VX0100 - Measuring equipment METRIX - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL VX0100 METRIX

RECAUTIONS AND SAFETY MEASURES

AFETY DISTANCES AND PRECAUTIONS

1.1. Precautions and safety measures

You have purchased a low frequency electric field tester. Thank you for your custom. This appliance is compliant with safety standards covering electronic measurement instruments IEC 61010-1 - Ed 2 (2001). For your own safety and that of the appliance you are advised to follow the safety instructions described in this document. Symbols used on the instrument:

Warning: Possible hazard

Refer to the operating instructions in order to find out about the potential hazards and how to prevent them. Earth terminal Selective sorting of waste for recycling electrical and electronic equipment. In compliance with the WEEE 2002/96/CE directive: must not be considered as household waste. European Conformity (Conformité Européenne) Powered by a 9V battery (6LR61) type

Antenna Sound signal

Only use the supplied accessories (sensor and cable) they are compliant with safety standards (EN 61010-031).

Power off the appliance; clean with a damp cloth and soap. Never use abrasive products or solvents. 1.2. Warranty This equipment has a 2 year warranty for faulty manufacture or materials as per our sales terms and conditions. The warranty will not apply in the event of:

1. improper use of the equipment or use of the equipment

with incompatible equipment;

2. a modification to the equipment without an explicit

authorisation from the manufacturer's technical services;

3. intervention on the equipment by a person not approved

by the manufacturer;

4. adaptation to a specific application that was not part of

the definition of the equipment or mentioned in the instructions

1.3. Maintenance Repairs under warranty and outside the warranty Return your instrument to your distributor for any work to be done within or outside the warranty.Chapter II VX0003 / VX0100 23

Measurement range selection key

ON and OFF key + HOLD function

Field and live cable detection antenna

Display of V/m measurement, HOLD function, battery, filter and sound signal ON and OFF key; HOLD function Sound signal

2.3.1. Fitting, replacing the battery

The 9V battery, type 6LR61 NEDA 1604, should be replaced as soon as the battery low indicator is shown because from this time on the measurements are no longer guaranteed: VX0003: "HOLD" blinks VX0100: the following symbol is displayed . To access the battery, remove the screw using a tool and remove the cover.

Battery housing cover

The VX0003 and VX0100 capacity type testers are single pole, i.e. they carry out asymmetrical measurements on the exposed metal parts. The connection of these testers to the input amplifier used as an inverting amplifier, guarantees a very low difference in potential at the antenna terminals, and, therefore, no effect on the fields being measured. The measurement part can be referenced by touching the appropriate zone on the rear face with a finger or by earthing the appliance. You are reminded that the intensity of an electric field is inversely proportional to the distance from its source (10 V/m measured at 1 m are equivalent to 100 V/m measured at 10 cm). 3.1. VX0003 The tester indicates the value of low frequency electric fields. The measurements are made in the 10 Hz - 3 kHz bandwidth.

Warning: moving the tester too quickly will cause

detection of parasite electric fields. It has the following additional functions: Sound signal: Sound indicating the measured field level. The sound emitted is proportional to the measured field intensity. This is switched on and off using the key. Hold: Keeps the measured value until "HOLD" is pressed again. Activate and deactivate by applying a short push on the "HOLD" key. Range: Manual choice of the 100 V/m or 2000 V/m range using the "RANGE" key: - 100 V/m range green scale - 2,000 V/m range red scale The range can be changed by pressing the "RANGE" key. Low bat: Low battery: the "HOLD" symbol blinks. Auto-off: The appliance switches off automatically after 30 minutes if no keys are used (the appliance can be reactivated by pressing one of the keys). A sound signal is given 2 secs. before automatic switch-off. Switching off the VX003: Keep the "ON/OFF" key pressed down for 2 secs. ; a high sound signal will be emitted until the key is released.Chapter II VX0003 / VX0100 27 3.2. VX0100 The tester measures low frequency electric fields. Measurements can be made in the following bandwidths: 10 Hz - 3 kHz Display: 0 - 3 kHz 3 kHz - 100 kHz Display: 3 - 100 kHz 10 Hz - 100 kHz Display: 0 - 100 kHz

Warning: moving the tester too quickly will cause

detection of parasite electric fields. It has the following additional functions: Sound signal: Sound indicating the measured field levels. The sound emitted is proportional to the measured field intensity. This is switched on and off using the key. Hold: Keeps the measured value until "HOLD" is pressed again. Activate and deactivate by applying a short push on the "HOLD" key. Filter: Repeat changes by pressing the "FILTER" key. Measurements in the bandwidths:

Remark: the LCD indicates the selected frequency bandwidth. Range: The choice of the range (200 or 2000 V/m) is automatic. Low bat: is displayed when the battery is low. Auto-off: The appliance switches off automatically after 30 minutes if no keys are used (the appliance can be reactivated by pressing one of the keys). A sound signal is given 2 secs. Before automatic switch-off. Backlight: Activated when the appliance is switched on. Automatic timed switch-off (15 secs). Reactivate by pressing one of the keys. Remark: for the function the back- light is turned off. Switching off the VX0100: Press the "ON/OFF" key for approximately. 2 secs; the LCD displays "OFF" and a high sound signal is emitted until the key is released.Chapter II 28 VX0003 / VX0100

4.1. Use There are two methods used to measure electric fields with the VX003 / VX0100 testers.

4.1.1. Method 1: user reference

Hold the electric field tester keeping one of your fingers in direct contact with the correct area of the rear face of the appliance. To carry out a measurement refer to the section that covers your tester.

4.1.2. Method 2: earth reference

Check the presence of earth using the socket tester.

Connect the electric field tester to the earth terminal of an electric socket using the 5 m cable shipped with the appliance. To carry out the measurement please refer

the section covering your tester. 4.2. Powering up (press "ON")

1. The green "RANGE" LED and the red "HOLD” LED, as

well as the 2000 V/m LED light up for about 2 secs.

2. Then all the LEDS light for about 3 secs.

Phase 2: Automatic range configuration at start-up

1. The green "RANGE" LED becomes red.

2. Indication of the range: 2000 V/m by default, red scale.

3. The "HOLD" LED stops.

If the measured values are > 120 % of their nominal range, then the "RANGE" LED blinks and the sound signal stops

1. "ON" is displayed on the LCD for about. 2 secs.

2. All the segments are displayed for about. 3 secs.

3. The measurements are displayed.

If you keep the "ON" key pressed down the VX0100 displays the software version before passing on to phase 3. If the measured values are > 120 % of their nominal range the VX0100 displays "OL" and the V/m segment will blink.Chapter II VX0003 / VX0100 29 4.3. Operating the VX0003

• Hold the appliance vertically (search for a field emitted from a vertical wall) and examine the areas where people gather.

• Choose the height that corresponds to the likely location of the heads of the persons gathering there.

• Next sweep the premises horizontally in relation to potential sources.

• Try and find the maximum field values either using the bargraph, or by listening to the highest sound signal emitted by the appliance.

• For source located in the floor or ceiling change the appliance’s position so that the sensor electrode is parallel to these surfaces: - Floor VX0003 is horizontal; the reading is on the top. - Ceiling VX0003 is horizontal; the reading is on the bottom. 4.4. Operating the VX0100

• Hold the appliance horizontally (search for a field emitted from a vertical wall) and examine the areas where people gather.

• Choose the height that corresponds to the likely location of the heads of the persons gathering there.

• Next sweep the premises horizontally in relation to potential sources.

• Try to find the maximum field values either using the LCD display, or by listening to the highest sound signal emitted by the appliance.

• For sources located in the floor or ceiling change the appliance’s position so that the electrode surface of the sensor is parallel to these surfaces.

The LCD is not operational for an electric field greater than 3000 V/m. The LCD resumes operation when the electric field is below this value. WALL

These testers measure the "RMS" intensity of electric fields in V/m and check them in compliance with current and future standards and directives:

WHO / ICNIRP recommendations (World Health Organisation) Guide for defining the limits of exposure to electric, magnetic and electro-magnetic fields - publication: n° 182 -1st quarter 2001.

IEEE C95.6-2002 (International standard - Public, domain 0-3 kHz) Safety levels covering the exposure of persons to electro-magnetic fields from 0 - 3 kHz - publication: October 2002.

European directive 1999/519/EC (Public, domain 0-100 kHz and higher). Household appliances and assimilated electro-magnetic fields. Assessment and measurement methods - publication: July 2004, October 2006.

European directive 2004/40/EC (Workers, domain 0 - 100 kHz and higher) Minimum health and safety rules for the exposure of workers to risks due to physical agents (electro-magnetic fields) - publication: April 2004.

Draft standard 2010, EN IEC 62493 (Lighting systems) Assessment of lighting equipment for human exposure to electro- magnetic fields - publication: to be published.

EN 50366 standard, then IEC 62233 in 2012 (Household electric appliances) Methods of measuring electro-magnetic fields emitted by household appliances and assimilated in relation to human exposure - publication: January 2007. 5.1. Remedies related to the electric installation

1. Connect and check the electrical installation's earth correctly.

2. Check the levels of emitted electric fields (see § 5.3).

3. For appliances that are not earthed, check that the Ph/N

connection is made correctly. If it is inversed the level of the fields will be much higher (e.g.: bedside lamp with a single pole switch).

