man vlf sinus 51 eng 2

Mess- und Ortungstechnik Measuring and Locating Technologies

Leitungsortung Line Locating

Rohrleitungsnetze Water Networks

Kommunikationsnetze Communication Networks

Elektrizitätsnetze Power Networks

Issue: 2 (11/2009)

Operating manual

VLF Test System

VLF Sinus 51 kV

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Consultation with SebaKMT

The present system manual has been designed as an operating guide and for reference. It is meant to answer your questions and solve your problems in as fast and easy a way as possible. Please start with referring to this manual should any trouble occur.

In doing so, make use of the table of contents and read the relevant paragraph with great attention. Furthermore, check all terminals and connections of the instruments involved.

Should any question remain unanswered, please contact:

Seba Dynatronic

Mess- und Ortungstechnik GmbH

Hagenuk KMT

Kabelmesstechnik GmbH

Dr.-Herbert-Iann-Str. 6 D - 96148 Baunach

Phone: +49 / 9544 / 68 – 0 Fax: +49 / 9544 / 22 73

Röderaue 41 D - 01471 Radeburg / Dresden

Phone: +49 / 35208 / 84 – 0 Fax: +49 / 35208 / 84 249

E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.sebakmt.com

SebaKMT

All rights reserved. No part of this handbook may be copied by photographic or other means unless SebaKMT have before-hand declared their consent in writing. The content of this handbook is subject to change without notice. SebaKMT cannot be made liable for technical or printing errors or shortcomings of this handbook. SebaKMT also disclaim all responsibility for damage resulting directly or indirectly from the delivery, supply, or use of this matter.

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Terms of Warranty

SebaKMT accept responsibility for a claim under warranty brought forward by a customer for a product sold by SebaKMT under the terms stated below.

SebaKMT warrant that at the time of delivery SebaKMT products are free from manufacturing or material defects which might considerably reduce their value or usability. This warranty does not apply to faults in the software supplied. During the period of warranty, SebaKMT agree to repair faulty parts or replace them with new parts or parts as new (with the same usability and life as new parts) according to their choice.

SebaKMT reject all further claims under warranty, in particular those from consequential damage. Each component and product replaced in accordance with this warranty becomes the property of SebaKMT.

All warranty claims versus SebaKMT are hereby limited to a period of 12 months from the date of delivery. Each component supplied by SebaKMT within the context of warranty will also be covered by this warranty for the remaining period of time but for 90 days at least.

Each measure to remedy a claim under warranty shall exclusively be carried out by SebaKMT or an authorized service station.

To register a claim under the provisions of this warranty, the customer has to complain about the defect, in case of an immediately detectable fault within 10 days from the date of delivery.

This warranty does not apply to any fault or damage caused by exposing a product to conditions not in accordance with this specification, by storing, transporting, or using it improperly, or having it serviced or installed by a workshop not authorized by SebaKMT. All responsibility is disclaimed for damage due to wear, will of God, or connection to foreign components.

For damage resulting from a violation of their duty to repair or re-supply items, SebaKMT can be made liable only in case of severe negligence or intention. Any liability for slight negligence is disclaimed.

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Contents

1 Safety Advices..................................... .......................................................................... 6

1.1 General Notes...............................................................................................................................6

1.2 General Cautions and Warnings...................................................................................................7

2 Technical Description.............................. ..................................................................... 9

2.1 Functions and Features ................................................................................................................9

2.2 Technical Data ............................................................................................................................10

2.3 Testable Cable Capacities ..........................................................................................................11

3 Setting Up the System .............................. .................................................................. 12

4 Operation and Functions of the Software............ ..................................................... 13

4.1 Display Layout.............................................................................................................................13

4.2 Operation ....................................................................................................................................15

4.3 Functions of the Software ...........................................................................................................17

4.3.1 Main Menu ..................................................................................................................................17

4.3.2 System Menu - ......................................................................................................................18

4.3.2.1 Data Menu - ...........................................................................................................................20 4.3.2.2 Setup Menu - .........................................................................................................................21

4.3.3 Attendant Menus.........................................................................................................................22 4.3.3.1 Online Help - ........................................................................................................................22 4.3.3.2 Phase Selection Menu - .......................................................................................................23 4.3.3.3 History Menu - ......................................................................................................................24 4.3.3.4 Quick Selection Menu - ........................................................................................................27

4.3.4 Protocol Function - ................................................................................................................28

5 Performing a Cable Test ............................ ................................................................. 30

5.1 Preparing the Test ......................................................................................................................30

5.2 Test Sequence............................................................................................................................31

6 Completing a Test Session .......................... .............................................................. 33

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1 Safety Advices

1.1 General Notes

Safety precautions This manual contains basic instructions on commissioning and operating the VLF Sinus 51 kV test system. For this reason, it is important to ensure that the manual is available at all times to authorised and trained personnel. Any personnel who will be using the devices should read the manual thoroughly. The manufacturer will not be held liable for any injury or damage to personnel or property through failure to observe the safety precautions contained in this handbook.

