EoW July 2012

News Technology

New spark tester with integrated self-test

During the extrusion of cables the insulation is inspected by spark testers – high-voltage spark testers – and possible insulation faults are detected and documented. The quality management system assures that only faultless cables are delivered. Sikora offers high frequency (HF), direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) spark testers for diverse applications. For the testing, the dry cable runs through the sturdy electrode of the spark tester that is installed after the cooling section. Here the cable insulation is exposed to the selected test voltage and faults in the insulation are reliably detected. The test voltage is continuously adjustable. All spark testers conform to approved test standards (AS, BS, CS, CENELEC, EN, UL, VDE) and safety regulations (as demanded by DIN/VDE 0800, IEC 479-1). The new Spark 6030 HF is a high-frequency high-voltage spark tester, designed for the detection of faults in the insulation of cables from 0.5 to 30mm. In addition, the system reliably detects bare patches. Its sturdy electrode and the electronic box form one integral unit. Optionally integrated in the device is a display, which visualises the number of high-voltage breakdowns. The display is combined with a control panel for entering the test voltage. According to European standards, openly operated measuring and testing equipment has to be checked regularly. Accordingly, spark testers are tested with regard to high-voltage, short-circuit current and function (sensitivity). While in the past cable manufacturers had to use an external testing device, the Spark 6030 HF integrates a complete three-step self-test and calibration system. Integrated high-voltage test: The spark tester tests the displayed high-voltage of the device for correctness. The high-voltage has to be within a tolerance of 5%. Integrated short-circuit current test: In addition to the high-voltage test, the spark tester automatically checks the maximum short-circuit current, which at human body model should not exceed 10mA when operating the device (according to EN61010-1:2010). Integrated function (sensitivity) test: The spark tester automatically performs a function test (sensitivity test). Therefore, 20 artificial faults (breakdowns) are initiated that are detected and reported. The Spark 6030 HF has common interfaces as well as a W-LAN interface and can be directly connected to a smart phone or laptop. Sikora offers a free app for diagnosis and quality control on smart phones. The operator can easily log in via the W-LAN interface and receives production data such as number of breakdowns or the high-voltage immediately. It is also possible to control the high-voltage and to start the self-test via the app. Sikora AG – Germany Website : www.sikora.net

▲ ▲ TheSpark6030HFwith integrateddisplay

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EuroWire – July 2012