CABLE AVOIDANCE TOOLS Signal Generator SG-V Signal Generator SG-A Cable Avoidance Tool XD Cable Avoidance Tool Instruction Manual
Check for underground services before using the earth stake. Do not use the equipment in areas where hazardous gases may be present. Beware of multiple services. The C.Scope Cable Avoidance Tool will not always indicate close services, either side by side or one above the other. System performance may be impaired by unusually strong electromagnetic fields. The C.Scope Signal Generator leads must not be connected directly to a live service. The C.
2 Signal Generator (SG-A and SG-V Models) 9 10 11 Pinpointing Tracing 8 Holding the Locator Searching 7 Batteries Using the Locator 6 5 Radio Generator 4 Power Locator Operating Modes 1 Inside Front Cover Cable Avoidance Tool (and XD Model) Features Warnings Contents 37 Maintenance 40 39 Signal Generator Support Services 38 Cable Avoidance Tool Specifications 33 32 30 28 26 25 24 23 21 20 19 18 17 16 14 13 12 Function checks Sonde/ Plastic Pipe Tracer Depth
1 Radio Battery condition indicator Replaceable wear foot Depth display (XD Model only) Power Signal strength bar display Generator (showing frequency) Mode selected: Battery compartment 3 position mode switch Sensitivity control On/ Off switch Detachable loud speaker Depth measurement button (XD model only) Digital display Digital display The C.
Induced or connected mode indicator Signal strength bar display Pulsed/Continuous output switch High power switch Accessory tray Auxiliary earth lead socket Direct connection socket Batteries Low power switch Power output level indicator Mute/loud setting Battery condition indicator Loud/Mute switch On/Off switch Digital display (SG-V only) The C.
3 Connection magnet Auxiliary 10m earth lead Crocodile clips Direct connection leads Earth stake Accessory tray holding clips Accessory tray The C.
● ● ● ● ● NOTE Generally these services should be detectable using the Radio or Generator modes. WARNING Absence of Power signal does not mean the service is not live. WARNING Locators can only detect services radiating a detectable electromagnetic signal. There may be some services that do not radiate these signals and cannot be located. Street lighting cables. When the lights are off, no current flows and so no power signal is created.
5 NOTE Most buried metallic services not found in Radio mode should be detectable by using Generator mode with a Signal Generator. WARNING Locators can only detect services radiating a detectable electromagnetic signal. There may be some services that do not radiate these signals and cannot be located. Limitations of Radio Mode ● Not all services will be detectable in Radio mode. ● A strong Radio signal present on one service may be masking a weaker Radio signal present on an adjacent service.
WARNING Locators can only detect services radiating a detectable electromagnetic signal. There may be some services that do not radiate these signals and cannot be located. Limitations of Generator Mode are covered in Using the ‘Signal Generator’ section of this manual. Induction - The Signal Generator can induce a signal onto a buried metallic service remotely from the surface without the need to physically connect to that service.
Battery levels 7 WARNING Do not change batteries in confined spaces where gas may be present. NOTE Only use alkaline AA (LR6) size batteries. Dispose of the used batteries safely in accordance with local regulations. Changing Locator Batteries Push the two clips back to release the battery compartment door. Remove ALL EIGHT used batteries and replace with new ones. Be careful to insert the new batteries the correct way round in the holder.
Your index finger will then be free to adjust the sensitivity control. Your middle or little finger should be used to squeeze, and hold on, the On/Off trigger. When in use the locator should always be held upright. NEVER swing the locator such that it moves away from the vertical.
9 NOTE Sometimes the locator will give an audible response and strong (full scale) visual response across the whole of the search area. In this case turn the sensitivity down slightly and repeat the search using the same grid pattern. NOTE This search technique applies only to the Power and Radio modes. See ‘Using the Signal Generator’ for the correct search pattern when using Generator mode. 6. Keep walking until the audible and visual responses disappear. 5.
NOTE The amount of sensitivity adjustment needed to pinpoint a service can vary depending on the mode being used, the signal strength and the service depth. 4. Mark the position of the buried service. 3. Carefully rotate the locator over the peak reading until the visual response falls to a minimum level. The locator will now be roughly IN LINE with the direction of the buried service. 2. The width of the signal response will begin to shrink as the sensitivity is reduced.
11 2. If you find nothing then increase the sensitivity and repeat the circle. This should find the service if it has continued but at a greater depth. Finding Lost Signals 1. Locate in a circle at least 1metre around the point where the signal was lost. This should locate the service if it has simply changed direction sharply or ‘T’d’ into another service. Lost Signals This can be because of a curve, or bend in the route, change in depth of the service, a T connection or the end of the service.
NOTE The locator should always be handled and operated according to the instructions shown in the ‘Using the Locator’ section unless specifically shown otherwise in this section. Induction - Induction is a method of applying a signal to a service to which there is no direct access. Signal Injector - The Signal Injector is an accessory that allows the Signal Generator signal to be safely applied to an electrical system via a conventional 3-pin power socket.
