Description

•  Robust design for field use
•  Accurate measurement in high voltage environment
•  Both Sides Grounded feature (optional)
•  Built-in micro ohmmeter (up to 500 A)
•  Dynamic resistance measurement
•  Detailed analysis of test results using Amperis software
•  Database of circuit breakers test plans

The CAT Advanced series circuit breaker analyzers & timers are stand-alone or a PCcontrolled digital instruments for circuit breakers condition assessments. The timing channels record closing and opening of the arcing, resistor and auxiliary contacts. The main contact channels can also measure the resistance value of the preinsertion resistors (if present in the circuit breaker). CAT Advanced series records graphs of both, open and close coil currents and displacements of the HV and MV circuit breaker moving parts. Test results are printed on the 112 mm (4.4 inch) thermal printer (optional accessory) in tabular and graphical form.

CAT Advanced series provides an easy selection of different operational modes:

• Open (O)
• Close (C)
• Reclose (O-0,3s-C)

Multiple operations, such as Open-Close and Open-Close-Open, can be initiated by using a predefined delay time or by sensing a breaker’s contact position.

The circuit breaker operation can be initiated in different ways (for instance from a control room, by a local switch or externally by a testing device) depending on a testing condition. The several time measurement triggers are available to record a measurement in a various testing condition:

• external trigger
• analog channels
• auxiliary channels
• coil control channel

The auxiliary inputs are used to monitor dry and wet auxiliary contacts. The six coil control analog channels can measure and record coil currents simultaneously (OPEN and CLOSE), up to 35 A AC/DC.

• Trip free (CO)
• O-0,3s-CO
• Open-Close (O-C)
• Close-Open (C-O)
• Open-Close-Open (O-C-O)

The additional six voltage analog channels have four selectable voltage ranges available (±1 V, ±5 V, ±60 V and ±300 V AC/DC). They are used to monitor:

• First trip (O)

• Measurement of coil resistance (simultaneously for 3 coils – during open or close sequence)
• Circuit-breaker substation battery voltage,
• DC and AC currents during the “First trip” test,
• Other types of analog signals that may be relevant.

Three transducer channels provide measuring displacement of the circuit breaker moving parts, contact wipe, over-travel, rebound, damping time and an average velocity. Either an analog or a digital transducer can be connected to these universal channels.

Features

1 - Mains power supply input 90 – 264 V AC;50 Hz – 60 Hz

2 - PC communication

USB interface

3 - Flash drive

Used for a direct download of test results on a USB memory stick

4 - Thermal printer (optional)

(Built-in 112 mm (4.4 inch) wide) Graphic and numeric printout of contact and travel wave form

5 - Main contacts inputs

Used for timing of the main and preinsertion resistor contacts, and for the resistance measurement of the preinsertion resistors

6 - Analog channels inputs Used for a voltage measurement of an analog signal that may be relevant.

7 - Current clamps voltage supply

24 V voltage output for current clamps

8 - Coil supply input

Voltage supply input for coil control

9 - Motion transducer inputs

Intended for measuring displacement of circuit breaker’s moving parts

10 - Auxiliary inputs

Used for timing measurement of dry or wet auxiliary contacts

11 - READY button

Prepares the instrument for the start of the test

12 - Coil control outputs & external trigger input

Used for operating the circuit breaker OPEN and CLOSE coil or external trigger feature

13 - Breaker state indicator

Indicates CLOSE or OPEN breaker position

14 - Micro Ohmmeter

(built-in micro ohmmeter – up to 500 A DC) for static and dynamic contact resistance measurement (not available with CAT64A and CAT124A)

15 - Alphanumeric keypad

Used for entering breaker data, test data and control functions

16 - LCD display

20 characters by 4 Lines; LCD display with backlight, viewable in bright sunlight

Application

The list of the instrument applications includes:

• Simultaneous timing measurement of up to 12 main contacts (4 breaks per phase) including pre-insertion resistors (if present in the circuit breaker) and 6 auxiliary contacts
• Resistance measurement of the pre-insertion resistors (if present in the circuit breaker)
• Evaluation of synchronization between the circuit breaker poles
• Measurement of the coil currents, voltages and resistance simultaneously for 6 coils
• Evaluating the state of substation’s batteries by graphically showing the voltage value
• Measurement of displacement, contact wipe, over-travel, rebound, damping time and average velocity of the breaker’s moving parts
• “First trip” test
• Static resistance measurement
• Dynamic resistance measurement

Timing measurement

Timing measurement of the mechanical operations is one of the most important tests to determine real condition of the circuit breaker. Timing measurement tests fulfill all the requirements defined by IEC 62271-100 and IEEE C37.09.

