AEMC 6681 User manual
Statement of Compliance
Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC® Instruments
certifies that this instrument has been calibrated using
standards and instruments traceable to international
standards.
We guarantee that at the time of shipping your
instrument has met its published specifications.
The recommended calibration interval for this
instrument is 12 months and begins on the date of
receipt by the customer. For recalibration, please
use our calibration services. Refer to our repair and
calibration section at www.aemc.com.
Serial #:
Catalog #: 2127.85
Model #: 6681
Please fill in the appropriate date as indicated:
Date Received:
Date Calibration Due:
Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc.
d.b.a AEMC® Instruments
www.aemc.com
ORDERING INFORMATION
OrderingInformation:
Cable Locator Transmitter and Receiver............................................................... Cat. #2127.85
Shipping Contents:
(1) Cable Locator Transmitter and
(1) Cable Locator Receiver
(1) SoftCarrying Case
Set of 2, Color-coded (Red/Black)
Leads & Alligator Clips (Rated
1000V CATIV)
(1) Mini GroundRod
(1) Adapter - 110V
outlet w/banana plugs
Also includes (6) AAA batteries, (1) 9V battery and user manual.
Replacement Parts
Lead - Set of 2, 5 ft Color-coded (Red/Black) Leads,
&Alligator Clips (Rated 1000V CAT IV) ...................................................................Cat. #2140.62
Mini GroundRod.......................................................................................................Cat. #5000.79
Case – Replacement Soft Carrying Case.................................................................Cat. #5000.81
Adapter – 110V Outlet w/4mm Banana Plugs.............................................................Cat. #2118.49
For accessories and replacement parts, visit our store at www.aemc.com.
Model 6681 Cable Locator 3
Thank you for purchasing the Model 6681 Cable Locater Transmitter and Receiver.
For best results read this user manual carefully and follow all precautions for its use.
SYMBOLS
Danger. Refer to this data sheet whenever this danger symbol appears.
Indicates conformity with European directives, in particular LVD and
EMC.
Indicates that, in the European Union, the product must undergo
selective disposal in compliance with Directive WEEE 2002/96/EC. This
equipment must not be treated as household waste.
Battery.
DC and AC.
PRECAUTIONS FOR USE
This instrument and its accessories comply with safety standards IEC
61010 for voltages of 300V in category III at an altitude of less than 6562
’
(2000m), indoors, with a degree of pollution of not more than 2. Failure to
observe
the safety instructions may result in electric shock, fire, explosion,
and destruction of the instrument and of the installations.
If you use this instrument other than as specified, the protection it provides
to you may be compromised.
•Do not use the instrument if it appears damaged, incomplete, or poorly closed.
•Do not use the instrument on networks on which the voltage or category
exceeds those specified in this manual.
•Comply with all conditions of use, including temperature, relative humidity,
altitude, degree of pollution, and place of use.
•Before each use, check the condition of the insulation on the leads, housing,
and accessories. Any item on which the insulation is deteriorated (even
partially) must be set aside for repair or scrapping.
4 Model 6681 Cable Locator
•Only use leads and accessories supplied. Using leads or accessories of a lower
voltage or category reduces the voltage or category of the combined instrument
+ leads (or accessories) to that of the leads/accessories.
•All troubleshooting and metrological verifications must be done by certified
personnel. Any change may compromise safety.
•Wear suitable personal protective equipment when hazardous voltages may be
accessible in the installation where the measurement is made.
•Store the instrument a clean, dry, cool place. Remove the batteries before any
prolonged period of non-use.
Connecting the transmitter to an installation at line voltage may
create a
milliamps
-level current in the circuit.
In normal use,
the transmitter must be connected only between phase and
neutral
. If the transmitter is accidentally connected between phase and
ground
, and there is a fault in the installation, all parts connected to ground
may
become live.
When
used on a live installation, the instrument must first be checked to
ensure installation
complies with standards (NF-C-15-100, VDE-100, etc.,
depending on the country), in particular
earth resistance and connection of
the ground conductor (PE) to earth.
