AC CIRCUIT ANALYZER USER’S MANUAL CA10 Please read this manual carefully and thoroughly before using this product.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Key Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 What's in the Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
KEY FEATURES • Measures a branch circuit’s line voltage, peak voltage, neutral-to-ground voltage and frequency • Calculates a circuit’s voltage drop in response to a 12A, 15A or 20A load in order to check the circuit's integrity • Measures the impedance of hot, neutral and ground conductors as well as available short-circuit current (ASCC) • Tests the reliability and response time of GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters) and RCDs (residual current devices) • Measures and displays True RMS values of all
PRODUCT OVERVIEW Fig. 1 shows the controls, indicators and physical features of the CA10. Familiarize yourself with their names and functions before moving on to the Setup Instructions and Operating Instructions. 1 Fig. 2 shows all possible indications on the CA10’s LCD. 2 1. Test cable socket 2. LCD 3. (POWER on/off) button 4. FUNC button 3 4 5 6 10 5. HOLD button 6. 7 8 9 (Backlight) button 7. Submenu (up one line) button 8. Submenu (down one line) button Fig. 1.
SETUP INSTRUCTIONS INSTALL BATTERIES The CA10 is powered by six “AAA” batteries (included). To install the batteries: 1. Turn the unit over. 2. Remove the one Philips-head screw securing the battery compartment cover (Figure 1, Callout 10) and set it aside. 3. Remove the battery compartment cover and set it aside as well. 4. Install the six supplied “AAA” batteries in the compartment, making sure to match the polarity marks on the batteries with the marks stenciled inside the compartment. 5.
To begin, plug the free end of the test cable into any outlet of the circuit to be tested. Press the or button to cycle through the three submenu options in either direction, as shown in the figure below. The text icon of the parameter being measured appears at the left of the display. The table below the figure shows the normal measurement result for each of the four parameters. It also lists possible causes of, and remedies for, abnormal results.
Troubleshooting tips: 1) In a single-phase circuit, if the value of L-N is high the leakage current in the neutral line or the earth line will also be high. 2) In a three-phase circuit with a neutral line, if the value of N-E is high the threephase load is either unbalanced or the neutral line is affected by harmonic interference. MEASURING VOLTAGE DROP The CA10 can calculate and display a circuit’s voltage drop in response to application of a 12A, 15A or 20A dummy load.
The table below lists the possible causes of an abnormal result and suggests remedies and additional troubleshooting steps to take.
MEASURING CONDUCTOR IMPEDANCE The CA10 can measure and display the impedance of all three circuit conductors as well as one impedance-related parameter (available short-circuit current, or ASCC). The three impedance values represent the impedances of the phase (live) line (Z-L), the neutral line (Z-N), and the earth (ground) line (Z-E). Available short-circuit current is a measure of the amount of current that would pass through the circuit’s breaker if all of its conductors were to be shortcircuited.
The table below the figure shows the normal measurement result for each of the four parameters. It also lists possible causes of, and remedies for, abnormal results. Parameter Impedance of live and neutral conductors (Z-L and Z-N) Actual Result Normal Measurement Result <0.15Ω/m for 14AWG conductor <0.1Ω/m for 12AWG conductor Impedance is too high <0.03Ω/m for 10AWG line <1Ω for personnel safety Impedance of ground conductor (Z-E) 10 <0.
Notes: 1) Be sure any surge suppression system used is properly grounded so it can continue to protect loads during transient overvoltage conditions. 2) Before measuring any parameter, remove any heavy loads from the circuit to avoid producing an inaccurate test result. 3) Before measuring Z-E, be sure to disconnect any RCDs from the circuit to avoid triggering them. 4) A ground connection is required to test the impedance of conductors in 2-wire systems.
TESTING GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTERS (GFCIs) The CA10 can measure how much current it takes to trip a GFCI, and how quickly it responds to a condition that should cause a trip. It does so by placing a resistance across the circuit’s live and ground lines, generating a current between them. According to UL, it should take no more than 5mA to trigger a trip. The CA10 measures and displays the level of triggering current (in mA) and the response time (in ms).
Wiring Condition Normal No ground wire detected Live and neutral conductors are reversed Other conditions Screen Display L E N Legend Off On Flashing Any wiring abnormality will prevent the CA10 from performing tests to the full extent of its abilities. For example, in the absence of a ground wire the analyzer can only measure the circuit’s phase voltage and voltage drop.
SPECIFICATIONS Parameter or Component Line Voltage Peak Voltage Line Frequency Voltage Drop Load Voltage Neutral-to-Earth Voltage Live, Neutral and Ground Line Impedance RCD Trip Time RCD Trip Current GFCI Trip Time Display Test Cable Auto Power Off Trigger Display Backlight Duration Operating/Storage Temperature Dimensions Weight (Without Batteries) Power Source Measurement Measurement Resolution Range Accuracy 85 to 265VAC ±1% of reading ± 0.2V 0.1V 121 to 374VAC ±1% of reading ± 0.2V 0.
If the instrument has been exposed to extreme temperatures, allow several hours for it to acclimate to your local conditions before using it. Do not open the housing of the unit. Doing so voids its limited warranty and could disable its safety circuitry. You may clean the housing of the CA10 with a soft, clean cloth and water or a mild detergent. Never use benzene, alcohol, acetone, ether, ketone, paint thinner, gasoline or an organic solvent.
GENERAL TOOLS & INSTRUMENTS 80 White Street New York, NY 10013-3567 PHONE (212) 431-6100 FAX (212) 431-6499 TOLL FREE (800) 697-8665 e-mail: sales@generaltools.com www.generaltools.com CA10 User’s Manual Specifications subject to change without notice ©2012 GENERAL TOOLS & INSTRUMENTS NOTICE - WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS.
