Amprobe AT-2032 User manual

Users Manual
• Bedienungshandbuch
• Manual de instrucciones
AT-2032
Cable Locator
PAEDAT203200:Layout 1 15.01.2009 15:04 Uhr Seite 1

2
PAEDAT203200:Layout 1 15.01.2009 15:04 Uhr Seite 2

AT-2032
Cable Locator
Users Manual
©2008 Amprobe
Users Manual
1
PAEDAT203200:Layout 1 15.01.2009 15:04 Uhr Seite 1

2
Contents............................................................................................................................Page
Limited Warranty and Limitation of Liability Repair ......................................................3
In-Warranty Repairs and Replacement – All Countries....................................................3
Non-Warranty Repairs and Replacement – US and Canada ............................................4
Non-Warranty Repairs and Replacement – Europe ........................................................4
References marked on instrument or in instruction manual:..........................................5
Einleitung / Lieferumfang ................................................................................................6
Transport and Storage ......................................................................................................6
Operator´s Safety ..............................................................................................................7
Appropriate Usage ............................................................................................................7
Theoretical functional principle........................................................................................8
Operating elements ..........................................................................................................9
There are several possibilities for a Cable Locator in complete circuits: ........................10
Important Application ......................................................................................................11
Line interruptions in walls and floors ..............................................................................13
Detecting short-circuits or during wire sorting, i.e circuits with or wihout voltage......14
The reach will be improved when seeking the tension ..................................................15
Locating and tracing of lines, sockets, switches and junctions in house
installations circuits. ..........................................................................................................16
Locating of line interruptions ..........................................................................................17
Locating of bottlenecks (obstructions) in installation pipes. ..........................................18
Locating of short-circuits in conductors............................................................................19
Locating Fuses ....................................................................................................................20
Locating a complete house wiring....................................................................................21
Precise locating of line interruptions using two transmitters ........................................22
Error detection for a electrical floor heating. ..................................................................24
Following lines with higher location depth. ....................................................................25
Tracing installed water and heating pipes. ......................................................................26
Detecting the direction of water and heating pipes already installed ..........................27
Sorting or determination of conductors already installed ..............................................28
Maintenance ......................................................................................................................29
Cleaning ............................................................................................................................29
Battery Replacement ........................................................................................................30
Technical Data....................................................................................................................31
PAEDAT203200:Layout 1 15.01.2009 15:04 Uhr Seite 2

Limited Warranty and Limitation of Liability
Your Amprobe product will be free from defects in material and workmanship for 2 years
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 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.
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.
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 distributor for
an exchange for the same or like product. Please check the “Where to Buy” section on
www.amprobe.eu 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 Service
Center (see next page for address).
3
PAEDAT203200:Layout 1 15.01.2009 15:04 Uhr Seite 3

4
Non-Warranty Repairs and Replacement – US and Canada
Non-warranty repairs in the United States and Canada should be sent to a Amprobe Service
Center. Call Amprobe 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: [phone] Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Non-Warranty Repairs and Replacement – Europe
European non-warranty units can be replaced by your Amprobe distributor for a nominal
charge. Please check the “Where to Buy” section on www.amprobe.eu for a list of distributors
near you.
European Correspondence Address
BEHA-AMPROBE GmbH
In den Engematten 14
79286 Glottertal
Germany
Tel. [phone] - 0
Fax. [phone] - 410
www.amprobe.eu
[email protected]
PAEDAT203200:Layout 1 15.01.2009 15:04 Uhr Seite 4

Warning of a potential danger, comply with instruction manual.
Reference. Please use utmost attention.
Caution! Dangerous voltage. Danger of electrical shock.
Continuous double or reinforced insulation complies with Category II IEC 61140.
Symbol for the marking of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE Directive
2002/96/EC).
Conformity symbol, the instrument complies with the relevant Directives. It
complies with the EMC Directive (89/336/EEC). It also complies with the Low
Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC).
5
References marked on instrument orin instruction manual:
WARNING
The instruction manual containsinformation andreferencesnecessary for safe operation
andmaintenance of the instrument.
Prior to using the instrument (commissioning / assembly) the user is kindly requested to
thoroughly read the instruction manual and comply with it in all sections.
Failure to readthe instruction manual or to comply with the warningsandreferences
containedherein can result in seriousbodily injury or instrument damage.
PAEDAT203200:Layout 1 15.01.2009 15:04 Uhr Seite 5