MEASUREMENT CATEGORIES
CAT II: corresponds to measurements taken on circuits directly connected to low-
voltage installations.
Example: power supply to electro-domestic devices and portable tools.
CAT III: corresponds to measurements on building installations.
Example: distribution panel, circuit-breakers, machines or fixed industrial devices.
CAT IV: corresponds to measurements taken at the source of low-voltage
installations.
Example: power feeders, counters and protection devices.
Model 6681 Cable Locator 5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................... 7
2. DESCRIPTION.................................................................................................................. 8
2.1TRANSMITTER...........................................................................................................8
2.1.1 INTERFACE........................................................................................................ 8
2.1.2 LCD SCREEN.....................................................................................................9
2.2 RECEIVER..................................................................................................................9
2.2.1 INTERFACE........................................................................................................ 9
2.2.2 LCD SCREEN................................................................................................... 10
2.2.3 CABLE DETECTION MODE EXAMPLES ......................................................... 10
3. OPERATION................................................................................................................... 11
3.1GETTINGSTARTED ................................................................................................. 11
3.1.1 SETTING UP..................................................................................................... 11
3.1.2 USE .................................................................................................................. 11
3.1.3 NEXT STEP: 2 TRANSMITTER CONNECTION MODES................................. 12
3.2 SINGLE-POLE OPERATION..................................................................................... 13
3.2.1 LOCATING AND TRACING LINES AND OUTLETS.......................................... 13
3.2.2 LINE BREAKS LOCATION................................................................................. 14
3.2.3 LINE BREAKS LOCATION USING TWO TRANSMITTERS............................... 16
3.2.4 FLOOR RADIENT HEATING SYSTEM FAULT DETECTION............................. 17
3.2.6 METALLIC WATER SUPPLY AND HEATING RADIATORS DETECTION ......... 19
3.2.7 IDENTIFICATION OF A BRANCH CIRCUIT ON THE SAME FLOOR................ 20
3.2.8 UNDERGROUND CIRCUIT TRACING ............................................................. 21
3.3 TWO-POLE OPERATION ......................................................................................... 22
3.3.1 CLOSED-CIRCUIT APPLICATIONS................................................................. 22
3.3.2 CIRCUIT BREAKERS/FUSES DETECTION ..................................................... 23
3.3.3 SHORT-CIRCUIT DETECTION......................................................................... 24
3.3.4 DEEP UNDERGROUND CABLES DETECTION............................................... 25
3.3.5 SORTING OR IDENTIFICATION OF CONDUCTOR PAIRS.............................. 26
3.4 INCREASING THE EFFECTIVE RADIUS OF DETECTION
OF LIVE CIRCUITS....... 27
3.5 LINE VOLTAGE IDENTIFICATION/SEARCHING FOR
BREAKS IN THE CIRCUIT.. 28
4. ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS ............................................................................................. 29
4.1TRANSMITTER VOLTMETERFUNCTION................................................................ 29
4.2 FLASHLIGHTFUNCTION.......................................................................................... 29
4.3 BACK-LIGHTFUNCTION.......................................................................................... 29
4.4 BUZZER ACTIVATION/DE-ACTIVATION.................................................................. 29
4.4.1 TRANSMITTER................................................................................................. 29
4.4.2 RECEIVER........................................................................................................ 29
4.5 AUTOMATICPOWER-OFFFUNCTION .................................................................... 29
4.5.1 TRANSMITTER................................................................................................. 29
4.5.2 RECEIVER........................................................................................................ 29
5. SPECIFICATIONS.......................................................................................................... 30
5.1 TRANSMITTER SPECIFICATIONS........................................................................... 30
5.2 RECEIVER SPECIFICATIONS.................................................................................. 30
5.3 COMPLIANCEWITHINTERNATIONALSTANDARDS.............................................. 31
6. MAINTENANCE.............................................................................................................. 32
6.1CLEANING................................................................................................................ 32
6.2 BATTERY REPLACEMENT...................................................................................... 32
6.3 TRANSMITTER FUSE CHECK................................................................................. 32
6 Model 6681 Cable Locator
1. INTRODUCTION
The Cable Locator Model 6681 detects telecommunications cables, data cables,
electric power supply cables, and metal pipes in installations of category III (or lower),
at voltages of 300V (or less) with respect to ground.
