Video: AMPI-525

Video transcript

What the AMPI-525 measures, how it is connected for each test, and why its insulation range goes up to two and a half kilovolts. An installation tester usually stops at one kilovolt of insulation test voltage. The AMPI-525 keeps every verification test of the installation and adds insulation tests at two and a half kilovolts, with timed readings and absorption coefficients. Insulation up to 9.99 GΩ at two and a half kilovolts. Fault loop with a resolution of one hundredth of an ohm. RCDs of type AC, A and B.

And earth resistance by the three-pole method. The three test sockets and the adapter socket are on top, and next to them a separate pair of sockets for insulation, rated for two and a half kilovolts. The rotary switch picks the function, the F keys set its parameters, and start runs the test. It comes with a mains plug lead, test leads including five kilovolt leads, lead reels, probes, clips, and earth rods,

the battery with its charger, and the case. A multi-core cable adapter for two and a half kilovolts is an option. Against the AMPI-520, the 525 trades the clamp power measurement for insulation, two and a half kilovolts on its own sockets, a timer, two absorption coefficients, and full voltage tests of multi-core cables. Loop, RCD, earth and continuity tests are the same. 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, the meter calculates the prospective short circuit current, with the nominal voltage or the voltage measured during the test. 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 uses the separate RISO pair. With the circuit dead and the loads disconnected,

the RISO- lead, from the black socket, goes to one conductor, and the RISO+ lead, from the red socket, to the other. The far end stays open. Choose one of six test voltages, up to two and a half kilovolts, and up to three times, between one and six hundred seconds. At each time, the meter records the resistance, and from those readings, it calculates two absorption coefficients. At the end, the object is discharged automatically.

Four multi-core cables. The adapter plugs into the adapter socket and the RISO pair, and tests three, four, or five cores without moving a lead. In wire mode, it measures every pair of cores. In power cable mode, each core against the others bonded and earthed. Before each test, it checks every pair for voltage. 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. Results are stored in 10 banks of 99 cells, one bank per object, and one cell per measuring point, and transfer over USB or a radio link 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. Complete verification before commissioning, periodic shock protection inspections in dwellings and industry, and insulation tests of motors and multi-core cables at 2.5 kilovolts. Electrical installation testing from Amperis.