Leakage Contamination Meter

FEATURES

Manufactured by LTL Completely portable Built-in boom leakage system verifier Rugged aluminum case Selectable meter ranges Easy-to-read meter Installs in minutes Self-verifying Continuous monitoring capabilities +/- 5% accuracy High impact carrying case

APPLICATIONS

The Model 361 LEAKAGE CONTAMINATION METER is an effective and reliable way to monitor the condition of any insulated aerial device fitted with a leakage monitoring system. Prior to, or during live line work, it directly shows the effects of dirt and contamination on the insulated upper boom, hydraulic hoses and levelling rods by measuring the leakage across them.

INCLUDED WITH METER

10’ or 30’ coaxial cables
1.5 Volt alkaline battery
Operating instructions

OPTIONS AVAILABLE

High-impact hard-shell carrying case
Custom coaxial cables (connector ends, sizes, etc.)

SPECIFICATIONS

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Model 361 LEAKAGE CONTAMINATION METER provides an accurate method of measuring leakage current in the insulated section of the upper boom and hydraulic system of insulated aerial devices. Current leakage occurs across the insulation when the upper boom is in close proximity to, or makes contact with a high voltage power line. Insulated aerial devices are tested at the factory and certified if the insulation resistance necessary to limit current leakage is at acceptable levels. However, the insulation resistance of the insulating material and resulting leakage current level will change with time due to the effects of weathering, contamination, moisture, insulation damage and corona burning; therefore, a record of leakage currents should be maintained. In this way, any unusual leakage increases may be detected.

When insulated surfaces become contaminated and wet, a conductive film can form, resulting in high current flow and permanent insulation damage if left undetected. The leakage monitor is designed to provide line personnel with a supplemental means of monitoring boom insulation quality between scheduled laboratory certification tests. The Model 361 LEAKAGE CONTAMINATION METER should be used daily, serving as a circuit test and insulation monitor.

RECEIVING AND STORAGE
Upon receipt of the equipment, inspect for damaged or missing parts due to shipping. Store the Model 361 LEAKAGE CONTAMINATION METER and accessories in the carrying case until use.

TEST CIRCUIT THEORY
Leakage Current Types
Two types of current are of concern to power line personnel: Capacitive and Leakage.

Capacitance currents (charging currents) occur between two electrodes, which are insulated from each other, one being at a different voltage potential than the other. They will vary in magnitude as a change occurs in the voltage, surface area of the electrodes, distance, or insulating quality.

Leakage current is the result of current flow across insulation. This will vary with the quality of insulation and degree of contamination. Contamination may not contribute to leakage until moisture is absorbed by some of the contaminate ingredients. As a result, some types of contamination may be highly conductive without moisture, while other types may be conductive only during moist conditions.

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