Eigenschaften
Voltage warning indicator	Ja > 25 V
Communication interface	RS232
Dimensions / weight	240 x 185 x 110 mm / 3,4 kg

The Chauvin Arnoux CA 6543 is a robust insulation tester with an integrated rechargeable NiMH battery, specifically designed for testing insulation resistance in demanding environments. The device enables measurement of insulation resistance up to 4 TΩ at test voltages of 50 V, 100 V, 250 V, 500 V, and 1000 V DC. It is suitable for use in electrical engineering, maintenance of machines and plants, as well as industrial testing. Measurements are performed with high accuracy, with measurement uncertainty ranging from 2 kΩ to 40 GΩ ±5 % of the value ± 3 digits, and from 40 GΩ to 4 TΩ ±15 % of the value ± 10 digits. Measurement is supported by a large LCD display with backlighting and a bar graph, ensuring readability even in poor lighting conditions.

Applications

The device is intended for testing electrical insulation in industrial plants, transformers, motors, cables, and other electrical equipment. Test voltages from 50 V to 1000 V allow application across various voltage levels, with measurement ranges varying by voltage: 2 kΩ to 200 GΩ at 50 V, 4 kΩ to 400 GΩ at 100 V, 10 kΩ to 1 TΩ at 250 V, 20 kΩ to 2 TΩ at 500 V, and 40 kΩ to 4 TΩ at 1000 V. The integrated voltage warning indicator activates from 25 V and supports safe handling. The test inhibition above 25 V ensures that dangerous voltages are not accidentally activated.

Functions and Equipment in Detail

The CA 6543 offers comprehensive functionality for qualitative analysis of insulation quality. This includes automatic calculation of the polarization index (PI) and the dielectric absorption ratio (DAR), which serve as indicators for evaluating insulation conditions. Test duration is programmable from 1 to 59 minutes, with measurement values stored as an R(t) curve. The smoothing function (SMOOTH) reduces measurement noise and improves display accuracy. Additionally, capacitance measurement is automatically performed after each insulation test, with a measurement range of 0.005 to 4.999 µF. Continuity testing is performed in the range of 0.01 Ω to 40 Ω with an audible signal and compensation for test lead resistance.

Technology Explained Simply

Insulation resistance measurement is performed by applying a defined test voltage and measuring the resulting leakage current. Resistance is calculated from the ratio of voltage to current. The CA 6543 uses a microprocessor control to process measurement values and automatically calculate PI and DAR. The RS232 interface enables data transfer to a PC, with optional software DataView® used for evaluation and display of measurement results. Integrated storage of up to 1500 measurement results in a 128 KB memory allows documentation and later analysis.

Compatibility and Accessories

Optional accessories include an external remote probe, enabling safe testing from a distance, and the software DataView® for data analysis. Additional compatible accessories include a transport case that can be attached to the housing lid, test probes with 4 mm socket CAT IV and CAT III 1000 V PVC red and black, fuses (2.5 A and 100 mA), a power cable, a clamp MN73 CV 2-200/2, a clamp C173 CV for fault currents, an RS 232 cable DB9M-DB25Fx2, and a set of 3 crocodile clips. These components support use in various testing scenarios.

Mounting and Installation

The device is designed as a portable measuring instrument and requires no mounting. It is connected directly to the test object. The use of accessories such as test probes or crocodile clips depends on the application scenario. The transport case can be attached to the housing lid to protect the device during transport.

Operational Advantages

The CA 6543 offers high measurement accuracy, comprehensive functionality for insulation analysis, and high operational safety. The rechargeable power supply enables operation without mains connection, making on-site use particularly flexible. Integrated storage and the interface to PC software facilitate documentation and evaluation of measurement results. Safety features such as voltage warning indicator and test inhibition increase operator protection. Compliance with standards IEC 61010 600 V CAT III and IEC 61557 ensures electrical safety when used in industrial environments.