HD ELECTRONICS, INC.

CABLE TEST ANO FAUL T LOCA TING TECHNOLOGY

1.0 INTRODUCTION
Today's state of the art URO fault locating method comprises tour steps, which, when implemented and
followed correctly, provide for a safe and restoration time sensitive process that also will eliminate or
minimize any additional damage to the cable.

The four-step procedure will be applicable in the vast majority of typical URO faults:
trace (locate) cable
assess type of fault using the TOR
prelocate fault with the Are Reflection Method, ARM®
pinpoint exact location

2.0 INTEGRATED SG SERIES FAULT LOCATING SYSTEM

The SG Series models locate efficiently high and low resistance as well as intermittent cable faults on
primary and, under certain circumstances, secondary power cables. Oue to a sequential safety
interlock system it is not possible to inadvertently apply high voltage to the cable under test.

The SG Series models combine three modes of operation, with a maximum voltage of either
15 or 25 kV in each mode (complete specifications for each model are listed in the appendix):
Are Reflection Mode, ARM® in combination with internally integrated filter
Direct Thump Mode
OC Highpot Mode (optional leakage current measurement)

The SG Series Models use an electronically controlled feed back circuit to control the voltage at the high
voltage discharge contact, which is solenoid operated. This design ensures optimum energy transfer from
the impulse capacitar into the faulty cable. The surge generator is under normal use maintenance free for
many years.

The SG Series Models automatically discharge the cable under test and their own interna!
capacitar( s)
when the power to the unit is turned off
when "High Voltage" in any of the three operating modes is switched off when
the HV switch is pulled in arder to change the mode of operation

The SG Series Models contain a built-in ARM® Filter, which is essential in the application of the Are
Reflection Method for fault locating. The filter isolates and protects the TDR from the high voltage
pulse produced by the surge generator and couples the low voltage, high frequency TOR pulse
onto the energized cable.
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HD CABLE TEST ANO FAUL T LOCA TING TECHNOLOGY

The TDR detects "opens" (cable end or fault) and "shorts", cable splices and transformers as well as
any change in impedance in the cable under test. High resistance phase to ground faults, also
referred to as "pinhole faults" (typically higher than 200 ohms) do not produce a detectable reflection
on a TDR. By using the thumper in combination with the TDR it is possible to detect this type of fault.
The flashover, which is generated by the thumper, converts the high resistance fault temporarily into a
low resistance fault (several Ohms), which can be detected by the TDR. The distance between the
cable hook-up (start marker) and the fault location (end marker) is displayed on the TDR screen.

3.0 GENERAL SET UP INSTRUCTIONS

3.1 IMPORTANT NOTES

! ! ! WARNING ! ! !
DO NOT TEST-FIRE THE SG SERIES FAULT LOCATING SYSTEM BEFORE
PROPER TEST SETUP. DANGER TO OPERATOR ANO DAMAGE TO THE
EQUIPMENT MAY RESUL T. TEST FIRING OF THE SG SERIES FAULT
LOCATING SYSTEM WILL VOID WARRANTY.

ALWAYS operate the SG Series Fault Locating System in a VERTICAL position.

Grounding and HV contacts both require a vertical orientation to ensure proper func- tioning
as well as a "Fail Safe Position" in case of an AC or DC power failure or if the unit is shut
off.

!!! SAFETY !!!

BEFORE CONNECTING THE SG SERIES FAUL T LOCATING SYSTEM TO THE
CABLE TO BE TESTEO, BE SURE THAT THE CABLE HAS BEEN ISOLATED,
TESTEO AND GROUNDED A T BOTH ENDS IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL OSHA &
COMPANY PROCEDURES. ALWAYS LOCATE FAULT LOCATING SYSTEM OFF
TO THE SIDE OF THE CABLE PATH, NEVER ON TOP OF CABLE PATH !!

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CABLE TEST ANO FAUL T LOCA TING TECHNOLOGY

3.2 POWER OPTIONS & FRONT PANEL LAYOUT

For remate control/ed units please refer to Addendum Sheet in

section 7. O of manual)
1. unit can be operated from interna! battery (battery
sufficient for a full day of typical URO fault
locating activities)

2. unit can be operated from an AC source (115VAC /

3A, cable included with equipment, only source for
remate control/ed truck mount models)

Fig.2 Typical SG SERIES Configuration (Fully Self Contained System)

SSINGLE SHOT BUTTON MODE SWITCH
1. HV VOLTMETER (kV) ((ARM MODE ONL Y) (PULL-
TURN-PUSH)
2. GREEN RANGE
BATTERY CHARGEOK "RADAR/ ARM"
"nlRFC:T THllMP/ HIPOT"

