TDR2000/3 - TDR2000/3P - CFL535G

TDR2010 - TDR2050
Time Domain Reflectometers

User Guide

For all units released after 2014. If your instrument differs significantly from this guide then please use the guide supplied
with your instrument or call technical services for advice.


Contents
1. Safety warnings must be observed during use..........................................................4
1.1 WEEE Directive .................................................................................................................. 4
1.2 Battery disposal.................................................................................................................. 4
2. Features.........................................................................................................................6
3. Connectivity .................................................................................................................8
4. Accessories....................................................................................................................9
5. Mounting Possibilities..................................................................................................10
6. Mode..............................................................................................................................11
6.1 Selecting Mode................................................................................................................... 11
6.2 Choosing a mode................................................................................................................ 11
7. General..........................................................................................................................13
7.1 Operational state............................................................................................................... 13
8. Setup..............................................................................................................................14
8.1 Accessing Setup.................................................................................................................. 14
8.2 Adjusting the Setup Options............................................................................................. 14
8.3 Saving Current Trace.......................................................................................................... 15
9. Trace tagging.................................................................................................................16
10. Trace functions (TDR2050 only).................................................................................17
10.1 Standard trace function................................................................................................... 17
11. AutoFind......................................................................................................................18
12. FindEnd........................................................................................................................19
12.1 Distance dependent gain - DDG...................................................................................... 19
12.2 Step TDR feature.............................................................................................................. 19
13. Zoom............................................................................................................................21
14. Advanced.....................................................................................................................22
14.1 Manual and Automatic operation.................................................................................. 22
15. Battery.........................................................................................................................23
15.1 Battery information......................................................................................................... 23
16. Results..........................................................................................................................24
16.1 Cursors and measurements.............................................................................................. 24
17. Tools.............................................................................................................................25
18. Colour schemes...........................................................................................................26
19. Glossary.......................................................................................................................27
19.1 Appendix A....................................................................................................................... 27
19.1.1 Function......................................................................................................................... 27
19.1.2 Trace Functions.............................................................................................................. 27
19.1.3 Preferences.................................................................................................................... 27
20. Trouble Shooting.........................................................................................................28

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20.1 Appendix B....................................................................................................................... 28

21. Common fault traces..................................................................................................30
21.1 Appendix C....................................................................................................................... 30
22. Specifications.............................................................................................................. 31
22.1 General.............................................................................................................................. 31
22.2 Test leads........................................................................................................................... 32
22.3 Environmental.................................................................................................................. 32
23. Repair and warranty...................................................................................................33
24. Calibration, service and spare parts..........................................................................34
25. Declaration of Conformity ........................................................................................35

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1. Safety Warnings and Battery Information

Safety warnings must be observed during use

NOTE - THE INSTRUMENT MUST ONLY BE USED BY SUITABLY TRAINED AND COMPETENT PERSONS

Users of this equipment and/or their employers are reminded that National Health and Safety Legislation requires
them to carry out valid risk assessments of all works so as to identify potential sources of danger and risk.

Please refer to the full list of safety warnings for further information. This was supplied in the box your instrument
arrived in or can also be found on the support CD and is downloadable from the Megger website.

CAT II

Measurement category II: Equipment connected between the electrical outlets and the user’s equipment.

CAT III

Measurement category III: Equipment connected between the distribution panel and the electrical outlets.

CAT IV

Measurement category IV: Equipment connected between the origin of the low-voltage mains supply and the
distribution panel.

Measurement equipment may be safely connected to circuits at the marked rating or lower.

1.1 Battery information

This instrument runs on a Lithium Ion battery which should be maintained to maximise health, reliability and
longevity. There are a few simple things that you can do to help maintain your battery health and power potential.

1. Allow your battery to charge fully before using the instrument. Fully charging the battery before use will
ensure it can perform at peak performance and make maintaining performance easier.
2. Keep your battery charged up whenever possible while in use. A Li-Ion battery prefers frequent top-ups and
should never be left in a flat state for extended periods as this can cause permanent damage.
3. Maintain a charge during storage. If your battery is to be stored for extended periods maintain a charge of
40%, allowing for some discharge and maintaining the protection circuit.
4. Store your battery in a cool, dry place. Li-ion batteries can get stressed when exposed to heat which can
reduce its life. Do not store above 30°C (86°F) for extended periods.

