Chauvin Arnoux C.A 6472 User Manual
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Chauvin Arnoux C.A 6472 User Manual

Earth and resistivity tester
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C.A 6472
EARTH And RESISTIVITY TESTER
User's manual
E n G L I S H

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Summary of Contents for Chauvin Arnoux C.A 6472

  • Page 1 C.A 6472 EARTH And RESISTIVITY TESTER User's manual E n G L I S H...
  • Page 2 Measurement category I corresponds to measurements taken on circuits not directly connected to the network.  Thank you for purchasing a C.A 6472 earth and resistivity tester. To obtain the best service from your unit: read these operating instructions carefully, ...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    COnTEnTS 1. START-UP ....................................4 1.1. Unpacking ..................................4 1.. Characteristics label ..............................4 1.. Charging the battery ..............................5 2. PRESEnTATIOn OF THE dEVICE ............................6 .1. Functions of the device ..............................7 .. Keypad ................................... 7 .. Display unit ..................................8 .4.

  • Page 4: Start-Up

    1. START-UP 1.1. UnPACkInG Ohmmètre de terre   F R A N Ç A I S Mémento   HX0056-Z     One line power adapter + 2-pole cable to recharge the battery. Data export software + an optical/USB communication cord. User manual in 5 languages, on CD-ROM.

  • Page 5: Charging The Battery

    1.3. CHARGInG THE BATTERY ± > 110 Vac < 240 Vac Ω 50 / 60 Hz ALARM Ω Ω AUTO Charging time: 3h30’ Start by fully charging the battery before the first use. The charging must be done between 0 and 40°C. After prolonged storage, the battery may be fully discharged.

  • Page 6: Presentation Of The Device

    2. PRESEnTATIOn OF THE dEVICE...

  • Page 7: Functions Of The Device

    2.1. FUnCTIOnS OF THE dEVICE The C.A 6472 earth tester is a complete portable measuring device intended for earth measurements, soil resistivity measure- ments and with the C.A 6474 Pylon box accessory, pylon earth measurements. It is contained in a housing suitable for field use and supplied by a rechargeable battery with built-in charger.

  • Page 8: Display Unit

    2.3. dISPLAY UnIT S x 10 / 10 ρ EARTH COUPLING 1 2 3 4 OK ± > < Ω Ω ALARM OBJ. TEST > < DC AC kΩft NOISE DISTANCEFREQUENCY SMOOTH > < REMOTE kΩft MEMMR CONFIG MANUALAUTO SWEEP Fig.

  • Page 9: Operating Principle

    Indicates that the device is remote-controlled by a computer (REMOTE). SMOOTHing of the measurement results is active. Indicates that a clamp must be connected to terminal ES (flashing) or is connected to it (steady). Display of the measured parameter (R, U, I). Rotating arrows indicate that a measurement is in progress.

  • Page 10: Automatic Mode

    3. AUTOmATIC mOdE 3.1. RESISTAnCE mEASUREmEnT 3.1.1. 2-wIRE mEASUREmEnT Connect the resistance to be measured Set the switch to mΩ. between terminals H and E. It must not be live. ± Ω ALARM Ω mΩ mΩ Ω AUTO Start the measurement by press- The device makes a meas- ing the START/STOP button.
  • Page 11 3.1.3. ALARm FUnCTIOn This function exists only for the 2-wire resistance measurement. By default, the visual alarm (the ALARM symbol flashes) and the audible alarm (the buzzer sounds for a few seconds) are triggered when R < 2Ω. This threshold can be changed using the SET- UP function.
  • Page 12 3.1.4. 4-wIRE mEASUREmEnT This measurement is used to improve the resolution (10x better than the 2-wire measurement) for weak resistance values; no compensation for the measurement leads is needed. The device must first be configured for the 4-wire measurement. Press the CONFIG ...
  • Page 13 3.2. 3P EARTH mEASUREmEnT This function is used to measure an earth resistance with 2 auxiliary electrodes. There are several measurement methods. We recommend the “62%” method. Plant electrodes H and S to form a straight line with the earth electrode. The distance Set the switch to “3 poles”.
  • Page 14 3.2.1 RECOmmEndATIOnS FOR A RELIABLE mEASUREmEnT moving the auxiliary electrodes  Move electrode S towards electrode H by a distance equal to 10% of d and make another measurement. Then move electrode S again by a distance equal to 10% of d, but towards the earth electrode. 52% d 62% d 72% d...