LEAKAGE CURRENT HV RANGE SWITCH, M

METER µA MODEL ONLY (PULL-TURN-
(OPTIONAL) PUSH)

CONTROLLER POWER VOLTAGE CONTROL KNOB

ON/OFF

GREEN "HV ON" BATTERY TEST BUTTON

BUTTON
POWER SWITCH
- OC OPERATION
RED "HV OFF" BUTTON -115 VAC OPERATION

115 VAC AUXILLIARYOUTLET

.
3 CIRCUIT BREAKERS 115 VAC EXTERNAL POWER
"TDR" "CONTROL"
"ACCESSORY" -·-:--

NOTE: Battery Charging Jack is on Rear Side of lnstrument Enclosure!

FIG. 3 Front Panel Layout SG Series Fault Locating System

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HD ELECTRONICS, INC.
CABLE TEST AND FAUL T LOCA TING TECHNOLOGY

4. CONNECTING THE SG SERIES UNIT, General lnstructions

Connect the safety ground lead from the SG Series unit (flexible copper braid) to a good system
ground, preferably the ground red in the pad mount or at the base of the riser pole. This grounding
technique is called "single-point grounding". Dueto changing ground
conditions, locally driven grounds (in addition to the system ground) are no safe substitute for single-
point grounding and should not be permissible in place of properly installed system grounds.

Connect the HV return lead to the cable sheath or concentric of the specific cable to be tested. The
resistance between the HV return (operational ground) and system ground (safety ground) should be less
than 5 ohms (Ohm meter check).

lf the resístance is greater than 5 ohms, an addítíonal ground cable should be connected from the
concentríc dírectly to the system ground rod.

Connect the HV test lead to the phase conductor to be tested (optional elbow adapter or vice grip)

4.1 CHECKING I DEMONSTRATING THE SG SERIES FAULT LOCATING

SYSTEM
When checking or demonstrating the SG Series Fault Locating System the same grounding connections
must be completed as in the case of a fault locating procedure in the field. This will ensure the safety of
the operator and prevent the equipment from being damaged.

lf a buried piece of isolated test cable, which is not directly or indirectly connected to an energized
or deenergized circuit, is to be used the following instructions should be applied. lf this scenario is not
given a spark gap can be used as described further below.

In either situation the power switch on the front panel of the SG Series Fault Locating System is switched
to "Battery Operation" and the TDR is switched on. The operator should select the "Step-by-Step Easy
Mode" procedure depending on the actual model
- SG-15 RADAR (ARM) - or - SG15/25 M-Series RADAR (ARM), to demonstrate or check the system.

NOTE: IF A BURIED PIECE OF TEST CABLE IS TO BE USED, GROUNDS ON BOTH

ENDS OF THE TEST CABLE HAVE TO BE ESTABLISHED BY THE OPERATOR
IN COMPLIANCE WITH GENERALLY ACCEPTED GROUNDING SPECI-
FICATIONS ( TYPICALL Y AN 8 TO 12 FOOT GROUND ROD IS REQUIRED)

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CABLE TEST ANO FAUL T LOCA TING TECHNOLOGY

Connect the or sheath on each end of the test cable to the respective
concentrci
ground rod (simulate identical condition as in real URO circuit), then follow the
applicable, above mentioned "Step-by-Step Easy Mode" procedure.

Use of a Spark Gap

Prepare a spark gap
a} Use two big, long nails, driven into a 2x4 piece of lumber, the heads should be spaced apart
1/32" to 1/16".
b} Connect the safety ground lead of the fault locating system to a good ground, e.g. metal water
line, metal conduit, ground rod, lightning rod etc.
e) Connect the HV Return lead to one side of the spark gap and connect this point to the same
ground as under b }, above. Failure to properly ground the HV Return can cause voltage
differentials, which create a safety hazard plus can cause damage to the instrument
d} Connect the HV lead to the opposite side of the spark gap.

With ali the connections made, the power switch on the front panel of the fault locating system is
switched to "Battery Operation" and the TDR is switched on. The operator should select the appropriate
"Step-by-Step Easy Mode" procedure, which is mentioned above to demonstrate or check the equipment.

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CABLE TEST ANO FAUL T LOCA TING TECHNOLOGY

5. SG SERIES FAUL T LOCATING SYSTEM, FIELD SET-UP

5.1 PRELOCATION PROCEDURE with TDR,

After locating the cable path the SD Series Fault Locating System is set up to the side of it, After
opening the front door the power switch on the front panel is put in the "Battery Operation" positíon.
The TDR is set up on top of the system; the 115 VAC power cable and the 2 coax cables are
securely connected to the rear side of the TDR. The TDR is switched on and the appropriate "Step-
by-Step easy Mode" for the Radar (ARM) mode is selected, which provides a complete, detailed and
safe procedure to pre-locate an URD fault.