Locally applying regulations have to be observed.

Labelling of safety instructions

Important instructions concerning personal, operational and technical safety are marked in the text as follows:

Symbol Description

WARNING

Indicates a potential danger that may lead to fatal or serious injury.

CAUTION

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury or material damage.

The notes contain important information and useful tips for using the system. Failure to observe them can render the measuring results useless.

Working with products from SebaKMT

It is important to observe the general electrical regulations of the country in which the device will be installed and operated, as well as the current national accident prevention regulations and internal company rules (work, operating and safety regulations).

Use genuine accessories to ensure system safety and reliable operation. The use of other parts is not permitted and invalidates the warranty.

Operating staff This system and its peripheral equipment may only be operated by trained or instructed personnel. Anyone else must be kept away.

The system may only be installed by an authorised electrician. DIN VDE 0104 (EN 50191), DIN VDE 0105 (EN 50110) and the German accident prevention regulations (UVV) define an electrician as someone whose knowledge, experience and familiarity with the applicable regulations enables him to recognise potential hazards.

Repair and maintenance

Repairs and service must only be done by SebaKMT or authorised service departments of SebaKMT. SebaKMT recommends having the equipment serviced and checked once per year at a SebaKMT service location.

SebaKMT also offers direct on-site support. Please contact our service office for more information.

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1.2 General Cautions and Warnings

Intended application Safe operation is only realised when using the equipment for its intended purpose (see chapter 2.1). Using the equipment for other purposes may lead to human danger and damage of equipment of involved installations.

The limits described under technical data may not be exceeded. Operating products of SebaKMT in condensing environment may lead to flash-over, danger and damage. The instruments should only be operated under tempered conditions. It is not allowed to operate SebaKMT products at direct contact with humidity, water or near aggressive chemicals nor explosive gases and fumes.

Behaviour at malfunction of normal

operation

The equipment may only be used when working properly. When irregularities or malfunctions appear that cannot be solved consulting this manual, the equipment must immediately be put out of operation and marked as not functional. In this case inform the person in charge who should inform the SebaKMT service to resolve the problem. The instrument may only be operated when the malfunction is resolved. Five safety rules

The five safety rules must always be followed when working with HV (High Voltage):

1. De-energise

2. Protect against re-energising

3. Confirm absence of voltage

4. Ground and short-circuit

5. Cover up or bar-off neighbouring energised parts

Using cardiac pacemaker

Physical processes during operation of high voltage may endanger persons wearing a cardiac pacemaker when near these high voltage facilities.

Fire fighting in electrical installations

• According to regulations, carbon dioxide (CO2) is required to be used as extinguishing agent for fighting fire in electrical installations.

• Carbon dioxide is electrically non conductive and does not leave residues. It is safe to be used in energized facilities as long as the minimum distances are maintained. A CO2 fire extinguisher must be always available within electrical installations.

• If, contrary to the regulations, any other extinguishing agent is used for fire fighting, this may lead to damage at the electrical installation. SebaKMT disclaims any liability for consequential damage. Furthermore, when using a powder extinguisher near high-voltage installations, there is a danger that the operator of the fire extinguisher will get an electrical shock from a voltage arc-over (due to the powder dust created).

• It is essential to observe the safety instruction on the extinguishing agent.

• Applicable is DIN VDE 0132.

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WARNING

Dangers when operating with HV

Special attention and safety-conscious behaviour is needed when operating HV facilities and especially non-stationary equipment. The regulations VDE 0104 about setting up and operation of electric test equipment, i.e. the corresponding EN 50191 as well as country-specific regulations and standards must be observed.

• Safety installations may not be by-passed nor deactivated.

• Operation requires minimum two people whereas the second person must be able to activate the emergency switch in case of danger.

• To avoid drawing dangerous arcs, switching should only be done in de energized condition.

• The equipment and all accessories must be connected according to applicable standards VDE, EN or DIN as well as country-specific regulations.

