Data sheet Insulation monitor, SIM-Q/SIM-Q LF

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Insulation monitor, SIM-Q/SIM-Q LF

• Monitoring of insulation resistance on

ungrounded AC networks (IT network)
• Working voltage up to 690V AC, withstands up
to 1000V DC
• Measuring range 1000...0 kΩ or 10...0 MΩ
• Working frequency down to 5 Hz (LF)
• Alarm on exceeding the setpoint
• 3 functions: monitoring, fault finding, test
• AC and DC auxiliary voltage

DEIF A/S Page 1 of 8

Document no.: 4921230020F

Data sheet Insulation monitor, SIM-Q/SIM-Q LF
Application This measuring method has the disadvantage that the re-
The SIM-Q is used for supervision of the insulation sponse time (measuring time) can become very long if the
resistance between an insulated voltage distribution leakage capacitor in the power system is high, because the
network (IT network) and earth cable/safety cable. The leakage capacitor has to be discharged and recharged for
instrument is applicable in conjunction with single every measuring cycle. But the method also has the
phase networks and 3-phase networks with/without advantage that a sudden increase in leakage capacitor will
neutral for phase to phase voltages up to 690V AC. not result in a false alarm, which is the case in insulation
monitors based on traditional measuring methods.
This type of insulation measurement is only carried out
on AC networks where the neutral/star point of the The internal DC voltage generator is based on a 25 V vol-
generator or supply transformer is not earthed. tage source with an internal resistance >251 kΩ. When this
test voltage is superimposed on the power system under
The SIM-Q can be used for marine installations and supervision, leakages between the power system and earth
other types of insulated voltage networks, e.g. con- (safety cable) will induce a current, the size of which ex-
tainers. The SIM-Q is not a life guard. The SIM-Q is for presses the insulation resistance.
protection of the power source so a critical insulation
error is located before the power source is interrupted.
Indicators
An AC or DC auxiliary voltage is required for the in- The main indicator is the instrument. Besides the instrument
strument. This may be selected independently of the the SIM-Q is equipped with 3 LED indicators, 1 green and 2
monitored network, or the SIM-Q can be supplied by red LEDs.
the monitored network; max. voltage for the supply is
480V. If the SIM-Q is supplied from a separate voltage Only the green indicator marked SUPERVISION is lit when
source, the network can also be monitored in stand-by the unit is connected to auxiliary supply and no insulation
condition. error is detected. If the SIM-Q detects a change in the insula-
Because of the measuring method used, the SIM-Q is tion measurement, the SUPERVISION LED starts flashing
able to measure the insulation correctly on an AC with a fast rate. If the insulation error detected is fluctuating,
power network containing all kinds of loads, such as the internal integration time is automatically extended, which
frequency converters (see the technical specifications is indicated by a slower flash rate. As long as the SUPERVI-
for working frequency range), valves with rectifiers, SION LED is flashing, the latest measured value is kept and
thyristor controlled thrusters, switch mode power sup- indicated on the instrument until a new value is found, then
plies, transformers, generators etc. The difficulty re- the reading on the instrument is updated and the LED is
garding some of the above-mentioned loads is that an going to steady light.
insulation error in e.g. a frequency converter is often
located after the rectifier and before the AC output of The 2 red LED indicators marked +FAULT and -FAULT are
the converter. This kind of fault will result in a high DC illuminated, if an insulation error below the setpoint is de-
voltage between the power system and the safety tected. If a DC voltage occurs on the system together with an
cable, which will interrupt the measurement on an insulation error, the +FAULT or the -FAULT LED is illumi-
insulation monitor based on traditional ohmic resis- nated, indicating the polarity of the DC voltage. This function
tance measuring method, see figure 4. will indicate the reason for the insulation error. In case only
In AC power network installations with frequency con- one red LED is illuminated, the fault is to be found in a load
verters operating down to 5 Hz, the SIM-Q LF is the with a built-in rectifier, e.g. a frequency converter.
right choice.
If a DC voltage is detected, but the alarm limit value is not
yet reached, the +FAULT or the -FAULT LED will flash to
Measurement
indicate that there is a DC voltage higher than 50V DC be-
The insulation is monitored between the complete AC
tween the power system and earth (PE), but no insulation
network - irrespective of number of wires - and a safe-
error below the alarm limit value yet, see Fig. 4
ty cable.
The measurement is carried out by connecting the Function switch
SIM-Q between the safety cable and a point on the AC The following functions can be selected by means of the
network (one of the 3 phases or neutral). So it is a switch available from the front of the SIM-Q: Monitoring, fault
condition for monitoring of the complete network that finding and test. In normal use the switch is in position “moni-
the remaining parts are galvanically connected. This is toring”. Because of the relatively long response time in moni-
normally achieved via the windings in the generator or toring mode, the switch is moved to position “fault finding”
the supply transformer and also by the connected during location of an insulation fault, see Note 3. In this
loads. If measurement of cables disconnected at both mode the response time is approx. 1 sec. When the switch is
ends is required, the individual wires must be con- moved to position “test”, an internal function test of the SIM-
nected mutually by means of choke coils. Q is carried out. The reading on the scale during the test is 0
ohm, and the relay output is activated.
Measuring principle
The SIM-Q is using a measuring method, where a DC Power-up in monitoring mode
voltage is superimposed on the system under supervi- With the switch in monitoring mode, the SIM-Q will run a fast
sion. To be able to eliminate the influence from an measuring mode the first 15 seconds after a power-up. This
external DC voltage, the SIM-Q is performing an au- mode can be used to perform a switchboard test. When a
tomatic DC offset adjustment before every measuring known resistor is connected for testing, the aux. supply is
cycle.