In three-phase systems, not only the contacts in a single pole have to operate simultaneously, but all poles must also operate at the same time. All contacts must be synchronized, within a certain tolerance limit.

Synchronization between the circuit breaker poles during opening shall not exceed 1/6 of the rated frequency cycle (3,33 ms at 50 Hz; 2,78 ms at 60 Hz) and during closing shall not exceed 1/4 of the rated frequency cycle, as well (5,0 ms at 50 Hz; 4,17 ms at 60 Hz).

Simultaneous measurements within a single phase are important in situations where a number of contacts are connected in series.

The maximum difference between the instants of contact separation within series connected interrupter units shall not exceed 1/8 of a cycle of rated frequency (2,50 ms at 50 Hz; 2,08 ms at 60 Hz). Maximum difference between the instants of contacts touching within series connected interrupter units shall not exceed a 1/6 of a cycle of rated frequency (3,33 ms at 50 Hz; 2,78 ms at 60 Hz).

Auxiliary contacts are mechanically driven by the operating mechanism and are used for control and indication of main contacts state. There are no general requirements, related to timing measurement of auxiliary contacts, described in IEC^® and IEEE^® standards. Anyway, in order to assess condition of high-voltage circuit breakers, it is important to check their operation.

Type "a" contact follows circuit breaker main contact position and must close/open ahead of the closing/opening of the main contact. Type "a" contact is connected in series with the open coil and interrupts the open coil circuit when the circuit breaker opens.

The "b" contact must open/close when the operating mechanism has released its stored energy in order to close/open the breaker. Type "b" contact is connected in series with the closing coil, interrupting the closing coil circuit when the circuit breaker closes.

Both Sides Grounded

Utilities and service companies increase their emphasis and demands on the safety regulations. In all substations grounding on both sides of the circuit breaker contacts is the best way to provide safety. These safety grounds eliminate any static discharge in the circuit breaker contact and conduct any line power close to the circuit breaker while the personnel are working.

These earth grounds present a short-circuit condition to the traditional test equipment, and therefore the circuit breaker always looks to be in the closed state. In practice, it is necessary to remove at least one of the safety grounds from the circuit breaker prior to testing, and to reinstall the ground(s) after testing is complete. This procedure is not desirable as it introduces a possibility that the ground may not be reconnected after the test, presenting a safety hazard.

Both Sides Grounded (BSG) feature enables safe and fast testing in high voltage substations, without removing the safety ground connections on both sides of the circuit breaker. No additional modules or remote boxes are required. Each main contacts timing channel is able to detect main contacts state in case when both terminals are grounded.

Motion measurement

Motion measurement of the high voltage circuit breakers’ contact system is of crucial importance for assessing a condition of the test object. The three motion transducer channels can acquire data from 3 linear or rotary motion transducers. Each channel can be configured for either an analog or a digital transducer.

Due to universal transducer channels design, a user is able to connect a variety of motion transducers available on the market.

Performance values such as stroke, over-travel, rebound, contact wipe are obtained as a result of the measurement. These values can be compared to the manufacturer’s reference data and data acquired from previous measurements. This provides indications about potential wear of the breaker.

Average velocity is calculated between the two points on the motion curve. The upper point is defined as a distance in length or time elapsed from the breaker’s closed position, or contactseparation point. The lower point is determined based on the upper point. It can either be a distance below the upper point or a time before the upper point. Up to 5 zones for average velocity calculation can be selected.

SF₆ circuit breaker

User is usually allowed to mount transducers on accessible parts of the circuit breaker’s mechanical linkage. Beside this, instrument often records rotary motion, even it is known the main contacts motion is linear. As a result, motion results obtained do not represent real movement of the main contacts, but just linear or nonlinear interpretation of the main contacts moving parts displacement. Amperis software provides transfer function feature which allows user to define linear or non-linear parameters in order to obtain actual displacement values of the main contact moving parts.

Coil current measurement

The IEC 62271-100 standard states that it is desirable to record the coil currents waveform, since it provides information about coils’ condition (e.g. increased friction of the plungers, burned insulation, short-circuited part of the winding), the latch for release of the operating mechanism (e.g. increased friction) and the operating mechanism (e.g. if there is reduced operating mechanism speed that can be seen based on the opening time of auxiliary contacts).