• Never place the test van on the route of the cable under test to avoid the danger of voltage cone at the location of the fault.

• Always connect all metal parts in the vicinity of a HV installation to earth in order to avoid dangerous charging. Particularly great attention should be paid to non-stationary (mobile) operation.

• Check whether there are any unsecured live systems or components in the im-mediate vicinity of the test system which might you or the system might accidentally come into contact with. This particularly applies to components which carry high voltage or where the voltage is unknown. Secure these components using insulating covers. If technical reasons make it impossible to do this, switch them off or have this action carried out at the site for the duration of your work after consulting whoever is responsible. Make sure this is done properly.

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2 Technical Description

2.1 Functions and Features

Functional description The VLF Sinus test system enables testing of medium-voltage cables in accordance with the CENELEC Harmonization Documents HD 620 S1:1996 and HD 621 S1:1996 with a true 0.1 Hz sine wave voltage of up to 36 kVRMS.

With the aid of such cable testing, faults in the insulation - particularly water tree damage - will be reliably made to flash over in PE/XLPE cables but also in paper insulated cables. The test procedure does not damage fault-free insulation.

The cables can also be tested for dielectric breakdown strength with positive and negative DC voltage, as well as with trapezoidal AC voltage (rectangular wave voltage).

The slew rate of the rectangular wave voltage depends on the cable capacitance and is automatically adapted.

The additional leakage current recorded in DC mode enables evaluation of the relative quality of the cable insulation.

The sine-wave shape of the system test voltage can also be used in combination with the tan Delta measurement system from SebaKMT to determine the loss factor and thus the cable's degree of deterioration. A detailed description of this use can be found in the operating manual of the tan Delta measurement system.

Features The VLF Sinus test system unites the following features and functions in a single device:

• Full AC voltage testing to 36 kVRMS (sine wave voltage)

• Additional output voltage shapes of DC and rectangular wave

• Leakage current measurement

• Manual and automatic frequency adjustment

• Voltage breakdown detection with automatic disconnection of the high voltage

• Logging

• Firmware updates via USB

System integration The VLF Sinus 51 kV test system can be operated as an integrated part of a Centrix test van or as stand-alone solution in special test van configurations combining variable diagnosis and test devices.

Independent of the type of test van, the test system is operated via the same well-known software interface commonly used in test vans of the current generation.

For instructions on how to install the electrical connections and the test equipment and how to enable high voltage generation, please read the respective operating manual.

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2.2 Technical Data

The VLF Sinus 51 kV test system is defined by the following technical parameters1:

Parameter Value

Voltage wave form sinusoidal

Output voltage, sine wave 36 kVRMS / 51 kVPEAK

Output voltage, DC 51 kV

Source output current 35 mAPEAK

Leakage current measurement

Range

Resolution

0 … 35 mA

10 �A

Frequency 0.01 Hz … 0.1 Hz

Testable cable capacitance (see section 2.3 for details)

at 0.01 Hz at 0.1 Hz

5.0 µF 1.0 µF

Power supply 110 V … 230 V, 50/60 Hz

Power consumption 1200 VA

Operating temperature -25 °C ... +55 °C

Operating humidity +30 °C, 70% rel. humidity

Storage temperature -40 °C ... +70 °C

Dimensions HV module (W x H x D)

1090 mm x 605 mm x 700 mm

Weight HV module 145 kg

Interfaces 2 x USB (interconnection and service)

Protection class (in accordance with DIN VDE 0140 Part 1)

I

Protection type (in accordance with EN 60529)

IP 20

1 For technical specifications of the test van and its peripheral devices, please read the operating manual of the test van.

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2.3 Testable Cable Capacities

The following diagram shows the relation of the test frequency to the connected load capacitance and the set test voltage.

If the set test frequency cannot be used due to the restrictions visible here, the frequency is automatically adapted and the user is informed of this.

1

10

0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48U / kVpeak

Clo

ad /

µF

0.10 Hz 0.09 Hz 0.08 Hz 0.07 Hz 0.06 Hz 0.05 Hz 0.04 Hz 0.03 Hz 0.02 Hz / 0.01 Hz

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3 Setting Up the System

Electrical connection In preparation of a voltage test using the VLF Sinus 51 kV test system, the following tasks have to be completed in the given order:

1. Place the test van and secure the site

2. Connect the test van to protective earth

3. Connect the test van to auxiliary earth (earthin g spike)

4. Connect the HV output of the test system to the cable under test. Connect the HV return wire to the earthed scr een of the test object (operational earth).

