Multiple Faults; Path Locating; Direct Connect Path Locating Method - RIDGID A-Frame Fault Locator Operator's Manual

• If the paved area is relatively small, the
receiver can be used around the periphery
of the area. The receiver can be rotated
side to side, and where the receiver di-
rectional arrows and beeping toggle back
and forth, extend a straight line perpendicu-
lar to the center of the A-Frame Receiver.
Do this in several locations around the
suspected fault area. The straight lines
should all intersect at the same point. This
is the location of the fault. This method of
locating is less exact than placing the re-
ceiver directly over the conductor. See
Figure 13.
• An alternate way to locate below paved
surfaces is to improve the conductivity be-
tween the pavement and the receiver with
water. One method is to attach sponges to
the spikes of the receiver. Wet the sponges
with water and keep wet. Conduct the fault
locate normally.
• Another method is to wet the surface of the
pavement with water and conduct the fault
locate normally. Do not do this in the area
of the transmitter – this increases the risk of
electrical shock.
Figure 13 – Locating below paved surfaces

Multiple Faults

If there are multiple faults in the conductor,
the faults will have signals proportional to
the amount of current leaking. The locate is
done the same as for a single fault, but the
signal strength will not be as strong. Typically,
the largest fault (least resistance fault) is
easiest to find. Best practice is to find and re-
pair the first fault and continue the locate
for other faults.

Path Locating

The FT-103 Transmitter can be used with other
commercially available receivers (such as the
RIDGID SeekTech or NaviTrack receivers) to
path locate conductors. The FT-103 transmitter
999-995-095.10_REV. A
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A-Frame Fault Locator
can be used to apply an active tracing signal to
a conductor in three ways:
• Direct Connect – The transmitter's leads
are connected directly to the target conduc-
tor and a suitable ground. This method is
most commonly used when the target util-
ity is accessible. Direct connect should not
be used for energized (live) conductors.
• Inductive Clamp (optional equipment) –
the jaws of the inductive clamp encircle
the target conductor; if the conductor is in-
sulated, there is no metal to metal contact.
This method is commonly used when the
target utility is accessible but direct con-
nect is not possible on an insulated cable.
• Broadcast Inductive Mode – The transmit-
ter generates a field, which in turn induces
a current in the target conductor. There is no
direct connection between the transmitter
and the target conductor. The transmitter is
placed over and inline with the target con-
ductor. The transmitter's internal antenna in-
duces a signal onto the target conductor.
This method is most commonly used when
the target utility is not accessible.
Disconnect all loads from the conductor to
be tested and all neighboring conductors to
prevent damage from high voltage and false
reading.
Direct Connect Path Locating
Method
1. Insert supplied ground stake into the
earth. Or, if other good grounds are avail-
able in the area, they can be used.
A good ground results in a stronger tracing
signal. To get a good ground, insert the
ground stake as far as possible into the
earth. Moist earth will give a better ground
than dry earth. Wetting the earth around
the ground stake can improve grounding.
This lowers the resistance of the circuit.
While moist earth around the ground
stake improves the circuit, do not use the
transmitter in areas that are wet, this can
increase the risk of electrical shock.
The far end of the conductor should be
grounded.
2. Make sure that the transmitter is OFF.
3. Connect BLACK test lead to the ground
stake. Always connect to the ground stake
first.
4. Connect the BLACK and RED test leads
to the Transmitter.
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