ATRT-03A

automatic, 3-phase transformer turns ratio tester

Vanguard Instruments Company, Inc.

www.vanguard-instruments.com
 ATRT-03A
automatic, 3-phase transformer turns ratio tester
The ATRT-03A is a battery-powered, microprocessor-based, automatic, three phase,
transformer turns-ratio tester. This lightweight, portable, battery-powered unit is de-
signed for testing transformers at utility power substations.
The ATRT-03A determines the transformer turns-ratio using the IEEE C57.12.90 mea-
surement method. The transformer turns-ratio (ranging from 0.8 to 15,000) is deter-
mined by precisely measuring the voltages across the unloaded transformer windings.
To ensure accuracy, the ATRT-03A’s measuring circuitry self-calibrates before each
measurement. It requires neither adjustment nor temperature compensation. The
ATRT-03A’s turns-ratio measurement accuracy is 0.1% or better.

The ATRT-03A can perform a specific test for each User Interface Internal Test Record
transformer type (such as single phase, delta to Y, Y
to delta, delta to delta, or Y to Y) without the need to
The ATRT-03A features a back-lit LCD screen Storage
(20 characters by 4 lines) that is viewable in
switch test hookup cables. Also, the unit’s automatic Up to 200 test records can be stored in the
both bright sunlight and low-light levels. The
transformer phase detection feature can detect differ- ATRT-03A’s Flash EEPROM memory. Each test
test results screen displays the transformer
ent transformer vector diagrams. The ATRT-03A can au- record may contain up to 99 turns-ratio, excita-
turns-ratio, excitation current, and turns-ratio
tomatically detect and test 67 transformer types defined tion current, phase angle, and nameplate volt-
accuracy. The unit is controlled via a rugged, 16-
by ANSI, CEI/IEC and Australian standards. age readings. Test records can be recalled locally
key, membrane keypad.
To prevent an accidental wrong test-lead hook-up (e.g., or transferred to a PC via the RS-232C interface.
when the operator reverses H and X leads), the ATRT- Transformer Load Tap Computer Interface
03A outputs a low-level test voltage to verify the hook-
up condition before applying the full test voltage to the
Changer Control The ATRT-03A can be computer-controlled via
transformer. Three test voltages (8 Vac, 40 Vac, 100 An optional Tap-Changer Remote Control Box the RS-232C interface using the supplied PC
Vac) allow the ATRT-03A to test CT’s and PT’s, as well can be used to remotely change transformer software. The Windows®-based software can
as power transformers. taps. This remote-controlled tap-changer box be used to run a test and to store test results on
eliminates the need to manually change the a PC. Test results can also be exported to Excel,
In addition to measuring a transformer’s turns-ratio, the
transformer’s step-up and step-down taps. PDF, and XML formats for further analysis.
ATRT-03A can also measure a transformer’s excitation
current (in milli-amperes) and its winding phase angle. Built-in Thermal Printer
Transformer Test Plans
The ATRT-03A can also calculate the turns-ratio per- The ATRT-03 features a convenient built-in 4.5-
The ATRT-03A can store up to 128 transformer
centage error if the transformer’s nameplate voltages inch wide thermal printer that can be used to
test-plans in its Flash EEPROM. A test plan is
are provided. The baseline turns-ratio is calculated using print test results.
comprised of the transformer nameplate volt-
the nameplate voltages, and the test results are com-
ages for each tap setting. The calculated turns-
pared to the baseline turns-ratio. The percentage error
ratio based on the nameplate voltages is com- Input Power Sources
is then calculated from the difference between the base-
pared with the measured turns-ratio to derive The ATRT-03A is powered by two 12Vdc/2AH
line and test turns-ratios.
the percentage error and Pass/Fail results. By rechargeable SLA batteries that provide three
using a test plan, a transformer can be quickly hours of continuous operation. The ATRT-03A
tested and turns-ratio Pass/Fail reports can be features a built-in charger that charges the bat-
reviewed. Test plans can be created with the teries while in use. The unit can be operated
included PC software and can be transferred to from a 100 ¬ 240 Vac power source or a 12 Vdc
the ATRT-03A via the RS-232C interface. car battery.

ordering information
Part number ATRT-03A ATRT-03A, cables, and PC software
Part number ATRT-03A CASE ATRT-03A shipping case
Part number Paper-TP4 Thermal printer paper

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 ATRT-03A Controls & Indicators
Connector for X terminals