13 WARNING Do not change batteries in confined spaces where gas may be present. NOTE Only use alkaline D (LR20) size batteries NOTE Dispose of the used batteries safely in accordance with local regulations. Changing the Batteries ● Remove the accessory tray. ● Undo the two round knurled retaining screws situated on the underside of the Signal Generator holding the battery cover. ● Remove ALL FOUR used batteries and replace with new ones.
1. 2. NOTE If it is not possible to get the crocodile clip to grip the pipe then use the magnet on the back of the clip. NOTE The type of metal that the pipe is constructed from or it’s use will have little effect on its traceability. 3. Turn the Signal Generator on. 2. Attach the red lead to the pipe at your point of access using the crocodile clip. Ensure that you have a secure and clean grip on the pipe with the crocodile clip. 1.
SG-V only 15 NOTE If the Signal Generator tone does not change then there is no signal being transferred onto the service. NOTE If it is not possible to use the Earth Stake use a nearby metal fence post, manhole cover or gully cover. DO NOT use something that may have another metallic service attached to it, such as a metal street lighting column. The SG-V Signal Generator will also give a visual representation of the quality of the connection in addition to the audible tone change.
NOTE If the column is concrete attach the crocodile clip to the metal surround of the access door. 16 NOTE Make sure that the direct connection crocodile clip is not insulated from the metal of the column by paint. WARNING NEVER open the lamp column door to gain access to the cables, this is dangerous and not necessary. Follow the same rules as for connecting the Signal Generator to a metal pipe except attach the red direct connection lead to the OUTSIDE of the lamp column.
17 WARNING DO NOT use the Signal Injector on systems with voltages in excess of 240 volts AC. Domestic systems will normally be below this voltage. NOTE Using the Signal Injector may cause the system protection to trip. NOTE Always check with the owners that it is acceptable to interrupt the supply before connecting the Signal Injector.
4. Having pinpointed the first signal, do NOT readjust the Sensitivity control but continue with the circle to see if any other signals are detected. If more signals are detected compare the strength of each signal by observing the bar display. The strongest signal will usually be coming from the service that the Signal Generator is connected to. 3. If possible walk in a COMPLETE circle around the connection point trying to keep the same distance from this point at all times.
19 The signal that the locator is detecting will get weaker the further away from the Signal Generator that you go. It will be necessary to regularly adjust (increase) the locator sensitivity to compensate for this. NOTE It is not possible to search for the signal above any leads connecting the Signal Generator to the service or above the Earth Lead connected to the Earth Stake.
20 NOTE The closer the Signal Generator is to the position of the buried service then the stronger the signal will be on that service. 4. The signal will be radiated into the ground immediately below and for approximately 3 metres either side of the Signal Generator. 3. Turn the Signal Generator on and check that the batteries are OK. 2. Place the Signal Generator UPRIGHT on the ground where you suspect there may be some services buried.
21 NOTE Make sure you keep the locator upright at all times to avoid the risk of picking up the airborne signal. NOTE A Signal Generator will transmit a significant amount of signal into the air as well as into the ground. 3. Adjust the Sensitivity so that the locator is just showing a visual response and emitting an audible response. 2.
NOTE The Generator signal that the locator is detecting will get weaker the further away from the Signal Generator that you go. It will be necessary to regularly adjust (increase) the Sensitivity to compensate for this. 5. It may be possible to increase the strength of the induced signal on the buried service by improving the positioning of the Signal Generator.
23 NOTE An induced signal cannot be applied to a buried service that lies beneath reinforced concrete. The reinforcing bars will re-radiate the induced signal masking any signal that has been induced onto the buried service below. Cables with a very small cross section may not have enough signal induced onto them to make them detectable.
5. Immediately tell your colleague to stop and place the Signal Generator on the ground at that point. Now you can pinpoint the service and trace out its route. Continue the sweep across the length and width of search area. 4. In unison, slowly walk across the site, staying the same distance apart and being careful to keep in line with each other.
25 NOTE Always use a new battery in the Sonde if you expect to take a long time to trace the pipe route. NOTE Only use alkaline AA (LR6) size battery. Dispose of the used battery safely in accordance with local regulations. NOTE The sonde is supplied with a standard drain rod adaptor. Other adaptors eg, lockfast are available. Contact your supplier. It is inserted into and then moved along the pipe to the point at which the pipe needs to be located.
+ - 2. Turn the locator to Generator mode and switch on. Check the battery level indicator to confirm the locator batteries are usable. Replace if necessary. NOTE This is the opposite orientation to the way in which the locator is held for most other locating tasks. 1. The blade of the locator must be held IN LINE with the Sonde at all times. 26 NOTE This is easier to do when the Sonde is visible at the bottom of the manhole rather than already in the pipe.
