Amprobe ECB50A User manual

User Manual
• Mode d’emploi
• Bedienungshandbuch
• Manuale d’Uso
• Manual de uso
ECB50A, ECB50A-E,
ECB50A-FGIS
Circuit Breaker Finder
and AC Cable Tracer

ECB50A, ECB50A-E,
ECB50A-FGIS
Circuit Breaker Finder
and AC Line Tracer
Users Manual
• Mode d’emploi
• Bedienungshandbuch
• Manuale d’ Uso
• Manual de uso
PN 2099447
April 2007, Rev.2
©2007 Amprobe Test Tools.
All rights reserved. Printed in China

ECB50A, ECB50A-E,
ECB50A-FGIS
Circuit Breaker Finder
and AC Line Tracer
Users Manual
English

1
ECB50A, ECB50A-E, ECB50A-FGIS
Circuit Breaker Finder and AC Cable Tracer
Contents
Safety Information........................................................................3
Symbols Used in this Manual .....................................................3
Introduction...................................................................................4
Finding Circuit Breakers and Fuses See Figure -1-........................4
Locating and Tracing Cables in Walls See Figure -2-.....................5
Sorting Out a Single Wire in a Bundle of Cables
See Figure -3- ...........................................................................5
Product Maintenance....................................................................6
Cleaning ......................................................................................6
Replacing the Battery See Figure -4-.......................................6
Specifications.................................................................................6
Limited Warranty and Limitation of Liability..............................8
Repair.............................................................................................9

2
6
5
1
2
3
4
A
ECB50A Receiver
1Sensor
2On / Pulse LED
3Low Battery Indicator
4Fuse- Line mode switch
5On/Off-and sensitivity
adjustment switch
6Code Display. “H”
indicates signal
received.
2
1ECB50
A
ECB50A-E
ECB50A-FGIS
ECB50A Transmitter
1Handgrip
2Plug connector

3
Safety Information
To avoid possible electric shock or personal injury, follow these guidelines:
• Do not use the transmitter/receiver if it is damaged.
Before you use the transmitter/receiver, inspect the
case. Look for cracks or missing plastic. Pay particular
attention to the insulation surrounding the connectors.
• If this product is used in a manner not specified by the
manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment
may be impaired.
• Do not use the transmitter/receiver if it operates
abnormally. Protection may be impaired. When in doubt,
have the transmitter/receiver serviced.
• Do not attempt to repair this transmitter/receiver. There
are no user serviceable parts.
• Use caution when working above 30 V ac rms, 42 V peak,
or 60 V dc. Such voltages pose a shock hazard.
• Do not operate the transmitter/receiver with the battery
door removed or loosened.
• CAT III equipment is designed to protect against
transients in equipment in fixed-equipment installations,
such as distribution panels, feeders and short branch
circuits, and lighting systems in large buildings.
Symbols Used in this Manual
Symbols on the instrument and in the instruction manual:
WWarns of
potential danger.
Refer to the
manual
XDangerous Voltage
TDouble insulated.
Continuous
double or
reinforced
insulation
complies to IEC
536, Class II
PSymbol of conformity,
confirms conformity with
relevant EU directives. The
instrument complies with the
EMC Directive (89/ 336/ EEC)
specifically standards EN50081-
1 and EN50082-1, as well as
the Low Voltage Directive
(73/23/EEC) described in the
standard EN61010-1.
UL UL 1244

4
Introduction
The ECB50A Circuit Breaker Finder and AC Cable Locator
consists of a transmitter and a receiver. Similar to radio signals,
the transmitter functions by means of a coded carrier sending
a signal into the cable. Using the built-in sensor, the receiver
can indicate the transmitted code as a symbol on the display
as well as providing an audible signal. The audible sound level
automatically intensifies as the source is approached.
The ECB50A is the ideal tracing instrument for sorting out
AC wires in a bundle of cables, tracing lines in overhead
installations and walls, and assigning current circuits to fuses.
Using the ECB50A you can:
• Sort out a single wire in a bundle of cables.
• Trace and find AC cable in walls.
• Assign current circuits to fuses within fuse panels.
• Switch between locating cable lines or locating fuses.
• Adjust sensitivity when tracing lines and locating cables.
Finding Circuit Breakers and Fuses See Figure -1-
1. Turn on the ECB50A receiver using the On/Off switch.
2. Set the Fuse/Line switch to the Fuse position.
3. Plug the ECB50A transmitter into the voltage socket
connected to the fuse or circuit breaker.
4. Turn the On/Off switch toward the top of the receiver to
set sensitivity to the highest sensitivity level. Turn toward
the bottom of the receiver to reduce sensitivity.
5. Position the receiver at a 90 degree angle (perpendicular)
over the top of the fuse or circuit breaker. Adjust the
sensitivity level until the “H” code is displayed along with
a blinking LED and an audible tone.
6. If a reception signal is received at several fuses/circuit
breakers, use the On/Off switch to reduce the sensitivity
until the minimum reception is received. Repeat this
procedure until only one fuse indicates a reception signal.
This fuse/circuit breaker protects the socket to which
the transmitter has been connected. The tracing depth
amounts to approximately 10 cm (4 in).
WCaution
Keep hands clear of wiring when tracing wires or fuses in
distribution panels.

