VESALA SG33 X2.0 ENG User manual

User Manual
Vesala SG33 X2.0 ENG
for Vesala Signal Generator SG33 version X2.0
IMPORTANT: Read carefully before use.
Keep for future reference.
English
Issued: 2021-04-21
Revised: 2021-06-30

User Manual Vesala SG33 X2.0 ENG
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Table of contents
1 Safety notes .......................................................................................................................................................... 3
2 Explanation of symbols placed on the product ......................................................................................... 7
3 General description ............................................................................................................................................ 7
3.1 Intended use ................................................................................................................................................ 7
3.2 Specifications ............................................................................................................................................... 8
3.3 Package contents .................................................................................................................................... 11
3.4 Selecting and changing batteries ...................................................................................................... 13
3.5 Signal Generator SG33 parts and functions .................................................................................... 14
4 Operating Signal Generator SG33 ............................................................................................................... 15
4.1 Introduction to locating ........................................................................................................................ 15
4.2 Precautions with hazardously live circuits and in wet conditions ........................................... 15
4.3 Locating accessible buried cables ...................................................................................................... 18
4.4 Locating cables connected to a grounded object ........................................................................ 19
4.5 Locating cables indoors ........................................................................................................................ 20
4.6 Locating heating cables ........................................................................................................................ 21
4.7 Locating cable faults .............................................................................................................................. 22
4.8 Identifying circuit breakers, switches and fuses in low voltage network .............................. 23
4.9 Locating and identifying open ends of wires ................................................................................. 23
4.10 Locating short non-conductive pipes and ducts........................................................................... 24
4.11 Using clamp-on transformers .............................................................................................................. 25

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4.12 Using inductive couplers ...................................................................................................................... 26
4.13 Using pulse function .............................................................................................................................. 26
5 Taking care of your equipment ................................................................................................................... 27
5.1 Storing ........................................................................................................................................................ 27
5.2 Cleaning and maintenance .................................................................................................................. 27
5.3 Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................................................... 28
5.4 Modifying, misuse and damaged equipment ................................................................................ 31
5.5 Warranty ..................................................................................................................................................... 31
5.6 Disposal ...................................................................................................................................................... 32
6 Supplier contact information ....................................................................................................................... 32
7 Declaration on conformity ............................................................................................................................ 32
1 Safety notes
To avoid possible harm, read and follow these instructions.
DANGER: Risk of electric shock
When Signal Generator SG33 is connected to a hazardously live circuit, batteries will become
hazardously live. Touching hazardously live batteries may result in an injury or death. Always
disconnect both test leads before removing the battery cover. Do not operate the device
without its battery cover. Inspect the battery cover seal every time the battery cover is opened.
If necessary, clean the battery cover seal according to section 5.2: Cleaning and maintenance.
Close battery cover carefully after every battery change.

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DANGER: Risk of electric shock, fire or property damage
Connecting to hazardously live circuits with inappropriate test leads or accessories may result in
an injury, death, fire or property damage. Only use test leads with adequate rated voltage and
measurement category. In wet conditions, only use test leads and accessories with adequate
protection against ingress of water. Note that the supplied test leads and accessories have no
protection against ingress of water.
CAUTION: Documentation must be consulted, risk of electric shock
When Signal Generator SG33 is connected to a previously safe circuit, the circuit may become
hazardously live. Touching live circuits may result in an injury. Do not touch connected circuits
when wet. In wet conditions, use protection against electric shock when possible. Do not use
boost mode in wet conditions if protection against electric shock cannot be used. Do not
connect Signal Generator SG33 between a hazardously live circuit and a circuit that does not
have protection against electric shock. For safe and proper connection consult section 4:
Operating Signal Generator SG33.

