Laserliner 1052676 Cable Tracer Pro Instruction Manual

: June 5, 2024
: Laserliner

Table of Contents

Function / Application
How it works
Safety instructions
Symbols
Description
Inserting the battery
Sender TX: Set-up
Sender TX: Set sender code
Receiver RECV: Set receiving mode
Prepare for measuring
Applications
Further functions of the device
- Technical data
- EU directives and disposal
SERVICE
References
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)

Laserliner 1052676 Cable Tracer Pro

| Read the operating instructions and the enclosed brochure „Guarantee and additional notices“ completely. Follow the instructions they contain. This document must be kept in a safe place and passed on together with the device.
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Function / Application

Universal, flexible cable tracer set including sender and receiver.

Non-contact tracing of the transmission signal by the receiver. Locates electrical cables, fuses, circuit breakers, metal pipes (such as heating pipes) and much more.
Locates interrupted cables in existing installations and short-circuits in existing installation cables.
May be used with or without mains voltage, up to max. 400V.
Display of DC and AC voltages up to max. 400V.
Single-pole search, for optimal cable and object search in greater depths. 2-pole search function for targeting fuses, short-circuits and RCD/FI circuit breakers.
High transmission frequency of 125 KHz allows for exact and fail-safe locating performance without power failures.
Signal coding allows as many as 7 senders to be used with one receiver and is thus ideal for complex installation settings.
Integrated AC voltage detector recognises and locates live lines. Permanent AC voltage warnings increase safety with sender and receiver. Automatic and manual modes for adjustment to the particular measuring conditions.
Integrated illumination of measuring points, powerful LED lighting.
Overvoltage category CAT III (according to EN 61010-1, max. 300V) and all lower categories. The devices and accessories must not be used in overvoltage category CAT IV (e.g. low voltage installation sources).

How it works

Measurement is performed using one or more senders and one receiver. The sender feeds coded signals into the cable to be checked. The signal is a modulated current creating an electromagnetic field around the conductor. The receiver recognises this field, decodes it and is then able to find and locate cables with this signal.

Safety instructions

The device must only be used in accordance with its intended purpose and within the scope of the specifications.
The measuring tools and accessories are not toys. Keep out of reach of children.
Modifications or changes to the device are not permitted, this will otherwise invalidate the approval and safety specifications.
Do not expose the device to mechanical stress, extreme temperatures, moisture or significant vibration.
Do not use the device in environments containing explosive gases or vapour. If you are working with voltages higher than 25 V AC/60 V DC, exercise extreme caution. Touching the electrical conductors at such voltages poses a risk of life-threatening electric shocks.
Take particular care if the Sender TX device displays the 50V warning.
If the device comes into contact with moisture or other conductive residue, work must not be carried out under voltage. At and above voltages of 25 V AC/60 V DC, the presence of moisture creates the risk of life-threatening electric shocks.
Clean and dry the device before use.
When using the device outdoors, make sure that the weather conditions are appropriate and/or that suitable protection measures are taken.
In overvoltage category II (CAT II), the voltage between the test device and earth must not exceed 250 V.
For each measurement, the measuring equipment must correspond to the required measuring category (CAT), measuring voltage and measuring current.
Before every measurement make sure that the area to be checked (e.g. line) and the tester are in perfect operating condition. Test the device by connecting it to known voltage sources (e.g. a 230 V socket in the case of AC testing).
The device must no longer be used if one or more of its functions fail or the battery charge is weak.
Isolate the device from all measuring circuits before opening the battery compartment cover.
Observe the safety precautions of local and national authorities relating to the correct use of the device and any prescribed safety equipment (e.g. electrician`s safety gloves).
Hold the device by the grip sections only. Do not touch the test prods during measurement
Do not leave the sender running permanently. Only use during actual measurement. After a measurement is taken, the transmitter (including test leads) must be removed from the measured circuit.
If you are taking measurements in the hazardous vicinity of electrical installations, do not work alone and seek guidance from an electrically skilled person before starting work.
The sender introduces the measuring voltage into the lines to be tested. This may impair or damage sensitive electronic equipment (e.g. network cards). Therefore, please make sure that any lines to be tested which belong to sensitive electronic equipment are isolated before measurement
Only the original measuring leads may be used. Their voltage, category and ampere rated powers must match those of the measuring device.

