First of all, it has been designed to be convenient and reliable guard of the safety of people in the workplace. The preset minimum current level where loud audible alarm with a warning light signaling is switched is 1 A, in accordance with the PTPiREE guidelines, of course it is also possible to manually set a different minimum alarm in the range from 0.5 to 9.9A (with the possibility of increase alarm range in the production phase for individual needs). Another problem with this type of device operating outside is variable and often bad weather conditions to which it is exposed. MPU-1 has a degree of protection IP-67 in accordance to EN 60529 it is dust and water proof, the device can operate in temperatures from -10 to +50 C. The device is supplied in a hard carrying case for easy transport also with additional accessories to the workplace and protects against dirt or accidental damage.

Alarm works with additional Sonel clamps F1, F2, F3 and F4 series, with can be choose from length of 45 cm to 200 cm. This device has already found many buyers who have safety and the lives of workers on first place. Each method or device improving the security of work, performed on medium voltage lines, should be regarded as necessary by the person responsible for safety at dangerous workplace.

Online store: https://store.siviko.com

Source: https://www.sonel.pl

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Among other meters available on the market Sonel MPI-530 is really impressive. The meter enables performance of the following measurements: electrical anti-shock protection including earth resistance with different methods, earth resistivity and also illuminance, phase rotation and motor rotation. Additionally it enables registration and analysis of voltage, current (including harmonics) and power.

For all measurement functions there is a possibility of evaluation if measurement result holds within specified limits (set by user or coming from the norms).

Short circuit loop impedance measurement with resolution 0,001 Ω can be performed in electrical installations all around the world (95..440 V; 45..65 Hz), in L-PE, L-N or L-L circuits. Prospective short circuit current is automatically calculated with (set by user) nominal voltage or measured voltage. On the screen there are results of short circuit loop impedance, its components, short circuit current, voltage and frequency.

The measurement is made with “artificial short” method, with several amperes current, which guarantees high accuracy and allows for very short measurement time (10 ms). In case of measurement in networks secured with RCD special measurement function shall be used, which allows for performing the measurement with very small current to ensure that during the measurement the RCD will not trigger. Also in this case full value of impedance is measured and measuring range, according to norm EN 61557, is from 0,5 to 2000 Ω.

Measurement of Residual Current Devices (RCD) type AC, A and B

Sonel MPI-530 enables all types of RCD parameters measurement: AC, A, B, general, selective and short-delay, with rated current from 10 mA to 1000 mA. Triggering time and current are measured and additionally touch voltage and resistance of PE conductor; the measurement can start with raising or falling slope (AC current) or can be done with positive or negative value current (unidirectional or DC current).

The measurements can be performed individually or automatically, where user’s task is to start the measurement and turn on RCD after each triggering. The sequence of this measurement can be expanded with short circuit loop impedance measurement in L-PE circuit, in “RCD” mode (the types of measurements are set by user).

The automatic measurement offers two modes:

“Full” where measurement is made with all shapes of measuring current for each type of RCD (AC, A, B) – ex. in case of B type RCD the measurements will be done with four different shapes of measuring current (alternative, unidirectional, unidirectional with constant component and direct);
“Standard” where measurement is made only with chosen shapes of current.

The additional function is measurement of triggering time and current during just one activation of measured RCD.

Insulation resistance measurement

The insulation resistance measurement can be performed with one of five test voltages: 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1000 V. The automatic discharge of measured object after each measurement provides safety of user. The measuring range is up to 10 GΩ.

The measurement can be performed manually, with the use of test leads; automatically in socket, with the use of Uni-Schuko adapter (after single triggering of “Start” button, all combinations of measurements are made) and automatically with the use of special AutoISO adapter – measurements of 3-, 4- and 5-core wires. The adapter automatically switches between following measured circuits (L1-L2, L1-L3, etc.), measuring insulation between all pairs in 3-, 4- and 5-core wires. After the measurement, the object is automatically discharged and the results are saved to meter’s memory.

Earth resistance measurement

Earth resistance measurement can be performed with the following methods: technical 3-pole, technical 4-pole, technical 3-pole with clamp and two-clamp. 3-pole with clamp and two-clamp methods enable to check multiple earthings without disconnecting; additionally two-clamp method does not require earth probes. The choice of measuring current frequencies enables to eliminate all interferences generated by network voltage.

The unique function is measurement of soil resistivity on different depths (with possibility of choice of distance between earth probes).