27 8. Push the Sonde further up the pipe and repeat the pinpointing process. 7. Pinpoint the Sonde position by moving the locator back and forth and from side to side to get the peak response. 6. With the locator turned on, walk from the pipe access point in the direction that the Sonde was pushed. A strong peak signal directly over the Sonde should be detected with two lesser “ghost” signals found either side of the Sonde’s true position.
NOTE The Signal Generator signal is unlikely to travel the entire length of the Tracer within the pipe. Never assume that you have located the end of the Tracer on Line Tracing mode. Use End Tracing if required. WARNING Authorisation may be required before using the Plastic Pipe Tracer on some services. The Signal Generator signal is applied using the ‘Direct Connection to a metal pipe’ method as shown in ‘Using the Signal Generator’.
29 NOTE End tracing is the ideal method to use to determine where the end of the pipe is but does not give the route of the pipe. NOTE It is important that a change of tone is heard when making the connections to ensure that there is a detectable signal present on the Tracer. The tip of the Plastic Pipe Tracer is then pinpointed using the same technique as for Sonde tracing with the locator blade in line with the Tracer.
30 NOTE A poor quality signal is indicated by an unstable visual response on the locator. Depth measurement will be inaccurate in these circumstances. WARNING If the pinpointing of the service is inaccurate then the depth measurement will be inaccurate. 3. Set the locator to Generator mode and pinpoint the position of the buried service. Make sure the locator is directly over the buried service and at right angles to it’s route. Rest the locator on the ground with the body vertical. 2.
31 4. NOTE The depth shown will be to the centre of the service and is not the depth of cover. This is of greater significance on large diameter pipes. Accuracy is to nearest 0.05m. Range is 0.2m to 3.0m. ● A curve or bend in the route of the service. ● Close to where the service changes in depth. ● Near to a “T” junction in the service. ● At the very end point of a service. ● At any point where the signal has coupled onto an adjacent service.
3. The service is too deep for the Locator to measure its depth. 4. Overload. The signal is too strong for the Locator to give a reliable depth measurement. Reducing the Signal Generator output to give a weaker signal should solve the problem 3. The Signal Generator signal on the buried service is not strong enough for the Locator to give a reliable depth measurement. Increasing the Signal Generator output or repositioning the Signal Generator to give a stronger signal should solve the problem. 2.
33 NOTE These tests may need to be carried out in more than one location or with more than one source to gain a positive signal. Radio Mode - Select Radio Mode. Set the Sensitivity fully clockwise and, from a distance of less than 0.25m, point the unit at a metal conductor of length greater than 100m (for example a pipe or cable). A warbling tone should be heard. The display should read greater than 50% full scale. Power Mode - Select Power Mode.
DISTANCE 6metres 12metres 6metres 6metres MODE Generator Generator Radio Power AUDIO Present Less than at 6m Present None None METER Full scale Less than Full scale With the C.Scope Cable Avoidance Tool in the orientation shown, and Sensitivity rotated fully clockwise, the results indicated should be obtained. Generator Mode - Locate an outdoor test area that is free from extraneous fields resulting from overhead and underground cables.
35 Depth Measurement (XD Model Only) - An area of services, metal structures, etc should be chosen (beware of reinforced car parks). A search with the C.Scope Cable Avoidance Tool in all 3 modes will help confirm the absence of other services. An insulated cable or wire 20m+ (not supplied) is laid out on the ground surface and the far end connected to a ground stake and earthed. The near end is connected to the red Connected Mode lead.
The depth can then be measured. It is best to make a few readings at different depths. (Beware - metal step ladders affect the accuracy!) The Signal Generator is turned on with lowest power, and continuous mode selected. The C.Scope Cable Avoidance Tool should then be held vertically above the longer wire, approximately midway along it, ie. 10m from the Signal Generator. The black ground Lead should be laid at right angles to the 20m wire and earthed at the far end with a ground stake.
37 Storage - The equipment should be stored in a clean, dry place. The temperature should not exceed the range -10˚C to +50˚C. If stored for long periods the batteries should be removed. Do not allow moisture in the battery compartments or near the connectors. Cleaning - If required the equipment can be cleaned with a sponge dampened with warm water. A mild soap may be used if required. The use of solvents should be avoided. The construction of the C.
7mA 12µA 2µA Depth of Detection on typical conductor 3m 2m 5m Location Accuracy – 10% of depth Response Width – 5% of depth Power Radio Generator Performance: Mode Sensitivity Signal strength Mode Battery Condition Depth (XD model only) 50-500Hz 10-30kHz 32.1-33.4kHz Filter Bandwidth Visual. Multisegment LCD giving indications of the following: Indications: Audio Removable and user replaceable loudspeaker. Controls: On/Off switch, spring loaded trigger switch under handle. Function select switch.
