Instruction Manual Cable Avoidance Tool Cable Avoidance Tool XD Signal Generator SG-A Signal Generator SG-V CABLE AVOIDANCE TOOLS
WARNINGS The C.Scope Cable Avoidance Tools locate services radiating a detectable field. There may be some services that do not radiate and cannot be located. ALWAYS EXCAVATE WITH CARE Do not use the equipment outside of the temperature range -10˚C to +50˚C as the batteries may cease to function adequately. Geographical conditions such as hills and mountains can effectively screen radio signals and prevent a detectable ground current. The C.
Contents Warnings Inside Front Cover Features Using the Signal Generator 12 Batteries 13 Cable Avoidance Tool (and XD Model) 1 Direct connection 14 Signal Generator (SG-A and SG-V Models) 2 Street lighting 16 Locator Operating Modes Signal Clamp/ Injector 17 Power 4 Searching 18 Radio 5 Tracing 19 Generator 6 Using the Locator Induction 20 Searching 21 Batteries 7 Multiple Services 23 Holding the Locator 8 Inductive Sweep 24 Searching 9 Non-Metallic Pipe Tracing 2
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Locator Operating Modes: Power Mode In Power Mode the locator detects power signals. These power signals are present on all current carrying electricity cables although not all are detectable. These power signals may also flow along other buried conductors such as metal gas and water pipes. Limitations of Power Mode Not all electricity cables can be found using the Power mode.
Locator Operating Modes: Radio Mode In Radio mode, the locator detects signals from radio transmitters. These signals flow through the ground and will tend to follow the line of least resistance such as a buried metallic service. When this happens the service can often be detected by using the locator in Radio mode. 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.
Locator Operating Modes: Generator Mode In Generator mode the locator detects conductors radiating a signal applied by the Signal Generator. The Signal Generator provides a way of sending a known signal along buried metallic services which can then be detected using the locator. Direct Connection By detecting this signal it is possible to locate, trace and identify the pipes or cables that may be carrying it.
Using the Locator: Batteries Locator Battery Check Switch the locator on by pulling up on the On/Off trigger positioned on the underside of the handle. The locator should emit a clear audible battery check tone for one second and the display should come on. Battery levels Check the battery level indicator in the bottom left hand corner of the display. If there is only one segment or no segments of the indicator filled in then the batteries will need to be renewed before locating work can begin.
Using the Locator: Holding the Locator When in use the locator should always be held upright. NEVER swing the locator such that it moves away from the vertical. Your middle or little finger should be used to squeeze, and hold on, the On/Off trigger. Your index finger will then be free to adjust the sensitivity control.
Using the Locator: Searching There are three stages to the locating process; searching, pinpointing and tracing 1. Turn the function switch to the appropriate mode 2. Hold in the On/Off trigger. The locator should emit the audible battery test tone and the digital display should come on. Check the battery level indicator to confirm the batteries are usable. 3. Rotate the Sensitivity control clockwise to its maximum setting as indicated by the arrow on the control. 4.
Using the Locator: Pinpointing Having found the presence of a signal the next stop is to pinpoint the source. The closer the locator is to the signal source the stronger the response. To Pinpoint a Signal 1. Keeping the locator vertical, walk through the area of the signal response. If the visual response goes off the scale then stop, reduce the sensitivity of the locator slightly before continuing. 2. The width of the signal response will begin to shrink as the sensitivity is reduced.
Using the Locator: Tracing Having pinpointed a service it should now be possible to trace it’s route. 1. Carefully follow the direction of the signal holding the locator at right angles to the line of the signal. It is necessary to constantly ‘slice’ the locator from side to side in order to be sure of still being over the peak signal response. 2. Stop and mark the position of the signal at regular intervals. As more marks are recorded the precise direction of the service will become more apparent.
Using the Signal Generator Using the locator in Power and Radio modes will only allow you to locate and mark the position of buried services that are producing a Power signal or re-radiating a Radio signal. Use of the Signal Generator should enable most, if not all, of the remaining buried metallic services to be detected and traced. This section explains the various ways in which the Signal Generator can be used.
Using the Signal Generator: Batteries Battery Check Switch the Signal Generator on by pressing the On/Off switch. The Signal Generator should emit a loud continuous tone. If the batteries need replacing an interrupted tone will be heard. During use, the Signal Generator will also warn the locator user of low battery status by altering its normal continuous or pulsed signal output to a distinct interrupted signal output.
Using the Signal Generator: Direct Connection WARNING Never connect directly to electrical services. WARNING You may need to seek permission from the service owners before connecting on to some buried services. The direct connection leads and earth stake that are supplied with the Signal Generator are used to apply a signal to any metal pipe at a suitable access point such as a valve, hydrant point, stop cock or exposed pipe length. 1.
Using the Signal Generator: Direct Connection 4. Place the Earth Stake in the ground (having first searched the area for buried cables with the locator). The ideal position for the Earth Stake is at right angles to the assumed line of the pipe and the full length of the direct connection leads away from the pipe access point. 5. Connect the black earth lead to the Earth Stake (or the alternative earth point).
