6474 - aemc

E N G L I S H User Manual

GROUNDFLEX® ADAPTER 6474

Statement of Compliance

Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC® Instruments certifies that this instrument has been calibrated using standards and instruments traceable to international standards.

We guarantee that at the time of shipping your instrument has met its published specifications.

NIST traceable calibration is only possible when the Model 6474 is connected to the Ground Tester Model 6472.To obtain NIST calibration (for a nominal charge), the instrument would need to be returned to our facility, along with your Ground Tester Model 6472.

The recommended calibration interval is 12 months and begins on the date of receipt by the customer. For recalibration, please use our calibration services. Refer to our repair and calibration section at www.aemc.com.

Serial #: ________________________________

Catalog #: 2136.03

Model #: 6474

Please fill in the appropriate date as indicated:

Date Received: _________________________________

Date Calibration Due: _______________________

Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc.d.b.a AEMC® Instrumentswww.aemc.com

2 GroundFlex® Adapter Model 6474

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................... 31.1 International Electrical Symbols ...........................................................41.2 DefinitionofMeasurementCategories .................................................41.3 ReceivingYourShipment .....................................................................41.4 OrderingInformation ............................................................................5

1.4.1 AccessoriesandReplacementParts ......................................5

GROUNDFLEX® ADAPTER ...................................................................... 62.1 ControlFeatures ..................................................................................62.2 GroundFlex® Sensor ............................................................................7

2.2.1 CalibrationofGroundFlex® Sensors .......................................82.3 MeasurementsinAUTOMode ...........................................................10

2.3.1 PreparationoftheGroundFlex®Adapter ...............................102.3.2 MakingaMeasurement(ResistanceofLegs) ......................122.3.3 OtherMeasurements ............................................................14

2.4 MANUALModeandSWEEPMode ...................................................142.5 TowerTestingMeasurement ..............................................................16

2.5.1 ChoosingthepositionsfortheH,Selectrodes: ....................16

SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................. 243.1 Electrical .............................................................................................243.2 Mechanical .........................................................................................263.3 Environmental ....................................................................................263.4 Safety .................................................................................................26

MAINTENANCE ................................................................................... 274.1 Maintenance.....................................................................................274.2 Cleaning ...........................................................................................27RepairandCalibration.................................................................................28TechnicalandSalesAssistance ..................................................................28LimitedWarranty .........................................................................................29WarrantyRepairs ........................................................................................29

GroundFlex® Adapter Model 6474 3

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

WARNING Thesesafetywarningsareprovidedtoensurethesafetyofpersonnel.Please read and complywiththeseprecautions:

• Thisinstrumentisprotectedfromaccidentalvoltagesofnotmorethan50VwithrespecttoearthinmeasurementCATIV.Theguaranteedlevelofprotectionofthisequipmentmaybecompromisedifusedinamannernotspecifiedbythemanufacturer.

• Safetyistheresponsibilityoftheoperator.

• Allmetalobjectsorwiresconnectedtotheelectricalsystemshouldbeassumedtobelethaluntiltested.Groundingsystemsarenoexception.

• Never exceed the maximum rated voltage and current, and themeasurementcategory.

• Never exceed the protection limits, and always comply with theconditionsandplaceofuse,indicatedinthespecifications.

• Donotusetheinstrumentoritsaccessoriesiftheyappeardamaged.

• Useaccessories thathaveovervoltagecategoryandservicevoltagesgreaterthanorequaltothoseoftheinstrument(CATIV50V).Useonlyaccessoriesthatcomplywithsafetystandards(IEC61010-2-031&32).

• Weartheappropriateprotectivegear(insulatingbootsandgloves).

• CheckthatnoterminalisconnectedandtheswitchissettoOFFbeforeopeningthedevice.

• Useonlythechargingunitsuppliedwiththeinstrumenttorechargethebattery.

• Troubleshootingandmetrologicalverificationproceduresmustonlybeperformedbyqualified,approvedpersonnel,orthefactory.

• NOTE: Thepotentialsonthevariousrodsusedforanearthmeasurementmaybedifferentifanearbyelectricalinstallationisdefectiveorcertainweather conditions prevail (thunderstorms). It is up to the operatorto decide whether to continue or postpone measurements in thesesituations.


1.1 International Electrical Symbols

Signifies that the instrument is protected by double or reinforced insulation.

This symbol on the instrument indicates a WARNING that the operator must refer to the user manual for instructions before operating the instrument. In this manual, the symbol preceding instructions indicates that if the instructions are not followed, bodily injury, installation/sample and/or product damage may result.Risk of electric shock. The voltage at the parts marked with this symbol may be dangerous.

Ground/Earth symbol

In conformity with WEEE 2002/96/EC

1.2 Definition of Measurement CategoriesCAT II: Formeasurementsperformedoncircuitsdirectlyconnectedtotheelectrical

distributionsystem.Examplesaremeasurementsonhouseholdappliancesorportabletools.

CAT III: Formeasurementsperformedinthebuildinginstallationatthedistributionlevelsuchasonhardwiredequipmentinfixedinstallationandcircuitbreakers.

CAT IV: Formeasurementsperformedattheprimaryelectricalsupply(<1000V)suchasonprimaryovercurrentprotectiondevices,ripplecontrolunits,ormeters.

1.3 Receiving Your ShipmentUponreceivingyourshipment,makesurethatthecontentsareconsistentwiththepackinglist.Notifyyourdistributorofanymissingitems.Iftheequipmentappearstobedamaged,fileaclaimimmediatelywiththecarrierandnotifyyourdistributoratonce,givingadetaileddescriptionofanydamage.Savethedamagedpackingcontainertosubstantiateyourclaim.


