Online FAQ

Find here the answers to the most frequently asked questions.

General

Please find below the answers to the most frequently asked questions.

General

Why should I do business with ELEQ?

Because we offer technical applications and products that will work with exceptional precision. Guaranteed! For more than 70 years ELEQ has been offering craftsmanship and expertise in electrotechnical applications. In close partnership with clients and (market) partners, our Research & Development department is continuously developing new state-of-the-art products. Innovations and products for professional service providers and manufacturers within the energy sector and for the public lighting market worldwide. Each ELEQ product distinguishes itself by its simple, smart design and solid construction, making it perfect for long, daily use under harsh conditions. All our products are manufactured according to the highest quality requirements of our clients to ensure these can be used for many decades without any problem. The precision of ELEQ’s products is renowned within the electrotechnical sector. We will never compromise where development and production of our quality products are concerned.

How can I find a local sales contact?

On our support page you can find the sales partners we work with.

Is ELEQ ISO certified?

Yes. ELEQ has worked in accordance with the ISO norms since 1993. In both facilities we develop, manufacture and sell according to the new ISO9001:2015 directive, for which we are DEKRA certified (previously KEMA).

Download: DEKRA (previously KEMA) ISO certificate ELEQ Steenwijk B.V.
Download: DEKRA (previously KEMA) ISO certificate ELEQ Kerpen GmbH

In addition, ELEQ Kerpen has a certificate on an approved Quality System according to module D. Manufactured transformers need to be registered and marked with a PTB identification number.

Download: PTB certificate ELEQ Kerpen GmbH 
Download: BeV certificate ELEQ Kerpen GmbH

Besides we develop, produce and sell according to the environmental care system NEN-EN-ISO 14001:2015 and we are TUV certified. We continuously adapt all our processes to reduce harmful substances.

Download: TUV-ISO certificate ELEQ Steenwijk bv
Download: TUV-ISO certificate ELEQ Kerpen GmbH

ELEQ also complies with the European directive of the EC Regulation 1907/2006 concerning REACH. REACH stands for Registration Evaluation Authorization and restriction of Chemicals. ELEQ also complies with the EU legislation for the Restriction of Hazardous Substances RoHS (EG) 2011/65/EU and 2015/863. RoHS contains a list of restricted chemicals.

Download: REACH und RoHS ELEQ Steenwijk bv
Download: REACH und RoHS ELEQ Kerpen GmbH

In addition, ELEQ Steenwijk is accredited in accordance with EN ISO / IEC 17025: 2017. An internationally accepted standard which guarantees an independent measurement.

Download: ISO 17025 certificate ELEQ Steenwijk

The German Accreditation Body confirms the competence of the test laboratory of ELEQ Kerpen GmbH according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018. The accreditation certificate was issued on January 31, 2022 with the registration number D-PL-21416-01-00. The tests were carried out according to DIN EN 61869-1:2010 (IEC 61869-1:2007), DIN EN 61869-2:2013 (IEC 61869-2:2012) and DIN EN 61869-3:2012 (IEC 61869) – 3rd :2011).

Download: ISO 17025 certificate ELEQ Kerpen
Download: Additional information ISO 17025 certificate ELEQ Kerpen

Technical

Does ELEQ provide advice for the best transformer choice?

Yes we do. And we never go for the simplest solution, but for the best solution, for you, our customer. With our 70 years of knowledge we are able to find the perfect solution.

Can ELEQ provide customer specific solutions?

Yes we can. ELEQ’s Product Development Centre ensures that each new product or system is always realised quickly, competitively and without unnecessary delays. This means that your application is immediately ready for use, highly efficient, extremely reliable and can be manufactured in large and small numbers. Therefore our partnerships always results in a continuous competitive advantage for you. The PDC has extensive testing facilities. This makes us able to quickly and efficiently manufacture sound prototypes. This manufacturing process is integrated into our production process. As a result, ELEQ is able to quickly start the initial production runs.

Does ELEQ provide transformer courses to customers?

Yes, on request we can offer transformer courses. Please let us know when you like such a course.

Transport

Where do I find ELEQ's delivery conditions?

The general terms and conditions ORGALIME S2012 for delivery of mechanical, electro-technical and electronic products (S2012) of March 2012 are applicable for all our deliveries and services. We will reject all other terms and conditions. On request, these terms and conditions can be sent over, free of charges.

How can I find stock information of your standard products?

On this website all general information about our standard products can be found, like product sheets, installation instructions and pictures of the product. Please let us know when you miss something.

General

Please find below the answers to the most frequently asked questions related to energy management products.

General

Do you offer retrofit solutions for transformers?

Yes we do, we have a split-core transformer line available with split-core transformers for isolated cable (TQ), rail (TM) and large applications (GSK) for low voltage.

Can you make a customized transformer for me?

Yes we can. We have our own product development centre and production which makes us very flexible to meet customers wishes. Please send us your cable/rail diameter, ratio, burden and class and we will calculate the perfect transformer for your challenge.

Technical

How do I mount my transformer?

