Chauvin Arnoux CA 6505 5 kV Insulation Tester up to 10 TΩ

CA 6505 is a 5 kV insulation tester from Chauvin Arnoux with fixed test voltages of 500, 1000, 2500 and 5000 V, an adjustable range from 40 V to 5100 V and a measuring range that reaches 10 TΩ, aimed at the maintenance of motors, cables, transformers and switchgear.

High-voltage insulation testing in a portable case

Insulation resistance of large or old equipment is often too high or too voltage-dependent for a 1 kV tester to judge. The CA 6505 measures by the voltage-current method of IEC 61557-2 and can apply up to 5100 V, with a nominal current of at least 1 mA at the selected voltage and a short-circuit current of 1.6 mA.

The main display shows resistance, DAR/PI ratios, DD or capacitance, while a small display carries the test voltage and elapsed time. Operation is by rotary switch and a DISPLAY key, and the unit runs from either the mains cord or its internal battery.

Features given in the manual

• Fixed test voltages of 500, 1000, 2500 and 5000 V, or variable from 40 V up to 5100 V in 10 V steps to 1000 V and 100 V steps above.
• Insulation resistance up to 10 TΩ, with the specified range running through kΩ, MΩ, GΩ and TΩ.
• Polarisation index (PI = R at 10 min / R at 1 min) with the PI times adjustable from 30 s to 30 min, and DAR measurement.
• Capacitance measurement from 0.001 to 49.99 µF.
• Guard terminal with a fuse and a warning when the guard fuse is defective.
• Spurious-voltage warning above 25 V AC and test inhibit when the spurious voltage exceeds 0.4 times the test voltage.
• Current measurement from picoamps to 3000 µA.

Technical specification

Test-voltage specification

Measurement ranges

General specification

Choosing between the 1 kV, 5 kV and 10 kV class

Match the test voltage to the one your equipment maker or maintenance procedure specifies. The CA 6505 covers fixed steps up to 5 kV and a variable range, so one instrument can follow stepped-voltage or PI procedures. If your plan calls for 10 kV, Chauvin Arnoux lists a separate CA 6550 in its range, and for routine 1 kV checks the CA 6541 is the lighter option. Pick the CA 6505 when 5 kV, PI or DAR are required.

Operation notes

Use only the accessories delivered with the instrument, and keep the guard cable connected when surface leakage would otherwise disturb a high-resistance reading. The standard delivery is a carrying bag, two 3 m high-voltage cables (red and blue) with crocodile clips, one 3 m black guarded cable, one 0.5 m blue guarded link cable, a 1.80 m mains cord and a USB key with the manuals in every language.

If the display shows an out-of-range symbol, check the connections first: the manual notes the resistance may simply exceed 4 TΩ in the specified range. After a test on a capacitive object, let the instrument discharge before disconnecting the leads.

Applications in Oman and the GCC

High-voltage insulation testing is applied to motor and generator windings, power cables and transformers in utilities and process plants. Trending PI or DAR values at each shutdown gives early warning of moisture or contamination, which matters in coastal sites. Plan the test so that the equipment is isolated, earthed and discharged first.

Accessories and spares

The manual lists high-voltage cables with crocodile clips in 8 m and 15 m lengths (red, blue and guarded black), and spares such as a replacement battery, a fuse set and a mains cord. See other instruments in the Portable Test & Measurement category.

Selection and installation notes

Electrical test instruments are selected from the test voltage or current, the range and the safety category. Check the leads and the instrument before each use, make sure the circuit is isolated and proved dead before a resistance or insulation test, discharge the test object after an insulation test, follow the site safe-working procedure and keep the calibration current according to your quality system. Record the test conditions with each result.

Information needed for a quotation

Send the full model code, the quantity, the delivery location in Oman or the GCC, the intended use and any accessories needed, so that the complete package can be quoted together.

Documents and supply information

The manufacturer data sheet is attached to this page and should be read together with the project specification and the site risk assessment before a purchase is confirmed. Ratings, standards and dimensions are quoted as printed on that sheet. Lead time, stock position and certificates available with the shipment are confirmed in the quotation, and we supply to Oman and the wider GCC region for industrial, utility and building services projects.

Frequently asked questions

What test voltages does the CA 6505 offer?

500, 1000, 2500 and 5000 V fixed, or adjustable between 40 V and 5100 V.

Can it measure polarisation index?

Yes. PI is the ratio of the 10 minute reading to the 1 minute reading, and both times can be changed.

What is the maximum resistance it can show?

The measurement range extends up to 10 TΩ, specified at the higher test voltages.

Does it run on mains or battery?

Both. A 1.80 m mains cord is delivered and an internal 9.6 V, 3.5 Ah NiMH battery is fitted.

Is Seven Star LLC a Chauvin Arnoux distributor?

No. Seven Star LLC is not a Chauvin Arnoux distributor; it is an independent Muscat-based supplier that quotes Chauvin Arnoux products on request.

Documents and quotation

Need CA 6505? The Chauvin Arnoux user manual is attached to this listing. Seven Star LLC (independent supplier, Muscat) can quote the item and arrange supply on request; list quantity and site location in your enquiry. Verify the code, dimensions and approvals in the document before ordering. Other products are in the category page.