6
Product Description/Scope of supply
The Cable Locator consists of a transmitter and a receiver. The Cable Locator is characterized
by the following features:
• Finding conductors in walls, conductor interruptions, short-circuits in conductors
• Detecting fuses and assigning current circuits
• Tracing sockets and distribution sockets having accidentally been covered by plastering
• Detecting interruptions and short-circuits in floor heating
• Tracing metallic water and heating piping
• All application areas (both, voltage-free and live) are performed without using any addi-
tional instruments
Scope of supply:
1 pc. AT-2032 Cable Locator Transmitter
1 pc. AT-2032 Cable Locator Receiver
4 pcs. Test Leads
3 pcs. Battery 9 V, IEC 6LR61
2 pcs. Cocodile Clamps
2 pcs. Test Probes
1 pc. Carrying Case
1 pc. Users Manual
Transport and Storage
• Please keep the original packaging for later transport, e.g. for calibration. Any transport
damage due to faulty packaging will be excluded from warranty claims.
• In order to avoid instrument damage, it is advised to remove batteries when not using the
instrument over a certain time period. However, should the instrument be contaminated
by leaking battery cells, you are kindly requested to return it to the factory for cleaning and
inspection.
• Instruments must be stored in dry and closed areas. In the case of an instrument being
transported in extreme temperatures, a recovery time of at least 2 hours is required prior
to instrument operation.
PAEDAT203200:Layout 1 15.01.2009 15:04 Uhr Seite 6

7
Operator´s Safety
WARNING
• The AT-2032 has been designed and checked in accordance with the safety regulations for
Electronic test and Measurement and left our factory in a safe and perfect condition. In order
to maintain this condition and to ensure safe operation, the operator must respect the ref-
erences and warnings contained in this instruction manual.
• The respective accident prevention regulations established by the professional associations
for electrical systems and equipment must be strictly met at all times.
• Measurements in dangerous proximity of electrical installations are only to be executed
when instructed by a responsible electrical specialist, and never alone.
• Prior to usage, inspect instrument and test leads for external damage.Prior to any
operation, ensure that the connecting leads used and the instrument are both in perfect
condition.
• If the operator’s safety can no longer be guaranteed, the instrument is to be put out of
service and protected against use. The safety is no longer guaranteed, if theinstrument:
• shows obvious damage
• does not carry out the desired measurements
• has been stored for too long under unfavourable conditions
• has been subjected to mechanical stress during transport.
• The instrument may only be used within the operating ranges as specified in the technical
data section.
• Avoid any heating up of the instrument by direct sunlight to ensure perfect functioning and
long instrument life.
• The instrument may only be connected to voltage free earth connectors!
Appropriate Usage
WARNING
• The instrument may only be used under those conditions and for those purposes for which
it was built. For this reason, the safety references, as well as the technical data including
environmental conditions must be followed at all times.
• The operational safety of the instrument is no longer guaranteedafter unauthorised
modifications or changes.
• Service and maintenance may only be carried out by an authorised service technician
PAEDAT203200:Layout 1 15.01.2009 15:04 Uhr Seite 7

8
Theoretical functional principle
The Cable Locater consists of a transmitter and a receiver. The signal generated by the
transmitter consist of a modulatet current. Generating a magnetic field arround a conductor
, see figure 1. This electromagnetic field arround the conductor induces a voltage in the
receiver coil.
The induced voltage is amplified and decoded by the receiver, transformed to the original
signal and indicated in the optical display. This means, the transmitter must always be
connected as to ensure a complete circuit .
Figure 1
SIGNAL
LEVEL
CODE
PAEDAT203200:Layout 1 15.01.2009 15:04 Uhr Seite 8

Operating elements
Transmitter
1) Terminal
2) Terminal
3) Display transmitter
4) Signal intensity setting
"LEVEL I" and
"LEVEL II"
5) Power switch on/off
Receiver
1) 7-segment display for indication of line
number, receiver battery condition, battery
condition transmitter (display "L" for low
battery)
2) LED row for display of signal intensity
received (luminous row)
3) Range display indicates that the signal from
transmitter is present
4) Sensitivity setting »SENSE MAX«
5) Sensitivity setting »SENSE MIN«
6) Power Switch on/off
7) contact-electrode intensifies the sensitivity
by factor 1.5
3
4
12
5
LEVEL
I
II
1
3
2
4
5
7
6
SIGNAL
LEVEL
CODE
9
PAEDAT203200:Layout 1 15.01.2009 15:04 Uhr Seite 9

10
There are several possibilities fora Cable Locatorin complete cir-
cuits:
1st Possibility (one pole application)
Connect the transmitter to only one conductor. In this operational mode, the transmitter is
supplied by the bulild-in battery. Due to the high-frequenzy signal generated by the
transmitter, only one single conductor can be located and traced. The second conductor is the
ground.
This arrangement causes a high-frquenzy current to flow through the conductor and to be
transmitted to ground, similar to a radio and receiver. As from now on, we will call the above
described operation one-pole application.
2ndPossibility (double-pole application)
Connect the transmitter to the mains. The transmitte is supplied by the mains. In this example,
the modualted current flows through the phase into the transformer and back through
neutral. There is a furhter possibility for voltage free systems by connecting the transmitter
to two line terminals while short-circuiting the other line ends. Thus a complete circuit is
created. Then, the transmitter is supplied by the build-in battery. From now on , we will call
this operation double pole application.
The Cable Locator can only detect or locate lines, etc. which are connected correctly in
accordance with the physical principle described.
PAEDAT203200:Layout 1 15.01.2009 15:04 Uhr Seite 10