1.4 Ordering Information

NOTE: The GroundFlex® Adapter Model 6474 only operates in combination with the Ground Tester Model 6472 Kit - 500ft.

GroundFlex® Field Kit (Model 6472 and 6474) .............................Cat. #2136.03Includes: (Ground Tester Model 6472 Kit-500 ft (Cat #2135.54)); Model 6472, two carrying bags, two 500 ft. color-coded leads on spools (red/blue), two 100 ft. color-coded leads (hand tied, green/black), one 30 ft. lead (green), two 5 ft. color-coded leads (red/blue), 100/240V power adapter with US power cord, optical USB cable, four T-shaped auxiliary ground electrodes, set of five spaded lugs, one 100 ft. tape measure, rechargeable NiMH battery pack, USB stick with DataView software, ground tester workbook and user manual. GroundFlex® Adapter Model 6474, four GroundFlex® sensors (5m), twelve color-coded rings, connection lead, two extension leads on H reel (black/green) with color-coded alligator clips, one extra green and black alligator clips, two BNC extension leads, calibration loop, three C-clamps, set of 2-reel caddy’s, one inverter 12VDC to 120VAC watt (vehicle use), carrying case with wheels and handle for meters and user manual.

1.4.1 Accessories and Replacement Parts

Bag#6-CarryingBagforGroundKits ............................................. Cat. #2119.82TapeMeasure-AEMC®(100ft) .......................................................Cat. #2130.60Setoftwo,14.5"T-shapedAuxiliaryGroundElectrodes ..................Cat. #2135.39OpticalUSBCable............................................................................Cat. #2135.41Replacement-ConnectionLeadforModel6472/6474 ....................Cat. #2135.75Replacement-OneBNC(15m/50ft)ExtensionLead ......................Cat. #2135.76Replacement-Setof12,GroundFlex®Rings(red,yellow,brown,orange) .............................................................Cat. #2135.77Replacement-GreenExtensionLead .............................................Cat. #2135.78Replacement-BlackExtensionLead...............................................Cat. #2135.79Replacement-Setof3,C-clamps....................................................Cat. #2135.80Replacement-CalibrationLoop .......................................................Cat. #2135.82Replacement-CarryingCase ..........................................................Cat. #2135.83Replacement-OneGroundFlex®(5m/16ft)Sensor .........................Cat. #2135.92Replacement-SafetyAlligatorClip(black) ......................................Cat. #5000.99Replacement-SafetyAlligatorClip(green) .....................................Cat. #5100.06GroundFlex®Sensor10M .................................................................Cat. #2135.87

Order Accessories and Replacement Parts Directly OnlineCheck our Storefront at www.aemc.com/store for availability


CHAPTER 2

GROUNDFLEX® ADAPTER

2.1 Control Features

50V CAT IV

1-2-3-4

1-2-3

1-2

1

2

3

4

For Use with theGround Tester Model 6472

GroundFlex®

Sensor SENSOR TURNS

SENSITIVITY

To Model 6472

Overload

INPUT

1

2

3

4

GroundFlex® AdapterMODEL 6474

2

4

1

6

5

3

1. Inputs1through4forGroundFlex® sensors

2. ConnectorforconnectionleadtotheGroundTesterModel6472

3. OVERLOAD indicator

4. SENSORTURNSselector:1,2,3or4

5. SENSITIVITYselector:x10,x1orx1/10

6. INPUTSELECTION:1,2,3,4,1-2,1-3or1-4


2.2 GroundFlex® SensorTheGroundFlex®sensorsareplacedaroundaconductor(towerlegorpole)andclosed using a screw connector, which is part of the sensor. This closed loopis thenused tomakeacontact-freemeasurementof thecurrent flowing in theconductor(leg)itiswrappedaround.

Thesesensorsarecurrentmeasurementclampsbutareabletoencloseobjectsthataremuchlarger.

GroundFlex®sensorsareavailableinlengthsofuptoapprox24ft(8m)andcanbeplacedaroundobjects(suchastowerlegs)uptoinapprox8ftdiameter(2.7m).

50V CAT IV

1-2-3-4

1-2-3

1-2

GroundFlex®

Sensor

To Model 6472

Overload

INPUT

1

2

3

4


2.2.1 Calibration of GroundFlex® Sensors

Calibrationisnecessaryforanewsensor,onethatisnolongeridentifiedwhenasensorhasbeenreplaced,ormorethan2lengthsofextensioncableisused.ThecalibrationcoefficientsarethenstoredintheModel6474.

NOTE: Do not move or touch the GroundFlex® sensor or the calibration loop during the calibration. This could cause errors.

StartbyidentifyingeachsensorusingtheidentificationringsthataresuppliedwiththeModel6474:(1)Brown (2)Red (3)Orange (4)Yellow

• ConnectthecalibrationloopbetweenterminalsHandEoftheModel6472.

• ConnecttheModel6472and6474togetherusingtheconnectioncable.

• ConnecttheGroundFlex®sensorwiththeBrownringtoInput1oftheModel6474,theonewiththeRedringtoInput2,theonewiththeOrangeringtoInput3,andtheonewiththeYellowringtoInput4.

• CoiltheGroundFlex®sensorfourtimesaroundinthecalibrationloopandcloseitusingitsscrewconnector.Placetheconnectorasfaraspossiblefromthecalibration device.

6472 6474


1. Settheswitchofthe6472toSET-UP.2. SettheSENSOR TURNSswitchto4.3. SettheSENSITIVITYswitchtox1.4. SettheINPUT SELECTIONswitchto1.

