Subsurface Instruments A-Frame Ground Fault Locator
Easily locate faults in cables and trace wires using the A-Frame Ground Fault Locator
As an accessory to Subsurface Instruments VF series pipe and cable locators, we carry the A-Frame Ground Fault Locator. Used to locate core-to-ground and sheath-to-ground faults, the ground fault Locator works independently from the VF series receiver and is sold as an accessory unit.
Find Ground Faults Fast with the A-Frame Ground Fault Locator
Fault locating determines the position of an insulated break on an underground conductor. If a large amount of signal loss occurs during the initial line locate, it is likely there is a ground fault or splice point near the location of signal loss. The A-frame ground fault locator can assist the VF-series operator in locating the fault efficiently.
The A-Frame Fault Locator has a display screen with arrows that point in the direction of the fault. Also displayed are signal strength with a range from 0 to 99 and a battery life indicator.
It is generally a good idea to locate the conductor path before attempting to fault locate. If, during the path locate, an unusual amount of signal loss occurs, a part of the signal has escaped to ground in the last several feet. Lower frequencies will generally show a greater signal loss at a fault, but higher frequencies may be needed to locate if resistance is too high.
Note: Signal would go to ground at a grounded splice point, which would act as a fault during the path and fault locate. Once the path is determined and a general area where a fault is expected, additional current can be forced to flow through the fault by disconnecting and isolating the far access point.
If the current has no path to ground at the far access point, it will be forced to seek ground at the fault. This will increase the current in the soil at the fault and the A-Frame Ground Fault Locator can more easily read the current leak.
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