Find the power direction of the bus bar or cable you want to measure. It is recommended to mount P1 side to power source and P2 side to power consumer. If the CT is installed like this, the arrow on the CT will indicate the direction of the power flow. Connect the CT output (S1, S2) to the low impedance current input of the measurement instrument (e.g., an ammeter or current input of kWh-meter).

How long should the connection cable be?

A measuring lead of 2,5mm2 of 100 meters (double leads) has a power consumption of 35VA at 5A. This will only be 1,4VA for a secondary current of 1A. However, the extra load of the meter should be considered, which is in general 0,2VA for 5A secondary current and 0,05VA for 1A secondary current.

Transport

How do I order a standard product?

All standard product have an article number. This article number is show on the website.

General

Please find below the answers to the most frequently asked questions related to transformers.

General

Do you offer retrofit solutions for transformers?

Yes we do, we have a split-core transformer line available with split-core transformers for isolated cable (TQ), rail (TM) and large applications (GSK) for low voltage.

Does ELEQ provide an online overview of the dimensional drawings per product category?

Yes, for the RM series you can find the overview here and for the GSA series here.

Can you make a customized transformer for me?

Yes we can. We have our own product development centre and production which makes us very flexible to meet customers wishes. Please send us your cable/rail diameter, ratio, burden and class and we will calculate the perfect transformer for your challenge.

Technical

How do I mount my transformer?

Find the power direction of the bus bar or cable you want to measure. It is recommended to mount P1 side to power source and P2 side to power consumer. If the CT is installed like this, the arrow on the CT will indicate the direction of the power flow. Connect the CT output (S1, S2) to the low impedance current input of the measurement instrument (e.g., an ammeter or current input of kWh-meter).

How long should the connection cable be?

A measuring lead of 2,5mm2 of 100 meters (double leads) has a power consumption of 35VA at 5A. This will only be 1,4VA for a secondary current of 1A. However, the extra load of the meter should be considered, which is in general 0,2VA for 5A secondary current and 0,05VA for 1A secondary current.

Which class should I choose for my transformer and why?

Process control For use in process control, for example monitoring a motor current or process where the CT is connected to an analog or digital meter class 3 is in general sufficient. When the CT is used in a control loop a higher accuracy is recommended Energy management For energy management the minimum class is class 1. This is because the phase error of the CT is taken into account. The phase displacement of the CT contributes to the error of the CT, especially when in the grid the Cosinus Phi is low (the phase of voltage relative to current) However, when the absolute value of the energy is not critical, a comparison is more important than the absolute accuracy. Accounting For accounting there are local and international regulations. In general Class 0,2S is required. In other cases Class 0,5S is sufficient when the nominal current of the CT is at most twice the value of the fuse. Protection Transformers class 0,1 up to and including class 5 comply with the rate of accuracy up to 120% of the rated current. Current transformers can be loaded up to the rated current continuously. The special 0,2S and 0,5S transformers are used in cases where measurements in the lower current range (0,01 to 0,2 ln) must meet extra requirements in terms of accuracy.

What means ext. 300%?

In the special extended design of a transformer it will be possible to extend the continuous overload current and accuracy considerably. An instrument current transformer of e.g. 300/5A class 1 ext. 300% of the rated current (in this example up to 900A) and can also be overloaded up to that value. The rated overload is stated in % directly after the accuracy class designation ext.. as shown in the example.

What does Fs5 mean?

Current transformers are supplied with instrument security factor Fs5 at 50Hz, unless otherwise specified. With stock supply transformers the instrument security factor applies both at 50 and 60Hz. Fs5 implies that, at 5 times, the composite error or the transformer due to saturation of the core is at least 10%. This applies if the transformer is loaded with the rated burden specified on the rating plate. At lower loads the instrument security factor increases, reducing the protective action to the transformer.

What does 5P.. mean?

Current transformers for protection can be supplied, in standard design, in class 5P.. or 10P.. The first figure of the accuracy class designation 5P.. or 10P.. defines the maximum value of the composite error in %, to which the transformer must satisfy in the overload area. The letter P means Protection. The rated accuracy limit factor of the transformer stated directly after the P of the class designation. There are 5 standard accuracy limit factors: 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 In. The accuracy class designation 5P15 means, that the composite error (sum of the vectors of current error and phase displacement) in the overload area up to 15 x In will not exceed 5%. This in spite of a beginning saturation of the transformer. The limits of current error and phase displacement at rated current will not exceed 1% respectively 60 min. The accuracy class 10P30 means that the composite error will not exceed 10% in the overload area up to 30 x In. The maximum current error at rated current is 3%. The phase displacement is free.

How can a transformer be short-circuit?

On no account current transformers should be operated with open secondary winding, not even for a very short time. The reason is that the voltage across open terminals may rise to thousands of volts. This not only involves peril of life, but also the risk of the transformer insulation sustaining permanent damage. When a current transformer is put in active operation without a connected burden, the secondary terminals of the current transformer always must be short-circuited with a piece of wire or a special short-circuit connector. When there is one or more tapping on the secondary winding, it is sufficient only to short-circuit the full winding (highest transformation ratio); the other tappings may remain open. Obviously, of multi-core transformers the secondary winding of each core must be short-circuited individually.

