The List of commonly asked questions from our customers.
Insulation Resistance Meter
MIC (series) Insulation Resistance Meters – how to start (maintain) a correct measurement?
MIC-2: Keep “Start” button pressed and simultaneously press “SEL” button. In order to end the measurement, press “Start” button again.
MIC-3: Keep “Start” button pressed and simultaneously press „UBAT/ACU”. In order to end the measurement, press „Start” button again.
MIC-10: Keep “Start” button pressed and simultaneously press „ENTER”. In order to end the measurement, press „Start” button again or press “Esc” button.
MIC-30, MIC-2505, MIC-2510: Keep “Start” button pressed and simultaneously press “ENTER”. The measurements ends automatically after the pre-set time; in order to end the measurement at any chosen moment press “Start” button again or press “Esc” button.
MIC-1000, MIC-2500, MIC-5000: Keep “Start” button pressed and simultaneously press “arrow-up” button. The measurements ends automatically after the pre-set time; in order to end the measurement at any chosen moment press “Start” button again.
MIC-2510: Is there an option for PI (Polarization Indicator) and DAR (Dielectric Absorption Ratio) measurements?
Yes.
In the device settings define the type of absorption coefficient – depending on the choice the following symbols will be displayed: Ab1, Ab2, or DAR, PI.
In order to measure DAR you must also set the measurement time t1=30s, t2=60s.
In order to measure PI must also set time t3=600s.
MIC-5000: Is there an option for PI (Polarization Indicator) and DAR (Dielectric Absorption Ratio) measurements?
Yes.
The time after which the measurements are taken may be set from 1 sec. to 600 sec., so when you set t1=60 sec. and t2=600 sec., insulation resistance values measured after these times will be recorded and displayed along with PI value (i.e. the calculated ratio of resistance after 10 minutes to the resistance measured after one minute).
If you set 30 and 60 seconds, Dielectric Absorption Ratio will be calculated.
If you set three intervals (30, 60, 600 seconds) the device will measure both coefficients.
Note – the meter does not display PI, DAR symbols – Ab1 (for calculations after t2, t1) or Ab2 (after t3, t2) are displayed.
MIC-5000, MIC-5010 and MIC-5005 – Can I make measurements above 2500 m above mean sea level?
MIC-5000: the device performs the full range of measurements up to 2000m above mean sea level.
MIC-5005, MIC-5010: the device performs the full range of measurements up to 2000m above mean sea level.
Power Quality Analyzer
PQM-701Z, PQM-701ZR – What is DC voltage measurement range?
0…1150V – as peak values of AC voltages
PQM (series) – Data export from “Sonel Analiza” software to CSV or PDF file?
Choose a data block and select “User Report” from “Reports” in “Measurement” window.
PQM (series) – Should users update the software of these instruments?
Internal software of these devices (firmware) and PC software should be regularly updated, as updates help to remove discovered errors and introduce new functionalities. When the firmware is updated, check whether a new version of “Sonel Analiza” software is also available (and vice-versa). If yes, perform both updates.
PQM-701, PQM-701Z, PQM-701Zr, PQM-702: Why is the value of asymmetry 327,67%?
The value is shown unbalance because of the faulty connection of analyzer to the network – switch off two voltage test leads.
Unbalance on the level of 327% is impossible in reality (maximum real value of unbalance can be 100% in theory). This is also visible in the value of opposite component of U2, which usually should be within single volts.
For correctly connected system, value of U1 should be about the nominal voltage.
Earth Resistance and Resistivity Meters
MRU-200 – Can I apply the current surge method for current measurements on electric poles and stations without disconnecting their earthing?
Yes.
Since this is a pulse method, it can be used for the measurement of multiple earthing, including objects such as power line poles, without the need to disconnect their earthing (and this requires switching the line off).
In addition, PN-EN 62305 standard requires the earthing impedance measurements, which are carried out with the current surge method.
During the measurement a lightning current flow (pulse current) is simulated. The largest part in grounding this current has the initial part of the earth electrode, where measurements take place.
MRU-200 – Should I disconnect the earth electrode during earth impedance measurements carried out with the current surge method?
No.
MRU-120, MRU-200, MPI-530 – Can I use the double clamp method for every type of earthing?
No.
Only for the multiple earthing measurements, but not connected underground, as the current flowing through the tested earthing must flow in a circuit closed by the earth.
The double clamp method cannot be used for single earthing, nor the ground rings.
This method is described in “Guide to PN-EN 62305 Standard. Measurement of earth resistance” (link).
MRU (series) – How to perform earth electrode measurements when the area is covered by concrete and probes cannot be entered into the ground?
If the earthing system is not interconnected underground (e.g. a ground ring), but is connected to other earthing elements (e.g. air terminals on the roof), then you can use the double clamp method available in MRU-120, MRU-200 and MPI-530 meters (no need to enter the probes into the ground). In case of a single earthing this method can be applied, when the earthing is connected to PE of network (results will be slightly overstated, but an error in this direction is acceptable). For single earthing, you can try the fault loop method – a loop in the circuit consisting of phase and tested earthing is measured, whereas the circuit is closed by the earth.
The results of earth resistance are overstated as they are increased by the values of the fault loop of the power supply circuit. However this method is susceptible to power network interferences and requires proper interpretation of results by the operator (too low value may indicate that the circuit was closed by a metal element).
When you want to apply the fault loop method for multiple ground ring, disconnect power supply to the tested object and then disconnect all control connections and equipotential connections.
Underground Cable Locator
LKZ-700 – Routing of a cable with a broken conductor
Set the transmitter and receiver at the voltage mode (“E” or “U” marking) and connect it to the tested conductor. Other conductors in the cable and the other end of the broken conductor (when you have an access to the other end of the cable) must be grounded to prevent the penetration of electric field. The receiver will show the signal level as long as you move it over the cable route – up to the point of damage.
Due to the applied electric field (susceptible to damping), the method is not recommended for locating cables (depth too large = significant distance from the cable generating the field).
LKZ-700 – Instruction video for the trace
The instruction video for LKZ-700 Wire Tracer is available on the Knowledge centre page.
LKZ-700 – Routing of a cable when only one end is available
When the cable is not damaged and the circuit is live, use the magnetic field method (receiver and transmitter in “M” or “I” mode). Then connect one transmitter conductor to the phase conductor and the second to the PE cable in the farthest location (PE cable in another room, earthing, grounded metal pipe for the heating system …). The receiver detects a signal in places where the cable is located.
In an undamaged circuit without voltage, connect the transmitter conductor to N wire, while the second to another, distant earthing, and select the current-voltage mode (transmitter in the “E + M” or “U + I” mode and the receiver in the “M” or “I” mode).
It is possible to connect both transmitter conductors to N and L conductors of one socket, but remember that signals flowing through L and N (depending on the arrangement of conductors) will more or less reduce each other, and the signal level indicated by the receiver may vary, misleading operators inexperienced in locating wires.