the Sentry instrument provides a continuous test mode where the unit restarts
automatically on a FAIL condition.
WARNING
THIS MODE IS NOT RECOMMENDED AS A NORMAL OPERATING MODE.
(On the remote control connector, one FAIL contact must be connected to START and the other FAIL contact connected
to COM)
Proceed as follows for Fail Continuous mode ON or OFF:
• Instrument in the power-up state.
• Press [ENTER] key three times.
• Press [DOWN ] key once.
• Display reads “ FAIL Cont OFF” (Unless Fail Continuous mode is already selected ON).
• Press [UP ] key once (or [DOWN ] key) to display “FAIL Cont ON”.
• Press [ENTER] to accept.
The fail continuous mode will remain ON until turned off by using the procedure above and
selecting “FAIL Cont OFF”. If the instrument is powered down with fail continuous ON it
remains in effect when the unit is again powered up. Fail continuous mode is not stored as part
of test setups.
Page 36 of 57 Operation
2.14 Beeper Setup Mode
When activated the Sentry instrument provides a beep or audible sound for pass/fail indication
and also when any one of six data entry key is depressed.
Proceed as follows for beeper ON or OFF:
• Instrument in the power-up state.
• Press [ENTER] key three times.
• Press [DOWN ] key once.
• Display reads “FAIL Cont OFF” (or FAIL Cont ON”).
• Press [ENTER] key once.
• Display reads “bEEp Off” (Unless Beep is already selected ON).
• Press [UP ] key once (or [DOWN ] key) to display “bEEp ON”.
• Press [ENTER] to accept.
The beeper will remain ON until turned off by using the above procedure and selecting “bEEp
OFF”. If the instrument is powered down with beeper on it remains in effect when the unit is
again powered up. The beeper setup is not stored as part of test setups.
2.15 Auto Range Mode
When Auto Range selection is turned on the full scale current range (above or below 3mA) is
selected automatically based on measured current. When the selection is turned off the full scale
current range is determined by the user programmed maximum current limit. The low current
range (3mA full scale) results in increased measurement resolution.
Proceed as follows for auto range mode ON or OFF:
• Instrument in the power-up state.
• Press [ENTER] key three times.
• Press [DOWN ] key once.
• Display reads “FAIL Cont OFF” (or “FAIL Cont ON”).
• Press [ENTER] key two times.
• Display reads “Auto CHAN OFF” (Unless Auto Range is already selected ON).
• Press [UP ] key once (or [DOWN ] key) to display “Auto CHAN ON”
• Press [ENTER] key to accept.
The auto range mode will remain ON until turned off by using the above procedure and
selecting “Auto CHAN OFF”. If the instrument is powered down with auto range on it
remains in effect when the unit is again powered up. Auto range mode is not stored as part
of test setups.
Operation Page 37 of 57
2.16 Software Automatic Gain Control
The Sentry instrument is equipped with software automatic gain control (AGC) to ensure the
output voltage is at the correct value. The normal default is AGC ON which is okay when
measuring resistors. Under special circumstances, when measuring large capacitive devices it is
best to select “SOFt AGC OFF”.
Proceed as follows for Software AGC mode ON or OFF:
• Instrument in the powered-up state.
• Press [ENTER] key three times.
• Press [DOWN ] key once.
• Display reads “FAIL Cont OFF” (or “FAIL Cont ON”).
• Press [ENTER] key three times.
• Display reads “SOFt AGC OFF”.
• Press [UP ] key once (or [DOWN ] key) to display “ SOFt AGC ON”.
• Press [ENTER] key to accept.
The software automatic gain control (AGC) remains ON until turned off by using the above
procedure and selecting “SOFt AGC OFF”. If the instrument is powered down with software
AGC on it remains in effect when the unit is powered up again. Software AGC is not stored as
part of test setups.
2.17 Pass/Fail Modes
The Sentry instrument will display FAIL indicators under certain test setup conditions. In a
WAC or WDC test, setting the current limits ARC, High and Low incorrectly can result in FAIL
indicators. In a WAC, WDC or IR test, if Continuity Check is selected ON and the continuity
check clip lead set is not connected properly to the rear panel or there is greater than 1Ω between
rear panel and instrument ground, the Sentry will display a FAIL indicator. Table 2-3 defines the
limits for the test parameters listed above. Paragraphs 2.17.1 – 2.17.5 illustrate examples of
FAIL indicators.
The Sentry instrument will not allow the operator to input a low limit that is greater than the high
limit. The Sentry instrument will allow the operator to input an ARC limit that is greater than the
low limit or the high limit.
Page 38 of 57 Operation
Table 2-3: Test Parameter Limits
Sentry
Model #
Parameter WAC WDC IR
High Limit 0-15mA 0-7.5mA 1-9999MΩ
Low Limit 0-7.5mA(<High Limit) 0-3.75mA(<High Limit) 1-9999MΩ
ARC Limit 1-15mA 1-7.5mA N/A
(10/20/30)
Continuity Check ON or OFF ON or OFF ON or OFF
High Limit 0-15mA 0-5mA 1-9999MΩ
Low Limit 0-5.0mA(<High Limit) 0-3.75mA(<High Limit) 1-9999MΩ
ARC Limit 1-15mA 1-5.0mA N/A
(15/25/35)
Continuity Check ON or OFF ON or OFF ON or OFF
2.17.1 High Limit Failure
Example: WAC Test: 3kV, 60Hz, 7mA(H), 5mA(L), 5mA(ARC), 1.0s (Test), 0.0s (Ramp)
High Limit is set equal to 7mA
Device under Test (DUT) consistently measures 8mA
Sentry Display Panels will read:
Buzzer sounds. The FAIL LED and HI LED are lit. Press [RESET] to stop test.
The High Limit has been set too low. Reprogram High Limit value.
2.17.2 Low Limit Failure
Example: WAC Test: 3kV, 60 Hz, 7mA(H), 2mA(L), 2mA(ARC), 1.0s (Test), 0.0s (Ramp)
Low Limit is set equal to 2mA
Device under Test (DUT) consistently measures 1.5mA
Sentry Display Panels will read:
Buzzer sounds. The FAIL LED and LO LED are lit. Press [RESET] to stop test.