Important Application
In order to sucessufull work with this instrument, you have to try the varios tracing possibilities
at an approproate location within your surrondings. For example , try with detecting line
interruptions. Before using the instrument , insert the supplied batteries
For our example, we advise you to take a piece of a plastic-sheathed cable NYM 3 x 1,5 mm2,
for example. Provisionally install 5m of this cable along the wall with nail clips at eye level as
surface mounting. Make sure that the wall is accessible from both sides. Create an arifived
interruption at a distance of 1,5m before the line terminal. The line terminals must be open.
Strip the interrrupted lead at the lead at the start of the light plastic-sheathed cable and
connect it via the measuring leads (supplied with the instrument) with terminal (1) of the
transmitter. Connect terminal (2) of the transmitter to a suitable ground. All other cable leads
must also be connected to the transmitter and the same ground.
Switch in the transmitter via pushbutton (5). Set the transmitter to "LEVEL I" via button (4).
The transmitter function is indicated via the flashing of the signal lamp (3). During the
manufacture process, the transmitter has been programmed to display the letter "F". Switch
on the receiver via pushbutton (6). An "O" is indicated on the display for a short period of
time, then the decimal point is visible. This indicates that the receiver is functional and that
the batteries are full. When switching on the receiver, the instrument is automaticaly set to
the medium sensitivity level 5. The sensitivety range comprises 9 levels. The respective
sensitivity level, betweeen 1 and 9, is changed and briefly displayed (1) by pressing buttons
(4) or (5). Button (4) advances in the direction of the maximum sensitivity "SENSE MAX", while
button(5) advances in the direction of minimum sensitivity " SENSE MIN". When pressing
buttons (4) or (5), the sensitifity level digit 1 to 9 is indicated in the display (1), whereby 1
represent the lowest and 9 the highest sensitifety level. Now approate the light-plastic
sheathed cable with your receiver just before the location of the interruption. With button
(5) "SENSE MIN" set the sensitivity level so as to just receive the "F" signal. The signal strenght
is indicated via the row of lights LED´s (2). The display (3) indicates the signal sent. Togehter
with this optical indication, an acoustic signal is also emitted from the receiver. As soon as the
receiver receives an acceptable signal, this display flashes at the same rythm as the signal sent.
If the signal, the strenght increases , letter "F" apperars in the display (1). If the signal strenght
increases further, the lamps in luminous row (2) are illuminated one after the other in
accordance with the signal stenght. Now, using the lowest possible sensitivity level of the
receiver, move along the cable and past the interruption. The signal "F" is not displayed any
longer and the acoustic signal is not audible any more. Pepeat the same experiment on the
other side of the wall. It would be advantagerous for the test, if you marked the artifical
interruption also on the other side of the wall. Set the sensitivety via button (4) "SENSE MAX"
and button (5) "SENE MIN" as to still receive signal "F". Trace the signal allong the wall with
the receiver, until it si not displayed any more. Systematically circle round the interruption by
changing the sensitivity.
11
PAEDAT203200:Layout 1 15.01.2009 15:04 Uhr Seite 11

12
NOTE:
By touching the contact electrode „7“ the sensitivity range is increased to factor 1.5.
Attention:
The switching with button 4 from »LEVEL I« to »LEVEL II« the sensitivity of the Distance is
increased up to factor 5 - 6.
LEVEL
I
II
SIGNAL
LEVEL
CODE
SIGNAL
LEVEL
CODE
PAEDAT203200:Layout 1 15.01.2009 15:04 Uhr Seite 12

Line interruptions in walls and floors
1. In open circuits(single-pole application):
Finding and tracing of lines, sockets, junction box, switches, etc. for house installations.
Finding of bottlenecks, kinking and bucklings and obstructions in installation pipes by means
of a metal coil.
Finding of sockets, switches etc. in voltagefree systems. The ground connector must be
connected to a suitable earth. A typical example would be the earth of an earthed socket.
The tracing depth amountsto 0...40 cm.
This cable Locator has been developed to detect metal conductors (cables and contacts) in
buildings. The Cable Locator is suitable for open and complete circuits. It trace lines
LEVEL
I
II
SIGNAL
LEVEL
CODE
SIGNAL
LEVEL
CODE
SIGNAL
LEVEL
CODE
13
PAEDAT203200:Layout 1 15.01.2009 15:04 Uhr Seite 13

