EZ165

SOCKET TESTER

I

nstructIon

M

anual

ALWAYS READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE PROCEEDING

Thank you for buying one of our products. For safety and a full understanding of its benefits please read this manual before use.

Technical support is available from 01923 441717 and [email protected].

CONTENTS

1 Safety Information

1.1 Meaning of Symbols and Markings

1.2 Precautions

2 Introduction

2.1 Inspection

2.2 Description

3 Operation

3.1

3.3

Description of Indicators

3.2 Self-Test

Using the EZ165

3.3.1 Wiring and Voltage Check

3.3.2 Loop Test

3.3.3 RCD’s in the Circuit Under Test

3.3.4 Possible Effects on Accuracy when Measuring Earth Loop Impedance

4 Maintenance

4.1 Cleaning

4.2

4.3

Repair & Service

Storage Conditions

5 Warranty

Specifications

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1. SAFETY INFORMATION

REMEMBER: SAFETY IS NO ACCIDENT

These instructions contain both information and cautions that are necessary for the correct operation and maintenance of this product.

It is recommended that you read the instructions carefully and ensure that the contents are fully understood.

Particular attention should be paid to the Precautions and Technical

Specification.

Please keep these instructions for future reference. Updated instructions and product information are available at: www.martindale-electric.co.uk

1.1 Meaning of Symbols and Markings

Caution - risk of danger and refer to instructions

Caution - risk of electric shock

Equipment protected by double or reinforced insulation

(Class II)

CAT II (Measurement Category II) is applicable to test and measuring equipment connected directly to utilization points (socket outlets and similar points) of the low-voltage

MAINS installation. For further information on measurement categories visit: www.martindale-electric.co.uk

Equipment complies with relevant EU Directives

End of life disposal of this equipment should be in accordance with relevant EU Directives.

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1.2 Precautions

This product has been designed with your safety in mind, but please pay attention to the following warnings and cautions before use.

Warnings

In order to avoid the danger of electrical shock, it is important that proper safety measures are taken when working with voltages exceeding 30V

AC rms, 42V AC peak or 60V DC.

Where applicable other safety measures such as use of protective gloves, goggles etc. should be employed.

This socket tester must only be used by a skilled and competent person who is familiar with the relevant regulations, the safety risks involved and the consequent normal safe working practices, and under the conditions and for the purposes for which it has been constructed and specified.

Before each use the socket tester should be examined for damage, cracks, cuts or scratches. Do not use if damaged in any way.

Make sure the socket tester is dry, clean and free from dust, grease and moisture while in use to avoid the danger from electric shock due to surface leakage.

The EZ165 must only be used on CAT II installations up to 300V to earth.

Always verify the unit is functioning correctly on a known correctly-wired live socket before and after use.

If none of the indicators illuminate, this does not necessarily mean the circuit under test is dead. For example the earth and neutral lines could both be open circuit, or the supply voltage may be <40V.

Cautions

Avoid severe mechanical shock or vibration and extreme temperature.

2. INTRODUCTION

2.1 Inspection

Examine the shipping carton for any sign of damage. Inspect the unit and any accessories for damage. If there is any damage, consult your distributor immediately.

2.2 Description

The EZ165 is a socket tester that additionally checks the earth loop impedance of the wiring under test and indicates the range that the measured earth loop impedance falls within. If the wiring is faulty or the mains voltage is not within limits the earth loop impedance test is not performed.

The EZ165 also indicates if the mains voltage is below 195V or above 270V or if the neutral to earth voltage is greater than 30V.

The ‘T Safe’ technology employed by the EZ165 allows the earth loop impedance to be measured with a 30mA or higher RCD in circuit without it tripping.

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3.OPERATION

3.1. Description of Indicators

The EZ165 uses two rows of LED’s to indicate wiring condition, mains voltage level and earth loop impedance.

The top row of three tricolour LED’s marked LOOP TEST indicates the range within which the measured earth loop impedance falls.

The bottom row of three tricolour LED’s indicates the condition of the wiring or if the mains supply is <195V or >270V or if the neutral to earth voltage is >30V.

