Theoretical functional principle
The FLUKE Cable Locator consists of a transmitter and a
receiver. The signal generated by the transmitter consists
of a modulated current. Generating a magnetic field ar-
round a conductor, see figure 1. This electro-magnetic
field surrounding the conductor induces a voltage within
the receiver coils. For both modes, automatic mode and
manual mode, the receiver works with three coils and
does, not depend on a position. A selective and position-
dependant search is performed in selective mode with
only one active coil.
Locator in complete circuits
1st Possibility (one pole application)
Connect the transmitter to only one conductor. In this operational mode, the transmitter is supplied
by the built-in battery. Due to the high-frequency signal generated by the transmitter, only one sin-
gle conductor can be located and traced. The second conductor is the ground. This arrangement
causes a high frequency current to flow through the conductor and to be transmitted to ground, si-
milar to a radio and receiver. As from now on, we will call the above described operation one-pole
application.
2nd Possibility (double-pole application)
Connect the transmitter to the mains. The transmitter is supplied by the mains. In this example, the
modulated current flows through the phase into the transformer and back through neutral. There is
a further possibility for voltage free systems by connecting the transmitter to two line terminals while
short-circuiting the other line ends. Thus a complete circuit is created. Then, the transmitter is sup-
plied by the built-in battery. From now on, we will call this operation double pole application.
The FLUKE Cable Locator can only detect or locate lines, which are connected correctly in ac-
cordance with the physical principle described.
Important Application
For our example, we advise you to take a piece of a plastic-sheathed cable NYM 3 x 1,5 mm
2
, for
example. Provisionally install 5m of this cable along the wall with nail clips at eye level as surface
mounting. Make sure that the wall is accessible from both sides. Create an artificial interruption at a
distance of 1,5m before the line terminal. The line terminals must be open. Strip the interrrupted
lead at the lead at the start of the light plastic-sheathed cable and connect it via the measuring
leads (supplied with the instrument) with terminal (1) of the transmitter.
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Fluke 2042
Users manual
1