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CAUTION: Documentation must be consulted, risk of electric shock or fire
Damaged or modified device may behave in an unsafe way. Using a damaged or modified
device may result in an injury or property damage. Do not try to open the enclosure. Do not
attempt to modify the device or accessories in any way. Do not use an unspecified battery.
Periodically inspect the device and accessories against any signs of damage due to aging,
mishandling, fall, etc. Dispose of any damaged accessories appropriately. Replacements are
available from the supplier. Immediately stop using a damaged device and remove batteries.
Make sure that a damaged device is serviced or disposed of before next use. For replacement
accessories consult sections 3.3: Package contents and section 6: Supplier contact information.
For instructions for proper disposing of consult section 5.6: Disposal.
CAUTION: Documentation must be consulted, risk of electric shock or fire
Signal Generator SG33 has been specified to operate at altitudes up to 2000 m when connected
to hazardously live circuits. Connecting the device to a hazardously live circuit at an altitude
over 2000 m may result in an injury or property damage. Before connecting Signal Generator
SG33 to a circuit at an altitude over 2000 m, make sure that the circuit is not hazardously live.
For permitted ambient conditions consult section 3.2: Specifications.

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In the event of electric shock
1. Quickly assess the situation.
2. Turn off the power if possible.
3. Disconnect the patient from the supply with an insulating object if necessary.
4. Assess the condition of the patient.
5. Alert emergency responders if necessary.
6. Give CPR if necessary.
7. Direct emergency responders to the patient.
8. Prevent further injuries by informing others about the accident.
9. Always seek medical attention.
In the event of fire
1. Quickly assess the situation.
2. Turn off the power if possible.
3. Alert others in danger.
4. Alert emergency responders if necessary.
5. Try to put out the fire if possible.
6. Contain the fire if possible.
7. Direct emergency responders to the location.

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In the event of property damage
1. Quickly assess the situation.
2. Turn off the power if possible.
3. Prevent further damage by informing others about the accident.
4. Repair or replace damaged property.
2 Explanation of symbols placed on the product
DANGER: Possibility of electric shock.
CAUTION: Documentation must be consulted in all cases where this symbol is marked.
3 General description
3.1 Intended use
Signal Generator SG33 is a rugged 33 kHz cable locator signal generator which can be used
indoors and outdoors to locate and identify cables, wires, pipes, ducts, circuit breakers, switches,
fuses and cable faults. Signal Generator SG33 outputs a signal at 32768 Hz which is detected
with a separate compatible cable locator. SG33 may be connected directly using test leads to a
live or non-energized circuit or between a non-energized circuit and ground. Additionally, SG33
may be connected indirectly using a clamp-on transformer accessory or an inductive coupler
accessory. SG33 is intended to be used by a skilled electrician.

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3.2 Specifications
I/O ports Two 4 mm safety sockets
Output signal 32768 Hz ±2 Hz sine wave,
either continuous wave or 100% AM at 4 Hz or 8
Hz
Output level, normal mode <16 V, <110 mA, <0.5 W
Output level, boost mode <30 V, <220 mA, <1.7 W
Output impedance 180 Ω @ 33 kHz
Input impedance 23 kΩ @ 60 Hz, 450 V
Rated voltage and frequency 450 V, 0…60 Hz
Measurement categories CAT III 300 V
CAT II 450 V
Output fuse 400 mA, time-delay, 600 V
Ambient temperature, LR6 batteries,
device in boost mode +5°C…+40°C
Ambient temperature, LR6 batteries,
device in normal mode -10°C…+40°C

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User Manual Vesala SG33 X2.0 ENG
Ambient temperature, HR6 or FR6
batteries -10°C…+40°C
Humidity 0…100 % RH
Atmospheric pressure and altitude 75...106 kPa, maximum altitude 2000 m
Storage conditions, batteries installed +5°C…+30°C, 10...90 % RH non-condensing
Storage conditions, batteries removed -20°C…+40°C, 10...90 % RH non-condensing
Indicators 6 LED bar for output current and battery voltage,
power LED, boost LED, pulse LED
Batteries 6 pcs, 1.2…1.5V,
IEC LR6 alkaline, HR6 NiMH or FR6 Li-FeS2
Nominal battery voltage 9 V
Operating voltage range 6.9…11 V
Current consumption 10…300 mA @ 9 V
Battery fuse 1.5 A, 8 V, resettable
Enclosure ABS+PC, size 155 x 90 x 52 mm
Degree of protection IEC 60529 IP67 (not operational)

