IPC Turbo Sleuth User manual

Ground Fault Location
Turbo Sleuth
Instruction Manual
7615 Kimbel Street,
Mississauga,
Ontario Canada L5S 1A8
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Toll Free: 1-888-RESISTR 737-4787
www.ipc-resistors.com

Table of Contents
1. Introduction.............................................................................................................................1
2. High-Resistance Grounding....................................................................................................1
3. Inspection ...............................................................................................................................2
4. Connections............................................................................................................................2
5. Operation. ...............................................................................................................................5
6. Tracing ....................................................................................................................................6
7. Operation of the TS-SENSOR probe........................................................................................8
8. Pulse Duration.........................................................................................................................9
9. Dimensions........................................................................................................................... 11
10. Maintenance.......................................................................................................................... 12
11. Definitions and applicable Standards. ................................................................................... 13
12. NEC 2002 pg. 70-87-88........................................................................................................... 13
13. CSA Canadian Electrical Code Part 1, C22.1-2002.................................................................14
DANGER
ELECTRICAL SHOCK, FIRE OR EXPLOSION HAZARD
All installation, servicing and testing referred to in this manual must be performed by qualified personnel. All power should
be disconnected prior to removing covers or enclosures and where live conductors may otherwise be exposed.
Failure to observe these precautions will result in death or severe personal injury.

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1. Introduction
1.1. Turbo Sleuth is a portable neutral grounding device used for fault detection in ungrounded, or
high-resistance-grounded, wye or delta power systems. The portability of the Turbo Sleuth allows one unit
to be moved from system to system for the purpose of locating faults, thus eliminating the cost of
installation of pulsing units on all systems. Operations can continue with the faulted system while the
Turbo Sleuth is connected, maximizing productivity and preventing unwanted downtime.
1.2. Turbo Sleuth is the ideal tool for sensing and locating ground faults quickly and easily. Ground
faults are the most common form of electrical fault, accounting for a minimum of 85% of all electrical faults
in a distribution system. When a ground fault occurs: Turbo Sleuth is connected to the system at a
convenient location and plant electrical personnel may then follow a simple sequence to locate and isolate
the fault without interrupting or opening circuit breakers. Connection is made by cables supplied with the
unit, which are provided with rugged, outdoor plugs and/or un-terminated conductors. Control power
requirements are 120V ac.
1.3. For delta systems an optional artificial neutral may be attached to the unit with clasp type
fasteners. This unit is required to provide an artificial star-point for the pulsing grounding resistor. If all
systems to be tested are wye connected with available star-points, then this artificial neutral device is not
required.
1.4. Turbo Sleuth confirms the ground fault by means of lights on the panel front. In addition it
provides auxiliary relay contacts, which may be wired to alarm or annunciation devices, such as the
optional TS-AH horn.
1.5. Turbo Sleuth is available in either 480V or 600V types and provides pulsingcurrents in three
incremental levels of 5A, 3.75 and 2.5A when in operation. This 3 stage current pulse maximizes visibility
of the detection system eliminating false indications. The Turbo Sleuth is enclosed in a NEMA 3 outdoor
enclosure with caster wheels providing mobility. The unit can be left connected outside at a substation if
necessary. Note that if high resistance-grounding is already used, that the currents will add to the
continuous ground current. See Section 4.5.
1.6. The Turbo Sleuth pulsing system, when activated, will cyclically limit the ground fault current to
100%, 75%, and, 50% of the available ground fault current. The user can modify the duration of this pulse
to suit the requirements of his sensing device.
The cyclic pulsing combined with the hand held current sensor, and a single line diagram can be used
to rapidly locate a ground fault even in a very complex power distribution system.
2. High-Resistance Grounding
2.1. Both the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1, C22.1-98 and the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70
1999, approve the use of high-impedance grounding neutral systems up to 1000 V. A.C. where the ground
fault current is limited to 5 amperes or less. These new changes to the electrical code allow users of the
Turbo Sleuth to maintain a ground fault current of 5 amperes or less on their electrical distribution system

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without shutting down because of a single ground fault, thereby avoiding unscheduled down times. Turbo
Sleuth users can locate, isolate and repair faulty equipment at a more convenient time.
3. Inspection
Upon receipt, carefully open the protective shipping carton, remove all packing material and visually
inspect all parts. If any part is damaged, contact IPC Resistors at the numbers listed on the final page
of this document for authorization of return for any replacement or repair. Note: Be sure to quote the
serial number on the rating plate.
The following parts should be included:-
Qty. Cat No. Description
1TS-PPS Main unit
1TS-NG Cable Neutral Grounding Cable Twist-Loc –Test Clips
1 TS-120V Cable Control Power Cable 120V, 15A U-Ground receptacle
1C-103EM Instruction Manual
Options
Qty. Cat No. Description
1 TS-ZZ Zig-Zag Transformer
1 TS-SV 6 foot, Cable for System Voltage (for Zig-Zag)
1TS-NGZZ 3 foot, jumper cable for X0cable from TS-ZZ to TS-PPS
1TS-SENSOR Flexible core ac current probe
1TS-XLC 20 foot Cable Set 120V and Neutral Grounding Cables
1TS-AH Outdoor Alarm Horn
Quantities noted are the minimum required by one system only.
4. Connections
4.1. Turbo Sleuth requires a 120 VAC supply. A 120V cord is supplied for connection to standard
North American duplex receptacles. Install this cord in the lower right hand socket of TS-PPS,
looking at the rear of the enclosure. The standard Turbo Sleuth is supplied with two cables one
for 120V ac control power and the other is for connection of the neutral and ground system
connections. If an artificial neutral is option was supplied then two more cables are provided for
connection of the X0point (Neutral) on the zig-zag transformer (upper unit) to the lower section
of the Turbo Sleuth and a three phase, three wire cable with welding type plug, for typical
system connection to a receptacle. The following is supplied: -
Cable 1: TS-120V, 120V ac to duplex receptacle North American type
Cable 2: TS-NG, Two-wire cable with un-terminated end for connection to system neutral and
Ground (for standard Turbo Sleuth version)

