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GENERAL PROCEDURES AND SPECIAL CASES
How to position the probe relative to the wires
Fig. 5 - Probe positioning
For the best possible range the tracer’s probe should be positioned perpendicular (at 90°) to the wire and
either above or below it, as shown in figure 5 below
Probe
Wire
Probe
Wire
Correct
Incorrect
FIG. 5 - PROBE POSITIONING
Short and Open Circuit Operation - Differences
The Fault Finder uses two different types of signals to trace either short or open circuits. In the case of short
circuits, the electromagnetic pulses used by the Fault Finder are capable of passing through non-magnetic
materials (i.e. non-ferrous metals, plastics, fabrics, etc.) and be picked up by the receiver probe from
distances as far as 10” from the wire. By contrast the signal used to trace open circuits, is easily absorbed
by any conductive material (metal parts, other wires, etc.), standing between the wire being traced and
the tracer’s probe. This fact considerably reduces the range of the Fault Finder when operated in an open
circuit mode.
In addition many other factors like nearby grounded wires, metal parts, electromagnetic loop size and
geometry etc., may affect the range of the Fault Finder’s tracer in either short or open circuit operation.
Whenever possible the short circuit mode of operation should be used, because it provides the best tracing
capabilities.
Note: In some cases when tracing open circuits, connecting the Fault Finder transmitter’s clip with wire
equipped with an identifying yellow band to the faulty wire, and the clip with the flat wire to ground or positive
supply will improve the tracer’s range.
Wire bundles and conduits - Special cases
Fig. 6 - Tracing wires inside bundles and conduits (See on page 8)
Special care should be given in the case of tracing a wire inside a bundle or conduit when there is a split.
In this case it may be possible to follow the wrong branch for a short distance and still receive a positive
audio/visual indication, because the probe may be picking up the signal from the other nearby branch (the
one with the wire actually being traced). To avoid following the wrong path, the branches should be swept
maintaining the probe outside the apex area between the split, as shown in figure 6.
Special attention should be paid to the beeping and flashing speed of the tracer unit indicators, as these
provide the necessary feedback to evaluate the proximity of the wire being traced.
Switching On and Off the Fault Finder
The transmitter must be turned off manually after use by pressing the On/Off button. Before storing the unit
check to make sure that all lights are off, failure to do so will result in a much shorter battery life.
The tracer can be turned off manually by pressing the On/Off button, however after 3 minutes of not being
used, it will turn off automatically to conserve battery power. Turning the unit off manually will prolong battery
life.