¡
&H#U'4HH'MM'ti
SGlS-560 / J.l.20 Pin-f>ointi~
SGJ.S .40-J.OOO ARC RnFlectJOf"l

SCl.15 ,'IO-l.000 P•n-Po1nting M.,.thod

:'>:PO :¡;i A.-r. A1C;í'l.,,c. tiun H<>thod
ttcthod
HethO(I ~
Select from
STARTUP
MENU "STEP-
( SPG 32 OUAtllNG HETHOO BY-STEP
S-PG 32 DC Hll"DTTTHG EASYMODE"
1
SPG 32 Ptn-Point1ng Hethod
S-VSTEH 4000 ARC R"'f"le-r:::t ion M@thod
.
j SVSTQ'I 4000 Pin-Pointing Hathod

When in "Step-by-Step Easy Mode", the procedure for the appropriate model needs to be selected:

SG-15 RADAR (ARM) (SG15-560, SG15-1150; both single stage capacitor units)

- or-

SG 15/25 RADAR (ARM) (SG15-1150 M, SG25-1150 M; both dual stage capacitor units)

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CABLE TEST ANO FAUL T LOCATING TECHNOLOGY

SG-15 RADAR (ARM) SG 15/25 RADAR (ARM) (M Mode/s)

Before making any connections make sure the cable under test
and qrounded and svstem is off de-enercized and orounded and svstem is off
Take the safety ground cable and make the connection to the
oround
Connect the High Voltage Output cable to the cable under test.
HV Return lead to the concentric neutral Connect the HV Return lead to the concentric neutral
Put the System Mode Switch in the "RADAR/ARM" position
- PULL - TURN - PUSH -
Choose AC or DC ooeration (lower front panel)
Push "CONTROLLER ON" button (upper control panel)
will come on
Pul the voltaoe control knob fullv counter-clockwise
Remove all qroundino elbows or oroundino iumpers
1. Adjust the "RANGE" to position the cable end
(strong upward blip) to the right side of screen
2. Adjust "GAIN' knob as needed
Click "STORE NO TRIGGER" box to store reference trace
(blue trace will appear, on too of black trace)
Ground "Far End", this will confirm the end of the cable under
(
Before making any connections make sure the cable under test is is de-enerqized
Take the safety ground cable and make the connection to the svstem
svstem qround
Connect the High Voltage Output cable to the cable under test. Connect the
Put the System Mode Switch (upper) in the "RADAR/ARM" position
- PULL - TURN - PUSH -
Choose AC or DC ooeration (lower front panel)
Push "CONTROLLER ON" button (upper control panel) Light
Licht will come on
Pul the voltace control knob fullv counter-clockwise
Remove all qroundinq elbows or crouncíno iurnpers
1. Adjust the "RANGE" to position the cable end
(strong upward blip) to the right side of screen
2 Adiust "GAIN' knob as needed
Click "STORE NO TRIGGER" box to store reference trace
(blue trace will appear, on too of black trace)
Ground "Far End", this will confirm the end of the cable under test test

