VT 2 - Measuring equipment BENNING - Free user manual and instructions

Product type	Phase and magnetic field detector
Brand	BENNING
Model	VT 2
Dimensions (L x W x H)	Approx. 153 x 20 x 25 mm
Weight (without batteries)	Approx. 40 g
Power supply	2 micro LR03/AAA batteries (1.5 V)
Nominal voltage range	12 V to 1,000 V AC (45 Hz to 65 Hz)
Overvoltage category	CAT III 1,000 V / CAT IV 600 V
Pollution degree	2
Protection type (IP)	IP 53 (protection against dust and rainwater)
Operating temperature	-0 °C to +50 °C, humidity ≤ 80%
Storage temperature	-20 °C to +60 °C, humidity ≤ 80% (without batteries)
Main functions	Phase detection (outer conductor), magnetic field detection, line continuity test
Indicators	Red LED (phase/electric field), green LED (magnetic field), acoustic signal
Sensitivity	High sensitivity (12 V AC) activated by pushbutton
Maintenance and cleaning	Clean the exterior with a clean, dry cloth
Safety	Double insulation (protection class II), do not use if battery compartment is open
Spare parts and repairability	Batteries replaceable by user
General information	Complies with standards DIN EN 61010-1, DIN EN 61326

Frequently Asked Questions - VT 2 BENNING

How to test the proper operation of the BENNING VT 2?

Before and after each use, test the phase detector on a known voltage source (e.g., 230 V outlet) and check the magnetic field with the integrated test magnet (unscrewed from the battery cover).

What is the voltage detection range of the VT 2?

In normal mode, it detects electric fields from 200 V to 1,000 V AC. By pressing the red pushbutton, high sensitivity is activated, allowing detection of voltages from about 12 V AC.

Can the VT 2 detect direct current (DC) voltage?

No, the BENNING VT 2 only detects alternating electric fields (AC). Direct current (DC) voltage fields are not detected.

How to replace the batteries of the BENNING VT 2?

Unscrew the battery compartment cover, remove the used batteries and insert two new micro LR03/AAA batteries, observing polarity. Close the cover.

What to do if the VT 2 does not indicate voltage on an outlet I know is live?

Several possible causes: too great distance, thick insulation, shielding, weak batteries, or device defect. First check operation on a known source. Never rely solely on this detector to confirm absence of voltage.

Can the VT 2 be used to verify absence of voltage?

No, the VT 2 is not a two-pole voltage tester. To determine absence of voltage, use a device compliant with DIN EN 61243-3, such as a DUSPOL.

How to use the VT 2 to locate a cable break?

Connect the line to a phase, then move the test tip along the insulated cable. The point where the acoustic signal and red LED stop indicates the break. Use high sensitivity mode if necessary.

What does a green LED on the VT 2 mean?

The green LED indicates detection of a magnetic field (e.g., from a contactor, relay, or solenoid valve). If it is lit together with the red LED, an electric field is also present.

Is the VT 2 protected against water and dust?

Yes, the device has an IP 53 protection rating, meaning it is protected against dust and water splashes (rain).

What to do if the device stops working completely?

First check the battery status and replace them if necessary. If the problem persists, contact BENNING customer service at +49 (0) 2871 / 93 - 555 or visit www.benning.de.

USER MANUAL VT 2 BENNING

Operating Manual Non-Contact Phase Indicator and Magnetic Field Tester BENNING VT 2

Before using the BENNING VT 2 phase indicator and magnetic field tester: Please read the operating manual and absolutely observe the safety instructions!

1. Safety instructions

Attention! Magnets might affect the correct functioning of cardiac pacemakers and implanted defibrillators. As a user of such medical devices, keep a sufficient distance to the magnet.

