Sonel P-4 Two Pole Voltage Tester User Manual

Sonel P-4 Two-Pole Voltage Tester

Voltage testers of P-type are used to test voltage, continuity of connections, diode tests, checking phase rotation, and – in some models – resistance measurements and identification of phases. In order to provide conditions for correct operation and the correctness of the obtained results, the following recommendations must be observed.

• Before you proceed to operate the device, ac-quaint yourself thoroughly with this manual and observe the safety regulations and specifications defined by the producer
• Any application that differs from those specified in the present manual may result in damage to the device and constitute a source of danger for the user.
• The device should be operated only by suitably qualified persons having the necessary permissions to carry out measurements on electrical systems. Unauthorized use of the tester may result in its damage and may be a source of serious hazard to the user.
• Comply with safety requirements and regulations in force in your country when working with the device. This also applies to the use of personal protective equipment to protect against electric shock.
• Before using the device, please check its accuracy on the known voltage source.
• Do not perform measurements in an explosive atmosphere (e.g. in the presence of flammable gases, vapors, dust, etc.). Using the meter in such conditions may result in sparking and cause an explosion.
• It is unacceptable to operate the device when:
  • it is damaged (including cracks and missing
  • parts of the housing) and completely or partially out of order,
  • its cable insulation is damaged,
  • it was stored for an excessive period of time in disadvantageous conditions (e.g. excessive humidity)After moving the device from a cool to a warm place with a high level of relative humidity, do not start measurements until the device is warmed up to the ambient temperature (approximately 30 minutes)
• Do not use the tester when the battery compartment is removed or open. Do not power the meter from other sources than those mentioned in this manual.
• When the low battery indicator lights up, test results may be incorrect.
• Do not perform voltage measurements for longer than 30 seconds. After the measurement period of 30 s, the next measurement may be made no earlier than after 240 s.

Safety symbols

• This symbol located near another symbol or terminal indicates that the user should read the further information contained in the manual.
• This symbol located near the terminal indicates that in normal use there is a possibility of dangerous voltages.
• Protection class II double insulation
• This symbol indicates that the device must not be disposed of in any household waste containers, but must be provided to a designated collection point for electronic waste.
• The device meets the legal requirements of the European Union.

CAT Measurement category of the instrument.

Safety restrictions

• The different indicating signals of the voltage detector (including the ELV limit indication) are not to be used for measuring purposes.
• The voltages marked on the voltage detector are nominal voltages or nominal voltage ranges.
• The voltage detector is only to be used on installations with the specified nominal voltages or nominal voltage ranges.
• The actual measurement value can be determined using the LCD display.
• Before using a voltage detector with audible indicators at locations with a high background noise level, it has to be determined whether the audible signal is perceptible.

Safety advice

Depending on the internal impedance of the voltage detector, in case of the presence of interference voltage, there will be a different capability of indicating the presence or absence of operating voltage.
Low-impedance voltage tester (impedance <100 kΩ). Interference voltage is suppressed or reduced.

• A voltage tester of relatively low internal impedance, compared to the reference value of 100 kΩ, will not indicate all interference voltages having an original voltage value above 50 V AC / 120 V DC. When in contact with the objects to be tested, the voltage tester may discharge temporarily the interference voltage to a level below the value mentioned above. However, it will be back to the original value when the voltage tester is removed.
• When the indication “voltage present” does not appear, it is highly recommended to install earthing equipment before starting work.

High-impedance voltage tester (impedance 100 kΩ). Interference voltage will not be suppressed or reduced.

• A voltage tester of relatively high internal impedance, compared to the reference value of 100 kΩ, may not permit clearly indicate the absence of operating voltage in case of the presence of interference voltage.
• When the indication “voltage present” appears on a part that is expected to be disconnected from the installation, it is highly recommended to confirm by another means (e.g. use of an adequate voltage tester capable of distinguishing between operating voltages and interference voltages, visual inspection of the disconnecting point of the electric circuit, etc.) that there is no operating voltage on the part to be tested and to conclude that the voltage indicated by the voltage tester is an interference voltage.