  • Page 15: Earth Measurement

    3.3. 4P EARTH mEASUREmEnT 3.3.1. mEASUREmEnT wITHOUT CLAmP This function is suited to the measurement of very low earth resistances. It provides better resolution (10x better than 3P meas- urement) and there is no need to compensate for the resistance of the measurement leads. Set the switch to “4 poles”.
  • Page 16 20mm in diameter. Use only these two types of current clamp, which are specially designed to work with the C.A 6472 earth tester. Place electrodes H and S at least 30m apart so that the potential wells that form around Set the switch to “4 poles”...
  • Page 17 To measure the resistances of electrodes H and S, or if the resistance of the electrodes is too large (see §4), start the measurement with a long press of the START/STOP button.  Ω > 2s kΩ kΩ START/STOP AUTO...

  • Page 18: Measurement Of Soil Resistivity R

    3.4. mEASUREmEnT OF SOIL RESISTIVITY r To measure the resistivity of the soil, you can choose between the Wenner and Schlumberger methods. The difference between the two methods lies in the positioning of the electrodes. By default, the device selects the Wenner method, but if you want to vary the distance between the electrodes, use the Schlumberger method, which allows you to move only 2 measurement elec- trodes rather than 3.
  • Page 19 To select the hun- To s e l e c t t h e ρ dreds (of metres). tens. ρ   Ω Ω Ω Ω DISTANCE DISTANCE AUTO AUTO To m o d i f y t h e To select and modify the metres and tens.
  • Page 20  To display the measurement parameters, press the DISPLAY key several times. The device displays the following quantities (see the glossary, §13): , d, U , U-Act (U and its frequency, U and its frequency). S-ES S-ES S-ES DISPLAY  To measure the resistances of electrodes H, S, ES, and E, or if the resistance of the electrodes is too high (see §4), start the measurement by a long press of the START/STOP button.
  • Page 21 ρ  To display the measurement parameters, press the DISPLAY key several times. Ω The device displays the following quantities (see the glossary, §13): Ω , d, A, U , U-Act (U and its frequency, U and its fre- S-ES S-ES S-ES quency).

  • Page 22: Measurement Of Earth Potential V Pot

    3.5. mEASUREmEnT OF EARTH POTEnTIAL V POT. The earth potential measurement is similar to the 3-pole earth measurement, but rather than measuring the resistance, the device measures the potential U on electrode S at different distances d from earth E. The relative potential U is the ratio between SrEL SrEL...
  • Page 23 To select and modify the metres and To program A. tenths of a metre.    then DISTANCE AUTO To terminate the programming of the distance. Proceed in the same   way as for d, using keys. then DISTANCE DISTANCE AUTO...

  • Page 24: Earth Measurements With  Clamps

    LOOP Use only C182 or MN82 current clamps; they are specially designed to operate with the C.A 6472. Connect a clamp to terminal H and clamp the earth. Connect the other clamp to terminal Set the switch to 2 clamps.

  • Page 25: Error Reporting

    4. ERROR REPORTInG 4.1. ELECTROdE RESISTAnCE TOO HIGH This can happen in a 3- or 4-pole earth measurement, a resistivity measurement, or an earth potential measurement. This message is displayed when the measurement was triggered by  a short press on the START/STOP button and the resistances of the electrodes are too high.
  • Page 26 After the measurement has started there are indicators of when:  Values R and/or R are too high, Measurement current I or I is too low,  The instability of the measurement is large.  Those conditions that may give uncertain results are indicated on the display of the unit as follows: Frequency Function Triggering threshold...

  • Page 27: Measurements In Manual Mode

    5. mEASUREmEnTS In mAnUAL mOdE It is possible to modify the parameters of all of the measurement functions described for the automatic mode in §3 by changing to manual mode. To access the manual mode, press the CONFIG key. The CONFIG symbol is displayed and the AUTO symbol flashes. By press- ing the key, you can change to manual mode (display of the MANUAL symbol) or to sweep mode (display of the SWEEP symbol) for the 3- and 4-pole earth measurement functions.

