1550C/1555

Insulation Tester

Users Manual

April 2010 Rev. 1, 3/18

©2010-2018 Fluke Corporation. All rights reserved.
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
 LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Each Fluke product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service. The warranty period is three years and begins
on the date of shipment. Parts, product repairs, and services are warranted for 90 days. This warranty extends only to the original buyer or end-user customer of a
Fluke authorized reseller, and does not apply to fuses, disposable batteries, or to any product which, in Fluke's opinion, has been misused, altered, neglected,
contaminated, or damaged by accident or abnormal conditions of operation or handling. Fluke warrants that software will operate substantially in accordance with its
functional specifications for 90 days and that it has been properly recorded on non-defective media. Fluke does not warrant that software will be error free or operate
without interruption.
Fluke authorized resellers shall extend this warranty on new and unused products to end-user customers only but have no authority to extend a greater or different
warranty on behalf of Fluke. Warranty support is available only if product is purchased through a Fluke authorized sales outlet or Buyer has paid the applicable
international price. Fluke reserves the right to invoice Buyer for importation costs of repair/replacement parts when product purchased in one country is submitted for
repair in another country.
Fluke's warranty obligation is limited, at Fluke's option, to refund of the purchase price, free of charge repair, or replacement of a defective product which is returned
to a Fluke authorized service center within the warranty period.
To obtain warranty service, contact your nearest Fluke authorized service center to obtain return authorization information, then send the product to that service
center, with a description of the difficulty, postage and insurance prepaid (FOB Destination). Fluke assumes no risk for damage in transit. Following warranty repair,
the product will be returned to Buyer, transportation prepaid (FOB Destination). If Fluke determines that failure was caused by neglect, misuse, contamination,
alteration, accident, or abnormal condition of operation or handling, including overvoltage failures caused by use outside the product’s specified rating, or normal
wear and tear of mechanical components, Fluke will provide an estimate of repair costs and obtain authorization before commencing the work. Following repair, the
product will be returned to the Buyer transportation prepaid and the Buyer will be billed for the repair and return transportation charges (FOB Shipping Point).
THIS WARRANTY IS BUYER'S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT
NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. FLUKE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR
ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, INCLUDING LOSS OF DATA, ARISING FROM ANY CAUSE OR
THEORY.
Since some countries or states do not allow limitation of the term of an implied warranty, or exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, the
limitations and exclusions of this warranty may not apply to every buyer. If any provision of this Warranty is held invalid or unenforceable by a court or other decision-
maker of competent jurisdiction, such holding will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision.
Fluke Corporation Fluke Europe B.V. ООО «Флюк СИАЙЭС»
P.O. Box 9090 P.O. Box 1186 125167, г. Москва, Ленинградский
Everett, WA 98206-9090 5602 BD Eindhoven проспект дом 37,
U.S.A. The Netherlands корпус 9, подъезд 4, 1 этаж
11/99
 Table of Contents

Title Page

Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
How to Contact Fluke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Before You Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
The Tester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Pushbuttons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Power On/Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Charge the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Guard Terminal Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Connect to the Circuit Under Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Before an Insulation Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Preset Test Voltage Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Program a Test Voltage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Select a Ramp or Steady-State Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Set a Timed Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Polarization Index (PI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Dielectric Absorption Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Capacitance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

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1550C/1555
Users Manual

Insulation Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Store Test Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
View Test Results Stored in Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Download Test Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Delete Test Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Replaceable Parts and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Environmental Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Electrical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Principles of Measurement and Resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

ii
Introduction How to Contact Fluke
The Fluke 1550C and 1555 Insulation Testers (the Tester or Product) To contact Fluke, use one of these telephone numbers:
are high-voltage insulation testers to validate general circuits, such as
• USA: 1-800-760-4523
switchgear, motors, and cables.
• Canada: 1-800-36-FLUKE (1-800-363-5853)
The Tester features:
• Europe: +31 402-675-200
• Large liquid crystal display (LCD) • Japan: +81-3-6714-3114
• Preset test voltages: 250 V, 500 V, 1000 V, 2500 V, 5000 V, • Singapore: +65-6799-5566
(10 000 V 1555 only)
• China: +86-400-921-0835
• Programmable test voltages: 250 V to 10 000 V (50/100 V steps)
• Brazil: +55-11-3530-8901
• Resistance measurement: 200 kΩ to 2 TΩ
• Anywhere in the world: +1-425-446-5500
• Polarization Index (PI)
Or, visit Fluke's website at www.fluke.com.
• Dielectric Absorption Ratio (DAR or DAR [CN])
To register your Product, visit http://register.fluke.com.
• Ramp mode that linearly increases (100 V/s) the applied test
voltage To view, print, or download the latest manual supplement, visit
http://us.fluke.com/usen/support/manuals.
• Test timer and storage for test results with user-defined ID tag
• Breakdown voltage indication
• Rechargeable lead-acid battery
• Auto shutoff after 30 minutes of inactivity
• Infrared (IR) port for downloading test data
• PC software (supplied)

