CLARE Rental Industry Safety Tester User Manual

CLARE Rental Industry Safety Tester

Limited Warranty & Limitation of Liability

Clare Instruments Inc, guarantees this product for a period of one year. The period of warranty will be effective at the day of delivery.

In order to ensure the continued performance of this product Clare recommends that this tester be serviced and calibrated on an annual basis, by Clare Instruments Inc. or any of Clare’s authorised service center using Clare’s approved parts and components.

Any unauthorised modifications, tampering or physical damage sustained through negligent use or handling will void your warranty. © Copyright 2005

All rights reserved. Nothing from this edition may be copied for reproduction, or made public in any form or manner, either electronically, mechanically, by photocopying, recording, or in any manner, without prior written consent
from Clare Instruments Inc. This also applies to accompanying drawings and diagrams.

Due to a policy of continuous development Clare Instruments Inc. reserves the right to alter the equipment specification and description outlined in this publication without prior notice and no part of this publication shall be deemed to be part of any contract for the equipment unless specifically referred to as an inclusion within such contract.

Before Starting

Upon receipt of your Tester:

1. Check that all the component parts are present:
   • Safe Check 5s Tester
   • Instruction Manual
2. Read the operating instructions fully before conducting any tests.
3. Contact Clare Instruments if you need information on training in Electrical Safety Testing. Courses can be arranged at Clare, or at the customer location.
4. Clare Instruments reserve the right to update the software in any instruments returned to them for repair or otherwise, without notifying the customer previously.

Safety

Note: Please read the following Safety Instructions before use!

Safety Precautions
The manual contains specific warning and caution statements.

A Warning will identify the conditions and actions that pose hazard(s) to the user.
A caution will identify the conditions and actions that may damage the Tester.

Symbols used within this manual and on the Tester are shown below:

Risk of electric shock
Warning of potential hazard

Use of the instrument in a manner not specified may impair safety. Read the following safety information carefully before attempting to operate the instrument.

Warning:

Due to the potential hazards associated with any electrical circuit it is important that the user is familiar with the instructions covering the capabilities and operation of this instrument. The user should ensure that all reasonable safety
precautions are followed and if any doubt exists should seek advice before proceeding.

This product is designed for use by suitably trained competent personnel and should be operated strictly in accordance with the instructions supplied.

Failure to comply with these instructions may expose the user to electrical hazard.

This Tester performs a number of electrical tests, which involve supply voltages and high currents. Never touch the Product being tested, or the test leads, whilst a test is in progress. Never remove the cover and touch any internal components whilst the tester is switched ON.

Always check all test leads for signs of damage prior to use. Never use damaged or defective leads, to perform any test.

Always ensure the power outlet to the Tester provides an adequate Ground connection.

This manual contains information and warnings, which must be adhered to, to ensure operator safety during operation. It is essential that this manual be read fully before proceeding to test.
Should the Tester behave abnormally do not continue with the testing. Disconnect immediately and contact Clare Instruments for servicing (see Chapter 5 – Maintaining the Tester).

Introducing the Tester

The Clare Safe Check 5s Tester is a powerful tool to assist in the verification of the safety of electrical and electronic equipment. A range of tests are provided, with innovative features to aid difficult test situations, which allow testing of a wide variety of equipment.
The Tester is designed to be easy to use, and also includes the following innovative features:

• Automatically checks supply power outlet for faults.
• Accurate Ground Bond, Short and Leakage Current measurements.
• Simple PASS – FAIL indication.
• Automatic selection of correct tests.
• Supply Input 120V AC 60Hz (GROUNDED).
• 20 Amp thermal circuit breaker (located on the rear of the Tester)
• Versatile range of test outputs:
• Self test facility

Standard Accessories

Optional Accessories

Calibration Checkbox

Product Number Labels (250) Pass Labels (500)

| SC5-CB CLARE-PNL CLARE-PL

Specifications

Input Rating

Supply Voltage                                      120 Vac RMS
Frequency                                              50/60 Hz
Fuse                                                       20 Amp thermal circuit breaker

