Metrotech 480B SFL 2Dx Operation Manual
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Metrotech 480B SFL 2Dx Operation Manual

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SERVICE CENTER, SALES AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT INFORMATION
Corporate Headquarters
3251 Olcott Street
Santa Clara, CA 95054
800-446-3392
408-734-1400 Direct
408-734-1415 Fax
www.metrotech.com
sales@metrotech.com
Warranty: One year. Specifications Subject to change without notice, ISO 9001:2000 Certified. Copyright 2008. All Rights Reserved.
480B™SFL 2Dx
Metrotech Eastern U.S. Service Center
1824 Murfreesboro Road, Ste. 104
Nashville, TN 37217
800-624-6210
615-366-7323 Direct
615-360-9855 Fax
nashville@metrotech.com
OPERATIONS MANUAL
Metrotech European Service Center
Seba KMT
Dr. Herbert Iann St. 6
96148 Baunach, Germany
+49 9544 680
+49 9544 2273 Fax
service@sebakmt.com
Rev 12/01/07

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  • Page 1 480B™SFL 2Dx OPERATIONS MANUAL SERVICE CENTER, SALES AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT INFORMATION Corporate Headquarters Metrotech Eastern U.S. Service Center Metrotech European Service Center 3251 Olcott Street 1824 Murfreesboro Road, Ste. 104 Seba KMT Santa Clara, CA 95054 Nashville, TN 37217 Dr. Herbert Iann St. 6...
  • Page 2 ISO 9001:2001 CERTIFIED Metrotech has received ISO 9001: 2001 Quality Management System Certification. Metrotech adheres to the quality standard guidelines of ISO 9001 and ensures quality in its design/development, production, installation, and servicing disciplines. © Metrotech Corporation 2005-2008 Metrotech Corporation...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS List of illustrations ……………………………………………………….….2 1 Introduction …….……..………………………….…………………………….3 2 Safety Precautions ……………………………………………………………..4 3 480B/SFL2Dx Quick Start Guide for the Experienced User ……..……...5 4 480B/SFL2Dx Equipment ………………………………..……………….…...13 4.1 Standard Equipment……………………………………………….…….13 4.2 Optional Accessories…………………………………………………….15 4.3 Technical Specifications………………………………………………...16 4.4 Transmitter Controls and Indicators…………………………….………19 4.5 Transmitter Features…………………………………………………….21 4.6 A-Frame Receiver Controls and Indicators……………………………..22 4.7 Additional A-Frame Receiver Features…………………………………23...
  • Page 4 8 Advanced Techniques …...….………………………………………………..35 8.1 Faults Under Inaccessible Surfaces…………..……………………….…..35 8.1.1 Perpendicular Method…… …………………… ……………………...35 8.1.2 Triangulation Method…………………………… …………...…….….36 8.2 Faults Under Pavement…..……………………………………………..37 8.3 Long Distance Tracing……… ………………….………………………37 8.4 High and Low Impedance Faults……………………….…………….. .38 Multiple Faults…………………… . ……………….………………….. 9 Line Locating …...….…………………………………..

  • Page 5: List Of Illustrations

    ILLUSTRATIONS Figure 3-1: Fault Resistance Scale…………………………………………….5 Figure 3-2: Clamping Black Lead to Ground Rod…..…….. ………………...6 Figure 3-3: Clamping Red Lead to Targeted Cable.………………………..6 Figure 3-4: Locating the Targeted Cable…………..………………. .… …… 7 Figure 3-5: Positioning of A-Frame Receiver for Synchronization………….8 Figure 3-6: Locating the Cable Fault with A-Frame Receiver…….……….

  • Page 6: Introduction

    INTRODUCTION The Metrotech 480B/SFL2Dx Sheath Fault Locator system is designed to detect and pinpoint sheath and other conductor faults that are in direct contact with the earth. The 480B/SFL2Dx offers these unique features: ♦ Fault level measurement at the Transmitter ♦...

  • Page 7: Safety Precautions

    SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Metrotech Utility Line and Sheath Fault Locators are intended for use by utility and contractor professionals. Safety hazards for underground utility access areas include electrical shock, explosive gases, and toxic fumes as well as potential influence on communications and control systems such as traffic control and railroad crossings.

