Alber Cellcorder CRT-400 Handheld Voltage & Cell Resistance Tester Kit

The Alber Cellcorder CRT-400 (by Vertiv / Emerson) is a rugged, handheld battery test combination unit designed for routine maintenance, commission testing, and internal resistance analysis of stationary battery systems. Built specifically for critical power infrastructure—including UPS installations, telecommunications central offices, electrical utilities, and data centers—the CRT-400 measures internal cell resistance, intercell connection resistance, overall string voltage, and DC voltage without taking battery strings offline.

Equipped with a high-contrast display, Bluetooth wireless data transfer, and a heavy-duty protective carrying case, the Alber Cellcorder CRT-400 streamlines multi-cell testing workflows. By utilizing a dynamic DC load test methodology, it delivers consistent, repeatable measurements that accurately reflect true battery health and capacity degradation over time.

Technical Overview & Key Capabilities

DC Load Test Method for Accurate Cell Resistance

Unlike AC-based impedance meters that can be affected by electrical ripple and high-frequency noise from active UPS inverters, the CRT-400 applies a precise momentary DC load to each battery cell or monobloc. This DC resistance measurement method complies with IEEE 1188 (for VRLA batteries) and IEEE 450 (for flooded lead-acid batteries) recommended practices, providing reliable baseline resistance data for early detection of weak or failing cells.

Automated Testing Workflow & Data Management

• Multi-Parameter Measurement: Measures individual cell voltage, internal cell resistance, intercell connection resistance (straps), and total string voltage in a single automated test sequence.

• Auto-Sensing Test Probes: The heavy-duty dual-pin probes automatically trigger measurements upon contact, eliminating the need to press buttons between each cell test.

• Large Memory Storage: Stores baseline profiles and test results for up to 256 battery strings or thousands of individual cells.

Wireless Transfer & PC Reporting Software

The Alber Cellcorder CRT-400 features integrated Bluetooth wireless communication alongside a standard USB port, allowing technicians to upload test data directly to a PC running the Alber Battery Analysis Software (BAS). The software automatically trends resistance changes over time, generates pass/warning/fail battery health reports, and highlights high-resistance intercell connections before thermal runaway or catastrophic power failures occur.

Real-World Applications

• UPS Battery System Maintenance: Measure 2V, 6V, and 12V VRLA or flooded cells in high-density data centers and mission-critical facilities.

• Telecommunications Central Offices & Distant Sites: Test -48V DC power plant batteries and backup power racks with speed and mobility.

• Electrical Utilities & Substations: Evaluate stationary lead-acid and nickel-cadmium (NiCad) battery banks supporting switchgear and control power systems.

• Industrial DC Backup Power: Commissioning and routine baseline measurement for emergency power generators and solar storage banks.

Technical Comparison: Alber Cellcorder CRT-400 vs. Alternative Battery Testers

Engineers and field technicians evaluating handheld battery internal resistance testers frequently compare the Alber Cellcorder CRT-400 against instruments like the Fluke 500 Series (BT521) and Hioki BT3554.

Practical Comparison Insights:

1. DC Load vs. AC Signal Injection: The Alber Cellcorder CRT-400 uses a true DC load test rather than 1 kHz AC impedance injection. In active UPS environments with heavy electrical noise or ripple current, DC testing offers greater measurement stability and direct correlation to DC discharge performance.

2. IEEE Compliance & Audit Trail: Alber software and testing hardware are engineered around IEEE 450, 1188, and 1106 standards, making the Alber Cellcorder CRT-400 a standard choice for NERC PRC-005 compliance testing in electrical utility environments.

3. Intercell Connection Verification: The CRT-400 allows rapid measurement of micro-ohm intercell strap resistance alongside cell internal resistance, identifying loose hardware or corrosion across battery interconnects in a single test pass.

Specifications

• Model: Cellcorder CRT-400

• Voltage Measurement Range: 0.000 V DC to 16.000 V DC (Cell Voltage)

• Resistance Measurement Range: 0 to 100,000 µΩ (Micro-ohms)

• Resistance Resolution: 1 µΩ

• Test Method: Momentary DC Load Test

• String Voltage Capacity: Up to 600 V DC (Overall String Measurement)

• Display: Monochrome Graphic LCD with backlight

• Data Storage: Memory for up to 256 battery strings

• Interfaces: Bluetooth wireless, USB port

• Power Source: Internal rechargeable battery pack / AC adapter

• Enclosure: Impact-resistant molded housing with protective rubber boot

What’s in the Box

• 1x Alber Cellcorder CRT-400 Handheld Unit

• 1x Set of Dual-Pin Test Probes / Cables

• 1x Battery Charger / AC Power Adapter

• 1x USB Interface Cable

• 1x Heavy-Duty Hard Carrying Case with Custom Foam Inserts

• User Reference Manual