MI 3295 Step Contact Voltage Measuring System
Safety and operational considerations
8
2.2.1 New battery cells or cells unused for a longer period
Unpredictable chemical processes can occur during charging of new battery cells or cells
that were unused for a longer period (more than 3 months). NiMH and NiCd battery cells
are affected to capacity degradation (sometimes called as memory effect). As a result the
instrument operation time can be significantly reduced.
Recommended procedure for recovering battery cells:
Procedure
Notes
Completely charge the battery.
At least 14 h with in-built charger.
Completely discharge the battery.
Use the instrument for normal testing until
the unit displays the “Bat” symbol on
screen.
Repeat the charge / discharge cycle for
at least twice.
Four cycles are recommended.
Complete discharge / charge cycle can be performed automatically for each cell using
external intelligent battery charger.
Notes:
The charger in the instrument is a pack cell charger. This means that the battery
cells are connected in series during the charging. The battery cells have to be
equivalent (same charge condition, same type and age).
One different battery cell can cause an improper charging and incorrect discharging
during normal usage of the entire battery pack (it results in heating of the battery
pack, significantly decreased operation time, reversed polarity of defective cell,…).
If no improvement is achieved after several charge / discharge cycles, then each
battery cell should be checked (by comparing battery voltages, testing them in a cell
charger, etc). It is very likely that only some of the battery cells are deteriorated.
The effects described above should not be confused with the normal decrease of
battery capacity over time. Battery also loses some capacity when it is repeatedly
charged / discharged. This information is provided in the technical specification from
battery manufacturer.
2.3 Standards applied
The Step Contact Voltage Measuring System (MI 3295) is manufactured and tested
according to the following regulations, listed below.
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
IEC/ EN 61326-1
Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use -
EMC requirements - Part 1: General requirements
Class B (Hand held equipment used in controlled EM
environments)
IEC/EN 61326-2-2
Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use -
EMC requirements - Part 2-2: Particular requirements - Test
configurations, operational conditions and performance criteria for
portable test, measuring and monitoring equipment used in low-
voltage distribution systems