The instrument is a portable device comprising a transmitter, receiver, and
accessories. The transmitter and receiver each have a large back-lit LCD and large
keys.
The transmitter applies an AC voltage modulated by digital signals to the circuit that is
to be located, which creates a proportional alternating electric field. The transmitter is
also an AC/DC voltmeter; the display of the measured voltage is accompanied by a
symbol warning of the presence of a voltage. The transmitter also has a self-test
function, indicating good transmission between transmitter and receiver.
The receiver has a sensitive sensor that generates a display proportional to the
electric field detected. The variations of this signal, after decoding, processing, and
shaping, enable the user to determine the location of underground cables and pipes,
and the detection of any faults in them. The receiver also has a buzzer that changes
pitch as a function of the strength of the signal detected.
Fig. 1
Model 6681 Cable Locator 7
2.DESCRIPTION
2.1 TRANSMITTER
2.1.1 INTERFACE
1. LCD screen.
2. POWER: Turns instrument ON/OFF.
3. LEVEL SEL:Adjusts/confirms
transmit power level (Level I, II or III).
4. START/STOP: Starts/stops
transmission.
5. CODE SEL: Adjusts/confirms code
information to be set. Press key for 1
second to activate code selection mode.
Press briefly to exit from this mode.
Codes F, E, H, D, L, C, Y, and A can be
selected; F is the default.
6. : Decreases transmitted power level or
changes the transmission code.
7. : Increases transmitted power level or
changes the transmission code.
8. : Silent mode activation/de-activation.
In silent mode, key presses and the
buzzer are silent.
9. : Flashlight ON/OFF.
10. "+" input/output terminal for voltage
measurement and injection signal to
system under test.
11."COM" input/output terminal/Grounding
terminal.
Fig. 2
Note that if one of the POWER, CODE SEL, or LEVEL SEL keys is active, the other
two are inactive.
8 Model 6681 Cable Locator
2.1.2 LCD SCREEN
1. Transmitter battery indicastor.
2. Transmitted power level (Level I, II,
or III).
3. Transmission code (F is default).
4. AC voltage.
5. DC voltage.
6. Measured voltage. The instrument can
be used as a voltmeter with a range 12
to 300V AC/DC.
7. Transmission status.
8. Code transmitted.
9. Transmitted signal strength.
10. Voltage present symbol.
11. Silent mode symbol.
Fig. 3
2.2 RECEIVER
2.2.1 INTERFACE
Fig. 4
1. Flashlight indication.
2. Sensor head.
3. LCD screen.
4. : Turns instrument ON/OFF.
5. : Backlighting and silent mode
ON/OFF. Press briefly to activate/de-
activate backlighting. Press for 1 second to
activate/de-activate silent mode. In silent
mode, key presses and the buzzer are
silent.
6. : Flashlight ON/OFF.
7. UAC: Cable detection mode or Line
voltage detection mode.
8. MANUAL: Manual or automatic cable
detection mode.
9. : Decrease received sensitivity in manual
mode.
10. : Increase received sensitivity in manual
mode.
11. Buzzer.
Model 6681 Cable Locator 9
2.2.2 LCD SCREEN
1. Receiver battery indicator.
2. Transmitter battery indicator.
3. Received signal level (Level I, II, or III).
4. Manual mode indicator.
5. Automatic mode indicator.
6. Signal strength indicator in automatic
mode. In manual mode, displays either
"SEL" (to indicate that there is no signal) or
a value indicating signal strength. In AC
mode, "UAC" is displayed.