1-2-3-4

1-2-3

1-2

1

2

3

4

SENSOR TURNS

SENSITIVITY INPUT

5. PresstheHz/OPTIONSbutton5times.

ThedevicestartsbycomparingthecurrentIIntinjectedbythedeviceintothecalibrationlooptothecurrentIAmeasuredbytheGroundFlex®sensor.Iftheyaredifferent,the"CAL"symbolblinkstorecommendacalibration.

x 5

4H

E

S x 1 1

AUTO

mA

m A

NOTE: To avoid measurement errors, do not touch the GroundFlex® sensor or the calibration loop during the calibration.


6. Tostartthecalibration,press2nd + START.

7. ThedevicecalculatesandstoresacalibrationcoefficientfortheGroundFlex® sensorconnectedtochannel1.

4H

E

S x 1 1

AUTO

mA

m A

Thisoperationmustberepeatedforchannels2,3and4;theINPUT SELECTION switchmustbesettothecorrespondingpositioneachtime.

Thecalibrationvaluesarenowstoredintomemory.

After calibration, the GroundFlex® sensors must always be connected to theirrespectivechannels.

NOTE: Always connect the same sensor to the same input.

2.3 Measurements in AUTO Mode

2.3.1 Preparation of the GroundFlex® Adapter

TheGroundFlex®AdapterModel6474isdesignedtobeusedonlywiththeModel6472device.Thetwoinstrumentsmustbeconnectedusingthespecialconnectioncablesupplied.TheModel6474hasnoON/OFFbutton,andispoweredonlybytheModel6472,viathisconnectioncable.

TheModel6474is intendedprimarily tomeasurethecurrentthatflowsthroughahigh-voltagetowertotheground.Youcanwrapupto4legsofthetowerseachwithaGroundFlex®sensorandmeasurethecurrentflowingtoearththrougheachofthelegsorthroughseverallegs.

1. SettherotaryfunctionswitchtoGroundFlex®ontheModel6472. WhenyouconnecttheGroundFlex®AdapterModel6474tothe6472,aself-

testwillbegin.Duringthistest,theOVERLOADchecklightonthe6474islit.

2. Connecttherequirednumberofsensorstochannels1,2,3,and/or4.


NOTE: • The sensors have arrows to indicate a direction. • All sensors should face the same direction. (clockwise or counter-clockwise around the tower legs) • All sensors should have the same number of wraps. • Sensors should encircle both leg AND ground system.

6474

To the Model 6472

3. OntheModel6474,settheINPUT selectionswitchaccordingly.Youcanmea-sure thecurrentflowing throughoneGroundFlex®sensor(1,2,3,or4),orthroughseveralsensors(1,2or1,2,3),orthroughallofthesensors(1,2,3,4).

4. Selecthowmany times thesensor iswrappedaround theconductor tobemeasured(from1to4turns)usingtheSENSOR TURNSselectionswitch.

NOTE: To increase measurement sensitivity, we recommend when possible, wrapping a maximum number of turns (up to 4) around the structure.

5. SettheSENSITIVITYswitchtothedesiredsensitivity:x1/10,x1,orx10.Thechoiceofsensitivitydependsontheexpectedcurrentvalue.Asaprecaution,alwaysstartwiththelowestsensitivity,x1/10,andincreaseitasneeded.


2.3.2 Making a Measurement (Resistance of Legs)

1. PlaceauxiliaryelectrodesH (Z) and S (Y)onoppositesidesofthetower,asfarawayaspossible(100-150ft)and,ifpossible,perpendiculartothehigh-voltageline(depthisnotimportant).Thiswilleliminateinterferencewiththemeasurementbystrayvoltagesorcurrents inducedunder thehigh-voltageline.

NOTE: The H (Z) and S (Y) electrodes can be placed in the same direction if necessary. In this case, the S (Y) electrode should be placed at 62% the distance of H (Z).

2. In order to avoid electromagnetic interference, it is best to unwind the fulllengthofeachcablefromthereel,tokeepthecablesasfarapartaspossibleontheground,takingcarenottoformloops,andtoavoidplacingthecablesnearorparalleltometallicconductors(cables,rails,fences,etc.).Effectsofinterferencearemeasuredinmilli-ohms.

3. Connect theseauxiliaryelectrodes to the terminalsH (Z) and S (Y)on theModel6472'sfrontpanel.

4. Important: TheterminalsES (Xv) and E (X)mustbeconnectedtoaconduct-ingmetallicpartofthetowerlocatedabovetheGroundFlex®sensors.Thisensuresmeasurementofthecurrentflowingdownwardandtowardstheearth(otherwise,youwouldmeasurethecurrentflowingupward,fromtheearthtothetopofthetower). Thiswilltelltheconditionoftheoverheadgroundconductor.

5. Connect the requirednumberofGroundFlex® sensors to channels1,2,3,and/or4(thechannelsforwhichtheyarecalibrated)andplacetheGround-Flex®sensorsaroundthelegsofthetower.

NOTE: The direction of coiling of the sensors around tower legs have no effect on the measurement, but all of the GroundFlex® sensors must be coiled in the same direction and have the same orientation (check arrow direction on the sensor) and they must all have the same number of turns. Sensors should encircle both leg AND ground system.


E

S

H

RS

RH

ES

1

2

3

46474

6472

Overhead earth wire

High-voltagelines

4 GroundFlex® sensorsconnected with thesame orientation

WARNING: If the GroundFlex® Adapter Model 6474 is connected to the earth tester, the earth potential connected to the terminals E (X) and ES (Xv) will also be present at the BNC connectors of the GroundFlex® sensors and at the connecting cable between the adapter and tester. Whenever any doubt exists about this earth potential, the user should proceed to a voltage measurement using the S (Y) and ES (Xv) terminals of the tester.