Symbols

| Hazardous electrical voltage warning: Unprotected live components inside the device housing may pose a risk of electric shock.
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| Danger area warning
| Protection class II: The test device has reinforced or double insulation.
CAT III| Overvoltage category III: Equipment in fixed installations and for applications where specific requirements with regard to the reliability and availability of equipment have to be met, e.g. circuit-breakers in fixed installations and devices used in industrial applications which are permanently connected to the fixed installation.
| Earth potential
| Important notes. Must be observed.

Description

**Sender TX**

Connecting socket, red +
Connecting socket, black –
LC display
Sender code button: Settings output power transmission signal / illumination LC display (hold button down for 2 seconds) / set sender code
ON/OFF buttonOFF: hold button down for 2 seconds
Battery compartment (rear)
Test prod, red +
Test prod, black –
Optional: Test clamp, red +
Optional: Test clamp, black –
Connecting cable, red +
Connecting cable, black –

**Receiver RECV**
Sensor head
Flashlight
LC display
Toggle measurement mode: Locate cables (SIG) / Locate mains voltage (NCV)
ON/OFF button flash light
Reduce sensitivity
Toggle manual / automatic search mode
Illumination LC display /Turn on/off acoustic signal (hold button down for 2 seconds)
Increase sensitivity
ON/OFF button – OFF: hold button down for 2 seconds
Battery compartment (rear)

LC display sender TX

A Sender code (1,2,3,4,5,6,7)
B External voltage warning
C Display external voltage (12, 50, 120, 230, 400V)
D Low battery charge
E Display output power transmission signal (level I, II, III)

**LC display receiver RECV**

F Display bars (full bars = maximum strength): Signal strength (SIG) / Strength of electromagnetic field(NCV)
G Mains voltage mode (NCV)
H Battery charge status indicator
I Automatic search mode ON (SIG)
J Display for flashlight ON
K Manual search mode: Display of level of sensitivity selected
L Automatic search mode: numeric display of signal strengthManual search mode: numeric display of signal strength, value depends on sensitivity selected
M Display for acoustic signal OFF
N Display of output power of transmission signal selected by Sender TX , level I, II, III.
O Display of sender code received (1,2,3,4,5,6,7)
P Manual search mode ON
Q External voltage warning

Inserting the battery

Ensure correct polarity! The battery symbol in the receivers and senders LC display indicates, when the batteries need to be exchanged.

Sender TX: Set-up

Connect the cables to the device. Ensure that the proper polarity is observed when doing so! Use the ON/ OFF button (5) to switch the device on. Depending on the application, the output power of the signal can be selected using the sender code button (4): level 1 = lowest power; level 3 = highest power. Increasing the power from lowest to highest expands the operating distance of the receiver RECV by five times. If external voltage is present, the LC display indicates the magnitude of the voltage and the warning symbol (B). It also shows the sender code. To illuminate the display, press the sender code button (4) and hold it down for 2 seconds. To switch the device off, press the ON/OFF button and hold it down for 2 seconds. The device can be operated with or without voltage and is voltage-resistant up to 400 V.

Be sure to observe the safety instructions when working with live cables.
The integrated external voltage warning (B) of the sender must not replace checking for zero voltage!

Sender TX: Set sender code

If you are using only one sender, it is not necessary to adjust the sender code. If you are using more than one sender, the sender code must be adjusted. To do this, ensure that the device is turned off. Then hold down the sender code button (4) and briefly press the ON/OFF button (5). Then press the sender code button and set the desired code. Set all devices in use to different sender codes. The ON/OFF button then saves the settings and switches the device on. There are 7 sender codes to choose from.

Receiver RECV: Set receiving mode

The integrated external voltage warning (Q) of the receiver must not replace checking for zero voltage!

Mains voltage recognition

This mode works without a sender and is activated by pressing button 16. ,,NVC” appears on the LCD. This mode can be used to specifically locate live lines.

The strength of the electromagnetic field is displayed as bars. An additional acoustic receiver signal indicates in various pitches how far away the live cable is. The higher the pitch, the closer the live cable is. If external voltage is present, a warning symbol (Q) is displayed.