7. Concentric circles indicating the preset
sensitivity in graphic form. A large number
of circles indicates high sensitivity. A
small number indicates lower sensitivity.
8. Code received.
9. Received signal strength.
10. Voltage present indicator.
11. Silent mode indicator.
Fig. 5
2.2.3 CABLE DETECTION MODE EXAMPLES
1. Automatic mode
Fig. 6
2. Manual mode
Fig. 7
3. Mains voltage identification mode
Fig. 8
10 Model 6681 Cable Locator
3. OPERATION
3.1 GETTING STARTED
The best way to learn to use the Model 6681 cable locater is to follow the example
below:
3.1.1 SETTING UP
Fig. 9
1. Obtain a length of sheathed 3-conductor
cable with a cross section of at least
0.0625”.
2. Temporarily staple a 15’ length of this cable
along a wall, on an attachment surface at
eye level. The wall must be accessible from
both sides.
3. Create an artificial break in one of the
conductors at approximately 5’ from one
end.
4. Connect the end of the broken cable to the
(+) terminal on the transmitter using the test
leads (provided).
5. Connect the COM terminal of the transmitter to ground. All other conductors of
the cable must also be connected to the transmitter and to the same ground
(see Fig. 9).
At the far end of the cable, the conductors must be "open" (not connected to each
other).
3.1.2 USE
1. Switch the transmitter ON using the ON/OFF key. The transmitter displays the
initial screen and the buzzer beeps twice.
2. Press LEVEL SEL on the transmitter to enter transmit level adjustment, then
use the up and down arrow keys to select the transmit level (I, II, or III). After
setting this level, press LEVEL SEL again to exit.
3. To change the code transmitted, press the CODE SEL key on the transmitter for
approximately 1 second, then press the up arrow key or the down arrow key to
select the code transmitted (F, E, H, D, L, C, Y, or A; F is default). Press the
CODE SEL key again to exit.
4. Press START/STOP to start transmission. The concentric circles displayed on
the LCD screen will spread gradually, the code of the transmitted signal appears
on the lower right side of the display, and the strength is graphically displayed
(see Fig 5).
Model 6681 Cable Locator 11
5. Press the ON/OFF key on the receiver to turn it on. The LCD displays the start
screen, the buzzer beeps twice, and the receiver changes to Automatic Mode
as default.
6. Move the probe of the receiver slowly along the cable up to the break. A bar
graph on the right side on the receiver displays the received power level, the
code transmitted by the transmitter appears on the bottom right, the dynamic
signal strength is graphically displayed, and the buzzer changes pitch with the
change of signal strength. When the receiver probe passes over the break, the
strength of the displayed signal exhibits an obvious drop, and then disappears
completely.
7. To refine the detection, press the MANUAL key on the receiver to change to
manual mode, then use the down arrow key to reduce the sensitivity as far as
possible while checking that the receiver screen can display the transmit code
from the transmitter. This identifies where the break is located.
3.1.3 NEXT STEP: 2 TRANSMITTER CONNECTION MODES
Only these transmitter connection modes can be used to locate conductors with the
Model 6681 Cable Locator.
Single-pole application
Connect the transmitter to a single conductor. If the signal transmitted by the
transmitter is a high-frequency signal, only one conductor can be detected and traced.
The second conductor is then grounded.
This arrangement causes the flow of a high-frequency current in the conductor and its
transmission through the air to ground; this is the same principle used between the
transmitter and the receiver for radio broadcasting.
Two-poleapplication
This connection can be made energized or de-energized AC lines. The transmitter is
connected to both conductors using the two test leads.
Connection to an energized cable:
1. Connect the "+" terminal of the transmitter to the conductor connected to the
phase.
2. Connect the COM terminal of the transmitter to the neutral wire. In this case, if
there is no load on the line, the modulated current from the transmitter will flow
to the neutral conductor by coupling via the distributed capacitance of the wires,
and then return to the transmitter.
