Metrotech 480B SFL 2Dx User manual

480B™SFL 2Dx
SERVICE CENTER, SALES AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT INFORMATION
Corporate Headquarters Metrotech Eastern U.S. Service Center Metrotech European Service Center
3251 Olcott Street 1824 Murfreesboro Road, Ste. 104 Seba KMT
Santa Clara, CA 95054 Nashville, TN 37217 Dr. Herbert Iann St. 6
800-446-3392 800-624-6210 96148 Baunach, Germany
408-734-1400 Direct 615-366-7323 Direct [phone]
408-734-1415 Fax [phone] Fax [phone] Fax
www.metrotech.com [e-mail] [e-mail]
[e-mail]
Warranty: One year. Specifications Subject to change without notice, ISO 9001:2000 Certified. Copyright 2008. All Rights Reserved. Rev 12/01/07
OPERATIONS MANUAL

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ISO 9001:2001 CERTIFIED
Metrotech has received ISO 9001: 2001 Quality Management System
Certification.
Metrotech adheres to the quality standard guidelines of ISO 9001 and ensures
quality in its design/development, production, installation, and servicing
disciplines.
© Metrotech Corporation 2005-2008
Metrotech Corporation
3251 Olcott Street
Santa Clara, CA 95054
USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet: www.metrotech.com
Revision B November 2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS
List of illustrations ……………………………………………………….….2
1 Introduction…….……..………………………….…………………………….3
2Safety Precautions……………………………………………………………..4
3 480B/SFL2Dx Quick Start Guide for the Experienced User……..……...5
4 480B/SFL2Dx Equipment………………………………..……………….…...13
4.1 Standard Equipment……………………………………………….…….13
4.2 Optional Accessories…………………………………………………….15
4.3 Technical Specifications………………………………………………...16
4.4 Transmitter Controls and Indicators…………………………….………19
4.5 Transmitter Features…………………………………………………….21
4.6 A-Frame Receiver Controls and Indicators……………………………..22
4.7 Additional A-Frame Receiver Features…………………………………23
5 Principles of Operation……………………………………………………….24
5.1 Functional Theory……………………………………………………...24
5.1.1 Earth Voltage Gradient..………………………………………………26
5.1.2 Equipotentials……………..…………………………………………..26
5.1.3 Multiple Fault Patterns………………………………………..………28
5.1.4 Distortion Due to Adjacent Conductors………………………………28
6 Checkout Procedure……..……………………………………….…………...29
7 Operation…….…..………………………………………………………..……31
7.1 Check the Batteries Prior to Going into the Field…….………………….31
7.2 Ensure all conductors are de-energized.…………………..…………..….31
7.3 Lift the Grounds…………………………………………………………..31
7.4 Attach the Transmitter to the Conductor-Check Fault Resistance ….……31
7.5 Synchronize the A-Frame Receiver……………………………… ……...32
7.6 Confirm that a Fault Exists……….…………………………………..…..34
7.7 Trace the Cable with the 480B Receiver…….……………...………..…..34
7.8 Pinpoint the Fault…….……………………………………………….….34
7.9 Verify the Fault…….………………………………………………….…34

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8 Advanced Techniques…...….………………………………………………....35
8.1 Faults Under Inaccessible Surfaces…………..……………………….…..35
8.1.1 Perpendicular Method…… …………………… ……………………...35
8.1.2 Triangulation Method…………………………… …………...…….….36
8.2 Faults Under Pavement…..……………………………………………....37
8.3 Long Distance Tracing……… ………………….………………………37
8.4 High and Low Impedance Faults……………………….…………….. .38
8.5 Multiple Faults…………………… . ……………….…………………..38
9 Line Locating…...….………………………………….. .... …... .. ……….......39
9.1 Direct (Conductive) Connection……….………….…………………… 39
9.1.1 Peak Method…………… …………………… ……….……………..41
9.1.2 Null Method……………….…………………… …………..…...…….41
9.2 Inductive Coupling with Metroclamp………………………..…………..42
9.3 Inductive (Indirect method)… …………………………….…………….43
9.4 480B 50/60Hz Power Line Locating………………………………. …..44
9.5 Estimating the Depth of a Conductor…………………………….……...45
9.6 4810 Probe for Pinpointing and Depth Estimation………………... …. .46
9.7 Using a Second Metroclamp for Conductor Identification .….. …..…. .47
8.6 Multiple Faults…………………… . …………………………….……..37
10 Maintenance…………………………………………………………….…… .48
10.1 Receiver Battery Replacement……………………………………..….48
10.2 480B Receiver Battery Replacement……………………………..…..48
10.3 Service Centers…………………………………………………………49
Appendix ………………………………………………………………………..…50
Copyright………………………………………………………………………..…51
Warranty………………………………………………………………………..…52