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Cable 3: TS-NGZZ, Two-wire cable with plugs on both ends for jumper from artificial neutral
star-point to lower section of Turbo Sleuth ( for optional artificial neutral version )
Cable 4: TS-SV, Three wire +ground cable terminated with welding plug at customer’s
connection.
4.2. All connections to Turbo sleuth are with standard outdoor connectors and plug in to rear
mounted receptacles on the unit as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1. Connections for direct connection to system star-point
4.3. The Turbo Sleuth with artificial neutral TS-ZZ, is connected differently. Three cables are
required, three (3) phase connections and one ground connection as shown in Figure 2. Test
cable 1 is still required for 120Vac. Test cable 3 (TS-NGZZ) connects the star-point of the Zig-
zag transformer from the artificial neutral to the grounding resistor located in the main unit. No
connection is therefore, required to the system neutral. Instead, three phase system voltage is
required using cable 4, which is terminated either with a rated welding plug connector or un-
terminated leads or clips as specified by the user. The standard cable length of cable 4 as
supplied is 6 feet. A Longer cable TS-XLC (20ft) can be ordered if necessary
To X0 and
Ground
Cable TS-
NG
To 120V ac
.
Cable
TS-120V

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Figure 2. Zig-zag Connections -where system neutral is not available
4.4. If no artificial neutral is required, it may only be necessary to connect the Turbo Sleuth Cable
(TS-NG) to the existing star-point of the system. To do this, connect the X0(black) to the
system X0and the ground to system ground (green wire). This can be done by connection
across any existing Grounding Resistor. It is recommended that a suitable receptacle be
installed to allow such connection to be done safely and quickly. The use of test clips is not
recommended due to the risks involved with connection to live circuits.
4.5. Note that if the system already has a Neutral Grounding Resistor (with or without an artificial
neutral device), the Turbo Sleuth can still be connected to the system. In this case the
currents will add to the existing ground current arithmetically but since we are interested only
in the difference current due to the pulsing to locate the fault, it does not detract from the fault
location technique in any way. For example if the existing NGR is 5A and the Turbo Sleuth
currents during pulsing are 5, 3.75 and 2.5A then the actual currents detected by the TS-
SENSOR probe will be 10, 8.75 and 7.5A. The modulation will still be clearly visible on the
meter. If it is desired to limit the current to maximum of 5A as in the previous example, then a
fully rated switch could be installed to remove the fixed NGR during the Turbo Sleuth fault
detection process.
4.6. Connection of cable 4 (TS-SV) to the system voltage similarly, should be made through a
fully rated disconnect, and receptacle, ideally. The disconnect should be as close to the
source as possible to reduce the back-tracking required during fault location when connected
at a downstream location. It is recommended that a dedicated receptacle and switch be
installed at the main service for each system of the plant.
To System
Voltage
TS-SV
Cable
X
0
Jumper
to TS-PPS
Cable
TS-NGZZ

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Figure 3. Turbo Sleuth Control Panel
5. Operation.
5.1. See Figure 3. Turning the rotary “POWER” switch to the ON position energizes Turbo Sleuth.
The “POWER” switch is located on the panel door. Upon energizing the control panel the
“SYSTEM NORMAL”, green light turns on signifying that no ground faults are on the system and
the Turbo Sleuth is receiving control voltage. System connection will require operation of the
disconnect switch used at the point of insertion of the Turbo Sleuth in the plant power network.
5.2. Verify the Turbo Sleuth functionality by pushing the “TEST” button, and holding for the delay
time set on the DGF-CT-A Fault detector module. This causes the DGF-CT-A to trip. The green
light will turn OFF, the red “GROUND FAULT ACTIVE” light will turn on and the fans will
activate. This will confirm that control voltage is available, the DGF-CT-A is functioning and the
fans are operational.
5.3. Push the “RESET” button to reset the system to normal operational status. The red “GROUND
FAULT ACTIVE” light will go OFF, the green “SYSTEM NORMAL” light will turns ON, and the
fans will STOP. The Turbo Sleuth is now ready to monitor or Locate faults on the distribution
system. Close the system disconnect or breaker to begin the system testing.
5.4. When a ground fault occurs the potential between the system neutral and ground elevates to
the line to neutral voltage. This is reflected by the deflection of the voltmeter pointer on the
Turbo Sleuth panel. In addition to the voltage, the current is also being monitored. A deflection
of the ammeter pointer will indicate the magnitude of the fault current on the system. If the fault

