Eagle Eye Power Solutions GFL-1000 User manual

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GFL-1000 User Manual
Ground Fault Locator

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Contents
Contents..........................................................................................................................1
1 Declaration of Conformity.........................................................................................3
2 Introduction ..............................................................................................................3
3 Equipment Information.............................................................................................3
3.1 Safety Precautions.............................................................................................4
3.2 Specifications.....................................................................................................4
3.3 GFL –1000 Equipment List................................................................................5
3.4 Typical Applications ...........................................................................................6
4 Getting Started.........................................................................................................7
4.1 Navigation..........................................................................................................8
4.2 Setting Up the Signal Generator.......................................................................10
4.2.1 DC Systems...............................................................................................10
4.2.2 Connecting Up...........................................................................................10
4.2.3 Setting the Output Voltage and Current Limit ............................................ 12
4.3 Setting up the Signal Receiver......................................................................... 14
4.3.1 Setting the Frequency and Audio Indicator................................................ 15
4.3.2 Setting the Reference................................................................................16
5 Tracing the Fault....................................................................................................18
5.1 Basic Principles................................................................................................18
5.2 Tracing an ground fault ....................................................................................19
5.3 Tracing ‘Wire Mix’ faults...................................................................................20
5.4 Tracing Partial Short Circuits............................................................................21
5.5 Using Two Current Clamps..............................................................................22
5.6 Factors Affecting Fault Tracing ........................................................................23
5.6.1 Distributed Capacitance............................................................................. 23
5.6.2 System Noise and Interference..................................................................23
5.7 Hints and Tips..................................................................................................24

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5.7.1 Resetting the Reference value...................................................................24
5.7.2 Using more than one Signal Receiver .......................................................24
5.7.3 Voltage, Current and Selection.................................................................. 24
6 Signal Generator Additional Functions...................................................................24
6.1 Setting the Date and Time................................................................................ 24
6.2 Settings............................................................................................................ 24
6.3 Version.............................................................................................................24
7 Signal Receiver Additional Functions.....................................................................25
7.1 Spectrum Analyzer...........................................................................................25
7.1.1 Resolution..................................................................................................25
7.1.2 BP (Band Pass) Filter................................................................................ 26
7.1.3 Spectrum Analysis.....................................................................................26
7.2 Oscilloscope.....................................................................................................27
7.3 System............................................................................................................. 29
7.3.1 Version ......................................................................................................29
7.3.2 Calibration ................................................................................................. 29
7.3.3 Set Time....................................................................................................29
7.3.4 Frequency Synchronization .......................................................................30
8 Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................... 31
8.1 Checking the Signal Generator........................................................................32
8.2 Checking the Signal Receiver..........................................................................32
8.3 Problems during Use........................................................................................ 32
8.4 Cleaning, Storage, and Maintenance............................................................... 33
8.5 Help and Support.............................................................................................33

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1 Declaration of Conformity
This equipment conforms to the relevant requirements of EMC Directive EMC
2004/108/EC. Samples of this equipment have been tested and found to conform to the
following standards:
EN50022:2006+A1:2007
EN55024:1998+A1;2001+A2:2003
EN61000-3-2:2006
EN61000-2-3:1995+A1+A2:2005
2 Introduction
The GFL –1000 is designed to locate ground faults in DC bus systems used in a wide
variety of applications. The detector works by injecting an AC signal into the bus system
with respect to ground using the signal generator. The signal path is then traced using
current clamps connected to the signal receiver. The direction of current flow is
indicated on the receiver display, enabling the clamps to be moved to another branch or
section of wiring. The measurement is repeated, the clamps moved again until thefaulty
part of the circuit is located. The GFL –1000 uses sophisticated patented hardware and
software measurement and filtering to reduce noise in order to assist and speed upfault
tracing, while reducing the possibility of error.
The GFL –1000 will also detect faults between the bus bars.
The GFL –1000 will operate at different voltages and frequencies to suit the bus
system, and includes self test and calibration system if these are required.
3 Equipment Information