The Low Limit has been set too high. Reprogram Low Limit value.
3. 00 8. 00 0. 6
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAI L
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
I R kV
DC
AC
3. 00 1. 500 0. 6
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAI L
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
I R kV
DC
AC
Operation Page 39 of 57
2.17.3 ARC Limit Failure
Example: WAC Test: 3kV, 60Hz, 7mA(H), 3mA(L), 2mA(ARC), 1.0s (Test), 0.0s (Ramp)
ARC Limit is set equal to 2mA
Device under Test (DUT) consistently measures 3mA
Sentry Panels will read:
Buzzer sounds. The FAIL LED and ARC LED are lit. Press [RESET] to stop test.
The ARC Limit has been set too low. Reprogram ARC Limit value.
NOTE:
Although the ARC detect limit can be programmed down to the 10uA level (or lower depending
upon the instrument), the instrument will only detect (measure) the ARC value at ≥ 1mA.
2.17.4 CONt Ck Failure
Example: WDC Test as specified in ¶ 2.17.4.
Continuity Check selected ON.
Sentry unit will perform Continuity Check preceding WAC, WDC or IR Tests.
The Continuity Check Clip lead set is NOT connected to Sentry rear panel “CONT. CHECK”
OR
Sentry measures greater than 1Ω between rear panel and instrument ground.
Sentry Display Panels will read:
Buzzer sounds. The FAIL LED is lit. Press [RESET] to stop test.
Select Continuity Check OFF (¶ 2.12):
3. 00
3. 00
0. 6
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAI L
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
I R kV
DC
AC
CONt FAI L 0. 6
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAI L
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
I R kV
DC
AC
Page 40 of 57 Operation
2.17.5 Exceed Upper Measurement Range
Example: WAC Test: 2.5kV, 60Hz, 7mA(H), 2mA(L), 2mA(ARC), 10.0s (Test), 0.0s (Ramp)
Upper Limit that Sentry instrument can measure is equal to 15mA.
Device under Test (DUT) has leakage current that consistently measures 17mA.
The display as indicated means that the unit has exceeded
the upper measurement limit for leakage current or
insulation resistance.
Buzzer sounds. The FAIL LED is lit. Press [RESET] to stop test.
The Sentry instrument cannot measure AC current greater than 15mA. Refer to Table 2-3 for
Test Parameter Limits.
2. 50
UUUU
10. 0
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAI L
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
I R kV
DC
AC
Operation Page 41 of 57
2.18 Remote Control
Two remote control connectors are located on the rear panel of the instrument with input
connections for starting and stopping the unit externally and output connections indicating
instrument status and a safety interlock connection.
The interlock function on the rear panel remote connector must be properly utilized. This is an
important safety feature for the protection of the operator. Turn on of the instrument's high
voltage is inhibited with no interlock connection and is functional with the interlock jumper in
place (as shipped from the factory).
Inputs require a contact closure to ground. Outputs are normally open contacts and are closed
when ‘true’. Refer to Figures 2-7 and 2-8 for a description of the Sentry rear panel remote
connectors and a timing diagram of the remote control feature.
Figure 2-7: Rear Panel Remote Connectors
START
COM
RESET
I NTER
LOCK
UNDER
TEST
PASS
FAI L
R
E
M
O
T
E
I NPUTS
OUTPUTS
11-pin Terminal Strip 9-pin Remote Connector
RESET
START
UNDER
TEST
PASS FAI L
1
6
5
9
Page 42 of 57 Operation
Figure 2-8: Remote Control Timing Diagram
CLOSE
CLOSE
CLOSE
CLOSE
OPEN
OPEN
OPEN
OPEN
OPEN
OPEN
CLOSE
CLOSE
START
UNDER TEST
PASS
FAI L
STOP
I NTERLOCK
80ms
1. 5ms
80ms
1. 5ms
PASS CONDI TI ON FAIL CONDI TI ON
Operation Page 43 of 57
2.19 G16 International Power Strip
The G16 International Power Strip allows connection of standard corded products from several
different countries. These being:
* Australia * United Kingdom * Denmark
* North America * Norway * Finland
* Sweden * Germany * Netherlands
* Austria * Switzerland * Italy
Figure 2-9 illustrates the connection of the G16 International Power Strip to the Sentry
instrument. The 3 G-16 Ground Connectors are connected to the Sentry black GND terminal.
Figure 2-9: G16 International Power Strip Connection
Bl ack
Banana
Pl ug
t o
GND
Whi t e
' St ar'
Banana
Pl ug
t o
H.V.
Gr een
Lug
t o
GND
G16
International
Power Strip
QuadTech
AUSTRALI A UNI TED KI NGDOM DENMARK NORTH AMERI CA
NORWAY FI NLAND
SWEDEN
SWI TZERLAND I TALY
GERMANY
AUSTRI A NETHERLANDS
Gr een/
Yel l ow
Lug
t o
GND
or
Chassi s
GND
POWER
QuadTech Sent ry 35 AC/ DC/ I R Hi pot Test er
1
0
STOP START CAL ENABLE
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAI L
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
IR kV
DC
AC
BUZZER
GND H. V.
DANGER
HI GH VOLTAGE
MAX: 5kVAC
6kVDC
!
RECALL UP STORE
ENTER DOWN PROG
!
Page 44 of 57 Operation
2.20 Corded Product Adaptor
The S03 Corded Product Adaptor provides a three-prong receptacle connection for a product to
the Sentry unit through a three-lead set. The leads consist of a white banana plug for connection
to the HV output terminal, a black banana plug for connection to the GND terminal and a black
clip for connection to the GND terminal. Figure 2-10 illustrates the connection of the S03
Corded Product Adaptor to the Sentry instrument.
