PFL40A1500/2000 Portable Cable Fault Location and High Voltage Test Solutions

PFL40A SERIESPortable Cable Fault Location and High Voltage Test Solutions

controlled voltage, while analog metering allows for fast recognition of fault conditions. The analog meters offer a substantial safety advantage as they passively monitor voltage on the cable under test, even if the unit is turned off.

n Compact, portable fault locating system

n Proof (DC) testing to 40 kV

n High-voltage surge to 34 kV

n 8/16/34 kV, 2000 Joules surge output (4 kV 1500 Joule range optional)

n Integrated MTDR/Analyzer offers multiple fault locating techniques

n Arc reflection

n Current impulse

n Voltage decay (optional)

DESCRIPTION The new Megger PFL40A is a powerful, compact and complete cable fault locator. The primary objective of any cable fault location system is to provide effective, accurate and safe fault locating. The PFL40A meets these criteria, yet remains easy to use.

The standard system has many features that other manufacturers only offer as an option. The system is a “constant energy type”, providing maximum energy to pinpoint faults while at low voltage, minimizing the voltage stress on service-aged cables. The PFL40A offers multiple pre-locating techniques to further reduce the number of thumps required to pinpoint faults. The PFL40A reduces the amount of time it takes to classify, pre-locate and finally, pinpoint faults on cables.

The PFL40A defines the next generation of fault locating equipment. It is rugged and reliable, compact yet complete. It achieves the full spectrum of pre-locating techniques without bulky add-ons. With these multiple techniques and an array of test modes, the PFL40A is an outstanding system to pre-locate and pinpoint faults on a variety of cable types. They are employed on URD systems (direct burial), or duct bank/vault topologies. The 2000-Joule unit easily has enough energy to pre-locate and pinpoint on PILC (belted) feeders and small PILC networks.

The unit has many features such as continuously variable voltage control and a proof testing timer. With regard to safety, the PFL40A has emergency stop and a ground monitor interlock system. PLC voltage control and switching mode power supply technology means precise

The PFL40A can handle many cable types and most topologies — EPR, XLPE, PILC, sectionalize, point to point, and small to medium networks.

Regarding the last phase of fault locating, “pinpointing,” the PFL40A offers ample energy, ensuring the acoustic signature is detected by the operator, especially when in “duct bank/vault” type locations and in noisy city environments.

The PFL40A offers DC proof (withstand) testing to 40 kV and impulse testing to 34 kV which is the highest in the industry for portable units. The PFL offers multiple voltage ranges, 8/16/34, offering up to 2000 joules in each range. Optionally available is a 4-kV range. The power supply can fully recharge the unit to full voltage and full energy in as little as two seconds!

In the proof/burn mode, the PFL40A will provide up to a maximum of 120 mA of fault conditioning current for those difficult PILC faults. The PFL40A offers a wide variety of fault finding methods. It has an internal inductive arc reflection filter which allows for maximum energy to be delivered to the fault during arc reflection pre-location. The unit has an internal impulse current coupler used for the current transient method. It also offers an optional voltage decay coupler that, when integrated with the MTDR, performs voltage transient pre-location. The unit has analog kilovolt and milliamp meters which enable the operator to quickly assess the cable condition. When proof testing, the operator can select current trip levels up to 50 mA.

The PFL40A has continuous variable voltage control, allowing the user to dial in ONLY the necessary voltage required to break down the fault. The mode select is PLC controlled and the unit automatically selects the proper filter or coupler dependent upon the mode selected. The unit is a “constant energy type”, meaning the PLC switches to the proper capacitance according to the voltage range selected, to provide a full 2000 Joule output. (The 4-kV range is limited to 1500 Joules). Environmentally, the unit is designed to meet IP54 weatherproof specifications.

