EFO AUTOTRIP RCD Tester User Manual

EFO AUTOTRIP RCD Tester

FAQ

Q: How do I know when to replace the batteries?

A: Replace batteries when the low battery indication appears. Switch off the instrument, disconnect from electrical circuits, remove test leads, replace with four Alkaline batteries, and secure the battery cover before use.

Q: What should I do if the instrument overheats?

A: If overheating occurs, a hot symbol will be displayed. Allow the instrument to cool down before further use.

Safety information and explanation of symbols used

Caution read this manual for important safety information

The AUTOTRIP must only be used by suitably trained or competent persons.
Before using the AUTOTRIP please read and fully understand these instructions paying particular attention to the safety warnings. Do not use this tester in a manner other than that described in this booklet.

• Check the instrument case and test leads for damage before each use. If any damage is noticed the unit should be withdrawn from service and returned to place of purchase for repair.
• The battery cover must be fitted and secure before using the instrument.
• Always verify the continuity of the protective earthing conductors and equipotential bonds before carrying out RCD testing.
• Do not operate the meter around explosive gas, vapor, or dust.
• Do not apply more than the rated voltage, (300V) as marked on the meter, between terminals or between any terminal and earth ground.
• The AUTOTRIP is rated at 300V Category III.
• Exposed metal work in the installation should not be touched during testing.
• Ensure when handling test probes and crocodile clips that fingers are always behind the protective guards.
• Do not change ranges by turning the rotary knob while a test is in progress.
• Please note the polarity LED indicator is not able to determine N-PE supply reversal.
• Always perform a relevant risk assesment before testing and concider any critical equipment and loads that maybe connected on the circuit under test which will be turned off by tripping the RCD.

Symbols marked on the equipment

• Caution refer to instruction manual and accompaning notes
• Double Insulation
• Equipment complies with current EU directives
• ACMA mark

Batteries

• Do not switch the instrument on or use it with the battery cover removed.
• When installing batteries observe correct polarity do not mix old and new batteries.
• Dispose of used batteries in accordance with local regulations.
• Never incinerate batteries.
• For safety reasons the tester is shipped without batteries fitted.

To install or replace batteries

• Replace batteries as soon as the low battery indication appears.
• Switch the instrument off and disconnect from any electrical circuits.
• Remove test leads.
• Remove the small crosshead screw on the back of the instrument that retains the battery cover and fit four Alkaline batteries type AA / LR6 in accordance with the polarity shown.
• Replace the battery cover and ensure it is secure before use.
• The batteries should not be left in the instrument if it will not be used for an extended period.

Overheating

Repetitive testing may generate heat within the instrument. If this occurs the hot symbol is displayed and the instrument should be left to cool down before further testing.

Maintenance
To clean the tester wipe with a damp cloth with a mild soap solution taking care not to allow water ingress into the input terminals. Do not use solvents and do not immerse. Allow the tester to fully dry before use.

Features of the AUTOTRIP

The AUTOTRIP is packed with design features that maximize both convenience and safety. These include:

• Large LCD display
  To give the clearest results the AUTOTRIP uses a large auto-backlit LCD which makes reading the test results easy even when used in poorly lit areas.

• Auto shut down
  To preserve battery life when not in use the AUTOTRIP incorporates an Auto-Off function that powers the unit down after three minutes of inactivity. To resume use after an Auto shut down a single press of any of the function buttons will power up the unit.

• Battery check
  The battery charge condition is indicated on the LCD display.
  For simplicity the tester is powered by just four conventional AA (LR6) alkaline batteries.

• Easy to locate
  The test lead inputs are located on the top of the case allowing the tester to stand vertically or be laid flat.

• Hands Free
  Most of the test functions can utilise the Hands-Free mode in which the tester is primed to automatically start the test as soon as the probes are connected to a circuit, thereby leaving your hands free to hold the test probes.