1.2 WEEE Directive

The crossed out wheeled bin symbol placed on Megger products is a reminder not to dispose of the product at the
end of its life with general waste.

Megger is registered in the UK as a Producer of Electrical and Electronic Equipment. The Registration No is WEE/
HE0146QT.

For further information about disposal of the product consult your local Megger company or distributor or visit your
local Megger website.

1.3 Battery disposal

The crossed out wheeled bin symbol placed on the batteries is a reminder not to dispose of them with general waste
at the end of their life.

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This product contains the following batteries Li-ion rechargeable battery.

They are located under the battery cover at the rear of the instrument.

They can be safely removed by following the instructions in the battery replacement section of this guide.

Spent Li-ion batteries packs are classified as Industrial Batteries. For disposal in the UK contact Megger Ltd.

For disposal of batteries in other parts of the EU contact your local Megger branch or distributor.

Megger is registered in the UK as a producer of batteries.

The Registration number is BPRN00142.

For Further information see www.megger.com

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2. Features

1 3

5
2
6

10

Item Description Item Description

1 Hold 6 Back
2 Selection 7 Standby
3 Mode 8 Battery Access
4 Accept 9 Standard tripod mount
5 Navigation 10 Battery

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3. Connectivity

Used for PC connectivity. Lift cover for access – avoid Power lead dependant on region.
stressing.

The main connectivity is made via standard 4 mm test leads plugged into the dual channel ports.

Using the supplied adapter, connectivity can also be made to the dual F-type ports. Other standard push-on adapters
also fit.

Not available on TDR2050.

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4. Accessories

6231-652 6231-654 1002-015

Single miniature clip lead set 4mm Dual miniature clip lead set 4mm Split conductor single Fused test
leads (1 pair)

1002-136 6231-655 6231-653

Split conductor dual Fused test Bed of Nails Test Leads (1 Pair) Bed of Nails Test Leads (2 Pairs)
leads (2 pair)

1003-352 1002-552 1003-218

Mains Charger Replacement Battery Terminal adaptor kit

1006-511

Retractable sheath fused test lead

(1 pair)

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5. Mounting Possibilities
There are various mounting and carrying options for the TDR2000 series to ensure the user can position their
instrument securely and efficiently.

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6. Mode
The TDR2000 series can be set up to work for several different applications. This will allow the user to specify how
the instrument receives, processes and displays test readings. The testing options for each mode are shown on the
line adjacent to the icon for the specific mode.

6.1 Selecting Mode

Change mode Press to select Use cursor keys

6.2 Choosing a mode

Single Channel mode Choose T1 or T2 Press key indicated to

change

Dual Channel mode Choose T1-T2, T2-T1, Press key indicated to

T1&T2 change

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Crosstalk Choose T1 or T2 Press key indicated to

change

Load saved trace Choose T1-M, T2-M, M Press key indicated to

change

Intermittent mode Choose T1 or T2 Press key indicated to

change

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7. General
General functions are available from the main screen and be accessed using the left and right navigation keys and
appropriate selection buttons.

The instrument is also able to save and preview traces, enabling the user to maintain a database of information for
downloading to a PC to create reports or to use in other custom applications.

Navigation Use cursor keys Use soft keys to select

Range 10 m min to 20 km max in 11 steps (30 - 60,000 ft)

The currently selected range is shown at top right of the screen

7.1 Operational state

The current operational state is shown at the top left of the screen and identifies the current operational setting for
the chosen screen. Icons displayed are specific to the function.

Current operational Current operational Change current state

state. Currently in state. Currently in Setup using the appropriate
Manual operation operation button

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8. Setup
The user has the ability to change various settings for the live trace ranging from the velocity factor to the gain
applied to the trace. These settings can be accessed via the setup icon.

8.1 Accessing Setup

Press to select Automatic mode Manual mode

8.2 Adjusting the Setup Options

Velocity Factor Use the up and down cursors to set the Velocity
Factor to match the cable under test.