APPLICATIONSThe PFL40A is specifically designed to operate and provide effective fault locating on a wide variety of MV primary power cables up to 35 kV. Whether it is extruded dielectric or PILC, short direct runs of cable or small underground networks, the PFL40A is effective. Its compact size allows use in tight locations and the wheel kit and generous length output cable allows for back lot operation. The IP54 rating allows it to be transported in an open vehicle.

FEATURES AND BENEFITSn New MTDR mounted on the top panel features an

8.4-inch color (VGA) screen, visible even in bright sunlight

n Inductive arc reflection filter delivers more energy to the fault

n Multiple fault locating techniques

nTDR (pulse echo)

nArc reflection

nImpulse current

nVoltage decay (with optional coupler)

nDirect surge

nProof/Burn

n Rugged construction and IP54 rating

n Large wheels for easy transport over irregular surfaces

STANDARD SAFETY FEATURESSafety is of utmost importance when performing fault locating or operating the unit. The PFL includes multiple safety features to protect the user.

n Automatic discharge and grounding of both the HVPS and the cable upon shut down

n Locking emergency stop

n Analog meters passively monitor the HV bus of the unit.

n Safety interlock circuit

n External beacon circuit available to the user

n High-Voltage On indicator

n Ground fault monitor

n PLC controlled HVPS; the unit cannot be started at any level other than zero.

PFL40A SERIESPortable Cable Fault Location and High Voltage Test Solutions

The top-panel-mounted MTDR is easily viewed in bright sunlight, allowing better resolution for detail work.

PFL40A SERIESPortable Cable Fault Location and High Voltage Test Solutions

SPECIFICATIONS

Testing DC testing: 0 – 40 kV Imax 25 mA (negative to earth) Resolution: 1 mA Trip: Adjustable current trip, max 50 mA Metering: Analog and digital metering of current and voltage

Pulse Echo (TDR) Pre-location MTDRRange: 210, 540, 1060, 2130, 4260, 8800, 17,600, 35,000, 70,400 ft 64, 165, 323, 649, 1298, 2682, 5364, 10,668, 21,458 m Pulse width: 40, 80, 160, 320, 640 ns 1, 2, 5, 10 µs, and autoDisplay: 8.4 in., full VGA, colorCursors: Dual independentGain: Selectable, x1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and autoInputs: 1 pulse echo, 1 current impulse/voltage decay Ports: 1 serial, 2 parallel (printer/USB memory device)Software Included COMLink for downloading trace

High Voltage Prelocation Arc Reflection: 8/16/34 kV (4 kV optional)Current Impulse: 8/16/34 kV (4 kV optional)Voltage decay: 0 – 40 kV

Fault ConditioningProof/burn: 0 – 40 kV 0 – 4 kV, 240 mA (optional) 0 – 8 kV, 120 mA 0 – 16 kV, 60 mA 0 – 34 kV, 30 mA

Pinpoint Fault Location Surge: 0 – 8/16/34 kV, (4 kV optional) 1500 - 2000 Joules each range (4 kV limited to 1500 Joules)Impulse Sequence : Adjustable 2 – 30 seconds or “one shot” manual operation

Detachable HV Output Cable HV: 50 ft (15m) of 70 kV 1-phase EPR Input power: 50 ft (15m), 8mm2 Ground cable: 50 ft (15m), 8mm2

EnvironmentalOperating Temperature: -4° to 122°F (-20° to +50°C)Storage Temperature: -4° to 122°F (-20° to +70°C)Elevation: 5000 ft (1500m) Derate voltages at higher altitudesHumidity: 50 to 95% RH non-condensingInput Power: Universal 100 to 260 V (50/60 Hz)

IP RatingIP54 (with top/back flaps closed)

Weight328 lb (149 kg)

Dimensions40 in. H x 21 in. W x 20 in. D(965 mm H x 536 mm W x 503 mm D)

The PFL40A is a fully portable integrated system, ruggedly constructed for daily vehicle loading and unloading and is weather and rain resistant to IP54 rating.

Item Cat. No.

