Product category:
Electrical and Electronic Testing and PAT Equipment
News Release from: SPS Electronic UK | Subject: LG 3301E
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 23 May 2002
Tester does the lot for lighting
manufacturers
A novel all-in-one lighting tester combines DC insulation resistance testing with functional and high-voltage flash testing to cover regulatory, safety and quality requirements in one package.
Now that the majority of modern lighting designs contain electronic ballasts and starting devices, problems can be encountered when applying AC high voltage flash tests (1500V AC) during routine production line testing Changes to the BS EN60598 lighting standard have allowed the manufacturer to omit this test, in favour of a DC insulation resistance test
But this creates a problem because the flash test is very good for finding weaknesses in insulation or poor manufacturing procedures (such as wires in contact with the chassis), and this is unlikely using a mere 500V DC insulation resistance test.
SPS Electronic reckons it can provide the best of both worlds, and has released a tester capable of DC flash testing to 1500 or 2200V with limited trip current for safety.
This test will stress the insulation, find any problems and should save electronic ballasts from damage.
The LG 3301E safety and functional tester has been designed for production line testing in accordance with EN60598 lighting standard.
This highly efficient and compact device comes in a 35cm/3HU case, and complies fully the EN50191 safety standard (Erection and operation of electrical test equipment).
Electrical safety tests comprise: earth bond resistance test at 10A AC with fail limit setting (programmable 10-30A AC); safety-current-limited high-voltage flash test at 1500V DC (2200V DC); and insulation resistance test at 500V DC (0.5-50Mohm).
An additional low-voltage (24V DC) continuity test can be performed before the safety tests.
This continuity test will ensure that the DUT (device under test) is connected to the LG 3301E test output terminals.
Following the safety tests, a function test (live load) can be carried out to ensure the DUT functions correctly.
The manufacturer has the option of connecting a power supply to the tester for testing at voltages other than 230V AC.
A multiple-line LCD, numerical keypad, cursor and function keys guide the user in setting up the required test programs.
Depending on the particular application the LG 3301E can be operated manually, via a PC or as part of an automated test system.
The LG 3301E has onboard storage for up to 100 different test programs.
When using a PC the test programs (unlimited number stored on the PC) can be set and performed using a user friendly Windows software package.
The software allows the input of serial numbers for logging test results.
Serial numbers can be input via the keyboard or a barcode reader.
This provides the user with an excellent method of product traceability.
Printer (label printers may be used) and remote control interfaces are standard issue on the LG 3301E rear panel.
With the LG 3301E compact tester the safety and function tests can be performed very economically as the DUT has only to be connected once to the test system.
The tests run in the preprogrammed sequence automatically, and switching between the different tests is performed internally.
The LG 3301E can be used very successfully with a test fixture or test enclosure to improve operator safety and performance.
(This was Engineeringtalk's Top Story on 22 May 2002).
(This was Engineeringtalk's Top Story on 22 May 2002).
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