Strainrite Fault Finder User manual

1 Introduction
The STRAINRITE Fault Finder measures the electrical condition of an electric
fence. Holding the meter against the fence wire, the meter will turn on
automatically when it detects a fence voltage. The fence voltage, current and
the direction of a possible fence fault will be displayed on the LCD. The meter
will automatically turn off after a few seconds when not in use.
2 Technical Specifications
Parameter
Value
Voltage Display Range
-14kV to 14kV
Current Display Range
1A to 85A
Automatic Turn-On Voltage
<-150V or >150V*
Battery Type
2 x 1.5V AAA
Battery Life (Estimated)
~150 hours
Operating Temperature
-10°C to 50°C
*Measured at a pulse length of 100ms and direct earthing

3 Warnings
1. This product is not intended for use by persons (including children) with
reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and
knowledge unless they have been given supervision or instruction
concerning the use of the product by a person responsible for their safety.
2. Electric fencing can be lethal. Avoid any head contact with the fence.
3. Do not attempt to use or store this product in the presence of excessive
moisture, as this may lead to electrical shock.
4. Do not attempt to measure voltages in excess of 14 kV as this may damage
the device or cause electrical shock.
5. Do not attempt to measure any other electrical outputs other than that of
electric fence energizers complying with the IEC 60335-2-76 specification.

4 Screen Layout

5 Operation
5.1 Holding the meter
• Grip the fence meter tightly in your
hand, taking care not to grip too
close to the electric fence wire,
contact strip or LCD screen.
• This meter makes use of capacitive
coupling between the user, meter
and earth and therefore, a firm
grip with sufficient skin contact will
ensure a more accurate reading.
• A more accurate measurement can
be achieved by holding on to a ground point like a ground wire, grounded
metal pole etc., with your other hand while taking a measurement.

5.2 Taking a measurement
• Place the live fence wire in the slot
of the measuring tip, making sure
there is good contact between the
fence wire and the metal strip.
• If there is a voltage pulse in
excess of 150V present on the
wire, the Fault Finder will turn on
automatically and display the fence
voltage, current and if present, the
direction of a possible fault
(see screen layout in section 5).
If the fence voltage is more than
150V, but less than 0.5kV, the
meter will turn on and show 0kV.

• If the energizer has a negative voltage output or in some instances,
where the ground fence wire is measured, the negative voltage
indicator will be displayed.
• If the current in the fence wire is less than 2A, no fault direction arrows
will be shown.
• If the Fault Finder does not detect an energizer pulse for 10 seconds,
the meter will automatically switch off.
• Measurements taken in close proximity (less than 1m) to the energizer
may not be accurate.
• If only a voltage measurement is desired, it is not necessary to place
the wire in the measuring pin slot, any contact to the metal strip will be
sufficient.

5.3 Battery Replacement
• If the battery symbol is displayed along with the measurements, the
batteries will need replacement soon.
• If only the battery symbol is displayed, the batteries need to be
replaced before any measurements can be made.
• The batteries (2 x AAA 1.5V) can be replaced by loosening the 6 screws
at the back (leave the screws on the belt clip) and opening the meter.
• Ensure the correct polarity as shown on the housing below the
batteries.

6 Finding a Fault
An electrical fault works on the path of least resistance to earth. So if you have
vegetation or a broken insulator for example, the power loss tracks through the
fault to earth, increasing the amps between the energizer and the fault.
6.1 Get a reading on your fence without faults.
The power on your fence line is dependent on a few variables. The size of your
energizer, how clean your electric fence lines are and load variables such as
vegetation growth or damaged insulators etc.
Strainrite recommend establishing what your normal fence readings are, free of
faults or abnormal loads as the base reading to determine the variable between
normal operational load and abnormal fault load.

6.2 Open-circuit Fault
• Start as close as possible to where the lead-out wire from the energizer
connects to the electric fence and take a measurement on the live wire.
• Take a measurement at regular intervals along the fence, while moving
away from the energizer.
• When the measurement changes from high amps to low amps, the fault
should be between the current and the previous measurement points.
• Parallel fence wires should be inspected individually following the above
process.

The image depicts the electric fence wire only and posts for visual purposes.

6.3 Improve your fence with high-performance insulators
Strainrite’s premium range of Joule Shield™ Insulators. Featuring a multi-shield
design. This allows for a greater surface area and shielding for
minimised power leakage over standard single shield insulators
UP TO 100% GREATER INSULATION THAN OTHER TESTED INSULATORS
Heavy duty claws for coping with maximum wire loads.
Reinforced web bracing and thicker walls providing structural strength.
Rounded surfaces that shed water faster.
Joule Shield™ Twin shield flange for increased insulation performance.
Long-life UV stabilised plastic.
Proudly designed and manufactured in NZ.
12 Year Guarantee.
Available in Claw, Pinlock & Steel Y Post options
Compatible with Strainrite Holeshot staple gun adapter

6.4 Improve your Fence
Agri Energizer Range
Strainrite’s Agri energizers aim to provide you with the best solutions to
meet and exceed your requirements. With features such as Adaptive Power
Technology and eco-minded solutions such as the LiFe battery.
* Not available on all models.
Visit www.strainrite.co.nz to view the full range of
Agri Energizers to find a solution to fit your
needs. You will also find videos on how
Adaptive Power Technology (APT) works in
the videos section with a whole catalogue
of fencing tips.

Lightning Inhibitor & Diverter
•Designed to operate in areas of high lightning-strike
rates
•Stainless steel parts
•UV stabilised housing
•Inhibits lightning to energizer
•Diverts lightning to earth
•Easy Installation
•Mounts to flat and curved surfaces
•Part Code FLD00030
Flood Gate Controller
•The flood gate controller limits energy on a
section of fence in areas where flooding or heavy
growth occurs.
•Prevents fence from shorting
•Reduces power loss when floodwater contacts
the electric fence line
•Part Code FFI00020

7 Guarantee
The STRAINRITE Fault Finder, manufactured by NEMTEK, is guaranteed for a
period of one year from date of sale against defects due to faulty workmanship
or materials. NEMTEK will, at its discretion, either repair or replace a product
that proves to be defective. NEMTEK guarantees that the product, when
properly used in line with the specification as determined by NEMTEK from time
to time, will execute its function. NEMTEK does not guarantee that the
operation of the product will be uninterrupted and totally error-free. Faulty units
must be returned to one of the NEMTEK Group outlets. The buyer shall pay all
shipping and other charges for the return of the product to NEMTEK or NEMTEK
Security Warehouse.
The guarantee does not apply to defects resulting from acts of God,
modifications made by the buyer or any third party, misuse, neglect, abuse,
accident and mishandling. Product specifications may be altered without prior
notification.

STRAINRITE Contact Details
STRAINRITE HEAD OFFICE
81 Montgomery Crescent
Clouston Park
Upper Hutt 5018
New Zealand
For more information and instructional product videos
visit www.strainrite.co.nz
Rev A, 2021/08/07 Manufactured in South Africa