Fault Finder On Ultra Advanced; General Information - Leica Ultra User Manual

11
11.1

How earth return faults
are created

Ultra, Fault Finder on Ultra Advanced

Fault Finder on Ultra Advanced

General Information

The locator and transmitter require setup when using the fault finder accessory.
Key functions and information displayed will be specific to the fault finder.
When a direct-buried cable's insulation is damaged, the conductor is exposed to contact
with the earth which creates a fault. If large enough, the fault can degrade the service
provided by the cable. This type of fault is called an earth return fault. These damaged areas
interact with the earth which causes corrosion that can further degrade the service.
Faults can be caused by a number of actions.
Action Description
Splicing Corroded or damaged splices may fault to ground.
Excavation Cables can be nicked or broken by excavation equipment such as shovel,
backhoe, trencher, drill head, auger, fence post, etc. These nicked areas
can fault to ground and provide a place for corrosion to start.
Abrasion Rocks and other abrasive elements can damage cable when the earth
shifts due to soil conditions, climate and above-ground traffic.
Although there are other types of faults, only earth return faults can be detected with this
type of equipment.
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