Impedance Use the up and down cursors to adjust the

impedance for the cable under test.

*Only available in manual operation (see page 13).

Gain Use the up and down cursors to alter the gain to

adjust visible disturbances on trace.

*Only available in manual operation (see page 13).

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Pulse width Use the up and down cursors to change the

instrument pulse width.

*Only available in manual operation (see page 13).

Cable Range Use the up and down cursors to change the length
of the cable under test.

8.3 Saving Current Trace

Save Preview Selected trace displayed

Manage Memory Use cursor keys Selecting the tick

saves the results to
the selected memory
location and the bin
deletes the result from
the selected memory
location

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9. Trace tagging
Trace Tagging is only available on the TDR2010 and TDR2050 models. Trace Tagging allows the user to add
a name to all saved traces. This could be the circuit ID, building name or any other identifying text the user
wishes to save with the trace.

A text string of up to 32 alphanumeric characters can be stored against each trace and this can consist of
upper case letters including accents.

This function is activated Use the navigation Press the hand icon
when choosing a buttons to select a letter to add the currently
memory location to save and the soft keys to selected character
a trace to action

You can also press the Press the shift icon to Press the backspace
OK button to accept the change the keyboard to icon to delete the last
selection the extended characters character

Once all characters have been chosen, press the save

icon to complete the save process

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You can edit a current trace tag either when you save a trace, or when you are choosing a trace for a
memory mode function.

Once you enter edit mode, simply use the technique for new trace tags in the previous section.

When you have finished editing, press the save icon to complete the edit and save your changes.

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10. Trace functions (TDR2050 only)

TDR2050 has a suite of trace tools which provide additional test capabilities. These can be found in the Trace Tools
menu item.

Press to access Trace Choose required

Tools function

10.1 Standard trace function

The standard trace function allows the instrument to be set up to work as a standard pulse TDR. This function should
be chosen to turn off other trace functions.

Standard trace function Change settings as Press to choose another

required trace function

10.2 AutoFind
AutoFind allows the automatic detection of disturbances along the result trace, making it easier to target
disturbances amongst a noisy trace.

On TDR2000/3 and TDR2010 this function is available from the main screen.

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Press to choose Cursor snaps to Press for next

AutoFind disturbance disturbance

To cancel the next The Trace Tools icon will Press choose another
disturbance feature, then show trace function
press the back button
to return to the main
screen

10.3 FindEnd
The FindEnd function allows the automatic detection of the end of the cable. On busy or noisy cables this may need
to be repeated.

Press to choose FindEnd Automatically positions Press to repeat detect

a cursor at the detected end.
end of the current cable

To cancel the repeat The Trace Tools icon will Press choose another
detect end feature, then show trace function
press the back button
to return to the main
screen

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10.4 Distance dependent gain - DDG

DDG counteracts the effects of signal loss on a cable by gradually increasing the gain along the trace result. DDG is
suitable for longer length cables and is available on ranges of 1000m and above.

Distance dependent Adjust DDG. Press choose another

gain trace function
Single press increments
by 0.1 dB

Press and hold

increments by 0.5 DB

10.4.1 Step TDR feature

The injected signal is started and then maintained at the same level giving a constant signal. The receiver is also
constantly set to receive any reflections. This function is ideal for near-end testing as it is more sensitive than a Pulse
TDR due to the constant signal. The Step TDR function is only suitable for shorter length cables and is available on
ranges up to and including 500m.

Step TDR function Change settings as for Press choose another

activation pulse TDR trace function

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11. Zoom
The zoom capabilities are limited by the range chosen and only zoom modes suitable for the chosen ranges are
displayed.

Zoom function Press to select Zooms at cursor position

Minimum range Range/Capability

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12. Advanced
The TDR2000 series have two methods of operation. Both options allow the user to set operational parameters.

In Manual operation the user has full control over the settings in use for the cable under test. In Automatic
operation the TDR sets the appropriate impedance to the cable and suggests gain and pulse width settings. Expert
Function allows auto detection of faults on the live traces.

