Video: AMPI-520

Video transcript

What the AMPI-520 measures in a low-voltage installation, how it is connected for each test, and how it differs from the rest of the family. Before an installation is handed over, and at every periodic inspection, its protection against electric shock has to be proven by measurement. The AMPI-520 does the tests of IEC 61557 in one instrument, for the installer who certifies installations. loop with a resolution of one-hundredth of an ohm, RCDs from 10 to 1000 mA, insulation up to 3 GΩ, and earth resistance by the three-pole method.

The test sockets are on top. The rotary switch picks the function, the F keys set its parameters, and start runs the test. The touch electrode next to start warns if the protective conductor carries voltage. comes with a mains plug lead for socket outlets, color-coded test leads with probes and crocodile clips, an earth contact probe, the case, and the calibration certificate. Longer leads, three-phase socket adapters, a current clamp,

a multi-core cable adapter, and a rechargeable pack are options. Within the family, the AMPI-520 covers the essential tests. Earth is measured by the three-pole method only. Power is measured on one phase with a clamp. And results go to a memory of banks and cells. Insulation at two and a half kilovolts for earth methods or a power recorder belong to the larger models. Every test follows the same routine.

Select the function. Set its parameters with the F keys. Connect. Press start. Read the result and store it. For the LPE loop, the meter's PE lead goes to the exposed conductive part, and its L lead to the phase. For the L-N loop, the N lead goes to the neutral instead of PE, and between two phases, L and N go to the two phases. From the loop impedance and the nominal voltage, the meter calculates the prospective short-circuit current.

Behind an RCD, the ZLPE-RCD position measures without tripping devices of 30 milliamps and above. RCDs are tested downstream of the device PE to the protective conductor, N to the neutral, and L to the phase, or the mains plug lead in the socket. The meter measures tripping time and tripping current, and touch voltage and earth resistance without tripping. In auto mode, one press of start runs the whole series. Insulation is measured with the circuit dead and the loads disconnected.

The RISO- lead goes to one conductor, the RISO+ lead to the other, and the far end stays open. Choose the test voltage from 50 to 1000 volts. Hold start for the test. Beeps every 5 seconds help to follow the insulation curve, and at the end the object is discharged automatically. Sockets are tested with the mains plug lead, multi-core cables with the adapter. Protective conductors are checked with 200 milliamps in both directions. Zero the leads first.

Then the L lead on the main earthing terminal, and the N lead on the exposed part. The test starts by itself. For earth resistance, disconnect the electrode from the installation. E goes to the electrode, S to the voltage probe, and H to the current probe, all in one line. Interference above 24 volts blocks the test. the phase sequence, the leads go to L1, L2, and L3. An arrow turning clockwise means the sequence is correct.

With a current clamp, it also measures a single phase load, voltage, current up to 400 amps, active, reactive, and apparent power, and cos phi. Results are stored in 10 banks of 99 cells, one bank per object, and one cell per measuring point, and transfer over USB for the report. It runs on LR14 cells, or a rechargeable pack, charged inside the meter. Measuring Category 4 at 300 volts, an IP54 housing, 0 to 50 degrees, and about 2.2 kilos. Periodic inspection and certification of installations RCDs checked before

commissioning and earth and insulation resistance in preventive maintenance. Electrical installation testing from Amperis.