Voltcraft VC-34 Multi-Tester VC-34 Data Sheet
Product codes
VC-34
O P E R A T I N G I N S T R U C T I O N S
°
Version 11/08
FI fast tester VC-34
Item-No. 10 10 08
Intended use
The VC-34 is intended as a fast function test of residual current circuit-breakers (common abbr.
„FI“ or „RCD“) in electric installations of the overvoltage category III up to 250 V. The test device
can be used to simulate different residual currents (IΔn) by means of 5 keys. These residual cur-
rents are laid for FI circuit-breakers commonly used in the average household up to special FI
circuit-breakers with residual currents of 0.5 A. The activation is signalled by a red indicator lamp.
The duration of the nominal residual current conforms to standards and corresponds to <200 ms.
„FI“ or „RCD“) in electric installations of the overvoltage category III up to 250 V. The test device
can be used to simulate different residual currents (IΔn) by means of 5 keys. These residual cur-
rents are laid for FI circuit-breakers commonly used in the average household up to special FI
circuit-breakers with residual currents of 0.5 A. The activation is signalled by a red indicator lamp.
The duration of the nominal residual current conforms to standards and corresponds to <200 ms.
The tester is to be connected to the standard mains voltage and does not require any additional
power supply. The FI test is therefore only possible with voltage applied.
power supply. The FI test is therefore only possible with voltage applied.
The tester is not a test device according to EN 61557 and is not to be used for initially testing
electric installations according to VDE 0100 part 600.
electric installations according to VDE 0100 part 600.
The fast tester is to be used in indoor and outdoor locations (IP64).
Any use other than that described above could lead to damage to this product and involves the risk
of short circuits, fire, electric shock, etc.
No part of the product can be modified or rebuilt.
Any use other than that described above could lead to damage to this product and involves the risk
of short circuits, fire, electric shock, etc.
No part of the product can be modified or rebuilt.
The VC-34 is not to be used in an opened condition. Operation under adverse ambient condi-
tions like dust and flammable gasses, vapours or solvents is not permitted.
tions like dust and flammable gasses, vapours or solvents is not permitted.
The safety instructions must be followed unconditionally!
Contents
• VC-34 FI fast tester
• Operating instructions
• Operating instructions
Description of individual parts
1 Membrane keys for the nominal residual
current
2 Red LED display
3 Test tips
4 Tangible grip range marking
Safety instructions
Please read the entire operat-
ing instructions before using
the product for the first time;
they contain important infor-
mation on the correct opera-
tion.
ing instructions before using
the product for the first time;
they contain important infor-
mation on the correct opera-
tion.
The guarantee is rendered invalid when damage is incurred as a result of
non-compliance with the operating instructions! We do not assume any lia-
bility for any damage arising as a consequence!
We will also not assume any responsibility for damage to assets or for per-
sonal injury caused by improper handling or failure to observe the safety
instructions! The warranty is voided in these cases.
non-compliance with the operating instructions! We do not assume any lia-
bility for any damage arising as a consequence!
We will also not assume any responsibility for damage to assets or for per-
sonal injury caused by improper handling or failure to observe the safety
instructions! The warranty is voided in these cases.
Please observe the following symbols:
A triangle containing an exclamation mark indicates important information in these
operating instructions which is to be observed without fail.
operating instructions which is to be observed without fail.
☞
The “hand” symbol indicates special information and advice on operation of the
device.
device.
This product has been CE-tested and meets the necessary European guidelines.
Class 2 insulation (double or reinforced insulation)
CAT III
Overvoltage category III for measuring in building installation (e.g. outlets or sub-
distribution).
distribution).
Earth potential
The unauthorized conversion and/or modification of the product is prohibited because of safety
and approval reasons (CE).
and approval reasons (CE).
On industrial sites the accident prevention regulations of the association of the industrial work-
ers’ society for electrical equipment and utilities must be followed.
ers’ society for electrical equipment and utilities must be followed.
In schools, training centres, computer and self-help workshops, handling of measuring instru-
ments must be supervised by trained personnel in a responsible manner.
ments must be supervised by trained personnel in a responsible manner.
The voltage between the measuring instrument and earth must never exceed 250 V in CAT III.
Be especially careful when dealing with voltages higher than 25V AC or 35 V DC. Even at such
voltages you can receive a life-threatening electric shock when you come into contact with elec-
tric wires.
Be especially careful when dealing with voltages higher than 25V AC or 35 V DC. Even at such
voltages you can receive a life-threatening electric shock when you come into contact with elec-
tric wires.
Check the measuring device and its measuring lines for damage before each measurement.
Never carry out any measurements if the protecting insulation is defective (torn, ripped off etc.)
Never carry out any measurements if the protecting insulation is defective (torn, ripped off etc.)
To avoid an electric shock, make sure not to touch the connections/measuring points to be meas-
ured neither directly nor indirectly during measurement. During measuring, do not grip beyond
the tangible grip range markings present on the test prods.
ured neither directly nor indirectly during measurement. During measuring, do not grip beyond
the tangible grip range markings present on the test prods.