1
1550C/1555
Users Manual

Safety Information • Do not use in CAT III or CAT IV environments without

the protective cap installed on test probe. The
A Warning identifies hazardous conditions and procedures that are protective cap decreases the exposed probe metal to
dangerous to the user. A Caution identifies conditions and procedures <4 mm. This decreases the possibility of arc flash from
that can cause damage to the Product or the equipment under test. short circuits.
XW Warning • Comply with local and national safety codes. Use
To prevent possible electrical shock, fire, or personal personal protective equipment (approved rubber
injury: gloves, face protection, and flame-resistant clothes) to
prevent shock and arc blast injury where hazardous
• Carefully read all instructions. live conductors are exposed.
• Read all safety information before you use the Product. • Examine the case before you use the Product. Look for
• Do not alter the Product and use only as specified, or cracks or missing plastic. Carefully look at the
the protection supplied by the Product can be insulation around the terminals.
compromised. • Do not use test leads if they are damaged. Examine the
• Do not use the Product around explosive gas, vapor, or test leads for damaged insulation and measure a
in damp or wet environments. known voltage.
• Do not use the Product if it is altered or damaged. • Do not touch voltages >30 V ac rms, 42 V ac peak, or
60 V dc.
• Do not use the Product if it operates incorrectly.
• Do not apply more than the rated voltage between the
• Use Product-approved measurement category (CAT), terminals or between each terminal and earth ground.
voltage, and amperage rated accessories (probes, test
leads, and adapters) for all measurements. • Measure a known voltage first to make sure that the
Product operates correctly.
• Do not exceed the Measurement Category (CAT) rating
of the lowest rated individual component of a Product, • Limit operation to the specified measurement category,
probe, or accessory. voltage, or amperage ratings.

2
 Insulation Tester
Safety Information

• Remove all probes, test leads, and accessories that are • Do not disconnect the test leads before a test has been
not necessary for the measurement. completed and the test voltage at the terminals has
returned to zero. This ensures that any charged
• Keep fingers behind the finger guards on the probes.
capacitance is fully discharged.
• Use the correct terminals, function, and range for
measurements.
• Use the guard terminal only as specified in this manual.
Do not allow other foreign objects to contact the guard
• Place test leads in proper input terminals. terminals as safety can be compromised.
• Do not work alone. • Remove the input signals before you clean the
• Do not use in distribution systems with voltages higher Product.
than 1100 V. • Use only specified replacement parts.
• Use only recommended test leads. • Repair the Product before use if the battery leaks.
• Remove all power from the circuit under test and • Do not operate the Product with covers removed or the
discharge circuit capacitance before testing resistance case open. Hazardous voltage exposure is possible.
or capacitor with the tester.
• Have an approved technician repair the Product.
• Results of measurement can be adversely affected by
the impedances of additional operating circuits
connected in parallel or by transient currents.
• Before and after testing, confirm that the Product does
not indicate the presence of a hazardous voltage. If a
hazardous voltage is shown on the display, remove
power from the circuit under test or allow the
installation capacitance to fully discharge.

3
1550C/1555
Users Manual

Table 1 is a list of symbols used on the Product or in this manual.

Table 1. Symbols
Symbol Description Symbol Description

 Consult user documentation.  Conforms to relevant South Korean EMC standards.

W WARNING. RISK OF DANGER.  Conforms to relevant Australian EMC standards.

WARNING. HAZARDOUS VOLTAGE. Risk of

X ) Certified by CSA Group to North American safety standards.
electric shock.

 Earth P Conforms to European Union directives.

 AC (Alternating Current)  Certified by TÜV SÜD Product Service.

 Battery T Double Insulated

Interference is present. Displayed value might be outside of

b Electrical breakdown M
specified accuracy.

 WARNING. Do not apply greater than 1100 Volts. s Ramp mode indicator

Measurement Category II is applicable to test and measuring circuits connected directly to utilization points (socket outlets and
 similar points) of the low-voltage MAINS installation.