DEIF A/S Page 2 of 8

Data sheet Insulation monitor, SIM-Q/SIM-Q LF
disconnected and reconnected at the same time. The the rear cover, the SIM-Q is quickly adapted to measuring
response time for measuring the known resistor will be range 1000...0 kΩ or 10...0 MΩ.
approx. 6 sec. The 2 red LEDs will be illuminated, but
the relay contact will not be activated. After 15 sec. the Standard scales
SIM-Q automatically changes to normal monitoring
mode.

Leakage capacitors
The SIM-Q measures the insulation on a power sys-
tem with total leakage capacitors (stray earth capacit-
ance) of max. 50 μF or of max. 500 μF which can be
set by means of a switch located under the rear cover.
The switch setting for SIM-Q LF is 500 μF and must
never be changed to 50 μF.

Response time in monitoring mode

responsetime 500uF
Fig. 1, 1000...0 kΩ scale Fig. 2, 10...0 MΩ scale
3000

2500 Examples:
2000 SIM-Q Fig. 1 above shows a standard 1000...0 kΩ scale with a
sekunder

1500 and standard red section from 11 to 0 kΩ.

SIM-Q LF
1000
Fig. 2 above shows a standard 10...0 MΩ scale with a stan-
500
dard red section from 0.44 to 0 MΩ.
0

Red section
00

0
0

0
10

20

30

40

50

70

00
10

50

10

10

kOhm
1000...0 KΩ 10...0 MΩ TYPICALLY
SCALES SCALES USED FOR
responsetime 50uF MAINS
500
VOLTAGE *)
450 10...0 kΩ 0.100…0 MΩ 100V AC
400
350
11...0 kΩ 0.110…0 MΩ 110V AC
300
SIM-Q 22...0 kΩ 0.220…0 MΩ 220V AC
sekunder

250 (only) 230V AC

200
23...0 kΩ 0.230…0 MΩ
150 38...0 kΩ 0.380…0 MΩ 380V AC
100
50
40...0 kΩ 0.400…0 MΩ 400V AC
0 42...0 kΩ 0.415…0 MΩ 415V AC
44...0 kΩ 0.440…0 MΩ 440V AC
10 0
0
0
0
0
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90