Connector for H terminals Power switch

Emergency turn-off switch

Back-lit LCD screen 12 Vdc input

Rugged membrane keypad

RS-232C PC interface 4.5-inch wide thermal printer

ATRT-03A specifications ATRT-03A thermal printer output

type Portable, automatic, three-phase transformer turns-ratio meter
physical specs 19”W x 7”H x 15” D (48.2 cm x 17.8 cm x 38.1 cm); Weight: 25 lbs (11.3 kg)
input power 1 amp, 100 ¬ 240 Vac or 12 Vdc
batteries Two 12Vdc/2AH, rechargeable SLA batteries (up to 3-hours operation)
measurement method ANSI/IEEE C57.12.90
ratio measuring range 0.8 ¬ 15,000 (5-digit resolution)
turns ratio accuracy 0.8 ¬ 1999: ±0.1%, 2,000 ¬ 3,999: ±0.25%, 4,000 ¬ 15,000: ±1% @ 8 Vac
0.8 ¬ 1999: ±0.1%, 2,000 ¬ 3,999: ±0.20%, 4,000 ¬ 15,000: ±1% @ 40 Vac
0.8 ¬ 1999: ±0.1%, 2,000 ¬ 3,999: ±0.15%, 4,000 ¬ 15,000: ±1% @ 100 Vac
test voltages 8 Vac @ 350 mA, 40 Vac @ 70 mA, 100 Vac @ 20 mA
excitation current 0 ¬ 2 Amperes; Accuracy: ±1mA, ±2% of reading (±1 digit)
reading range
phase angle 0 ¬ 360 degrees; Accuracy: ±0.2 degrees ( ±1 digit)
measurement
display Back-lit LCD screen (20 Characters by 4 Lines); Viewable in bright sunlight and
ATRT-03A desktop printer output
low-light levels
printer Built-in 4.5-inch wide thermal printer
computer interface One RS-232C port
pc software Windows®-based Transformer Turns-Ratio Analyzer application is included
internal test record Stores 200 complete transformer test records. Each test record includes name-
storage plate voltage, winding turns-ratios, excitation current, and winding phase angle
internal test plan Stores up to 128 transformer test plans
storage
safety Designed to meet UL 61010A-1 and CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 1010.1-92 standards
environment Operating: -10°C to +50°C (+15°F to +122°F);
Storage: -30°C to +70°C (-22°F to +158°F)
humidity 90% RH @ 40°C (104°F) non-condensing
altitude 2,000 m (6,562 ft) to full safety specifications
cables one 15-foot single-phase cable set, one 15-foot 3-phase cable set, one 25-foot
extension cable set, one RS-232C cable, cable carrying bag
options transportation case, transformer load tap-changer remote control device
warranty one year on parts and labor
NOTE : the above specifications are valid at nominal voltage and ambient temperature of +25°C (+77°F). Specifications are subject to change without notice.

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 Instruments designed and developed
by the hearts and minds of utility
electricians around the world
Vanguard Instruments Company, (VIC), was founded in 1991.
Currently, our 28,000 square-foot facility houses Administration,
Design & Engineering, and Manufacturing operations. From its
inception, VIC’s vision was, and is to develop and manufacture
innovative test equipment for use in testing substation EHV circuit
breakers and other electrical apparatus.
The first VIC product was a computerized circuitbreaker analyzer,
which was a resounding success. It became the forerunner of an entire
series of circuitbreaker test equipment. Since its beginning, VIC’s
product line has expanded to include microcomputer-based, precision
micro-ohmmeters, single and three phase transformer winding turns-
ratio testers, transformer winding-resistance meters, mega-ohm
resistance meters, and a variety of other electrical utility maintenance
support products.

VIC’s performance-oriented products are well suited for the utility

industry. They are rugged, reliable, accurate, user friendly, and
most are computer controlled. Computer control, with innovative
programming, provides many automated testing functions. VIC’s
instruments eliminate tedious and time-consuming operations, while
providing fast, complex, test-result calculations. Errors are reduced
and the need to memorize long sequences of procedural steps is
eliminated. Every VIC instrument is competitively priced and is
covered by a liberal warranty.

Vanguard Instruments Company, Inc.

1520 S. Hellman Avenue • Ontario, California 91761, USA
Phone 909-923-9390 • Fax 909-923-9391
www.vanguard-instruments.com

August, 2012