1. Setthe3switches(Inputs,TurnsandSensitivity)oftheGroundFlex®Adapteraccordingtotheconnectionmade.

2. StartthemeasurementbypressingtheSTART/STOPbutton.

1

AUTO

k Ω

mA

V

H

S

ES

E

S x 1 2

Todisplaythemeasurementparameters,pressDISPLAY several times.


Thedevicedisplaysthefollowingparameters:

RSEL,US-ESanditsfrequency,ISEL,R-Act(RPASS),U-Act(US-ESanditsfrequency,UH-Eanditsfrequency),I-Act(ISELanditsfrequency).

TomeasuretheresistancesofelectrodesH (Z) and S (Y),oriftheresistanceoftheelectrodesistoohigh,startthemeasurementbyalongpress(approx2sec)oftheSTART/STOPbutton(youwillheara2ndbeep).

RH,RS,UH-E,IH-Ewillbedisplayed.

2.3.3 Other Measurements

AsexplainedinStep4onthepreviouspage,terminalsES (Xv) and E (X)mustbeconnectedtoametallicpartofthetowerabovetheGroundFlex® sensor in order to measurethecurrentflowingISELdownwardthroughthesensortowardstheearthtomeasuregroundresistanceoftheleg.

IfconnectionsES (Xv) and E (X)areplacedbelowtheGroundFlex®sensor,thelattermeasuresthecurrentflowingtowardsthetopofthetowerviatheoverheadgroundconductoratitstop,andyoucaninthiswayevaluatethequality of this overhead ground conductor.

Youcanevenmake thismeasurementwithoutmoving thecontactsofES (Xv) and E (X) on the towerbysimplypassing the2connectingcables through theGroundFlex®sensor.ThecurrentinconnectingcableE (X) andthecurrentthroughthelegofthetowerthencanceleachotherout.

Youcanalsomeasureany leakage currents(I-Act)flowingthrougheachlegofthetowerinnormaloperationofthehigh-voltageline.Ifyoufinddifferentleakagecurrentsineachleg,buttheycanceloutwhenaddedtogether,youcanconcludethatthesecurrents,inducedbytherotatingfieldofthehigh-voltagelines,indicate an earthing faultofthetowervia the overhead ground wire at the tip of the mast.

2.4 MANUAL Mode and SWEEP ModeUse theHz/OPTIONS buttonandbutton tochange toMANUALmode.Thefollowingparameterscanbemodified:

• 128Hzblinks Changethetestfrequency• Testvoltageblinks Switchbetween10,16,32and60V

Youcanalsoperformafrequencysweepandasmoothing.


Inthesweepmode,themeasurementscanbemadeatfrequenciesupto5kHz.Onasingletower,frequenciesintheorderof5kHzdonotalwaysentailinductiveeffects, but the "current loops" formed by the adjacent towers and the returnchannelthroughthegroundmayresultininductancesthatcanbedetectedonlyathighfrequencies.

Anequivalentdiagramofthecomponentsformingthiscircuitisasfollows:

Point of injectionof the current

Overheadearth wire

LLL

Rpylon

Next pylonto the left

Pylonmeasured

Next pylonto the right

Ameasurement in sweepmode (SWEEP)of an installation like this having 10towersgivesthefollowingresultsassuminganearthresistanceRpylonof10Ω foreach towerandan inductanceLof550µH for the linkvia theoverheadgroundconductoratthetipofthetowers:

Impedance of the towers

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000

F (Hz)

Z (ohm)

MeasurementofatowerearthimpedancewithGroundFlex® sensorsConventional4polemeasurementMeasurementintothetopofatower(iterativenetworkimpedance)


2.5 Tower Testing Measurement1. ConnectthegreenCurrent(E)andblackVoltage(ES)testleadstothe

groundingsystemtobetestedusingseparatecables.ConnectionpointsshouldbesidebysideandabovetheGroundFlex®(Rogowski)coilwhentestingtowerlegresistanceand/orimpedance.

Figure 1

2. WraptheGroundFlex®coilsaroundthetower'sleg(s).Byincreasingthenumberofturnsaroundthetower'sleg(s), theresultingmeasurementswillbemorerobust. Allcoilsmusthavethesamenumberofturnsaroundeachtowerleg.

3. Installallcoilsinthesamerotationaldirection,eitherclockwiseorcounterclockwise.ThecoaxcablesontheGroundFlex®sensorshavearrowstoindicatetherotationaldirectionthatmustbeconsistentbetweentowerlegs.Ontowerswith3or4legs,thesensorsmustbeinsequencefromonelegtothenext.

Figure 2

2.5.1 Choosing the positions for the H, S electrodes:1. Ifpossible,positiontheHandSelectrodes90°totheHighVoltage(HV)line,

andplaceonetotheleftandtheothertotherightwithrespecttotheHVtransmissionline.Ifthisisnotpossible,stayatleast30°offparalleltotheHVline.Theminimumdistanceshouldbe150–300ft(50-100m).NeverplaceanelectrodewithintheminimumdistancefromtheHVlineand/orparalleltotheHVline.

2. ConnecttheHelectrodeusingthered(H)leadandtheSelectrodeusingtheblue(S)lead(seeFigure2).


NOTE:TheresistancefortheHandSelectrodestoearthshouldeachbebelow1kΩtoensuregoodtestresults.