Figure 2-10: S03 Corded Product Adaptor connection to Sentry Instrument
POWER
QuadTech Sent r y 35 AC/ DC/ I R Hi pot Test er
1
0
STOP START CAL ENABLE
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAI L
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
I R kV
DC
AC
BUZZER
GND H. V.
DANGER
Hi gh Vol t age
MAX: 5kVAC
6kVDC
!
RECALL UP STORE
ENTER DOWN PROG
!
S03
CORDED
PRODUCT
ADAPTOR
Whi t e
' Star'
Pl ug
t o
H. V.
Bl ack
Banana
Pl ug
t o
GND
DO NOT TOUCH WHI LE UNDER TEST
QuadTech
MAX. VOLTAGE
5kVAC
6kVDC
20A 125V
Operation Page 45 of 57
2.21 S05 Foot Switch
The S05 Foot Switch provides hands-free remote testing capability. The spade leads on the S05
Foot Switch are connected (screwed) to the terminal strip on the rear panel of the Sentry
instrument. Figure 2-11 illustrates the connection of the S05 Foot Switch to the Sentry
instrument.
Figure 2-11: S05 Foot Switch
QuadTech
Ser i al No.
CE
!
!
WARNI NG: f or cont i nued pr ot ect i on
agai nst f i re hazard, repl ace onl y wi t h
same t ype and r at i ng of f use as speci f i ed
f or t he l i ne vol t age sel ect ed
CAUTI ON: NO OPERATOR
SERVI CEABLE PARTS.
100V~
VOLTAGE SELECTOR
240V~
220V~
120V~
1ΩCAL
Fuse Rat i ng T3. 15A 250V
100V/ 120V/ 220V/ 240V~
50/ 60Hz 300W MAX
Cont . Check Opt i on
FAN ( 50 C AUTO ON/ OFF)
START
COM
RESET
I NTER
LOCK
UNDER
TEST
PASS
FAI L
S05
Foot
Swi t ch
Whi t e
Wi r e & Spade
t o
Ter mi nal
St ri p:
START
Red
Wi r e & Spade
t o
Ter mi nal
St ri p:
COM
Page 46 of 57 Operation
2.22 S06 High Voltage Probe
The S06 High Voltage Probe provides fast testing capability with pinpoint control. The white
‘star’ banana plug lead on the S06 High Voltage probe is connected to the HV output terminal on
the front panel of the Sentry instrument. Figure 2-12 illustrates the connection of the S06 High
Voltage Probe to the Sentry instrument.
Figure 2-12: S06 High Voltage Probe
POWER
QuadTech Sent r y 35 AC/ DC/ I R Hi pot Test er
1
0
STOP START CAL ENABLE
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAI L
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
I R kV
DC
AC
BUZZER
GND H. V.
DANGER
Hi gh Vol t age
MAX: 5kVAC
6kVDC
!
RECALL UP STORE
ENTER DOWN PROG
!
S06
Hi gh
Vol t age
Pr obe
Whi t e
' St ar'
Pl ug
t o H. V.
Operation Page 47 of 57
2.23 S07 Power Entry Adaptor Cable
The S07 Power Entry Adaptor Cable provides an AC inlet receptacle for connection of a three-
wire product to the Sentry instrument through a two-lead set. The leads consist of a white ‘star’
banana plug for connection to the HV output terminal and a black banana plug with retaining
bracket fro connection to the GND terminal. Figure 2-13 illustrates the connection of the S07
Power Entry Adaptor Cable to the Sentry instrument.
Figure 2-13: S07 Power Entry Adaptor Cable
POWER
QuadTech Sent r y 35 AC/ DC/ I R Hi pot Test er
1
0
STOP START CAL ENABLE
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAI L
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
I R kV
DC
AC
BUZZER
GND H. V.
DANGER
Hi gh Vol t age
MAX: 5kVAC
6kVDC
!
RECALL UP STORE
ENTER DOWN PROG
!
S07
Power
Ent ry
Adapt or
Bl ack
Banana
Pl ug
wi t h
Ret ai ni ng
Br acket
t o
GND
Whi t e
' St ar'
Pl ug
t o H. V.
Page 48 of 57 Operation
2.24 S08 Gun Probe
The S08 Gun Probe provides fast testing capability with pinpoint control. The white banana plug
lead on the S08 Gun Probe is connected to the HV output terminal on the front panel of the
Sentry instrument. Figure 2-14 illustrates the connection of the S08 Gun Probe to the Sentry
instrument.
Figure 2-14: S08 Gun Probe connection to Sentry instrument
POWER
QuadTech Sent r y 35 AC/ DC/ I R Hi pot Test er
1
0
STOP START CAL ENABLE
TEST
RAMP
PASS
FAI L
HI
SEC ARC
LO MΩ
mA
50Hz
60Hz
I R kV
DC
AC
BUZZER
GND H. V.
DANGER
Hi gh Vol t age
MAX: 5kVAC
6kVDC
!
RECALL UP STORE
ENTER DOWN PROG
!
S08
GUN
PROBE
Whi t e
' St ar'
Pl ug
t o
H. V.
Operation Page 49 of 57
2.25 Connection to Sentry 50 Ground Bond Tester
The Sentry 50 instrument provides high current testing of ground continuity between chassis and
power cord ground. The Sentry 50 Ground Bond tester can be connected to the Sentry Series
instrument (10/15, 20/25, 30/35) for complete product testing with the push of one button. When
the Sentry 50 has completed a continuity test, with PASS indication, it can remotely start the
Sentry 10/15, 20/25 or 30/35 for a hipot test in sequence. The rear panel REMOTE connectors
on the two Sentry instruments are connected via the S15 interconnection cable. Figure 2-15
illustrates the connection of a Sentry 50 Ground Bond tester to a Sentry 35 AC/DC/IR tester.
Figure 2-15: S15 Cable Connecting Sentry 50 to Sentry 35
QuadTech
Ser i al No.
CE
!
!
WARNING: for conti nued protecti on
agai nst fi re hazard, repl ace onl y wi th
same type and rati ng of fuse as speci fi ed
for the l i ne vol tage sel ected
CAUTION: NO OPERATOR SERVI CEABLE
PARTS. Refer servi ci ng to qual i fi ed personnel .