Continuity measurement of protective and equipotential bondings and resistance measurement

Before the measurement the resistance of test leads shall be zeroed and later it will be automatically compensated for each measurement. Resistance can be measured with small, 10 mA current with acoustic signaling or with 200 mA current, flowing in both directions (continuity of protective wire measurement according to norms requirements).

Protective conductor check

During measurement of RCD or short circuit loop in L-PE circuit there is a possibility to check if the voltage between touch electrode on the meter and protective conductor PE does not exceed 50 V. The result is read after touching the electrode – if voltage on protective conductor is bigger than 50 V, on the screen there will appear “PE!” sign and acoustic signal will be generated.

Phase rotation check and motor rotation check

For better use of phase rotation and motor rotation tester special adapters for three-phase sockets can be used. There are 7 different types of these adapters, for 16, 32 and 63-amps sockets, which can be also used for measurements of short circuit loop, RCD or insulation resistance.

Registration and analysis of voltage, AC current and power

Sonel MPI-530 enables measurement in real time and registration of voltage and, with the use of additional clamp, also current, power (active, reactive and apparent) and power factor. Depending on the clamp used, maximal measured current can have value of up to 3 kA. There is a choice of two types of hard clamps and three types of flexible clamps, with diameter up to 36 cm. Intuitive module of harmonics analysis for current and voltage (up to 40th) is available.

Illuminance measurement

The supplement for meter’s functionality is special adapter – probe with light intensity sensor, enabling illuminance measurements. Thanks to this, apart from electrical measurements and registration, the user has fully functional luxmeter, enabling light measurements with accordance to norm EN 12464.

Memory, PC transmission and creation of measurement reports

Sonel MPI-530 has a brand new concept of memory – it has tree structure with “Client – Premises – Room – Measurement Point” layout. The user has a possibility to save several thousands of measurement results according to the protocol order. Each result can be precisely described (client, premises and point names). This enables to prepare a part of protocol during performance of measurements. Very important and useful for the work of electrician is the possibility of preparation the structure of measurements with “Sonel PE” software. Later, it can be downloaded to meter and the measurements can be performed according to the prepared schedule. If necessary, the structure can be changed during performance of measurements.

Data can be saved to memory manually after each measurement or automatically. Descriptions of objects, measurement points and clients names can be done using the virtual on-screen keyboard or with the use of additional wireless keyboard (possibility to attach wireless keyboard with hand strap).

The meter’s memory can be also used in a “classical” way, which means operating only with numbers of memory cells. In this case measurements for each function can be saved in one cell (not necessarily for the same measurement point).

Complete result (main and additional) concerning each measurement or set of measurements with parameters’ settings and time and date of measurement is saved to meter’s memory. The memory can be browsed on the meter’s screen or with the use of computer software. Sonel Reader software (included as standard accessory) enables transmission of memory results to computer (with USB or Bluetooth interface). Optional Sonel PE software enables additionally preparation of object’s structure and preparation of complete report from measurements. Special software Sonel “Foton 12464” is made to prepare the reports from illuminance measurements.

Sonel MPI-530 is supplied with complete set of test leads, pin probes, crocodile clips, earth measurement kit, rechargeable battery and carry case. Test leads, pin probes and crocodile clips fulfill the latest, extremely strict standards for safety during the measurement. The meter has efficient dedicated battery, which in combination with the built-in fast charger reduces costs associated with charging. It is also possible to provide power supply through standard battery. Meter continuously monitors the state of charge of the batteries, and when unused switches off automatically (when the auto-off time is set).

Additional accessories to the meter according to your needs could be: one of the five type of clamps for current and power measurement (clamp C-3 can also be used for measuring the earth by clamps, and in conjunction with clamp broadcasting N-1 for earth resistance measurement method with 2-clamps), AutoISO-1000C adapter, adpaters and sockets for three-phase industrial contacts (7 types) or additional cables of different lengths.

Source: https://www.sonel.pl

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Recent weeks have confirmed the prediction that Sonel SA intends to expand the family of power quality meters. Few weeks ago new PQM-703 appear on the market, with hardware recorder of transients with maximum sampling frequency of 10MHz and voltage range of +/- 6000V. Furthermore, it allows registration of control signals in power networks.

