3 Phase Isolation Switch Tester / Switch Resistance Tester

SwitChek is a 3 phase, Isolation Switch Tester.  As a switch resistance tester it confirms that an isolation switch or circuit breaker does not pass electrical voltage or current when isolated.

SwitChek provides any worker with a simple and safe method of verifying field isolator or local control panel based, electrical isolations, before conducting mechanical maintenance.

Features

• Fail safe, continuous indication of isolation. Needed before and during maintenance.
• Positive, continuous indication of switch open to close transition. Needed during maintenance.
• Self testing function. Both automatic and operator initiated.
• Suits field isolator applications. Works with energised or de-energised line sides of the isolation switch. No fuses needed.

It’s different to a Visible Break Isolator as isolation indication is prominent and clear at a much lower cost for large isolators and retrofits

Details

Fail Safe, Continuous Indication of Isolation

The green LED is continuously illuminated when the circuit is isolated / switch is open.

This rules out the questions:

• Am I looking at the actual switch contacts given that its dark and the window is dirty?
• Is the equipment I’m working on still positively isolated?

Positive, Continuous Indication on Switch Closure

The red LED is continuously illuminated when the circuit is alive / energised.

This rules out the question:

• If the equipment I’m working on is isolated, will I be alerted?

Self Test Function

Self Testing is performed automatically:

• On SwitChek 24VDC power up as part of a installation test, and
• Every closed to opened switch transition (red to green LED), and
• Periodically during isolated condition (green LED).

This automatic testing is in addition to the manual testing capabilities available while the green LED is illuminated.  Every self test performs a sequence of tests as follows:

1. The master channel generates a test voltage and measures the impedance of the slave channel which the slave channel expects to detect
2. The master channel removes the test voltage which the slave channel is expects not to detect
3. The slave channel generates a test voltage and measures the impedance of the master channel which the master channel expects to detect
4. The slave channel generates a test voltage which the master channel is expects not to detect

This 4 second test sequence results in red and green LED flashing.  The self test confirms the correct function of the star interface, logic processing unit, output LEDs and all interconnecting wiring is confirmed.  A true safety rated self test!  

Field Isolator / Local Isolator Applications

The line side of an isolation switch in a field control panel or local control panel is often de-energised when locking out. So voltage measurement or voltage indication on the load side of the switch produces inconclusive isolation verification. SwitChek solves this by applying its own voltage to perform an insulation resistance test. It functions whether the line side of the switch is energized or de-energized.

Digital Output

Active on green LED.  Allows you to log the isolated event and/or enables control system indication of the isolated equipment.

Other Benefits

• Is simple to install and use.
• Has wide application.  SwitChek is suitable for new and retrofit installations and dusty, low and high ambient light environments.
• Is in your face indication. Visible Break Isolators (VBI) require a deliberate viewing effort by trained personnel who are detailed inclined
• When combined with a load break switch, is inexpensive compared to Visible Break Isolators