Vanguard PCI-600 - Manual (Page 5)

REV 2 PCI-600 USER’S MANUAL
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 General Description and Features
The PCI-600 is a programmable AC high-current source designed specifically for utility-
substation applications. This device is well suited for primary injection testing of protective
relays. This versatile device can also be used for testing thermal, magnetic, and solid-state
motor-protection relays and molded-case circuit-breakers, as well as any application that
requires a high-current source.
Built-in Timer
The PCI-600’s built-in timer can test the time-delay characteristics of protection relays and
molded-case circuit-breakers. Once the test is initiated, the current source and the timer are
automatically turned on at the next zero-crossing point of the AC. The timer stops when the
PCI-600 input detects a change in the dry contact or voltage input, or detects the removal of
the test current. The test results are then displayed in milli-seconds and fractions of a cycle(s)
on the unit’s back-lit LCD screen (20 characters by 4 lines).
Current Source
Test currents, ranging from 10 to 600 amperes, can be set by using the rotary dial knob on the
control panel. The test current is then measured, and the results are displayed on the LCD
screen. When the PCI-600 is used as a current source, the current-on time (duration of current
flow) is displayed on the LCD screen.
External Current Input
The PCI-600 also has an external-current input (0 – 10 A). Both the internal current source
amplitude and the external current source measurement readings can be viewed at the same
time.