5
Locating and Tracing Cables in Walls See Figure -2-
1. Turn on the receiver using the On/Off switch.
2. Set the Fuse/Line switch to the Line position.
3. Plug the ECB transmitter into the socket for AC line to be
traced.
4. Turn the On/Off switch toward the top of the receiver to
set sensitivity to the highest sensitivity level. Turn toward
the bottom of the receiver to reduce sensitivity.
5. Place the ECB50A receiver close to the transmitter to
receive a confirmation signal that both ECB50A test
components are active and working. The receiver is
receiving a signal from the transmitter when it displays
the letter “H” on the display and the LED is blinking.
Also an audible signal is present with varied loudness
depending on strength of signal received.
6. Next, begin locating the signal in the cable to be traced
by circling around the socket. When you receive a
signal, reduce the sensitivity until the minimum signal
is received. If the signal decreases, the receiver is either
moving off the AC cable path or the cable is installed
deeper into the wall. If necessary, adjust the sensitivity
level to increase the signal strength. Depending on local
conditions, the tracing depth amounts to approx. 0 to 40
cm (0 to 15 inches).
Sorting Out a Single Wire in a Bundle of Cables
See Figure -3-
1. Turn on the receiver using the On/Off switch.
2. Set the Fuse/Line switch to the Line position.
3. Plug the ECB transmitter into the socket of the AC wire to
be traced.
4. Turn the On/Off switch toward the top of the receiver to
set sensitivity to the highest sensitivity level. Turn toward
the bottom of the receiver to reduce sensitivity.
5. Place the ECB50A receiver close to the transmitter to
receive a confirmation signal that both ECB50A test
components are active and working. The receiver is
receiving a signal from the transmitter when it displays
the letter “H” on the display and the LED is blinking.
Also an audible signal is present with varied loudness
depending on strength of signal received.

6
6. Next, try to locate the transmitted signal at the bundle of
cables. When you receive a signal, reduce the sensitivity
until the minimum reception of the signal is heard and
seen. If necessary, increase the sensitivity somewhat to
confirm the signal.
Product Maintenance
As long as the instructions in this manual are followed, no
special maintenance is required.
Cleaning
Disconnect the instrument from all circuits. To clean the
transmitter/receiver, use a soft cloth moistened with water. To
avoid damage to the plastic components do not use benzene,
alcohol, acetone, ether, paint thinner, lacquer thinner, ketone
or other solvents to clean the transmitter/receiver. Allow a
recovery time of 6 hours after cleaning before operating the
instrument.
Replacing the Battery See Figure -4-
A red LED indicates that the battery needs to be replaced. To
replace the battery:
1. Turn off the instrument using the On/Off switch
2. Loosen the screw on the back of the instrument and open
the case.
3. Remove the battery and insert the new 9 V alkaline
battery using the correct polarity. Recycle your discharged
battery.
4. Reassemble the case.
5. Insert the screw and tighten it.
Specifications
Humidity: Valid for 23 °C ± 5°, for less than 80% relative
humidity)
Transmitter
Voltage range: 100 V to 125 V for ECB50A; 100 V to 250 V for
ECB50A-E and ECB50A-FGIS
Power consumption: approximately 1 W
Frequency range: 30 to 70 Hz for ECB50A; 50 to 60 Hz for
ECB50A-E, ECB50A-FGIS
Transmission frequency: approximately 8 kHz
Transmitter frequency: approximately 10 Hz