0
00
10
20
50
10

kOhm 45...0 kΩ 0.450…0 MΩ 450V AC

48...0 kΩ 0.480…0 MΩ 480V AC
The response time is based on an average value 2
based on 5 measurements. The leakage capacitor 60...0 kΩ 0.600…0 MΩ 600V AC
used during the test is 500 μF/50 μF in accordance 66...0 kΩ 0.660…0 MΩ 660V AC
with the diagrams. 69...0 kΩ 0.690…0 MΩ 690V AC
- 1.000…0 MΩ -
Note: *) The scale selected is not limited to a certain mains vol-
If the insulation error is fluctuating, the above re- tage, but often either 0.1 kΩ/V or 1 kΩ/V is used.
sponse times will be prolonged, however, no longer
than the above max. values (450 sec./2400 sec.).
Relay output
The SIM-Q is equipped with one change-over relay contact.
Response time in fault-finding mode
By means of a built-in switch located under the rear cover
In this mode, the response time is 1 sec. irrespective
the relay can be configured to either:
of the settings 50 μF or 500 μF.
- NE (normally energised contact). Recommended for
Measuring range/scales alarm purposes. In case of an auxiliary supply drop-out
1000...0 kΩ corresponding to 22 kΩ at scale centre. the contact is immediately activated. It is recommended
10...0 MΩ corresponding to 0.22 MΩ at scale centre. to supply the SIM-Q from a separate source, if this type is
used.
The range from the lowest permissible insulation resis- - ND (normally de-energised contact). Recommended for
tance to zero is marked with red, see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. control purposes. Also recommended if the auxiliary
supply for the SIM-Q is taken from the same power
Scale exchange is possible through a slot in the top of
system under supervision. An auxiliary supply failure will
the instrument. By means of a switch located under
not result in an unwanted activation of the relay contact.

DEIF A/S Page 3 of 8

Data sheet Insulation monitor, SIM-Q/SIM-Q LF
Limitations AC version:
Max. one SIM-Q can be connected for each network. If
on the other hand the network is divided into a number
of galvanically separated networks, e.g. by means of
transformers, one SIM-Q can be installed for each indi-
vidual group.

Test
If a periodical test function is required, it can be
achieved as shown on the connection diagrams Fig. 5.
If a value less than the preset limit value set on the
potentiometer is selected as test resistance, alarm is

obtained upon activation of the shown test button. If the

test is carried out in monitoring mode it is recommend-
ed to arrange the test button, so the SIM-Q will be reset
just before the test is carried out; otherwise the test
time can at worst be as long as 450 seconds with a DC version:
setting of 50 μF and 2400 seconds with a setting of 500
μF. Please notice that if the reset is performed before
the testing is carried out, the relay output is inhibited.
This can be useful if no alarm is wanted during the
testing; on the other hand, if an alarm is wanted it is
recommended to set the switch in fault finding position.
No reset of the SIM-Q is needed to obtain fast response
(approx. 1 sec.), with the switch in this position the
alarm output will be activated during the test. If only a
function test of the SIM-Q is needed, just set the switch
in test position, and then you can observe that the
LEDs are lit, the reading is zero ohm and the alarm is
transmitted.

Warning:
If the installation is to be tested by means of a high- Fig. 3
voltage "MEGGER", the measuring leads to the SIM-Q
at terminal "P" must be disconnected before testing is
Illustration of an insulation error in a load with recti-
carried out. Omitting this may result in damage to the fiers
SIM-Q, if the test voltage is higher than 1000V AC/DC.
Besides the insulation test will be affected by the built-in
DC voltage generator impedance (251kΩ).

Setpoint adjustment
The alarm setpoint can be adjusted by means of the
potentiometer with kΩ scale located on the rear of the
instrument (see Fig. 3). When range "x10" is marked,
the scale values on the kΩ scale are multiplied by 10.

If a known resistor is mounted across the terminals

marked P and PE, the setpoint can be adjusted precise-
ly. It is recommended to set the switch in fault finding
position to have a fast response time when the adjust-
ment of setpoint is performed. Fig. 4

Typical setting of the alarm limit: The capacitor marked C illustrates the leakage capaci-
Typically, the alarm limit is adjusted to match the max. tor.
insulation resistance value indicated on the red section The P and PE are connectors on the SIM-Q.
of the scale. The diodes marked 1 and 2 illustrate the rectifier in the
load.
If the situation is as illustrated at diode marked 2, the
+FAULT LED is illuminated.
If the situation is as illustrated at diode marked 1, the -
FAULT LED is illuminated.

