Greenlee BLL-200 User manual

999 4422.7 © 2001 Greenlee Textron IM 1505 5/01
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES
MANUEL D’INSTRUCTIONS
Read and understand all of the instructions and safety
information in this manual before operating or servicing this tool.
Lea y entienda todas las instrucciones y la información sobre
seguridad que aparecen en este manual, antes de manejar estas
herramientas o darles mantenimiento.
Lire attentivement et bien comprendre toutes les instructions et
les informations sur la sécurité de ce manuel avant d’utiliser ou de
procéder à l’entretien de cet outil.
BLL-200
BURIED LINE LOCATOR
LOCALIZADOR DE LÍNEAS
SOTERRADAS
DETECTEUR DE LIGNE ENFOUIE

2
Description
The Greenlee BLL-200 Buried Line Locator is a compact, lightweight kit consisting of two
components—a transmitter and a receiver. The receiver can work alone for tracing buried
current-carrying conductors, or with the transmitter for tracing other conductive objects.
Applications include the following:
• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning)
• telephone
• CATV (Cable Television)
• line voltage
• fiber optic with metallic shield
• security system wiring
• conduit
• water pipe
• finding unknown conductors
The transmitter also provides the ability to measure the depth of the buried conductor.
Buried debris, underground rebar (reinforcement bar), and areas crowded with conductors can
create a challenging tracing environment. This manual provides tips and strategies to help
reduce or eliminate the difficulties caused by these circumstances. Use of the BLL-200 is
explained under Introduction and Operation. The Introduction explains some of the general
concepts of the tool, and Operation goes into more detail on the use of the tool.
Safety
Safety is essential in the use and maintenance of Greenlee tools and equipment. This
instruction manual and any markings on the tool provide information for avoiding hazards and
unsafe practices related to the use of this tool. Observe all of the safety information provided.
Purpose
This instruction manual is intended to familiarize all personnel with the safe operation and
maintenance procedures for the Greenlee BLL-200 Buried Line Locator.
Keep this manual available to all personnel.
Replacement manuals are available upon request at no charge.
and are registered trademarks of Greenlee Textron.
KEEP THIS MANUAL

BLL-200
3
Important Safety Information
This symbol is used to call your attention to hazards or unsafe practices which could
result in an injury or property damage. The signal word, defined below, indicates the
severity of the hazard. The message after the signal word provides information for
preventing or avoiding the hazard.
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL
Immediate hazards which, if not avoided, WILL result in severe injury or death.
Hazards which, if not avoided, COULD result in severe injury or death.
Hazards or unsafe practices which, if not avoided, MAY result in injury or property
damage.
Read and understand this material before operating or servicing
this equipment. Failure to understand how to safely operate this
tool can result in an accident causing serious injury or death.

4
Important Safety Information
Beware of the hazards associated with utility access areas and underground work
areas.
• Hazards can include explosive or flammable gases and toxic fumes.
• Observe the safety practices and procedures of your company, the local utility, and
any other governing body.
Failure to observe these warnings can result in severe injury or death.
Electric shock and fire hazard:
• Do not expose this unit to rain or moisture.
• Use this unit for the manufacturer’s intended purpose only, as described in this
manual. Any other use can impair the protection provided by the unit.
Failure to observe these warnings can result in severe injury or death.
Electric shock hazard:
Contact with live circuits can result in severe injury or death.

BLL-200
5
Important Safety Information
• Do not operate with the case open.
• Before opening the case, remove the leads from the circuit and shut off the unit.
Failure to observe these warnings can result in severe injury or death.
Beware of any vehicles or machines in motion at the work area. Be especially observant
when tracing a buried line that runs along or under a roadway, railroad tracks, or
through a construction site.
Failure to observe this warning can result in severe injury or death.
Electric shock hazard:
• Do not use the unit if it is wet or damaged.
• Use test leads or accessories that are appropriate for the application. See the
category and voltage rating of the test lead or accessory.
• Inspect the test leads or accessory before use. They must be clean and dry, and the
insulation must be in good condition.
Failure to observe these warnings can result in severe injury or death.
Electric shock hazard:
• Do not connect the transmitter to a circuit carrying more than the rated voltage.
• Do not contact the lead clips or any uninsulated portion of the accessory.
Failure to observe these warnings can result in severe injury or death.

6
Important Safety Information
• Do not attempt to repair this unit. It contains no user-serviceable parts.
• Do not expose the unit to extremes in temperature or high humidity.
See Specifications.
Failure to observe these precautions can result in injury and can damage the unit.
Using this unit near equipment that generates electromagnetic interference can result
in unstable or inaccurate readings.
Do not connect the transmitter to a circuit carrying more than the rated voltage.
A blown fuse may result.

