PV 3 - Measuring equipment BENNING - Free user manual and instructions

Product type	Photovoltaic (PV) tester
Brand	BENNING
Model	PV 3
Max DC voltage	1500 V DC
Max DC current	40 A DC
Max power	45 kW
Display	Digital LCD screen with polarity indicators and warning
Power supply	3 rechargeable lithium-ion 18650 batteries (3.7 V each, protected version)
Recording capacity	Up to 999 measurements
PC interface	USB type B with supplied cable
PC software	BENNING Solar Datalogger (free download on Benning website)
Radio coupling	With BENNING SUN 2 irradiance sensor (optional)
Included accessories	2 measurement cables with test probes (1.2 m), 2 crocodile clips, 2 PV MC4 cables (2 m), 3 rechargeable batteries, charger, USB cable, quick start guide, calibration certificate
Safety	Visual warning for voltage >30 V, lockout in case of polarity reversal or out-of-range voltage
Maintenance	Clean with a dry cloth; do not use aggressive solvents
Repairability	User-replaceable batteries (protected 18650 type); annual calibration recommended by Benning service
Warranty	1 year on compliance with specifications
Operating temperature	Dry environment only
Weight (approx.)	1.2 kg
Dimensions (approx.)	240 x 110 x 55 mm

Frequently Asked Questions - PV 3 BENNING

How to turn on the PV 3 device?

Press and hold the « □ » or « » button for two seconds to turn the device on or off.

What to do if polarity is reversed during a measurement?

The polarity indicator flashes and the corresponding symbol appears. The measurement is blocked. Reverse the connections to correct.

How to record measured values?

Press the « □ » (Store) button to save the displayed values to memory. The device can store up to 999 measurements.

How to transfer data to a PC?

Install the BENNING Solar Datalogger software, connect the device via USB, then press and hold the « ↻ » button to start the transfer.

Which cables to use for measuring a photovoltaic generator?

Use exclusively the supplied PV measurement cables with MC4 connectors (ref. 10208355) or cables with crocodile clips for reliable connections.

Can I measure voltages above 1500 V?

No, the maximum open-circuit voltage is 1500 V DC. Exceeding this can damage the device and pose a danger.

How to pair the PV 3 with the BENNING SUN 2 sensor?

Turn off both devices. Press and hold the two buttons on the SUN 2 and simultaneously the 2 and 3 buttons on the PV 3 until an audible confirmation and 'connected' display appear.

What does the warning symbol ⚠ on the screen mean?

It indicates a dangerous voltage (>30 V). Be extremely careful and follow safety instructions.

How to charge the rechargeable batteries?

Use the supplied charger (ref. 10208360) and protected 18650 batteries. Before first use, fully charge the batteries.

Where to download the BENNING Solar Datalogger software?

Go to the PV 3 product page: http://tms.benning.de/pv3 for free download.

USER MANUAL PV 3 BENNING

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3.6

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4.3

Metal bracket with mounting holes and a separate support structure (no text or symbols visible)

Short Instructions BENNING PV 3

1. User notes

Please read the detailed operating manual (see section 6.1) before operating the PV tester! This operating manual is intended for qualified technical personnel! Qualified technical personnel is competent to identify risks and to prevent possible hazards. Improper handling involves the risk of injury! Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when carrying out the test.

Warning of dangerous electric voltage! Absolutely observe all safety instructions!

2. Safety notes

The connection to the PV generator is made exclusively in accordance with the connection figure of the operating manual. Only use the included PV measuring leads or the measuring leads with attached alligator clips for safe contacting of the PV generator.

The PV generator must be isolated from the electric power supply (PV inverter)!

The PV module/PV string must not exceed the maximum opencircuit voltage of 1500 V DC, the maximum short-circuit current of 40 A and the maximum DC power (P = U x I) of 45 kW. Measuring at PV strings connected in parallel might involve damages of the BENNING PV 3!

Do not disconnect any measuring leads from the PV generator as long as the test is being carried out. Failure to do so might result in a dangerous electric arc or damage to the BENNING PV 3!