100V~
VOLTAGE SELECTOR
240V~
220V~
120V~
1ΩCAL
Fuse Rati ng T3.15A 250V
100V/ 120V/ 220V/ 240V~
50/ 60Hz 300W MAX
Cont . Check Opt i on
FAN ( 50 C AUTO ON/ OFF)
START
COM
RESET
I NTER
LOCK
UNDER
TEST
PASS
FAI L
R
E
M
O
T
E
QuadTech
Ser i al No.
CE
!
!
WARNING: for conti nued protecti on
agai nst fi re hazard, repl ace onl y wi th
same type and rati ng of fuse as speci fi ed
for the l i ne vol tage sel ected
CAUTION: NO OPERATOR SERVI CEABLE
PARTS. Refer servi ci ng to qual i fi ed personnel .
100V~
VOLTAGE SELECTOR
240V~
220V~
120V~
1ΩCAL
Fuse Rati ng T3.15A 250V
100V/ 120V/ 220V/ 240V~
50/ 60Hz 300W MAX
FAN ( 50 C AUTO ON/ OFF)
START
COM
RESET
I NTER
LOCK
UNDER
TEST
PASS
FAI L
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E
Rear Panel
Sentry 50
At t ach t o 9- PI N REMOTE on Sent r y 50
Rear Panel
Sentry 35
At t ach t o 9- PI N REMOTE on Sent r y 35
S
1
5
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Service & Calibration Page 51 of 57
Section 3 : Service & Calibration
3.1 General
Our warranty (at the front of the manual) attests to the quality of materials and workmanship in
our products. If malfunction should be suspected, or other information be desired, applications
engineers are available for technical assistance. Application assistance is available in the U.S. by
calling 978-461-2100 and asking for Applications Support. For support outside of the United
States please contact your local QuadTech Distributor.
3.2 Instrument Return
Before returning an instrument to QuadTech for service please call our Customer Care Center
(CCC) at 800-253-1230 for Return Material Authorization (RMA). It will be necessary to
include a Purchase Order Number to insure expedient processing, although units found to be in
warranty will be repaired at no-charge. For any questions on repair costs or shipment
instructions please contact our CCC Department at the above number. To safeguard an
instrument during storage and shipping please use packaging that is adequate to protect it from
damage, i.e., equivalent to the original packaging and mark the box "Delicate Electronic
Instrument". Return material should be sent freight prepaid, to:
QuadTech, Inc.
5 Clock Tower Place, 210 East
Maynard, MA 01754
Attention: RMA #
Shipments sent collect can not be accepted.
3.3 Calibration
3.3.1 Sentry 10/20/30
3.3.1.1 Equipment Required
Table 3-1: Calibration Equipment
Equipment Requirements
AC/DC High Voltage Voltmeter Measure Range : 0 to 4KV, 0.1% accuracy
AC/DC Current Meter Measure Range : 0.1 to 10mA, 0.15% accuracy
12MΩ Resistance Standard 1200V, 0.1mA (0.12W), 5% accuracy
80KΩ Resistance Standard 1200V, 15mA (20W), 5% accuracy
240KΩ Resistance Standard 1200V, 5mA (6W), 5% accuracy
480KΩ Resistance Standard 1200V, 3mA (4W), 5% accuracy
Page 52 of 57 Service & Calibration
3.3.1.2 Procedure
Table 3-2: Sentry 10/20/30 Calibration Parameters
Step
#
Value Value Description Sentry
1 0.05 KV) OFST ACV (AC Voltage Offset) 10,20,30
2 4.00 FULL ACV (AC Voltage Full Scale) 10,20,30
3 0.05 OFST DCV (DC Voltage Offset) 20,30
4 4.00 FULL DCV (DC Voltage Full Scale) 20,30
5 0.05 OFST IR V (IR Voltage Offset) 30
6 1.00 FULL IR V (IR Voltage Full Scale) 30
7 OFST 0.1 (mA) ACA (AC Current Offset) 2.99mA Range 10,20,30
8 FULL 2.5 (mA) ACA (AC Current Full Scale) 2.99mA Range 10,20,30
9 OFST 2.5 (mA) ACA (AC Current Offset) 15mA Range 10,20,30
10 FULL 12 (mA) ACA (AC Current Full Scale) 15mA Range 10,20,30
11 OFST 0.1 (mA) DCA (DC Current Offset) 2.99mA Range 20,30
12 FULL 2.5 (mA) DCA (DC Current Full Scale) 2.99mA Range 20,30
13 OFST 2.5 (mA) DCA (DC Current Offset) 7.5mA Range 20,30
14 FULL 5.0 (mA) DCA (DC Current Full Scale) 7.5mA Range 20,30
3.3.1.2.1 Voltage Calibration
Connect the HV output terminal of the Sentry 10/20/30 unit to the input terminal of the AC/DC
high voltage meter. Connect the GND terminal of the Sentry to the GND terminal of the
voltmeter. Using a pen point or tip of a small screwdriver, depress the [CAL ENABLE] switch
on the front panel above the buzzer. (Note : To disable CAL merely push the switch a second
time).
Press [ENTER] four times.
Press [DOWN] once.
Press [DOWN] until display reads CAL tESt.
Press [PROG] to enter into calibration.
Press [ENTER] to enter step 1
Press [START]
Press [UP] or [DOWN] to input reading from the voltmeter.
Press [ENTER] then [STOP] to accept reading.
Press [DOWN] to go to next step.
ON
tESt
CAL
0.500 0.0
OFSt ACU
0.05
0.05
CAL
0.0 0.500 0.05
0.0 0.060 0.049
ACU FULL 4.00
Service & Calibration Page 53 of 57
Continue as described above with calibration steps 2-6 (Table 3-2). After pressing [DOWN] to
select the next step, Press [ENTER], [START], [UP] or [DOWN] to input voltmeter reading,
then [ENTER] & [STOP] for each step.