The strong: Upward" blip for the cable has now changed to a
"Downward" blip
Select the correct "Propaqation Velocitv" from the "Cable Lis!"
the length of the cable, Measure the length of the cable,
Move "End Marker" to the TRACE/BLIP seoaration
Adjust the end marker with the "END COARSE" box, followed
"END FINE" box
Remove qround from far end
Make sure everyone is in the clear!
Push the "GREEN HV ON" button on the system
(Red button will backlight}
Use "Voltage" control knob to adjust to about 7 kV on the
the voltmeter;
Click "NEXT" and then oush "SINGLE SHOT" button
Radar will show the fault as a red downward blip if an are
occurred otherwise click "PREVIOUS" and repeat last step with
2 more kV
Push the red "HV OFF" button
Cable under test is now discharqed and qrounded by system
Fault" should be seen in the center of screen; if not "Distance to Fault" should be seen in the center of screen; if not adiust the end by end
marker as needed adiust the end by end marker as needed
Measure out to !he fault - prelocation
Pinpoint the fault; if needed use the next training session "SG-
15 DIRECT THUMP SESSION"
if not, Ground the cable under test and disconnect test leads
The strong: Upward" blip for the cable has now changed to a strong strong
"Downward" blio
Select the corree! "Propaqation Velocitv" from the "Cable List" Measure
Move "End Marker" to the TRACE/BLIP seoaration
Adjust the end marker with the "END COARSE" box, followed by by the
the "END FINE" box
Remove qround from far end
Make sure everyone is in the clear!
Low Range option (typical}:
Put lower HV switch on system in the 0-7.5kV or 0-12.5 kV position
- PULL - TURN - PUSH -
High Range option:
lf more than 7 .5 kV or 12.5 kV are required to "are over the fault"
put the lower HV switch in the 0-15kV or 0-25kV position
- PULL - TURN - PUSH -
Push the "GREEN HV ON" button on the system
(Red button will backlight}
Low range: use "Voltage" control knob to adjust to about 7 kV on voltmeter
"lf in hiah ranae 0-15kV or 0-25kV, adjust voltage to required level
Click "NEXT" and then push "SINGLE SHOT'' button
Radar will show the fault as a red downward blip if an are occurred;
otherwise click "PREVIOUS" and repeat last step with 2 more kV
Push the red "HV OFF" button
Cable under test is now discharqed and qrounded by svstern "Distance to
Measure out to the fault - prelocation
Pinpoint the fault; if needed use the next training session "SG 15/25
M SERIES DIRECT THUMP SESSION"
if not, Ground the cable under test and disconnect test leads

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HD CABLE TEST ANO FAUL T LOCA T/NG TECHNOLOGY

5.2 PINPOINTING PROCEDURE

After locating the cable path the SO Series Fault Locating System is set up to the side of it. After
opening the front door the power switch on the front panel is put in the "Battery Operation"
position. The TDR is set up on top of the system; the 115 VAC power cable and the 2 coax
cables are securely connected to the rear side of the TDR. The TDR is switched on and the
appropriate "Step-by-Step easy Mode" for the Direct Thump Session J Pinpointing is selected,
which provides a complete, detailed and safe procedure to pinpoint an URD fault.

lllHHllNG 1100E:
(Thlc I" '1 ~nPlnuter ,.~,., trd c"hle ~'ll.'..lt lnratin<J MPthnft)

fi·'f#'d·A'f3-'·Nl-'4*B§'·'"',!§t.t.1. STARTUP MENU

SG.15-560 / .lJ.20 Pin-Polnt ino Hathod
SG15 .4(1-1000 ARC Rel"h':etion l1o1:thod
Select from
Sfil:> .4.0-1000 Pin-Poir-.t 1ng Nethod STARTUP
SPG 32 'lrc Rat'lect i<>n tta,thod
MENU
SPG 32 euRHtHG11ETHOO
'"STEP-BY-STEP
iPG 32. OC MIPOTTJNG
SPO ca Pin....Polntin~ Method
EASYMODE'" > QUICK STEPS MODE (C)
SVS"ll!H 4000 Anc Fl"'f'le.,,tion 11nthod
QUICK SECTIONALIZING STEPS MODE <C>
SVSTEH 4000 Pin~Poi.nting t1clhotl
STEP BY STEP EASV MODE
FULL-FEATURE MODE
FULL-FEATURE MODE WITH SURGE
SVSTEM SETUP

QUlCK STEPS HODE

When in "Step-by-Step Easy Mode", the procedure for the appropriate model needs to be selected:

SG-15 DIRECT THUMP SESSION (SG15-560, SG15 -1150; both single stage capacitor units)
- or-

SG 15/25 M SERIES DIRECT THUMP SESSION (SG15-1150 M, SG25 -1150 M; both dual stage
capacitor units)