  • Page 8: 480B/Sfl2Dx Quick Start Guide For The Experienced User

    480B/SFL2Dx SHEATH FAULT LOCATOR QUICK START FOR THE EXPERIENCED USER Check batteries prior to departing for the field Check the batteries in the Transmitter, Receiver, and A-Frame. Replace/recharge if necessary. Turn the instruments off. Ensure all conductors are de-energized Lift grounds Lift Grounds (of all conductors in the circuit) at both ends of the faulted cable section.

  • Page 9: Figure 3-2: Clamping Black Lead To Ground Rod

    Figure 3-2: Clamping Black Lead to Ground Rod Figure 3-3: Clamping Red Lead to Conductor...

  • Page 10: Figure 3-4: Locating The Targeted Cable

    Use the 480B Line Locator Receiver to Trace the Cable Trace and mark the cable as you proceed towards the fault. Adjust Receiver Controls - Turn Receiver “ON”. Sweep Area Around Transmitter – Circle Transmitter with Receiver at a distance of 10 feet (3 m). The meter indicates the signal strength detected by the Receiver.

  • Page 11: Figure 3-5: Positioning Of A-Frame Receiver For Synchronization

    Synchronize the A-Frame Receiver and establish Reference value of fault (A-Frame receiver has a one-color band above each spike (Black or White) 1 Hold the A-Frame Receiver so the spike with the black band is about 2 steps away from the ground rod and the spike with the white band is in-line with the targeted cable.
  • Page 12 Monitor bar-graph LCD display for arrow direction. If the arrow points away from the ground rod, there is a fault. If the arrow points towards the ground rod, there is no fault, and grounds and connections need to be rechecked A Reference number will be displayed at turn on and will stay fixed until A-frame is turned off.

  • Page 13: Figure 3-6: Locating The Cable Fault With A-Frame Receiver

    Figure 3-6 : Locating the Cable Fault with A-Frame Receiver...
  • Page 14 Active number at each fault site and compare it to the Reference number. The higher the Active number the larger the fault. If you have difficulty with your Metrotech 480B/SFL2Dx Sheath Fault Locator, check the manual for additional tips. If it still doesn’t work, call us at 1-800-446-3392.
  • Page 15 NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply within limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential installations. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy.

  • Page 16: 480B/Sfl2Dx Equipment

    MODEL 480B/SFL2Dx EQUIPMENT Standard Equipment The standard equipment included is the following: Part Model # Description Remarks 11206 4.8Hz, 83 kHz Transmitter 400D108 83 kHz, 50/60 Hz Receiver 10498 4.8Hz A-Frame Receiver 400A140 Conductive attachment 10873 Vehicle Mount Charger 12 Volts DC power lead for Transmitter 11207 Operating Manual...

  • Page 17: Figure 4-1: Standard Equipment

    Figure 4-1: Standard Equipment Standard Equipment: 1. 480B/SFL Transmitter 2. 480B Receiver 3. Conductive Attachment 4. Ground Rod 5. Vehicle Mount 12-Volt DC Power Lead 6. Operation Manual 7. Bracket 8. SFL2Dx A-Frame...

  • Page 18: Optional Accessories

    4.2 Optional Accessories Optional accessories available for the 480B/SFL2 Sheath Fault Locator are listed below: Part/Model # Description Remarks 4290 2” MetroClamp For Inductive Coupling 4490 4” MetroClamp For Inductive Coupling 400A132 100’ Ground Lead Extension SON830 Small Sonde SONH83K High Power Sonde 4810 Inductive probe...