BLL-200
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Identification
Transmitter
1. Clamp
2. Connectors
3. Live Line LED (illuminates if circuit voltage is more than 50 V)
4. Power Lamp
5. Low Battery Lamp
6. Three-Position Switch (Line/Clamp Connection, Inductive Mode, and OFF)
Receiver
7. Display
8. Power Switch
9. Signal Strength Lamps
10. Mode Switch (Trace/Passive)
11. Three-Position Volume Switch (Off, Low, High)
12. Signal Reset/Depth Reading Button
2 3
4
56
8
9
7
9
10
11
12
1

8
Display Icons
Signal Strength Display
13. 01 through 99 Signal Strength
14. ~Passive Mode Indicator
15. +Signal Boost Indicator
16. BAT Battery Indicator (flashes when batteries are low)
14
15 13
16
18
17
19
Depth Reading Display
17. Feet
18. Tenths of Feet
Out-of-Range Display
19. Dashes
Symbols on the Unit
Warning—Read the instruction manual
Double insulation
Risk of electric shock

BLL-200
9
Introduction
The BLL-200 Buried Line Locator consists of two components—a receiver and a transmitter.
The receiver can work alone, in Passive Mode, for tracing any current-carrying wires or cables.
When used with the transmitter, the receiver works in Trace Mode to pick up the transmitter’s
unique signal on conductors such as wire, cable or metallic conduit.
The Receiver
The receiver is almost completely automatic, and provides three types of feedback to the
user —signal strength lamps, an LCD that displays signal strength as a numeric value, and a
speaker that produces a tone when the signal is near the maximum.
It also features a signal booster to pick up all but the weakest electrical signals. When the
booster is active, a plus sign appears on the LCD. The receiver can be used alone (Passive
Mode) or with the transmitter (Trace Mode).
The Transmitter
The transmitter produces a unique signal at 33.3 kHz that the receiver is tuned to. This unique
signal reduces the possibility of interference, and will not affect computers or other voltage-
sensitive equipment. The transmitter is versatile, providing three methods of transferring its
signal to the conductor: Direct Connection, Clamp, and Inductive Mode.
The most effective method is Direct Connection—using the leads included in the kit to connect
the transmitter directly to a conductor. The only disadvantage is that making a direct
connection isn’t always possible, since the user doesn’t always have access to the conductors
of the buried line.
When a direct connection is not possible, the next option is the clamp. Simply enclose the
conductor or conduit in the clamp and connect the clamp to the transmitter. This method
draws a higher amount of battery current, so the signal strength depends on the condition of
the batteries. Use fresh batteries for better results.
If it’s not possible to use the clamp, the last method is Inductive Mode. This method sends the
transmitter’s signal through the earth; the buried line acts like an antenna. This method isn’t as
effective as the clamp or Direct Connection, but usually provides better results than using the
receiver alone.
Soil Type and Moisture Content
The performance of the BLL-200 is largely dependent on soil type and moisture content.
Moist, compact soil provides the best results. If the soil is dry, moisten it before tracing to
achieve better results.
Alkaline soil and soil with high iron content provide a poor tracing environment.
The best solution for poor soil conditions is to establish the best possible ground and use a
direct connection to the transmitter.

10
Operation
Using the transmitter and receiver together provides better overall results than using the
receiver alone. Use the transmitter and receiver together (Trace Mode) whenever possible.
Using the Receiver Alone (Passive Mode)
The receiver will detect buried metallic debris, unenergized electrical lines, and current-
carrying conductors. To provide better results when searching for current-carrying conduc-
tors, energize any circuits to find the buried line—turn on lights, HVAC, and other electrical
equipment. If searching for CATV cable, connecting a television to the cable may improve
results.
Note: Passive Mode tracing functions with or without the T-shaped antenna extended.
Extending the antenna creates better accuracy but requires more frequent signal resets.
1. Set the mode switch to PASSIVE.
2. Turn the power ON. The Signal Strength LEDs will illuminate, and the Passive Mode
Indicator will appear on the LCD.
Optional: Set the speaker volume to Off, Low or High.
3. Scan the area for buried lines. See Scanning Procedure.