Automatic search mode

This mode only works with the sender. It is active as soon as the device is turned on and the LC display shows ,,SIG”. The device automatically sets the sensitivity in order to achieve optimal measuring results. Select this setting by pressing the Mode button.
The signal strength is indicated in bars and may be read numerically. An additional acoustic receiver signal indicates in various pitches how far away the desired cable is. The higher the pitch, the closer the desired cable is. The numerical display is the most exact way of locating the cable.
The sender code transmitted from the sender and the output power of the transmission signal are displayed as well. If external voltage is present, a warning symbol (Q) is displayed.

Manual search mode

This mode only works with the sender and is selected by pressing the Mode button. ,,SENSE” appears on the LC display. Use the arrow keys to adjust the sensitivity: 1 arch = maximum sensitivity; 8 arches = minimum sensitivity. Reducing the sensitivity can be useful, when the area to be measured needs to be limited to a certain range.
The signal strength is also determined by the output power of the sender. Therefore, also adjust the sender level in order to achieve the desired sensitivity.
The signal strength is indicated in bars and provides a detailed read numerically. An additional acoustic receiver signal indicates in various pitches how far away the desired cable is. The higher the pitch, the closer the desired cable is. The numerical display is the most exact way of locating the cable.
The sender code transmitted from the sender and the output power of the transmission signal are displayed as well. If external voltage is present, a warning symbol (Q) is displayed.

Prepare for measuring

Technically, the measurements can always be taken on cables with or without voltage. The receiving range of the receiver is generally wider when working with dead-voltage cables. The sender is always powered by battery.

| – The measurements should always be taken on cables that have been shut down. – Be sure to ! follow the safety instructions when working under voltage.
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When working under voltage, the sender may determine the phase conductor. To do this, connect the black cable (-) to the protective earth and the red cable (+) to the conductor to be measured. You will know that it is the phase conductor if the display indicates voltage and a warning symbol (example a). If those are not displayed, it is either the neutral conductor N (example b) or the operating voltage is not present or the protective earth has not been connected properly.

| If a fault current is already present in the measuring circuit, the ground fault circuit interrupter can ! be released by the additional power from the sender.
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For safety reasons, the sender should only be connected from the phase against the neutral conductor (example c) when working under voltage. However, if the sender is connected from the phase against the protective earth (example d), it is essential to check whether the protective earth is properly earthed and fully functional. If this is not the case, any part connected to the earth may be under voltage.

| When checking the functionality of the protective earth, please ensure compliance with the safety ! regulations set out by local and national authorities.
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Applications

There are three general applications:

A. Use with a receiver: Locate live lines.
B. Single-pole use with sender and receiver: Measurement of separate forward and return conductors, see images d and e in chapter 7B.
C. Two-pole use with sender and receiver: Measurements with common forward and return conductors in one cable, see image c.

Voltage detector

Turn on the receiver and switch to mains voltage mode. The device will now detect live electric conductors and can follow their course. The sender is not necessary for this process. See also chapter 5A.

Single-pole applications (separate forward and return conductors)

In this case, the sender is only connected to one conductor in a multi-core cable. This conductor then transmits the high-frequency signal of the sender. The return conductor in this case is the earth, ideally an earthing conductor or any other good earth connection. The detection depth is a maximum of 2m and is dependent on the surrounding material.

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The transmission signal of the sender should be earthed properly in order to achieve optimal results.
When working under voltage, be sure to follow the safety instructions.
The quality of the earth connection greatly affects the range.

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**Examples for single-pole applications**

Trace cables / locate sockets

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Make the measuring circuit zero-potential.
The lead transmission signal that is fed in may be transmitted to other cables if they are parallel to the lead over longer distances.
To expand the range, it is recommended to separate the cable to be measured from the rest of the measuring circuit.

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Connect the sender to the cable to be measured and to the protective earth. See image d in chapter 6. Then turn on the receiver and begin searching.

Recommended setting for the receiver: Manual search mode, maximum sensitivitiy, see chapter 5C.

Tip 1: As an alternative protective earth, you may use a fixed radiator. See image e. However, please ensure that the radiator is earthed correctly.

Tip 2: A simple way to trace the course of the cable is to use the acoustic signal, the bar display and the numerical indication on the display. If you need to record the course of the cable in detail, simply mark those spots where the numerical display indicates the highest values.