NOTE: When the transmitter is connected to a live line, if one of its terminals is
connected to a ground wire rather than the neutral, the current through the transmitter
is added to the leakage current already present in the installation. The resulting total
leakage current may then activate a GFCI if it is in that branch and possibly trip it.
12 Model 6681 Cable Locator
Connection to a de-energized cable:
1. Connect the "+" terminal of the transmitter to one wire of the cable.
2. Connect the other terminal of the transmitter to the other wire of the cable.
3. At the other end of the cable, connect the two wires together.
In this case, the modulated current returns directly to the transmitter through the
cable.
In another method, the two test leads of the transmitter can be connected to the two
ends of a single wire. In addition, since the installation is dead, the ground conductor
of the line can also be used without risk.
3.2 SINGLE-POLE OPERATION
To detect breaks in conductors in walls or under a floor:
1. Locate and trace wires, outlets, junction boxes, switches, etc., in domestic
installations.
2. Locate bottlenecks, twists, deformations, and obstructions in piping installations
using a metal wire.
3.2.1 LOCATING AND TRACING LINES AND OUTLETS
Preconditions:
•The circuit must be de-energized.
•The neutral wire and the ground wire must be connected and operational.
•Connect the transmitter to the phase and to the ground wire as shown in
Fig. 10.
Model 6681 Cable Locator 13
Fig. 10
NOTE: If the cable supplied by the signals from the transmitter is near other
conductors that are parallel to it (examples: cable tray, channel, etc.) or is interlaced
with or crosses them, the signal may then propagate in these cables and create false
detection.
3.2.2 LINE BREAKS LOCATION
Preconditions:
•The circuit must be de-energized.
•All the other wires must be grounded as shown in Fig. 11.
•Connect the transmitter to the wire under test and to ground as shown in
Fig. 11.
14 Model 6681 Cable Locator
Fig. 11
NOTES:
•The transition resistance of the break in the line must be greater than 10kΩ.
•When breaks in multi-conductor cables are traced, all the other wires of the
cable or of the shielded conductor must be grounded. This prevents cross
coupling of the applied signals (by a capacitive effect) on the terminals of the
source.
•The ground connected to the transmitter can be an auxiliary ground, the
grounding terminal of a power outlet, or a properly grounded water pipe.
•Refine the detection by setting the power level transmitted by the transmitter
and the sensitivity of the receiver in manual mode.
•When the wire is traced, the place at which the signal received by the receiver
falls off suddenly is the location of the break.
Model 6681 Cable Locator 15
3.2.3 LINE BREAKS LOCATION USING TWO TRANSMITTERS
When a line break is located using a transmitter supplying one end of the conductor,
its location may not be precise if conditions are unsatisfactory because of a
disturbance of the field. These issues can be avoided by using two transmitters (one
at each end) to detect line breaks. In this case, each transmitter is set to a different
line code, e.g. one transmitter to code F and the other to code C. (The second
transmitter, with a different line code, must therefore be purchased separately.)
Preconditions:
•The circuit measured must not be energized.
•All unused lines must be grounded as shown in Fig. 12.
•Connect the two transmitters as shown in Fig. 12.
•The measurement method is identical to that used in §3.1.
If the transmitters are connected as shown in Fig. 12, the receiver will indicate C to
the left of the line break. If the receiver goes beyond the location of the break, to the
right, it will display F. If the receiver is placed right on the break, no line code will be
displayed, because of the superposition of the signals from the two transmitters.
Fig. 12
16 Model 6681 Cable Locator
NOTES:
•The transition resistance of the line break must be greater than 100kΩ.
•When breaks in multi-conductor cables are traced, all the other wires of the
cable or of the shielded conductor must be grounded. This is necessary to
prevent cross coupling of the applied signals (by a capacitive effect) on the
terminals of the source.
•The ground connected to the transmitter can be an auxiliary ground, using the
grounding terminal of a power outlet, a properly grounded water pipe, or the
mini ground rod supplied with the Model 6681.