Measurement Category III is applicable to test and measuring circuits connected to the distribution part of the building’s low-voltage
 MAINS installation.

Measurement Category IV is applicable to test and measuring circuits connected at the source of the building’s low-voltage MAINS
 installation.

This product complies with the WEEE Directive marking requirements. The affixed label indicates that you must not discard this
electrical/electronic product in domestic household waste. Product Category: With reference to the equipment types in the WEEE
~ Directive Annex I, this product is classed as category 9 "Monitoring and Control Instrumentation" product. Do not dispose of this
product as unsorted municipal waste.

4
 Insulation Tester
Before You Start

Before You Start The Tester

Table 2 is a list of the items included with your purchase. Carefully This section is about the Tester and its operation. The Tester is shown
unpack and inspect each of the items. in Table 3.
Table 2. Pack List Table 3. 1550C/1555 Insulation Tester
1 2 3 4

5
6 2

1
7

Item Description
 Quick Reference Guide and Safety Information
5
 AC Power Cord 7
6

X Test Cables with Alligator Clips (red, black, green)


and Test Probes (red, black)
Item Description
Heavy Duty Alligator Clips: Red, Black, Green LCD

(1555 and kits only)
 Safety Shutter
Available as optional accessory for 1550C, 
PN TLK1550-RTLC
 AC Plug
 Soft Carrying Case (Kit includes Hard Case)
 Input Terminals
ir3000 FC BLE-IR Adapter with Quick Reference
  IR Port
Guide (FC kits only)
 Pushbuttons
 Infrared Adapter/Interface Cable with Installation Guide
 Built-in Handle

5
1550C/1555
Users Manual

Pushbuttons Use  and  to access these menu items:

Use the pushbuttons to control the Tester, view test results, and scroll 1.X Insulation Functions:
through chosen test results. See Table 4. 1.1 Ramp off (default)
Table 4. Pushbuttons 1.2 Ramp on
1.3 DAR T= 01-00
1.4 DAR/PI T= 10-00
FUNCTION ENTER TEST
1.5 DAR [CN]= 01-00
2 Time limit xx-xx
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 3 Show results
4 Delete results
Item Description
Push  to make the selection.
 Power on/off.

Push  to go to the Function menu. Push again to Power On/Off

 exit the Function menu. To scroll within the Function Push  to turn on the Tester.
menu, use the arrow pushbuttons.
The Tester does a self-check, self-calibration, shows the software
Scrolls through test voltages, stored test results, timer version, and starts in the Test Voltage mode.
 duration, and changes test tag ID characters. Use to In Test Voltage mode, you can:
answer “yes” to prompts.
• Change test parameters
After a memory location is set,  displays the test
• Start an insulation test
parameters, test results stored in memory. These
 • View stored test results
include voltage, capacitance, polarization index,
dielectric absorption ratio, and current. • Download test results
Use to scroll through test voltages, stored test results, Push  again to turn off the Tester.
 timer duration, and memory locations. Use to answer
“no” to prompts.
Use for Test Voltage mode to start incrementally setting
 the test voltage between 250 V and 10 000 V.

Starts and stops a test. Push and hold for 1 second to

 start a test. Push again to stop a test.

6
 Insulation Tester
The Tester

Display Charge the Battery

Table 5 is a list of features for the display. This Tester uses a rechargeable 12 V lead-acid battery for power.
Table 5. Display Features Storing rechargeable lead-acid batteries in a low-charged state could
5 6 7
decrease their life and cause damage. Fully charge the battery before
storing it for extended periods and examine the charge at regular
4
intervals.
8 Charge the 12 V lead-acid battery with the ac power cord. Expect up
3
to 12 hours to fully charge the battery. Do not charge in very high or
9
2 low temperatures. Charge the battery if the Tester is not used for
extended periods. Figure 1 shows how to connect the Tester to a
1 10 power supply.
Safety
Safety Shutter
Shutter
11

12

Item Description

 Interference present. Readings could be out of specified

accuracy range.
 Polarization Index.
 Dialectric Absorption Ratio.
 Electrical breakdown in Ramp mode.
 Ramp mode indicator.
Figure 1. Power Supply Connections
 Possible hazardous voltage is at the test terminals.
To charge the battery with the ac power supply:
Voltage sourced by the Tester or from the circuit under
 1. Turn off the Tester.
test at terminals of the Tester.
Test voltage selection (250 V, 500 V, 1000 V, 2500 V, 2. Disconnect the test leads from the Tester.