  • Page 28: Manual Settings For The Resistance Measurement

    5.3. mAnUAL SETTInGS FOR THE RESISTAnCE mEASUREmEnT In manual mode, successive presses on the CONFIG key let you access the following parameters and change them using the Symbols of terminals H and E flash (2-point measurement)  H S ES E flash (4-point measurement) ...

  • Page 29: Manual Settings For The 4P Earth Measurement

    After switching from EARTH to EARTH COUPLING, using the CONFIG and keys, proceed as follows: If you want to eliminate the resistance of the measurement leads, you can use lead compensation (2nd + START) before start-  ing the actual coupling measurement (see §3.1.2). Set the function switch to the “3-pole”...

  • Page 30: Manual Settings For The Soil Resistivity Measurement

    5.6. mAnUAL SETTInGS FOR THE SOIL RESISTIVITY mEASUREmEnT In the manual mode, successive presses on the CONFIG key let you access the following parameters and change them using key:  Switching to r flashes (Wenner method) (Schlumberger method)  128 Hz flashes ...

  • Page 31: Measurements With The Pylon Box

    6. mEASUREmEnTS wITH THE PYLOn BOx 6.1. dESCRIPTIOn OF THE C.A 6474 PYLOn BOx And AmPFLEX SEnSORS 6.1.1. THE C.A 6474 PYLOn BOx...
  • Page 32 Start by identifying each sensor using the identification rings supplied with the device (brown, red, orange, and yellow). Connect the calibration loop between terminals H and E of the C.A 6472 (see the user guide of the C.A 6474 for the acces- ...

  • Page 33: Measurements In Automatic Mode

    6.2.1. PREPARATIOn The C.A 6474 Pylon Box is designed to be used only with the C.A 6472 device. The two devices must be connected by a special cable. The Pylon Box has no On/Off switch, and is supplied only by the C.A 6472 device, via this connecting cable.
  • Page 34 S x 1 / 10 then Ω Ω Ω AUTO Connect the required number of AmpFLEX sensors to channels 1, 2, 3, and/or 4 of the Pylon Box. To increase the measurement sensitivity, we recommend, whenever possible, wrapping a maximum number of turns (up to 4) around the structure.
  • Page 35 AmpFLEX loop(s) around the legs of the pylon. The orientation has no effect on the measurement, but all of the AmpFLEX loops must be oriented in the same direction and they must all have the same number of turns. Overhead earth wire High-voltage lines C.A 6472 4 AmpFLEX loops con- nected with the same orientation C.A 6474...
  • Page 36  To display the measurement parameters, press the DISPLAY key several times. The device displays the following quantities (see the glossary, §13): and its frequency, I , R-Act (R ), U-Act (U and its frequency, U and its frequency), I-Act (I S-ES PASS S-ES...

  • Page 37: Error Reporting

    In addition to the errors already indicated in §4, the following errors may occur during measurements with the Pylon Box. The switch of the C.A 6472 is set to the AmpFLEX position and no C.A 6474 Pylon Box is connected. Make this connection using the specific lead.
  • Page 38 A measurement in sweep mode (SWEEP) of an installation like this having 10 pylons gives the following results assuming an earth resistance R of 10Ω for each pylon and an inductance L of 550 µH for the link via the overhead earth wire at the tip of pylon the pylons: Impedance of the pylons...

  • Page 39: Memory Function

    7. mEmORY FUnCTIOn The device has a total of 512 memory locations. Each of these locations is defined by an object number (OBJ) from 01 to 99 and by a TEST number from 01 to 99. For 3- and 4-pole earth measurements, and for measurements using the Pylon Box, the sweep mode (SWEEP) can record several measurement results at the same memory location, with the frequency as third addressing criterion.

  • Page 40: Retrieval Of Stored Results

    When you change to sweep mode (SWEEP), the device automatically activates the memory mode (MEM). It proposes a memory location before starting the measurement. You can accept it or change it. All of the results obtained will be stored at this location at the end of the measurement.