12.1 Manual and Automatic operation

Manual/Automatic Press to swap modes Changes with each

press

Manual Adjustable in this mode

Automatic Adjustable in this mode

NOTE: Auto in DDG only performs AutoZ; not ‘auto settings’

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13. Battery
The TDR2000 series have built in intelligent charge management technology so that the maximum charge rate is
maintained, meaning a longer battery life is possible.

13.1 Battery information

Battery state Capacity Typical life remaining

Warnings Charging Charging paused

Charged

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14. Results
The cursor lines on the TDR2000 series allow the user to identify disturbances at strategic points to determine
distances and positions of potential faults on the trace.

14.1 Cursors and measurements

Cursor choice Press to select Swap between cursors

Cursor movement Use cursor keys Cursor position on trace

C1-C2 Trace 1
(Single Trace Mode)

C3-C4 Trace 2
(Dual Trace Mode)

Distance measurement Distance to cursor Delta measurement

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15. Tools
When in the Setup screen, access can be made to a selection of user tools. Within the tools function the user can
change basic settings and locate current instrument setup information.

Adjustable setting include Volume, Standby, Units of measure, NVP formats, Colour scheme, Brightness and
Language.

Preferences Use cursor keys Up/Down to select

Left/Right to change

Help Use cursor keys Function information

Custom Press to select Left/Right to select

Up/Down to change

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16. Colour schemes

Press the preferences There are a number Use the left and right
icon to access the of colour schemes navigation buttons to
system preferences available as standard, change the current
screen plus additional custom scheme
schemes where you can
set your own

You can use the current From here you can Use the left and right
scheme as a basis for change any of seven navigation buttons to
a custom scheme by elements that make up choose an element
pressing the custom all screens
scheme pallet icon

Use the up and down Once finished setting After saving your
navigation buttons to your colours, press custom scheme, press
change the colour for either the custom 1 the back button to
the chosen element or custom 2 icons to return to the main
save that scheme. The screen
scheme currently stored
in that custom slot will
be overwritten.

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17. Glossary

17.1 Appendix A

17.1.1 Function

Mode Preferences Z Impedance

Single channel mode Settings Gain

Dual channel mode Auto/Manual choice Pulse Width

Intermittent mode Press for next fault Range

Crosstalk Delete Edit Trace Tag

Save Accept Select current character

Load saved trace Preview Shift character set

Cursor controls T1 Trace 1 Backspace delete

Zoom function T2 Trace 2 Complete and save

Help M Memory

17.1.2 Trace Functions

Trace Functions Standard Trace AutoFind function

FindEnd DDG Step Trace

17.1.3 Preferences

Speaker Velocity format Brightness

On/Off Ratio 1 - 10

m/µs

Power down timer ft/µs Language

1, 5, 10 min, Never English

Dutch

Unit of measurement Colour scheme Swedish

Meters Default/Outdoor Spanish

Feet Scheme 1 - 6 Italian

Nanoseconds Custom 1 - 2 German

French

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18. Trouble Shooting

18.1 Appendix B

Fault Problem

Solution

Instrument won’t turn on Battery not charged up

Plug in charger and charge for 6 hours.

Instrument won’t charge Battery not functioning (Flashing charge icon)

Contact your local Megger dealer for a replacement battery.

Instrument won’t charge Charger not functioning (LED)

Contact your local Megger dealer for a replacement charger.

Instrument keeps turning itself off Battery not sufficiently charged

Plug in charger and charge for 6 hours

Instrument keeps turning itself off Standby set too low

Access user settings and change standby time.

Display not visible Colour settings incorrect

Access user settings and change colours.

Display not visible Instrument in power save mode

Press standby button to return to display.

Distance to fault is inaccurate Incorrectly set Velocity Factor

Check VF value for the cable under test and change settings.

Can’t set Velocity Factor Cable Velocity Factor unknown

Test a known length of cable to determine Velocity Factor.

VF, Impedance, Gain, Pulse inaccessible Instrument set to Automatic

Press the escape button and then change to manual.

Instrument keeps ticking Dual input function chosen

Ticking is normal due to relays switching input.

