Omicron · Earth testing
Omicron CP CU1 Coupling Unit Accessory
$355 per day ex GST, 1 to 7 days
Per day, AUD ex GST. The rate for your total hire length applies to every day, and the total never drops at a band change. Minimum hire one day. Australia-only hire; freight and handling quoted separately. Hiring for more than 90 days? Call for a long-term rate: 1300 730 499
Work out your hire
Pick your first and last day to see the hire charge.
| 7 days | $2,485 |
|---|---|
| 14 days | $4,473 |
| 28 days | $7,455 |
| 60 days | $13,419 |
- Delivery or collection
- Freight Australia-wide, quoted with availability, or collect from Hobart, Launceston, Adelaide or Newcastle. Urgent? Call 1300 730 499 rather than send the form.
- Datasheet
- Manufacturer's datasheet (PDF). Calibration certificate supplied with the instrument.
Overview
About the Omicron CP CU1 Coupling Unit Accessory
Description
The CP CU1 enables the CPC 100 to perform impedance and earthing measurements that the CPC 100 alone cannot deliver. The CPC 100 generates the test signal at variable frequency; the CP CU1 couples it safely to a power line, an overhead conductor, or a substation earth grid; and the system measures the resulting voltage and current to derive line impedance, ground impedance, or step and touch voltage. The variable test frequency means mains interference does not corrupt the result, and the measurement is reproducible across ambient conditions and test sites.
Megavar uses the CPC 100 plus CP CU1 on transmission and distribution earth grid commissioning across Australia. When you hire the CP CU1 from Megavar, you get an instrument paired with engineers who run earth-grid testing as a service every week, including at remote sites where managing several hundred metres of injection lead is part of the job.
Features
- Line impedance and k-factor measurement on overhead lines and power cables, supporting protection relay parameterisation for distance schemes
- Ground impedance measurement on large substation earth grids using fall-of-potential or 3-point test methods, with the CPC 100 supplying the variable-frequency test signal
- Step and touch voltage measurement across the substation footprint during earth grid commissioning, with results referenced to ENA EG-1 and IEEE 81 acceptance criteria
- Mutual coupling impedance between parallel overhead lines, supporting cross-coupling factor calculation for protection settings
- Coupling of power lines into signal cables (PLC), supporting interference assessment for SCADA and telecommunications routes
- Variable test frequency rejects mains-frequency interference, delivering reproducible results across test campaigns
- Supplied with the CP GB1 grounding unit, which provides safe earthing and short-circuiting workflow for the operator
Common Applications
- Substation earth grid commissioning and periodic verification on transmission and distribution networks per ENA EG-1
- Distance protection scheme commissioning where accurate line impedance and zero-sequence parameters are required for relay settings
- Step and touch voltage compliance assessment during new substation builds, augmentations, and earth grid retrofits
- Parallel line mutual coupling assessment on transmission corridors with multiple circuits sharing tower or trench infrastructure
- Interference and induction assessment on signal cables routed through substations or in close proximity to HV lines
Specifications
| Current output ranges | 0 to 10 A (500 V), 0 to 20 A (250 V), 0 to 50 A (100 V), 0 to 100 A rms (50 V) |
|---|---|
| Output power (with CPC 100) | 5,000 VA for 8 s at 230 V AC (45 to 70 Hz), 0 to 1,600 VA continuous |
| Measuring transformers | VT 600 V : 30 V class 0.1, CT 100 A : 2.5 A class 0.1 |
| Impedance accuracy | 0.3% to 1.0% of value over 0.05 to 300 Ω, depending on range |
| Grounding box (CP GB1) | Short-circuit proof up to 30 kA for 100 ms |
| Dimensions | 450 x 220 x 220 mm |
| Weight | 28.5 kg |
| Operating temperature | -10 to +55 °C |
Manufacturer's published specifications. Your quote confirms the configuration supplied.
What’s in the case
- CP CU1 coupling unit
- CP GB1 grounding and short-circuiting unit
Calibration
All Megavar test equipment is maintained under a documented calibration programme. Instruments are calibrated either by external calibration laboratories or in-house against reference standards that are themselves laboratory-calibrated, with measurement traceable to Australian national measurement standards held by the National Measurement Institute. A current calibration certificate is available on request. If your project requires a specific calibration interval, test standard, or documentation for a client submission, tell us at enquiry on 1300 730 499 and we will confirm what applies before you commit.
Often hired with
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Why hire from Megavar
A Tailored Hire Experience That Works for You
At Megavar, our dedicated test equipment hire division provides high-quality electrical testing instruments for both short and long-term use. Our team makes sure you receive the right tools, ready to go, every time. From fast dispatch to door-to-door freight, our hiring process is streamlined to get you up and running quickly and confidently.
- Rapid delivery and collectionDoor-to-door freight for minimal downtime
- Fast, simple bookingsPlace an order and we’ll handle the rest
- Fault supportIf a set plays up, call us and we will arrange a fix or a replacement.
Our 3-step easy process
Hiring Made Easy in 3 Simple Steps
Step 1: Request a Quote
Submit your rental request online, and our team will respond promptly with availability and pricing.
Step 2: Organise Your Rental
Once confirmed, we’ll quickly process your booking and dispatch the equipment. Delivery and collection can be arranged to suit your schedule.
Step 3: Use with Confidence
Supplied with the manufacturer’s manuals. If a set plays up, call us and we will arrange a fix or a replacement.