When the opening or closing command is initiated, the coil is energized (point 1) and the current rises causing a magnetic field to apply a force on the iron plunger. When the force on the plunger exceeds the retaining force the plunger begins to move (point 2). The motion of the iron plunger induces an EMF in the coil, effectively reducing the current.

The combined mass of the plunger and the latch continue to move at a reduced velocity causing a further reduction in the coil current (points 2 to 3)

until it hits a buffer bringing it to a rest (point 3). If the current values at points 2 and 3 are higher than specified and the time at point 3 is longer than specified, it may indicate a friction of the plunger and latch. With the plunger at rest, the current increases to the saturation level (DC current which is proportional to the coil resistance, point 4). If the current value from point 4 to point 5 deviates from specific it may indicate a burned insulation or short-circuited part of the winding of coil. Meanwhile, the latch unlocks operating mechanism, releasing the stored energy to open the main breaker contacts. Typically, after a short delay the auxiliary contacts open, disconnecting the opening coil from the control voltage (point 5). As the coil is deenergized the current drops quickly to zero in accordance with the coil inductance (point 6). Longer time than specified at points 5 and 6 may indicate auxiliary contact malfunction or insufficient driving energy of the operating mechanism.

Static resistance measurement

The built-in micro ohmmeter generates up to 500A true DC ripple free current with an automatically regulated test ramps. The resistance measurement is using the well-known Kelvin’s four point’s method.

The DC current is generated through the closed circuit breaker contacts. Voltage drop is measured between terminals of the circuit breakers. The resistance is calculated using the Ohm’s law R=U/I.

High – Precision module (built-in)

The high-precision module is newly developed built-in addition to 500 A micro ohmmeter available in CAT36 model. It provides an increased precision and offers a highly accurate contact resistance measurement in the range from 1 μΩ to 30 μΩ, with 0,01 μΩ resolution.

CAT36 with the built-in High Precision Module may be used for applications on very small resistance measurements of non-inductive test objects. This requirement is usually met at resistance inspections of generator circuit breakers, welding joints, GIS testing, etc.

DRM (Dynamic Resistance Measurement)

The built-in micro ohmmeter can also be used for the DRM. DRM test is performed by injecting a current through the breaker contact and simultaneously monitoring the voltage drop across the breaker contact as well as the current flow during the breaker operation. The DRM test requires the circuit breaker analyzer with a high resolution measurement.

related to the arcing contact condition. The injected current value should be as high as possible but no less than 100 A, to provide a reliable voltage drop reading, thus allowing an easier detection of the arcing contact.

CAT36, CAT66 and CAT126 models incorporate the most powerful micro ohmmeter generating up to 500 A.

The resistance curve, as a function of a contact travel can be used to reveal potential problems

First trip test

“First trip” analysis is important to determine a condition of the coil operating mechanism. Circuit breaker spends most of its lifetime conducting a current without any operation. Once the protective relay detects a problem, the circuit breaker, that was idle for maybe a year or longer, has to operate as fast as possible. However, if the circuit breaker has not been operated for a long time, the friction of the trip latch release mechanism may increase. Information about the latch friction, open circuit contacts, insufficient spring tension, can be learned from the coil current waveform recorded during the “First trip” test.

Since the breaker is in service, the conventional way of off-line timing measurement with timing cables across the interrupter cannot be used. Instead of main contact timing cables, three current probes are used. These current probes show current flowing through the secondary side of the current transformer for each phase. The instant when the current stops flowing, reveals the breaker open time.

software

Acquisition and Analysis

Amperis software provides acquisition and analysis of the test results, as well as control of all the CAT Advanced series functions from a PC. It supports measurements process and step by step guidance through the entire test procedure, providing faster, easier and safer testing.

Graphical presentation

Graphical presentation of a variety of measurements and timing test results uses cursors and powerful zoom functions for detailed analysis. Colors, grids, scales and positioning of the test data are all controlled by the user. Amperis supports automatic unit conversion (e.g.: cycles to seconds or mm to inches). The test records can be exported in .dwc file format for further analysis.

Database

Amperis software database can be updated with over 500 test plans of different apparatus commonly used in most utilities and substations. This valuable benchmark data used for test results evaluation is provided upon request.

Reports

Amperis automatically generates reports including all asset-related information and performed tests. This gives you a comprehensive overview of the test object, test results and assessment. You can easily adapt test reports, for example, by choosing from different types of result tables and diagrams and by providing comments on every test. Furthermore, you can incorporate your company logo, photos and other test results.

