IDEAL SureTest - User Manual

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#61-164
#61-165
Intr
oduction
Utilizing patented technology, the SureTest
®
circuit analyzers
"look behind walls" to identify wiring problems that can lead to
personal shock hazards, electrical fires, or equipment performance issues. Personal shock
hazards stem from poor grounding, false grounds, and/or no ground fault protection.
Electrical fires are primarily caused from arc faults and high resistance points that lead to
glowing connections in the circuit wiring. And, equipment performance issues arise due to
insufficient voltage available under load, poor ground impedance, and high ground-to-neu-
tral voltage. In fact, it’s estimated that 80% of power quality performance issues are related
to the faulty wiring issues stated above.
Product Features
• True RMS
• Measures voltage drop under 12, 15 and 20-amp loads
• Measures voltage: Line, Ground-to-Neutral, Peak, Frequency
• Measures Hot, Neutral and Ground conductor impedances
• Identifies proper wiring in 3-wire receptacles
• Identifies false (bootleg) grounds
• Tests GFCIs for proper operation
• Tests AFCIs for proper operation (61-165)
• Checks for Shared Neutrals that lead to AFCI nuisance tripping (61-165)
• Verifies dedicated circuits (with 61-176 adapter)
• Includes 1-ft. extension cord and carrying case
General Operation
The SureTest
®
Circuit Analyzer takes only seconds to test each outlet and circuit under a full
load. This test tool checks for various wiring conditions including: correct wiring, polarity
reversal and no ground per UL-1436. A simple menu gives access to measurements of line
voltage, voltage drop under a full load condition, ground-neutral voltage and line impedances.
The ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) test is performed separately in accordance with UL-
1436 and disrupts the electrical supply if a functional GFCI is present.
The SureTest
®
w/AFCI, #61-165, also tests arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) devices to
ensure that AFCI breakers protecting the circuit have been installed correctly. This test dis-
rupts the electrical supply if a functional AFCI is present. This tool also checks for a shared
neutral condition that leads to AFCI nuisance tripping.
To maintain stated accuracies during repeated use, allow 20 seconds between insertions to
adequately dissipate any heat buildup during the load testing.
SureTest Circuit Analyzer
1. Menu Structure
2. Navigation Buttons
3. GFCI Test Button
4. AFCI Test Button
Menu Navigation
The microprocessor’s top priorities are to take live measurements and then analyze the data.
Hence, the microchip occasionally will not recognize the keypad buttons being rapidly
depressed, while it’s executing these routines. To avoid this issue, hold down the keypad
button each time until the menu changes.
The measurements taken by the SureTest are broken into five main menus positioned down
the left side of the display: Wiring Configuration (•••), Voltage (V), Voltage Drop (V
D
),
ASCC, and Impedance (Z). To navigate to each of the main menus, use the down arrow
button ( ).
The Wiring Configuration (•••) screen indicates correct wiring, reverse polarity, hot/
ground reversal and no ground conditions by sequencing the three balls. The label on the
back of the product explains the wiring sequence indications.
#61-165
GFCI
AFCI
RMS
True
S
u
r
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s
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SureTest®
Circuit Analyzer
WARNING: Do not use on outputs from UPS systems, light dimmers or square
wave generating equipment as damage to the analyzer will occur.
SureTest
®
Circuit Analyzer
Instruction Manual
#61-165
GFCI
AFCI
RMS
True
S
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r
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T
s
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SureTest®
Circuit Analyzer
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ND 5481-4 61-164 165 Ins 11/21/06 1:28 PM Page 1
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176 - TestEquipmentDepot.com

Summary

Introduction and Product Overview

Introduction

Explains the SureTest Circuit Analyzer's purpose in identifying wiring issues and potential hazards.

Product Features

Lists the core capabilities and tests performed by the SureTest Circuit Analyzer.

General Operation and Menu Navigation

Details basic device usage, AFCI model specifics, warnings, and how to navigate the analyzer's menus.

Testing Procedures and Measurements

Testing Procedure

Outlines the general steps for testing circuits, including wiring verification.

GFCI and AFCI Testing

Describes the procedures for testing GFCI and AFCI circuit protection devices.

Voltage Measurements

Details how to measure line voltage, peak voltage, and frequency, including troubleshooting tips.

Voltage Drop and ASCC Measurements

Explains voltage drop measurements under load and ASCC calculation procedures.

Impedance Measurements

Covers the measurement of impedance for hot, neutral, and ground conductors.

Shared Neutral Test

Details the procedure for testing shared neutral conditions that may cause AFCI nuisance tripping.

Troubleshooting and Accessories

Troubleshooting Tips for Voltage Issues

Provides guidance on diagnosing and resolving voltage-related problems identified by the analyzer.

Troubleshooting Tips for Voltage Drop

Offers solutions for identifying and rectifying high voltage drop conditions.

Troubleshooting Tips for GFCI;AFCI

Addresses potential issues and solutions for GFCI and AFCI test failures.

Optional Accessories

Describes optional accessories like alligator clip and ground continuity adapters for expanded use.

Specifications and Warranty

General Specifications

Lists general characteristics of the SureTest Circuit Analyzer, including display and construction.

Measurement Specifications

Provides detailed ranges, resolutions, and accuracies for all measurements.