Figure 3

3. Forthemostaccuratemeasurements,rollthecablecompletelyouttoeliminateanyinductanceproblemsinlocationswithhighoverheadenergyfromtheHVline.Normallyerrorsareinthemilliohmregionwhenthecablesarenotfullyremovedfromthespool.

4. Confirmthattheumbilicalcableconnectionbetweenthe6472and6474issecure.Checkthepositionoftherotaryswitches(Input,SensorTurnsandSensitivity)onthe6474tobesuretheymatchthetestrequirements(seeFigure4).

5. Makesurethenumberofturnsbetweentowerlegsarethesame.ThenumberofturnsmustcorrespondtothenumberofturnsusedontheinstalledGroundFlex®coilsoneachtowerleg.

Figure 4

6. Useinputswitchposition"1-2-3-4"formeasurementofthetotalpylonearthcurrentonfourlegtowers.Usethecorrespondingswitchpositionfor2(1-2)and3(1-2-3)legtowers.

7. Startthetestwithx10amplification.8. Turntherotaryswitchonthemodel6472totheGroundFlex®position.The

6474amplifierwillturnonafterthe6472ispoweredonandthecalibrationoftheconnectedGroundFlex®sensorswillbeverified.TheOverloadLEDwillcomeonforafewsecondsduringpowerup.IfthisLEDisflashingcontinuouslyandthe6472isbeepingcontinually,thenthecurrentintheGroundFlex®sensor(s)aretoohighfortheselectedamplification.ReducetoX1andthentoX1/10ifnecessary.Ifitisstillpresentinthe1/10position,thenreducethenumberofturnsoftheGroundFlex® sensors.


First check (see Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8):

1. PresstheDISPLAYbuttonuntilU-Act.andUS-ESorUH-Eisshown.U-Act.referstoliveactualvoltage.US-ESequalsmeasuredvoltagebetweenSandES. DisturbancevoltagemeasurementsontheSProbeandtheHAuxiliaryelectrodewillruncontinuouslyaslongasatesthasnotbeeninitiatedwiththeSTARTbutton.

2. PresstheDISPLAYkeyagainuntilU-Act.andUH-Eisshown.UH-EequalsthemeasuredvoltagebetweenHandE.ThefrequencyofUS-ESorUH-Eappearswhenthecorrespondingvoltageishigherthan0.1V.ThemeasuredvoltageiscausedbythecurrentflowingthroughthetowerintotheEarth.

3. CheckifthevaluesforUH-EandUS-ESareequal.WhenUH-EequalsUS-ES,theelectrodesareplacedfarenoughfromthepotentialinfluenceofthetowerlegs.

4. Ifoneofthevaluesissmallerthantheothervalue,youshouldrepositiontheelectrodethatshowsthesmallervoltagefurtherawayfromtheHV-lineandcheckUS-ESandUH-Eagain.

5. PresstheSTART-buttonwhenbothmeasurementsareequaltoeachotherforareliableactivemeasurement.WhenbothUS-ESandUH-Eareclosetozero,thentheHV-lineisnotinserviceortheoverheadgroundconductoriscompletelycorrodedordisconnected.Inthiscase,thetotalpyloncurrentwillbealsonearlyzero.

6. PresstheDISPLAYbuttonuntilISELappears.Thisisthetotalpylonearthcurrentandismeasuredbythe4GroundFlex®sensors(channels1-2-3-4selectedfora4legtower).

Figure 7 (model 6472)

Figure 6Figure 5


7. Next,presstheDISPLAYbuttonuntilRPASSappears.AleakagecurrentI-SEL,wheninducedinthepylon,producesavoltagedropUS-ES(potentialdifferencetoEarth)ontheearth-resistanceofthepylon.OncetheI-SELandUS-ESvaluesareknown,the6472cancalculateRPASS(passiveearthresistance).IthastheadvantageofbeingmeasuredatthenominalfrequencyofthenetworkbutisalsoinfluencedbytheloadfluctuationsinthenetworkandbythepotentialinfluenceoftheHV-line.WhenthetowerearthresistanceisactivelymeasuredandisnearlyequaltoRPASS,theresultwillbereliable;otherwise,thepotentialrelationshipduringtheactiveandpassivemeasurementwillbedifferent.

Figure 8 (model 6472)Second check (See Figures 9):1. CurrentsinthetowerlegsaremeasuredcontinuouslyaslongastheSTART-

buttonhasnotbeenpressed.Switchthemodel6474toINPUT1.SelectISELon6472withDISPLAYbutton.

Figure 92. Checkthecurrentineachtowerlegbyswitchingthrougheachchannelin

sequencewhilenotingthemeasurementsofeach.Youcanfindcorrodedand/ordisconnectedearthconnectionsasindicatedbyreadingsthatshownocurrentflow.

3. Checkthesumofalllegcurrentchannels.Ifthetotalisapproximatelyequaltothesumoftheallindividuallegcurrents,thenthestaticwire(overheadgroundconductor)isbondedtothetowerproperly.Ifnot,thisconnectionisprobablycorrodedandonlyasmallcurrentwillbeflowinginthetowerlegs,whichwillbeinducedinthetowergrounding.Thesumwillbeverylow,but,despitethat,singlecurrentsmaybehigherbecausetheycanflowindifferentdirections.ThemeasurementofRPASSforindividuallegshasnovalue.Evenwhenindividuallegsarenotconnectedtogether.Belowgroundlevel,theywillstillinfluenceeachother.