Do not use the multimeter immediately before, during or after thunder and lightning (thunderstrike
/ high-energy overvoltages!). Please make sure that your hands, your shoes, your clothing, the
floor, switches and switching components are dry.
/ high-energy overvoltages!). Please make sure that your hands, your shoes, your clothing, the
floor, switches and switching components are dry.
The product is not a toy and should be kept out of reach of children! It should be operated out of
the reach of children.
the reach of children.
Do not leave packaging material unattended. It may become a dangerous toy for children!
Do use the device in rooms or under unfavourable ambient conditions in which there may or
could be combustible gases, vapours or dust.
could be combustible gases, vapours or dust.
If you have a reason to believe that the device can no longer be operated safely, disconnect it
immediately and secure it against being operated unintentionally. It can be assumed that safe
operation is no longer possible if:
- the device is visibly damaged,
- the unit longer operates and
- the unit was stored under unfavourable conditions for a long period of time or
- if it has been subjected to considerable stress in transit.
immediately and secure it against being operated unintentionally. It can be assumed that safe
operation is no longer possible if:
- the device is visibly damaged,
- the unit longer operates and
- the unit was stored under unfavourable conditions for a long period of time or
- if it has been subjected to considerable stress in transit.
Do not switch the measuring instrument on immediately after it has been taken from a cold to a
warm environment. Condensation water that forms might destroy your device. Leave the device
switched off and wait until it has reached room temperature.
warm environment. Condensation water that forms might destroy your device. Leave the device
switched off and wait until it has reached room temperature.
Consult an expert when in doubt about the operation, the safety or the connection of the device.
Carry out FI test
Both test probes have tangible grip range markings (4). These markings indicate
the end of the grip range, do not grip beyond these while measuring.
The measuring lines should only be effected between a phase conductor (phase
„L“) and a protective conductor „PE“ or neutral conductor „N“. The connection
between two phase conductors (e.g. L1 and L2) is not permitted.
the end of the grip range, do not grip beyond these while measuring.
The measuring lines should only be effected between a phase conductor (phase
„L“) and a protective conductor „PE“ or neutral conductor „N“. The connection
between two phase conductors (e.g. L1 and L2) is not permitted.
General information
A fast testing of the FI protection working can be carried out on every installed earthed safety
socket or directly in the sub-distribution on the FI circuit-breaker.
Remove the synthetic protection cap of the test probes (3).
socket or directly in the sub-distribution on the FI circuit-breaker.
Remove the synthetic protection cap of the test probes (3).
The various types of connection are described in the following chapters.
☞
In living quarters it is common practice to install residual current circuit-breakers
with a release current (IΔn) of 0.03A (30 mA).
In industrial areas (e.g. garages) this value can be up to 0.5 A.
Always initialise the FI fast test with the nominal residual current indicated on the FI
circuit breaker.
with a release current (IΔn) of 0.03A (30 mA).
In industrial areas (e.g. garages) this value can be up to 0.5 A.
Always initialise the FI fast test with the nominal residual current indicated on the FI
circuit breaker.
The power to all connected installations is shut off when the FI circuit-breaker is
activated. With some devices this could lead to loss of data, etc.
Only press one membrane key when testing. Between tests a pause of 10 sec-
onds should be considered.
If the FI circuit-breaker is not activated while testing with nominal residual current,
then have the FI circuit-breaker checked by a specialist.
activated. With some devices this could lead to loss of data, etc.
Only press one membrane key when testing. Between tests a pause of 10 sec-
onds should be considered.
If the FI circuit-breaker is not activated while testing with nominal residual current,
then have the FI circuit-breaker checked by a specialist.
FI fast test on earthed safety sockets
To test the functioning of the residual current circuit-breaker on the socket proceed as follows:
• Connect the black test probe to the protec-
tive contact (PE, metallic pins) of the socket.
• Insert the red test probe into an opening of the
socket (L1). The red LED display (2) should
flash. If it does not flash, insert the red test
probe into the other opening of the socket.
flash. If it does not flash, insert the red test
probe into the other opening of the socket.
• Flashing indicates the available mains volt-
age.
• Keep e.g. the membrane key „0.01“
pressed for approx. 1 second.
The tester automatically simulates the corre-
sponding residual current with a duration of
<200 ms.
The tester automatically simulates the corre-
sponding residual current with a duration of
<200 ms.
• When the FI circuit-breaker activates, the red LED display switches off. If the display does not
switch off, the residual current is still not sufficient for activation. Repeat the previous steps
max. 3 times. When no activation takes place, carry on with the next step.
max. 3 times. When no activation takes place, carry on with the next step.
• Keep the next highest membrane key, e.g. „0.03“ pressed for approx. 1 second. Carry out this
test step until the FI circuit-breaker activates.
• After the test has been carried out, remove all test probes from the socket.
• After the test, switch on the activated FI circuit-breaker again. Connected cooling and freezing sys-
tems are not supplied with power while the FI circuit breaker is switched off.
FI fast test of the installation in the sub-distribution
Measurements in sub-distributions are only to be carried out by qualified person-
nel, familiair with the required safety regulations and possible dangers.
nel, familiair with the required safety regulations and possible dangers.