Note 1: The loop test will not be performed, and the loop test indicators will not illuminate if there is a wiring fault or the mains voltage level is outside limits.

Note 2: The level of the mains supply is only indicated if the wiring is correct.

3.2. Self-Test

Every time the EZ165 is plugged in it will perform a self-test routine by flashing each row of indicators once in the following sequence:

Top row

Bottom row

Top row

Bottom row

Top row

Bottom row

If the EZ165 does not perform the self-test and none of the indicators illuminate this could mean the supply voltage is less than 40V (see section 1.2 Precautions). Verify the EZ165 in a known correctly wired socket.

If any indicators do not illuminate or do not illuminate in the above sequence, then do not use the EZ165 and return it for repair.

3.3. Using the EZ165

Plug the EZ165 into the socket to be tested.

Verify that the EZ165 performs its self-test routine correctly (see section 3.2) then simply compare the status of the flashing indicators with the front decal or with figures 1, 2 & 3 in sections 3.3.1 and

3.3.2.

If the EZ165 does not power up and perform its self-test and none of the LED’s illuminate this could mean that the wiring is incorrect, or the mains voltage is less than 40V and investigation of the wiring is required. In such circumstances verify the EZ165 in a known correctly wired socket to confirm the need for investigation.

The EZ165 is designed to be plugged into a socket and removed after the test has been performed. If the EZ165 is left plugged into a socket, then after approximately 10 minutes the illuminated LED indicators will blank and the two centre LED’s will flash amber every

5 seconds.

3.3.1 Wiring and Voltage Check

The condition of the wiring at the socket under test or any out of tolerance supply voltage will be indicated by the LED sequences of figure 1 on the lower row of LED’s.

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If a wiring fault is detected or the supply voltage is out of tolerance the top loop indicator LED’s will not illuminate as a loop impedance measurement is not made.

Figure 1. Wiring and Voltage Test Indicators (Lower LED’s)

Wiring Correct, Voltage OK

Wiring Correct, Voltage high >270V

Wiring Correct, Voltage low <195V

Earth-Neutral voltage >30V

Open Neutral

Open Earth >500 Ω

Phase (Live) Fault

Phase-Neutral Reversal

Phase-Earth Reversal

Serious wiring fault or voltage <40V

In the event of a fault being indicated, investigation should only be carried out by a suitably qualified electrician.

Figure 2 . Possible socket wiring and EZ165 indications when live (phase) is connected to the socket.

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OPEN

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EZ165 Pins

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Socket Under Test Wiring

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3.3.2. Loop Test

If the wiring is correct and the supply voltage of the circuit under test is between 195V and 270V the lower indicators will all indicate green and one of the top indicators marked LOOP TEST will indicate the range into which the measured earth loop impedance falls.

For example if the top centre indicator is green then the measured earth loop impedance of the circuit under test is between 1.7

Ω and

5 Ω , or if the top left-hand indicator is red then the measured earth loop impedance is between 10 Ω and 100 Ω .

Refer to the latest edition of the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671), to determine if the indicated earth loop impedance of the wiring under test meets the necessary requirements.

Figure 3. Loop Test Indicators (Top LED’s)

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0 - 1.7

Ω

1.7 - 5 Ω

5 - 10 Ω

10 - 100 Ω

100 - 200 Ω

200 - 500 Ω

Wiring fault or voltage

<195V or >270V

3.3.3 RCD’s in the Circuit Under Test

The EZ165 should operate satisfactorily on circuits protected by most 30mA or higher RCDs or RCBOs.

Factors which should be considered are where equipment, such as computers may introduce earth leakage currents due to internal noise filter circuits. This earth leakage current can approach the trip threshold of an RCD or RCBO, and the EZ165 test current will add to it with the possibility of the protective device tripping.

Before using the EZ165 on critical circuits which supply computers, medical equipment, or other systems where loss of supply is unacceptable, ensure these are not being operated, in line with normal practice when using electrical test equipment.