• Socket wiring check
  To protect both the user and the instrument against harm caused by accidental connection to an incorrectly wired supply the tester will automatically check the polarity upon connection to a live supply. If the wiring has been incorrectly connected testing will be inhibited an alarm will sound along with a flashing red LED. Please note the polarity LED indicator is not able to determine N-PE supply reversal.

• Pass Fail Result
  In addition to displaying the time taken for the RCD to trip the AUTOTRIP will also indicate whether it has passed or failed the RCD requirements.

• Auto Type II RCD Testing
  To reduce the testing time the AUTOTRIP has two automatic test functions which allows the operator to set the auto test sequence to run, resetting the RCD at the distribution board during auto test cycle then returning to the instrument to recall the results.
  Quick Auto(2 Tests): 30mA x1 at 00 & 1800 Full Auto(6 Tests): 30mA x½, x1,x 5 at 00 & 1800

Audible tones
A simple selection of audible tones is used to supplement the visual display. These help the user by providing intuitive feedback during testing. In addition
to warning about dangerous or unstable supply conditions they provide a very quick confirmation that the measurement process is taking place and, upon completion of the test, a warning if the results are likely to be regarded as a failure.
The meaning of the tone for each individual function is covered in the table below.

Warning

A continuous 2 tone alarm

| An unsuitable supply configuration such as a mains supply with incorrect polarity or having the leads connected wrongly will be accompanied by the Red Voltage/Polarity warning LED flashing
---|---
Wait-Test in progress

A steady beeping sound

| Emitted whilst a measurement is in progress. The same tone is sounded when used in Hands Free mode to indicate that continual measurement is being made
Test completed

A single beep

| Sounded upon completion of a measurement to indicate that the result is being displayed
Alert

A short 2 tone alarm

| Sounded when a test returns a result that is likely to be regarded as a failure e.g.30mA RCD

trip time test gives a result of greater than 300ms

Test lead inputs
The test lead input terminals are Red Active terminal (marked A) the Black Neutral terminal (marked N) and the Green Earth terminal (marked E).

Test lead configuration

• The AUTOTRIP can be used with 2 different types of connecting lead.
• 1 Ref: TL-3P Mains lead; 3 x 4mm plugs to a 10A plug

Optional Accessory
2 Ref: TL-RGB 3-Pole distribution board test lead set; that can be fitted with either prod tips or crocodile clips as required. The 3 colour coded prods/crocodile clips of the test lead should be connected to the corresponding Line, Neutral and Earth terminals. The leads are an integral part of the tester set-up and should accompany the tester when being returned for re-calibration or service.

Overview of the switches and LCD display

The Primary display of the large LCD shows the result of the test being conducted. At the same time a secondary display area shows supporting information e.g. Pass/Fail.

Mains supply wiring and voltage test

• When first connected to a mains supply the AUTOTRIP will automatically conduct a safety test to ensure that the Live, Neutral and Earth conductors are all connected correctly and that the supply voltage is in the acceptable range (195-253V). Please note the polarity LED indicator is not able to determine N-PE supply reversal.
• If all is well the VOLTAGE/POLARITY warning LED will light Green and the supply voltage will be displayed in the primary display area.
• In the event of a problem with either the mains voltage supply or reversed connections the VOLTAGE/POLARITY warning LED will light Red, a warning tone will be sounded and testing will be inhibited.

RCD TEST FUNCTIONS

The AUTOTRIP will test Type I (10mA) & Type II (30mA) RCD standard (AC) types across the full range of tests required and also RCD (S) type 100mA rated RCD’s.

Test Requirements
Each (AC) type RCD should be tested to ensure that it operates with a maximum disconnection time indicated in the table when a fault at its rated current is introduced for both the 00 & 1800 cycle. This is referred to as the x1 test.

Table referenced to 3.7.2.2 AS/NZS 3017:2007, always verify this complies with any changes to the legislation or guidelines.