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Fault Problem

Solution

Instrument keeps ticking on single input Incorrect connection to cable under test

End of cable not determined so unable to reach max range.

Buttons not responding Keypad error

Contact Megger for repair.

Can’t see end of cable on trace Wrong range chosen

From main screen press up navigation button to extend range.

Can’t see fault I know is there Gain set too low

In manual mode select and change gain with navigation buttons.

The trace is very noisy Gain set too high

In manual mode select and change gain with navigation buttons.

No trace even though leads connected Leads plugged in to wrong channel

Connect test leads to correct channel.

Instrument not uploading/downloading USB cable damaged or wrong type

Use only genuine Megger cable and check before connecting.

Instrument won’t download data No saved results on TDR

Take readings and save results before download.

TraceXpert won’t load up Incorrect or unstable installation

Obtain correct user rites if required and re-install TraceXpert.

TraceXpert won’t install on PC Incompatible operating system

TraceXpert is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 8.

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19. Common fault traces

19.1 Appendix C

Open conductor Shorted conductor

Cable splice/joint T-joint

Bridge tap Spilt/resplit

Wet splice Water ingress

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20. Specifications
Except where otherwise stated, this specification applies at an ambient temperature of 20ºC

20.1 General

Specfication Detail
Range Up to 20000m with a minimum resolution of 0.1m
(Maximum range dependent on cable type)
Accuracy ±1% of range ± 1 pixel at 0.67 VF
Note- The measurement accuracy is for the indicated cursor position only and is conditional on the velocity
factor being correct
Resolution 1% of range
Input Protection This instrument complies with IEC61010-1 to protect the user in the event of
connection to live systems. TDR2050 is rated at 600 V CAT IV whilst all other
models are rated at 150 V CAT IV. TDR2050 is specifically designed to allow
use on energised systems up to the rated voltage.
All other models are designed for use on de-energised systems and Megger
fused leads must be used on power cables.
Output pulse Up to 20 volts peak to peak into open circuit. Pulse widths determined by
range, cable and model used.
Gain Set for each range with user selectable steps (in Manual operating mode)
Velocity Factor Variable from 0.2 to 0.99 in steps of 0.01
TX Null Automatic mode
Trace Tagging 32 alphanumeric characters chosen from upper case letters including
accents
Colour schemes Selectable
TDR2000/3 x2
TDR2010, TDR2050 x8
Custom
TDR2000/3 x1
TDR2010, TDR2050 x2
Step TDR Eliminates the Dead Zone effect.
DDG Available in ranges 1000 m and above
Adjust DDG.
Single press increments by 0.1 dB
Press and hold increments by 0.5 DB
Cable Impedance TDR2000/3 and TDR2010: 25, 50, 75, 100, 125 ohm + AUTO
TDR2050: 25, 50, 75, 100, 140 ohm + AUTO
Power Down User programmable auto power off timer 1, 5, 10 minutes or off
Batteries Li-Ion rechargeable battery with 12 hours typical life
Safety IEC61010-1 compliant for live systems. TDR2050 600 V CATIV
All other models 150 V CAT IV or 300 V CAT III.
EN60950-1, EN61010-1, UN38.3 and EN62133
EMC Complies with Electromagnetic Compatibility Specifications BS EN 61326-1,
B min. for all immunity tests
Mechanical The instrument is designed for use indoors or outdoors and is rated to IP54
Case Dimensions 290 mm (11.4 inches) x 190 mm (7.5 inches) x 55 mm (2.2 inches)
Instrument weight 1.7 kg (3.8lbs)

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Case material ABS

Display 800 x 480 pixel WVGA colour graphics LCD, viewable in external
environments, user selectable colour schemes
Connectors 19mm spaced. Four 4mm-safety terminals and two F connectors. Other
standard push on adapters will fit. F connectors not available on TDR2050

20.2 Test leads

Specfication Detail
TDR2000/3, TDR2010 2 m 2 pair 4 mm shrouded connector to miniature crocodile clips
TDR2000/3P, TDR2050 2 pairs retractable sheath Fused test lead set
CFL535G 2 pair Bed-of-Nails lead set

20.3 Environmental

Specfication Detail
Operational Temperature -15ºC to +50ºC (5ºF to 122ºF)
Storage Temperature -20ºC to 70ºC (-4ºF to 158ºF)
Charging Temperature 0ºC to 40ºC

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21. Repair and warranty

If the protection of an instrument has been impaired it should not be used, but sent for repair by suitably trained and
qualified personnel. The protection is likely to be impaired if, for example, the instrument shows visible damage, fails
to perform the intended measurements, has been subjected to prolonged storage under unfavourable conditions, or
has been exposed to severe transport stresses.

