Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
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GFL3000 Ground Fault Locator
Operating Instructions
WARNING – Read and understand the instructions before operating this
unit. Failure to do so could lead to injury or death.
The Armada Technologies GFL3000 Ground Fault Locator is designed to find
wire or cable damage that results in an electrical path to ground. The GFL3000
works on the principle of earth gradient theory and is sometimes referred to as an
earth gradient fault detector. The GFL3000 will pinpoint the exact location of a
grounded cable fault. The GFL3000 is NOT a cable path locator. You will likely
need a separate cable locator to locate the path of the entire cable.
The complete kit for the GFL3000 kit consists of the following;
(1) GFL3000R Receiving Box.
(1) GFL3000AF Receiving Frame
(1) GFL3000T Dual Power Transmitter (with rechargeable battery)
(1) ProGS Ground Stake
(1) Battery Charger
(1) Operating Manual
Please be sure that all items are included before operating the GFL3000.
How it Works – The GFL3000T transmits a voltage charge in succession
approximately every 2 seconds. The charge is applied through the leads and
into the connected cable where they travel to the ground fault. At the ground
fault, some of the electrical current leaks to earth ground. This amount is
determined by the relative resistance of the fault and subsequent path to the
ground stake versus the other available paths for the current.
The receiver/A-frame is then inserted into the ground along the path of the wire.
As the current flows down the wire, it travels out through the ground fault and
then back to the ground stake. Some of this current, however, travels through
the A-frame receiver. The needle at the top of the A-Frame will give a directional
kick either left or right. The initial kick direction is the one that determines the
direction. Usually after this intial kick, the needle will rebound in the opposite
direction. Only the initial kick is important.
The receiver determines which side of the frame received the current first and
therefore, which direction the fault lies. By relocating the frame, the user can
zero in as to exactly where the fault lies.
Batteries - The GFL3000 transmitter uses a 12v rechargeable battery
(included). There are also 110v AC and cigarette lighter rechargers included for
this battery. The battery comes disconnected in shipping. To connect the
battery, remove the finger screws located on each side of the transmitter control
panel. Inside the compartment, you will see the battery and 2 connecting
terminals using spade clips. Carefully remove the rubberized terminal covers
and connect the spade clipped wires to the battery. Replace the cover and
tighten the screws.
To recharge the transmitter battery, connect the charger to the charging
receptacle on the transmitter and then plug into a wall outlet. The battery level
indicator on the transmitter face will indicate the amount of charge in the battery.
The receiver module that sits atop the frame requires (1) 9V battery. Remove
the screws on each side of the receiver and remove the cover. Tightly connect
the 9v square battery to the battery boot and replace the cover.
Operational Warnings – The GFL3000 transmits a high voltage charge. Do
not turn the transmitter on until all hook-ups are complete. This means the
alligator clip to the ground stake and the alligator clip to the wire. NEVER
TURN ON THE UNIT WHEN ANYONE IS TOUCHING THE CABLE, GROUND
STAKE, OR ANY PART OF THE TRANSMITTER. Disconnect the wire to be
tested from any other service, components, or anything that might be
affected by high voltage. Completely isolate the cable.
FAILURE to follow instructions could lead to injury or death.
Operation
1. Disconnect cable to be tested at both ends. Be sure you are disconnected
from power, components or anything else that will transmit electrical
current. This isolates the cable and forces the current generated by the
GFL3000 to exit the cable at the fault.
2. Assemble the A-Frame receiver by placing the small electronic receiver
module on top of the receiver frame and secure it with the 2 thumb screws
attached to the A-Frame.
3. Starting at either end of the cable and with the transmitter off, connect the
black alligator clip lead to the ground stake and shove the stake into the
ground as deeply as possible. Connect the red alligator clip lead to the
cable to be tested.
4. After being sure that no one is touching the stake, cable or leads, turn the
GFL3000 transmitter on by placing the rocker switch in the “on” position.
The transmitter will produce an audible beeping sound indicating the
current is being transmitted. Do not handle any component, cable, or
stake while the GFL3000 is operating.
5. Select low (2400v) or high (3200v) power as per your preference. High
power will find large or small leakages while low power will concentrate on
larger faults. If you want to find all faults regardless of size, use high. If
you are looking for larger faults only, use the low setting.
6. Turn the receiver on and place the A-Frame probes in the ground parallel
to the path of the cable. Be sure to insert them into the ground. As the
transmitter pulses, you should see the analog needle of the GFL3000 kick
in the direction of the fault. Remember, it is the initial kick you are
watching for, not the rebound kick.
7. Remove the A-Frame probes from the ground and move it in the direction
of the initial needle kick along the path of the cable. Re-insert the AFrame probes into the ground and repeat the process of observing the
direction of the initial needle kick.
8. As you pass the fault, the needle kick direction will reverse. In other
words, as you continue down the path of the cable and follow the needle
kicks, the needle will reverse its initial direction of kick after you pass the
fault. This indicates a fault is between the last 2 A-Frame insertion points.
9. Continue to move the frame along the path in the direction of the initial
kick, zeroing in on the location of the fault. When you are directly over the
fault, the needle will cease to kick. Mark the spot for repair.
10. BEFORE REPAIR, TURN OFF THE GFL3000 TRANSMITTER AND
DISCONNECT IT FROM THE CABLE. NEVER TOUCH THE
TRANSMITTER, TRANSMITTER LEADS OR CABLE BEING TESTED
WHILE THE TRANSMITTER IS ON. DO NOT USE THE GFL3000 IN
THE RAIN. FAILURE TO READ AND UNDERSTAND THESE
WARNINGS COULD LEAD TO INJURY OR DEATH.
Tips and Notes
1. If the cable contains many faults, this can be confusing. All faults will
exhibit some needle kick proportional to the amount of current leaking
there. If you are interested in fixing all, just zero in on the first, fix, and
start again with the second. If you are looking for larger faults, turn the
transmitter power to low setting.
2. Small faults may be indicated by weak kicks. This makes sense when you
consider that the amount of current leaking is what you are sensing and
small leaks produce small current.
3. It is not uncommon for the needle kicks to cease between the transmitter
and the fault. As you move farther from the transmitter, the needle kick
response should decrease, this is normal. It may even stop kicking
altogether. The needle will begin to kick again when it comes into the
proximity of the fault. Continue on the path of the cable until the signal
returns. Refer to Fig. 6.
4. If you are next to the transmitter when using the receiver, it can kick
toward the receiver. Simply move farther down the cable away from the
transmitter to get the proper direction of kick.
5. If you cannot insert the A-Frame probes into the ground due to concrete,
asphalt, try using wet sponges. This will increase the conductivity of the
frame. You can also extend the frame by wrapping a wire around one foot
of the A-Frame and connecting the other end of the wire to a screwdriver.
This in effect increases the size of the A-Frame and allows the blocking
feature to be straddled.
Warranty – Armada Technologies warranties all products for 12 months from manufacturing defects
from the date of retail purchase. Armada Technologies will repair or replace any component that is
returned to Armada Technologies within 12 months of purchase and does not exhibit signs of abuse
or misuse. It is Armada Technologies sole discretion to determine this condition. Armada
Technologies also reserves the right to require a proof of purchase in order to determine date and
validity of purchase.
t Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
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rev 7/2013
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