NOTE: The values in the boxes next to [START] are examples.
NOTE: Once in the calibration mode ( [ENTER] 4x, [DOWN] until CAL tESt, then
[PROG] ), any or all of the steps (1-14) can be calibrated using the [DOWN] key
to scroll through the steps and pressing [ENTER] to select a step to calibrate.
3.3.1.2.2 Current Calibration
Table 3-3 :Resistance Loads
Mode Step # Voltage Range Calibration
Point
Resistance
(Load)
AC 7 1200 V 2.99 0.1 mA 12 MΩ
AC 8 1200 V 2.99 2.5 mA 480 KΩ
AC 9 1200 V 15 2.5 mA 480 KΩ
AC 10 1200 V 15 12 mA 80 KΩ
DC 11 1200 V 2.99 0.1 mA 12 MΩ
DC 12 1200 V 2.99 2.5 mA 480 KΩ
DC 13 1200 V 7.5 2.5 mA 480 KΩ
DC 14 1200 V 7.5 5.0 mA 240 KΩ
Connect the HV output terminal of the Sentry 10/20/30 to a resistance box or resistance.
Connect an AC/DC current meter in series between the resistance (box) and GND terminal.
To continue calibration from step 6 proceed as follows:
Press [DOWN]
Press [ENTER]
Press [START]
Press [UP] or [DOWN] to input reading from current meter.
Continue as described above with steps 8-14 (Table 3-2). After pressing [DOWN] to select the
next step, press [ENTER], [START], [UP] or [DOWN] to enter current meter reading, then
[ENTER] & [STOP] for each step.
When all calibration steps are complete:
Press [STOP]
Press [ENTER] four times
Press [DOWN] once
Press [DOWN] until display reads [CAL ON].
Press [PROG]
Release [CAL ENABLE] switch using a pen point or tip of small screwdriver.
3.3.2 Sentry 15/25/35
3.3.2.1 Equipment Required
Table 3-4: Calibration Equipment
Equipment Requirements
AC/DC High Voltage Voltmeter Measure Range : 0 to 6KV, 0.1% accuracy
AC/DC Current Meter Measure Range : 0.1 to 15mA, 0.15% accuracy
12MΩ Resistance Standard 1200V, 0.1mA (0.12W), 5% accuracy
80KΩ Resistance Standard 1200V, 15mA (20W), 5% accuracy
240KΩ Resistance Standard 1200V, 5mA (6W), 5% accuracy
480KΩ Resistance Standard 1200V, 3mA (4W), 5% accuracy
Service & Calibration Page 55 of 57
3.3.2.2 Procedure
Table 3-5: Sentry 15/25/35 Calibration Parameters
Step
#
Value Value Description Sentry CE
1 0.05 KV) OFST ACV (AC Voltage Offset) 15,25,35
2 4.00 FULL ACV (AC Voltage Full Scale) 15,25,35
3 0.05 OFST DCV (DC Voltage Offset) 25,35
4 4.00 FULL DCV (DC Voltage Full Scale) 25,35
5 0.05 OFST IR V (IR Voltage Offset) 35
6 1.00 FULL IR V (IR Voltage Full Scale) 35
7 OFST 0.12 mA) ACA (AC Current Offset) 2.99mA Range 15,25,35
8 FULL 2.5 (mA) ACA (AC Current Full Scale) 2.99mA Range 15,25,35
9 OFST 2.5 ACA (AC Current Offset) 15mA Range 15,25,35
10 FULL 12 ACA (AC Current Full Scale) 15mA Range 15,25,35
11 OFST 0.12 DCA (DC Current Offset) 2.99mA Range 25,35
12 FULL 2.5 DCA (DC Current Full Scale) 2.99mA Range 25,35
13 OFST 0.12 DCA (DC Current Offset) 7.5mA Range 25,35
14 FULL 5.00 DCA (DC Current Full Scale) 7.5mA Range 25,35
3.3.1.2.3 Voltage Calibration
Connect the HV output terminal of the Sentry 15/25/35 unit to the input terminal of the AC/DC
high voltage meter. Connect the GND terminal of the Sentry to the GND terminal of the
voltmeter.
Using a pen point or tip of a small screwdriver, depress the [CAL ENABLE] switch on the front
panel above the buzzer. (Note : To disable CAL merely push the switch a second time).
Press [ENTER] four times.
Press [DOWN] once.
Press [DOWN] until display reads CAL tESt.
Press [PROG] to enter into calibration.
Press [ENTER] to enter step 1
Press [START]
Press [UP] or [DOWN] to input reading from the voltmeter.
Press [ENTER] then [STOP] to accept reading.
Press [DOWN] to go to next step.
ON
tESt
CAL
0.500 0.0
OFSt ACU
0.05
0.05
CAL
0.0 0.500 0.05
0.0 0.060 0.049
ACU FULL 4.00
Page 56 of 57 Service & Calibration
Continue as described above with calibration steps 2-6 (Table 3-5). After pressing [DOWN] to
select the next step, Press [ENTER], [START], [UP] or [DOWN] to input voltmeter reading,
then [ENTER] & [STOP] for each step.
NOTE: The values in the boxes next to [START] are examples.
NOTE: Once in the calibration mode ( [ENTER] 4x, [DOWN] until CAL tESt, then
[PROG] ), any or all of the steps (1-14) can be calibrated using the [DOWN] key
to scroll through the steps and pressing [ENTER] to select a step to calibrate.
3.3.1.2.4 Current Calibration
Table 3-6: Resistance Loads
Mode Step # Voltage Range Calibration
Point
Resistance
(Load)
AC 7 1200 V 2.99 0.12 mA 12 MΩ
AC 8 1200 V 2.99 2.5 mA 480 KΩ
AC 9 1200 V 15 2.5 mA 480 KΩ
AC 10 1200 V 15 12 mA 80 KΩ
DC 11 1200 V 2.99 0.12 mA 12 MΩ
DC 12 1200 V 2.99 2.5 mA 480 KΩ
DC 13 1200 V 7.5 0.12 mA 12 MΩ
DC 14 1200 V 7.5 5 mA 240 KΩ
Connect the HV output terminal of the Sentry 15/25/35 to a resistance box or resistance.