Voltage testers are capable of distinguishing between operating voltage and interference voltage by means of load connection. A voltage tester stating two values of internal impedance has passed a performance test of managing interference voltages and is (within technical limits) able to distinguish operating voltage from interference voltage and has a means to directly or indirectly indicate which type of voltage is present.

Functional description Interface

1. The protective case for tips of test probes
2. Test probe L1/-
3. Test probe L2/+
4. Tips for test probes L1 and L2
5. AC voltage indicator light
6. Indicator lights of DC voltage polarization
7. Indicator lights for the direction of phases:
   • clockwise sequence [Right]
   • counter-clockwise sequence [Left]
8. Functional indicator lights:
   • Continuity indicator (R <400 kΩ)
   • Diode test
9. Indicator lights of RCD test
10. Button triggering the RCD test of an L1 probe
11. Button triggering the RCD test of the L2 probe
12. LED illuminating the measuring point
13. LED scale
    • Indicating the approximate voltage value
14. Indicator light:
    • battery status
    • resistance measurement
15. Signaling hazardous voltage (>50 V AC or 120 V DC)
16. LCD with read-outs and symbols
17. Function button:
    • Illumination of the measuring point and display backlight (press shortly)
    • Activation of the phasing mode (press and hold for 2 s)
18. HOLD button:
    • Freezing the measurement results on the display (press shortly)
    • Return to continuous measurement (press shortly)
    • Activating the resistance measurement (long press (2 s)

Display

1. Reading field
2. Read-out stopped on the display (HOLD function)
3. The clockwise sequence of phases
4. A counter-clockwise sequence of phases Low battery status
5. Units of displayed values

Measurements

Switching the tester ON

To switch the tester ON:

• contact the metal tips of 4 test probes with each other
  or

• connect the tips of probes to the voltage source of ≥6 V AC / DC.

Operational check of the tester

Before and after each use of the tester, check its operation:

• contact the metal tips of 4 test probes with each other for approx. 4-6 s and then disconnect them. This should result in the following:
  • all the LEDs light up,
  • the buzzer is activated
  • all the icons light up, and the display backlight is active.
• In addition, before each use, check the tester by measuring a known voltage source.

The function of indicating a dangerous voltage source is active with discharged or removed batteries. To operate other functions efficient batteries are required.

Voltage measurement 1P

• Firmly grasp the L2 probe in the area between the conductor and the protective barrier.
• Connect probe L2 of the tester to the tested object.

The presence of AC voltage is indicated by active indicator lights. AC voltage indicator light

• After disconnecting the volt-age, the tester switches off after a few seconds.
• During the single-pole determination of phases to mark the external conductors, in some conditions, the operation of the tester may deteriorate (e.g. when using isolated personal protection equipment or an isolated stand).
• Single-pole phase tests should not be considered sufficient to determine whether the circuit is energized. 2P (2-pole) tests should be performed in this case.
• When operating in this mode, the Auto OFF function of the tester is inactive.
• Performing the measurement is possible in protective gloves without the use of a touch electrode.

Voltage measurement 2P

• Connect both the tester probes to the system under voltage.
  • The device automatically turns ON when it detects a voltage higher than 6 V.
  • LCD will turn on from about 6 V.
• The voltage is indicated by:
  • 7-step LED scale,
  • display.
• After disconnecting the voltage, the tester switches off after a few seconds.

The presence of voltage is indicated by indicator lights. alternating voltage constant voltage, probe L2 connected to the positive pole + constant voltage, probe L2 connected to the negative pole – hazardous voltage detected

• The LCD is active only when the batteries are efficient.
• When operating in this mode, the Auto OFF function of the tester is inactive.
• The actual voltage value may be determined only in models with LCD displays.