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ILLUSTRATIONS
Figure 3-1: Fault Resistance Scale…………………………………………….5
Figure 3-2: Clamping Black Lead to Ground Rod…..…….. ………………...6
Figure 3-3: Clamping Red Lead to Targeted Cable.………………………. ...6
Figure 3-4: Locating the Targeted Cable…………..………………. .… …… 7
Figure 3-5: Positioning of A-Frame Receiver for Synchronization………….8
Figure 3-6: Locating the Cable Fault with A-Frame Receiver…….………. .10
Figure 4-1: Standard Equipment……………. … ……………………………14
Figure 4-2: Transmitter Controls Panel….……..…………… ……………….19
Figure 4-3: A-Frame Controls and Indicators………………………………. 22
Figure 4-4: Battery Status Indication………………………………………….23
Figure 5-1: Typical 480B/SFL Transmitter Connection…….……………… 25
Figure 5-2: Signal Pattern Around Fault and Ground Point……………..… 26
Figure 5-3: Multiple Fault Signal Patterns………………………………….. 28
Figure 6-1: Checkout Test Set-Up…………………………………….……… 29
Figure 7-1: Synchronizing the A-frame……………………………………….32
Figure 7-2: Fault Confirmation………………………………………………. 33
Figure 8-1: Perpendicular Method…………………………………………… 35
Figure 8-2: Triangulation Method…………………………………………… 36
Figure 8-3: Locating an Equipotential Circle……………………………….. 36
Figure 8-4: Fault Location Using Extension Cable for
Increased Sensitivity…………………………………………….. 37
Figure 9-1: Direct (Conductive) Connection……………………………….. 40
Figure 9-2: Peak 480B Receiver Response……………………………………41
Figure 9-3: Null 480B Receiver Response……………………………………41
Figure 9-4: Inductive Coupling with the Metroclamp ……………...………42
Figure 9-5: Estimating the Depth of a Conductor ….. ……………...………45
Figure 9-6: Estimating Conductor Depth with the 4810 Probe …....………46
Figure 9-7: Using two Metroclamps to identify target conductor ....………47
Figure 10-1: A-frame Receiver Battery Replacement…..………. ....………48

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1 INTRODUCTION
The Metrotech 480B/SFL2Dx Sheath Fault Locator system is designed to detect and pinpoint
sheath and other conductor faults that are in direct contact with the earth.
The 480B/SFL2Dx offers these unique features:
♦ Fault level measurement at the Transmitter
♦ Simultaneous fault finding and line tracing.
♦ Signal strength and Reference LCD’s on the A-Frame for judging
proximity to faults, comparing multiple faults, and detecting pinholes
and “trees” in power cable.
♦ Detection of low and high resistance faults.
♦ Automatic battery checking and low battery warning
♦ Non-polarized A-Frame.
♦ Single-handed operation. No need to carry locator receiver as well as
A-frame.
Operation of the unit is completely automatic; there are no operator adjustments required.
Both the Transmitter and Receiver are water resistant and built to withstand the rigors of field
use.

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2 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1 Metrotech Utility Line and Sheath Fault Locators are intended for use by utility
and contractor professionals. Safety hazards for underground utility access
areas include electrical shock, explosive gases, and toxic fumes as well as
potential influence on communications and control systems such as traffic control
and railroad crossings.
2 Familiarize yourself with all required safety practices of the local utility company,
or other owner of the plant before entering an access area or connecting a
Metrotech transmitter.
3 Before connecting transmitter directly to any conductor, make sure that the line
is de-energized and out of service. Never make a direct connection to a live power
cable.
4 Before connecting the transmitter directly to any conductor, make sure
the operating ground (black cable) is connected to the ground rod.
5 If you use the Metroclamp on energized electrical or control lines follow
appropriate safety procedures to avoid the risk of injury.
6 Pay special attention when using a locator in high traffic areas.