• Check the phase indicator and magnetic field tester for correct functioning immediately before and after using it (see chapter 3)! Do not use the indicator, if one or more indications are not working or if it does not seem to be ready for operation!
• During the tests, touch the indicator at the red handle behind the grip limit ② only and do not touch the white probe tip ①!
• The indicator must be used only within the stated nominal voltage range from 12V to 1,000 V AC and in earthed mains supply circuits of overvoltage category CAT III 1,000 V or CAT IV 600 V for phase-to-earth measurements.
• The BENNING VT 2 phase indicator and magnetic field tester detects electrical fields of voltages from approx. 12V / 200V alternating voltage (AC) on. Direct voltage (DC) fields will not be detected!
• Please observe that work on live parts and electrical components of all kinds is dangerous! Even low voltages of 30V AC and 60V DC may be dangerous to human life!
• The BENNING VT 2 phase indicator and magnetic field tester is not a substitute for a two-pole voltage tester such as e.g. the DUSPOL® to determine the absence of voltage.
• The following factors might affect the correct functioning of the phase and external conductor test:
• excessive distance to the phase (external conductor) to be tested
• excessive insulation and shielding of the phase (external conductor)
• protective clothing and insulating conditions on site
• constructional differences of sockets / CEE couplings with recessed contacts, e.g. 63 A CEE coupling
• mains failures or lacking mains quality
• condition of the batteries inserted into the BENNING VT 2 phase tester/magnetic field tester
• Do not operate the device with the battery compartment being open.
• The indicator is designed for being used by qualified electricians and under safe working conditions.
• The indicator must be protected against contamination and damaging of the housing surface.
• If it can be assumed that safe operation is no longer possible, switch the device off immediately and secure it against unintended operation.

Electrical symbols on the device:

Symbol Meaning
	Attention! Magnets might affect the correct functioning of cardiac pacemakers and implanted defibrillators. As a user of such medical devices, keep a sufficient distance to the magnet.
	Attention! Please observe documentation! This symbol indicates that the information provided in the operating manual must be complied with in order to avoid risks.
	This symbol on the BENNING VT 2 indicates that the indicator is equipped with protective insulation (protection class II).
	Please observe the operating manual!
	This symbol on the BENNING VT 2 means that the BENNING VT 2 complies with the EU directives.
~	AC voltage
±	Earth (voltage to earth)
	This symbol shows the orientation of the batteries for inserting them with correct polarity.

1. Device description (figure A)
   Probe tip with LED indication (red/green)
   Grip limit
   3 H LED (red), indication for high sensitivity (detection of electric fields of voltages from approx. 12 V AC)
   Push-button (blue), for enabling high sensitivity (detection of electric fields of voltages from approx. 12 V AC)
   5 Clip
   6 Battery compartment cover
   Test magnet

2. Functional test

3. Check the phase indicator and magnetic field tester for correct functioning immediately before and after using it!

4. Test the phase test for correct functioning with a familiar voltage source, e.g. a 230V socket.
5. Check the correct functioning of the magnetic field test with the integrated test magnet 7. The test magnet can be unscrewed from the battery compartment cover 6.
6. Please replace the batteries as soon as the red LED indication ① or the acoustic signal are getting weaker.
7. Do not use the BENNING VT 2, if not all functions are working properly!
8. The BENNING VT 2 has no circuit breaker and is always enabled. A special circuit with low current consumption extends the battery lifetime and thus ensures that the device is ready for use.

4. How the indicator works

Indication of electric fields:

• The BENNING VT 2 phase indicator and magnetic field tester detects electric fields generated by phase/external conductor voltages from 200V to 1,000V AC (45 Hz to 65 Hz) on. A toggle function increases the sensitivity to enable the detection of electric fields of voltages of approx. 12 V AC or higher.
• If an electric field is detected, the probe tip ① lights up in red color and an acoustic signal is emitted. The flashing frequency of the red probe tip ② as well as the frequency of the acoustic signal increase with the electric field or the voltage applied increasing as well.
• The BENNING VT 2 phase indicator and magnetic field tester can be used to determine the phase (external conductor) of an AC voltage.
• The test does not require any current flow and no electrically conductive contact with the system part, socket or insulated line.
• Please observe that without pressing the push-button 4 the BENNING VT 2 only responds to sufficiently strong fields with a phase/external conductor voltage of 200V AC or higher.