  • Page 41: Erasure Of The Memory

    The SETUP function (see §8) lets you read all memory addresses one after the other independently of which measurement func- tion is chosen. 7.3. ERASURE OF THE mEmORY There are two ways to erase the internal memory of the tester: 7.3.1.
  • Page 42 Use the keys to select the record to be erased. To erase the selected record. Press the MEM key. In the case of a record having a third addressing criterion, only the one displayed will be erased.  (long press) ...

  • Page 43: Configuration (Setup)

    8. COnFIGURATIOn (SETUP) Set the switch to SET-UP. The device prompts you to press a key with the following message: SET-UP SET-UP 8.1. PRESS THE COnFIG kEY The CONFIG key is used to set the date, the time, and the data transfer rate. It is also used to reset the device to the factory settings, but the date, the time, and any stored measurement results will be kept.

  • Page 44: Press The Display Key

    8.2. PRESS THE dISPLAY kEY You can change the flashing parameter using the key, and choose the parameter to be changed using the key. The alarm is used in the 2-wire resistance meas- urement. The distance can be expressed in You can activate the alarm (On) or de-activate it metres (m) or in feet (ft).

  • Page 45: Check Of The Display Unit

    8.6. CHECk OF THE dISPLAY UnIT ... the device displays all segments of the display unit If you keep the DISPLAY key pressed while turning the switch to until you leave the SET-UP position or press any key. the SET-UP position, ... SET-UP SET-UP S x 10 / 10...

  • Page 46: Error Messages

    9. ERROR mESSAGES When started up, the C.A 6472 device automatically performs a self-test. If a fault appears during this self-test or during a meas- urement, the device displays a message in the form Err XX. There are 3 categories of errors:...

  • Page 47: Connection To A Pc And Analysis Software

    10. COnnECTIOn TO A PC And AnALYSIS SOFTwARE You will find more detailed information about connection to a PC, remote control of the tester by a PC, reading measurement results stored in the device, and the modification of certain data in the memory (for example the values of the sweep frequencies) in the documentation of DataView software for earth testers.

  • Page 48: Specifications And Technical Characteristics

    11. SPECIFICATIOnS And TECHnICAL CHARACTERISTICS 11.1. REFEREnCE COndITIOnS Quantities of influence Reference values Temperature 20 ± 3 °C Relative humidity 45 to 55 % RH Supply voltage 9 to 11,2 V Frequency band of the input signal 0 to 440 Hz Capacitance in parallel with the input resistance 0 µF Electric field...
  • Page 49 ± (7% + 2 pt) (1): The C.A 6472 device cannot tell which clamp is connected to the instrument. In the case of the MN82 clamp, with currents > 10 A and frequencies < 100 Hz, there will therefore be no warning message. The user is responsible for ensuring observ- ance of the limits of use of the MN82 current clamp.
  • Page 50 Operating error  Current (A.tr) 16 - 49 Hz 50 - 99 Hz 100 - 400 Hz - 0.399 ± (20% + pt-er) ± (5% + pt-er) ± (3% + pt-er) 0.4 - 39.9 ± (10% + 2 pt) ± (3% + 2 pt) ±...
  • Page 51 11.2.5. AC EARTH RESISTAnCE mEASUREmEnTS Measurement method: Voltage/current measurement (IEC 61557 part 5) No-load voltage: 16 or 32 Vrms, rectangular voltage (for currents > 240 mA the output voltage is reduced to 10 Vrms) Test frequency: choice of values from 41 to 5078 Hz (see §5.1) Short-circuit current: >200 mAac Rejection of spurious signals:...
  • Page 52 Operating conditions: R < 3 x R = 32 V Operating error for R Values for R and R Frequency (Hz) 41 - 513 ± (3% + 2 pt) ≥ 0 Ω, Rs ≤ 3 kΩ ) / R < 3000 537 –...
  • Page 53 11.2.7. mEASUREmEnTS OF EARTH POTEnTIAL V POT Measurement method: Voltage/current measurement No-load voltage: 16 or 32Vrms, rectangular voltage Test frequency: choice of values from 41 to 5078 Hz (see §5.1) Short-circuit current: > 200 mAac Rejection of spurious signals: > 80 dB for frequencies 20% or more above or below the test frequency Max.