4. Use devices to limit electric fields:

• pre-cabled sheaths with shielded H07-VU phase wires.

• shielded wires and cables. These cables are most efficient when the screens are connected to the earth network. The electric field is directed to the earth using the shielding connected to the earth.

• equipment casing fitted with a metal screen at the rear of the casing. This is used to reduce electric radiation from the case + cable + equipment.

• an automatic two pole current cut-off device. This is a box that is fitted after the fuse corresponding to the room's circuit. It is designed to automatically cut-off electric voltage causing electric fields as soon as the last appliance or light is switched off. It switches power back on whenever a switch in the room is used.

5. Place the potential sources of fields at a safety distance from

• In order to ensure good sleep and well-being inside a home, the intensity of electric fields in rest and sleeping areas should be limited.

• The intensity of electric fields is inversely proportional to the distance. Category Appliance Household Office Precautions / Remedies Safety distance (in m) Electric fields Heating Air conditioning, heat pump x x Place away from resting or living areas

Cables 50 Hz - permanent Heating Electric heating floor x Choose another heating system 3 Cables 50 Hz - permanent Heating Electric radiator x x Correct Ph/N connection Away from rest areas

Cables and casing 50 Hz - permanent Heating Closed hearth ventilator x Earthed and shielded phase Place away from rest areas

Cables 50 Hz - permanent Mains outlet Multi-socket block x x Earthed block, multi-socket shielded block 0,3 Cables and connections 50 Hz - permanent Mains outlet Electric cables, outlets, switches x x Earthed shielded phase earthed shielded boxes

Cables 50 Hz - permanent Mains outlet Meter and distribution board x Place away from resting or living areas

Connections 50 Hz - permanent Mains outlet 240 V, 20 kV, 63 kV, 90 kV, 250 kV, 400 kV electric lines x x Respect the safety distances 10, 30, 80, 120, 200, 350 Cables 50 Hz - permanentChapter II 32 VX0003 / VX0100 Category Appliance Household Office Precautions / Remedies Safety distance (in m) Electric fields Mains outlet Low voltage electric utility company transformer x x Respect the safety distances 10 Cables and connections 50 Hz - permanent Lighting Low consumption bulb x x Earthed shield phase or two pole switch 0,8 Switched mode power supply 10-50 kHz - permanent Lighting 230 V halogen (on a stand...) x Correct Ph/N connection or two pole switch 0,6 Cables 50 Hz - permanent Lighting Low voltage decorative halogen or desk lamp (transformer, wiring) x x Correct Ph/N connection or two pole switch

Cables 50 Hz - permanent Lighting Bedside or headboard lamp x Correct Ph/N connection or two pole

Respect the safety distances 0,6 Cables and shielding 50 Hz - permanent Lighting Ceiling lamp without earth x x Correct Ph/N connection or two pole

Respect the safety distances 1,5 Cables and shielding 50 Hz - permanent Lighting Compact fluorescent tube x x Earthed shield phase or two pole switch 0,8 Switched mode power supply 10-50 kHz - permanent Building machinery

Lifts (machinery) x x Respect the safety distances 2 Cables and connections 50 Hz - permanent Building machinery

Door (garage) or motorised curtain x Transit areas (OK) or keep away from rest areas

Cables 50 Hz - permanent Electronic equipment Aquarium (lighting, pumps...) x x Correct Ph/N connection Away from rest areas 1,5 Cables 10-50 kHz switch-mode power supplyChapter II VX0003 / VX0100 33 Category Appliance Household Office Precautions / Remedies Safety distance (in m) Electric fields Electronic equipment Hi Fi, amplifier, radio, game console x Correct Ph/N connection or earth Respect the safety distances Avoid standby mode

Cables - 50 Hz 10-50 kHz switch-mode power supply Electronic equipment Charger, mobile phone x x Place away from resting or living areas

Cables 10-50 kHz switch-mode power supply Electronic equipment Cathode ray screen (TV or computer)

Cables and casing 10-50 kHz switch-mode power supply Electronic equipment Flat screen (TV or computer) x x Respect the safety distances Avoid standby mode

Cables - 50 Hz 10-50 kHz switch-mode power supply Electronic equipment Computer, printer, fax, copy machine... x x Correct Ph/N connection or earth Respect the safety distances Avoid standby mode

Cables - 50 Hz 10-50 kHz switch-mode power supply Electronic equipment Air cleanser, mist device x x Place away from resting or living areas

Cables 50 Hz - permanent Household appliances Vacuum cleaner x Correct Ph/N connection Respect the safety distances