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3.1 Safety Precautions
The GFL –1000 generates high voltages and is also connected to high voltage
systems. Note the following:
•When using the equipment Personal Protective Equipment must be wornat
all times. In particular, insulating gloves must be worn when connecting
test leads. Under no circumstances must test leads, current clamps etc. be
handled without insulating gloves.
•This equipment must only be used by qualified personnel who mustknow
and comply with all safety and legal regulations related its use. Do not
allow children or unqualified personnel to touch or use theequipment.
o A Qualified person is one who is familiar with all aspects of use of
the equipment, and understands the relevant safety regulations and
requirements. They must be formally qualified to use and carry out
work with this equipment.
•The equipment (including leads, connection clips, current clamps and
other accessories) must not be used if it has been damaged in any way,
either by mechanical, electrical or other stress, includingenvironmental
such as excessive moisture, temperature extremes etc.
•The equipment and its accessories must not be used if they are dampor
dirty.
•Do not use the equipment in an explosive atmosphere or hazardousarea,
•There are no user serviceable parts inside the equipment. Opening the
equipment will render void any warranty and may render theequipment
dangerous and therefore should no longer be used.
•The user should become familiar with the equipment and system undertest
before starting testing.
3.2 Specifications
The GFL –1000 is designed to work with DC bus systems up to 1000V. Do
not connect the equipment to systems with higher voltages.
Output Voltage:
24, 48, 110, 220, 500, 1000 VDC
Output Frequency:
10 Hz
Output Current Limitation:
Selectable between 5 mA and no limit
(max: 40 mA)
Fault Location Sensitivity:
≤ 1 MΩ
Current Detect Sensitivity:
DC Circuit: ≥ 0.5 mA

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Current Clamp:
Current Sensor:
Jaw Opening:
30 mm (Maximum cable diameter)
φ8 and φ20
60 mm (2.36 in)
Display:
Backlit Color LCD
Operating Environment:
Temperature: -5 –40 °C (23 –104 °F)
Power Requirements:
Built in Li-ion Batteries with supplied
Chargers
Dimensions:
430 x 350 x 135 mm (17 x 13.7 x 5.3
in)
Weight:
7 kg (15.4 lbs)
3.3 GFL –1000 Equipment List
The GFL –1000 consists of the following parts:
Carrying Case with built in Signal Generator
Signal Receiver
Qty. (2) Dual-Range Current Detector
Qty. (2) Signal Testing Leads (one black, one red)
Qty. (2) Alligator Clips for test leads (one black, one red)
Punctuation Clip
Qty. (2) 120/220 50/60 Hz Battery Chargers
Qty. (2) Supply cables for Chargers
Signal Receiver USB Cable (for Firmware update)
Memory Stick containing Instructions, Firmware updates etc.
Carrying strap with two strap adjusters and two fixing plates*
If any of these parts are missing please contact the supplier of the equipment.
*The plates slot into positions at the sides of the case to enable the strap to be
attached.

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3.4 Typical Applications
A typical supply to be tested will consist of a main bus connection with many branches
to different loads or systems. Figure 3-1 shows a simplified circuit with loads connected
via branches. Typical faults are also shown:
Figure 3-1 Power Circuit showing Possible Faults
1. Fault from the positive bus to ground.
2. Fault from part of a load to ground
3. Fault between bus bars (partial short circuit)
4. Fault from a branch to ground
5. Fault from bus to a separate circuit (‘Wire Mix’ connection).