Using the Signal Generator: Direct Connection Direct Connection to a Street Lighting Column The position and route of street lighting or car park lighting cables can be determined by using a Signal Generator and the pipe connection method. 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. WARNING NEVER open the lamp column door to gain access to the cables, this is dangerous and not necessary.
Using the Signal Generator: Signal Clamp/ Injector Signal Clamp 1. Plug the Signal Clamp into the connection socket on the Signal Generator. 2. Turn the Signal Generator on. 3. Check that the jaws of the clamp are clean. Place the Signal Clamp AROUND the cable making sure that the jaws are able to fully close. The audible signal from the Signal Generator should change in tone indicating that the clamp jaws have closed correctly.
Signal Generator: Searching for the Direct Connected Signal The Search pattern used to find the Signal Generator signal when applied by a direct connection method (Direct Connection Leads, Signal Clamp or Signal Injector) is different to the normal search pattern used on Power or Radio Modes. 1. Move a few paces away from where the Signal Generator has been connected to the service. Turn the mode switch to Generator mode.
Signal Generator: Tracing the Direct Connected Signal The tracing technique used to follow the Signal Generator signal when applied by a direct connection method (Direct Connection Leads, Signal Clamp or Signal Injector) is almost exactly the same as the normal tracing technique used on Power or Radio Modes but with the following differences: 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.
Signal Generator: Induction This is the standard method for inducing signals onto buried metallic services. It produces a strong signal directly below the Signal Generator but the signal strength drops off quite quickly either side of the Signal Generator. 1. Check that there are no accessories plugged into the Connection Socket. The Signal Generator switches automatically to Induction Mode when the socket is clear. 2.
Signal Generator: Searching for an Induced Signal The search pattern used to find the Signal Generator signal when applied by Induction is slightly different to the search pattern used on the Power or Radio Modes or with the Signal Generator on the Direct Connection mode. 1. Move AT LEAST 10 metres away from the Signal Generator position with your locator. This is to avoid the locator picking up the airborne signal rather than the signal induced onto the buried service. 2.
Signal Generator: Searching for an Induced Signal 4. Walk in a straight line across the end line of the Signal Generator. When a signal is detected ‘pinpoint’ that signal as shown in the ‘Using the Locator’ section. If no signal is found move the Signal Generator 5 metres and try again. Continue this procedure moving the Signal Generator in 5 metre steps, following a grid pattern, until a signal can be found. 5.
Signal Generator: Induction Multiple Services It is important to check for the presence of adjacent services running close, or parallel, to the conductor you have located. 1. Check that there are no accessories plugged into the connection socket. 2. Turn the Signal generator on and check that the batteries are OK. 3. Place the Signal generator on the ground ON ITS SIDE over the previously located service so that you are no longer inducing a strong signal onto the service. 4.
Signal Generator: Using an Inductive Sweep If a large area needs to be searched for buried services then an ‘Inductive Sweep’ could be used. It is an ideal method for detecting the position of buried services as they cross the boundary of a large site. An Inductive Sweep requires two people; one to operate the locator and one to position the Signal Generator. 1. Stand about 10 metres apart. 2.
Non-Metallic Pipe Tracing Non-metallic pipes such as sewers or drains, service ducts, plastic gas and water pipes are not electrically conductive and so will not be detectable using a locator on the Power or Radio modes. It is also impossible to apply a detectable Signal Generator signal to the non-metallic pipe or, for that matter, to the water or gas within that pipe. If access can be gained into these pipes then a C.
Non-Metallic Pipe Tracing: Sonde The Sonde is powered by a single AA (LR6) size alkaline battery. 1. To turn the Sonde on, separate the two halves of the Sonde casing. Insert new battery into the battery compartment with the positive end down. + - 2. Screw the two halves of the Sonde together being careful not to over tighten them. The Sonde is now transmitting a signal. 3. To turn the sonde off the battery must be removed.
Non-Metallic Pipe Tracing: Sonde 3. Keeping the blade of the locator in line with the Sonde, move the locator backwards and forwards over the length of the Sonde. Adjust the sensitivity until a clear peak response is shown on the bar display as the locator passes directly over the position of the Sonde. 3. and 4. 4. Move the locator from side to side over the position of the Sonde. A similar peak response should be seen on the display as the locator passes directly over the position of the Sonde.
Non-Metallic Pipe Tracing: Plastic Pipe Tracer Line Tracing The Plastic Pipe Tracers can be used in services up to 2metres deep and do not work through metal pipes or ducts. The Plastic Pipe Tracer needs to be inserted into the pipe before a signal from the Signal Generator is applied to the length of the Tracer. The Signal Generator signal is applied using the ‘Direct Connection to a metal pipe’ method as shown in ‘Using the Signal Generator’.
