S&C 360 GROUND FINDER Series User manual

MODEL 360
GROUND FINDER
(1/17/15)
SURVIVES CONTACT WITH 110VAC
NOT DAMAGED BY EXPOSURE
TO OVER-CURRENT
TESTS FOR POSITIVE AND
NEGATIVE GROUNDS AT SAME
TIME
TOUCH-AND-GO TESTING -
BEEPER INDICATES GROUND
DOES NOT SEE “GHOST”
GROUNDS
TESTING VOLTAGE PROVIDED FOR
BOTH VOLTS AND AMPS TESTS
TEST VOLTAGE (22.5VDC) AVOIDS "MASKING" BELOW 20 VDC
PUSH-BUTTON POLARITY REVERSAL
Our Model 360 Ground Finder is a stand-alone tool designed to simplify, expedite and
standardize the testing for grounds required by FRA Rules No. 234.249 and 236.107. Testing
voltage is 22.5 VDC in both Test and Confirm modes, reflecting a standard common with
several railroads, avoiding "masking" below 20VDC, and out of normal signaling voltage
ranges. Unique “touch and go” operation greatly accelerates testing. And, with the 360 tester
it is not necessary to switch polarities to detect both positive and negative grounds where
circuit voltage is 16VDC, or less. For circuit voltages in excess of 16VDC, it will be necessary

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MODEL 360 GROUND FINDER 1/17/15 PAGE 2
to make both polarity tests. When switching polarities is necessary, a simple push-button
feature is supplied to enable quick, temporary reversal of polarities. Also, to guard against
detecting “ghost” grounds, meter sensitivity is limited to 1000 ohms per volt, matching the
Simpson TS-111(r).
In the “TEST” mode, alarms (Red LED, beeper) activate when the maintainer encounters a
ground. For safety, and to allow testing under traffic, output current is limited to less than
1.0mA in the “TEST” mode.
Because the output of our Ground Finder is allowed to rise to a maximum of 10.0mA in the
“CONFIRM” mode, upon ground indication, the maintainer must have track and time (TOP)
clearance to switch the tester to the “CONFIRM” mode before verifying that his ground is
reportable. Once he has determined that it is safe to switch the Model 360, a quick test in the
“CONFIRM” mode tells him the value of the ground up to 10.0mA (meter full-scale). Because
we supply the test voltage in the Confirm (current) mode as well as the Test (voltage) mode,
“dry” wire tests that fail to detect grounds will not occur. Also, by providing the voltage for the
current test, it is not necessary to activate circuits that are inactive at the time of the test.
Built “railroad” tough to withstand the usual working environment, the 360 tester is designed
with circuitry that gives protection against damage caused by momentary contact with
110VAC, and, connection of the tester to a high-current ground. The unit is furnished with a
lithium, 9VDC battery, which expands its operating temperature range to -40 deg F.
Battery storage compartment is an easy-access, drawer-like device that is located on the right
side of the tester. Unit comes complete with leads and a black, zippered carrying pouch with
space for lead storage, a pocket for carrying an extra battery and the Calibration Check Device
and a loop to thread the strap handle of the 355 Signalman's Meter through to enable a dual-
meter configuration. Quick-Start instruction booklet and a complete instruction manual are also
provided. A Dual-Meter Case accessory (PN: 360-20) is available that allows the maintainer
to carry his Ground Finder (for ground tests) and an alternative Fluke VOM or similar meter (for
voltage tests) in the same case. A Dual Meter Kit, paring the 360-4 Ground Finder with our
355 Signalman's Meter can be purchased (see last page for ordering information).
SPECIFICATIONS
a. “TEST” Mode Output: 22.5VDC @ less than 1.0mA
b. “TEST” Mode Current Required For Ground Detection: 0.10mA
c. “CONFIRM” Mode Output: 22.5VDC. Will not exceed 10.0mA
d. Isolation: 1000 Ohms per volt (through meter)
Designed to absorb momentary connection to 110VAC
Plastic case, insulated probe provide operator & short protection

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MODEL 360 GROUND FINDER 1/17/15 PAGE 3
e. Indicators: 0.10 mA Ground Leak - Red LED, Beeper
Adequate Internal Battery - 8.0mA or greater, in “CONFIRM”
mode, with leads shorted.
f. Battery: Type: Lithium, 9V battery provided. (Service Life: 30 hours)
g. Temperature: -40C (-40F) to +45C (120F)
h. Physical: Case: 6.75 in. long x 3.50 in wide x 1.50 in. high
Test Lead: 48” long, with crocodile clip
Ground Lead: 6 ft. long, with claw clip.
ORDERING REFERENCES
ITEM DESCRIPTION
PART NUMBER
Model 360 Ground Finder w/Crocodile Clip Leads,
Zippered Tool Pouch
360-4
Above, in Dual Meter Case
360-1003
Above, in Dual Meter Case w/Calibration Check Device
360-1002
Dual-Meter Kit paring the 360-4 Ground Finder with our
355 Signalman's Meter
355-1360
Calibration Check Device f/360
360-30
Dual Meter Case for use with alternative meter
360-20
Carrying Pouch, Replacement
360-12
9 VDC Lithium Battery, Replacement
04-1015
Lead Set, Crocodile Clip Leads, Replacement
360-19
ORDER FROM
S & C DISTRIBUTION COMPANY PHONE: [phone]
7225 Duvan Drive FAX: [phone]
Tinley Park, IL 60477 E-Mail [email protected]