Circuit continuity test/diode test

CAUTION
The tested object must not be energized.

• Connect both probes to the tested object.

Signaling continuity with a beep and active indicator lights

• on the display

• After disconnecting from the object, the tester switches off after a few seconds

• The maximum resistance of the tested object: is 400 kΩ.

• If the tester detects voltage ≥6 V, it switches automatically to the voltage measurement mode (sec. 3.3, 3.4).

• When operating in this mode, the Auto OFF function of the tester is inactive

Measuring with the internal impedance
The tester is provided with additional low impedance, coupled with a vibrating motor.

To perform the RCD test:

• connect test probes to the tested circuit,
• Press and simultaneously hold both buttons

As a result:

• vibration motor vibrates after receiving voltage (approx. 200 V),
• and the indicator light will be activated. Pressing only one triggering button will not trigger the RCD.

Voltage measurement
Introducing low impedance into the tested circuit reduces capacitive and inductive interferences.

Circuit continuity test under voltage
Activation of the vibration motor confirms the continuity of the tested circuit.

RCD test
The test involves forcing the differential current between the L phase and PE line, and this current must exceed the tripping current of the RCD.

Measurement of resistance

CAUTION
The tested object must not be energized.

• Press the button for more than 2 seconds, to select resistance measurement – the indicator light will be activated.
• Apply the tips of test probes to the terminals of the tested object.
• Read the resistance value from the display.
• The function is active only with efficient batteries.
• If the tips of test probes are open or the measured value exceeds the measurement range, the device displays the value OL.
• If a dangerous voltage is detected during resistance measurement, the tester will activate the indicator light of the dangerous voltage.
• When operating in this mode, the Auto OFF function of the tester is inactive.

**Phase sequence test

**

• Connect the probe tip:
  • L1 to suspected phase L1,
  • L2 to suspected phase L2.
• Firmly grip both probes L1 and L2 (to achieve capacitive coupling to the earth).
• The value of phase-to-phase voltage is shown by:
  • LED scale,
  • display

Signaling the phase sequence by activating:

• indicator lights,
• icons on the display

Description of indicator lights:
clockwise sequence [Right] (phase L1 precedes L2)
counter-clockwise sequence [Left] (phase L2 precedes L1)

• After switching the probes, the reversed symbol will be activated.
• The function is active only with efficient batteries.
• The measurement may be performed using gloves – the third pole is capacitively coupled to test probe L2 held by the user.
• Indicator LEDs and symbols L and R on the display operate only during the measurements of AC voltage, but the phase sequence may be determined only in three-phase systems.

Phase identification

This function allows the identification of voltage phases in two distant points of the system.

• To activate the function, press the button and hold it for >2 seconds. The display shows the message ‘123’.
• The user has 30 seconds to start the synchronization process. Otherwise, the device will turn off after that time.
• Exit the function by pressing a button and holding it for 2 seconds.
• In the phasing mode, the HOLD function is deactivated.

Synchronization

Reference point

• Readiness for synchronization is indicated by displaying the following: pulsating
• Connect the tester to the tested object (probe connection: first N, then L).
• The internal generator of the tester is synchronized with the phase to which it is connected (the period and phase must be compliant with the period and phase of the signal at the terminals). The synchronization process is indicated by displaying the following:
• The synchronization is indicated by:
• repetitive sound signals in case of presence of voltage,
• lighting and displaying the following:

Countdown

• After the synchronization and disconnecting from the reference point, the tester starts to count the time, which indicates the reducing probability of correct determination of the phase – from 20 to 0 s.
• If the user does not connect the tester to the next point within this time, the tester turns off.

Determining the phase

Phase determination point

• Within 20 sec. (countdown time) move the tester to the test point.
• Connect the tester to the tested point (connecting the probes in accordance with the polarity during synchronization – first N, then L).
• The meter enters the countdown mode (sec. 3.9.2).