5. Connect the test van to mains voltage.

For detailed instructions on how to complete the individual steps, please refer to the operating manual of the test van.

If the VLF Sinus test system is going to be operated in combination with the tan Delta test extension, additional measuring equipment has to be installed when connecting the test system to the test object. For detailed information, please refer to the operating manual of the tan Delta test extension.

WARNING

When setting-up the system following the steps listed above, the regulations VDE 0104 (DIN EN 50191) about setting up and operation of electric test equipment and the specific regulations noted in the operating manual of the test van have to be observed.

Starting-up the system

A test van is started–up via the power panel typically mounted at the workspace divider. Turn the power switch and, afterwards, press the “Mains On” button to energize the system.

For test vans consisting of several stand-alone devices, the respective device / operation mode (VLF Sinus) has to be selected at the power panel. Afterwards, the selected device is energized via the power panel.

If the VLF Sinus test system is operated using a notebook, the notebook has to be powered up and the application has to be started.

Depending on the system configuration, possible faults in the safety circuits are indicated at the power panel and / or in the software interface. All remaining problems have to be resolved in order to make the system ready for HV operation.

For detailed information on starting-up the test van and selecting the operation mode and on the conditions of the safety circuit, please refer to the operating manual of the test van.

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4 Operation and Functions of the Software

4.1 Display Layout

The picture below shows a typical example of the display layout:

Display segment

Description

1 Traces This segment shows the traces recorded by the active or loaded measurement. It is divided into an overall view (upper part) and a section view (lower part).

2 Next step This segment shows a short message which suggests the step to proceed with.

Even though this step is usually the next step, it is just a suggestion. In some cases, it might be advisable to proceed with other steps (e.g. trace adjustments).

1

5

2

3

5

4

6

8

7

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Display segment

Description

3 Phases status This segment shows which of the phases are currently grounded and which are enabled for testing.

measurement active, ground is lifted

phase is grounded

status of phase unknown

phase is selected for testing

phase is disabled for testing

For more information how to enable/disable phases for measurement, see section 4.3.3.2.

4 HV status bar graph

- Blue bar: shows the nominal HV value selected by the user.

- Red bar: shows the HV value currently applied to the HV system output.

5 Measurement parameters / Legend of displayed traces The segments left and right of the selection menu display all relevant measurement parameters. Some of these measurement parameters are continuously updated during a measurement in progress.

In addition, colour-coded relevant information (e.g. phase, measured value, unit) is shown for all traces displayed on the screen.

6 Selection menu This segment shows all available menu items and is controlled with the jogdial.

The name of the selected menu item is shown below the selection menu.

7 Status display This segment shows the current system status and in some cases the progress of switching operations and measuring procedures undertaken through the system.

The following symbols represent various system states:

Standby : The system is currently in “sleep” mode

Administrator mode : The user operating the system has successfully logged into the administration menu and identified himself as administrator

8 Operation mode This segment shows the active measurement method.

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4.2 Operation

Introduction Operator control of the Software is by means of menus which can be accessed using the jogdial (or mouse / keyboard). These menus are arranged in a flat menu structure which leads to short navigation paths.

In addition, there are four attendant menus (e.g. history menu, online help) which can be accessed at any time by tilting the jogdial in a specific direction (or via arrow keys).

Selection menu The selection menu is part of the display and is controlled by means of the jogdial. It is separated into parts which represent up to 12 menu items. The selected menu item is shown in a brighter blue tone.

Using the jogdial If the VLF test system is integrated in a test van with a jogdial-driven control panel, the software can be operated by means of the jogdial alone.

Menu items can be selected by rotating the jogdial. When the designated menu item is selected, it can be activated by pressing the jogdial.

Each menu (except the main menu) contains a backward button which leads to the respective parent menu.

The attendant menus are accessed/left by pressing the jogdial sideways in the direction of the respective menu symbol.

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Using mouse and keyboard

If the software is running on a notebook, the functions of the jogdial are mapped to the following keys / buttons:

Jogdial function Key / button

Rotating Mouse wheel or Pic� / Pic�

Pressing Left mouse button or Enter

Up arrow key

Right arrow key

Down arrow key

Left arrow key

Enabling/disabling settings

Some menu items serve as flags indicating whether a certain setting is enabled or disabled. In these cases, a menu icon which represents an enabled setting is shown in green colour.

Furthermore, there are menu items which serve as toggle between two available settings. The respective menu icons are divided into two parts and only the part of the active setting is shown in green colour.

