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If at any stage the receiver is brought into close proximity with the circuit under
test (including the red test lead) the sensitivity will adjust automatically to the
stronger signal and thereafter give a positive indication only when a similarly
strong signal is received, i.e. when it is very close to the circuit.
If this happens and you need to increase the sensitivity to continue tracing the
circuit (for instance where a cable in surface mounted conduit disappears
behind a dry lined wall) you will need to remove and reset the receiver before
repeating the signal recognition process described above.
As it is possible for the test signal to bleed into neighbouring conductors,
particularly at points of poor insulation, best results will be achieved by
grounding other neighbouring conductors where possible. If this cannot be
done it is recommended that upon having traced a cable to its remote point a
check is made to ensure that it is the required circuit and that you have not
followed an induced signal in a neighbouring cable.
You can do this by resetting the receiver and touching it onto the cable
immediately next to the red clip. This will have the effect of de-sensitising the
receiver so that it only responds to a very strong signal. Without resetting the
receiver touch the cable at the remote point and a maximum or close to
maximum strength indication should be given.
3.5 Fuse Finding
Open all breakers or remove fuses even if dead. Otherwise all circuits will have a
signal on them. If you are familiar with live circuit fuse finders the principles are
similar but it is worth experimenting with the position of the DCF200 receiver
sensor tip relative to the breaker as it is different to live circuit fuse finding.
3.6 Cable Sorting
To trace individual cables in a multi conductor bunch completely avoid
touching any other wires even the outer sheaths with your other hand as this will
effectively short out the signal you are tracing.
In any situation where there are multiple conductors optimum results will be
obtained by grounding or earthing all other conductors except the circuit under
test. IT IS ESSENTIAL TO ENSURE THAT ALL CONDUCTORS ARE DEAD BEFORE
DOING THIS.
3.7 Finding a Break in a Cable
Again avoid holding or touching the cable with your other hand. Trace the
cable slowly and at the point the signal falls off you are within about 0.5 metres
of the break (or more likely the disconnection).