Description of messages:

Phase compliant with the reference phase (the phase shift <60)
The phase is ahead of the reference phase
Phase delayed in relation to the reference phase
If the tester is disconnected from the voltage before the end of synchronization:

• the symbol is displayed,
• a sound signal is activated (for 2 seconds)

Flashlight

The tester may light the measuring point,

• Briefly press the button on test probe L2.
• Disabling the function:
  • after pressing the button again
  • after Auto OFF time elapsed.

Display backlight

• The tester has the function of displaying the backlight.
• The backlight turns on automatically when the flashlight or measurement function is activated.
• Press and hold the longer button to test probe L2 in order to switch OFF the display back-light
• This function is also switched OFF after elapsing Auto OFF time.

‘Freezing’ the result (HOLD function)
Voltage testers may ‘freeze’ the voltage or resistance measurement result – HOLD function.

• To hold the result on the screen, press the short button – the display will show a HOLD message.
• The HOLD function is disabled after another short pressing of a button.

Replacing batteries

• The tester is powered by two LR03 AAA batteries of 1.5 V. The need to replace the batteries is indicated by: no beep after contacting with tips of test probes with each other,
• lighting too dim after pressing a button, active battery indicator light displayed symbol

To replace the batteries

• Disconnect the test probes from the measuring circuit, use a tool or a coin to open the battery compartment (counter-clockwise direction), remove the compartment, replace the batteries, ensure their correct polarity, and insert the container and close it (clockwise direction).
• After replacing the batteries, perform an operational check of the device described in sec. 3.2.

Cleaning and maintenance

1. THE METER MUST BE DRY. Wipe the dampened meter.
2. THE METER MUST BE USED AND STORED AT NORMAL TEMPERATURES. Extreme temperatures may shorten the life of electronic components and distort or melt plastic parts.
3.  THE METER MUST BE HANDLED CAREFULLY AND GENTLY. Dropping the meter may damage its electronic elements or the housing.
4. THE METER MUST BE KEPT CLEAN. From time to time wipe the housing with a damp cloth. DO NOT use chemicals, solvents, or detergents.
5. USE ONLY NEW BATTERIES OF RECOMMENDED SIZE AND TYPE. Remove the old or discharged batteries from the meter to avoid leakage and damage.
6. IF THE METER IS TO BE STORED FOR LONGER THAN 60 DAYS, remove the batteries and keep them separately. The electronic system of the meter does not require maintenance.

Storage

During the storage of the device, the following recommendations must be observed:

• protect the probes with a protective case,
• make sure that the meter and accessories are dry,
• when the devices must be stored for a prolonged period of time, batteries must be removed from the device.

Dismantling and disposal

• Worn-out electric and electronic equipment should be gathered selectively, i.e. it must not be placed with the waste of another kind. Worn-out electronic equipment should be sent to a collection point in accordance with the law of waste electrical and electronic equipment. Before the equipment is sent to a collection point, do not dismantle any elements. Observe the local regulations concerning the disposal of packages and used batteries.

Technical specifications

“d.v.” used in the specification of measurement uncertainty means “displayed value”

Voltage indication

12…1000 V AC/DC

| ± 12 V, 24 V,

50 V, 120 V,

230 V, 400 V,

≥690 V

| ****

Complies with EN 61243-2:2014

DC voltage measurement

In addition, the voltage values are indicated on the LED scale as follows: 12, 24, 50, 120, 230, 400, ≥690 V, together with voltage polarization (“+” or “-” LED).

Input resistance

approx. 300 kΩ

120 V
230 V
400 V
690 V

Measurement of alternating voltages in the range of 16…400 Hz

• In addition, the voltage values are indicated on the LED scale as follows: 12, 24, 50, 120, 230, 400, ≥690 V, together with the presence of AC voltage (“AC” indicator light is active).
• The frequency of measuring voltage for the scale: 16…400 Hz.

Measurement of resistance

• Basic uncertainty at 20°C.