Limited Warranty

Outlines the terms and conditions of the product's two-year limited warranty.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The SureTest® Circuit Analyzer is a sophisticated diagnostic tool designed to identify and troubleshoot wiring problems in electrical circuits. Utilizing patented technology, it "looks behind walls" to detect issues that can lead to personal shock hazards, electrical fires, or equipment performance problems. These issues often stem from poor grounding, false grounds, lack of ground fault protection, arc faults, high resistance points, insufficient voltage under load, poor ground impedance, and high ground-to-neutral voltage. It's estimated that a significant percentage of power quality performance issues are linked to these faulty wiring conditions.

Function Description

The SureTest® Circuit Analyzer performs a comprehensive range of tests to assess the safety and performance of electrical installations. Its core functions include:

• Wiring Verification: Immediately upon insertion into a receptacle, the SureTest performs a series of tests to check for correct wiring, no ground, polarity reversal, open hot/neutral, and false ground conditions. It displays the wiring condition using a visual indicator system.
• Voltage Measurement: The device measures True RMS line voltage in real-time, along with ground-to-neutral voltage, peak voltage, and frequency. This helps identify issues like high/low line voltage, excessive current leakage, unbalanced 3-phase systems, triplen harmonics, and high peak loads caused by electronic equipment.
• Voltage Drop Measurement: The SureTest measures voltage drop under 12, 15, and 20-amp loads. This is crucial for identifying undersized wiring, long cable runs, excessive current, or high impedance points within the circuit, which can lead to insufficient voltage for reliable equipment operation.
• Available Short-Circuit Current (ASCC) Calculation: It calculates the ASCC that the branch circuit can deliver through the breaker during a bolted fault (dead-short) condition. This is determined by dividing the line voltage by the circuit's line impedance (hot + neutral). A secondary ASCC test considers all three conductors (hot, neutral, ground) shorted together for a worst-case scenario.
• Impedance Measurement: The analyzer measures the impedance in ohms (Ω) of the hot, neutral, and ground conductors. High impedance can indicate too much load, undersized wiring, or high resistance connections within the circuit or at the panel. Ground impedance is particularly important for ensuring a sufficient fault current path back to the panel and proper surge suppression.
• GFCI Testing: The SureTest® tests Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) devices by creating a controlled imbalance (6-9mA from hot-to-ground) to ensure they trip within UL-established guidelines. It displays the actual test current and trip time in milliseconds.
• EPD Testing: For Equipment Protective Devices (EPD) that trip on ground faults greater than 30mA, the SureTest performs a similar test, creating a 30mA leakage current from hot-to-ground to verify proper operation.
• AFCI Testing (Model #61-165 only): This model tests Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) devices by generating 8-12 current pulses (106-141 amps) across hot-to-neutral to simulate a dangerous arc. A functional AFCI breaker should recognize these pulses and disconnect power to the circuit.
• Shared Neutral Test (Model #61-165 only): This test identifies shared neutral or falsely grounded neutral conductors that can cause AFCI breakers to nuisance trip. It applies a small 300mA load between hot and neutral to simulate normal conditions and verifies that the AFCI breaker does not trip.

Usage Features

The SureTest® Circuit Analyzer is designed for ease of use and comprehensive diagnostics:

• True RMS Measurement: Provides accurate readings for non-sinusoidal waveforms.
• Simple Menu Structure: A straightforward menu allows access to various measurements and tests. Navigation is primarily done using down and side arrow buttons.
• Keypad Interaction: Users interact with the device via navigation buttons, a GFCI test button, and an AFCI test button (on model #61-165). To ensure proper input, keypad buttons should be held down until the menu changes.
• Visual Indicators: The display uses symbols and sequencing balls to indicate wiring configurations, test status (e.g., TEST icon, hourglass symbol, lightning bolt symbol), and results.
• Troubleshooting Tips: The manual provides detailed troubleshooting tips for various issues, including voltage problems, voltage drop, and impedance, suggesting possible causes and solutions.
• Safety Warnings: Important warnings are provided, such as not exceeding the unit's maximum voltage rating (250VAC) and avoiding use on outputs from UPS systems, light dimmers, or square wave generating equipment to prevent damage.
• Heat Dissipation: To maintain accuracy during repeated load testing, users are advised to allow 20 seconds between insertions for adequate heat dissipation.
• Accessories: The device comes with a 1-ft. extension cord and a carrying case. Optional accessories, such as the #61-183 Alligator Clip Adapter, #61-175 Ground Continuity Adapter, and #61-176 Isolated Ground Adapter, extend its testing capabilities to non-outlet based circuits, cabinet/equipment chassis grounds, and isolated ground receptacles.
• AFCI Test Procedure: A specific multi-step procedure is outlined for properly testing AFCI devices, including consulting manufacturer instructions, checking wiring, operating the AFCI's test button, and then using the SureTest's AFCI test function.
• Shared Neutral Test Procedure: A dedicated procedure is provided for conducting the shared neutral test, involving highlighting the NEUT symbol and activating the test.
• GFCI Test Procedure: A clear procedure guides users through GFCI and EPD testing, including navigating the menu, selecting the test, and interpreting results.

Maintenance Features

The SureTest® Circuit Analyzer requires minimal maintenance to ensure its longevity and performance:

• Cleaning: The case can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Abrasives or solvents should not be used, as they may damage the device.
• Thermal Protection: The AFCI circuitry is protected by a thermal sensor. If a thermometer icon appears during repeated AFCI testing, the sensor will delay further testing until the circuitry cools, automatically resuming when safe. This feature helps assure long life for the device.

IDEAL SureTest Specifications