Already the first practical tests on industrial power grids demonstrated the diagnostic usefulness of fast registration of transients. Previously unnoticed fast phenomenon in voltage particularly in terms of lightning and switching, finally became visible. They have a particular impact on the reliability of power supply, because it does not always cause direct damage, but steadily worsening state of surge protection. Precise comparison of the results of several analyzers show high accuracy of the time for recorded transients, confirming the diagnostic usefulness of this instrument.

The PQM-703 completely fulfill the functional analysis and diagnosis needs of power quality disturbances in power networks being the perfect complement to the existing offer of SONEL S.A.

Електронен магазин: https://store.siviko.com

Източник: https://www.sonel.pl

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Figure 1: Sonel MIC-2501 insulation resistance tester.

Measuring insulation resistance

This kind of testing is most often carried out by small or even one-man electrical service companies. Therefore, the main objective was to design such a device where the high technical parameters would be maintained, while its manufacturing costs would be optimised and reduced compared to those of previous models. It should be emphasized that both the functionality and ergonomics result from collaboration with the present users of meters manufactured by Sonel S.A. The device has been designed in compliance with PN-EN 61557- 2 and allows insulation resistance testing to be performed as described in, amongst others, PN-HD 60364-6 and PN-EN 04700.

Sonel MIC-2501 basic measurement functions

• two- or three-lead insulation resistance measurement.
• selectable measurement voltage from the range 100 to 2500 V in100 V steps
• acoustic determination of five-second periods of time.
• measuring T1, T2 and T3 times to determine absorption coefficients for 15, 60 and 600 s,
• indication of actual test voltage during measurement,
• protection against measuring live objects .
• low voltage measurement of circuit continuity and resistance:
• leakage current measurement during insulation resistance testing.
• DC and AC voltage measurement within the range 0…750 V.
• memory: 990 cells (11880 records); data transmission to the PC through the USB cable.
• battery-powered insulation tester .
• it is possible to power and charge the meter from an external power supply, car lighter socket or external battery – the so called “power bank”.

Accessories

Researching the market about user expectations and taking into consideration their comments led to a slightly different approach to designing the case for the new meter model. It has been designed so that the meter can be used without removing it from the case. The meter can be hung around the neck with straps, which means that the user has two hands free, thus enhancing safety at work and improving the operator’s manual abilities. An additional bag, which is detachable from the main case, is to be used to attach the meter to the belt, thus reducing the weight of device hanging from the neck, and thus enhancing working comfort, especially during measurements lasting a long time.

Figure 2: Sonel MIC-2501 meter in a specially designed case with suspenders

An innovative idea is to enable meter powering from external sources of energy. So called “power banks” are commonly available and they work very well in emergencies when no other power supply is accessible (insulation resistance testing is often carried out in systems that have not been connected to the mains yet).

Figure 3: Sonel MIC-2501 being charged from the “power bank”.

The kit contains the device complete with necessary leads, probes, crocodile clips and a charger. All of these things are stowed in the handy case mentioned above.

Figure 4: Standard equipment

Summary

Sonel MIC-2501 is a universal meter with a very wide field of applications for measuring insulation resistance. It can be used for the measurement of cables, receiving end electrical systems, electric motors and transformers. By connecting the Sonel PRS-1 probe, which is part of the accessories, to the meter, it is possible to perform resistance measurements for floors and walls. By combining many applications, ergonomics, a large readable display, a handy case allowing measurements to be made without having to remove the meter and an affordable price, Sonel MIC-2501 is very attractive item for all electricians who perform electrical measurements, working both in professional power engineering as well as in industry or electrical service companies.

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Source: https://www.sonel.pl

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In the big family of earth resistance meters manufactured by Sonel SA, solutions which generally cover all available measurement methods can be found. Until now, the relation between the functional capacities and price means that the cheapest meters use the three-pole technical method only. On the other hand, meters offering many measuring methods are more expensive. The gap in this regard will be certainly filled by the new, inexpensive, but at the same time, complex meter – Sonel MRU-30 manufactured by Sonel SA.

Photo 1. The Sonel MRU-30 meter and accessories.

New housing

The first thing users pay attention to is the housing of the new Sonel MRU-30. Making it in such a simple form allowed not only the reduction in the size of the demonstrated unit, but also obtaining an IP65 protection rating of. Therefore, the new instrument is resistant to dust and water splashing from any direction, which is undoubtedly a useful feature, if works are carried out exclusively outdoors. In this case, the terms ergonomic and simple operation get new meanings.