DEIF A/S Page 4 of 8

Data sheet Insulation monitor, SIM-Q/SIM-Q LF
Technical specifications
Measuring circuit DC resistance (Ri): 300 kΩ ±1%
AC impedance (Zi): 251 kΩ ±1% at 50 Hz
Measuring output voltage: ±25V DC ±5%
Mains input voltage: Max. 690V AC +20% continuously/max. 1000V DC continuously
Leakage capacitance: SIM-Q: Selectable max. 50 μF or SIM-Q LF: Max. 500 μF leakage
max. 500 μF leakage capacitor capacitor (fixed setting)
Frequency working range: SIM-Q: 20…500 Hz SIM-Q LF: 5….500 Hz
Instrument Measuring scale range: 1000 kΩ with scale centre at 10 MΩ with scale centre at
22 kΩ 0.22 MΩ
- Accuracy monitoring mode: ±5% of scale length (1000 kΩ) ±2% of scale length (10 MΩ)
- Accuracy fault finding mode: ±10% of scale length (1000 kΩ) ±5% of scale length (10 MΩ)
- Temperature drift: Max. 0.5% of scale length per 10°C/2% in fault finding mode
- Aux. supply influence: Max. 0.2% of scale length at Us +20...-15%
Max. 5.0% at scale centre at Us -15...-20%
- Response time: Depends on the actual insulation error/leakage capacitor and the function
selected (see section Response time)
Scale: Exchangeable, with red section
Indicators
Green LED marked The indicator is illuminated when the unit is connected to auxiliary supply and no insulation error is detected. If
SUPERVISION the SIM-Q detects a change in the measurement, the SUPERVISION LED starts flashing with a fast flash rate.
If the integration time (measuring time) is changed to a higher value, the LED will flash with a slower and
slower rate. As long as the SUPERVISION LED is flashing, the last reading is kept.
Red LEDs marked Both indicators are illuminated, if a DC potential free insulation error below the setpoint is detected. If there is a
+FAULT DC component on the system, the +FAULT LED or the -FAULT LED is illuminated, indicating the polarity of the
-FAULT DC voltage. If a DC voltage >50V DC is detected, but the insulation error is higher than the setpoint, the
+FAULT LED or the -FAULT LED will flash to indicate that there is a DC component between the power system
and earth (safety cable).
Function switch
Monitoring Normal position of the switch for supervision of the insulation.
Fault finding Use this position during location of an insulation error to obtain short response time (see Note 3).
Test In this position the SIM-Q is simulating an insulation resistance of 0 ohm, the 2 red LEDs are illuminated and
the relay output is activated.
Relay function Setpoint: 0…1000 kΩ for 1000 kΩ scale 0…10,000 kΩ (x10) for 10 MΩ scale
range range
- Accuracy: ±5% of scale length for potentiometer
- Reproduceability: ±1% of scale length for potentiometer
- Hysteresis: ±1% of scale length for potentiometer
- Temperature drift: Max. 0.2% of scale length for potentiometer per 10°C
- Voltage drift: Max. 0.2% of scale length for potentiometer at Us ±20%
- Response time: Same as instrument
Relay output: Change-over contact
Contact rating: AC1: 8 A, 250V AC – DC1: 8 A, 24V DC
AC15: 3 A, 250V AC – DC13: 3 A, 24V DC
Life mechanical: 2 x 107 operations
Life electrical: 1 x 105 operations
Relay coupling: Normally energised NE or normally de-energised ND
General technical specifications
Auxiliary voltage: Select between: 24V DC ±25% <4 W or
100, 110, 127V AC or 220, 230, 240V AC or 400, 450, 480V AC ±20% 40...70 Hz, <4 VA
EMC (see Note 1): To EN 61000-6-1, EN 61000-6-2, EN 61000-6-3, EN 61000-6-4, IEC 60255-22-1
Galvanic separation: Relay output/measuring circuit/aux. voltage: 3.25 kV – 50 Hz - 1 min.
Temperature: -10...55°C (nominal), -25...60°C (operating), -25...65°C (storage)
Climate: 97% RH, IEC 60068-2-30, test Db
Protection: Instrument: IP52. Electronics: IP20. Terminals: IP20. To IEC 529 and EN 60529
Safety (see Note 2): 600V Cat. III Pollution degree 2 according to IEC 61010-1
Connections: Screw terminals: 2.5 mm2 (multi-stranded), 4 mm2 (single-stranded)
Materials: All plastic materials are self-extinguishing to UL94 (V0)