The BENNING PV 3 must not be switched off during the test.

The PV test sockets ⑧ and ⑨ are intended exclusively for the connection with PV generators (PV module, PV string, PV field).

WARNING! Be careful when working with bare conductors or main line carrier! Contact with live conductors will cause an electric shock! Remember that work on electrical components of all kinds is dangerous. Even low voltages of 30 V AC and 60 V DC may be dangerous to human life.

Before starting the appliance tester up, always check it for signs of damage. Do not use a damaged BENNING PV 3! Damaged measuring leads must be replaced!

Only use safety measuring leads, which are supplied with the BENNING PV 3.

The included measuring leads are designed for 1500 V systems which are insulated from the main electric supply (PV inverter). Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when connecting or disconnecting the measuring leads!

Use the BENNING PV 3 only in compliance with the intended use specified in this documentation. If the BENNING PV 3 is used in a manner not specified by this document then the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.

Use the BENNING PV 3 under dry ambient conditions only.

Before opening the battery compartment, all measuring leads must be removed! Electrical danger! Before commissioning, the battery compartment must be properly closed.

Do not use pointed objects to remove the rechargeable batteries from the BENNING PV 3. Damaged batteries can leak and increase the risk of fire!

Before the first use and before each use, fully charge the rechargeable batteries. Only use rechargeable 3.7 V 18650 lithium-ion batteries (accumulators, protected version). Unprotected 18650 lithium-ion batteries increase the risk of leakage and damage to the BENNING PV 3.

3. Scope of delivery

The scope of delivery for the BENNING PV 3 comprises:

3.1 One BENNING PV 3,
3.2 Two measuring leads with probe tip (L = 1.2 m) (red/ black)

with two crocodile clips (red/ black) (P.no. 10208356)

3.3 Two PV measuring leads for MC4 connector (L = 2.0 m) (red/ black) (P.no. 10208355)
3.4 Three rechargeable 3.7 V 18650 lithium-ion batteries (accumulators, protected version), (P.no. 10208358)
3.5 One charger (P.no. 10208360)
3.6 One USB connecting cable (A plug to B plug) (P.no. 10008312)
3.7 One short instructions
3.8 One calibration certificate

3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 BEVERIFUS PV 2 BEVERIFUS VOLAR 0.0 + - +/-

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Two black and red cables with connectors, no visible text or symbols

3.6

4. Optional accessories

4.1 Insolation and temperature measuring instrument BENNING SUN 2 for measuring the insolation (W/m²), the PV module temperature and the ambient temperature (P.no. 050420)
4.2 Temperature sensor with suction cup for BENNING SUN 2 for attachment to the rear of the PV module (P.no. 050424)
4.3 PV module holder for BENNING SUN 2 for safe attachment to the PV module (P.no. 050425)
4.4 Test badges "next test", 300 pieces (P.no. 756212)

4.1 4.2

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5. Unit description

① Digital display
② -key
3 -y
4 -y
⑤ USB socket
6 -taste
⑦ Battery compartment
⑧ + PV test socket, positive
⑨ - PV test socket, negative

BENNING PV 3 1 88.88 V 88.88 V∞ I∞ 88.88 A∞ Error STORE RECALL 888 2 Speichern Store 3 Aufrufen Recall 4 Senden Transmit ON/OFF press 2 sec. D Test 6 BENNING SOLAR 7 Vor dem Öffnen sind alle Messleitungen zu entfernen! Remove all connections before opening! Max. 1500 V DC 40 A DC 45 kW - 8 9

Press and hold the buttons ② and ③ for 2 seconds to switch the BENNING PV 3 on or off.

5.2 Key functions

Key Press once Press + hold
		Switches the device ON/OFF
	Store: stores the measuring results, next storage location in recall mode
	Recall: calls measured values, previous storage location in recall mode
		Completely deletes the measured value memory
		Sends measured value memory to USB port
	Starts measurement

5.3 Coupling with BENNING SUN 2 (optional accessories)

5.4 Activating/deactivating the radio transmission of the BENNING SUN 2

To activate/deactivate the radio transmission, press and hold the -key of the BENNING SUN 2 and simultaneously press the -key.