Tip 3: You can increase your range by five times if you raise the output power of the sender from level 1 to 3.

Tip 4: In order to localise the desired cable further, it may be useful to earth parallel cables as well.

Locate interrupted cables

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Make the measuring circuit zero-potential. !
An interrupted cable must have a transfer resistance of 100 kΩ or higher.

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You may use two senders for this application. The second sender is not included in the set but is available as an accessory. Set the different sender codes in the sender devices and connect the cable to be measured and the protective earth. See image f in chapter 4. Then turn on the receiver and begin tracing the course of the cable. The interruption in the cable is located exactly in the middle between the two sender code values indicated in the LC display. Also follow tips 1 through 3.
Recommended setting for the receiver: Manual search mode, maximum sensitivitiy, see chapter 5C.
Tip 5: The cable interruption may be localised systematically by adjusting the sensitivity of the receiver and the output power of the sender.
Tip 6: To achieve optimal results, any cables not included in measuring should be earthed. This is particularly true for any unused individual conductors in multi-core cables and sheathed cables. If these are not earthed, the fed in signal may lead to crosstalk (due to capacitive and inductive coupling). The cable interruption can then no longer be adequately localised.
Tip 7: The search for interrupted cables in heated floors follows a similar concept. Ensure that there is no earthed shielding film above the heating wires. If necessary, separate it from the earthing connection.

When working with one sender, the exact location of the interruption may not be as easy to find due to possible crosstalk of the electromagnetic field. See image g. In this case, the receiver displays the transmission signal after the interruption as a significant decrease. The interruption is located where the signal begins decreasing.

Find conductors underground

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Make the measuring circuit zero-potential. !

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Connect the sender to the desired cable and the protective earth and switch it on. Please ensure that the loop between the desired cable (red) and the earthing (black) is as big as possible. If the distance between them is to short, the receiver may not be able to locate the signal at maximum range. See also tips 2 and 3 as well as application 7B-6 on the next page.
Recommended setting for the receiver: Automatic search mode, see chapter 5B. Tip 8: To increase the receiver`s range, set the output power of the sender to the highest level. See chapter 3. Tip 9: Pay attention to the bars indicated on the receiver during the search. They fluctuate greatly when panning the receiver over the desired cable. When the device is directly above the cable, the display shows the highest number of bars.

Locate heating and water pipes

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Make the measuring circuit zero-potential.
The heating pipes must be separated from the earth connection

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Connect the sender with the black cable (-) to the protective earth and with the red cable (+) to the radiator. See image i. The radiator must not be earthed while you do this. Then turn on the receiver and begin searching. Also follow tips 2 and 3.
Recommended setting for the receiver: Automatic search mode, see chapter 5B.

Locate nonconducting installation pipes

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For cable channels, remove the wires in the pipe from the power source and connect them to an earth potential.
Make the measuring circuit zero-potential.

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Guide a cable probe (copper wire) or a taut wire into the nonconducting installation pipe. Connect the sender with the red cable (+) to the probe and with the black cable (-) to an earth potential and switch on. Then turn on the receiver and begin searching. The receiver can now find the course of the installation pipes by means of the probe. Also follow tip 3. Recommended setting for the receiver: Automatic search mode, see chapter 5B.

Locate conductors in inaccessible places

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Make the measuring circuit zero-potential.
When working under voltage, be sure to follow the safety instructions.

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Make the loop between the measuring lead (red) and the return conductor (black) as big as possible. This improves reception and thus increases the range of the receiver. One way of achieving this is to use an extension cable. See image j. This is particularly helpful when working under voltage. The distance between measuring conductor and return conductor should be at least 2 m. Also follow tips 2, 3 and 6.

Recommended setting for the receiver: Automatic search mode, see chapter 5B.

Tip 10: The return conductor (black) may also be connected via the neutral conductor (N). The measuring conductor and return conductor should then be in the same electric circuit.

Two-pole applications (common forward and return conductors)

These measurements may be taken in properly connected electric circuits (without cable interruptions). In this case, the sender is connected to two conductors in a common cable. The high-frequency signal of the sender goes back to the pick-up via the forward and return conductors. Measurements may be taken with or without voltage.

