Cable Fault Locators
Locate faults in shielded power cables with TDR pre-location and acoustic-magnetic pinpointing. Atlas Energy supplies the HVEX cable fault location system for underground, duct-installed, and directly buried power cables. The system combines a reflectometer, an acoustic-magnetic locator, and a separate high-voltage impulse source to investigate short circuits, open circuits, insulation faults, and high-resistance faults.
Reflectometer
Time domain reflectometry (TDR) uses pulse travel time and reflected waveforms to estimate the distance to a cable fault. Low-voltage pulse and impulse-flashover methods support different fault conditions. Stored waveforms can be recalled for comparison and further analysis.
Selectable cable-length ranges from 50 m to 60 km (approximately 164 ft to 37.3 mi).
Published test resolution and accuracy: 1 m (approximately 3.3 ft).
10.4-inch color LCD touchscreen with menu-based operation.
Built-in battery with more than four hours of continuous operation.
Detector weight: 2.5 kg (approximately 5.5 lb).
Wave-velocity settings for different cable insulation types.
Acoustic-magnetic locator
The separate locator supports pinpointing and cable-route investigation. Its rechargeable battery provides more than 12 hours of operation. The datasheet specifies a displayed distance range of 0.1–99.9 m and route measurement up to 20 km. Select the method and settings for the actual cable installation and fault conditions.
High-voltage impulse source
Documented output: continuously adjustable 0–28 kV DC ±5%, 30 mA.
Published discharge energy: 1,800 J; capacitance: 4 µF/30 kV.
Documented input: 220 V AC ±10%, 50 Hz.
Source weight: 21 kg (approximately 46.3 lb).
The detector specification lists an impact-voltage limit of 35 kV; this is distinct from the documented impulse source output. The impulse source requires external AC power. Confirm a suitable 60 Hz supply configuration with Atlas Energy for North American installations.
Applications and configuration
Suitable applications include industrial power cable networks, underground distribution circuits, and shielded cable systems at solar and wind facilities. Provide the cable type, length, voltage class, suspected fault, and available site power so the HVEX equipment and test procedure can be specified for the job. Test voltage and accessories must be selected for the cable and the applicable diagnostic procedure.
Technical documentation
Download HVEX Cable Fault Detection System datasheet (English, PDF)