Dialog boxes By tilting the jogdial to the left or to the right (or by using the arrow keys) you can toggle through the fields of a dialog box. The selected field is indicated with white background and red border.

If the value of the selected field can be adjusted, this can be done by rotating the jogdial (or mouse wheel).

In order to close the dialog box, the respective field has to be selected and the jogdial (or enter button) has to be pressed.

Toggle

Flag (active setting)

Flag (inactive setting)

Active setting

Distance / NVP

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4.3 Functions of the Software

4.3.1 Main Menu

Purpose The main menu is the central menu presented after startup. It offers access to the measurement methods and to the system configuration.

Menu layout The following picture shows the screen view of the main menu:

Menu items Depending on the system configuration, the main menu offers access to all available operation modes (possibly bundled in submenus). By default, the system configuration and the protocol function can be accessed directly from the main menu:

Menu item Description

System Submenu for system configuration and data handling, see section 4.3.2.

Protocol Main menu item to access the protocol function. The protocol function does not start logging measuring data until it is accessed at least once after system start. (see section 4.3.4).

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4.3.2 System Menu -

Purpose The system menu offers the possibility to configure the system settings, to import, export and delete measurement data and to obtain system information.

Menu layout The following picture shows the screen view of the system menu:

Menu items The system menu contains the following menu items:


Data Submenu for data handling, see section 4.3.2.1.

Information Submenu for system information containing the following menu items:

This menu item provides information about the software version.

This menu item provides information about the system hardware and the IP address of the system.

Menu item to view the system log which contains the error messages of the system. Furthermore, the system log can be exported to the USB stick using this menu item.

Menu item to export the system information to the USB stick.

Menu item to obtain information about the actual key mapping of the connected keyboard.

Setup Submenu for general system settings, see section 4.3.2.2.

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Default values For each operation mode, the preselected values (e.g. for pulse width, trigger threshold and compensation) can be adjusted and stored as default values. Furthermore, default values can be specified for certain protocol parameters (e.g. cable owner and cable inspector). If user management is enabled on the system, each user can store his own preferred default values.

Menu item to save the current values as default values.

Menu item to load the stored default values.

Menu item to restore the factory defaults.

This menu item can be used to export the current default values onto the inserted USB stick as XML files.

This menu item can be used to import default values which are stored on an inserted USB stick into the system. The imported default values then become immediately applicable.

Service This menu item is only accessible by service personnel.

Administration This menu item is only accessible by the system administrator.

By accessing the administration menu with the proper password, additional settings are unlocked in some operation modes. These critical settings are particularly marked within this manual and should only be adjusted by authorized personnel.

After this menu has been accessed once, an icon left to the selection menu indicates that the administrator mode has been enabled (see section 4.1).

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4.3.2.1 Data Menu -

Purpose The data menu provides the possibility to import, export and delete stored measurements.

Prerequisites Prior to a data export/deletion, the respective measurements have to be selected in the history menu. For more information, see to section 4.3.3.3.

In order to import/export data, it is necessary to insert a memory stick into the USB port.

Menu layout The following picture shows the screen view of the data menu:

Menu items The data menu contains the following menu items:


Delete Measurements Menu item to delete selected measurements from history. For information how to select a measurement for deletion, please refer to section 4.3.3.3.

Export to Winkis Menu item to export selected measurements. The measurements are stored under the Winkis folder on the USB stick. For information how to select a measurement for export, please refer to section 4.3.3.3.

Import from Winkis Menu item to import measurements from a USB stick. A browser window is opened which enables the operator to navigate through the folders on the USB stick.

Cable Menu item to add a cable with specific characteristics to the system database in order to create a comprehensive list of common cable types.

This list can be accessed via the protocol function which enables the user to quickly assign the actual cable type to a specific cable section in the current measurement protocol.

Two filters (cable type and cable insulation) can be specified in order to view only a particular selection of the available cable types. Stored cable types can only be modified or deleted by the system administrator.

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4.3.2.2 Setup Menu -

Purpose The setup menu provides the possibility to change global system settings like language, printer etc.

Menu layout The following picture shows the screen view of the setup menu:

Menu items The setup menu contains the following menu items:


Language Menu item to select the system language.

Display Menu item to choose between a given number of display layouts.

Date and time Menu item to set the date and time of the system.

Printer setup Menu item to select the connected printer from a given number of known printers.

Print formulars Menu item to select the set of print formular templates.

Logo This menu option can be used to change the logo in the header of the printed form (for printouts of measurement data and logs). Corresponding image files in the PNG format can be imported by the adminstrator.