The detection depth is a maximum of 0.5 m and is dependent on the surrounding material. Tip 11: When measuring under voltage, the individual phases (L1, L2, L3) may be distinguished, for example for sockets, lampholders, light switches etc.

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For safety reasons, the measuring circuit should be zero-potential.
When working under voltage, be sure to follow the safety instructions. – Additional earth wires and shieldung in the cable reduce the detection depth of the receiver.
Shielding (such as metal coverings, metal supports etc.) in the vicinity reduces the range.

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Examples for single-pole applications

7C-1 Locate short-circuits

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Make the measuring circuit zero-potential.
The short-circuit resistance must be less than 20 ohm. This can be determined using a multimeter. If the resistance is > 20 ohm, you may be able to find the defect by searching for interrupted cables. See chapter 7B-2 on how to do this.

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Connect the sender to short-circuited conductor and switch it on. Then turn on the receiver and begin searching. The receiver is able to trace the signal up to the location of the short-circuit. See image k. Adjust the receivers sensitivity and the senders output power little by little until you have located the short-circuit.
Recommended settings for the receiver: Manual search mode, minimum sensitivitiy, see chapter 5C.

Locate fuses

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Measurement under voltage! It is essential that you follow the safety instructions. !
The cover of the fuse box may only be removed by a skilled electrician.

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Connect the sender to the phase conductor and the neutral conductor (N). Then turn on the receiver and begin searching. Follow the signal in the sub- distributor. See image l. Adjust the receivers sensitivity and the senders output power little by little until you have located the fuse.
The accuracy in locating fuses always depends on the various installation condition (RCD machines, types of fuses etc.).
Recommended settings for the receiver: Manual search mode, minimum sensitivitiy, see chapter 5C.
Tip 12: When locating a fuse, pay attention to the numbers in the numerical display. The highest value will appear when in the vicinity of the desired fuse. Tip 13: Rotate the receiver around its longitudinal axis by 90° or modify its horizontal and vertical positions. This will adjust the device to different automatic circuit breakers, which have magnetic coils installed in different positions.
Tipp 14: You will achieve the best results by measuring directly at the connections.
Tipp 15: These measurements may be taken without voltage as well. Some installation conditions produce more accurate results than others.

Further functions of the device

In poor lighting conditions, the display illumination may be switched on in both the sender and the receiver. See chapter 1.
The receiver features a flashlight in addition. The flashlight switches itself off automatically after 1 minute. Do not switch the flashlight on or off while measuring mains voltage recognition (NCV) to maintain full functionality.
The acoustic signal may be deactivated in the receiver. See chapter 1.

Information on maintenance and care

Clean all components with a damp cloth and do not use cleaning agents, scouring agents and solvents. Store the device in a clean and dry place.

Technical data

Sender CableTracer TX
Output signal
Nominal voltage
Measurement range
Frequency range
Overvoltage category
Power supply
Automatic switch-off
Operating temperature
Storage temperature
Operating height
Weight incl. battery
Dimensions (W x H x D)|

125 kHz
12 – 250V
12 – 400V AC/DC
0 – 60 Hz
CAT III 300V, pollution degree 2
1 x 9V block, IEC LR6, Alkali
ca. 1 Std.
0°C – 40°C
-20°C – 60°C
2000 m
ca. 200 g
68 x 130 x 32 mm

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Receiver CableTracer RECV

Measurement ranges:
Voltage detection
Single-pole measurement
Two-pole measurement

Power supply
Automatic switch-off
Operating temperature
Storage temperature
Operating height
Weight incl. battery
Dimensions (W x H x D)

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0 – 0.4 m measuring depth
0 – 2 m measuring depth
0 – 0.5 m measuring depth

1 x 9V block, IEC LR6, Alkali
ca. 10 minutes
0°C – 40°C
-20°C – 60°C
2000 m
ca. 240 g
59 x 192 x 37 mm

EU directives and disposal

This device complies with all necessary standards for the free movement of goods within the EU.
This product is an electric device and must be collected separately for disposal
according to the European Directive on waste electrical and electronic equipment.
Further safety and supplementary notices at: www.laserliner.com/info

1052676 Cable Tracer Pro Applications