5000 V, or 10 000 V). 3. Move the safety shutter to access the power supply connection.
 Battery charge status. 4. Connect the ac power cord to the IEC ac power socket on the
Tester.
 Bar graph display of insulation resistance.
5. Connect the other end of the power cord to an ac power supply.
 Digital display of insulation resistance. See General Specifications for ac charger input specifications.
Text display. Shows voltage, test current, capacitance, The LCD displays CHARGING. You are able to download test
 programmable test voltages, and menu options. results while the Tester is in the charge mode.
7
1550C/1555
Users Manual

Guard Terminal Use Figure 3 shows how to prevent surface current leakage with a lead
connected from the Guard terminal to a conductor that surrounds the
Note
inner insulation. The surface leakage current is directed to the Guard
Insulation resistance is measured between the (+) and (-)
terminal. This removes the leakage current from the measurement
output connections. The Guard terminal (G) is at the same
path between the positive and negative terminals, and improves the
potential as the negative (-) terminal but is not in the
accuracy of the test readings.
measurement path.
For most tests, only two test leads are used. Connect the positive (+)
and negative (-) test leads to the corresponding inputs on the Tester. Shield
Shield
Connect the test lead probes to the circuit under test. The Guard (G) ( )
terminal is left unconnected.
For the best accuracy when you measure very high resistances, use Optional
Optional
(G )
three-wire measurements and the Guard terminal. The Guard terminal ( )
is at the same potential as the negative (-) terminal, and can be used Leakage
Leakage
to prevent surface leakage or other unwanted leakage currents from Current
Current
degrading the accuracy of the insulation resistance measurement.
Figure 2 shows how to measure the resistance from one of the Figure 3. Guard Terminal Connection
conductors to the outer shield. In this case, there is a leakage current
along the surface of the inner insulation near the cables end. This Figure 4 shows how to make the measurement setup better. Connect
leakage adds to the current that the negative terminal senses, and the Guard terminal to the unused wire and attach it to the inner
causes the Tester to read a lower resistance than it should. insulation. This ensures that the Tester measures the leakage
between the selected conductor and the outer shield, but removes the
leakage path between conductors.
Shield
Shield
( )
Shield
Shield
( )

( )
Surface Leakage (G )
Surface Leakage
( )
Current
Current Leakage
Leakage
Current
Current
Figure 2. Surface Leakage Current
Figure 4. Improved Guard Terminal Connection

8
 Insulation Tester
Measurements

Measurements
Table 6. Test Lead Connections
Common measurement procedures are discussed in this section.

Connect to the Circuit Under Test

1
XW Warning
To prevent possible electric shock, fire or personal 3
injury:
• Remove all power from the circuit under test and
discharge circuit capacitance before testing a circuit
with the Product.
• Connect the common test lead before the live test lead
and remove the live test lead before the common test
2
lead.
• Before and after testing, confirm that the Product does
not indicate the presence of a hazardous voltage, see
Table 5. If the Tester beeps continuously and a
hazardous voltage is shown on the display, remove
power from the circuit under test and disconnect test
Item Description
leads.
 (-) Negative Terminal
To connect to the circuit under test:
 (+) Positive Terminal
1. Move the safety shutter to access the input terminals.
2. Put the test leads into the correct terminals shown, see Table 6.  Safety Shutter

3. Connect the test leads to the circuit under test.

Note
The Tester is NOT specified for <200 kΩ. When the leads are
shorted and a test is performed, the Tester gives an
unspecified reading that is >0. This is normal for this input
circuitry configuration and does not change readings that are
in the specified accuracy range.

9
1550C/1555
Users Manual

Before an Insulation Test Note

The actual test voltage can be up to 10 % higher than the
The Tester includes features and functions that let you adapt the test
selected test voltage.
to your requirements. These features let you:
Program a Test Voltage
• define a test voltage
To set a test voltage in between the preset test voltages:
• make a ramp test selection
1. Push  or  to scroll through the preset test voltage options
• set a time limit (duration) for the test
(250 V, 500 V, 1000 V, 2500 V, 5000 V, and 10 000 V). Select the
• measure polarization index (PI) voltage closest to the level required.
• measure dielectric absorption ratio (DAR or DAR[CN]) 2. The selected test voltage appears in the upper-right of the
• measure capacitance display.
Use these alone or in combination. Set, clear, or account for (as 3. Push .
appropriate) each feature before you start an insulation test. The
TV=xxxxV flashes in the lower-left of the display.
features are discussed in this section.
4. Push  or  to increment and decrement the voltage.
Preset Test Voltage Selection
5. When the correct voltage level shows, push  to go to the
To make a preset test voltage selection:
function menu.
1. With the Tester turned on, push  to select TEST VOLTAGE.
Do not push . Doing so will return the test voltage to a
preset voltage selection.
Test
Test Voltage
Voltage Display
Display
Note
The test voltage can be up to 10 % higher than the test
voltage you select.