Non-Metallic Pipe Tracing: Plastic Pipe Tracer End Tracing The very tip of the Plastic Pipe Tracer can be energised with the signal from a Signal Generator. It is acting much like a Sonde and offers a very reliable way of pinpointing the position of the tip. The Signal Generator signal is applied by connecting the red Direct Connection lead to one of the terminals on the Tracer and the black Earth lead to the other terminal.
Depth Measurement The C.Scope Cable Avoidance Tool XD can be used in conjunction with the Signal Generator or Sonde to indicate the depth of a buried service. Depth cannot be measured on the Power or Radio modes. WARNING The depth indication MUST NOT be used to decide if mechanical digging over the buried service is appropriate. WARNING If the following procedure for Depth Measurement is not followed then an inaccurate depth may be indicated. This is worse than having no depth information at all. 1.
Depth Measurement 4. Press and hold down the depth button. The depth will be shown on the display, measured in metres. 4. 5. The depth should be verified by lifting up the locator whilst keeping the depth button depressed. The depth indication should increase by the same amount. Limitations of Depth Measurement - There are some situations where it is not possible to gain accurate depth information: ● A curve or bend in the route of the service. ● Close to where the service changes in depth.
Depth Measurement using Sonde/ Plastic Pipe Tracer(end mode only) 1. Pinpoint the exact position of the Sonde as shown in the “Non-metallic Pipes” section. Take care to ensure that you are over the top of the Sonde and not over one of the two “ghost” signals in front of and behind the true position. 3. 2. Rest the Locator on the ground, keeping it vertical and IN LINE with the Sonde. 3. Push the depth button TWICE and hold, on the second push, to select Sonde mode.
C.Scope Cable Avoidance Tool: Function Checks It is recommended that the operation of the C.Scope Cable Avoidance Tool and Signal Generator is checked before use. Battery Condition - Check by depressing the On/Off switch beneath the handle. The display will show at least one solid segment if the batteries are ok. Ensure power on tone is heard. Power Mode - Select Power Mode. Set Sensitivity fully clockwise and point the body of the C.Scope Cable Avoidance Tool at a fluorescent light from a distance of 1m.
C.Scope Cable Avoidance Tool: Function Checks Generator Mode - Locate an outdoor test area that is free from extraneous fields resulting from overhead and underground cables. The area should also not be near fences, steel framed buildings, or on reinforced concrete as the signal will be reduced. Place the Signal Generator on the ground in the normal orientation and switch on - a tone should be heard. Set to Continuous and ensure highest output power is selected. With the C.
C.Scope Signal Generator: Function Checks Battery Condition - Select Continuous. Good batteries will be shown by a loud clear audio tone. Bad batteries give an interupted audio tone. On the SG-V the display will show at least one solid segment if the batteries are ok. Induced Mode - This can only be checked in conjunction with a C.Scope Avoidance Tool as described on previous page. If the unit does not meet the results required, repeat the test with another C.
Function Checks The black ground Lead should be laid at right angles to the 20m wire and earthed at the far end with a ground stake. The plug should be inserted in the connector on the Signal Generator. 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 depth can then be measured.
Maintenance Handling - The C.Scope Cable Avoidance Tool and Signal Generator are rugged instruments designed for the rigours of every day use. However, to ensure that the specified accuracy is maintained, it is essential to treat the instruments with care by avoiding shocks, vibration and excesses of temperature. The construction of the C.Scope Cable Avoidance Tool and Signal Generator incorporate weather proof seals, however, they are not guaranteed to prevent water ingress if the units are immersed.
Cable Avoidance Tool: Technical Specifications Depth Measurement (XD Only): G Mode only Controls: On/Off switch, spring loaded trigger switch under handle. Function select switch. 3 positions: P – Power mode R – Radio Mode G – Generator Mode Sensitivity Control Depth Switch (XD model only) Range: 0.2m to 3m (line), 0.85m to 4.5m (sonde) Accuracy: ± 5% @ 1m Construction: Case moulded from high impact plastic, sealed to IP65 Weight: 2.
Signal Generator: Technical Specifications Controls: All operation is by push button control as follows: On/Off. Power Decrease (SGV) or Low Power (SGA). Power Increase (SGV) or High Power (SGA). Pulse / Continuous (toggle). Audio Mute (toggle). Connections: Connection Mode Socket. Separate Connection Mode Earth Socket. Indications: Audio feedback on button press. Audio frequency drops with increasing load current in connected mode to indicate a good connection.
Support Services: Training/Servicing/Repairs Training - This manual is comprehensive but cannot replace tuition. C.Scope offers excellent training, cost effectively, at your chosen location. C.Scope always recommend operators are trained and awarded a certificate of competence in the use of pipe and cable locators. Servicing - It is strongly recommended that the C.
C.Scope International Ltd Kingsnorth Technology Park Wotton Road Ashford Kent TN23 6LN t. 01233 629181 f. 01233 645897 e. info@cscope.co.uk w. www.cscope.co.uk Part no.
