User Documentation

272661740000/01/06-2020
Measuring
Measuring TVSs
Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS), also called Avalanche Breakdown Decides (ABDs), are tested in
much the same way as an MOV. In the TVS mode the maximum voltage used to drive the constant current
is limited to 200 V since most TVS devices are below this voltage. To perform a measurement, please refer
to the steps in the Measuring MOVs section.
The reading will be displayed on the output panel.
For more information on measurement of TVS components, the user is referred to: IEC 61643-321
Components for low-voltage surge protective devices – Part 321: Specications for avalanche
breakdown diode (ABD)
Measuring GDTs
To measure a GDT component (arrestor), or an SPD comprising voltage switching technology:
Step 1 Decide if using the auto or manual detection mode by pressing either the AUTO button or the GDT
button respectively.
Step 2 Set the required voltage rate ramp for the measurement (refer to Measurement screen section).
The ramp rate can be selected from one of 100 V/s, or 1 kV/s.
It is normal to dene the DC spark-over voltage of a GDT as U DC @ 1 kV/s, so the
1 kV/s setting is the default option.
Step 3 If required, enable the GDT Prere mode which will force the GDT to be red three times (pre-
ionization) before the measurement is recorded.
The GDT Prere option is disabled when the voltage ramp rate is set to 100 V/s as it
would take too long to measure a GDT with high spark-over voltage. For example, if the
GDT being tested has a spark-over voltage of 1500 V, and the ramp rate is set to 100 V/s,
each reading would take 15 s.
Step 4 If desired, enable the Log Measurement mode LOG mode (refer to Log screen section). A
check ✔ in the footer panel indicates this mode has been activated.
Step 5 Press the TEST button on the front panel of the instrument. The red high voltage LED will briey
illuminate to indicate that high voltage is being produced at the output terminal sockets (refer to
Safety section).
Step 6 The measured values will be displayed on the output panel.
Compare the measured values with the given table values in the chapter “Surge protection prod-
ucts from Weidmüller”.
The GDT component is defective if the measured value is outside of the minimum to maximum
range given.
For more information on measurement of GDT components, the user is referred to:
IEC 61643- 311 Components for low-voltage surge protective devices – Part 311: Perfor-
mance requirements and test circuits for gas discharge tubes (GDT).