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6. Leakage capacitance. This is not a fault, but leakage capacitance may bedistributed
around the system and will influence measurement (see Section5.6.1)
In all cases, the actual impedance (resistance) of the fault may be very high, very low
due to a short circuit, or anywhere in between.
4 Getting Started
Figure 4-1 GFL - 1000 Equipment

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Remove the Signal Receiver from the case. Switch it on using the slide switch on the
left side of the unit. Check that the display is lights and the battery is charged. The state
of charge is indicated by the icon in the top right hand corner of the display. If
necessary, charge the battery by connecting the smaller power supply for the Signal
Receiver to the DC supply connection at the base of the receiver.
The Signal Generator in the main case can be switched on using the power switch on
the front panel. The state of charge is indicated by the icon in the top right hand corner
of the display. It may be charged using the larger power supply which plugs into the
right hand side of the case.
Both units may be charged while switched off. When the units are fully charged the
indicator on the power supply changes from red to green.
The batteries will last for approximately 4 hours in normal use.
4.1 Navigation
There are several ways to navigate through the menus. In all cases Ent or Enter will
carry out the action, while Esc will go to the previous screen.
On the Signal Generator, use the arrows to move around the screen or change values.
On the Signal Receiver, the screen is touch sensitive and selections may be made
using fingers or (more easily) the stylus provided at the top back of the unit. Thekeypad
may also be used, and the buttons at the side duplicate the up, down, enter and escape
functions. Be sure to remove the protective transparent screen cover for best visibility
and touch performance.

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Figure 4-2 Signal Receiver
Switch off the unit before making further connections.

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Plug in the test leads to the sockets on the front of the Signal Generator. Connect the
red lead to the red socket marked (+) and the black lead to the black socket marked (-).
Ensure these are correctly connected Fit the alligator clips to the end of the leads. Note
that one of the clips includes an insulation piecing point.
Plug in the current clamps to the connection at the top of Signal Receiver.
4.2 Setting Up the Signal Generator
4.2.1 DC Systems
Determine which bus (i.e. positive or negative) has a fault by connecting a multimeter,
set to measure DC volts, between ground and each bus in turn. Generally the fault will
be on the bus which gives the lowest voltage reading.
4.2.2 Connecting Up
Now connect the signal generator to the faulty bus.
If the positive bus appears faulty, connect the positive (red lead and connector) to that
bus, and the negative (black lead and connector) to ground.
If the negative bus is faulty, connect the negative lead to it, and connect the positive
lead to ground.
Switch the unit on at the power switch.

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Figure 4-3 Signal Generator Start up Menu
On the main screen (see Figure 4-3), select GND-Fault using the arrow keys until it is
highlighted; then press ENT. The next screen will allow the output signal to be adjusted,
see Figure 4-4.

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Figure 4-4 Voltage and Current Limit Settings
4.2.3 Setting the Output Voltage and CurrentLimit
Set the output voltage and current limit by highlighting the appropriate value using the
left and right arrow keys, adjusting the value using the up down arrow keys, pressing
ENT again to save to value. Use the arrow keys to move to the next value, or to the
Back or Next buttons as required.
Select the output voltage to best suit the voltage of the system under test. For example,
if the system operates at 100V DC, choose an output voltage of 110V. Settings of 24V,
48V, 110V, 220V, 500V, and 1000V are available.
The current limit should be used only where high levels of current may cause alarms or
protection systems to be triggered. For example, railway signaling systems may indicate
an alarm if leakage current –or injected current from the signal generator in this case –
exceeds 5mA. In this case the current limit should be set to 5mA. If no earth fault

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detection systems are present, set the current limit to UL, which will in any case limit the
output power to about 5W or 40mA, whichever is less.
Select Next to continue. The signal generator will operate and a screen similar to that
shown in Figure 4-5 will appear. The generator will briefly produce an output in order to
measure the system impedance.
Figure 4-5 Signal Generator Initial Output
The display shows the signal generator voltage and current waveforms, together with
calculated values of fault current, resistance and leakage capacitance.
Press Cont. The screen shown in Figure 4-4 will be shown again.
The output voltage may have been reduced automatically to limit the output current. If
the output current is too low, the output voltage may have been increased.

