Reliable line of the Sonel P series bipolar voltage testers

Fig. 1. P-4, P-5, P-6 bipolar voltage testers

Introduction

During all electrical work, one golden rule should be followed: limited trust. Therefore, before starting repairs, modernization or maintenance the first step should be a visual inspection of the workstation, as well as verification of the voltage in a given facility.

The first models of voltage testers manufactured by Sonel were the P-1, P-2 and P-3. The products in this series sold successfully for many years around the world. In 2019, SONEL S.A. developed a new line – the P-4, P-5 and P-6 models.

Fig. 2. Voltage measurement while wearing dielectric gloves

Functionality

Voltage testers are the basic instruments in an electrician's tool bag. Thanks to them, you can easily and quickly verify the presence of voltage in the tested place of the electrical installation. The P series testers warn you about that with sound signals, illuminated coloured LED bar, display (Sonel P-5 and Sonel P-6 models) and additional vibration signalling.

A specially designed LED lightbar system ensures that the indications are visible at different viewing angles. Large digits and a backlit display in the Sonel P-5 and Sonel P-6 models provide reliable voltage readings – even in poor lighting conditions.

With the testers it is possible to carry out tests such as:

voltage measurement – excluding the effect of residual voltages on the result,
tripping test of residual current circuit breakers with the additional switched load,
continuity indication – automatically after connecting to the facility,
bipolar phase rotation test in three-phase installations,
single pole indication of voltage greater than 100 V,
resistance measurement up to 1999 Ω (only Sonel P-5 and Sonel P-6),
phase identification at various measurement points (Sonel P-6 only).

In addition, the testers provide:

the possibility to freeze the measurement result – both on the LED lightbar and on the display thanks to the HOLD function (in P-5 and P-6 models),
measurements in poor lighting conditions thanks to a built-in flashlight,
stable voltage measurement in electrical sockets thanks to exchangeable tips with a diameter of 4 mm,
measurements safety thanks to caps limiting the accessible parts of metal blades to 4 mm,
protective container for storing the exchangeable probe tips, protecting the probe blades and opening the UK sockets,
power control thanks to the low battery indicator,
indication of dangerous voltages even in the case of flat batteries.

Fig. 3. Additional caps and a protective container

Reliability

The P series voltage testers have been designed to work in the most difficult conditions – both industrial and commercial.

The ergonomics of the body allow one-hand operation, so you can take measurements faster with more freedom of movement. Large buttons allow you to work with dielectric gloves. Rubber elements prevent the device from slipping out of the hand, while reducing the effects of falls on hard surfaces. The compact and tight design meets the strict requirements for tightness and protection against the ingress of dust and water inside the device.

Fig. 4. Built-in flashlight

The cable that connects both test probes is one of the elements that are most susceptible to damage. In the P series testers, it has been designed to withstand repeated bending and twisting while maintaining flexibility in a wide range of operating temperatures.

Safety

The P series testers have been developed in accordance with the latest electrical safety standards, including EN 61243-3:2015. High user safety is provided by the self-test function. It allows the user to check the correct operation of the device before connecting it to the electrical system.

Fig. 5. Self-test function

Accessories

The P series devices can be additionally equipped with a belt pouch to protect and carry it. Reinforced design and certainty of use in all conditions are the key features of this line of devices. Both new and current users of SONEL S.A. products will appreciate it.

Fig. 6 Measurements in low light conditions