7
Temperature range: -10 °C to 40 °C at maximum 80% relative
humidity
Dimensions: 70 x 55 x 86 mm (2.8 x 2.1 x 3.4 in)
Weight: approximately 65 g (2.3 oz)
!P
Overvoltage category: CAT III 150 V ECB50A, Cat III 300 V
ECB50A-E, and ECB50A-FGIS, UL 1244
Pollution degree: 2
Protection class: IP20
Receiver
Tracing depth for fuse identification: approximately 0 to 10
cm (4 in) depending on local conditions
Tracing depth for cable location: approximately 0 to 40 cm
(15 in) depending on local conditions.
Sensitivity setting: Using On/Off control potentiometer
Low battery indication: 7.5 V
Switching fuse/cable: manually using Fuse-Line switch
Temperature range: -10 °C to 40 °C (14 °to 104 °F) at
maximum 80% relative humidity
Dimensions: 22 x 162 x 34 mm ( 0.9 x 6.4 x 1.3 in)
Weight: approximately 100 g (3.5 oz)
P
Overvoltage category: CAT III 150 V ECB50A, Cat III 300 V
ECB50A-E, and ECB50A-FGIS, UL 1244
Pollution degree: 2
Protection class: IP20
Power supply: 9 V battery, IEC 6LR61, Alkaline only
Applicable directives and standards: EMC: EN 50081-1,
EN 50082-1 ECB50A, Cat III 300 V ECB50A-E, and ECB50A-FGIS,
UL 1244 Low Voltage Directive: EN 61010-1 ECB50A-E and
ECB50A-FGIS

8
Limited Warranty and Limitation of Liability
Your Amprobe product will be free from defects in material
and workmanship for 1 year from the date of purchase. This
warranty does not cover fuses, disposable batteries or damage
from accident, neglect, misuse, alteration, contamination, or
abnormal conditions of operation or handling. Resellers are
not authorized to extend any other warranty on Amprobe’s
behalf. To obtain service during the warranty period, return
the product with proof of purchase to an authorized Amprobe
Test Tools Service Center or to an Amprobe dealer or distributor.
See Repair Section for details. THIS WARRANTY IS YOUR ONLY
REMEDY. ALL OTHER WARRANTIES - WHETHER EXPRESS,
IMPLIED OR STAUTORY - INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR MERCHANTABILITY,
ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED. MANUFACTURER SHALL NOT
BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, ARISING FROM ANY
CAUSE OR THEORY. Since some states or countries do not
allow the exclusion or limitation of an implied warranty or of
incidental or consequential damages, this limitation of liability
may not apply to you.

9
Repair
All test tools returned for warranty or non-warranty repair or
for calibration should be accompanied by the following: your
name, company’s name, address, telephone number, and proof
of purchase. Additionally, please include a brief description of
the problem or the service requested and include the test leads
with the meter. Non-warranty repair or replacement charges
should be remitted in the form of a check, a money order, credit
card with expiration date, or a purchase order made payable to
Amprobe® Test Tools.
In-Warranty Repairs and Replacement – All
Countries
Please read the warranty statement and check your battery
before requesting repair. During the warranty period any
defective test tool can be returned to your Amprobe® Test
Tools distributor for an exchange for the same or like product.
Please check the “Where to Buy” section on www.amprobe.com
for a list of distributors near you. Additionally, in the United
States and Canada In-Warranty repair and replacement units
can also be sent to a Amprobe® Test Tools Service Center (see
address below).
Non-Warranty Repairs and Replacement – US and Canada
Non-warranty repairs in the United States and Canada
should be sent to a Amprobe® Test Tools Service Center. Call
Amprobe® Test Tools or inquire at your point of purchase for
current repair and replacement rates.
In USA In Canada
Amprobe Test Tools Amprobe Test Tools
Everett, WA 98203 Mississauga, ON L4Z 1X9
Tel: 877-AMPROBE (267-7623) Tel: [phone]

10
Non-Warranty Repairs and Replacement – Europe
European non-warranty units can be replaced by your
Amprobe® Test Tools distributor for a nominal charge. Please
check the “Where to Buy” section on www.amprobe.com for a
list of distributors near you.
European Correspondence Address*
Amprobe® Test Tools Europe
P.O. Box 1186
5602 BD Eindhoven
The Netherlands
*(Correspondence only – no repair or replacement available
from this address. European customers please contact your
distributor.)

11

12