New instruments are covered by a two year warranty from the date of purchase by the user, the second year being
conditional on the free registration of the product on www.megger.com. You will need to log in, or first register and
then login to register your product. The second year warranty covers faults, but not recalibration of the instrument
which is only warranted for one year. Any unauthorised prior repair or adjustment will automatically invalidate the
warranty.

These products contain no user repairable parts and if defective should be returned to your supplier in original
packaging or packed so that it is protected from damage during transit. Damage in transit is not covered by this
warranty and replacement/repair is chargeable.

Megger warrants this instrument to be free from defects in materials and workmanship, where the equipment
is used for its proper purpose. The warranty is limited to making good this instrument (which shall be returned
intact, carriage paid, and on examination shall disclose to their satisfaction to have been defective as claimed). Any
unauthorised prior repair or adjustment will invalidate the warranty. Misuse of the instrument, from connection
to excessive voltages, fitting incorrect fuses, or by other misuse is excluded from the warranty. The instrument
calibration is warranted for one year.

This Warranty does not affect your statutory rights under any applicable law in force, or your contractual rights
arising from a sale and purchase contract for the product. You may assert your rights at your sole discretion

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22. Calibration, service and spare parts

For service requirements for Megger Instruments contact Megger or your local distributor or authorised repair centre.

Megger operates fully traceable calibration and repair facilities, ensuring your instrument continues to provide the
high standard of performance and workmanship you expect. These facilities are complemented by a worldwide
network of approved repair and calibration companies to offer excellent in-service care for your Megger products.

See the back of this user guide for Megger contact details.

Details of your Authorised Service Centre is available by contacting [email protected] and giving details of your
location.

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23. Declaration of Conformity

Hereby, Megger Instruments Limited declares that radio equipment manufactured by Megger Instruments Limited
described in this user guide is in compliance with Directive 2014/53/EU. Other equipment manufactured by Megger
Instruments Limited described in this user guide is in compliance with Directives 2014/30/EU and 2014/35/EU where
they apply.

The full text of Megger Instruments EU declarations of conformity are available at the following internet address:
megger.com/eu-dofc.

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www.megger.com 35
Local Sales office

Megger Limited
Archcliffe Road
Dover
Kent
CT17 9EN
ENGLAND
T. +44 (0)1 304 502101
F. +44 (0)1 304 207342

Manufacturing sites

Megger Limited Megger GmbH Megger USA - Valley Forge

Archcliffe Road Obere Zeil 2 61440 Valley Forge Corporate Center
Dover Oberursel, 2621 Van Buren Avenue
Kent GERMANY Norristown
CT17 9EN T. 06171-92987-0 Pennsylvania, 19403
ENGLAND F. 06171-92987-19 USA
T. +44 (0)1 304 502101 T. 1-610 676 8500
F. +44 (0)1 304 207342 F. 1-610-676-8610

Megger USA - Dallas Megger AB

4271 Bronze Way Rinkebyvägen 19, Box 724,
Dallas TX 75237-1019 SE-182 17
USA DANDERYD
T 800 723 2861 (USA only) T. 08 510 195 00
T. +1 214 333 3201 E. [email protected]
F. +1 214 331 7399
[email protected]

This instrument is manufactured in the United Kingdom.

The company reserves the right to change the specification or design without prior notice.

Megger is a registered trademark

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG,
Inc and is used under licence.

TDR20003--TDR20003P--TDR2010--TDR2050--CFL535G_UG_en_V06 03/2019

© Megger Limited 2016 www.megger.com