This document describes the Ethos 4700 Cable Locator, a portable measurement instrument consisting of a transmitter and a receiver, designed for detecting and tracing conductors.
Function Description
The device operates by generating a modulated current from the transmitter, which creates an electromagnetic field around a conductor. This field induces a voltage in the receiver's coil. The receiver then amplifies, decodes, and converts this induced voltage into the original signal, which is displayed on the screen. A key operational requirement is a closed current circuit for the transmitter during application.
The cable locator supports two primary modes of operation:
- One-pole application (in open circuits): The transmitter is powered by its built-in battery and connected to a single conductor. The second conductor is the ground. This setup generates a high-frequency current that flows through the conductor and is transmitted to the ground, allowing for the location and tracing of a single conductor. This mode is suitable for finding line interruptions in walls and floors, tracing lines, sockets, junction boxes, switches, and identifying obstructions in installation pipes. The ground connector must be connected to a suitable earth, such as an earthed socket.
- Double-pole application (in complete circuits): The transmitter can be connected to the mains (L1 and N) and powered by the mains, or connected to two line terminals for voltage-free systems, with the other line ends short-circuited and powered by the built-in battery. In this mode, the modulated current flows through the phase into the transformer and back through the neutral. This is useful for detecting short-circuits, wire sorting, and locating fuses and automatic devices in live installations.
Transmitter Features:
- Terminals: "+" and "ground" for connections.
- LCD Display: Shows transmitted code (1-7), external voltage (12V, 50V, 120V, 230V, 400V), low battery indication, and transmitted level (I, II, or III).
- Key Sensitivity Level/Backlit: Adjusts sensitivity and controls backlight.
- Power Button: Turns the transmitter on/off.
- Battery Case: Houses the 9V battery.
- Built-in Fuses: Protects against overload or faulty manipulation. Replacement should be done by a factory service department. A weak output signal may indicate a tripped fuse.
Receiver Features:
- Sensor Head: Detects the electromagnetic field.
- Flashlight: For illumination in dark conditions.
- LCD Display: Shows reception level, transmission code, and mains voltage detection.
- NCV Button (Non-contact voltage detection): Toggles between cable locator mode and mains voltage detection mode.
- Flashlight Button: Activates the flashlight.
- Downward/Upward Selection Buttons: Used for manual sensitivity adjustment.
- Mode Button: Selects between automatic and manual sensitivity modes.
- Backlight/Beeper ON/OFF Button: Controls backlight and acoustic signal.
- Power ON/OFF Button: Turns the receiver on/off.
- Battery Case: Houses the 9V battery.
- Display Indicators:
- Acoustic display switched off.
- Active LCD illumination.
- Information from transmitter (code, battery charge).
- Automatic mode active ("SIG").
- Signal intensity bargraph.
- Low battery.
- Manual mode graphic display for sensitivity ("SENSE").
- Manual mode active indicator.
- Mains voltage display.
- Digital display for signal intensity in automatic/manual mode.
- Transmission level from transmitter (LEVEL I, II, or III).
- Mains voltage detection switched on.
Important Technical Specifications
Transmitter:
- Output Signal: 125kHz
- External Voltage Detection: 12...400V
- Frequency Range: 0...60Hz
- Display: LCD display
- Over Voltage Category: CAT III 300V
- Pollution Degree: 2
- Auto Power Off: Approx. 1 hour (no operation)
- Power Supply: One 9V battery (NEDA 1604, IE6F22)
- Consumption: Max. 18mA
- Fuse: F0.5A 500V, 6.3 x 32 mm
- Temperature Range (Work): 0...40°C, max 80% rel. humidity (non-condensing)
- Temperature Range (Storage): -20...60°C, max 80% rel. humidity (non-condensing)
- Height above MSL: Up to 2000 meters
- Dimensions: 130 x 69 x 32mm
- Weight: Approx. 130g
Receiver:
- Tracing Depth: Depends on medium and application.
