The Direct Connection Leads and Earth Stake that are supplied with the Generator/ Transmitter are used to apply a signal to any metal pipe at a suitable access point such as a valve, hydrant point, stop cock or exposed pipe length.
1. Plug the Direct Connection Leads into the Generator/ Transmitter connection socket.
2. Attach the red lead to the pipe at your point of access using the Crocodile Clip. Ensure that you have a secure and clean grip on the pipe with the Crocodile Clip.
3. Turn the Generator/ Transmitter on and set Output Power Level
to the lowest level. (MXT4 Transmitter only: Select the frequency
to be used; CF, 8kHz or 640/512Hz).
4. Place the Earth Stake in the ground (having first searched the area for buried cables with the Locator).
5. Connect the black Earth Lead to the Earth Stake (or the alternative earth point). If your earth point is too far away from the pipe access point for the black Earth Lead to reach then use the yellow 30 feet Auxiliary Earth Lead instead.
6. As the Earth Lead is connected to the Earth Stake the audible
signal from the Generator/ Transmitter should change in pitch. The lower the pitch, then the better the signal will be on the metal pipe.
If there is no change of tone it may be that some dirt, rust or paint on the pipe is preventing the Direct Connection Lead from making a good contact with the pipe. Alternatively, it may be that your earth point is at fault. Change the position of the Earth Stake or use an alternative earth point.
(SGV4 Generator and MXT4 Transmitter only:
There will also be a visual representation of the quality of the connection in addition to the audible pitch change. The greater the response on the display then the better the signal will be on the pipe).
7. Adjust the Output Power Level to suit.
The ideal position for the Earth Stake is at right angles to the assumed line of the pipe and the full length of the Direct Connection Leads away from the pipe access point.
It is important to also note:
- The type of metal that the pipe is constructed from or its use will have little effect on its traceability.
- If it is not possible to get the Crocodile Clip to grip the pipe then use the Magnet supplied.
- MXT2 Transmitter only: When turning on, the Transmitter will return to the last Output Power, Frequency, Pulsed/Continuous and Loud/Mute settings that were used.
- If it is not possible to use the Earth Stake use a nearby metal fence post, manhole cover or gully cover.
- If the Earth Stake cannot be inserted into the ground then simply laying it flat on the ground can sometimes provide a successful earth connection (especially if the ground is wet). DO NOT use something that may have another metallic service attached to it, such as a metal street lighting column.
- If the Generator/ Transmitter pitch does not change then there is no signal being transferred onto the service.
WARNINGS:
- Never connect directly to electrical services.
- You may need to seek permission from the service owners before connecting on to some buried services.
- Do not handle the bare Crocodile Clips when the Generator/ Transmitter is switched on.