How the hire works
Hire terms in brief
After you enquire
We confirm availability, rates and freight in a written quote, valid for the period it states (usually 14 days). An enquiry or quote does not reserve equipment: the hire is booked when your purchase order, signed quote or email acceptance reaches us.
Hire period
Our carrier: up to 72 hours of transit each way is not charged as hire. Hire starts at delivery or 72 hours after dispatch, whichever is earlier, and ends at handover to our carrier or 72 hours before the equipment arrives back, whichever is later. Delay caused by us or our carrier is not charged. For example, dispatched Monday 10am and delivered Wednesday 2pm: hire starts Wednesday 2pm. Routes that normally take longer than 72 hours are marked on the quote. Your own freight: hire runs from handover to your carrier at our office until the equipment arrives back at our office. Collect in person: from collection to return.
Extensions and early return
Contact us before the return deadline to extend; your quoted rates stay fixed and extended hire is invoiced every 7 days. Return early and you pay only for the days used, at the rate band for the days actually hired.
Delivery and returns
Freight for each leg, the handling fee and any express dispatch are on the quote, before you accept. Returns go to the dispatching office named on the quote, by carrier or in person, never by post.
Counter times
Returned to our counter before 9am on a business day counts as the previous day. Collected after 4pm on a business day, hire starts the next day. Weekends and public holidays count as hire days.
Calibration and checks
Supplied in working order with listed accessories, leads and manuals. Each measuring instrument is calibrated, and its current NATA-traceable calibration certificate is available on request. If calibration falls due during your hire, we tell you before dispatch.
Cancelling or moving a booking
Cancel 5 or more business days before dispatch or collection and nothing is charged. With 2 to 4 business days’ notice, the charge is the greater of one day’s hire and 5% of the booked hire; with less notice, the greater of one day’s hire and 10%. You can ask once to move the start by up to 30 days, with at least 2 business days’ notice.
Loss, damage and insurance
The equipment is your responsibility, other than fair wear and tear, from the start of hire until it is back with us, including in transit, up to the replacement value cap shown on the quote for each item. No damage waiver is offered. We recommend you insure the equipment for its replacement value.
Payment and bond
Account customers pay each invoice within 14 days. Without a credit account, or paying by card, you pay the booked hire, freight, handling fee and any bond before dispatch. A bond applies only where the quote states one, and is refunded after return and inspection, less anything owed.
Summary of our Terms and Conditions: Test Equipment Hire. Full hire terms
Enquire about Omicron CP CU1 Coupling Unit Accessory Hire
When and where do you need it?
Send your hire dates and delivery location and we will confirm availability and lead time by the end of the next business day.
Or call us directly on 1300 730 499
Need help with your rental?
1300 730 499 We’re available Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Urgent hire: call rather than send the form. rentals@megavar.com.auQuestions about this hire?
Call 1300 730 499 for availability, rates and booking. If a set plays up during the hire, call us and we will arrange a fix or a replacement. Counter collection and returns 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Omicron CP CU1 Coupling Unit Accessory
What is the Omicron CP CU1 used for?
The CP CU1 is a coupling unit accessory for the Omicron CPC 100. The CPC 100 plus CP CU1 platform measures line impedances, ground impedances on large earth grids, step and touch voltages, and mutual coupling between parallel lines. It is not a tan delta accessory; tan delta on the CPC platform is the role of the CP TD1.
Can the CP CU1 be used standalone?
No. The CP CU1 is a coupling unit and requires the Omicron CPC 100 main unit to generate the test signal. Megavar supplies the CP CU1 only as part of a combined CPC 100 hire package.
What standards does the CP CU1 support?
Earth grid testing with the CP CU1 is referenced to ENA EG-0 (Power System Earthing Guide), ENA EG-1 (Substation Earthing Guide), AS 2067:2016, EN 50522, and IEEE 81. Line impedance measurements support distance protection setting calculations under typical utility protection design standards. The variable test frequency complies with the rejection-band requirements of EN 50522 for mains-frequency interference.
Is the CU1 portable and easy to set up?
Yes. The unit is compact and field-ready. It integrates easily into the CPC 100 testing workflow and is recognised automatically by PTM software.
Does the CP CU1 measure step and touch voltage directly?
Yes. With the CPC 100 injecting current into the earth grid, the CP CU1 measures the voltage between the test point and a reference probe at one metre separation, which is the definition of step and touch voltage in earthing standards. The system applies a variable test frequency to reject mains interference, so the measured voltage is the result of the injected test current rather than ambient leakage.
What does the CP GB1 grounding unit do?
The CP GB1 is a safety accessory supplied with the CP CU1. It provides controlled earthing and short-circuiting of the test setup so the operator can connect, disconnect, or move the test leads safely between measurement points. The CP GB1 is included with every Megavar CP CU1 hire.
What’s the minimum hire period?
The minimum hire is one day. The daily rate steps down for hires of 8 days or more, and longer project hires can be quoted on 1300 730 499.
Can I hire the CU1 with the CPC 100 and CP TD1 as a package?
Yes. The CP CU1 is hired with a CPC 100 for line impedance and earth grid testing; each item is charged at its own rate. The CP TD1 is a separate tan delta accessory and is not used with the CP CU1.
Is the CP CU1 used for line impedance on power cables as well as overhead lines?
Yes. The CPC 100 with CP CU1 measures the positive and zero sequence impedance of overhead lines and power cables, and the mutual coupling between parallel circuits.
What support comes with the hire?
Each instrument is supplied with the manufacturer’s manuals. If a set plays up, call us and we will arrange a fix or a replacement.
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