3.3.4 Possible Effects on Accuracy when Measuring Earth Loop

Impedance

Where supply circuits under test have highly inductive or capacitive loads distributed on that circuit or there is an excessive amount of mains disturbance present (e.g. motors running, etc) it is possible the earth loop impedance measurement could be affected.

In such circumstances, where possible, disconnect any loads that may be a source of error.

Alternatively, perform the measurement when the wiring under test is electrically quiet.

The effect of highly inductive or capacitive loads and mains disturbances can be to reduce accuracy on the lower two ranges, e.g. if the actual loop impedance of the circuit under test is <1.7

Ω then the EZ165 may indicate in the range 1.7

Ω to 5 Ω .

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4. MAINTENANCE

4.1 Cleaning

Prior to cleaning, ensure the EZ165 is disconnected from any live circuits.

If contamination is found, clean with a damp soft cloth and if necessary a mild detergent or alcohol. Do not use abrasives, abrasive solvents, or detergents which can cause damage to the unit. If a mild detergent is used, the unit should subsequently be thoroughly cleaned with a water dampened soft cloth. After cleaning, dry and allow to remain in a dry environment for 2 hours before use.

4.2 Repair & Service

There are no user serviceable parts. Return to Martindale Electric if faulty. Our service department will quote promptly to repair any fault that occurs outside the guarantee period.

4.3 Storage Conditions

The EZ165 should be kept in warm dry conditions away from direct sources of heat or sunlight, and in such a manner as to preserve their working life. It is strongly advised that they are not kept in a tool box where other tools may damage them.

5. WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

This Martindale product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service. The warranty period is 2 years and begins on the date of receipt by the end user. This warranty extends only to the original buyer or enduser customer, and does not apply to fuses, disposable batteries, test leads or to any product which, in Martindale’s opinion, has been misused, altered, neglected, contaminated, or damaged by accident or abnormal conditions of operation, handling or storage.

Martindale authorised resellers shall extend this warranty on new and unused products to end-user customers only but have no authority to extend a greater or different warranty on behalf of

Martindale.

Martindale’s warranty obligation is limited, at Martindale’s option, to refund of the purchase price, free of charge repair, or replacement of a defective product which is returned to Martindale within the warranty period.

This warranty is the buyer’s sole and exclusive remedy and is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, including but not limited to any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Martindale shall not be liable for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages or losses, including loss of data, arising from any cause or theory.

Since some jurisdictions do not allow limitation of the term of an implied warranty, or exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, the limitations and exclusions of this warranty may not apply to every buyer. If any part of any provision of this warranty is held invalid or unenforceable by a court or other decision-maker of competent jurisdiction, such holding will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision or other part of that provision.

Nothing in this statement reduces your statutory rights.

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Specification

EZ165

E-ZE Check Xtra

Electrical

Nominal operating voltage: 230V AC rms

Operating frequency: 50Hz

Power consumption: <2.5W

Power: from mains socket under test

Non-trip earth loop impedance ranges:

0 - 1.7 - 5 - 10 - 100 - 200 - 500 Ω

Earth loop threshold accuracy: ± (10% + 0.3

Ω )

Note 1

Voltage low indication: <195V ± 5%

Voltage high indication: >270V ± 5%

Earth neutral voltage high indication: >30V ± 5%

Open earth indication: >500 Ω ± 10%

Note 1: Measurement accuracy can be affected by highly inductive or capacitive loads distributed on the supply (see section 3.3.4).

General

Dimensions: 65 x 80 x 59mm

Weight: approx. 93g

Environmental

Temperature (Operating & Storage): -10°C to 40°C, at max. 60% RH

Altitude: up to 2000m

Pollution degree: 2

Safety

Conforms to BS EN 61010-1, CAT II 300V

Class II, double insulation

EMC

Conforms to BS EN 61326-1

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Martindale Electric Company Limited

Metrohm House, 12 Imperial Park, Imperial Way, Watford WD24 4PP, UK

Tel: +44(0)1923 441717 Fax: +44 (0)1923 446900

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.martindale-electric.co.uk

© Martindale Electric Company Ltd. 2019

Registered in England No. 3387451. V1 LITEZ165