2. Push  or  to scroll through the preset test voltage options

(250 V, 500 V, 1000 V, 2500 V, 5000 V, and 10 000 V).
The test voltage selection shows in the upper-right of the
display.

10
 Insulation Tester
Measurements

Select a Ramp or Steady-State Test Set a Timed Test

The ramp-test function is an automated test that checks insulation for You can control the length of an insulation test by setting a timer. The
a breakdown. During a ramp test, the output voltage starts at 0 V and time (test duration) can be set in 1-minute increments up to
increases linearly (100 V/s) until it reaches the specified test voltage or 99 minutes. During a timed test, the time limit appears on the right
until a sudden drop in measured resistance is detected. Then, the bottom of the display, and the elapsed time is shown in the middle of
Ramp stops, the test voltage drops to zero, and the voltage at the the display. At the end of the elapsed time, the insulation test has been
breakdown point is stored in memory on the Tester. All other test completed and the test is terminated.
results are declared invalid if the test does not reach the specified test
To set a test time limit:
voltage.
1. With the Tester turned on, push  to enter the Function Menu.
If the test successfully meets compliance without breakdown, then the
only valid test results are test voltage and insulation resistance. 2. Push  or  to select the 2.Time Limit function.
3. Push  to call the menu item.
To enable or disable the ramp function:
4. Push  or  to select the time.
1. With the Tester turned on, push  to enter the 1.X Function
Menu. 5. Push  or  to use the settings.  starts the test.

2. Push  to call the menu item. Polarization Index (PI)

3. Push U or  to toggle the Ramp on or off. When the ramp is As part of the insulation test, the Tester measures and stores
on, a blinking  shows in the upper left-hand corner of the polarization index (PI), when appropriate. A polarization index test
display. requires 10 minutes to complete. Therefore, the Tester will start a
countdown at 10 minutes. When an insulation test is 10 minutes or
Ramp
Ramp more, the polarization test is completed and stored. The results are
Indicator
Indicator available for display during a test by pushing the  button or by
storing the test results and scanning the RESULTS fields. The field is
identified by:

R @ 10 min
PI =
R @ 1 min

4. Push  or  to use the settings.  starts the test.

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1550C/1555
Users Manual

Dielectric Absorption Ratio Insulation Test

As part of the insulation test, the Tester measures and stores dielectric
XW Warning
absorption ratio (DAR), when appropriate. A DAR test requires
1 minute to complete. Therefore, it is measured and stored as invalid To prevent possible electric shock, fire, or personal
data for all insulation tests <1 minute. When an insulation test is injury:
≥1 minute, the DAR test is included in the results. The results are • Be aware that insulation resistance measurement
available for display during a test by pushing the  button or by requires the application of potentially dangerous
storing the test results and scanning the RESULTS fields. The field is voltages to the circuit. This may include exposed
identified by: bonded metalwork.
• Remove all power from the circuit under test and
R @ 1 min discharge circuit capacitance before you do a circuit
DAR =
R @ 30 sec test with the Product.
• Before proceeding, ensure that the installation is wired
The Tester also does the DAR test in accordance to the Chinese correctly and no personnel are endangered by any
standards: tests.
• Connect the test leads to the Product inputs before you
R @ 1 min make connection to the circuit under test.
DAR [CN]=
R @ 15 sec PI/DAR Limits:
Capacitance • Cap. Max >1 μF and Res. Max >100 MΩ
As part of the insulation test, the Tester measures and stores • Res. Min <200 kΩ
capacitance when appropriate. The results are available for display • Current min <50 mA
during a test by pushing the  button or by storing the test results
and scanning the RESULTS fields. The field is identified by C=. • If a limit is exceeded, the Tester shows UNSPEC. on the display.
To perform an insulation test:
1. With the Tester turned on, set the available measurement options
to meet the test requirements. These include:
• Test Voltage
– Set range: 250 V to 1000 V (50 V steps)
– Set range: 1000 V to 10 000 V (100 V steps)
Note
5000 V max for 1550C.
• Ramp Test – Toggle on or off
• Time Limit – No limit or from 1 to 99 minutes
2. Connect the probes to the circuit under test.