  • Page 19: Technical Specifications

    4.3 Technical Specifications TRANSMITTER Output Frequencies: Model Frequencies 480B/SFL 4.8Hz, 83kHz Locate Power LED: Flashing green LED indicate Transmitter output is Active when the following modes are selected: Induce Line Only Locate Fault & Line Locate High Voltage LED: Flashing red LED indicate Transmitter output is Active in Fault and Line Locate mode.
  • Page 20 Technical Specifications (4.3 cont’d) A-FRAME RECEIVER Frequency: 4.8 Hz Crystal Controlled Input Sensitivity: 5 MV Sensitivity Control: Automatic Dynamic Range: Bargraph 72 dB Numerical LCD 60 dB Output Indication: Bargraph LCD Flashing LCD arrows point to fault. 12 segment LCD bargraph indicates signal level, each bar = 6dB.
  • Page 21 Technical Specifications (4.3 cont’d) 480B Receiver Frequencies: Active - 83kHz Passive - 50/60Hz Battery Type: Six size C Alkaline Cells Battery Life: 250 hrs average Headphone Impedance: 2K ohms (usable at 100 ohms and up) Dimensions: 11.63"L x 9"H x 3.13"D (29.5 cm x 23 cm x 8 cm) Weight: 4.5 lb.

  • Page 22: Transmitter Controls And Indicators

    Transmitter: Controls and Indicators WARNING When the Transmitter is set to “Fault & Line Locate”, the external OUTPUT JACKS produce high voltage. Do not touch these jacks, electrical shock will result! See Figure 4-2 for location of Transmitter controls and indicators described below: Figure 4-2: Transmitter Control Panel External Charging LED Locate Power LED...
  • Page 23 EXTERNAL CHARGING LED The external charging LED (super yellow) will be on when the wall mount charger or vehicle mount charger charges the transmitter battery. LOCATE POWER LED The locater power LED (super green) will flash when the Mode Switch is set to the following modes: Induce, Line Locate Only or Fault &...

  • Page 24: Transmitter Features

    Transmitter: Features LCD BARGRAPH DISPLAY - The bar graph indicates TWO types of information: BATTERY STATUS - First 3 seconds the amount of Transmitter battery charge is indicated by the number of bars illuminated. CIRCUIT RESISTANCE – The number of bars indicate, in ohms, the amount of signal resistance on your conductor and your faulted cable.

  • Page 25: A-Frame Receiver Controls And Indicators

    A-Frame Receiver Controls and Indicators See Figure 4-3 for location of Receiver controls described below: On/Off Button Push and release to turn “ON”. Push and release to turn “OFF”. LCD Displays: • Bargraph The flashing arrows of the bar graph will display the direction to the fault and the number of bars displayed reflect the magnitude of the fault.

  • Page 26: Additional A-Frame Receiver Features

    4.7 Additional A-Frame Receiver Features 4.7.1 Battery Status The Active and Reference LCD’s will flash the battery conditions at turn on Figure 4-4. The “LO BA” warning condition will flash every ten seconds when the battery condition reaches 10 hours of battery life. Figure 4-4: Battery Status Indication 4.7.2 Battery Access Plate Located on the underside of Receiver control panel.

  • Page 27: Principles Of Operation

    PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION 5.1 Functional Theory Even an experienced user needs to review the basics of sheath fault locating before proceeding. This will improve the changes of finding the fault and save valuable time. Comparing electrical current to water flowing through a pipe applies extremely well to fault locating.

  • Page 28: Figure 5-1: Typical 480B/Sfl Transmitter Connection

    Figure 5-1: Typical SFL-2 Transmitter Connection Black Lead Red Lead Ground Rod Fault Faulty conductor open on both ends...

  • Page 29: Earth Voltage Gradient

    As current flows from the Transmitter and through the fault, an earth voltage gradient field is created. It is center is at the fault. This gradient field has a pattern such as that depicted in Figure 5-2. (Looks like the ripples in a pond when you throw a rock in, or the rings of the stump of a tree.) Figure 5-2: Signal Pattern Around Fault and Ground Point.
  • Page 30 This result can also occur midway between the ground spike and a fault and when the A- frame is exactly perpendicular to the fault. There is a return field around the Transmitter ground spike. As you move toward the fault, the bars and the Active numerical number will decrease until you reach the midpoint between the fault and ground spikes.