Note 1: The SIM-Q is CE-marked for residential, commercial and light industry plus industrial environment. Regarding
approvals, please see our homepage, www.deif.com, and search for SIM-Q under the menu Documentation.

Note 2: If PE is disconnected from the SIM-Q, the safety is 300V Cat. III.

DEIF A/S Page 5 of 8

Data sheet Insulation monitor, SIM-Q/SIM-Q LF
Note 3: If the power system is a type where a DC voltage cannot occur between the power system and the PE, the
switch can be in position fault finding mode also during supervision. In this mode the SIM-Q is working as a stan-
dard ohmic meter and will then indicate the actual insulation with a response time of 1 sec. In fault finding mode
the SIM-Q is equipped with an inverter function; this function is activated if a DC voltage is present on the measur-
ing input, securing that the reading on the instrument will be inside the normal scale range. When the function is
active the insulation value measured will not be correct. If unexplained insulation errors are detected from time to
time in this mode, then set the switch back to monitoring mode and use the fault finding mode only during location
of an insulation error.

Connections

L1 L
L2
L3
N N

PE PE

22k/ 22k/
220k 220k

TEST TEST

1 3 2 PE P X4 X3 X2 X1 1 3 2 PE P X4 X3 X2 X1

3- or 4-wire networks 2-wire networks

Fig. 5

Dimensions
All dimensions in mm

SIM-Q Weight: Approx. 0.390 kg (Panel cutout: 92.0 x 92.0 +0.8)

DEIF A/S Page 6 of 8

Data sheet Insulation monitor, SIM-Q/SIM-Q LF
Available variants

Type Variant no. Description Item no. Note

SIM-Q, 24V DC 01 SIM-Q, aux. voltage 2961740050-01

24V DC

SIM-Q, 100-127V AC 02 SIM-Q, aux. voltage 2961740050-02

100-127V AC

SIM-Q, 220-240V AC 03 SIM-Q, aux. voltage 2961740050-03

220-240V AC

SIM-Q, 400-480V AC 04 SIM-Q, aux. voltage 2961740050-04

400-480V AC

SIM-Q LF, 24V DC 05 SIM-Q LF, aux. vol- 2961740050-05

tage 24V DC

SIM-Q LF, 100-127V 06 SIM-Q LF, aux. vol- 2961740050-06

AC tage 100-127V AC

SIM-Q LF, 220-240V 07 SIM-Q LF, aux. vol- 2961740050-07

AC tage 220-240V AC

SIM-Q LF, 400-480V 08 SIM-Q LF, aux. vol- 2961740050-08

AC tage 400-480V AC

Available options

Option Description Type Note

AG glass Anti-glare glass Glass

Optional graphics E.g. red line, own logo, Scale design

(scale) extra text

DEIF A/S Page 7 of 8

Data sheet Insulation monitor, SIM-Q/SIM-Q LF

Order specifications
Product Variants:

Additional Options
to a Standard Va-
Mandatory Information riant
Max. lea-
Variant Scale Red Relay kage ca-
Item no. Type no. range section* NE/ND pacity Option Option

Example:

Additional Options
to a Standard Va-
Mandatory Information riant
Va- Max. lea-
riant Scale Red Relay kage ca-
Item no. Type no. range section* NE/ND pacity Option Option
2961740050-04 SIM-Q 04 1000...0 kΩ 69…0 kΩ NE 50μF AG glass

* Please see the table on page 3.

Due to our continuous development we reserve the right

to supply equipment which may vary from the described.
DEIF A/S, Frisenborgvej 33
DK-7800 Skive, Denmark

Tel.: +45 9614 9614, Fax: +45 9614 9615

E-mail: deif@deif.com, URL: www.deif.com