Recommended Additional Tests for 30mA RCD’s

• It is not prone to ‘nuisance’ tripping and does not trip when a fault of half its rated current is introduced. This is referred to as the x½ test.
• In the case of an RCD rated at 30mA it should operate with a maximum disconnection time of 40ms when a fault of five times itsrated current is introduced. This is referred to as the x5 test.
• For the reasons explained below all of the above tests have to be conducted at both 0° and 180°.

100mA (S) Type
Type S: Selective or time delayed RCD’s are used in applications where RCDs have been connected in series to achieve discrimination between upstream and downstream devices.

Sinusoidal Polarity (the 0° or 180° test)

RCD’s often operate with different reaction times depending upon whether the fault is introduced during the positive or negative half cycle of the AC waveform. Therefore to accurately determine the maximum response time of an RCD it is necessary to test it twice at each given fault current, firstly with the fault introduced during the positive half cycle 0° and secondly during the negative half cycle180°.

The AUTOTRIP takes care of this for you by alternating the start point of consecutive tests at any given setting. If for example you have selected a test at the rated trip current (x1) of a 30mA RCD, the first press of the test button will apply a 30mA fault current starting on the positive half cycle (0°) and display the result. A further press of the test button will carry out another test at the same current but starting on the negative half cycle (180°).

RCD Test Procedure

Although fully protected against over voltage to 440V this tester should only be used on a 240V AC supply.

Connect the 4mm plugs of the chosen test lead to the corresponding L, N & E terminals of the AUTOTRIP and connect the other end to the socket or circuit terminals under test.
If using the distribution board test lead set (TL-RGB) observe the correct polarity
by connecting the Red probe to the Live conductor, Black to Neutral and Green
to Earth.
Select the type and rating of the RCD to be tested with the rotary function
selector switch. (10mA, 30mA,100mA Type AC or 100mA Type S)
When first connected to a mains supply the AUTOTRIP will automatically conduct a safety test to ensure that the Live, Neutral and Earth conductors are all
connected correctly and that the supply voltage is in the acceptable range
(195-253V).
If all is well the VOLTAGE/POLARITY warning LED will light Green and the
supply voltage will be displayed in the primary display area.
In the event of a problem with either the mains voltage supply or reversed connections the VOLTAGE/POLARITY warning LED will light Red, a warning
tone will be sounded and testing will be inhibited.Do not proceed.

User Selected Manual Tests x½

The recommended order of tests is firstly at x½ the rated current followed by a x1 test at the rated current and finally, for 30mA RCD’s only x5 the rated current.

The default test parameter for the selected current multiplier x½ is 0° for the phase polarity this will be automatically selected for the first test. This will be displayed on the LCD display along with the Line-Neutral voltage.
Press the test button and a test will be conducted at the selected settings. If successful and the RCD has failed to trip a single beep will sound and the main display will be similar to figure 5.

The main display shows that the fault current was applied for over 2000 milliseconds (2 seconds) without tripping the RCD. The secondary display confirms that this passes the requirements.
In the event of the RCD failing the test and tripping at half the rated current the main display will show the trip time and the secondary display will show ‘FAIL’. A short 2 tone alert will also sound.

After displaying the result for a few seconds the tester will switch to the 180°phase polarity setting in readiness for the next test. (Figure 6)

Changed polarity displaying line voltage ready for 2nd test x ½ test 180° (figure 6)
When both tests have been conducted at the x½ setting press the multiplier button to change the test current to the x1 setting.

x1
Press the test button to conduct a test at the x1 setting at 0°. The result will be shown as a pass if a 30mA RCD trips within 300ms. After displaying the result for a few seconds the tester will switch to the 180° phase polarity setting in readiness for the second test at the x1 current setting.

x5
If the 30mA setting has been selected a x5 current option will be available by using the multiplier button. This option is not available for other ratings.