Keyboard Menu item to select the adequate layout for the connected keyboard from an available set of keyboard layouts.

Change user Menu item to switch the user. After a new user is selected, his personal default values are loaded. This menu item is only accessible, if there is at least one user account available in the system database. User accounts can be managed by the system administrator in the administration menu.

Peak / RMS Menu item to select whether values are displayed and handled as RMS values or as peak values.

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4.3.3 Attendant Menus

Accessibility The attendant menus are permanently accessible independent of the current system status.

4.3.3.1 Online Help -

Purpose The online help provides several context-related on-screen help pages which provide the operator quick access to fundamental system instructions.

Accessibility The online help can be accessed/left by pressing the jogdial in the direction of the symbol (up arrow key).

Menu layout The online help is divided into a navigation window and the actual help window. The operator can use the jogdial (mouse wheel) to scroll through the available help pages.

The following picture shows the screen view of the online help:

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4.3.3.2 Phase Selection Menu -

Purpose The phase selection menu provides the possibility to select the phases of the cable under test which should be tested.

Measurements can be performed between phases and earth (e.g. L1 – N) and between two phases (e.g. L1 – L2).

Accessibility The phase selection menu can be accessed/left by pressing the jogdial in the direction of the symbol (right arrow key).

Furthermore, the phase selection menu automatically pops up whenever an operation mode is accessed.

Selecting the phases The operator can scroll through the available options using the jogdial (mouse wheel). An option can be enabled/disabled by pressing the jogdial (mouse button).

selected

not disabled

It depends on the operation mode whether multiple options or only one option can be selected.

The changes can take effect only after the phase selection menu is closed.

Menu layout The following picture shows an example of a phase selection menu with option 'L1 – N' selected:

CAUTION

Make sure that the phase selection corresponds to the actual connection setup. Otherwise, the measurement data is stored under a wrong phase label which can lead to serious mistakes.

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4.3.3.3 History Menu -

Purpose Measurements and their data are automatically stored in the database and the history menu offers access to this data. By accessing a measurement from the history menu, the operator can retrieve the traces of the measurement and is able to repeat the measurement with the same settings.

If the history menu is accessed from a certain measurement menu, only the history entries corresponding to this measurement method are shown. Otherwise, all entries are shown.

A history entry may be either an individual measurement or a complete protocol created using the protocol function.

Accessibility The history menu can be accessed / left by pressing the jogdial in the direction of the symbol (down arrow key).

Menu navigation The measurements are stored in folders according to the date they are recorded. The operator can navigate through the folders using the jogdial (mouse). A measurement can be called up by pressing the jogdial (mouse button).

A comment can be added to a history entry by pressing the jog dial (mouse button) for a few seconds while the respective entry is selected.

Menu layout The following picture shows the screen view of the histroy menu:

Data life cycle status By default, the measurements remain in the history for 7 days. The following icons indicate how long a measurement is already stored:

Icon Description

The measurement is either taken today or permanently stored.

The measurement is stored for 2 days.

The measurement is stored for 3 – 5 days.

The measurement is stored for 6 days.

The measurement is stored for 7 days. It is deleted during the next startup from tomorrow.

Measurements imported from a USB stick are not marked with such an icon and are permanently stored.

These values are factory defaults and can be adjusted on demand by service staff.

Operation mode icon

Date and time of measurement

Operation mode

Tested phase(s)

Test parameters / results

Date life cycle status Comment

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Selecting measurements from

the history log

To call up traces and data from older measurements, first access the history menu and then use the jog dial (mouse) to select the respective measurement from the directory tree. By pressing the jog dial (mouse button) briefly, you can call up all traces and data for this measurement.

By holding the jog dial (mouse button) pressed, you can open a context menu from which various special functions can be accessed, depending on operating mode:

• Add / edit a comment for the measurement

• Access special measurement data or individual traces of this measurement (only possible in certain modes)

• Adopt the measurement data into the current protocol

Once you have opened one or more traces from the history, they are shown on the display according to the following conditions:

• If the operating mode currently selected is the same one which the history measurement was recorded in, the selected traces are shown together with the currently recorded traces. In this way, you can easily compare the results of different measuring sessions.

• The traces accessed from the history log are always scaled to the display parameters used for the current measurement.

• If there are not enough free slots to display the traces from a history log entry, currently recorded traces are overwritten. In this case it is advisable to select traces from the history log one by one so that you can assign them individually to slots that are free or no longer needed.