- Single-pole application: Approx. 0...2 meters
- Double-pole application: Approx. 0...0.5 meters
- Voltage Detection: Approx. 0...0.4 meters
- Display: LCD with functions and bargraph
- Power Supply: One 9V battery (NEDA 1604, IE6F22)
- Consumption:
- Approx. 23mA (without backlight or lamp)
- Approx. 35mA (with backlight)
- Max. 40mA (backlight and lamp)
- Auto Power Off: Approx. 5 minutes (no operation)
- Temperature Range (Work): 0...40°C, max 80% rel. humidity (non-condensing)
- Temperature Range (Storage): -20...60°C, max 80% rel. humidity (non-condensing)
- Height above MSL: Up to 2000 meters
- Dimensions: 192 x 61 x 37mm
- Weight: Approx. 180g
Usage Features
- Automatic and Manual Sensitivity Adjustment: The receiver can operate in "Automatic Mode" (indicated by "SIG") or "Manual Mode" (indicated by "SENSE"). Sensitivity can be adjusted manually using the upward/downward selection buttons, offering 8 levels.
- Acoustic Reception Signal: Can be switched off.
- Backlight: For improved visibility in low-light conditions.
- Flashlight Function: Provides additional lighting.
- Mains Voltage Detection (NCV Mode): Allows for non-contact voltage detection, with the flashlight activating in this mode.
- Code Setting (Transmitter): The transmitter code (1-7) can be set by pressing the sensitive key continuously, then the power key, and selecting the desired code.
- Increased Sensitivity: Switching the transmitter from "LEVEL I" to "LEVEL III" increases the sensitivity of distance detection by a factor of 5, improving tracing depth.
- Locating Fuses: In dual-pole application, the transmitter is set to "LEVEL I" and connected between L1 and N in a socket. The receiver then traces the supply line to the fuse. It's advised to remove the cover for precise results. The receiver position may need to be adjusted by 90° if no signal is found due to varying magnetic coil installations in safety cut-outs.
- Locating Short-circuits: In double-pole application, the circuit must be voltage-free. Short-circuits are typically detected when resistance is below 20 Ohm. For higher resistance, the line interruption method can be used.
- Tracing Water and Heating Pipes: In one-pole application, the line must be separated from equipotential bonding and the system must not be live. The transmitter is connected to foundation ground and the pipe.
- Detecting Pipe Direction: For installed water and heating pipes, the pipes must be grounded, and the transmitter connected accordingly.
- Locating Complete House Wiring: In one-pole application, the bridge between "PE" and "N" in the main distribution must be removed. The transmitter is connected to the system, allowing the neutral conductor to be followed. The system must not be live.
- Following Lines with Higher Location Depth (Dual-pole): For multi-wire cables, a separate conductor can be used to simulate the return line, increasing the effective magnetic field spread and location depth (up to 2.0-2.5 meters). The circuit must not be live.
- Tracing Conductors Within Soil (Single-pole): The connection is made to the ground and the conductor. The distance between these connections should be high. The receiver is set to automatic mode, and the conductor is traced by observing signal intensity changes. Max tracing depth is 2 meters, depending on soil characteristics.
- Improved Reach for Tension Seeking: If the transmitter is connected to phase and neutral, and the neutral coil is directly lost, the signal in the parallel line is affected. To mitigate this, a separate cable can be used for the return line, increasing the range up to 2.5 meters in voltage circuits.
- Sorting/Determination of Conductors: In double-pole application, existing circuits must be voltage-free, and lead terminals twisted and electrically connected. Multiple transmitters with different codes (1-7) are used.
- Locating Line Interruptions (Mains Voltage Detection): No transmitter is required. The receiver is set to "Mains voltage detection" mode. Signal intensity and sound frequency depend on voltage level and distance to the live conductor.
Maintenance Features
- No Special Maintenance: When used in compliance with the manual, no special maintenance is required.
- Product Designation and Serial Number: Always quote these for any queries or service requests.
- Warranty: Functional errors after warranty expiration will be repaired by the after-sales service.
Battery Replacement:
- Indication: Receiver batteries need changing when the "D" symbol is displayed. Transmitter batteries need changing when their respective symbol is displayed.
- Procedure: Disconnect from mains, switch off, open battery case, remove old batteries, insert new ones respecting polarity, close case.
- Safety: Disconnect from all test leads before replacement. Reverse polarity can damage the instrument or cause batteries to explode/ignite. Use only specified 9V batteries (NEDA 1604, IE6F22.Power). Avoid short-circuiting battery poles.
- Disposal: Dispose of used batteries as hazardous waste, following local regulations.
- Long-term Storage: Remove batteries if the instrument is not used for an extended period to prevent leakage. If leakage occurs, return the instrument for cleaning and inspection.
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