BLL-200
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1. Verify that the circuit voltage is a maximum of 600 VAC or 300 VDC.
2. Plug the leads into the Signal Output jacks.
3. Connect one clip to a solid earth ground. If a solid earth ground is not available, use the
ground stake included in the kit.
Notes:
(1) If the general direction of the buried line is known, locate the ground stake so that the
extension lead runs perpendicular to the buried line.
(2) If the soil is dry, moisten the area around the ground stake before using the buried
line locator. Moisture increases conductivity and provides better results.
4. Connect the second clip to a conductor. This can be a wire, cable, metallic conduit or pipe.
5. Set the switch to LINE/CLAMP CONNECTION. The POWER lamp will flash. If the wire has
a voltage potential relative to ground, the “Live Line”lamp will illuminate.
6. When finished tracing the buried line, disconnect the transmitter in reverse order.
CLAMP
1. Place the clamp around the wire or conduit to be traced.
2. Plug the clamp into the transmitter.
3. Set the switch to LINE/CLAMP CONNECTION. The POWER lamp will flash.
Electric shock hazard:
Contact with live circuits can result in severe injury or death.
Using the Transmitter and Receiver Together (Trace Mode)
The Transmitter
Set up the transmitter in one of the following methods: Direct Connection, Clamp, or Inductive
Mode. Review the Introduction to determine which method is most suitable for the application.
DIRECT CONNECTION
If tracing a live circuit, connect the transmitter at the endpoint of the circuit or branch—not in
the middle or at the source. This will provide the best results.
Operation (cont’d)

12
INDUCTIVE MODE
1. Place the transmitter on the ground, over the object to be traced. Align the transmitter so
that the buried line runs in the same direction as the arrow on the transmitter labeled
“LINE DIRECTION”.
2. Set the switch to INDUCTIVE MODE. The POWER lamp will flash.
Notes:
(1) If the direction of the buried object is not known:
•Turn off the transmitter and try using the receiver alone, in Passive Mode; the
signal will be strongest when the T-shaped antenna is perpendicular to the buried
line.
•Experiment by rotating the transmitter until the receiver, in Trace Mode, picks up
the signal. Continue to rotate the transmitter until the signal detected by the
receiver peaks and begins to decline. The transmitter is aligned properly with the
signal when the signal is strongest.
(2) When using the inductive mode, the receiver may be air coupled to the transmitter.
Air coupling—the reception of the signal directly through the air, and not through the
buried object—will cause false readings. This can occur when the receiver and
transmitter are less than 15 meters (50 feet) apart.
To verify that the receiver is not air coupled, position the receiver directly over the
buried line and raise the antenna straight up.
•If the signal drops off smoothly, the receiver is not air coupled.
•If the signal strength remains the same or increases, the receiver is air coupled. To
remedy this, reposition the transmitter or move farther away from the transmitter.
(3) Since the inductive mode provides the lowest signal to the buried object, it may be
helpful or even necessary to reposition the transmitter along the buried line during
the trace.
The Receiver
1. Extend the T-shaped antenna and clamp it into place.
2. Set the mode switch to TRACE.
3. Turn the power ON. The Signal Strength LEDs will illuminate.
Optional: Set the speaker volume to Off, Low, or High.
4. Scan the area for buried lines. See Scanning Procedure.
Operation (cont’d)

BLL-200
13
Operation (cont’d)
Scanning Procedure
After the power is turned on, the receiver’s sensitivity starts out at maximum. A microproces-
sor checks the signal strength 25 times per second, and lowers the receiver’s sensitivity as
necessary —allowing the receiver to home in on the areas where the signal is strongest. After
several passes over the buried line and several adjustment cycles by the microprocessor, the
receiver’s sensitivity may become so low that it loses the signal completely. When this
happens, press the Signal Reset button to return the receiver to its highest sensitivity.
Starting approximately 3 to 5 meters (10 to 15 feet) from the transmitter to establish a
reference, use a side-to-side motion to sweep or scan the area. After finding the signal,
proceed to scan along the length of the buried line. Monitor the receiver’s LCD and lamps:
•The LCD will show a number or two dashes. The number, from 01 to 99, indicates the
relative strength of the signal from weakest to strongest. Dashes indicate that the receiver is
beyond the range of the signal.
•Use the Signal Strength lamps to remain centered over the buried line.
•The automatic gain control continuously adjusts the sensitivity of the receiver. If you lose
the signal completely, reset the sensitivity to maximum by pressing and releasing the Signal
Reset button.