•When the line is traced, the place at which the signal received by the receiver
falls off suddenly is the location of the break.
Refine the detection by setting the power level transmitted by the transmitter and the
sensitivity of the receiver in manual mode.
3.2.4 FLOOR RADIENT HEATING SYSTEM FAULT DETECTION
Preconditions:
•The circuit measured must be de-energized.
•All unused lines must be grounded as shown in Fig. 13a.
•Connect the two transmitters (if two transmitters are used) as shown in Fig. 13b.
•The measurement method is identical to that used in §3.1.
Fig. 13b
•If there is a screen above the heating wires, there may not be a ground
connection. If necessary, separate the shielding from the ground connection.
•There must be grounding, and there must be a long distance between the
grounding terminal of the transmitter and the line to be located. If this
distance is too short, the signal and the line cannot be located precisely.
Fig. 13a
Model 6681 Cable Locator 17
•A second transmitter is not essential for this application. (For an application
with only one transmitter, refer to Fig. 13a.)
•When the line is traced, the place at which the signal received by the
receiver falls off suddenly is the location of the break.
Refine the detection by setting the power level transmitted by the transmitter and the
sensitivity of the receiver in manual mode.
3.2.5 CONSTRICTED (PLUGGED) SECTION OF A NON-METALLICPIPE
DETECTION
Preconditions:
•The pipe must be made of a non-conducting material (such as plastic).
•The pipe must not be energized.
•The transmitter is connected to a metallic helical tube (flexible metallic tube or
pipe) and to an auxiliary ground as shown in Fig. 14.
•The measurement method is identical to that used in §3.1.
Fig. 14
18 Model 6681 Cable Locator
NOTES:
•If there is a current flowing in the pipe, turn off its supply and connect it to
ground when the pipe is de-energized.
•One end of the pipe must be grounded, and the ground of the transmitter must
be at a safe distance from the pipe to be located. If the estimated distance is too
short, the signal and the circuit cannot be located precisely.
•If you have only a helical pipe made of a non-conducting material (fiberglass,
PVC, etc.), we suggest inserting a metal wire having a cross section of
approximately 0.0625” in the non-conducting helical pipe.
•When the line is traced, the place at which the signal received by the receiver
falls off suddenly is the location of the constriction.
•Refine the detection by setting the power level transmitted by the transmitter
and the sensitivity of the receiver in manual mode.
3.2.6 METALLIC WATER SUPPLY AND HEATING RADIATORS
DETECTION
Preconditions:
•The pipe to be detected must be conductive and metallic (for example
galvanized steel).
•The pipe must not be grounded. There must be a relatively high resistance
between the pipe and the ground (otherwise, the detection distance will be too
short).
•Connect the transmitter to the pipe and to ground.
Fig. 15
NOTES:
•The transmitter must be grounded at a safe distance from the pipe to be
detected. If the distance is too short, the signals and the circuit cannot be
located precisely.
Model 6681 Cable Locator 19
•To detect a pipe made of a non-conducting material, we suggest first inserting a
helical metal tube or a metal wire having a cross section of approximately 0.625”
in the pipe, as explained in §3.2.5.
•Refine the detection by setting the power level transmitted by the transmitter
and the sensitivity of the receiver in manual mode.
3.2.7 IDENTIFICATION OF A BRANCH CIRCUIT ON THE SAME
FLOOR
Precondition: The circuit measured must de-energized.
To detect a supply circuit on the same floor, proceed as follows:
1. Trip the main circuit-breaker of the floor's load center (circuit breaker panel).
2. In the circuit breaker panel, disconnect the neutral wire of the circuit to be
identified from the neutral wires of the other circuits.
3. Connect the transmitter as shown in Figure 16.
Fig. 16
NOTE:Refine the detection by setting the power level transmitted by the transmitter
and the sensitivity of the receiver in manual mode.
20 Model 6681 Cable Locator
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