Third check (See Figure 10):1. Startameasurementwithalongpressonthe6472STARTbuttoninthe

4-poleswitchposition.Thiswillinitiatethetestusing32Voltsandwillprovidethefullcomplementoftestresultsincludingauxilaryrod(HandS)resistance.Themeasurementwillbeconductedat128Hz.WhenameasurementisinitiatedwithalongpressontheSTARTbutton(byholdingdownforapproximately2secondsuntilasecondbeepisheard),youwillthengetadditionalresultsincludingtheresistancesofelectrodesRHandRS.Bothshouldbebelow1KΩifyouwanttoperformaqualitySWEEPtestupto5kHz.

2. IfRHorRSishigherthan1kΩ,youcanplacemoreelectrodesinparallelwitheachofthemoryoucanmoistenthesoilintheareawheretheelectrodesareplaced.Parallelelectrodesshallbeplacedatadistanceofapproximately4xthedepthoftheHandSelectrodes.RHshouldbeaslowaspossible,becauseitdeterminesthetestcurrent.Themeasurementprecisionisbetterwhenthetestcurrentishigher.Muchofthiscurrentwillflowthroughtheoverheadgroundconductor,andonlyasmallpercentagewillflowthroughtowerlegsintotheearth.Testcurrentsbelow3mAcancauseunreliableresults,whichareindicatedbytheflashinggreater-than(>)andless-than(<)symbolstotheleftofthereading.Whenanyinputsymbolisblinkingonthedisplay,itmeansthatthecorrespondingleadisdisconnectedorbroken.Themeasurementcanbeperformedonlyifallconnectionsaregood.

Figure 10

Measurements:Whenallparametersareinthe"greenzone"(properrange),3typicalmeasurementsonthetowercanbeaccomplished.1st measurement (See Figure 11):GroundFlex® sensors measurement into the Earth1. PerformalongpressoftheSTARTbutton.2. MakesurethedeviceisinSWEEPmode.3. Makesurethecurrentinjectionandvoltagemeasurementpoints(greenand

blackleads)areabovetheGroundFlex® sensor.


Figure 11

2nd measurement (See Figure 12):GroundFlex® sensor measurement into static wire (overhead ground conductor)1. MakesurethedeviceisinSWEEPMode.2. MovethecurrentinjectionwireE(green)soitfeedsthroughtheGroundFlex®

sensorsonthetowerlegandconnectsnexttothepotentialconnection.3. DonotmovetheES(black)potentialconnection.

Figure 12

NOTE:InSWEEPmodealongpressisautomaticalyinitiatedandthemeasurementsateachfrequencyusedinthesweeparestoredinmemory

Third measurement (See Figure 13):4-pole Earth-impedance measurement (lattice network measurement) 1. MakesurethedeviceisinSWEEPMode.2. 4-poleEarth-impedancemeasurement(sometimescalled"latticenetwork"

measurement).3. Inthiscase,thetotalearthimpedanceofallcomponentsofthegrounding

systemasifitisoneresistance/impedancewillbemeasured.


4. Theoverheadgroundconductor(OGC)connectsthegroundingsystemsofalltowersinparallelatlowfrequencies,butathigherfrequenciestheinductanceoftheOGCstartstoseparatethemsuchthattheeffectiveimpedenceofanindividualtowercaneffectivelybemeasured.

5. Measuretheresistance/impedancein10%incrementsbetweenEandH.6. Lookfortheplateaureadings(usuallybetween50%and70%distancesto

findtheeffectiveresistance/impedanceofthestructureundertest.

Figure 13First check1. MeasuredisturbancevoltagesUACT,US-ES,andUH-E.WhenUS-ESand

UH-Earecloseinvaluetoeachother,thentheHandSelectrodesarefarenoughawayfromtheHVline.Iftheyaredifferent,movetheelectrodewiththelowervoltagefurtherawayfromtheHVlineandrecheck.WhenUS-ESandUH-Eareclosetoorequaltozero,theOGCiseitherbadlycorrodedordisconnected.

2. Next,checkRPASSandnoteitforlateruse.Second check1. Checkthecurrentineachtowerleg(IACT/ISEL)tofindcorrodedor

disconnectedgroundingpoints.(break)Ifthesumofalllegsisapproximatelythesameasthesumofallindividuallegs,thentheOGCisintact.

Third check1. PresstheSTARTbuttonwithalongpresstobeginactivemeasurements.

NotetheresistanceofRHandRS.2. Ifeitherorbothareabove1kΩ,addmoreelectrodesormoistenthesoil

aroundthemtolowertheirresistancetoEarth.3. 1stMeasurement:useSWEEPmodewiththeblackandgreenwires

connectedtothetowerlegabovetheGroundFlex® sensor4. 2ndMeasurement:usetheSWEEPmodewiththeblackwireconnectedto

thetowerlegabovetheGroundFlex®sensorandthegreenwireconnectedtothetowerlegnexttotheblackleadandpassingthroughtheGroundFlex® sensor.

5. 3rdMeasurement:usetheSWEEPmodetoperforma4-poleimpedencemeasurement.