Ground Bond Test

Test Voltage.                                           6 Vac (Nominal)
Test Current..                                          7A (Typical)
Fail Level                                                500mΩ

Short to Case Test

Test Voltage.                                           6 Vac (Nominal)
Test Current.                                          20 μAmps (Typical)
Fail Level..                                              150kΩ

Short to Line Test

Test Voltage.                                           6 Vac (Nominal)
Test Current..                                          1 Amp (Typical)
Fail Level…                                              3Ω

Leakage Test

Test Voltage.                                           120 Vac
Fail Leakage Current .                             0.75 mA

Accuracy Levels +/-10% at 22 °C and 40% relative humidity.
This product is IP40 rated.

Purpose of the Tests

Ground Bond Test
This test is to ensure the connection between the ground wire and ground pin in the power cord of the product and the metal casing are connected by a sufficiently low impedance.

A test current is applied between the ground pin of the power cord and the ground clip.
A high current is normally used to stress the connection to a fault condition.
The length of the test is limited to prevent damage due to overheating.

Short to Case Test
A low voltage test to ensure there is no short present between the line conductor and the case.

Short to Line Test
A low voltage test to ensure there is no short between the line and neutral conductors.

Leakage Test
A supply voltage test to ensure there is no harmful leakage in the equipment under test.

Extension Cord Test
This test confirms the safety and integrity of 120V power cords.
The cord test performs a ground bond test on the ground wire and then does continuity and polarity checks on the Line and Neutral conductors, between the plug and socket of the extension cord.

Definitions

• Equipment Under Test – the electrical / electronic apparatus (EUT) which is the subject of testing.
• Tester – the Clare Safe Check 5s tester.
• Un-powered Tests – the EUT is the subject of electrical tests using stimuli generated within the Tester.
• User – The test operative using the Tester to perform tests on an EUT

Switching on the Tester

• Connect the power cord to a 120 Volt 60Hz Grounded supply.
• Switch on the Tester.
• The amber test indicators should illuminate.
• If the Green PASS and Red FAIL indicators illuminate there is a fault.

Supply Power Outlet faults

• If a fault is detected, indicated by the Green PASS and Red FAIL indicators, switch the tester off immediately and correct the fault. Seek assistance if you are unsure how to proceed.
• The tester will not allow you to perform any tests while a fault is present.
• The type of fault can be determined by the buzzer.
  • Buzzer Continuous – Mains power has been connected to the male test plug. Remove any power cords connected to the tests connectors
  • Short beeps (0.2s duration) – Supply Ground fault. The installation ground has a fault. Consult a qualified electrician.
  • Long beeps (0.5s duration) – Line/Neutral fault. The installation line and neutral connections are crossed.
    Consult a qualified electrician.

Using the Tester

WARNING: do not touch or hold the EUT during testing. Ensure the EUT cannot move when under test.

Testing Metal Case (Class 1) Products

• Before connecting to the Tester a visual inspection must be carried out to ensure the EUT has no loose cables on plugs or cable entries, and to verify the condition of the supply cord.
• Connect the EUT to the appropriate test output socket.
• Ensure the EUT is switched on and properly supported.
• Connect the ground clip to a metal part on the body of EUT.
• WARNING During LEAKAGE tests the product will be powered at line voltage and will operate. Make sure the ground clip is not connected to moving parts.
• Press and hold the TEST button to begin test sequence. If the TEST button is released at any time the sequence will be aborted.
• If any test fails all outputs are switched off and the FAIL indicator will flash for 3 seconds accompanied by the buzzer sounding.
• As each test is performed the indicator will flash. When a test is complete the next test in the sequence will start automatically.
• After the SHORT to LINE test has finished the LEAKAGE test will not start until the TEST button has been released and the RUN/LEAKAGE button has been pushed.
• Press and hold the RUN/LEAKAGE button to start the LEAKAGE test. If the RUN/LEAKAGE button is released at any time the test sequence will abort.
• WARNING During LEAKAGE tests hazardous voltages may be present. Do not touch the EUT during LEAKAGE tests.
• When all tests are successfully completed the PASS indicator will flash for 3 seconds.

