Section 8 – Fault-Finding - SPX Radiodetection RD7000+ Operation Manual

Section 8 – Fault-Finding
8.1 About fault-finding
The RD7000TL+ and RD7000PL+ models are capable of
locating cable to ground faults caused by damaged cable
sheaths. This process is known as "8K Fault-Finding"
as it uses an 8kHz signal applied to a target line with a
transmitter.
The accessory A-frame is used to locate cable sheath
faults on power and telecom cables. To use Fault-Find
you will need the following equipment:
• RD7000TL+ or RD7000PL+ locator
• Tx-3 or Tx-10 transmitter
• Accessory A-frame connection leads.
8.2 Preparation
Using RD7000+ standard locating techniques locate the
cable for a short distance and trace and mark its route.
Remove all earth bonds from the line to be traced during
the fault-finding survey.
8.2.1 Connecting the transmitter
1. Switch the transmitter off.
2. Push the connector plug into the transmitter
accessory socket.
3. Clip the red connection lead to the cable or cable
sheath ensuring that the area around the connection
is clean.
4. Extend the black connection lead as far away as
possible and at 90° to the probable route of the target
cable and clip the connector to the ground stake.
NOTE: Always connect the black connection lead to a
ground stake and not a water pipe or buried cable, as
these may carry the signal.
8.2.2 Reference readings
It is good practice to obtain a reference reading from
the ground stake before you attempt to locate a fault
on a target line. Reference readings help to provide the
following information:
• Severity of fault.
• Survey interval.
30 RD7000+ Operation Manual
Before taking the reference reading set up the transmitter
and locator as follows:
On the transmitter:
1. Switch the transmitter on by pressing the
2. Select a fault-finding frequency using the
3. Use the or arrows to increase or decrease the
8kHz power output level.
4. If required you can use the BOOST setting if the fault
is located on a high resistance cable or if the cable is
long.
WARNING! By selecting 8kHz output a high voltage
warning icon will appear on the transmitter's LCD.
Move to the next step of the procedure.
On the locator:
1. Switch the locator on by pressing the
2. Connect one end of the connection lead to the
A-frame socket.
3. Connect the other end to the locator accessory
socket.
4. The locator will automatically recognize the A-frame
and display the A-frame icon on the LCD.
5. Select a fault-finding frequency using the
NOTE: If the locator and transmitter are iLOC enabled
then you can remotely control the transmitter using the
locator. See Section 6 for more information.
Obtaining a reference reading:
Position the locator approximately 2m (6 feet) from the
ground stake and push the A-frame spikes into the
ground with the green spike towards the ground stake
Attach the locator to the A-frame by the retention hook.
(If you are holding the locator separately, make sure that
the locator is in line with the A-frame and is pointing
towards the green spike.) The fault direction arrow should
be pointing away from the ground stake. If it is not, make
sure that the transmitter is connected correctly (red
connector to the cable and black to the ground stake)
Take the dB reading and keep it for reference. If there is a
single fault on the cable, it will be approximately the same
dB value as the reference reading.
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