This function enables the testing of installations that are monitored by residual current circuit-
breakers (identical to the socket test).
breakers (identical to the socket test).
To test the functioning of the residual current circuit-breaker in the sub-distribution proceed as
follows:
follows:
• If required, remove the synthetic covering in
the sub-distribution, to access the contacts of
the FI circuit-breaker.
the FI circuit-breaker.
• Connect the black test probe to the protective
contact (PE distribution main).
• Connect the red test probe to a phase con-
ductor (L1, L2 or L3) located at the output on
the FI circuit-breaker. The red LED display
(2) should flash.
the FI circuit-breaker. The red LED display
(2) should flash.
• Flashing indicates the available mains volt-
age.
• Keep e.g. the membrane key „0.01“ pressed
for approx. 1 second.
The tester automatically simulates the corresponding residual current with a duration of
<200 ms.
The tester automatically simulates the corresponding residual current with a duration of
<200 ms.
• When the FI circuit-breaker activates, the red LED display switches off. If the display does not
switch off, the residual current is still not sufficient for activation. If necessary, repeat the pre-
vious step max. 3 times. When no activation takes place, carry on with the next step.
vious step max. 3 times. When no activation takes place, carry on with the next step.
• Keep the next highest membrane key, e.g. „0.03“ pressed for approx. 1 second. Carry out this
test step until the FI circuit-breaker activates.
• After the test has been carried out, remove all test probes from the sub-distribution and put the
synthetic covers back onto the distribution again.
• After the test, switch on the activated FI circuit-breaker again. Connected cooling and freezing
systems are not supplied with power while the FI circuit breaker is switched off.
FI fast test in the sub-distribution
Measurements in sub-distributions are only to be carried out by qualified person-
nel, familiair with the required safety regulations and possible dangers.
nel, familiair with the required safety regulations and possible dangers.
This function enables the inspection of the FI circuit-breaker itself.
To test the functioning of the residual current circuit-breaker in the sub-distribution proceed as
follows:
follows:
• If required, remove the synthetic covering in
the sub-distribution, to access the contacts of
the FI circuit-breaker.
the FI circuit-breaker.
• Connect the black test probe to the neutral
conductor (N) at the entrance of the FI cir-
cuit-breaker.
cuit-breaker.
• Connect the red test probe to a phase con-
ductor (L1, L2 or L3) located at the output on
the FI circuit-breaker. The red LED display
(2) should flash.
the FI circuit-breaker. The red LED display
(2) should flash.
• Flashing indicates the available mains volt-
age.
• Keep e.g. the membrane key „0.01“ pressed
for approx. 1 second.
The tester automatically simulates the corresponding residual current with a duration of
<200 ms.
The tester automatically simulates the corresponding residual current with a duration of
<200 ms.
• When the FI circuit-breaker activates, the red LED display switches off. If the display does not
switch off, the residual current is still not sufficient for activation. Repeat the previous steps
max. 3 times. When no activation takes place, carry on with the next step.
max. 3 times. When no activation takes place, carry on with the next step.
• Keep the next highest membrane key, e.g. „“0.03“ pressed for approx. 1 second. Carry out this
test step until the FI circuit-breaker activates.
• After the test has been carried out, remove all test probes from the sub-distribution and put the
synthetic covers back onto the distribution again.
• After the test, switch on the activated FI circuit-breaker again. Connected cooling and freezing
systems are not supplied with power while the FI circuit breaker is switched off.
Disposal
Used electronic devices are raw materials and should not be disposed of in the
household waste. When the device has reached the end of its service life, please
dispose of it in accordance with the current statutory requirements at your local
collecting points; disposal of it in the household waste is not permitted!
household waste. When the device has reached the end of its service life, please
dispose of it in accordance with the current statutory requirements at your local
collecting points; disposal of it in the household waste is not permitted!
Technical data
Nominal voltage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Un 200 - 250 V~/40 - 70 Hz
Residual current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IΔn 0,01/0,03/0,1/0,3/0,5 A
Duration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <200 ms
Test pause. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . approx. 10 s
Overvoltage protection . . . . . . . . . . . . max. 250 V~
Protection type. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IP64 (spray water and dust protection)
Operating temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 to +50 °C
Relative humidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 - 90% rF, not condensing
Dimensions (LxWxH mm):. . . . . . . . . . 105 x 71 x 31
Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160 g
Impressum /legal notice in our operating instructions
These operating instructions are a publication by Voltcraft
®
, Lindenweg 15, D-92242 Hirschau/Germany, Phone +49 180/586 582 7 (www.voltcraft.de).
All rights including translation reserved. Reproduction by any method, e.g. photocopy, microfilming, or the capture in electronic data processing
systems require the prior written approval by the editor. Reprinting, also in part, is prohibited.
systems require the prior written approval by the editor. Reprinting, also in part, is prohibited.
These operating instructions represent the technical status at the time of printing. Changes in technology and equipment reserved.
© Copyright 2008 by Voltcraft
®
VOLTCRAFT
®