14
Detecting short-circuits orduring wire sorting, i.e circuits with or
wihout voltage
2 . In complete circuits: (double pole application)
Voltgage-free circuits are directly supplied by the instrument battery. In live circuits , the
transmitter is supplied directly by the circuit connected. Switching from battery voltage to
circuit voltage is carried out automatically. The transmitter is voltage-proof up to 250 V
AC/DC.
Example for a complete circuit:
Complete circuits are apppropriate for: i.e.detecting sockets, switches, etc in live installations.
Tracing depth approx. 0 . . . 5 cm
LEVEL
I
II
SIGNAL
LEVEL
CODE
SIGNAL
LEVEL
CODE
SIGNAL
LEVEL
CODE
PAEDAT203200:Layout 1 15.01.2009 15:04 Uhr Seite 14

The reach will be improved when seeking the tension
Example 1(dual-pole application)
The reach will be improved when seeking the tension:
If the transmitter is attached at the
phase and the neutral coil directly gets
lost the signal in the line going
parallelly to and back (see figure).
The signal raise each other. The reach
is therefore only approx. 5 cm
To turn the effect pointed in the upper
figure off, the connection schould be
carried out like the lower figure. The
backline is produced about a seperate
cable. The distance in in voltage-
circuits will be up to 40 cm. Back coils
at higher distance i.e. Cabletrace
Respect safety instructions when
connecting under voltage.
15
PAEDAT203200:Layout 1 15.01.2009 15:04 Uhr Seite 15

16
Locating and tracing of lines, sockets, switches and junctions in
house installations circuits.
Example 2 (one-pole application)
The fuse must be removed during this example.
NOTE:
By touching the contact electrode „7“ the sensitivity range is increased to factor 1.5.
Tracing depth approx. 0 . . . 40 cm
Requirements:
1) The circuit must be dead.
2) Neutral line and ground must be connected and fully operational.
3) Connect transmitter to phase and neutral according to figure 2.
4) Carry out this example as described in the application example.
If the circuit cannot be switched of due to technical reason, sockets , etc. for eaxample can
also be assigned to the respective circuits in live systems. However, the mode of application
changes to a double-pole application. This ensures, that the tracing depth is reduced and the
tracing of lateral branches is largely limited. Only the path from the transmitter point of
supply to the next main distribution can be traced.
LEVEL
I
II
SIGNAL
LEVEL
CODE
SIGNAL
LEVEL
CODE
PAEDAT203200:Layout 1 15.01.2009 15:04 Uhr Seite 16

Locating of line interruptions
Example 3 (one-pole application)
NOTE:
By touching the contact electrode „7“ the sensitivity range is increased to factor 1.5.
Tracing depth approx. 0 . . . 40 cm.
Requirements:
1) The circuit must be dead.
2) All lines which are not required must be conneted to the auxiliary ground in
accordance with figure 3.
3) Connect transmitter to one lead and to an neutral according to figure 3.
4) Carry out this example as described in the application example.
The ground connected to the transmitter can be earth from an earthed socket or a water
pipe which is properly earthed, the extra leads which are not required can be connected to
this ground, too.
When tracing line interruptions in multicore cables, not that all remaining leads in the plastic-
sheathed cable or conductor must be grounded in accordance with the regulations. This is
required to avoid crosscoupling of the fed signal (by a capacitive effect to the source
terminals). The tracing depth for sheathed cable and conductors are different, as the
individual leads in the sheathed cable are twisted around themselves. The transition resistance
of a line interruption must be higher than 100kOhm. The verification of resistance can be
carried out by any multimeter.
Systematically circle round the interruption by changing the sensitivity
Line interruption in the plastic-sheathed cable.
LEVEL
I
II
SIGNAL
LEVEL
CODE
SIGNAL
LEVEL
CODE
17
PAEDAT203200:Layout 1 15.01.2009 15:04 Uhr Seite 17

Locating of bottlenecks (obstructions) in installation pipes.
Example 4 (single-pole application)
NOTE:
By touching the contact electrode „7“ the sensitivity range is increased to factor 1.5.
Tracing depht approx. 0. . . 40 cm
Requirements:
1) Any circuits in the pipe must be dead and grounded.
2) Connect transmitter to the metal coil and auxiliary ground according to figure 4.
3) Carry out this example as described in the application example
Systematically circle round the interruption by changing the sensitivity.
Requirements:
If you have only one coil actual of non conducting materieal (f.ex.. fiber), we recommand you
to slide a copper wire p.ex.1,5 mm2up to the X-place.
LEVEL
I
II
SIGNAL
LEVEL
CODE
SIGNAL
LEVEL
CODE
18
PAEDAT203200:Layout 1 15.01.2009 15:04 Uhr Seite 18