It’s two-component housing with specially formed grips enables the unit to be held in the hands, even if the housing gets wet. All measuring functions are accessible directly from the keyboard. Browsing through the meter menu is sequential and the currently selected function is marked with a bright LED diode.

Photo 2. Front panel of the Sonel MRU-30 meter (2p, 3p, 4p etc. – diodes indicating the selected function).

Measuring functions

As mentioned in the introduction, in spite of its low price, the meter has considerably more measuring functions than other inexpensive models offered by Sonel.
Most of the known earth resistance measuring methods have been used in Sonel MRU-30 meter:

• the technical method (2p, 3p, 4p),
• the technical method with extra clamps (multiple earthing systems),
• the two-clamp method (protective multiple earthing systems – not connected with each other underground).

In some cases, the two-clamp method allows earth resistance measurements to be performed without the need to use auxiliary probes driven into the ground.

The instrument capacities are complemented by measuring of the following:

• ground resistivity (the Wenner method),
• continuity of protective earth and equalizer connections using current  200 mA with auto-zeroing function (according to the standard EN 61557-4),
• leakage currents with extra clamps (in the 3p method + clamps and in the two-clamp method),
• noise voltages.

The meter is also provided with the following, very useful functions:

• resistance measurement for auxiliary electrodes RS and RH,
• noise voltage measurement,
• measurement in the presence of noise voltages in the networks with a frequency of 50 Hz and 60 Hz,
• the choice of maximum applied test voltage (25 V and 50 V),
• entering the electrode spacing for resistivity in meters (m) and feet (ft),
• memory of 990 measurements (10 banks: 99 cells each),
• possibility to calibrate measuring clamps,
• data transmission to a computer (USB),
• battery charging level indication.

The built-in battery is an innovative solution for equipment of this sort and considering the quality of the current battery bank, it may be deemed as an advantage, especially that even when it discharges we have the option of using a car battery charger. This extra accessory will enable  measurements to be performed in field conditions.

The Sonel MRU-30 meter is provided with double insulation according to the EN 61010-1 and EN 61557, it belongs to measuring category CAT III 300V as per the EN 61010-1 and, as mentioned before, it has a housing protection rating IP65 according to the EN 60529.

Application range

Considering the measuring functions which have been implemented, the possible application range for this device is very wide. The 3p and 4p methods may be used wherever it is possible to open air terminals in complex systems, or where resultant ground resistance is measured without disconnecting the test terminals. This applies to either small companies carrying out tests in single-family houses and blocks of flats, industrial plants, or the professional power industry.

The one- and two-clamp methods may considerably speed up the selective tests of multiple earthing. Regardless of the test location, overhead transmission lines, lightning protection earthing systems, or other earthing systems composed of many air terminals which are connected with each other overhead, can be measured using clamps only if they are not connected with each other underground.

An interesting function is the ground resistivity measurement which is carried out using Wenner method. This enables the depth at which  the ground has the lowest resistivity value to be determined. Such information cannot be overestimated by designers and contractors of earthing systems, since it allows for a considerable reduction in both the costs of material used for the task and the working time needed to make the earthing system. In many cases, the resistivity measurement is necessary in order to specify the required resistance value for the tested earthing system.

Accessories

In spite of its attractive price, the standard kit has a multitude of many useful accessories. The instrument itself has a special, separate case which has been produced in such a way that it is possible to connect the wires without taking the meter itself out.

Photo 3. The meter in a case enabling work without taking it out.

We can put the meter, together with the case in which it is housed, into another, larger one, which is a collective transport package, for the accessories as well.

Photo 4. The case with its contents – view from both sides

In the larger case there are two probes/electrodes (30 cm) for driving into the ground, a reel with a 25m-long cable, a reel with a 50m-long cable, the 1.2m and 2.2m measuring cables, a pin probe, a crocodile, a USB cable for data transmission, battery charger and, unprecedented in inexpensive kits: a cramp used to connect the meter to the earthing system. This cramp ensures good contact with the earthing. It is even possible when the earthing which we wish to connect to is corroded or covered with paint. The specially designed pin makes a notch in that element, guaranteeing negligible connection resistance.

It is worth adding that, by purchasing a few extra elements, such as sending and receiving clamps, we may become the owners of a professional earth testing kit for a reasonable price.

Online store: https://store.siviko.com

Source: https://www.sonel.pl

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