Connect an AC/DC current meter in series between the resistance (box) and GND terminal.
To continue calibration from step 6 proceed as follows:
Press [DOWN]
Press [ENTER]
Press [START]
Press [UP] or [DOWN] to input reading from current meter.
Continue as described above with steps 8-14 (Table 3-5). After pressing [DOWN] to select the
next step, press [ENTER], [START], [UP] or [DOWN] to enter current meter reading, then
[ENTER] & [STOP] for each step.
When all calibration steps are complete:
Press [STOP]
Press [ENTER] four times
Press [DOWN] once
Press [DOWN] until display reads [CAL ON].
Press [PROG]
Release [CAL ENABLE] switch using a pen point or tip of small screwdriver.
A-1
Cisco Broadband Fixed Wireless Site Planning Guide
OL-0312-02a
A P P E N D I X A
Configuration and Ordering Guide
Introduction
After site planning has been completed, use the information in this section to determine exactly what
equipment and accessories you need to order.
Figure A-1 shows all major components and accessories needed to install your broadband fixed wireless
system. Refer to this diagram to determine which items are required for your installation. Some of the
items are included with the major components and some must be ordered from Cisco or a third-party
vendor.
Ordering Notes
These are basic configuration facts that should be taken into consideration when determining the
equipment to order:
• Each combination of one wireless modem card and one power feed panel will support one end
of only one point-to-point link. Each end of a link may consist of one wireless transverter and
one antenna, or two wireless transverters and two antennas. When there are two transverters
and two antennas, the first transverter-antenna set supports the main signal, and the second
transverter-antenna set supports the diversity signal.
• The Cisco uBR7223 universal broadband router supports up to two wireless modem cards.
• The Cisco uBR7246 and Cisco uBR7246 VXR universal broadband routers support up to four
wireless modem cards.
• When configuring the Cisco uBR7200 series routers, you must order a minimum of 64 MB of RAM
to support the modem cards.
Note Antenna diversity is optional and is not required for operation.
A-2
Cisco Broadband Fixed Wireless Site Planning Guide
OL-0312-02a
AppendixA Configuration and Ordering Guide
Ordering Notes
FigureA-1 Wireless Broadband Router System
2
6
3
1
5
Wireless modem card
(UBR-MCW-PDA)
up to 4 depending on router
Router
(uBR 7223, 7246, or 7246 VXR)
RJ-45(F)
SMA(F)
RJ-45(F)
SMA(F)
RJ-45(M)
SMA(M)
RJ-45(F)
SMA(F)
RJ-45(F)
SMA(F)
RJ-45(M)
SMA(M)
5
0
-
o
h
m
I
F
c
a
b
l
e
(
m
a
i
n
)
5
0
-
o
h
m
I
F
c
a
b
l
e
(
d
i
v
e
r
s
i
t
y
)
C
o
n
t
r
o
l
c
a
b
l
e
(
m
a
i
n
)
C
o
n
t
r
o
l
c
a
b
l
e
(
d
i
v
e
r
s
i
t
y
)
DB9(F)
N(F)
SMA(F)
Not required
for operation
IF monitor cable
SMA(F)
DB9(M)
DB9(M)
SMA(M) N(M)
SMA(M)
Power feed panel
(UBR-WPFD)
1 per wireless
modem card
Terminal block receptacle
Terminal
block plug**
Mounting
bracket kit**
Ground lug**
Right-angle N adapter
or right-angle N(M) connector
–48 VDC power supply
Minimum 14 AWG
N(F)
50-ohm
spectrum analyzer
BNC(F)
BNC(M) BNC(M)
Between-series adapter
BNC(F)
10-MHz clock
**Provided by Cisco
50-ohm IF cable (main)
Control cable (main)
N(M)
N(M)
N(M)
Lightning protector
for control cable
Lightning protector
for coaxial cable
Bulkhead
N(F)
N(M)
N(M)
Lightning protector
for control cable
Lightning protector
for coaxial cable
(if > 200 ft.)
Ground shield
every 200 ft.
Ground shield
every 200 ft.
Antenna (main)
(on grounded mast)
Adapter
50-ohm RF cable
N(F)
Wireless transverter (main)
N(M)
N(F)
N(M) N(F) N(M)
N(F)
LEMO-type(M)
LEMO-type(F)
3.5 mm
phone
plug
3.5 mm
phone
jack Ground
lug
50-ohm IF cable (diversity)
Control cable
(diversity)
N(M)
N(M)
N(M)
Lightning protector
for control cable
Lightning protector
for coaxial cable
Bulkhead
N(F)
N(M)
N(M)
Lightning protector
for control cable (if > 200 ft.)
Lightning protector
for coaxial cable (if > 200 ft.)
Cable stress relief
Cable stress relief
Antenna (diversity)
(on grounded mast)
Adapter
50-ohm RF cable
N(F)
Wireless transverter (diversity)
N(M)
N(F)
N(M) N(F) N(M)
N(F)
LEMO-type(M)
LEMO-type(F)
3.5 mm
phone
plug
3.5 mm
phone
jack
0 to 5 VDC alignment port
0 to 5 VDC alignment port
Ground
lug
A-3
Cisco Broadband Fixed Wireless Site Planning Guide
OL-0312-02a
AppendixA Configuration and Ordering Guide
Cisco-Provided Accessories
Cisco-Provided Accessories
Cisco provides the accessories described in this section to help in the installation of your wireless
broadband router system. These items can be found in the equipment and accessory cartons.
Mounting Bracket Kit for Power Feed Panel
This kit contains brackets for installing the power feed panel in a 19-inch rack or attaching it to a wall.
It contains the fasteners necessary for attaching the brackets to the unit. Instructions for attaching these
brackets and installing the power feed panel can be found in the Cisco uBR7200 Series Wireless Modem
Card and Subsystem Installation and Configuration document.
