Author Topic: Simpson Model 229-2, AC Leakage Current Tester  (Read 8079 times)

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Offline sfeinsmithTopic starter

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Simpson Model 229-2, AC Leakage Current Tester
« on: March 03, 2024, 12:26:43 am »
Today, I acquired the Simpson Model 229-2 AC Leakage Current Tester from eBay. It appeared in excellent condition. I downloaded a manual from Simpson Electric. Unfortunately, the manual was lousy and did not clearly explain how to use the tester. I checked YouTube and found a lousy presentation with a lack of English language.

I reviewed some video clips, which did not help me understand how to use the AC leakage current tester because there were no demos or diagrams.

Perhaps you may have the same instrument, and I would appreciate it if you could explain it to me as clearly as possible. It will be great to use YouTube to show how to hook up with the instrument to ensure no AC leakage.

Thank you very much,
Steven
 

Offline bdunham7

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Re: Simpson Model 229-2, AC Leakage Current Tester
« Reply #1 on: March 03, 2024, 12:45:22 am »
The manual seems straightforward to me.  Is it this one?

https://res.cloudinary.com/iwh/image/upload/q_auto,g_center/assets/1/26/Simpson_229-2_Manual.pdf

The device is simply a specialized AC-only meter that measures voltage and small currents according to a specific standard.  You can measure power line voltage with the 150 or 300VAC ranges and then you can measure leakage using the current ranges.  To measure leakage of an appliance, you would put one probe to a good ground point and the other to the metal frame of the appliance.  You typically have to break the regular ground connection when you do this measurement using a 'cheater' plug or something similar.  You can measure the leakage directly between the mains ground and the disconnected appliance ground lead as well.

A 3.5 digit 4.5 digit 5 digit 5.5 digit 6.5 digit 7.5 digit DMM is good enough for most people.
 

Offline sfeinsmithTopic starter

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Re: Simpson Model 229-2, AC Leakage Current Tester
« Reply #2 on: March 04, 2024, 06:13:07 am »
Yes, I have a manual for my instrument. I have understood the AC voltage ranges (150/300). I also understood the probe-to-the-ground situation for leakage. However, I was unsure about the short test and current ranges (0.3, 1, 3, and 10 mA). It would have been helpful if there were diagrams to demonstrate the hook-up procedures with example details. I was also surprised by the lack of information on YouTube regarding AC current leakage, which is essential for everyone to prevent shock from the device(s).

Thank you,
Steven
 

Offline bdunham7

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Re: Simpson Model 229-2, AC Leakage Current Tester
« Reply #3 on: March 04, 2024, 06:23:45 am »
You're right, the short test parameters aren't clearly explained, although they do give a pictorial of the connections.  They just say "red is bad".  I assume it is just a higher protected current measurement intended to warn you that whatever you are probing is live.  I would think the 10mA range would be good enough for that.
A 3.5 digit 4.5 digit 5 digit 5.5 digit 6.5 digit 7.5 digit DMM is good enough for most people.
 

Offline sfeinsmithTopic starter

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Re: Simpson Model 229-2, AC Leakage Current Tester
« Reply #4 on: March 08, 2024, 03:57:26 am »
I spoke with Simpson Electric tech support yesterday. He explained that the short test mode was clear. I am still vague about the current modes from 10 mA to 0.3 mA. I will do experiments to understand the functions.

Thank you,
Steven
 


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