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3 480B/SFL2Dx SHEATH FAULT LOCATOR QUICK START
FOR THE EXPERIENCED USER
1 Check batteries prior to departing for the field
Check the batteries in the Transmitter, Receiver, and A-Frame.
Replace/recharge if necessary. Turn the instruments off.
2 Ensure all conductors are de-energized
3 Lift grounds
Lift Grounds (of all conductors in the circuit) at both ends of the faulted cable
section.
WARNING
When the Transmitter is set to “FAULT & LINE LOCATE”, the external FAULT
OUTPUT jacks produce High Voltage. Do not touch these jacks, electrical shock
will result!
4 Attach transmitter to conductor – Check Fault Resistance
1 Turn Transmitter “OFF.”
2 Plug Black and Red leads into the Transmitter.
3 Stretch Black-lead 180 degrees away from conductor.
4 Push grounding rod into earth and clamp black lead to grounding rod.
Establish the best ground possible. See figure 3-2
5 Clamp Red lead to target conductor sheath. See Figure 3-3
6 Turn transmitter power knob to “Fault & Line Locate” position.
Check fault resistance scale: See Figure 3-1
0-100k ohms – Severe Fault
100k – 500k ohms – Medium Fault
1 Megohm and above – Light Faults
Note: Read the number below the solid
bars to check the quality of the targeted
cable. The fault resistance on
Figure 3-1 is 20K ohms (Severe Fault).
Figure 3-1: Fault Resistance Scale

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Figure 3-2: Clamping Black Lead to Ground Rod
Figure 3-3: Clamping Red Lead to Conductor

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5 Use the 480B Line Locator Receiver to Trace the Cable
Trace and mark the cable as you proceed towards the fault.
1 Adjust Receiver Controls - Turn Receiver “ON”.
2 Sweep Area Around Transmitter – Circle Transmitter with Receiver at a
distance of 10 feet (3 m). The meter indicates the signal strength detected by
the Receiver. The reading will vary from locate to locate according to utility
type and conditions and how close the Receiver is to the targeted utility.
3 Locate Line - Follow your target utility, sweeping left and right as you walk
away from the Transmitter. The Receiver displays the highest reading when it
is directly over the target conductor. Adjust the gain level to see a high reading
over the target conductor. Mark the centerline on the ground.
Figure 3-4: Locating the Targeted Cable

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6 Synchronize the A-Frame Receiver and establish Reference value of fault
(A-Frame receiver has a one-color band above each spike (Black or White)
1 Hold the A-Frame Receiver so the spike with the black band is about 2 steps away
from the ground rod and the spike with the white band is in-line with the targeted
cable. The A-frame receiver must be placed as shown in figure 3-5 for
synchronization and for unit to operate correctly. Push the A-Frame spikes into the
ground. Switch the Receiver “ON” wait until arrow flashes.
Figure 3-5: Positioning of A-Frame Receiver for Synchronization
White Band
Black Band
LCD Display

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2 Monitor bar-graph LCD display for arrow direction. If the arrow points
away from the ground rod, there is a fault.
3 If the arrow points towards the ground rod, there is no fault, and
grounds and connections need to be rechecked
4 A Reference number will be displayed at turn on and will stay fixed until
A-frame is turned off. The Reference number indicates
the potential gradient associated with the fault at the synchronization
location.
5 The Active number will be displayed at the same time as the Reference
number, but it will change when the A-frame spikes are pulled out. The
Active number will decrease when you move away from the synchronization
location and will increase as you get closer to the fault on the cable. The
Active and Reference numbers are available to help you differentiate major
faults from minor faults. See Figure 3-6.

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Figure 3-6 : Locating the Cable Fault with A-Frame Receiver

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7 Pinpoint the Fault
1 Keep the A-Frame parallel to the target cable.
2 Insert the A-Frame every 10-20 ft. Follow the arrow.
3 When the arrow changes direction, backtrack. Look at the Active number and
compare it to the Reference number. If the Active number is similar to the
Reference number, you have located the main fault.
4 Insert the A-Frame every two feet until the arrow changes direction again.
5 Move the A-Frame across the cable until a slight movement causes the arrow
to change direction. The fault is located at the center of the A-Frame.
6 Check entire cable for multiple faults. If more faults are present, check the
Active number at each fault site and compare it to the Reference number. The
higher the Active number the larger the fault.
If you have difficulty with your Metrotech 480B/SFL2Dx Sheath Fault Locator, check the
manual for additional tips. If it still doesn’t work, call us at 1-800-446-3392.