14
Operation (cont’d)
Depth Measurement Procedure
When the receiver and transmitter are used together (Trace Mode), the BLL-200 can estimate
the depth of the buried line.
1. Trace the buried line.
2. Fully extend the antenna and clamp it into place. Set the end of the antenna on the
ground. Hold the receiver so that the shaft of the antenna is vertical.
Note: If measuring the depth of the buried line with the receiver less than 15 meters
(50 feet) from the transmitter, reflected signals may produce an inaccurate measurement.
3. Press and hold the Signal Reset button. The LCD will display the depth in feet and tenths
of feet.
4. While still pressing the Signal Reset button, slowly scan from left to right. The lowest
reading is correct.
•Fully extend antenna.
•Rest antenna on ground.
•Hold antenna vertical.
•Press and hold Signal Reset.
•Scan from left to right.
•Lowest reading is correct.

BLL-200
15
•Optimize performance by using fresh batteries and checking the transmitter connections
(remove any corrosion from the clamp, verify that the alligator clips are attached to bare
metal, check the ground connection, etc.).
•Watch for overhead lines that may cause false readings or interference.
•If tracing PVC conduit or other non-metallic tubing, run a steel fish tape into the conduit or
tube. Follow the connection instructions under Direct Connection, connecting one
transmitter lead to ground and the other to the fish tape.
Finding a Bend or a Tee
A sudden loss of signal may indicate a bend or a tee in the
buried line. Stand in one place and slowly sweep the receiver
in a circle to acquire the signal again.
Operating Strategies and Tips
General
•The antenna is directional; holding the T perpendicular to the buried line produces the
strongest signal. When necessary, scan in a circle to determine the direction of the buried
line.
Correct Incorrect
Operation (cont’d)

16
Tracing Branches from a Main Circuit
If tracing branches off a main circuit, use
the Inductive Mode and two operators. The
first operator places the receiver over the
main. The second operator carries the
transmitter, held parallel to the main,
approximately 2 meters (6 feet) from the
main circuit. An increase in signal strength
at the receiver indicates that the transmit-
ter is over a branch.
Overcoming Interference from Nearby Conductors
The transmitter’s signal may be coupled to and conducted by other electrical lines, rebar
(reinforcement bar), and other conductive materials, especially where such objects are close
together. To prevent false readings under such circumstances:
•Change the transmitter to a more effective coupling mode.
•Change the coupling point. If possible, determine the endpoints of the branches. Begin
tracing from the endpoint toward the crowded area.
•Change the grounding point.
•The transmitter leads may be located too close to some of the buried conductors, allowing
the signal to couple. To reduce or eliminate this coupling:
–Reposition the leads. If possible, support them with a toolbox or other item so they do
not lie directly on the ground.
–If using the ground stake, move it to another location. If the general direction of the
buried line is known, locate the ground stake so that the extension lead runs perpen-
dicular to the buried line.
•If using the inductive mode, rotate the transmitter a few degrees.
Tracing Conductors in Concrete
Large amounts of rebar (reinforcement bar) will make this task very difficult, due to the high
amount of interference. However, it should be possible to determine where the conduit enters
and exits the slab.
Transmitter
Receiver
Operation (cont’d)

BLL-200
17
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there any way to measure depth in Passive Mode?
A: No. However, after tracing the buried line in Passive Mode, you can connect the
transmitter to measure depth in Trace Mode.
Q: The speaker doesn’t always produce a tone when I’m near the conductor. Do I need to
press the Signal Reset button?
A: No. This feature is provided for convenience—it provides a second method of feedback
for the user. Tone indicates that the signal level is above 75 on the LCD, or that all of the
Signal Strength lamps are illuminated.
Q: What do the dashes on the LCD indicate?
A: There are two possibilities:
(1) The receiver is beyond the range of the signal. Press and release the Signal Reset
button. If the dashes remain, scan the area while pressing and releasing the Signal
Reset button until the receiver acquires the signal.
(2) The BLL-200 wasn’t set up correctly:
•If using the receiver alone, verify that the receiver is in Passive Mode and that the
transmitter is turned off. Also check that the batteries are in good condition
(BAT on the LCD indicates that the batteries are low).
•If using the transmitter and receiver together, verify the following:
–the transmitter is turned on
–the transmitter is set to the correct mode
–batteries are in good condition (Low Power lamp is not illuminated on the
transmitter, and BAT does not appear on the LCD of the receiver)
–the receiver is in Trace Mode
Q: Under Direct Connection the manual instructs, “If tracing a live circuit, connect the
transmitter at the endpoint of the circuit or branch —not in the middle or at the source.”
What’s the difference?
A: When the transmitter is placed at the endpoint of a branch, the full signal strength is
transmitted along that branch. This will provide optimum tracing results.
When the transmitter is placed in the middle of a circuit or at the source, the signal
strength is diluted among all of the branches. The relatively weaker signal will not be as
easy to trace.
Also, additional conductors are more likely to be found near a source. These other
conductors may pick up some of the signal and produce interference.