12
 Insulation Tester
Measurements

XW Warning Any of these conditions terminate an insulation test:

Before and after a test, confirm that the Product does • User stop (push )
not indicate the presence of a hazardous voltage. See
• Timer limit reached
Table 5. If the Product beeps continuously and a
hazardous voltage is shown on the display, disconnect • Interference on the test circuit
test leads and remove power from the circuit under • Breakdown occurs with ramp test enabled
test. • Battery depleted
3. Push  for 1 second to start the insulation test.
If breakdown occurs with ramp test enabled, push  before
The Tester beeps three times as the test begins, and X going to step 4.
flashes on the display to indicate potentially hazardous After the termination of an insulation test, the Tester beeps
voltages may be present on the test terminals. when a potentially hazardous voltage remains on the test
The display indicates the measured insulation resistance after terminals due to charged-circuit capacitance or from the
the circuit has stabilized. The bar graph displays this value presence of an external voltage.
continuously (in real time) as a trend, see Table 7. 4. When the test is terminated, STORE RESULT? shows on the
Table 7. Measured Insulation Resistance Display display. If appropriate, store the test results. See Store Test
Results. Or, push  to terminate the STORE RESULT?
prompt. The results are not stored.
Store Test Results
When the insulation test is complete, the Tester shows
STORE RESULT? as a prompt to save the measurement results for
future use. The Tester includes enough memory to store the results of
2 99 insulation tests.
1 To store the results of an insulation test:
1. Push  to save the measurement results. The Tester will
assign and display a sequential tag number (00 to 99) to identify
the measurement.
Item Description
2. If the tag number is acceptable, push  again to store the
 Digital Main Display data. If a different tagging convention is required, proceed as
follows to provide a custom 4-character tag.
 Bar Graph
Notice that * is blinking on the display. This is the first of the four
characters available for tagging the test results.

3. Repeatedly push  to cycle through the character positions.

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1550C/1555
Users Manual

4. At each character position use  or  to assign a character

(0-9, A-Z). Table 8. Stored Test Data Display
5. Push  to store the results.
View Test Results Stored in Memory
1
Note
Parameters not appropriate for a test are shown as INVALID.
The Tester can store 99 sets of test data, including:
• Tags
• Ramp on or off
• Insulation Resistance
3 2
• Timer reading at termination of test (Timer)
• Test Voltage Selected (TV)
Item Description
• Actual Test voltage (V)
 Voltage at terminals
• Capacitance I
• Polarization Index (PI)  Stored location
• Dielectric absorption ratio (DAR or DAR[CN])  Stored test results
• Test current (I)
• Reason for ending the test 4. Push  or  to step through the stored locations.
• Limit – off or timer setting from 1 to 99 minutes (T. Limit) 5. Stop at the location you want to view.
To view stored test data, see Table 8: 6. Push  to view the stored test data for a specific test. Test data
1. With the Tester turned on, push  to call the Function menu. appears on the alphanumeric text display and on the LCD.
2. Push  or  to select 3. Show Results. 7. Push  to call the menu selection.
3. Push  to select the menu item.
Note
When a voltage is present at the terminals, that voltage is
always shown on the top-center of the display, regardless of
whether that voltage is sourced by the Tester or is from the
circuit under test.