• Full control of the CAT functions from a PC
• Downloading the test results from the instrument
• Acquisition and analysis of the test results
• The test results can be viewed, edited, saved, printed and exported
• Viewing and overlaying several graphs, for an easy test result comparison
• Selecting the measurement points and intervals using the two cursors
• Zoom and pan graph feature
• Specific test sequence setup
• Creation of predefined test plans for an easy and quick field testing
• Customized configuration of the test result graphs

Technical data

Main contact inputs

• Number of contact inputs: up to 12 (3 x 4),
• 4 per phase, depending on the model
• Each channel detects main and pre-insertion resistor contacts.
• Closed ≤ 10 Ω,
• Resistor contacts range 10 Ω to 5 kΩ,

Time measurement

Time measurement resolution:

• 0,1 ms for 2 s test duration (sampling rate 10 kHz)
• 1 ms for 20 s test duration (sampling rate 1 kHz)
• 10 ms for 200 s test duration (sampling rate100 Hz) Time accuracy ±0,05% of the reading ± resolution
• Open ≥ 5 kΩ
• Open circuit voltage: 20 V DC Short circuit current 50 mA
• Each channel measures resistance of pre-insertion resistors

Breaker operation

• Close (C)
• Open (O)
• Close-Open (C-O)
• Open-Close (O-C)
• Open-Close-Open (O-C-O)

Auxiliary inputs

• Number of channels: 6, galvanically isolated
• First trip test

User can select any desired test sequence

• User selectable: dry or wet
• Contact sensing (dry): Open circuit voltage 24 V DC, Short circuit current 5 mA
• Voltage sensing (wet):
• Working voltage 300 V DC, 250 V AC

Current measurement

• Current measurement for Open and Close coil, 6 channels, Hall-Effect sensor
• Range ±35 A AC/DC to 5 kHz
• Accuracy ± (0,5 % rdg + 0,1 % FS)
• Low activation mode ± 5 V
• High activation mode ±10 V
• Graphic presentation: currents waveform is displayed with resolution of 0,1ms
• Overcurrent and overvoltage protection

Coil resistance measurement

Coil driver

• 3 coils simultaneously (Open or Close)
• Number of channels: 6 (3 open and 3 close coil)
• 6 separate outputs for coil triggering
• Driver characteristics: 300 V DC max, 35 A DC max
• Electronic drivers: it provides superior timing control
• Overcurrent and overvoltage protection
• Coil supply input: 300 V DC max, 35 A DC max
• Measuring range / Resolution 1 Ω - 99,9 Ω / 0,1 Ω 100 Ω – 999 Ω / 1 Ω
• Typical accuracy ± (0,5 % rdg + 0,5 % FS)

Universal transducer inputs

• 3 digital travel transducer channels
• Digital rotary transducers: 2500ppr
• 3 analog travel transducer channels
• Analog transducer input measurement resolution: 16 bit.
• Internal supply for linear transducer: 5 V DC

Time measurement triggers

• External trigger: 2 channels (Open 1 & Close 1), input voltage: 10 V – 300 V AC/DC
• Coil currents: threshold level user selectable
• Auxiliary inputs
• Analog inputs: threshold level user selectable

Warranty

• 3 years’ warranty

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions (W x H x D):
• 480 mm x 197 mm x 395 mm
• 18.89 in x 7.75 in x 15.55 in
• Weight:

Analog inputs

• 6 channels – Coil current measurement
• 6 Voltage channels, each channel has four measurement ranges: ±1 V, ±5 V, ±60 V and ±300 V AC/DC

The analog inputs are isolated with respect to all other circuits from 10,7 kg (23.5 lbs) up to 13.2 kg (29.1 lbs) depending on the model and built-in features

Mains power supply

• Connection according to IEC/EN60320-1;
• UL498, CSA 22.2
• Mains supply: 90 V - 264 V AC

DC output

24 V voltage supply for current clamps

Static resistance measurement

• Built-in Micro Ohmmeter with up to 500 A, depending on the model
• Current range 5 A - 500 A
• Max. load voltage 6,2 V
• Frequency: 50/60 Hz
• Input power:
• o250 VA (without use of Micro Ohmmeter) o3900 VA (with use of Micro Ohmmeter)

Rechargeable battery (optional – excluding printer; available only with CAT64A)

• Type 4 x 3, 7 V, Cell – 2600 mAh Li-Ion
• Resistance range 0,1 µΩ - 999,9 mΩ
• Resolution 0,1 µΩ
• Accuracy ± (0,1 % rdg + 0,1 % FS)