GlossaryE Terminal:isagreencoloredterminalandisthecurrentinjectorterminal.ItisalsoknownastheXterminalES Terminal:isablackcoloredterminalandisthevoltagemeasurementterminal.ItisalsoknownastheXvterminal.S Terminal:isabluecoloredterminalandisthevoltagereturnterminal.ItisalsoknownastheYterminal.H Terminal:isaredcoloredterminalandisthecurrentreturnterminal.ItisalsoknownastheZterminal.HV Line:isthepowerlinerunningfromtowertotower.Top Line:istheoverheadgroundconductoralsoknownastheskywireinsomeareas.UACT:isthereal-timevoltagemeasuredbeforerunningatestISEL:isthetotalreal-timeleakagecurrentmeasuredRPASS:isthepassiveearthresistancemeasuredatnormalnetworkfrequency.SWEEP Mode:isameasurementmodewherethe6472takesmeasurementsat14userselectedfrequenciesbetween40and5078Hz.4-Pole:referstothenumberofterminalsonthe6472usedinperformingatest.Green Zone:referstoallconditionsbeingwithinrangetoproperlytakemeasurementsGroundFlex® Sensor:alsoknownasAmpFlexSensororRogowskicoilwhichisaflexibledeviceusedtomeasureACcurrentflow.U: usedastheinternationalsymbolforVolts.US-ES: Voltagemeasuredatthepotentialterminals.UH-E:VoltagemeasuredattheinjectionterminalsRH:ResistanceoftheinjectorelectrodeRS:ResistanceofthepotentialelectrodeOGC:usedasatermtoindicatetheoverheadgroundconductoralsocalledstaticwireorskywireGreen Zone Conditions:RH and RS: Resistanceofeachshouldbelessthan1kΩifeitherorbothareabovethataddmoreauxliaryelectrodesinparrallelormoistentheareaaroundtheelectrode.I-ACT:Thismeasurementshouldbeaminimumof3milliAmpsUS-ES and UH-E:Thevoltagemeasurementsfortheseshouldbeclosetoeachother.Iftheyarenotwithinafewvoltsofeachother,movetheauxiliaryrodwiththelowervaluefurtherfromtheHVlineandretest.


CHAPTER 3

SPECIFICATIONS

3.1 ElectricalMeasuring Method:Voltage/CurrentmeasurementwitharectangularACsignal

Short Circuit Current:>200mAAC

Noise Suppression: >80dBatfrequenciesdifferingby20%ormorefromthetestfrequency

Max. Overload: 250Vrms

Max. Value for RH & RS: 100kΩ

Measuring Time: Short push on START: approx.7sforfirstvalueofRE at 128Hz,then3measurementspers.

Long push on START:approx.15sforfirstvalueofRE at 128Hz,then3measurementspers.

Pylon Measurement with GroundFlex®

Measurement Range

0.067 to 9.999Ω

10.00 to 99.99Ω

100.0 to 999.9Ω

1.000 to 9.999kΩ

10.00 to 99.99kΩ

Resolution 0.001Ω 0.01Ω 0.1Ω 1Ω 10Ω

Test Voltage16 or 32V user selectable (10, 16, 32, or 60V for meters manufactured

after August 2019) square wave(if current > 240mA the output voltage is reduced to 10V)

Frequency From 41 to 128Hz selectable

Resistance Measurement Frequency From 41 to 5078Hz selectable

Accuracy ±5% of Reading + 1ct @ 128Hz

The intrinsicerrorspecified refers to referenceconditionswitha testvoltageof32V,testfrequencyof128Hz,RH,andRS=1kΩ,noexternalvoltage.

The operating error for measurements of RH, RS and RE is the same as thatspecifiedfor4-Poleearthresistancemeasurement.


TheoperatingerrorofACresistancemeasurementscanbelessthanthatspecifiedforvoltageorcurrentbecausefrequencycharacteristicsofthevoltagechannelarematchedtothoseofthecurrentchannel.

For test frequencies between 41 and 5087Hz, between 1 and 4 turns of theGroundFlex® sensor, and a selection of 1 to 4 measurement channels, theoperatingaccuraciesarethefollowing:

SENSITIVITY and minimum ISEL minimal Operating accuracy for RS-ES

S x 1/10 ISEL > 10mA ± (10% + 4cts)

S x 1 ISEL > 5mA ± (5% + 4cts)

S x 10ISEL > 5mA ± (5% + 4cts)

5mA > ISEL > 0.5mA ± (15% + 10cts)

Current Measurement with GroundFlex®

Measurement Range 0.0 to 99.9mA (1)

100 to999mA

1.00 to9.99A

10.0 to99.9A

Resolution 0.1mA (1) 1mA 0.01A 0.1A

Frequency 16 to 400Hz

Accuracy <5% of Reading @ 50/60Hz

(1): Valid only in the SENSITIVITY x 10 setting

ThecurrentmeasureddependsonthenumberofturnsoftheGroundFlex® sensor aroundtheconductortobemeasured.(e.g.if the GroundFlex® sensor is wrapped 4 times around a conductor carrying a current of 1A, the input signal will be the same as if the GroundFlex® sensor were wrapped once around a conductor carrying a current of 4A. The operating error is therefore indicated for an input signal current in A.tr (Ampere.turns).

The minimum current measured depends on the setting of the SENSITIVITYswitchasindicatedbythetablebelow:

SENSITIVITY IMIN (A.tr) Points additional error (pt-er)

x 10 0.01 5

x 1 0.04 2

x 1/10 0.16 2

Accuracy Current (A * turn) 16 to 49Hz 50 to 99Hz 100 to 400Hz

IMIN to 0.399 ± (20% + pt-er) ± (5% + pt-er) ± (3% + pt-er)

0.4 to 39.9 ± (10% + 2ct) ± (3% + 2ct) ± (3% + 2ct)

40 to 99.9 ± (10% + 2ct) ± (3% + 2ct) ± (20% + 2ct)


3.2 MechanicalDimensions:10.7x9.76x5.12"(272,248x130mm)

Weight: 7lbs(3.2kg)approx

Case Material:ULV0Polypropylene

Terminals: 4mmrecessedbananajacks

Case Protection: EN60529-IP53(coverclosed)

Drop Test: PerEN61010-1

Vibration Test: PerEN61557-1

3.3 EnvironmentalOperating Temperature: 32°to113°F(0°to45°C);0to90%RH

Specified Operating Temperature(1):0°to95°F(0°to35°C);0to75%RH

Storage Temperature:-40°to158°F(-40°to70°C);0to90%RH

Altitude: <3000m

(1): This range corresponds to the one defined by standard EN 61557, for which an operating error including the quantities of influence is defined. When the device is used outside this range, 1.5%/10°C and 1.5% between 75 and 90% RH must be added to the operating error.