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NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply within limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential installations. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, it may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception (Which can be
determined by turning to the locating equipment off and on). We suggest the user try to
eliminate the interference by one or more of the following measures:
♦ Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
♦ Move the equipment away from the Receiver.
♦ Plug the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the Receiver powered. If necessary, the user should consult
the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for
additional suggestions.
CAUTION: Only equipment certified to comply with Class B (computer input/output
devices, terminals, printers, etc.) should be attached to this equipment. Finally, any changes
or modifications to the equipment by the user not expressly approved by the guarantor or
manufacturer could void the users authority to operate such equipment.

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4 MODEL 480B/SFL2Dx EQUIPMENT
4.1 Standard Equipment
The standard equipment included is the following:
Part Model # Description Remarks
11206 4.8Hz, 83 kHz Transmitter
400D108 83 kHz, 50/60 Hz Receiver
10498 4.8Hz A-Frame Receiver
400A140 Conductive attachment
10873 Vehicle Mount Charger 12 Volts DC power lead
for Transmitter
11207 Operating Manual

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Figure 4-1: Standard Equipment
Standard Equipment:
1. 480B/SFL Transmitter
2. 480B Receiver
3. Conductive Attachment
4. Ground Rod
5. Vehicle Mount 12-Volt DC Power Lead
6. Operation Manual
7. Bracket
8. SFL2Dx A-Frame

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4.2 Optional Accessories
Optional accessories available for the 480B/SFL2 Sheath Fault Locator are listed below:
Part/Model # Description Remarks
4290 2” MetroClamp For Inductive
Coupling
4490 4” MetroClamp For Inductive
Coupling
400A132 100’ Ground Lead Extension
SON830 Small Sonde
SONH83K High Power Sonde
4810 Inductive probe

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4.3 Technical Specifications
TRANSMITTER
Output Frequencies: Model Frequencies
480B/SFL 4.8Hz, 83kHz
Locate Power LED: Flashing green LED indicate Transmitter output is Active when
the following modes are selected:
- Induce
- Line Only Locate
- Fault & Line Locate
High Voltage LED: Flashing red LED indicate Transmitter output is Active in Fault
and Line Locate mode.
Fault Metering: Continuous fault resistance monitoring 0 to 5M Ohm.
Nominal Output Power
Inductive Mode: .1watts (across the loop)
Conductive Mode: .125 watts (across 2.7kOhm)
Fault and Line Locate Mode: 1.75 watts (across 10K)
Battery Type: Rechargeable
Battery Life: Induce – 70 hours
Line only locate – 55 hours
Fault and Line Locate – 10 hours
Battery Check: Automatic in the Fault & Line Locate Mode
Operation
Temperature: -4º to +122º F (-20º to +50º C)
Dimensions: 11.63"L x 9"H x 3.13"D
(29.5cm x 23 cm x 8 cm)
Weight: 4.1 lbs. (1.8 kg)

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Technical Specifications (4.3 cont’d)
A-FRAME RECEIVER
Frequency: 4.8 Hz Crystal Controlled
Input Sensitivity: 5 MV
Sensitivity Control: Automatic
Dynamic Range:
Bargraph 72 dB
Numerical LCD 60 dB
Output Indication:
Bargraph LCD Flashing LCD arrows point to fault. 12 segment LCD
bargraph indicates signal level, each bar = 6dB.
Numerical LCD Active – Displays potential gradient to pinpoint and
differentiate multiple faults.
Reference – Displays maximum potential gradient at
synchronization location and can be compared to Active
number for pinpointing major fault.
Battery: 9 V NEDA 1604 or equivalent.
Battery Life: 100 hours continuous use.
Battery Test. Automatic at power on
Weight: 4.4 lb (2.0 kg)
Dimensions: 32 in. H x 22 in. W x 1 in.
(81 cm x 56 cm x 2.5 cm)
Operational Temp: -4 to + 120 degrees F