Dynamic resistance measurement

• Voltage and current measuring channels
• DRM sampling rate 20 kHz (0,05 ms time resolution)
• Resolution 16 bit
• Breaker operations available for DRM test:

Applicable Standards

• Installation/overvoltage: category II
• Pollution: degree 2
• Safety: LVD 2014/35/EU (CE Conform)
• Standard EN 61010-1
• EMC: Directive 2014/30/EU (CE Conform) Standard EN 61326-1:2006
• CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1

Environmental conditions

• oOpen (O)
• oClose (C)
• oO – C (auto reclose)
• oC – O (make brake)
• Operating temperature:
• 10 ºC - + 55 ºC / 14 ºF - +131 ºF
• Storage & transportation:
• 40 ºC - + 70ºC / -40 ºF - +158 ºF

Printer (optional)

• Humidity 5 % - 95 % relative humidity, noncondensing
• Thermal printer
• Graphic and numeric printout
• Paper width 112 mm / 4.4 in

All specifications herein are valid at ambient temperature of + 25 °C and recommended accessories. Specifications are subject to change without notice.

The print density is guaranteed within range: 5°C to 40°C, 20 to 85% relative humidity, non-condensing

Accessories

Coil supply cable set Analog channels cable set Current cables 2 x 10 m Current cables 2 x 10 m 2 x 5 m 2,5 mm² (16.4 ft, 13 12 x 5 m (16.4 ft) with 50 mm² (32.8 ft, 0 AWG ) 25 mm² (32.8 ft, 3 AWG ) AWG) with banana plugs banana plugs* with battery clamps with battery clamps

Sense cables 2 x 10 (32.8 Cable plastic case with ft) m with alligator clamps Transport case Cable bag wheels - large size A2 Universal transducer Digital rotary transducer AC Current clamp 1 A / 1 V Current DC clamp 30/300 A mounting kit (extended with 5 m (16.4 ft) with cable 5 m version) connection cable Linear analog transducer Digital rotary transducer with 5 m (16.4 ft) Doble transducer adapter Online first trip test kit with accessories connection cable**

CAT Advanced series - models

CAT35

Main contact inputs Transducer inputs: 3 Number of contact inputs: 3 (3 x 1), 1 per phase Static resistance measurement Auxiliary contact inputs: 6 Built-in Micro Ohmmeter 200 A Analog contact inputs: 6 Coil control outputs: 6

CAT36

Main contact inputs Transducer inputs: 3 Number of contact inputs: 3 (3 x 1), 1 per phase Static resistance measurement Auxiliary contact inputs: 6 Built-in Micro Ohmmeter 500 A Analog contact inputs: 6 High precision module (built-in) Optional Coil control outputs: 6

CAT64A

Main contact inputs Transducer inputs: 3 Number of contact inputs: 6 (3 x 2), 2 per phase Static resistance measurement Auxiliary contact inputs: 6 Not available Analog contact inputs: 6 Battery power supply Optional Coil control outputs: 6

CAT65

Main contact inputs Transducer inputs: 3 Number of contact inputs: 6 (3 x 2), 2 per phase Static resistance measurement Auxiliary contact inputs: 6 Built-in Micro Ohmmeter 200 A Analog contact inputs: 6 Coil control outputs: 6

CAT66

Main contact inputs Number of contact inputs: 6 (3 x 2), 2 per phase

Transducer inputs: 3

Static resistance measurement Auxiliary contact inputs: 6 Built-in Micro Ohmmeter 500 A Analog contact inputs: 6 Coil control outputs: 6

CAT124A

Main contact inputs Transducer inputs: 3 Number of contact inputs: 12 (3 x 4), 4 per phase Static resistance measurement Auxiliary contact inputs: 6 Not available Analog contact inputs: 6 Coil control outputs: 6

CAT125

Main contact inputs Transducer inputs: 3 Number of contact inputs: 12 (3 x 4), 4 per phase Static resistance measurement Auxiliary contact inputs: 6 Built-in Micro Ohmmeter 200 A Analog contact inputs: 6 Coil control outputs: 6

CAT126

Main contact inputs Transducer inputs: 3 Number of contact inputs: 12 (3 x 4), 4 per phase Static resistance measurement Auxiliary contact inputs: 6 Built-in Micro Ohmmeter 500 A Analog contact inputs: 6 Coil control outputs: 6