Vanguard CT-3500 - Manual (Page 5)

Model CT-3500

Operating Procedures
1
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.2
Applicability
This manual applies to Model CT-3500™,
manufactured by Vanguard Instruments Co.,
part number CT-35000. This operator’s
manual is intended for personnel who
operate and test utility circuit breakers
(hereafter, breaker).
1.3 Supersedure Notice
This Operator’s manual is the basic issue for
the Model CT-3500

and does not
supersede any previously published manual.
2.0 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The CT-3500

Digital Breaker Timer
(henceforth, for brevity, called CT-3500) is
a microprocessor-controlled timer designed
to test electrical-utility circuit breakers.
(The CT-3500 can also time contact
operations of any switching device—e.g.,
switching relays, remotely controlled
contactors, etc.) It contains 3 independent
timers for the simultaneous timing of each
set of contacts in three-phase breakers.
The CT-3500 fully analyzes the timing of
breaker contact operation: OPEN, CLOSE,
OPEN-CLOSE, and CLOSE-OPEN.
It’s field-portable, very rugged, and is easily
operated by first-time users with little
training.
It features a 16-key pushbutton pad for
entering breaker test ID and control
function. A 4-line by 20-character back
lighted LCD displays control menus, and
measured test results.
Test results can be printed on a built-in 2.5
inch-wide thermal printer.
Operation requires little more than
connecting the cables of the CT-3500 to
utility breaker contacts, selecting the desired
test options and enabling the test results to
be stored in a non-volatile memory.
Operations do not require any conversion
calculation, written note, or detailed list of
steps to remember (thus, greatly reducing
any chance of error by the operator).
The CT-3500 stores up to 128 timing (test
shot) records in FLASH EEPROM memory.
Stored timing-measurements and related
data can be displayed and printed in the field
or stored for later review, analysis, or
printing.
A RS-232C serial interface port also
provides for computer interface and
diagnostic test.
2.1 Functional Description
CT-3500’s operation (a timing shot) is
started by an input trigger (e.g., a breaker’s
initiating control voltage), which starts all 3
timers at the same instant. Each timer
independently stops after detecting each
contact transition.
Besides measuring contact time each timer
will also measure contact bounce time.
The timing results display in both
milliseconds and cycles. The cycle display is
selectable between 50Hz or 60Hz.
The CT-3500 can be interfaced (via an RS-
232C interface port) with a IBM-compatible
PC. A software package supplied with the
CT-3500 allows the user to retrieve the test
data stored in the CT-3500 Flash EEPROM.
2.2 Furnished Accessories
The CT-3500 is supplied with the following
accessories:
1. One 15-ft. Trigger Cable.
2. One 15 ft Contact Cable.
3. One 30 ft Extension Cable.
4. One Grounding Cable.
5. One Power Cord.
6. One Cable Carrying Bag.