Instruction for Use

Dipl.-Ing. H. Horstmann GmbH

Humboldtstrae 2
42579 Heiligenhaus
www.horstmanngmbh.com

Voltage Detector
BL-I, BL-A optical resp.
optical and acoustic indication
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

General
Rules for use
Design
Technical data
Operating instructions
Storage, care and transport
Maintenance
Maintenance test

1. General
The BL-A and BL-I voltage detectors are dened according to DIN EN 61243-1 (VDE 0682 part 411) as test
instruments for single pole connection. They serve for determination of the operating status of high voltage systems
according to VDE 0105 part 1.
According to DIN EN 61243-1
- type BL-A corresponds to the design outdoors, also for use in wet conditions and
- type BL-I corresponds to the design indoors, for use in dry conditions.

2. Rules for use

The regulations of VDE 0105 part 1 are decisive for use of the Voltage detectors as a matter of principle.
Pay particular attention to the following:

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Voltage detectors should be used only by electricians or persons with special training in the eld of electrical
technology.
Handle precisely as indicated in the operating instructions.
Voltage detectors should be used only in accordance with their approved nominal voltage and nominal
frequency (see imprint).
Use of the voltage detector is possible in any position.
Voltage detectors, type BL-A and BL-I, correspond to category S of DIN EN 61243-1.
Voltage detectors type BL-I are designed for use indoors and outdoors, however, not during precipitation. They
are also not designed for use in fog. If instrument becomes wet, rub dry before use.
Voltage detectors type BL-A are intended for use indoors and outdoors even during precipitation.
During precipitation do not allow the voltage detector to remain in contact with system parts under power for
periods longer than max. 1 min.
When using voltage detectors grasp only the handle. Never reach across the hand guard disk and touch the
insulated section. Users must ensure that they maintain the required safety distance from all system parts under power.
Insert voltage detectors into system parts under power only up to the limit mark (red ring).
Generally clear indication of Voltage present is ensured when the conductor/ground voltage of threephase
electrical networks amounts to at least 45 % of the nominal voltage of the voltage detector.
External voltages in a three-phase mains up to 10% of the voltage detectors nominal voltage Un are generally
not displayed. For voltage detectors with a nominal voltage range this value shall be selected according to the
highest nominal voltage.
In case of complex switchgears the clear indication has to be checked.
Before using the voltage detector in type-tested systems within the sense of VDE 0670 users must check with
the manufacturer of the system whether voltage detectors may be used.
Only those accessories authorised by the manufacturer may be used.

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3. Design
For storage and transport BL-A and BL-I voltage detectors can be disassembled into
- insulating stick and
- indicator housing with extension and contact electrode.
The layout is illustrated in gure 1.
Key: 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Li

Contact electrode
Contact electrode extension
Indicator housing
Limit mark (red ring)
Insulating stick
Rain disk
Hand guard
Handle
Length of insulated section

Bild 1 a:
Typ BL-I

Figure 1a:
Type BL-I

Bild 1 b:
Typ BL-A

Figure 1b:
Type BL-A

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4. Technical Data
Electrical Data:
Nominal voltage
Nominal frequency
Climatic class
Display Voltage present

Display No voltage
Display Ready
(after selftest)
Continuous Ready
Type of indication
Power supply
Battery service life

: see rating printed on instrument

: see rating printed on instrument
: N, W (-25C + 70C)
: - Version optical: red ashing light
- Version optical and acoustic: red ashing light and acoustic signal
in interval
: no red ashing light, no acoustic signal
: green ashing light
: 65s 15s
: group III according DIN EN 61243-1
: 6 V, 2 Lithium batteries 3V
: 6 years at appr. 10 ready cycles/day and 230 days/year

Mechanical Data:
Overall weight
Overall length
Length in insulated section BL-A/BL-I

: 700 to 1000g, depending on version

: 1268mm/1568mm, depending on version
: 545mm/540mm

5. Operating instructions
Assembly of Voltage detectors:
Screw the threaded pin of the insulating stick into the threaded bushing in the indicator housing and
tighten hand-tight.
Function check:
Always check for proper function before and after each voltage test. Fig. 2 shows the operating stage in
the indicator housing of the voltage detector.

4
Key:

1
2
3
4

red LED
green LED
switch
klaxon (only optical/acoustic)

Fig. 2: View of control stage

Self-test:

Function check with built-in test circuit. Press switch (2 to 3s) until
- red LED ashes (version optical)
- red LED ashes and acoustic signal pulses (version optical/acoustic).
After releasing switch the red LED (and at version opt./acoust. also the acoustic signal)
should go out and the green LED should ash.
The green ashing light indicates that no faults were recognized during the function test.

Indication should be checked on operating voltage before every use. If the displays do not react as
described previously the test, the instrument is defective and cannot be tested.

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Voltage test:
Immediately after completing the self-test position put the voltage detector with ashing green LED with its contact
electrode on the conductor to be tested.
Voltage present:

Optical version optical display switches from green to red ashing light.
Optical / acoustic version optical display switches from green to red ashing
light and acoustic signal pulses.

No voltage:

Optical and optical / acoustic version: instrument remains in ready state, i.e. green LED
continuous to ash, the acoustic signal keeps switched off.

Duration of ready state:

After each self-test without recognition of a fault as well as following each voltage test with the instrument in the ready
state, the voltage detector remains in the ready state for 65s 15s. It then switches off automatically. The instrument can
also be switched off by momentarily pressing the switch.

6.

Storage, care and transport

Store and transport voltage detectors in a protective bag so that they remain dry and free of dust. Avoid any type of damage. Do not use voltage detectors, whose functional ability and reliability are no longer assured or when the labeling is
no longer legible. Before using the user must ensure that the instrument is functioning properly.
The guarantee shall no longer be valid for any damage caused by these operating instructions
not be observed. We shall not be held liable for any resultant consequential damage.

7. Maintenance
Ensure that the voltage detector is kept clean and dry, otherwise voltage detectors are maintenance free. Voltage detectors do not contain any user serviceable parts. The instrument should not be opened and the batteries changed only by
the manufacturer, resp. by people trained by the manufacturer (change of batteries: see 4. Technical Data).

8. Maintenance test
Voltage detectors must be subjected to a maintenance test according national regulations, in Germany every 6 years at
the latest. The manufacturer shall perform this test (including battery change).

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