• If the current operating mode is not the same as the one the history measurements were recorded in, the system switches to that mode and overwrites the currently recorded curves with the ones from the history log

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Trace legend The legend on the bottom right of the screen shows all the information for the traces currently displayed. The symbol in front of the trace name indicates its status:

Symbol Description

Curves which were recorded during the measurement in progress.

Curves selected from the history log whose parameters are the same as those of the measurement in progress.

Curves selected from the history log whose parameters are are different to those of the measurement in progress.

Data handling In order to export or delete data from the history menu, the respective measurements or folders have to be marked appropriately by pressing the jogdial in the direction of the symbol (right arrow key):

• one time: marked for deletion �

• two times: marked for export to memory stick �

• three times: not marked (initial state)

Folders containing marked measurements are also marked by one of the following icons:

Icon Description

All measurements within this folder are marked for deletion.

Some measurements within this folder are marked for deletion.

All measurements within this folder are marked for export.

Some measurements within this folder are marked for export.

Some measurements within this folder are marked for deletion and some are marked for export.

After selection, the export/deletion has to be initiated via the data menu, see section 4.3.2.1. If the export/deletion is not initiated, the selection is lost during the next startup.

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4.3.3.4 Quick Selection Menu -

Purpose The quick selection menu offers the possibility to directly access each available measurement method, regardless of the current position within the menu structure.

Accessibility The quick selection menu can be accessed/left by pressing the jogdial in the direction of the symbol (left arrow key).

Menu layout The following picture shows a typical screen view of the quick selection menu. The content of the quick selection menu may vary depending on the system configuration:

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4.3.4 Protocol Function -

Purpose The protocol function can be used for the automatic or manual entry of various data from a measuring process (such as local conditions, cable information, measuring results) and to collate them in a formatted protocol which can be printed out.

For the entry of data, it is recommended to use a USB keyboard with the system. Entry using a jogdial (or mouse) is also possible.

Accessibility The protocol function can be accessed via the main menu using the menu item.

Protocols are also stored in the history along with the individual measurements. The same data life cycle used for the individual measurements applies for the protocols too (see 4.3.3.3). The data menu can be used to import, export (as an Excel spreadsheet) or delete protocols (see 4.3.2.1).

Menu items The protocol function contains the following menu items:


Clicking on this menu item calls up the general data on the measuring deployment (such as cable parameters, local conditions) on the left side. This data can then be selected and edited.

Clicking on this menu item calls up the log data (such as measuring results, fault descriptions) on the left side. This data can then be selected and edited.

This menu item is used to load alternative printing templates stored in the system.

This menu item is used to print out the active protocol in the format of the currently selected printing template.

This menu item is used to start a new protocol during ongoing operation (for example, if the measurement is being continued on a different cable). By default, a new protocol is created when the system is restarted. The previous protocol is always stored in the history.

The protocol function can be left using this menu item. The values entered so far are kept. The fields are automatically populated with these values when the protocol function is accessed again (if no system restart takes place meanwhile).

Automatic entries Protocol parameters, which are indicated by a small triangle, are filled automatically with measurement data once a certain measuring procedure has been concluded. These parameters can also be edited manually. If the corresponding measuring procedure is conducted afresh, the existing data is automatically overwritten.

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Stored protocols A protocol is automatically stored in the history for a certain period of time. If a protocol is accessed from the history, the stored values are visible but cannot be changed.

Protocols called from the history are indicated with this symbol. The protocol of the current session remains active in the background and can be accessed again via the protocol function as soon as the protocol from the history is closed.


This menu item can be used to adopt the values from the stored protocol (accessed from the history) to the protocol of the current session. Parameters that are automatically filled when a measuring procedure is concluded, are not adopted, allowing measurement results recorded previously to remain in the protocol of the current session. Adopting protocol data can save a lot of time, if, for example, a second measurement is taken on a known cable that has already been tested.

This menu item is used to permanently save a protocol in the history, meaning that it is no longer subject to the normal data life cycle.

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5 Performing a Cable Test

5.1 Preparing the Test

Operation modes The requested operation mode can be accessed either directly from the main menu or from an adequate submenu (e.g. Test ). The VLF Sinus provides the following test modes:

Menu item Operation mode

VLF test with sine wave voltage or rectangular wave voltage

DC test with positive or negative voltage polarity

For a Centrix system you have to choose the menu item, if you want to use the VLF Sinus as DC voltage source. When working in mode, the internal DC source of the Centrix system is used instead.