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ELECTRONICS, INC.
CABLE TEST ANO FAUL T LOCA TING TECHNOLOGY

SG-15 DIRECT THUMP SESSION SG 15/25 DIRECT THUMP SESSION

M Models

Befare making any connections make sure the cable under test Befare making any connections make sure the cable under test is de- is de-enerqized
and qrounded and system is off enerqized and qrounded and svstern is off
Take the safety ground cable and make the connection to the Take the safety ground cable and make the connection to the system svstem qround
qround
Connect the High Voltage Output cable to the cable under test. Connect the High Voltage Output cable to the cable under test. Connect the
HV Return lead to the concentric neutral Connect the HV Return lead to the concentric neutral
Put the System Mode Switch in the "DIRECT THUMP" position Put the System Mode Switch (upper) in the "DIRECT THUMP"
-PULL-TURN-PUSH- position
- PULL - TURN - PUSH -
Choose AC or DC operation (lower front panel) Choose AC or DC operation (lower front panel)
Push "CONTROLLER ON" button (upper control panel) Push "CONTROLLER ON" button (upper control panel) Liqht will
come on l.icht will come on
Turn the voltaqe control knob fullv counter-clockwise, Turn the voltaqe control knob fullv counter-clockwise,
Rernove al! qroundinq elbows or grounding jumpers Remove ali qroundlnq elbows or qroundinq iurnpers Put the
"HIPOT /TIME" knob to the "6 SEG" oosition Put the "HIPOT /TIME" knob to the "6 SEG" position Make sure
evervone is in the clear! Make sure evervone is in the clear!
0
Low Range option (typical):
put lower HV switch on system in the 0-7.5kV or 0-12.5 kV position
- PULL - TURN - PUSH -
High Range option:
if more than 7.5 kV or 12.5 kV are required to "are over the fault" put
the lower HV switch in the 0-15kV or 0-25kV position
- PULL - TURN - PUSH -
Push the "GREEN HV ON" button on the system Push the "GREEN HV ON" button on the system
(Red button will backlight, Thumper will start cycling)) (Red button will backlight, Thumper will start cycling)
Adjust the "Voltage Control Knob" to adjust to bring up the Adjust the "Voltage Control Knob" to adjust to bring up the required kV required
kV on the voltmeter (each cycle should "SNAP" and en the voltmeter (each cycle should "SNAP" and the voltmeter should the voltmeter should
drop to almost zero) drop to almost zero)
Pinpoint the fault using HDW's T16/9 Digiphone Pinpointer Pinpoint the fault using HDW's T16/9 Digiphone Pinpointer
(Thunder & Liqhtninq Method) (Thunder & Liqhtrunq Method)
After pinpointing fault turn "Voltage Control Knob" fully counter- After pinpointing fault turn "Voltage Control Knob" fully counter-
clockwise and push red "HV OFF" button clockwise and push red "HV OFF" button
Cable under test is now discharged and grounded by system Cable under test is now discharqed and qrounded by svstem
Ground the cable under test and disconnect test leads Ground the cable under test and disconnect test leads

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HD CABLE TEST ANO FAUL T LOCA TING TECHNOLOGY

5.3 LEAKAGE CURRENT MEASUREMENT (OPTIONAL)

in conjunction with HIPOT Test

The SG Series Fault Locating System can be optionally equipped with a leakage current meter.
A digital Milli Amp meter with a LEO backlight is installed right below the
voltmeter in the top panel of the system.

The current meter is active in the single stage capacitar systems when they are switched to
"DC HIPOT". When installed in the dual capacitar model systems the current meter is active
when theses units are switched to the "DC HIPOT" and to the higher of the two voltage
ranges, e.g. the SG15-1150M unit must be in the 0-15 kV range and the SG25-1150 M unit
must be in the 0-25 kV range.
Only in the higher voltage range will the circuitry compensate for the leakage resulting from
the interna! bleeding resistors, which are connected across the capacitors (safety provision).

The meter has a resolution of 1 O µA. The meter has a full range of 2 mA. lf during the test the
DC voltage is lowered the meter will read negative till a steady state has been reestablished.

6.0 MAINTENANCE

The SG Series system will need very little maintenance under normal operating conditions.
lf not in use the system should be stored in an if possible dust free and dry environment.
Humidity (condensation) by itself or in combination with dust can reduce critica! distances
within the equipment, which are necessary to maintain safe high voltage performance.

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7.0 Addendum, REMOTE CONTROL FAULT LOCATING SYSTEM

MODE SWITCH
HV (PULL-TURN-
PUSH)
Module "RADAR/ ARM"
"DIRECT
THUMP/ HIPOT
Umbilical
Cable HV RANGE
SWITCH, M
Remote MODELONLY
(PULL-TURN-
Control PUSH)
Module
3 CIRCUIT
BREAKERS
"TDR"
HV "CONTROL"
VOLTMETR "ACCESSORY"
(kV

115 VAC
AUXILLIAR
Y OUTLET

"HVON"
ON/OFF BUTTON ~-----~., DC HIPOT I TIMER
Voltage Control
Knob
Set-up of the Remote Controlled Unit
1. connect umbilical cable between HV Module and Control Module
2. connect TDR cable from Control Module to TDR (2 BNC connectors)
3. connect Safety Ground from HV Module to Safety Ground of vehicle
4. connect power cable from HV Module to 120V AC power
5. connect power cable from HV Module to TDR (Amphenol connector)
6. Set Mode Switch & HV Range Switch before operating Remote Control
Module
Note: the operation of the remote controlled unit is identica/ to the the
hand cart or truck mounted unit

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