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current magnitude is greater than the pick up setting of the DGF-CT-A and the duration is
greater than the time delay setting on the DGF-CT-A, the DGF-CT-A will trip changing the state
of the “TRIP” contacts. The green light will turn off, the red light will turn on, and the fans will
activate.
5.5. The “GROUND FAULT ACTIVE” red light indicates the presence of a ground fault. Deflection
on the voltmeter and ammeter on the Turbo Sleuth indicate the magnitude of the neutral to
ground voltage and the ground fault current available.
5.6. The ground fault pickup level can be set from 5% to 100% of the Turbo Sleuth let through
current. The time delay can be adjusted from 0.7s to 10 s. this allows the user to adjust the
Turbo Sleuth settings to the unique requirements of his system in order to avoid nuisance
tripping.
5.7. Both ground fault pickup level and time delay are adjusted using the knobs located on the front
plate of the DGF-CT-A. (See Figure 5) The DGF-CT-A is located inside the Turbo Sleuth
enclosure. Rotating the controls in the clockwise direction increases the time delay or pick up
level; counter-clockwise reduces these parameters. (Note Figure 5 shows an equivalent relay)
5.8. IMPORTANT NOTE: Although the ground fault pickup level can be adjusted up to 100% of the
let through current, this it is not recommended. Adjusting to a setting higher than 50% of the let
through current may prevent the DGF-CT-A from detecting a fault.
6. Tracing
6.1. Connect the Turbo Sleuth as close to the source as possible. Ideally it should be connected at
the neutral point of the Main power transformer. It is a good idea to install a dedicated
receptacle at the system neutral for this purpose. If necessary the Turbo Sleuth can be
connected at a feeder branch or downstream disconnect, however this will involve tracing
back upstream with the TS-SENSOR probe, to identify the location of the fault, if for example
the fault is on the main bus or transformer. If it is reasonably certain that the fault does not
exist in the substation then the probe can be moved to the feeders directly to locate which one
has the fault.
6.2. Turbo Sleuth can only pulse when tripped by an active ground fault. If ground fault current is
present, pulses will be visible on the FAULT CURRENT ammeter.
6.3. To initiate pulsing, rotate the “PULSING” switch to the “ON” position. The “PULSING ACTIVE”
light turns on and the ground fault current changes from 100% to75% and 50% of available
ground fault current.
6.4. SAFETY NOTE: Tracing the ground fault signal involves working with live circuits. Additional
care must be exercised whenever working in the proximity of live conductors.
6.5. Turbo Sleuth creates a pattern of step pulses in the ground fault current. The pulses only
appear in the faulted circuit. Use the TS-SENSOR current sensor and voltmeter to follow the
pulse trail directly to the fault site.

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6.5.1. Check for the presence of pulses by viewing the panel ammeter pointer deflection. The
pointer will cycle between 100%, 75% and 50% of the available ground fault current. (Plus
any existing NGR current see 4.5 above) After confirming that the pulses are active, trace
the source of the ground fault as follows: -
6.5.2. Attach the TS-SENSOR current sensor to a standard voltmeter as described in section 7.
6.5.3. Locate the pulsing ground fault current by wrapping the TS-SENSOR around the X
0or
ground cable connection (or system voltage cable if using TS-ZZ) a pulse should be
noticeable on the TS-SENSOR voltmeter. Familiarize yourself with the values of the
pulses on the hand held meter. Use a single line diagram for the electrical distribution
protected by the Turbo Sleuth. Identify the location of the Turbo Sleuth on the diagram.
6.5.4. Comparing readings of the front panel ammeter and the remote meter. Both meters
should display the same step time pattern.
6.5.5. Check for the presence of pulses at the closest branch point. Place the current sensor
around the 3 phase conductors of each outgoing circuit. If you see no pulses this is not
the faulted circuit. Move on to the next circuit
6.5.6. If current pulses are found, move down the circuit to the next branch point and repeat the
procedure.
6.5.7. Follow the pulses. The pulsing ground fault signal will lead to the equipment or to the
section of conductor containing the ground fault
6.5.8. Isolate the equipment or conductor from the circuit. Check the Turbo Sleuth ammeter and
voltmeter. If the voltage and current reads zero on these meters, the ground fault has
been removed.
6.5.9. At this point the Turbo Sleuth may be reset. Rotate the “PULSING ACTIVE” switch to the
“OFF” position and push the “RESET” button.
6.5.10. Repair or replace the equipment or conductor that was the source of the ground fault. The
equipment or conductor may now be reconnected to the circuit.
6.5.11. Confirm that the ground fault has not returned by viewing the Turbo Sleuth front panel.