Phase selection After calling up the operating mode, the phase selection menu (see section 4.3.3.2) automatically appears on the screen. Activate the phase you want to test and close the phase selection menu.

Up to the actual start of the test, you can call up the phase selection menu again to correct the entered phase selections if necessary.

Specifying the maximum voltage

range

After phase selection, the maximum voltage range has to be specified. Depending on the system settings (see section 4.3.2.2), the value is shown either as effective (RMS) or as peak value. The value determines the upper voltage limit for the upcoming test.

Up to the actual start of the test, you can call up the menu item to correct the voltage range if necessary.

Test parameters The following test parameters can be adjusted by accessing the respective menu item from the selection menu:


This menu item can be used to adjust the test duration in minutes (1 … 90).

The Harmonization Documents HD 620 S1 and HD 621 S1 recommend a test duration between 15 and 60 minutes depending on the nominal voltage and the insulation of the cable under test.

only available in DC operation mode

This menu item can be used to switch between positive and negative voltage polarity.

only available in VLF operation mode

This menu item can be used to adjust the frequency of the VLF sine wave test voltage (0.01 Hz … 0.1 Hz). The Harmonization Documents HD 620 S1 and HD 621 S1 recommend a test frequency of 0.1 Hz for VLF tests.

Since the maximum permitted test frequency depends on the determined cable capacitance and the set test voltage (see section 2.3), it can happen that the test cannot be performed with the set frequency. In this case, the frequency is automatically reduced to the next possible value and the operator is informed by a corresponding message.

only available in VLF operation mode

Menu item to switch between sine wave voltage and rectagular wave voltage.

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5.2 Test Sequence

Starting the test After all relevant test parameters (see section 5.1) have been set, the actual test can be started by selecting the menu item.

Afterwards, the test voltage has to be specified. Depending on the system settings (see section 4.3.2.2), the value is shown either as effective (RMS) or as peak value. The Harmonization Documents HD 620 S1 and HD 621 S1 recommend a test voltage of 3U0

for VLF tests.

For DC tests on paper insulated cables, a test level between 4U0 … 8U0 is recommended depending on the nominal voltage and the insulation of the cable under test.

After the test voltage has been set and high voltage generation has been permitted by pressing the „HV On“ button, the systems starts the test sequence.

Test sequence At the beginning of the test, a load recognition is performed by the VLF Sinus system. If the determined load capacitance requires the test frequency to be reduced, a corresponding message is displayed.

Thereupon, the operator can either cancel the test or proceed with the adjusted frequency settings.

The test can be interrupted at any time by selecting the menu item or the appropriate control elements of the power panel / control unit.

The test duration can be adjusted during the test by selecting the menu item. The menu item can be used to reset the timer.

Curves During the test sequence, voltage (red curve) and current (blue curve) are traced in real-time as shown in the figure below:

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Measured data Over the course of the test, the relevant measured data are shown in the bottom of the display.

The current voltage and current values are displayed to the right of the selection menu.

In addition, there are the following test parameters and measured data displayed to the left of the selection menu:

Symbol Description

Total test duration

Remaining test duration

Selected maximum voltage range

Selected (or corrected) test frequency

Load capacitance determined at the beginning of the test

Insulation resistance determined at the beginning of the test

Selected nominal voltage

System behaviour in the case of a voltage

breakdown

If a voltage breakdown on the cable under test is detected during the test, the test is aborted. The HV source is automatically disabled and the HV output is discharged and grounded. A system message informs the operator about the event.

The test has to be rated as “not successful”. A cable which does not withstand a voltage test in accordance with the accepted standards must not be put into operation until the fault causing the voltage breakdown has been located (using appropriate fault location equipment) and repaired.

Completion of the test When the test duration is expired without any fault or interruption, a system message reports the successful completion of the test. The measured data can be evaluated and further processed using the following menu items:


Menu item to print the visible curves and the measured data on the selected printer.

Menu item to save the test data permanently . As a result, the respective history entry is not subject to the standard data life cycle anymore (see section 4.3.3.3).

Menu item to change the position of the cursor on the X-axis. The voltage and current values for the current cursor position are shown in the bottom of the display.

Menu item to increase/decrease the zoom of the X-axis corresponding to the position of the cursor.

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6 Completing a Test Session

After the test has been finished and the test data has been evaluated and stored, the test system can be switched off.

Afterwards, the system can be disconnected from the power supply.

WARNING

Follow the five safety rules

Follow the five safety rules described in section 1.2 before you undo the HV connection and the earth connections.