3.4 SafetyElectromagnetic CompatibilityThisinstrumentsatisfiestheEMCandLVDdirectivesrequiredfortheCEmarkingandproductstandardIEC61326-1(Ed.97)+A1(Ed.98).

• Immunityinindustrialenvironment• Emissions in residential environment.

ElectricalsafetyaccordingtoEN61010-1(Ed.2of2001)

MeasurementaccordingtoEN61557(Ed.2of2007)parts1,4and5.

CATIV,50V

PollutionDegree2

*Specifications are subject to change without notice


CHAPTER 4

MAINTENANCE

4.1 Maintenance

Please make sure that you have read and fully understand the WARNING section on page 3.

• Toavoidelectricalshock,donotattempt toperformanyservicingunlessyouarequalifiedtodoso.

• Toavoidelectricalshockand/ordamagetotheinstrument,donotgetwaterorotherforeignagentsintothecase.

• Turn the instrumentOFFand disconnect the unit fromall circuits beforeopeningthecase.

• Usespecifiedsparepartsonly.

4.2 Cleaning

Disconnect the instrument from any source of electricity.

Useasoftclothlightlymoistenedwithsoapywater.Wipewithamoistclothandthendrywithadrycloth.Neverusealcohol,solventsorhydrocarbons.


Repair and Calibration

Toensurethatyourinstrumentmeetsfactoryspecifications,werecommendthatitbescheduledbacktoourfactoryServiceCenteratone-yearintervalsforrecalibration,orasrequiredbyotherstandardsorinternalprocedures.

For instrument repair and calibration:YoumustcontactourServiceCenterforaCustomerServiceAuthorizationNumber(CSA#).Thiswillensurethatwhenyourinstrumentarrives,itwillbetrackedandprocessedpromptly.PleasewritetheCSA#ontheoutsideoftheshippingcontainer.Iftheinstrumentisreturnedforcalibration,weneedtoknowifyouwantastandardcalibration,oracalibrationtraceabletoN.I.S.T.(Includescalibrationcertificateplusrecordedcalibrationdata).

Ship To: ChauvinArnoux®,Inc.d.b.a.AEMC®Instruments 15 Faraday Drive Dover,NH03820USA Phone:(800)945-2362(Ext.360) (603)749-6434(Ext.360) Fax: (603)742-2346or(603)749-6309 E-mail:[email protected],standardcalibration,andcalibrationtraceabletoN.I.S.T.areavailable.NOTE: You must obtain a CSA# before returning any instrument.

Technical and Sales Assistance

Ifyouareexperiencinganytechnicalproblems,orrequireanyassistancewiththeproperoperationorapplicationofyourinstrument,pleasecall,mail,faxore-mailourtechnicalsupportteam:

ChauvinArnoux®,Inc.d.b.a.AEMC®Instruments 15 Faraday Drive Dover,NH03820USA Phone:(800)945-2362(Ext.351) (603)749-6434(Ext.351) Fax: (603)742-2346or(603)749-6309 E-mail:[email protected] www.aemc.com


Limited Warranty

TheModel6474iswarrantedtotheownerforaperiodofthreeyearsfromthedateoforiginalpurchaseagainstdefectsinmanufacture.ThislimitedwarrantyisgivenbyAEMC®Instruments,notbythedistributorfromwhomitwaspurchased.Thiswarrantyisvoidiftheunithasbeentamperedwith,abusedorifthedefectisrelatedtoservicenotperformedbyAEMC® Instruments.

For full and detailed warranty coverage, please read the Warranty Coverage Information, which is attached to the Warranty Registration Card (if enclosed) or is available at www.aemc.com. Please keep the Warranty Coverage Information with your records.

What AEMC® Instruments will do:Ifamalfunctionoccurswithinthewarrantyperiod,youmayreturntheinstrumenttousforrepair,providedwehaveyourwarrantyregistrationinformationonfileoraproofofpurchase.AEMC®Instrumentswill,atitsoption,repairorreplacethefaultymaterial.

REGISTER ONLINE AT:www.aemc.com

Warranty Repairs

What you must do to return an Instrument for Warranty Repair: First,requestaCustomerServiceAuthorizationNumber(CSA#)byphoneorbyfaxfromourServiceDepartment(seeaddressbelow),thenreturntheinstrumentalongwiththesignedCSAForm.PleasewritetheCSA#ontheoutsideoftheshippingcontainer.Returntheinstrument,postageorshipmentpre-paidto:

Ship To: ChauvinArnoux®,Inc.d.b.a.AEMC®Instruments 15FaradayDrive•Dover,NH03820USA Phone:(800)945-2362(Ext.360) (603)749-6434(Ext.360) Fax: (603)742-2346or(603)749-6309 E-mail:[email protected]

Caution:Toprotectyourselfagainstin-transitloss,werecommendyouinsureyourreturnedmaterial.

NOTE: You must obtain a CSA# before returning any instrument.

Notes:

12/21

99-MAN100326v9

Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC® Instruments15FaradayDrive•Dover,NH03820USA•Phone:(603)749-6434•Fax:(603)742-2346

www.aemc.com

6474 - aemc

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