Ramp Test

• The AUTOTRIP also includes a diagnostic Ramp test feature. In this mode rather than applying a steady fault current and measuring the time taken for the RCD to trip, the AUTOTRIP gradually increases the fault current and identifies the level of leakage at which the RCD trips.
• This is particularly useful in diagnostic testing of circuits where nuisance tripping is a problem and helps to identify the difference between an over sensitive RCD and excessive leakage from poor insulation or equipment with high leakage.
• Use the rotary switch to select the rating of the RCD.
• Press the multiplier button until the ramp symbol is displayed.
• Press the test button to start the test. The fault current applied will increment in 3mA steps until the RCD trips.
• If nuisance tripping on a circuit is a problem this function can be used to retest the RCD with other appliances systematically connected and removed.
• For example a 30mA RCD may trip at 12mA on ramp test with an appliance connected and then at 27mA with the appliance removed. You will know that the appliance is leaking approximately 15mA.

Automatic Tests

30mA Quick Auto Test

Turn the rotary selector to the ‘30mA QUICK AUTO’ setting, press the test button and the tester will conduct 2 tests: (30mA x1 test at both the 00 and 1800 half cycle). All that is required is to remain at the switchboard and reset the RCD after it trips.
Upon completion of the auto test routine the results for each setting can be recalled by using the RECALL button to cycle through the routine.
The AUTOTRIP will also indicate whether it has passed or failed the RCD requirements.

30mA Full Auto Test
Turn the rotary selector to the ‘30mA Full AUTO’ setting, press the test button and the tester will conduct 6 tests: (30mA x½, x1,x5 at both the 00 and 1800 half cycle)
All that is required is to remain at the switchboard and reset the RCD each time it trips. Upon completion of the auto test routine the results for each setting can be recalled by using the RECALL button to cycle through the routine.
AUTOTRIP will also indicate whether it has passed or failed the RCD requirements.

Hands Free Testing
The hands free feature can be used where repeat testing is required. To enable hands free simply press the Hands Free button once.
The ‘HANDSFREE’ annunciator will appear flashing on the LCD and will coniine to do so until cancelled by a further press of the Hands Free button or by changing the selector switch.
When the HANDSFREE annunciator is flashing all you need to do is connect the test lead to a mains supply and the test will be automatically carried out.

Specifications and tolerances

RCD TEST TOLERANCES|
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Supply Voltage Range| 195 to 253V AC 50-60Hz
Nominal Currents| 10mA,30mA,100mA
Test Current Accuracy x 1/2| +0% – 10%
Test Current Accuracy x 1| +10% -0%
Test Current Accuracy x 5 (30mA only)| +/- 5%
Test Current Accuracy Ramp| +/- 5% of rated IN
Trip Time Accuracy to 1.999s| +/- (1% +1ms)
Fault / Touch Voltage| 50V
Over Voltage Protection| 440V
RCD Trip Time|
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Measurement Range| 5ms – 1999ms
Operating Range Per EN61557| 38ms – 1999ms

Standards

To meet 300V CATIII
The AUTOTRIP complies fully with the requirements of EN61010 and complies with the sections of EN61557, Electrical Safety in Low Voltage Systems up to 1000V AC and 1500V DC as listed below.

• BS EN 61010-2-030:2010 (Safety)
• BS EN 61326-2-2:2013 (EMC)
• BS EN 61557-1:2007 (General performance)
• BS EN 61557-6:2007 (RCD performance)

Environmental

• Operating Temperature Range: 0C to 40C
• Storage Temperature Range: -10C to 60C
• Operating Humidity: 80% @ 31C to 50% @40C

For repair and calibration please contact place of purchase.
Electrical Factory Outlet Pty Ltd
PO Box 701, Rochedale South, QLD 4123
PH +61 7 3411 0303
E-mail: sales@electricalfactory.com.au
www.electricalfactory.com.au

References

• Home - Electrical Factory Outlet

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