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If Next is pressed, the generator will produce an output and the screen shown in Figure
4-6 will appear.
Figure 4-6 Signal Generator Output
The signal generator is now producing a continuous output voltage and current which is
displayed on the screen. A discontinuous (pulsed) output may be selected if desired by
changing the setting Cont. in the bottom right hand corner of the screen. If a
discontinuous (Disc.) output is selected, the output will be pulsed on and off at roughly
half second intervals.
4.3 Setting up the Signal Receiver
Switch on the unit and select GND-Fault from the initial signal receiver screen (Figure
4-7). The green light above the screen should flash every second or so. This indicates
normal operation.

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Figure 4-7 Signal Receiver Starting Screen
4.3.1 Setting the Frequency and AudioIndicator.
The screen shown in Figure 4-8 appears when GND-Fault is selected in the previous
screen. The receiver frequency is fixed at 10Hz, so this cannot be changed
An audio indicator can be set to assist fault tracing. The level at which the audio sounds
a ‘beep’ is set in the location setting screen (Figure 4-8),
If, for example, the Audio indicator is set to 4, the ‘beep’ will sound if a value above 40%
of the reference value is detected. This can be useful during fault tracing. Set the audio
values based on experience with the circuit under test, or begin with a value such as 4.
Once the Audio value has been set, selecting OK on the screen in Figure 4-8.

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Figure 4-8 Location Setting Screen
4.3.2 Setting the Reference
Ensure the output of the Signal Generator has been set to continuous (Cont). Check
that there is current flowing from the signal generator by noting the reading on the
screen. A zero current reading indicates an open circuit and will give faulty indication
subsequently.
Clip one of the current clamps around the positive voltage lead from the signal
generator with the arrow pointing in the direction of current flow; i.e. away from positive
as shown in Figure 4-9. The current clamp has large and small positions for large and
small cables and bus bars. Use the smaller position where possible to reduce
interference.

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Figure 4-9 Current Clamp Position for Reference Calibration
Allow the measurement to stabilize for five seconds, then select Set ref on the signal
receiver screen. The display will state Setting Ref… and after a few seconds will
indicate Setting Done! All subsequent measurements will now be referenced to this
Signal Generator output value, defined as 100%.
Figure 4-10 shows a typical reading in the signal receiver display before and after the
Reference is set. The more red bars, the greater the signal strength. The reference may
be reset at any time.

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Figure 4-10 Setting the Reference
5 Tracing the Fault
5.1 Basic Principles
The Signal Generator is producing an AC voltage at a frequency that the Signal
Receiver is sensitive to. If there is a fault in the circuit, there will be a current flow that
will be detected by the current clamp. When two current clamps are used the difference
in the current will be measured and displayed. This, in conjunction with built in filtering,

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helps to reject noise and interference. Stray capacitance in the system will permit a
small current to flow; filtering will also minimize the effect of this.
The direction of current flow in Figure 4-10 (I direct.:) is shown with reference to the
arrow on the current clamp. That is, if the current flow (and therefore the fault current) is
in the direction of the arrow on the current clamp, a green arrow pointing to the right will
be shown. The red arrow indicates no significant signal is detected. Allow a few
seconds for the reading to stabilize after fitting the clamp.
5.2 Tracing a ground fault
The Signal Generator should be connected to the system under test as described in
Section 4.2.3. The fault is traced by following the current from the signal generator
through the wiring system until the faulty branch is located. Figure 5-1 shows how a
fault can be traced by moving the clamp by following the green arrow, until the faulty
branch is isolated.
In Figure 5-1, the first clamp position (1) the arrow on the display indicates that the
current flow –and therefore the fault current, is present in this branch of the circuit.
Therefore, the clamp is moved to the next position (2). Here the arrow indicates the
fault current isn’t present here, so clamp is moved to position (3) and so on until the
faulty branch is isolated at position 7.
It is not necessary to separate positive and negative cables; the clamp may be placed
around several cables during the fault tracing process.