Transport

How do I order a standard product?

All standard product have an article number. This article number is show on the website.

General

Please find below the answers to the most frequently asked questions related to connection boxes.

General

I am looking for a connection box for looping through, is that possible?

All boxes are suited for looping systems as well as for systems with a branch sleeve.

Can I connect 2 cables with 5 conductors of 10 mm² in an LS-94? (2 x 5 x 10)

Yes you can, this is the maximum for the LS-94. It is also possible to connect 3 cables with 5 conductors of 6 mm². In case of 3 power supply cables, a special clamp should be ordered, article number 5L9978.

Do you also have connection boxes suited for LED?

Yes we do, all our connection boxes are suited for LED. We also offer connection boxes with over voltage protection module, to guarantee extra protection as for the life of sensible electronics.

For which type of fuses do you have connection boxes in your product range?

For E27 fuses (DII), E14 fuses (D01), tube fuses (10*38) and pin fuses. The E27 fuses are mainly used in the Netherlands ans consist of 3 components: the fuse, the adapter screw, and the fuse carrier.

Do you also have a connection box for evening/night switching systems?

All connection boxes suitable for two fuses fit, for instance article number 5L2303. Or a switchable connection box, for instance as in article number 5L2409.

Is it also possible to switch phases after mounting?

Some connection boxes (for instance the 5L2409) offer the possibility to select the phase that goes to the fuse by switching the phase selection pin. This should be done in a condition without current and preferably also with no voltage.

I am looking for a solution for facade illumination, what are the options?

We offer various stainless steel boxes. They can be mounted on a facade, incorporated in the wall or installed as stand-alone. We also offer various LS-100 models suited for mounting onto a facade.

Technical

When do I need a neutral-earth connection in my connection box?

Many ELEQ connection boxes can be delivered with a previously mounted neutral-earth connection. Whether this is necessary or not depends on the power supply network configuration and the applicable prescriptions regarding earthing. Contact your installer or system operator to discuss the appropriateness of a neutral-earth connection.

Do you also have a connection box suited for 3 phases?

All connection boxes proposed in our production range are suited for mounting cables consisting of 5 conductors maximum: 3 phases, one neutral connector and the earthing.

What is looping?

A row of lighting poles is often provided with voltage by looping the power lead from one pole to another. Another method is using branching sleeves on the underground cable. Almost all ELEQ connection boxes are suited for a looping system; it is possible to connect an incoming as well as an outgoing underground cable.

What does it mean when a connection box has IP55?

The IP… classification indicates to what level the connection box is protected against penetrating water and “foreign objects”, such as fingers, tools or dirt. An IP55 box stops dust and is resistant to water jets with a limited power.

What is IK10?

The IK… classification indicates the impact resistance of a product. IK10 can be compared to the impact of a number of strokes with a huge hammer.

What is the difference between a fuse and an automatic installation switch?

The function of a fuse and an automatic (installation) switch is the same: securing the installation against overload and short-circuit. It switches off the current in the underlying circuit. A defective fuse has to be replaced, but an automatic (installation) switch can be reset manually.

Transport

How do I order a standard product?

All standard product have an article number. This article number is show on the website.

General

Please find below the answers to the most frequently asked questions related to measuring equipment.

General

When do I use an electromagnetic measuring instrument?

Electromagnetic meters are mainly used to measure alternating currents and alternating voltages. Electromagnetic instruments indicate the effective value of the alternating current or voltage.

When do I use a moving coil measuring instrument?

Moving coil meters are used to measure direct current or direct voltage. They are supplied as Volt or Ammeters and can also be used in combination with transducers. Moving coil instruments are distinguished in particular by low power consumption and high sensitivity for very small direct currents or voltages. Combined with a rectifier they can also be used for alternating current or voltage.

What are moving coil meters with rectifiers?

Moving coil meters with rectifiers are used to measure sinusoidal alternating current and alternating voltage with a frequency of 40 to 10.000 Hz. Moving coil meters with rectifiers principally measure the arithmetic mean value of a current or voltage. To use moving coil meters with rectifiers in alternating current circuits the scales or these meters are drawn in the effective value of a sinusoidal current or voltage. As a result these meters are only suitable for use in sinusoidal circuits. If used with a distorted sinus wave, large errors could be a consequence.

Does your product portfolio included a measurement instrument to measure the average current?

Maximum current meters with a bimetallic system and slave pointer for direct and alternating currents up to 10.000 Hz are mainly used to measure the average thermic load of motors, transformers, cables, etc. Due to the measurement delay, a characteristic feature of bimetallic instruments, short, unimportant peaks in currents are not or hardly registered. Only the average current is indicated. The reset slave pointer with which most bimetallic instruments are equipped registers the highest current during the measuring period. Bimetallic instruments measure the average effective value of alternating or direct currents. Distortion of the sinusoidal curve of alternating current or pulsating direct current and strong magnetic fields do not affect the measurement.