Pluggable Terminal Block
This terminal block is used to wire the DC power supply to the power feed panel, and is inserted into a
receptacle in the rear panel of the power feed panel. Instructions for wiring the DC power can be found
in the Cisco uBR7200 Series Wireless Modem Card and Subsystem Installation and Configuration
document.
Ground Lug Kit
A ground lug kit is provided for the power feed panel chassis. Instructions for using the ground lug kit
can be found in the Cisco uBR7200 Series Wireless Modem Card and Subsystem Installation and
Configuration document or Cisco Broadband Fixed Wireless System Power Feed Panel Replacement
Instructions.
Customer-Provided Components and Accessories
The following additional items are required to install your wireless broadband router system. For each
type of component or accessory required or suggested, types are listed.
Wireless Transverters and Duplexers
A wireless transverter (often referred to as the outdoor unit or ODU) is the control and data interface to
the indoor router subsystems. It provides up/down conversion for IF-to-RF frequencies and power
amplification. A duplexer is a fixed cavity waveguide module that fits in the transverter and provides
channel plan-specific capability.
A wireless transverter and duplexer set is required for transmission for each wireless modem card. Two
sets are required when using diversity.
Antennas
Antenna selection depends on your application. Refer to Chapter 2, “Site Planning Considerations,” for
information regarding antenna selection.
A-4
Cisco Broadband Fixed Wireless Site Planning Guide
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AppendixA Configuration and Ordering Guide
Customer-Provided Components and Accessories
Power Supplies
A –48 VDC, 7A power supply is required to power each wireless transverter. If the wireless transverters
are used for diversity, the power supply must be capable of delivering at least 14A at –48 VDC. The
power supply must be wired to the power feed panel using 10 AWG (5.26 mm
2
) or larger wires, as
required by local and national electrical codes.
Warning Use 10 AWG wire with insulation rated for 75˚C (167˚F) or higher to wire the DC input
powersupplytothepowerfeedpanel.Toseetranslationsofthewarningsthatappearin
this publication, refer to Appendix C, “Translated Safety Warnings.”
Coaxial Cables
Use coaxial cables for the IF cable connections, the RF cable, and the monitor cable. If your installation
includes 10-MHz clock, use a coaxial cable for this connection also.
Current Handling Capacity
The IF coaxial cables connecting the power feed panel to the transverter must be large enough to carry
12A short-circuit current at –48 VDC on the inner and outer conductors, as required by local and
national electrical codes.
DC and RF Losses
DC resistance (sum of center conductor and outer conductor): 1.6 ohms maximum
RF loss at 420 MHz (the receive IF): 12 dB maximum
RF loss at 324 MHz (the transmit IF): 12 dB maximum
Table A-1 lists some of the coaxial cabling options with the maximum distance to the wireless
transverter for each option.
TableA-1 Sample Coaxial Cabling Options
Type
Center
Conductor Size
(in. diam.)
Total
Resistance
(Ohms/1000 ft)
Attenuation
at 420 MHz
(dB/1000 ft)
Attenuation
at 324 MHz
(dB/1000 ft)
Cisco Pt.-Pt.
Installation
Max. Cable
Length (ft)*
Times Microwave
LMR-400
0.108 3.04 26 23 420
Times Microwave
LMR-500
0.142 2.08 21 18 520
Times Microwave
LMR-600
0.176 1.73 17 14 640
Times Microwave
LMR-900
—
(hollow tube)
1.09 11 10 1000
A-5
Cisco Broadband Fixed Wireless Site Planning Guide
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AppendixA Configuration and Ordering Guide
Customer-Provided Components and Accessories
* Assuming 1 dB total loss in connectors, power feed panel, and coaxial cable between line card and power feed panel
Connectors
Use the following connectors for coaxial cable:
• SMA male connectors for the wireless-modem-card-to-power-feed-panel connection
• N-type male connector for the power-feed-panel-to-wireless-transverter connection
• Cable with appropriate connector, depending on the manufacturer, for the external 10-MHz clock
(if one is used)
Cisco strongly recommends that you use some type of cable-connection weatherproofing on all outdoor
RF and IF cable connections to protect them against long-term degradation from weather effects. This
is typically done by applying a suitable seal to the N-type connectors after they have been connected and
verified. Do not use common electrical tape or similar types of tape because the resulting seal is not
adequate, these types of tape do not withstand sunlight well, and they leave a gummy residue when
removal becomes necessary.
There are several available products for this purpose. Some of the manufacturers/suppliers of these
products are listed in Table A-2.
Andrew 3/8-in.
Heliax,
FSJ Series,
Superflex
0.110 2.81 26 22 420
Andrew 1/2-in.
Heliax,
FSJ Series,
Superflex
0.142 1.82 22 19 500
Andrew 1/4-in.
Heliax,
LDF Series
0.102 2.59 25 22 440
Andrew 3/8-in.
Heliax,
LDF Series
0.122 1.93 22 19 500
Andrew 1/2-in.
Heliax,
LDF Series
0.189 1.03 15 13 730
Andrew 7/8-in.
Heliax,
LDF Series
0.355 0.64 8 7 1000
TableA-1 Sample Coaxial Cabling Options
Type
Center
Conductor Size
(in. diam.)
Total
Resistance
(Ohms/1000 ft)
Attenuation
at 420 MHz
(dB/1000 ft)
Attenuation
at 324 MHz
(dB/1000 ft)
Cisco Pt.-Pt.
Installation
Max. Cable
Length (ft)*
A-6
Cisco Broadband Fixed Wireless Site Planning Guide
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AppendixA Configuration and Ordering Guide
Customer-Provided Components and Accessories
Control Cables
The control cables provide a physical connection for the RF subsystem control channel.
Use plenum-rated, shielded, CAT-5, indoor cable to connect the control channel port on the wireless
modem card to the power feed panel. For the connection between the power feed panel and the
transverter, use weatherized, plenum-rated, shielded CAT-5 cable.
