Theory Of Operation; Remote Return Path - IDEAL 61-954 Instruction Manual

Inductive Clamp Battery Pack
(IC-958) with
1. 1" (25mm) Jaw Opening.
2. Powerful magnet induces a low
voltage signal onto a closed circuit.
3. 6' cord attaches to the battery
pack for power.
4. Protective case.
5. (8) C-cell batteries.
6. Input jack for clamp cord.
7. Hang mount for magnetic strap.
Magnetic Strap (not shown)
• Hooks onto the battery pack.
• Magnet attaches to metal cabinets,
panels, electrical boxes, etc.
• Velcro strap wraps around and hangs
from non-magnetic objects.

Theory of Operation

The tracer consists of a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter produces a unique signal
onto the circuit to be traced. The receiver detects this unique signal when placed in the
proper orientation to the wires being traced or breakers being identified. The receiver
provides a numeric value and a variable pitch/tone that increase as the signal becomes
stronger.
The transmitter sends a 32 kilohertz, fixed-amplitude, time-modulated signal that injects a
voltage onto the circuit to be traced which then induces an electromagnetic field onto the
circuit.
Whether the circuit is open or closed greatly affects the strength of the electromagnetic
field.
In an open circuit, no current can flow, so the electromagnetic field produced is much
weaker. However, in a closed circuit, the injected voltage also induces a current flow, which
produces a much stronger electromagnetic field. This is the optimal method for tracing as
this much stronger signal allows the receiver to detect it from a greater distance away from
the circuit being traced.
Callout Features
(BP-958)
4
5
3
6
Page 9
Here are some examples of Open/Closed Circuits:
1
Closed Loop
2
Stronger
Breaker
Energized
Closed Loop
Stronger
7
Breaker
Energized

Remote Return Path

Electromagnetic fields radiate counter-clockwise in relation to the current flow. For
example, current flows out on a hot conductor and returns on the neutral. This change in
opposite current flow also creates opposing magnetic fields. So, when these two opposing
conductors are close together, the two magnetic fields tend to cancel each other out. This
canceling effect diminishes the circuit' s ability to radiate the transmitter' s strong signal
making it more difficult for the receiver to detect the signal.
Closed Loop
Stronger
Breaker
Energized
Open Loop
Closed Loop
Weaker
Stronger
Breaker
De-Energized
Light On
(Load)
Page 10
Open Loop
Weaker
Open Loop
Weaker