40 kV dc, 8/16/34 kV @ 1500 Joule surge PFL40A1500

40 kV dc, 8/16/34 kV @ 2000 Joule surge PFL40A2000

Included Accessories

High-voltage shielded output cable, 50 ft (15 m) 36566

Supply cable, 25 ft (7.6 m) 17032-17

Flexible ground cable, 50 ft (15 m) 19265-15

Interlock shorting plug 10226-1

Cable bag 18313

Instruction manual AVTMPFL40

ORDERING INFORMATION

UK Archcliffe Road, DoverCT17 9EN England T +44 (0) 1 304 502101 F +44 (0) 1 304 207342UKsales@megger.com

UNITED STATES 4271 Bronze WayDallas, TX 75237-1019 USAT 1 800 723 2861 (USA only) T +1 214 333 3201 F +1 214 331 7399USsales@megger.com

ISO STATEMENT Registered to ISO 9001:2000 Cert. no. 10006.01

PFL40A_SERIES_DS_enUS_V02www.megger.com Megger is a registered trademarkInformation subject to change without notice

OTHER TECHNICAL SALES OFFICESValley Forge USA, College Station USA, Sydney AUSTRALIA, Täby SWEDEN, Ontario CANADA, Trappes FRANCE, Oberursel GERMANY, Aargau SWITZERLAND, Kingdom of BAHRAIN, Mumbai INDIA, Johannesburg SOUTH AFRICA, and Chonburi THAILAND

Item Cat. No.

Optional Accessories

Ground monitor/ground safety interlock 36724

Wheel kit 36306 Handle assembly 36409

4-kV stand-alone surge capability 36727

Stand-alone battery supply 36726

Voltage decay coupler 36569

Stand-alone cable reel assembly CBL100HV

Rack mounted cable reel assembly CBL125H

Pinpointer/Receiver MPP1002

NOTE: A stand alone MTDR may be ordered for retrofit to an existing cable fault locator. Please refer to the separate MTDR retrofit data sheet for ordering information.

PFL40A SERIESPortable Cable Fault Location and High Voltage Test Solutions

MTDR CABLE ANALYSIS SYSTEM OVERVIEWThe built-in MTDR analyzer is a powerful tool and has the capability to be used as both a TDR and as a transient analyzer.

The MTDR is able to resolve and display TDR pulses (Pulse Echo) and arc reflection traces utilizing the arc reflection filter in the PFL. In transient mode, it resolves current transients by using the built-in current coupler, and using the external voltage decay coupler, it resolves voltage transients.

All of these prelocation modes provide a one or two thump prelocation distance to your cable fault. This minimized thumping improves your fault locating efficiency while limiting the number of the direct surges for pinpointing on any service-aged cable.

The MTDR enables the user to perform the following cable fault locating methods:

n Time Domain Reflectometry (Pulse Echo)n Arc Reflectionn Impulse Current

The MTDR enables the user to save waveform data, add notes and perform waveform comparisons by superimposition. For further comparison it can also capture and display up to 3 traces/waveforms on the screen, an especially useful tool for PILC or belted cables.

The MTDR screen is large and extra bright. Information and traces can be easily seen even in the brightest sunlight.

The MTDR features a Windows® XP software operating program which is powerful, easy-to-use and flexible. Custom features include:

n Auto ranging capability — the software recognizes the suspected cable termination and automatically selects the optimum range.

n Auto fault distance recognition — in arc reflection mode, the right cursor instantly moves to highlight the location of the suspected fault. At the same time the distance to the fault is also shown.

n Multiple color traces — for fast identification of which trace is being displayed.

n Data input capability — enables user to input a variety of information for each trace including cable type/member, operator ID, comments and more.

n User configured velocity tables — ability to input known values for various cable types and velocity data according to local standards.

Actual TDR traces of 110-kV XLPE cable; fault distance 1309 meters.(Low voltage trace shown in red. High voltage trace indicated in blue.)