  • Page 31: Multiple Fault Patterns

    5.1.3 Multiple Fault Patterns The signal pattern created by two faults in a line is depicted in Figure 5-3. The two faults are shown without the ground point. Notice that from a distance the two faults will have the appearance of a single fault due to the equipotential circle around them both. As you get closer, the individual faults become apparent.

  • Page 32: Checkout Procedure

    Check Out Procedure Perform this instrument checkout procedure on a lawn prior to field site use. If grass or dirt is not available, indoor carpeting may be used. Check the Batteries. Turn the Transmitter “ON” by setting the Mode switch to the “ FAULT & LINE LOCATE mode.

  • Page 33: Figure 6-1: Checkout Test Set-Up

    Figure 6-1: Checkout Test Set-Up Spread the Test Cables as Far Apart as Possible. Insert the ground spike and attach the black cable. Insert a screwdriver into the ground and connect the red cable to it. This will create a simulated fault. This test can also be done by pushing the metal end of the clamps directly into the ground so that they make electrical contact.

  • Page 34: Operation

    7 OPERATION Check the batteries prior to going into the field. Follow the Transmitter battery check procedures as given on page 4. Turn the A-Frame Receiver “ON”. The battery condition will appear, then diminish. If a BA 10 appears, replace that battery (1each, 9 volt). Turn the Receiver “OFF” after checking the battery.

  • Page 35: Synchronize The A-Frame Receiver

    Synchronize the A-Frame Receiver By synchronizing, the A-Frame memorizes the phase of the Transmitter signal. This allows it to recognize the reverse phase signal coming from the fault and direct you to Note: Resynchronize the Receiver every 45 minutes to maintain calibration. You may do this near the ground rod or near a fault.

  • Page 36: Figure 7-2: Fault Confirmation

    Figure 7-2: Fault Confirmation...

  • Page 37: Confirm That A Fault Exists

    7.6 Confirm that a fault exists. Remove the A-Frame from the ground. Rotate it 180 degrees and re-insert it into the ground. The arrows should reverse directions and point away from the ground spike. 7.7 Trace the cable with the 480B Receiver. The 480B Line Locator allows you to trace the line and search for the fault at the same time.

  • Page 38: Advanced Techniques

    8 Advanced Techniques 8.1 Faults Under Inaccessible Surfaces. When the faults exist beneath a paved or other inaccessible area, the fault may be located using one of the following methods. 8.1.1. Perpendicular Method. Carefully trace the location of the faulty conductor. Hold the A-Frame parallel to the cable path.

  • Page 39: Triangulation Method

    8.1.2 Triangulation Method. As shown in Figure 8-2, (the point where the signal strength is a minimum) if the A-Frame is positioned exactly on an equipotential circle, a perpendicular line from the center of the A- Frame will pass through the fault. The intersection of any two such perpendicular lines defines the fault location.

  • Page 40: Faults Under Pavement

    8.2 Faults Under Pavement Faults under pavement or other slightly conductive surfaces can be found using the foam pads supplied with the unit. Saturate the pads with water and insert the A-Frame spikes into the pads. Locate the fault as you normally would. Be sure to keep the pads as moist as possible, but do not let the water form a continuous puddle between the pads as this will short out the signal.

  • Page 41: High And Low Impedance Faults

    8.4 High and Low Impedance Faults. Before beginning a fault search it is a good idea to know the severity of the fault. This is measured in terms of it is resistance or impedance to ground. Faults where the ground is wet and/or a very large piece of the insulation is missing are found at the low end of the range (<500 ohms).

  • Page 42: Line Locating

    9 LINE LOCATING To start locating: There are three different methods of applying the signal to the conductor with the transmitter – Direct Connection, Inductive, and Inductive Coupling (Metroclamp). A description of each method and use instructions follow below. In addition to three different methods of inducing the signal onto the conductor, there are two methods - PEAK and NULL by which to locate your conductor.

  • Page 43: Figure 9-1: Direct (Conductive) Connection

    Figure 9-1: Direct (Conductive) Connection Set the MODE switch to Line ONLY Locate. The Locate Power LED should be flashing steadily, indicating the output signal is coming out. Set the Receiver MODE switch to “Active”. Set the Receiver SENSITIVITY KNOB to a low setting on the left of the dial, adjusting as needing for good signal reception.