• Temperature coefficient ±5 digits / 10 K

• Other data
  a) measurement category according to EN 61010-1 ………… …………………………………………………………………. III 1000 V ……………………………….. IV 600 V
  b) degree of housing protection acc. to EN 60529 ……… IP65
  c) contamination level …………………………………………………. 2
  d) type of insulation according to EN 61010-1: ………………… ………………………………………………………….. double, class II
  e) power supply of the meter………………………………………….. ………………………………………………….. 2 x LR03 AAA 1.5 V ……………………………………….. alkaline cells recommended
  f) the accuracy of the voltage indications ……………………….. …………………………………………… according to EN 61243-3
  g) operation frequency range ……………………….. 16…400 Hz
  h) response time …………………………………………………….. ≤1 s
  i) minimum pause time after activating for 30 s ……….. 240 s
  j) continuity test …………………………………………………………..

• test current …………………………………………………. 1.25 μA

• range ………………………………………………… 400…500 kΩ

• beep and light signal ……………………….. for R ≤ 400 kΩ

• triggering threshold accuracy ………………………… ±50%
  k) resistance measurement range …… 1…1999 Ω
  l) input impedance ……………………………………………………….

• basic ………………………………………………..approx. 300 kΩ

• at additional load …………………………………. approx. 7 kΩ
  m) maximum current: ……………………………………. IS < 200 mA
  n) range for single-pole phase indicator …………………………..

• voltage ………………………………………… 100…1000 V AC

• frequency …………………………………………….. 50…400 Hz

• beep signal ………………………………………. Umea’s. > 100 V
  o) range for a two-pole indicator of phase sequence

• voltage ……………………………………………….. 100…1000 V

• frequency ……………………………………………….. 50…60 Hz
  p) minimum activation voltage ………………. ±6 V AC/DC
  q) indication for exceeded range …………………….. OL symbol
  r) indication of discharged batteries
  s) operating temperature ……………………………… -15…+55C

• storage temperature ………………………………….. -20..+70C
  u) max. humidity …………………………………………………….. 95%
  v) maximum operating altitude …………………………….. 2000 m
  w) AUTO-OFF time ………………………………………………… 10 s
  ……………………………………………………. 30 s (HOLD mode)
  …………………………………. 600 s (resistance measurement)
  x) display ……………………………………………………………………..
  ……………………………………………………………. LCD, 3½ digit
  …………………………. 1999 read-out with function indicators
  y) dimensions …………………………………….. 275 x 82 x 36 mm
  z) tester weight …………………………………………………………….

• with batteries …………………………………………………. 291 g

• without batteries ……………………………………………. 267 g
  aa) electromagnetic compatibility compliant to: …………………………………………………………….. IEC 61326-1 ………………………………………………………….. IEC 61326-2-2
  bb) compliance with the requirements of the following standards … …………………………………………………………….. IEC 61010-1 …………………………….. IEC 61243-3
  cc) quality standard ………………………………………….. ISO 9001

Accessories

Standard accessories

• Screw-in tips Ø4 mm (4 pcs) – WAPOZN4MMK
• Inserted caps made of plastic to limit the length of the tips of test probes to 2 mm (GS38) (2 pcs)
• A protective case suspended on a conductor connecting both probes
• Operating manual
• Battery AAA 1.5 V (LR03) (2 pcs)

The current list of accessories can be found on the manufacturer’s website.

Optional accessories
Casing S2: WAFUTS2

Manufacturer

The manufacturer of the device and provider of guarantee and post-guarantee service:
SONEL S.A. Wokulskiego 11 58-100 Świdnica
Poland

• tel. +48 74 858 38 60
• fax +48 74 858 38 09
• E-mail: export@sonel.pl
• Webpage: www.sonel.pl

CAUTION
Service repairs must be performed only by the manufacturer.

References

• Offer to sell domain: somel.pl
• Sonel S.A.

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