A flashing triangle ▼ above the -key shows that the radio transmission has been enabled.

Note:

The automatic switch-off ("APO") is enabled.

5.5 Measurements on the PV generator

1. Connect the BENNING PV 3 to the PV generator by means of the included measuring leads.
2. The PV open-circuit voltage is measured automatically if a DC voltage is applied.
3. In case of reversed polarity of the DC voltage, the polarity indication is flashing and the “×” symbol is shown on the display ①.
4. As soon as a voltage of > 30 V is applied, the ⚠ warning symbol is flashing. Attention! Dangerous voltage ①!
5. Press the Testkey 6 to start the automatic measurement.
6. The measured values will be shown on the display ① for approx. 20 seconds or until a key is pressed.

Note:

If the DC voltage is applied with reversed polarity or outside the measuring range (< 5 V or > 1500 V), the measurement is blocked.

Max.

Uo/c ≤ 1500 V

Is/c ≤ 40 A

P ≤ 45 kW

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5.6 Storing measured values

Press the key ② to store the displayed measured values to the next free storage location. The BENNING PV 3 can store up to 999 display indications.

956 # V 138.8 V Isc 38.64A STORE ☐ ☐

Successful storage will be confirmed by the "STORE" symbol. If there is no more storage location available, an acoustic signal is emitted.

5.7 Reading out the measured value memory via the USB interface

Install the hardware driver and the program „BENNING SOLAR Datalogger“ on your PC once.

The latest version is available for free download on the product page of the BENNING PV 3.

	Connect the BENNING PV 3 to your PC by means of the USB connecting cable. The hardware driver is installed automatically on a free COM port.
	Start the “BENNING SOLAR Datalogger” software on your PC and select the COM port used. Please refer to the integrated help function for further information.
	Press and hold the key 4 of the BENNING PV 3 for some seconds until the download starts.
	By default, the measured values are stored in CSV format. Open the file using a spreadsheet program (e. g. MS Excel®).

6. Online information

6.1 Operating manual and further information

To download the detailed operating manual and further information, please visit the product page of the BENNING PV 3 at http://tms.benning.de/pv3

6.2 BENNING SOLAR Datalogger (PC software)

To download the PC software „BENNING SOLAR Datalogger“, please visit the product page of the BENNING PV 3 at http://tms.benning.de/pv3

7. Calibration and Support

Benning guarantees compliance with the technical and accuracy specifications stated in the operating manual for the first 12 months after the delivery date. To maintain the specified precision of the measurement results, the instrument must be recalibrated at regular intervals by our factory service. We recommend a recalibration interval of one year. Send the appliance to the following address:

Technical Support/Helpdesk:

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Two black and red cables with connectors, no visible text or symbols

3.6

4. Accessoires en option

BENNING PV 3 8988 A 8988 V 1- 8988 A. BENNING SOLAR for the solar difference and the corresponding voltage in the circuit Rustices and current measurements are clearly marked + - + - -

Diagram showing a device connected to a computer via USB cable, with labeled ports and connection points.

Service commercial :

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3.6

BENNING SUN 2 789 N 36° OK HOLD 100 BENNING SOLAR P-Intervention Systemes BEN PV Install Chrysler 400 GB/1.5GHz Dissipation Electrical Systemes Power, DC, IGBT, and others DC/DC voltage system Dissipation device, multi-wattled switching system. BENING SUN 2 BEN PV Install Chrysler

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4.4

4.3

Metal bracket with mounting holes and a small inset showing internal components (no text or symbols)

Diagram showing a device connected to a computer via USB cable, with labeled ports and function buttons.

BENNING PV 3 8500 V 8500 V- 1- 8500 A. BENNING SOLAR The power difference is the voltage measurement of the solar panel. The circuit is connected to a battery terminal with a 100% AC power supply.

Diagram showing a device connected to a computer via USB cable, illustrating wireless connection or data transfer.