  • Page 44: Peak Method

    9.1.1 PEAK METHOD The PEAK method gives a maximum (loud tone) signal. Hold the Receiver by the handle in a vertical position and move it from side to side. The audio tone and field strength will increase as you approach the location of the conductor. See Figure 9-2. Figure 9-2: Peak 480B Receiver Response 9.1.2 NULL METHOD To pinpoint the location of the conductor use the NULL method by holding the 480BB...

  • Page 45: Inductive Coupling With Metroclamp

    DO NOT HOLD THE RECEIVER AT AN ANGLE - INCORRECT INFORMATION WILL RESULT!! 9 To determine the direction of the conductor, stop and vertically rotate the receiver to the left and right. The highest signal strength reading indicates the direction of the conductor. Continue to trace the conductor in the direction indicated by the indicators on the receiver.

  • Page 46: Inductive (Indirect Method)

    9.3 Inductive (Indirect Method) If you cannot make a direct connection onto the conductor, or use the Metroclamp, use the antenna that is mounted on the Transmitter case to induce signal onto the conductor. This is the least preferred method of inducing signal onto a conductor because the signal is broadcast through the soil and air and can be picked up by other conductors in the area.

  • Page 47: 480B 50/60Hz Power Line Locating

    9.4 480B 50/60Hz Power Line Locating When locating a power line the 480B Transmitter is not required as you are locating the power line by tracking the path of the 50/60 current coming off the line (the line must be loaded).

  • Page 48: Estimating The Depth Of A Conductor

    9.5 Estimating the Depth of a Conductor Follow this procedure to estimate the depth of a buried conductor: 1 Using the NULL method, find the exact location of the conductor. At a minimum distance of 35 feet from the transmitter (to prevent air coupling between the transmitter and receiver), locate and mark the conductor.

  • Page 49: 4810 Probe For Pinpointing And Depth Estimation

    9.6 4810 Probe for Pinpointing and Depth Estimation The long, pointer like design of the 4810 Inductive Probe provides a much sharper Receiver response than the standard Receiver antenna mounted on the Receiver housing. Because it can be easily held close to the ground, the Probe provides greater accuracy, especially in the presence of adjacent conductors, for pinpointing the location and estimating the depth of a conductor.

  • Page 50: Using A Second Metroclamp For Conductor Identification

    4.8 Using a Second Metroclamp for Conductor Identification When exposed multiple conductors are present, for example in conduits, ducts, or pedestals, use the method described below to identify a specific conductor 1 Apply transmitter signal to the target conductor using a Metroclamp, as described in Section 9.2..

  • Page 51: Maintenance

    10 MAINTENANCE 10.1 A-Frame Receiver Battery Replacement. Loosen the two thumbscrews located on the underside of the Receiver housing. Gently pull out battery door. Be careful not to pull on the battery wires. Remove battery from battery holder and disconnect battery. Reverse procedure for installing new battery. Connector Figure 10-1: A-frame Receiver Battery Replacement 10.2 480B Receiver Battery Replacement.

  • Page 52: Service Centers

    10.3 Service Centers If the instrument does not function properly, replace the battery as described above. If the equipment still malfunctions, contact one of our Metrotech Customer Service departments for assistance: Metrotech West Coast Service Center 3251 Olcott Street Santa Clara, CA 95054...

  • Page 53: Appendix

    APPENDIX A1 APWA Marking Colors - The following color markings have been established by the American Public Works Association (APWA): Conductor Color Electric power lines, cables, or conduits _______________________________________________ Communication lines, cables, conduits, CATV Orange _______________________________________________ Gas, oil, petroleum, or other gaseous materials Yellow _______________________________________________...

  • Page 54: Copyright

    Metrotech shall not be liable for errors contained herein, nor for incidental or consequential damages from the furnishing of this information.

  • Page 55: Warranty

    THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, BEYOND THOSE STATED HEREIN. Metrotech warrants it is equipment to be free from defects in workmanship and material under normal and proper use and service for one year from date of purchase by original user.

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