Connectors
Use the following connectors for the control cables:
• For the wireless-modem-card-to-power-feed-panel connection, use a shielded RJ-45 male
connector(s)
• For the power-feed-panel-to-wireless-transverter connection, use a shielded DB-9 male and a
LEMO-type male connector. Cables with the LEMO-type connector already attached may be
included with your wireless transverter, or can be purchased from a third-party vendor. Refer to
Table A-2 for information. If cables are to be built on site, see Figure A-2 for DB-9 to 8-pin
LEMO-type wiring.
FigureA-2 DB-9 to 8-Pin LEMO-Type Wiring
Note The cable shield must be grounded to the connector housing on both the DB-9 (back shell)
and the LEMO-type connector.
Lightning Protectors
Lightning protectors should be used on both cables, coaxial and control, connecting to the wireless
transverter. They should be installed both before the bulkhead and near the transverter. Refer to
Chapter 2, “Site Planning Considerations,” for information regarding lightning protection.
DB-9
Male
DB-9
Male
LEMO-type
8-pin plug
Twisted pair
Twisted pair
LEMO-type 8-pin plug
viewed from back
(solder side) of plug
1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
2 3 4
6 7 8 9
Keyway
2
7
2
8
9
5
1
2
3
4
6
7
8
5
A-7
Cisco Broadband Fixed Wireless Site Planning Guide
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AppendixA Configuration and Ordering Guide
Spare Equipment Planning
Spare Equipment Planning
Cisco provides some of the parts and accessories for a typical wireless installation; however, many parts
and accessories are obtained from other companies. The Cisco-provided parts and accessories include:
• Cisco uBR7223, uBR7246, or uBR7246 VXR universal broadband router
• Power feed panel
• Wireless modem card
• Ground lug kit
• Mounting bracket kit for the power feed panel
• Pluggable terminal block
The Cisco-provided parts and accessories are normally available via standard Cisco return merchandise
authorization (RMA) processes.
The non-Cisco-provided products must be obtained from other supplier(s). The replacement times for
the non-Cisco-provided products will depend on the RMA procedures of the other supplier(s).
Cisco recommends that you design and maintain a spares inventory based on your network availability
requirements.
Manufacturers or Suppliers for Accessories
Table A-2 provides information on some of the manufacturers or suppliers, including their web sites, of
product offerings required to install a wireless system.
Note The information in Table A-2 might change without notice.
TableA-2 Manufacturers or Suppliers of Wireless Accessories
Products
Manufacturer
or Supplier Web Site
3M Cold Shrink
Weatherproofing Kit
Andrew Corporation www.andrew.com
10-MHz reference frequency
clocks
Hewlett-Packard
Company
www.hp.com
TrueTime Inc. www.truetime.com
Antennas (dish) Andrew Corporation www.andrew.com
Radio Waves, Inc. www.radiowavesinc.com
Antennas (semi-parabolic grid) California Amplifier Available from Phillips-Tech
www.phillips-tech.com
Conifer Corporation www.conifercorp.com
Cable-connection
weatherproofing
(see 3M Cold Shrink Weatherproofing Kit or Coax-Seal)
A-8
Cisco Broadband Fixed Wireless Site Planning Guide
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AppendixA Configuration and Ordering Guide
Manufacturers or Suppliers for Accessories
Coax-Seal Universal Electronics,
Inc.
828-293-2222
www.coaxseal.com
Coaxial cables (indoor/outdoor) Andrew Corporation www.andrew.com
Times Microwave
Systems
www.timesmicrowave.com
Coaxial cables (outdoor) Belden Inc. www.belden.com
RFS Cablewave
Systems
www.cablewave.com
Coaxial cable connectors
(indoor/outdoor)
Andrew Corporation www.andrew.com
Times Microwave
Systems
www.timesmicrowave.com
Coaxial cable connectors
(outdoor)
Belden Inc. www.belden.com
RFS Cablewave
Systems
www.cablewave.com
Control cables (indoor/outdoor) Belden Inc. www.belden.com
Control cable connectors
(indoor/outdoor)
Belden Inc. www.belden.com
Control cables with attached
LEMO-type connector
LoDan Electronics www.lodan.com
Talley Communications www.talleycom.com
WJ Communications www.wj.com
Lightning protection for coaxial
cables
Huber + Suhner AG www.hubersuhner.com
Lightning protection for control
cables
ITW Linx www.itwlinx.com
PolyPhaser Corporation www.polyphaser.com
Masts (see Tripods/masts)
Pipe-to-pipe clamp sets Decibel Products www.decibelproducts.com
Pluggable terminal block Phoenix Contact Inc.,
USA
www.phoenixcon.com
Power supplies Acopian Technical
Company
www.acopian.com
Punch block surge protectors ITW Linx www.itwlinx.com
PolyPhaser Corporation www.polyphaser.com
TableA-2 Manufacturers or Suppliers of Wireless Accessories (continued)
Products
Manufacturer
or Supplier Web Site
A-9
Cisco Broadband Fixed Wireless Site Planning Guide
OL-0312-02a
AppendixA Configuration and Ordering Guide
Manufacturers or Suppliers for Accessories
RF termination devices M/A-COM www.macom.com
Merrimac www.merrimacind.com
Microwave Filter
Company
www.microwavefilter.com
Mini-Circuits www.minicircuits.com
Narda Microwave
Group
www.nardamicrowave.com
Weinschel www.weinschel.com
Terminal blocks Phoenix Contact Inc.,
USA
www.phoenixcon.com
Tripods/masts (non penetrating) Microflect Company www.microflect.com
Rohn Industries, Inc. www.rohnnet.com
Tower Structures www.tower-structures.com
Tripods/masts (penetrating) Microflect Company www.microflect.com
Wireless transverters WJ Communications www.wj.com
TableA-2 Manufacturers or Suppliers of Wireless Accessories (continued)
Products
Manufacturer
or Supplier Web Site
A-10
Cisco Broadband Fixed Wireless Site Planning Guide
OL-0312-02a
AppendixA Configuration and Ordering Guide
Manufacturers or Suppliers for Accessories