18
Frequently Asked Questions (cont’d)
Q: What is the best way to trace a wire in a concrete slab?
A: If possible, connect to a live line. In any case, be sure to use direct connection and the
best possible ground connection. In Passive Mode, rebar (reinforcement bar) and other
pipes are likely to be picked up by the receiver. The Passive Mode is not recommended for
tracing individual lines through a concrete slab.
Specifications
Indoor/Outdoor Use: This tool is not to be used in the rain or exposed to direct sunlight for
extended periods of time.
Transmitter
Power Supply: Four 1.5 V batteries (AA)
Line Voltage: 0 VAC to 600 VAC, 0 VDC to 300 VDC
Current: 13 mA (open line) to 150 mA (live or short circuited line)
Maximum Coupled Power: 250 mW
Frequency: 33.3 kHz
Operating Temperature: –17 °C to 60 °C (0 °F to 140 °F)
Relative Humidity: 0% to 80% (noncondensing)
Altitude: 2000 m (6500') maximum
Pollution Degree: 2
Overvoltage Category: Category III, 600 VAC/300 VDC
Receiver
Power Supply: Four 1.5 V batteries (AA)
Depth Measurement: 0.1' to 15.0'
Accuracy of Depth Measurement: 10% + 0.2'
Trace Accuracy: + 1" per foot of depth
Passive Mode Frequency Band: 12 Hz to 24 kHz
Trace Mode Frequency: 33.3 kHz
Operating Temperature: –17 °C to 40 °C (0 °F to 104 °F)
Relative Humidity: 0% to 70% (noncondensing)

BLL-200
19
1. Disconnect the unit from the circuit. Turn the unit OFF.
2. Remove the screw from the battery cover.
3. Remove the battery cover.
4. Replace the batteries (observe polarity).
5. Replace the cover and the screw.
Cleaning
Periodically wipe the case with a damp cloth and mild detergent; do not use abrasives or
solvents.
Replacement Parts
501 0330.0 Inductive Clamp
501 0331.8 Transmitter
501 0342.3 Receiver
500 8372.4 Ground Rod
500 8373.2 Test Lead Set
500 8374.0 Carrying Case
Before opening the case, remove the test leads from the circuit and shut off the unit.
Failure to observe this warning can result in severe injury or death.
Maintenance
Battery Replacement for Transmitter and Receiver

20
Descripción
El Localizador de líneas soterradas modelo BLL-200 de Greenlee es un dispositivo compacto y
ligero que consta de dos componentes: un transmisor y un receptor. Se puede utilizar únicamen-
te el receptor para rastrear conductores portadores de corriente soterrados o bien, junto con el
transmisor, para rastrear otros objetos conductores. Este localizador puede utilizarse para verificar:
•equipo de calefacción, ventilación y aire acondicionado (HVAC)
•teléfonos
•televisión y cable (CATV)
•tensión de línea
•fibra óptica con blindaje metálico
•cableado para sistemas de seguridad
•tubería portacables
•cañería de agua
•localización de conductores indeterminados
Por medio del transmisor también se puede medir la profundidad a que se encuentra el
conductor soterrado.
El rastreo de conductores soterrados se dificulta sumamente debido a la presencia de desechos
soterrados, barras de refuerzo subterráneas y áreas atestadas de conductores. Este manual le
ofrece consejos y estrategias para minimizar o eliminar dichas dificultades ocasionadas en las
circunstancias arriba mencionadas. Utilice la unidad BLL-200 tal como se explica en las
secciones “Introducción”y “Operación”. En la “Introducción”se explican algunas generalidades
sobre la herramienta y en la sección “Operación”se detalla más a fondo el uso de la misma.
Acerca de la seguridad
Es fundamental observar métodos seguros al utilizar y dar mantenimiento a las herramientas y
equipo Greenlee. Este manual de instrucciones y todas las marcas que ostenta la herramienta le
ofrecen la información necesaria para evitar riesgos y hábitos poco seguros relacionados con su
uso. Siga toda la información sobre seguridad que se proporciona.
Propósito de este manual
Este manual de instrucciones tiene como propósito familiarizar a todo el personal con los
procedimientos de operación y mantenimiento seguros para el Localizador de líneas soterradas
modelo BLL-200 de Greenlee.
Manténgalo siempre al alcance de todo el personal.
Puede obtener copias adicionales de manera gratuita, previa solicitud.
y son marcas registradas de Greenlee Textron.
CONSERVE ESTE MANUAL