Common Questions Asked About The

QUESTION: Can you use the MEG-ALERT on A.C. and D.C. motors?
ANSWER: Yes, the MEG-ALERT is designed to test both A.C. and D.C. equipment

QUESTION: Can you use the MEG-ALERT on synchronous motors?
ANSWER: Yes, the brush less type synchronous motors will only require (1) MEG-ALERT. The brush type synchronous motors can use (2) MEG-ALERTS, one on the stator and one on the field.

QUESTION: Can you use the MEG-ALERT on motors when they are running?
ANSWER: No, The MEG-ALERT is designed to test equipment that is not in operation and prevent an insulation failure on start up.

QUESTION: We have lightning arrestors and power factor correction capacitors in our motor control centers. Can we still use the MEG-ALERT?
ANSWER: Yes, providing that there are no direct grounds on the motor side of these components. A time delay is built into the MEG-ALERT systems to allow for some charging effects in such cases.

QUESTION: Can I use more than one test voltage per MEG-ALERT?
ANSWER: No, the MEG-ALERT can only provide one test voltage value per unit.

QUESTION: Where is the MEG-ALERT normally located in a typical circuit?
ANSWER: The MEG-ALERT in connected to the "B" phase, at the motor contactor or generator breaker and to the equipment ground, and is generally mounted in or next to the motor control center or generator switchgear.

QUESTION: Can you automatically test the insulation resistance for submersible pumps?
ANSWER: Yes, the MEG-ALERT will check submersible pumps and the underwater cables from the starter to the motor.

QUESTION: Can you automatically test the insulation resistance on grounded generator Systems?
ANSWER: Yes, by installing our ground interrupter on each grounded generator equipped with a MEG-ALERT, to remove all grounds before automatically testing insulation resistance. Two safety circuits are provided to ensure that the ground is re-connected before the generator can produce voltage.

QUESTION: My motors run 24 hours a day. How can MEG-ALERT benefit me?
ANSWER: Most equipment that operates 24 hours a day is critical and can not afford lengthy downtime, however preventative maintenance testing is required. The MEG-ALERT allows you to perform your PM test with the minimal amount of downtime and expense and can be done quickly during any normal interruption that may occur with that type of equipment.

QUESTION: Can you user the MEG-ALERT as a manual system?
ANSWER: Yes, the single MEG-ALERT units can be equipped with a push button test feature to eliminate the auto mode or the multiple units can simply be left in the manual position.

QUESTION: Can you set multiple set points (trip points) with one unit?
ANSWER: Yes, some models are available with two set points: a pre-alarm and fault alarm. The first trip point is a pre-alarm to indicate early insulation breakdown. The second trip point is a fault alarm that indicates that corrective measures should be taken to prevent an impending failure.

QUESTION: Can the MEG-ALERT be used on motors or generators with low current winding heaters?
ANSWER: Yes, in some cases it may be necessary to install an isolation transformer on the heater input voltage circuit.

QUESTION: Can you set different alarm settings or test voltages on each motor or generator on the multiple model MEG-ALERT?
ANSWER: No, one common alarm setting and testing voltage is used for all test points on the multiple model MEG-ALERT.

QUESTION: Is there any deterioration of the insulation by continuously testing at a rated voltage?
ANSWER: No, the unit will not cause an insulation breakdown because it uses a nondestructive D.C. test voltage with current limiting to a maximum of 350 micro amps. Our patented voltage/current safely circuitry also protects dead grounded equipment from being harmed.

QUESTION: Will the MEG-ALERT harm any of the solid-state control equipment (voltage regulator, variable frequency drive, etc.) in my generator or motor control panel?
ANSWER: No, the MEG-ALERT tests between the "B" phase and the ground. Thus, there is no potential for high-test voltages on control equipment, unless they are connected between a phase and ground. On 240 VAC generating systems, it may be necessary to install isolating transformers to protect control equipment.

QUESTION: On a 4160 volt system, how are maintenance personnel protected from high voltages at or coming from the MEG-ALERT unit?
ANSWER: The GP2500 and GP5000 MEG-ALERT systems are fused and current limit protected, both on the output from the MEG-ALERT and from the motor operating voltages, for personnel safety. Remote and local "power on" LEDs are provided with the MEG-ALERT systems as well as a latching power on/off switch to indicate and remove power from the MEG-ALERT system.

QUESTION: How far can a motor or generator be from the MEG-ALERT unit?
ANSWER: The MEG-ALERT can be up to 1,000 ft. from the equipment being tested as long as the test lead is wired with a minimum of 18 AWG wire.

QUESTION: How are maintenance personnel made aware that the equipment is being automatically tested by the MEG-ALERT?
ANSWER: Remote flashing LED assemblies can be mounted on the door of the control cabinet or motor starter bucket and warning labels are provided with the MEG-ALERT to be mounted on the equipment as well as the switchgear doors.

QUESTION: Will damage occur to the MEG-ALERT if the "motor run" control signal fails and the MEG-ALERT stays in the circuit with the operating voltage present?
ANSWER: No, the MEG-ALERT high internal impedance protects the system and allows the test voltage to trip out the MEG-ALERT on a fault alarm after the service ground is detected.