14
 Insulation Tester
Measurements

Download Test Results IR Cable Assembly

You can use Fluke Connect Desktop software to update your To connect the Tester to the PC for use with FC Desktop software:
Product firmware and download all your stored test data to a PC. 1. Make sure the Tester is not in the test mode. When in test mode,
Fluke Connect Desktop is available at http://en-us.fluke.com/support serial communications are disabled.
/software-downloads/fluke-1550-1555-FC. An infrared cable
2. Connect the USB-IR cable to an available USB port on the PC.
assembly is supplied for the Tester to PC connection.
3. Attach the USB-IR cable to the IR port on the Tester.
With the ir3000 FC BLE-IR adapter option, you can use a smartphone
or tablet and the Fluke Connect app to download test results as well 4. Open FC Desktop software.
as view measurements simultaneously at the inspection site and from 5. Turn the Tester on.
the office or an off-site location. 6. Follow the prompts in the software.
Table 9 shows the IR port and options. 7. Verify that the download was successful before deleting the
Table 9. IR Port stored test results on the Tester.
Note
Results data stored in the Tester can be deleted from the PC
using the FC Desktop software.
Fluke Connect App
The Product supports the Fluke Connect Wireless System (may not
be available in all regions). Fluke Connect uses low-power 802.15.4
wireless radio technology to wirelessly connect to an app on your
smartphone or tablet. The wireless radio does not cause interference
1 2 with measurements. The app shows measurements on your
3 smartphone or tablet display, saves to Fluke Cloud™ storage, and
shares the information with your team.
4
Note
Item Description Changes or modifications to the wireless 2.4 GHz radio not
expressly approved by Fluke Corporation could void the
 IR Port user’s authority to operate the equipment. For complete
information about radio frequency data, go to
 IR Cable Assembly (included)
www.fluke.com/manuals and search for “Radio Frequency
 ir3000 FC BLE-IR Adapter (option-PN 4460451) Data Class A”.

 Power On/Off

Note
Before the USB-IR cable can be used, software drivers must
be installed on your Windows PC. See the USB-IR
Installation Guide for more information.
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1550C/1555
Users Manual

The Fluke Connect app works with Apple and Android mobile Maintenance
products. The app is available for download from the Apple App Store
and Google Play. XW Warning
To set up: To prevent possible electric shock, fire, or personal
injury:
1. Connect the ir3000 FC BLE-IR adapter to the IR port on the Tester.
• Do not repair or service your Product beyond what is
2. Turn on the adapter.
described in this manual.
On your mobile device: • Have an approved technician repair the Product.
• There are no user-replaceable parts inside the Product.
1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth. Verify that Bluetooth is turned on.
2. Go to the Fluke Connect app and in the list of connected Fluke Cleaning
tools, select 155x FC.
XW Warning
3. Follow the prompts in the app to continue.
To prevent possible electric shock, fire, or personal
Delete Test Results injury, remove excess water from the cloth before you
clean the Product to ensure that water does not enter
To delete all saved test results:
any terminal.
1. Push  to call the Function menu.
Periodically wipe the case with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Do
2. Push  or  to select the menu item DELETE RESULT. not use abrasives or solvents to clean the Product.
3. Push  to call the menu item.
4. Push . REALLY DEL? shows on the display.
5. Push  to confirm the deletion or push  to return to
Test Voltage.
Note
The Delete function deletes all stored test results. Individual
test locations cannot be deleted but are overwritten.

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 Insulation Tester
Maintenance

Replaceable Parts and Accessories

Table 10 is a list of the replaceable parts for the Product. Table 11 is a Table 11. Accessories
list of the available accessories. Accessory Part Number
Table 10. Replaceable Parts Extended Test Lead Set, 25 feet (7.6 meters) 2032761
Part Part Number
Rugged Alligator Clamps Leads 4112351
TL1550B, includes:
Soft Case 3592805
Test Leads (Red, Black, Green)
2788216
Test Clips (Red, Black, Green) Hard Case 4253708
Test Probes (Red, Black) ir3000 FC BLE-IR Adapter 4460451
AC Power Cord (North America) 284174
AC Power Cord (Continental Europe) 769422
AC Power Cord (UK) 769455
AC Power Cord (Australia) 658641
AC Power Cord (S. Africa) 1552363
Soft Carrying Case 3592805
Infrared Cable Assembly 1578406
Quick Reference Card 3592822

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1550C/1555
Users Manual

General Specifications
Display....................................................................475 mm x 105 mm
Power......................................................................12 V lead-acid rechargeable battery, 2.6 Ahr
Typical Battery Charge Capacity
Number of tests ....................................................... 4100 @ 250 V
3600 @ 500 V
3200 @1 kV
2500 @ 2.5 kV
1000 @ 5 kV
500 @ 10 kV
At temperature extremes.....................................charge the battery more frequently
Charger Input (AC) ................................................85 V to 250 V ac, 50/60 Hz, 20 VA
This Class II (double insulated) instrument is supplied with a Class 1 (grounded) power cord. The protective
earth terminal (ground pin) is not connected internally. The extra pin is for added plug retention only.
Dimensions (H x W x L) ........................................170 mm x 242 mm x 330 mm (6.7 in. x 9.5 in. x 13.0 in.)
Weight ....................................................................3.6 kg (7.94 lb)
Tamper Protection.................................................Kensington lock