Cables 50 Hz - permanentChapter II 34 VX0003 / VX0100 Category Appliance Household Office Precautions / Remedies Safety distance (in m) Electric fields Household appliances Coffee machine, toaster x x Correct Ph/N connection or earth Respect the safety distances Disconnect from the power outlet

Cables 50 Hz - permanent Household appliances Iron x Respect the earth (is there is one) and the safety distance

Cables and casing 50 Hz - permanent Household appliances Extractor hood x Correct Ph/N connection or earth Respect the safety distances

Cables and casing 50 Hz - permanent Household appliances Dish washer, washing machine, clothes drier, refrigerator, freezer

Correct Ph/N connection or earth Respect the safety distances

Cables 50 Hz - permanent Household appliances Induction cooker x Correct Ph/N connection or earth Respect the safety distances

Cables 50 Hz - permanent Household appliances Halogen cooker x Correct Ph/N connection or earth Respect the safety distances

Cables 50 Hz - permanent Household appliances Electric cooker or oven x Correct Ph/N connection or earth Respect the safety distances

Building biology (SBM-2008) Suggested values for rest areas SBM- 2008 (page 1) not significant

slightly significant

extremely significant

(low frequency) Field intensity connected to earth in V/m < 1 1 - 5 5 - 50 > 50 Body induction voltage for earth in mV < 10 10 - 100 100 - 1000

> 1000 Intensity of fields outside potential in V/m < 0,3 0,3 -1,5 1,5 - 10 > 10 The values are valid for the range up to and around 50 Hz, higher frequencies and distinct harmonics should be considered with more attention.

5.4. Live wire detection function The VX0100 can be used to detect the paths of live wires for renovation projects.

between 3 kHz and 1 MHz E (5v/m)Chapter II 36 VX0003 / VX0100

6. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

6.1. VX0003 Sensitivity and precision 2 ranges of sensitivity 5 to 100 V/m 100 to 2,000 V/m Range selection manual ("RANGE") Measurement precision ± 10 % on LED thresholds Frequency range Analysis of electric distribution 10 Hz to 3 kHz Analysis of equipment connected to mains 10 Hz to 3 kHz Display and sound signal Display on two 7 LED scales Direct display in V/m Sound signal proportional to the level of the electric field "Low battery" and "HOLD" indicators Commands On / Off (with automatic switch-off) Keeping the measurement on hold ("HOLD") Sound signal On / Off Antenna and reference "field" antenna fitted within the appliance "individual" field reference measurement (by manual contact at the rear of the appliance) "Earth" field reference measurement (earth connection cable) 6.2. VX0100 Sensitivity and precision 2 ranges of sensitivity 1 to 200 V/m 200 to 2000 V/m Range selection automatic Measurement precision ± 3 % ± 20 D from 40 to 800 Hz for 10 to 100 % of the range Frequency range Analysis of electrical distribution 10 Hz to 3 kHz (3 kHz low-pass filter) Analysis of equipment connected to mains power supply 3 kHz to 100 kHz (3 kHz high-pass filter) 10 Hz to 100 kHz (without 3 kHz filter) Display and sound signal 2000 point back-light LCD display Direct display in V/m Sound signal proportional to the level of the electric field Indication of the measurement frequency range "Low battery" and "HOLD" indicators Commands On / Off (with automatic switch-off) Keeping the measurement on hold ("HOLD") Sound signal On / Off 3 kHz filter selection (<, >, full bandwidth) Antenna and reference Removable "field + cable detection" antenna Ø 62 mm "individual" field reference measurement (by manual contact at the rear of the appliance) "Earth" field reference measurement (earth connection cable)Chapter II VX0003 / VX0100 37 6.3. Safety IEC 61010-1: Ed. 2 - 2001 - Insulation: class II - Pollution level: 2 - Altitude: < 2000 m 6.4. General information Display VX0003: LED Bargraph VX0100: 2000 point LCD display Low battery indicator VX0003: the "HOLD" symbol blinks. VX0100: the " " symbol is displayed when the voltage from the battery is lower than the operating voltage; the measurements are no longer guaranteed. Power supply Battery: 9V, NEDA 1604, 6LR61 Typical autonomy: VX0003: 21 hrs (without sound signal) VX0100: 30 hrs (without backlight and sound signal) Size Appliance size: 163 x 63.6 x 40 mm VX0100, with external antenna: 225 x 63.6 x 40 mm Weight 200 g approx. (without the battery) 6.5. Environment

Operating: 5 to 50°C Storage: -40 to 70°C (without the battery) Relative humidity: 20 to 96 % not including condensation