
MARTINDALE
ELECTRIC
TRUSTED BY PROFESSIONALS
Fuse Finder Instructions
FD500 & FD600
The job of locating electrical circuits (AC circuits of 230V ± 10%) is now made
quick and easy. No more guessing or trial and error when it comes to locating the
correct circuit breaker or fuse supplying electrical power to a socket or lighting
fixture (FD600 only).
WARNING
Always check that the Fuse Finder units are operating properly before
proceeding.
These instructions contain both information and warnings that are
necessary for the safe operation and maintenance of the unit. It is
recommended that you read the instructions carefully and ensure that the
contents are fully understood. Failure to understand this leaflet and to
comply with the warnings and instructions contained herein can result in
serious injury or damage.
PREPARING TO USE THE FUSE FINDER
Battery Installation
1. Remove battery cover of receiver.
2. Connect 9V battery (not supplied) and insert into compartment.
3. Re-install battery cover.
Unit Test (Always carry out before use)
1. Plug the FD500/T transmitter into an electrical wall outlet or for the FD600 by using the
13A adaptor or the TL83 lead set and turn the power on.
2. Turn receiver on just until a click is heard and the LED lights. This is the maximum
sensitivity.
3. Place receiver near transmitter. If receiver is working and the wall outlet’s power is on,
the receiver will produce a distinctive beep and the LED will flash.
Fig. 1: Correct
The receiver must
be held at this
angle to best
receive the signal.
The units must only be used under the conditions and for the purposes for
which it has been constructed. Particular attention should be paid to the
safety instructions, the technical specifications and the use of the units in
dry surroundings.
The FD500 has a 13A plug-like transmitter unit. The FD600 is provided with two
alternative means of connecting the transmitter unit to the mains.
1. A 13A adaptor.
2. A two way fused lead set - TL83.
For tracing circuits with 13A sockets, use the 13A adaptor to connect the
transmitter unit to the socket.
For use at bare wires and light fittings, use the TL83 lead set to connect the circuit
red to live, black to neutral. Switch off the supply if possible or take appropriate
precautions while connecting to live unshielded contacts.
USING THE FUSE FINDER
Locating the Fuse or Circuit Breaker controlling a wall socket.
1. Plug the FD500/T transmitter into an electrical wall outlet or for the FD600 by using the
13A adaptor or the TL83 lead set and turn the power on.
2. Check unit as in “Unit Test” section.
3. Go to fuse box (consumer unit) and place flat surface of receiver at a right angle to and
directly on the fuse or circuit breaker (Fig. 1).
4. Slowly move the receiver along the row or rows of fuses while continually lowering the
receiver’s sensitivity by rotating the wheel away from the arrow until only one fuse causes
the receiver to beep.

5. Ensure that all fuses/breakers are scanned by
the receiver. Do not assume that the first signal
is the only signal.
adjacent fuse may also beep due to the routing of
the wires in the panel. If this occurs or if an area of
the panel is sensitive, remove the panel cover
(observing normal safety precautions) and hold the
Fuse Finder against the wires leading to the fuses.
This should eliminate any crossover signals and
allow unique identification of the fuse).
6. After you have located the right breaker or
fuse, you can turn off the circuit and the receiver
Sockets controlled by a wall switch
Your Fuse Finder is the easiest way to determine if a wall socket is controlled by a switch.
1. Carry out the unit test and ensure it works.
2. Turn the wall switch OFF.
3. Plug the transmitter into the outlet being tested.
4. Repeat the Unit Test.
5. If the receiver does not beep, that outlet is controlled by the wall switch.
Locating more than one socket/location on the same circuit
1. Plug the transmitter into a socket with the power on and verify that the receiver is working
as explained in the “Unit Test” section.
2. Take the receiver to the other location in question, hold the receiver against the socket
or wiring in the same manner as you would with a fuse. Due to variations in the wiring of
sockets you may need to vary the angle of presentation of the receiver unit.
3. If this socket is on the same circuit as the outlet where the transmitter is plugged in, the
receiver will beep.
CAUTION: Use extreme care when you work around electrical circuits. A severe shock
hazard exists. Your Fuse Finder is not intended to replace good electrical practices, but to
assist you in knowing established wiring layouts.
WARNING
In order to avoid the danger of electrical shock, it is important that proper safety
measures are taken when working with voltages exceeding 30V AC rms, 42V peak or
60V DC.
Cleaning
Disconnect the instrument from all circuits. Moisten a cloth slightly with diluted washing up
liquid and wipe the instrument surface by applying light pressure. Allow a recovery time of
6 hours after cleaning before operating the instrument to ensure it is perfectly dry.
Fig. 2: Wrong
will stop beeping.
7. Check that the red light on the transmitter is off
to confirm you have turned off the correct fuse.
(Note: In certain instances an
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Transmitter
Voltage rating: 230V
Frequency range: 30 - 70Hz
Switching frequency: Approx. 5Hz
Transmission pulse width: approx. 1.7μS
Transmission pulse amptitude: 20A max.
Temperature range: -10°C to 40°C at max 60% RH
Dimensions: Approx: 65 x 65 x 46mm
Weight: 60g (FD500/T) 65g (FD600/T)
Earth Leakage: Nil
Power supply: From mains
Power consumption: Approx. 1W
Overvoltage category: Cat III/300V
Pollution degree: 2
Protection Class: IP20
Receiver
Tracing depth for fuse assignment: approx. 0 - 10cm, depending on local conditions.
Sensitivity setting: via on/off potentiometer
Temperature range: -10°C to 40°C at max 60% RH
Dimensions: 160 x 55 x 30mm
Weight: approx. 135g (including battery)
Protection class: IP20
Power supply: 9V battery, MN1604/PP3, IEC 6LA61 (alkaline only) (included).
Units are EMC compliant.
There are no user serviceable parts in the transmitter or receiver.
12 months guarantee
Faults in manufacture and materials are fully guaranteed for 12 months from date of invoice
and will be rectified by us free of charge, provided the instrument has not been tampered
with, and is returned to us unopened. Damage due to dropping, abuse or misuse is not
covered by the guarantee. Our service department will promptly quote to repair any faults
that occur outside the guarantee period. Nothing in this leaflet reduces your statutory rights.
Martindale Electric Company Ltd
Metrohm House, Penfold Trading Estate, Imperial Way,
This instruction leaflet has been prepared with great care. No liability is accepted for the correctness and the
completeness of the data, illustrations and drawings it contains.
Due to a policy of continuous development, Martindale Electric Company Ltd reserves the right to alter the equipment specification, description and prices outlined
in this publication without prior notice and no part of this publication shall be deemed to be part of any contract for the equipment unless specifically referred to as
an inclusion within such contract. E. & O.E.
Watford, WD24 4YY, UK.
Tel: 01923 441717 Fax: 01923 446900
Website: www.martindale-electric.co.uk
E-mail: sales@martindale-electric.co.uk
© Martindale Electric 2001 REV4