Environmental Specifications
Operating Temperature.........................................-20 °C to +50 °C (-4 °F to +122 °F)
Storage Temperature ............................................-20 °C to +65 °C (-4 °F to +149 °F)
Relative Humidity ..................................................80 % to 31 °C decreasing linearly to 50 % at 50 °C
Altitude ...................................................................2000 m
IP Rating.................................................................IEC 60529: IP40

18
 Insulation Tester
Environmental Specifications

Safety .....................................................................IEC 61010-1: 600 V CAT IV / 1000 V CAT III Pollution Degree 2
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
International ........................................................IEC 61326-1: Portable
CISPR 11: Group 1, Class A
Group 1: Equipment has intentionally generated and/or uses conductively-coupled radio frequency
energy that is necessary for the internal function of the equipment itself.
Class A: Equipment is suitable for use in all establishments other than domestic and those directly
connected to a low-voltage power supply network that supplies buildings used for domestic purposes.
There may be potential difficulties in ensuring electromagnetic compatibility in other environments due
to conducted and radiated disturbances.
Caution: This equipment is not intended for use in residential environments and may not provide adequate
protection to radio reception in such environments.
Emissions that exceed the levels required by CISPR 11 can occur when the equipment is connected to
a test object.
Korea (KCC)........................................................Class A Equipment (Industrial Broadcasting & Communication Equipment)
Class A: Equipment meets requirements for industrial electromagnetic wave equipment and the seller
or user should take notice of it. This equipment is intended for use in business environments and not to
be used in homes.
USA (FCC) ..........................................................47 CFR 15 subpart B. This product is considered an exempt device per clause 15.103.
Wireless Radio with Adapter
Frequency Range................................................2412 MHz to 2462 MHz
Output Power ......................................................<100 mW

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1550C/1555
Users Manual

Electrical Specifications
The Tester accuracy is specified for 1 year after calibration at operating temperatures of 0 °C to 35 °C. For operating temperatures outside the range
(-20 °C to 0 °C and 35 °C to 50 °C), add ±0.25 % per °C, except on the 20 % bands add ±1 % per °C.

Insulation
Test Voltage (DC) Insulation Resistance Range Accuracy (±reading)
<250 kΩ unspecified
250 kΩ to 5 GΩ 5%
250 V
5 GΩ to 50 GΩ 20 %
>50 GΩ unspecified
<500 kΩ unspecified
500 kΩ to 10 GΩ 5%
500 V
10 GΩ to 100 GΩ 20 %
>100 GΩ unspecified
<1 MΩ unspecified
1 MΩ to 20 GΩ 5%
1000 V
20 GΩ to 200 GΩ 20 %
>200 GΩ unspecified
<2.5 MΩ unspecified
2.5 MΩ to 50 GΩ 5%
2500 V
50 GΩ to 500 GΩ 20 %
>500 GΩ unspecified
<5 MΩ unspecified
<5 MΩ to 100 GΩ 5%
5000 V
100 GΩ to 1 TΩ 20 %
>1 TΩ unspecified
<10 MΩ unspecified
10 MΩ to 200 GΩ 5%
10 000 V
200 GΩ to 2 TΩ 20 %
>2 TΩ unspecified
Bar graph range: 0 to 2 TΩ
Insulation test voltage accuracy: -0 %, +10 % at 1 mA load current
Induced ac mains current rejection: 2 mA maximum
Charging rate for capacitive load: 5 s/μF
Discharge rate for capacitive load: 1.5 s/μF

20
 Insulation Tester
Principles of Measurement and Resistance

Measurement Range Accuracy

Leakage Current 1 nA to 2 mA ±(20 % + 2 nA)
Capacitance 0.01 μF to 20.00 μF ±(15 % of reading + 0.03 μF)

Range Resolution
Timer Setting: 1 minute
0 to 99 minutes
Indication: 1 second

Warning Range Voltage Accuracy

Live circuit warning
30 V to 1100 V ac/dc, 50/60 Hz ±(15 % + 2 V)

Short circuit current ................................................>1 mA and <2 mA

Principles of Measurement and Resistance

The Tester measures insulation parameters and displays the results using with the following formulas.

Capacitance PI DAR DAR [CN]

Ohm’s Law
(charge) (Polarization Index) (Dielectric absorption ratio) (Dielectric absorption ratio)
V Q R @ 10 min R @ 1 min R @ 1 min
R= C= PI = DAR = DAR [CN]=
I V R @ 1 min R @ 30 sec R @ 15 sec

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Users Manual

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