If the BENNING VT 2 phase indicator and magnetic field tester does not react, the distance to the live system part might be too large, the system part might be shielded or the insulation might be too thick. Indication of magnetic fields:

• The BENNING VT 2 phase tester/magnetic field tester detects sufficiently strong magnetic fields generated by electromagnetic switches (contactors/relays) and valves (solenoid valves). It detects permanent magnetic fields as well as AC or DC magnetic fields.
• If a magnetic field is detected, the test probe ① lights up green.

5. Phase/external conductor test of an AC voltage (figure B)

• Place the probe tip ① onto the assumed phase (external conductor) of the system part.
• If the phase (external conductor) has been detected, this is confirmed by an acoustic signal and by the probe tip 1 lighting up in red color.
• Press the push-button 4 to increase the sensitivity for detecting electric fields so that voltages of approx. 12V or higher can be detected.

Attention!

Please observe that even if the BENNING VT 2 does not indicate a phase (external conductor), a dangerous voltage may be applied to the test object nevertheless. For determining the absence of voltage, only use a two-pole voltage tester complying with the DIN EN 61243-3 (VDE 0682-401) standard, e.g. a DUSPOL® voltage tester.

5.1 Switching over to high sensitivity

• Press and hold the push-button 4 to increase the sensitivity for detecting electric fields so that voltages of approx. 12V or higher can be detected. The high sensitivity is indicated by the LED (red) 3 lighting up.

6. Testing of interruptions of live lines (figure C)

To localize interruptions of live lines (e.g. a cable break in a cable reel or defective lamps in a chain of lights), pass the probe tip 1 along the insulated line from the feeding point (phase) in direction of the other end of the line. The point of interruption is located as soon as the phase (external conductor) is no longer indicated by the acoustic signal and the test probe lighting up.

For testing a cable reel, make sure to turn the shock-proof plug by 180^ in order to connect both lines to the phase (external conductor) of a shock-proof socket.

Note:

If the electric field of the live cable is too weak, the sensitivity can be increased by pressing the pushbutton 4.

7. Testing of magnetic fields (fig. D)

• Apply the test probe ① to the activated magnet of the test object.
• The detection of a magnetic field is indicated by the test probe ① lighting up green.
• If an acoustic signal is emitted during the test and the test probe simultaneously lights up red and green, an electric field of a live part is also detected.

Note:

Pressing the push-button 4 has no influence on the sensitivity of the magnetic field test.

8. Battery replacement (figure A)

• Do not apply voltage to the device when the battery compartment is open!
• Remove the battery compartment cover 6 from the indicator and remove the used batteries.
• Insert new micro batteries (LR03/AAA) into the indicator observing correct polarity (positive pole first).
• Screw the battery compartment cover 6 back onto the indicator.

9. Technical data

• regulation: DIN EN 61010-1, DIN EN 61326
• nominal voltage/frequency range: 12 V/200 V to 1,000 V AC/45 Hz to 65 Hz
• overvoltage category: CAT III 1,000 V/CAT IV 600 V
  contamination level: 2
• protection category: IP 53 (DIN EN 60529), protection against dust and water spray
• operating temperature range: - 0 °C to + 50 °C, air humidity ≤ 80 %
• storage temperature range: - 20 °C to + 60 °C, air humidity ≤ 80% (without batteries)
• dimensions of the indicator (L x W x H): approx. 153 × 20 × 25 ~mm
  weight: approx. 40 g (incl. batteries)
• battery type: 2 x micro, LR03/AAA (1.5 V)

The BENNING VT 2 phase indicator and magnetic field tester does not work with the battery being exhausted!

10. General maintenance

Clean the exterior of the device with a clean dry cloth.

If there is contamination or deposits in the area of the battery or the battery housing, clean these areas as well by means of a dry cloth. If the device is stored for a longer period of time, remove the batteries from the device!

11. Environmental protection

At the end of product life, dispose of the unserviceable device as well as used batteries via appropriate collecting facilities provided in your community.

12. Product support

Please contact the expert personnel of the supplier or manufacturer for further information.