Description

The Sonel MPI-540-PV Prosumer Multifunction Tester

The multifunction tester for prosumer installations

The Sonel MPI-540-PV is an advanced tool created in particular for measuring parameters of photovoltaic installations.  With the meter it is possible to carry out a whole range of tests on the DC and AC sides in accordance with the guidelines of the EN 62446 standard as outlined in Section 712 of amendment 2 of the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations. The Sonel MPI-540-PV can also be used to carry out all measurements to determine the safety condition of domestic as well as industrial electrical installations.

Measuring the parameters of a photovoltaic installation

The meter automatically recalculates the parameters to the STC (Standard Test Conditions) reference conditions. Measurements of voltages, currents and power on the AC and DC side of the inverter will verify the efficiency.  The data stored in the meter’s memory can be transferred to the Sonel Reports PLUS program, where it is possible to generate a report of the photovoltaic installation parameters.

In order to automate the measurements, the Sonel MPI-540-PV meter has an additional function to test residual current devices in Auto mode.  The instrument also has measurement sequences pre-programmed which can be extended with your own sequences if necessary.  The capabilities and functionality of the meter can also be enhanced with a selection of additional accessorys, including the AutoISO-1000C adapter which enables the automatic measurement of insulation resistance on 3-, 4- and 5-core cables.

Features

The Sonel MPI-540-PV is an extremely universal meter, designed in particular for testing photovoltaic installations. The device allows a complete set of tests on the DC and AC side with measurements of photovoltaic installations made in accordance with the EN 62446 standard and section 712 of the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations:

  • continuity of protective and equipotential bondings,
  • earth resistance,
  • insulation resistance on the DC side,
  • open circuit voltage UOC,
  • short circuit current ISC,
  • work currents and powers on both DC and AC side,
  • inverter efficiency.

Measuring parameters related to the photovoltaic installation, the instrument will automatically convert them to the STC (Standard Test Conditions) reference conditions. Measurements of voltage, current and power on the AC and DC side of the inverter allow to verify its efficiency. Sonel Reports PLUS software enables creating PV installation test report with measurement results saved meter’s in memory.

The Sonel MPI-540-PV can record 50/60 Hz power quality parameters in accordance to S class of EN 61000-4-30:

  • voltage L1, L2, L3, – average values in the range up to 500 V,
  • L1, L2, L3 currents, – average values, current measurement in the range up to 3 kA (depending on the current probes used),
  • frequency in the range of 40 Hz – 70 Hz, » active (P), reactive (Q) and apparent (S) power,
  • power factor (PF), cosφ, tanφ,
  • harmonics (up to 40th for voltage and current),
  • total harmonic distortion (THD) for current and voltage,
  • recording of events for current and voltage,
  • energy flow – 4 quadrants.

The Sonel MPI-540-PV can be used for all measurements for commissioning of electrical installations in accordance with applicable regulations:

  • short circuit loop impedance (also in circuits secured with RCDs),
  • RCD parameters,
  • insulation resistance,
  • earth resistance (4 measurement methods + soil resistivity measurement),
  • continuity of protective and
  • equipotential bondings,
  • light intensity measurement,
  • phase sequence test,
  • motor rotation direction test
  • Automatic installation safety test

The Sonel MPI-540 / Sonel MPI-540-PV allow safety control of residential, commercial and industrial electrical installations. Measurements can be easily automated with:

  • auto mode of residual current devices (RCD) tests,
  • auto measurements – freely configurable measuring sequences,
  • AutoISO-1000C adapter for automatic insulation resistance test of 3-, 4- and 5-conductor cables, without switching.
  • Photovoltaics under supervision

Three-phase power quality recorder

The multifunction tester has a three-phase power quality recorder with the LIVE mode view and the possibility to register electrical network parameters such as voltage, current, power, harmonics and THD. The meter enables reading of selected parameters and their graphic presentation on the screen in real time. These parameters are measured and displayed concurrently with the recording on the memory card. In the LIVE mode, the user can see:

  • voltage and current waveforms (oscilloscope),
  • voltage and current timeplots,
  • a phasor graph,
  • display of multiple parameters in tabular form,
  • spectrum graph of current and voltage harmonics.
  • Ease of reading

The multifunction tester is equipped with a color TFT LCD touch screen with a resolution of 800×480 pixels and a diagonal of 7”, which allows for convenient operation and easy reading of parameters and plotted waveforms. This screen size enables displaying more information, available at any time of use. The interface is visible in all conditions – also thanks to the appropriate size of displayed symbols. Included stylus allows to work also with dielectric gloves.

Built-in help system

The meter has built-in help screens with measurement diagrams. Thanks to this you can easily and quickly check and make sure how to connect to a given system depending on the type of performed measurement.

Increased resistance to environmental conditions

The Sonel MPI-540-PV meter will cope well in difficult environmental conditions. Protection against penetration of dust and water is ensured by a unique housing with a level of protection IP51. It is resistant to mechanical damage, and a special design allows you to easily protect the touch screen by shielding using the cover of the meter. In addition to the fact that it protects against damage, it also allows you to conveniently carry and use the device in different positions.

Communication and software

A very strong feature of the device is the multitude of communication interfaces and cooperation with external software. You can easily transfer measurement data to your computer via USB port, removable SD memory card, or wireless communication (Bluetooth*, Wi-Fi ). In order to generate a report on measurements for electric shock protection, use Sonel Reports PLUS software. Saving the downloaded data to the simplest formats and printing is provided by free Sonel Reader software. The specialized, free Sonel Analysis software is used to read and analyze data from the power quality recorder.

For more information visit the Sonel product page