  • Page 54: Power Supply

    The day before using your device, check its charge condition. If the battery symbol now displays only one bar, or none, charge the device overnight (see §1.3). Using a special power supply unit, the C.A 6472 device can also be recharged from a 12 Vdc outlet in a vehicle.

  • Page 55: Environmental Conditions

    In this case, the low-potential contact of the vehicle’s 12 Vdc outlet is at the potential of inputs E and ES of the tester. As a pre- caution, the device must therefore not be used or connected if there is reason to suspect the presence of voltages exceeding 32 V on these inputs.

  • Page 56: Electromagnetic Compatibility

    11.7. ELECTROmAGnETIC COmPATIBILITY The instrument satisfies the EMC and LVD directives required for the CE marking and product standard IEC 61326-1 (Ed. 97) + A1 (Ed. 98). Immunity in industrial environment  Emissions in residential environment. ...

  • Page 57: Terms And Definitions

    12. TERmS And dEFInITIOnS This section recalls the definitions of a few of the terms used in the context of earth measurements: Earth conductor The conductor that connects the installation to be earthed to its earth. Earth contact (E) The underground conductor that provides the electrical contact with the surrounding earth. Earth measurement The measurement made to check an earth;...

  • Page 58: Glossary

    13. GLOSSARY This glossary lists the terms and abbreviations used on the device and its digital display unit. 3 poles: earth resistance measurement with 2 auxiliary electrodes (3P). 4 poles: 4-wire measurement of low earth resistance using 2 auxiliary electrodes (4P). AmpFLEX: selective earth measurement using the C.A 6474 accessory and AmpFLEX current sensors.
  • Page 59 voltage measured between terminals S and E. voltage measured between terminals S and ES. S-ES USr: frequency chosen by the user (“user” shortened). voltage of terminal S (with respect to E) in relative (rEL) form; dimensionless value. SrEL V pot.: soil potential measurement.

  • Page 60: Maintenance

    14. mAInTEnAnCE For maintenance, use only the spare parts specified. The manufacturer cannot be held liable for any accident that occurs following a repair not performed by its customer service department or by an approved repairer. 14.1. CLEAnInG Disconnect the unit completely and turn the rotary switch to OFF. Use a soft cloth, dampened with soapy water.

  • Page 61: Replacing The Battery

    5. Slide the battery a short way out of its compartment, without forcing on the wires, in order to be able to loosen the two screws at the bottom of the battery compartment. Then put the battery back in its place. 6.

  • Page 62: Metrological Check

    This instrument should be checked at least once a year. For checks and calibrations, contact one of our accredited metrology labo- ratories (information and contact details available on request), at our Chauvin Arnoux subsidiary or the branch in your country.

  • Page 63: Warranty, Service

    15. wARRAnTY, SERVICE Except as otherwise stated, our warranty is valid for twelve months starting from the date on which the equipment was sold. Extract from our General Conditions of Sale, communicated on request. The warranty does not apply in the following cases: ...

  • Page 64: To Order

    1 cable reel (10m green),  1 mallet,  5 spade-tip/banana plug adapters, dia. 4mm,  1 prestige carrying bag with space for the C.A 6472 device.  150m earth & resistivity kit ............................P01.1020.25 Comprising: 4 earth electrodes, ...

  • Page 65: Replacement Parts

    Black cable, 5m long, for C.A 6474 (link to terminal ES) ..................P01.2952.92 Optical/USB communication cable ........................HX0056-Z Prestige carrying bag ............................... P01.2980.67 miscellaneous Replacement parts for Earth & resistivity kit: see the list enclosed with the standard kit or contact your Chauvin Arnoux agency  or your approved dealer.
  • Page 68 Tel: +86 21 65 21 51 96 - Fax: +86 21 65 21 61 07 SCAndInAVIA - CA mätsystem AB USA - Chauvin Arnoux Inc - d.b.a AEmC Instruments Box 4501 - SE 18304 TÄBY 200 Foxborough Blvd. - Foxborough - MA 02035...

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