Testing Double Insulated (Class 2) Products

• Before connecting to the Tester a visual inspection must be made to ensure the EUT has no loose cables on plugs or entries, and to verify the condition of the supply cord.
• Connect the EUT to the appropriate test output socket.
• Ensure the EUT is switched on and properly supported.
• Connect the ground clip to body of EUT.
• Press and hold the TEST button to begin. If the TEST button is released at any time the sequence will abort.
• If any test fails all outputs are switched off and the FAIL indicator will flash for 3 seconds accompanied by the buzzer.
• As the SHORT to LINE test is performed the indicator will flash.
• After the SHORT to LINE test has finished the LEAKAGE test will not start until the TEST button has been released and the RUN/LEAKAGE button has been pushed.
• Press and hold the RUN/LEAKAGE button to start the LEAKAGE test. If the RUN/LEAKAGE button is released at any time the test sequence will abort.
• WARNING During LEAKAGE tests hazardous voltages may be present.
  Do not touch the EUT during LEAKAGE tests.

Testing Extension Cords

• Before connecting to the Tester a visual inspection must be made to ensure the EUT(in this case the extension cord set) has no loose cables on plugs or sockets, and to verify the condition of the supply cord.
• Connect the socket end of the EUT to the Tester output plug (male) and the plug end of the EUT to the appropriate test socket output.
• Press and hold the TEST button to begin the tests (three stages). If the TEST button is released at any time the sequence will abort.
• As the CORD TEST is performed the indicator will flash to indicate that the Ground bond test (1st stage), then the continuity & polarity tests (2nd stage), then the line/neutral short test (3rd stage) are being performed respectively.
• If any test fails all outputs are switched off and the FAIL indicator will flash for 3 seconds accompanied by the buzzer.
• When all tests are successfully completed the PASS indicator will flash for 3 seconds.

RUN/LEAKAGE Test – Self Test Facility

• Ensure there are no EUTs connected to the tester.
• Select CLASS 2 Double Insulated – using the rotary switch.
• Press and hold the TEST button to begin. If the TEST button is released at any time the sequence will abort.
• After the SHORT to LINE test has finished the LEAKAGE test will not start until the TEST button has been released and the RUN/LEAKAGE button has been pushed.
• Before beginning the LEAKAGE test press the Leakage Self Test button on the rear of the tester
• Press and hold the RUN/LEAKAGE button to start the LEAKAGE test. If the RUN/LEAKAGE button is released at any time the test sequence will abort.
• The LEAKAGE test should fail Note: the Leakage Self Test button must be pressed for the full duration of the LEAKAGE test
• If the LEAKAGE test does not fail, contact Clare Instruments Inc. for service

Maintaining the Tester

Cleaning the Tester

The Tester case can be cleaned with a damp cloth and a small amount of mild detergent. Prevent excessive moisture around the socket panel or at the rear of the unit.
Do not allow liquids to ingress into the Tester, or around the socket panel.
Do not use abrasives, solvents, or alcohol to clean.
If any liquid is spilt onto the Tester case, the Tester should be returned for inspection, stating the cause of the defect.

User Maintenance

The Tester is a rugged quality instrument. However, care should always be taken when using, transporting and storing this type of equipment. Failure to treat the product with care will reduce both the life of the instrument and
its reliability.
If the Tester is subject to condensation, allow the Tester too completely dry before use.

• Always check the Tester and all the test leads for signs of damage and wear before use.
• Do not open the Tester under any circumstances.
• Keep the instrument clean and dry.
• Avoid testing in conditions of high electrostatic or electromagnetic fields.
• Maintenance should only be performed by authorized personnel.
• There are no user replaceable parts within the Tester.
• The unit should be regularly calibrated (at least annually).

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