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Weight 438 g including LR6 batteries
International standards this product is in
conformance with EN 61326-1:2013 EN 61326-2-2:2013
EN 61010-1:2010/A1:2019/AC:2019-04
EN 61010-2-030:2010
EN IEC 63000:2018
Electromagnetic
environment
EN 6326-1:2013
Industrial electromagnetic environment
Supported accessories S3TB Test lead for connecting to low-voltage
mains installation, CEE 7/7, 250 V
PM50 Clamp-on transformer for cable diameter
up to 50 mm
PM100 Clamp-on transformer for cable diameter
up to 100 mm
SY33 Inductive coupler for buried cables, 33 kHz
SPA10 Flexible antenna for locating ducts, length
10 m

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User Manual Vesala SG33 X2.0 ENG
3.3 Package contents
The following items are supplied in the package.
 Signal Generator SG33, version X2.0 (V11358)
Version number is indicated at the beginning of the serial number.
 1.5 V alkaline battery LR6 (J01576), 6 pcs
 TB10p Safety test lead for direct connection,
4 mm 1 m CAT III 1000V red (V15925)
 XKKp Alligator clip for direct connection,
insulated 1000 V red (X25915)
 TB10m Safety test lead for direct connection,
4 mm 1 m CAT III 1000V black (V15926)
 XKKm Alligator clip for direct connection,
insulated 1000 V black (X25913)

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One or more of the following optional accessories may be included in the
kit.
 S3TB Test lead for connecting to low-voltage mains installation, CEE
7/7, 250 V (V15928)
 10/TX-Earthstake grounding rod for earthing an output (Z32268)
 PM50 Clamp-on transformer for inductively coupling to small objects,
diameter up to 50 mm (V14150)
 PM100 Clamp-on transformer for inductively
coupling to objects, diameter up to 100 mm
(V14158)
 SPA10 Pipe transmitter antenna for locating short, non-conductive
ducts, length 10 m, flexible (V14160)
 SY33 Inductive coupler for indirectly connecting to buried cables, 33 kHz
(V14120)
Accessories and spares may be purchased separately. Other devices may be sold together with
Signal Generator SG33 or included in the kit. Refer to their corresponding information for use.

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3.4 Selecting and changing batteries
Signal Generator SG33 can use three different types of batteries: IEC LR6 alkaline, HR6 NiMH or
FR6 Li-FeS2. Ambient temperature, boost mode usage, environment and economy should be
considered when selecting batteries. Disposable FR6 Li-FeS2 batteries give the best
performance and longest battery life but are rather expensive. Rechargeable HR6 NiMH
batteries are an all-round good choice at temperatures down to -10°C and especially when
boost mode is used. Low cost LR6 alkaline batteries perform well in normal mode at ambient
temperatures above +5°C. At lower temperatures boost mode cannot be used with LR6
batteries. However, LR6 batteries can be used in normal mode down to -10°C with slightly
reduced battery life.
DANGER: Risk of electric shock
When Signal Generator SG33 is connected to a hazardously live circuit, batteries will become
hazardously live. Touching hazardously live batteries may result in an injury or death. Always
disconnect both test leads before removing the battery cover.
If the device is dirty or wet, clean and dry the outer surface of the device with a soft cloth before
removing the battery cover. Open two PZ2 screws at the bottom of the device to remove the
battery cover. Inspect the battery cover seal for dirt. If necessary, clean the battery cover seal
according to section 5.2: Cleaning and maintenance. Remove old batteries. Insert six batteries of
the same type. Observe battery polarity. Close battery cover carefully with hand tools and do
not overtighten the screws. Do not operate the device without its battery cover in place.

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3.5 Signal Generator SG33 parts and functions
Output connectors: Two 4 mm safety sockets
Strap
Secure to a solid object when working at heights
Output current indicator
Displays current between 0.3 mA and 100 mA
Power LED
LED blinks if batteries are weak
Power button
Long press: toggle power on or off
Short press and releasing after start-up:
display battery voltage
Extended start-up press: display firmware version
BOOST LED and button
Toggle boost mode which increases output voltage
Long press is required to turn on boost mode
PULSE LED and button
Cycle pulsing modes: continuous, 4 Hz, 8 Hz
Batteries
Bottom side, under the battery cover: 6 x LR6, HR6 or FR6

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4 Operating Signal Generator SG33
4.1 Introduction to locating
A cable locator detects the magnetic field or, in some cases, electric field, emitted by the located
object. In most cases a signal generator is used to generate this signal. The output current
indicator in Signal Generator SG33 displays how strong the signal is. The following chapters
describe the most common cases when a signal generator is connected to a cable, wire, duct or
pipe. The same principles can be applied to other similar cases. Technical support and training
are available at your supplier. Majority of cable locating work should be done when located
cables are either disconnected or voltage free and conditions are dry.
4.2 Precautions with hazardously live circuits and in wet conditions
Precautions shall be taken before connecting Signal Generator SG33 to a hazardously live circuit
or when conditions are wet. When these instructions are followed, operation is safe with
hazardously live circuits and in wet conditions.

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DANGER: Risk of electric shock, fire or property damage
Connecting to hazardously live circuits with inappropriate test leads or accessories may result in
an injury, death, fire or property damage. Only use test leads with adequate rated voltage and
measurement category. In wet conditions, only use test leads and accessories with adequate
protection against ingress of water. Note that the supplied test leads and accessories have no
protection against ingress of water.
CAUTION: Risk of electric shock
When Signal Generator SG33 is connected to a previously safe circuit, the circuit may become
hazardously live. Touching live circuits may result in an injury. Do not touch connected circuits
when wet. In wet conditions, use protection against electric shock when possible. Do not use
boost mode in wet conditions if protection against electric shock cannot be used. Do not
connect Signal Generator SG33 between a hazardously live circuit and a circuit that does not
have protection against electric shock.
When simultaneously all three conditions apply, the Signal generator SG33 output voltage
alone may be considered hazardous:
 Conditions are wet.
 Boost mode is in use.
 Circuit connected between Signal Generator SG33 outputs has high impedance.

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CAUTION: Conditions and impedance can vary unexpectedly and without warning.
Conditions can be wet at other parts of circuits even when connection is made in dry conditions.
Especially when locating faults, impedance of connected circuits can vary suddenly and
unexpectedly.
When simultaneously all three conditions apply, current flowing through Signal Generator SG33
may cause a hazard:
 One output is connected to a hazardously live circuit.
 The other output is connected to a circuit that has no protection against electric
shock.
 A transient phenomenon triggers an over voltage protection device inside Signal
Generator SG33 shunting hazardous current to the unprotected circuit for a short time
period.
CAUTION: Risk of electric shock or fire
Signal Generator SG33 has been specified to operate at altitudes up to 2000 m when connected
to hazardously live circuits. Connecting the device to a hazardously live circuit at an altitude
over 2000 m may result in an injury or property damage. Before connecting Signal Generator
SG33 to a circuit at an altitude over 2000 m, make sure that the circuit is not hazardously live.

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4.3 Locating accessible buried cables
To locate a buried cable whose end is
accessible, connect one SG33 output to the
cable. If the cable has a grounded shield,
disconnect the shield from the cable end
SG33 is connected to and connect SG33 to
the shield. Ground the second SG33 output
in the opposite direction from the located
cable with a grounding rod, or to a nearby
grounded object.
Boost mode is recommended if the other
end of the cable has poor or no connection
to ground or the soil is dry. Buried cables
whose other end has poor or no connection
to ground have a section at the other end
that cannot be located. The length of this
section varies from a few meters to tens of
meters.
Conductive pipes and ducts can also be
located using this method.

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4.4 Locating cables connected to a grounded object
To locate a cable connected to a grounded
object, connect one SG33 output to the
object itself. Ground the second output in
the opposite direction from the located
cable with a grounding rod as far as
possible. If soil is inaccessible, ground the
second output to another nearby grounded
object that is not connected to the located
cable.
Boost mode is recommended if the other
end of the cable has poor or no connection
to ground or the soil is dry. It is possible to locate multiple cables connected to the same
grounded object with this method.

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4.5 Locating cables indoors
To locate a cable indoors, connect one SG33
output to the cable and the other output to
a nearby grounded object, like a wall outlet
PE connector. If the located cable and the
cable feeding the grounded object share
the same route, locating may be difficult. It
is therefore advisable to connect to a
grounded object far away from the located
cable. Ideally, use an additional wire to
connect to a grounding rod, placed
outdoors.
It is possible to connect SG33 between two
different conductors in the same cable but
locating range will be reduced. Boost mode
may be required if the other end is
unconnected. To locate exposed wire ends,
refer to section 4.9: Locating and identifying
open ends of wires.