317016B

02/19

ENGLISH
Loop Installation
Design and installation instructions for magnetic coils
Manual
1 General

Loop detectors are frequently used to detect all kinds of vehicles.

The system consists of a detector (switching unit) and an induction loop.

Typical applications include:

• Opening and closing gates
• Controlling barriers
• Monitoring individual parking spaces
• Protecting bollards

2 Operating mode

The induction loop and a capacitor which is integrated in the loop detector form an LC oscillator.
The frequency of resonance of this resonant circuit is determined by the capacity of the capacitor and the magnitude of the
loop inductance.
The capacity of the capacitor and thus the resonance frequency can be modified using a parameter setting of the loop de-
tector. This prevents interference between two adjacent induction loops or detectors, for instance.

The lower the loop inductance, the higher the oscillator frequency, which is in the range of 20 to 150 kHz.

A current is passed through the unoccupied (= de-energised) loop, forming a magnetic field around the loop.
The magnetic field lines close along the shortest path to form loops. The oscillator resonates at the basic frequency Fo.

A vehicle driving across the loop enters the magnetic field. The magnetic field lines are deflected and can no longer close
along the shortest path to form loops. This reduces the inductance and the oscillator frequency increases.
The loop is "energised". The loop detector detects this change. If the frequency-deviation exceeds the set sensitivity, output is
switched. The loop detector has detected the object.

Please observe the detailed information in the loop detector operating instructions.

3 Safety Notes
• With the use of loop(s) and a loop detector, the operator is responsible for the correct and safe operation of his system.
• For a correct and safe functioning of the system, the type of vehicles to be detected when passing the loop must be considered.
• Please note that a detection of persons and objects with a low proportion of metal parts may not be possible.
• The correct installation of the loop into the road surface is included in the scope of responsibility of the loop installer.
• When producting the groove for the loop, please consider any safety notes for your tools that are included in the
operations manual of your tool supplier.
• Damages to the insulation of your loop wire or of the feed line must be avoided in all cases as otherwise the correct
functioning of your system is not guaranteed.

1
 4 Induction loop

4.1 Loop size and number of turns

In most cases of application the loop is installed in a square or rectangular shape. Depending on the perimeter of the loop
(subject to local conditions) a different number of turns must be installed in the loop groove. Therefore, the following rule ap-
plies: the smaller the perimeter P of the loop, the more turns are required for the loop.

Recommendations:
• the minimum width of the loop must not be Loop perimeter P Number of turns
W
B
smaller than 0.8 m. View the table opposite. 3–6m 5 turns
• Lenght-to-Width ratio: 1:1 up to max. 4:1 6 – 10 m 4 turns L
10 – 20 m 3 turns
20 – 25 m 2 turns

4.2 Inductivity of the loop

The induction of a loop can be measured with the the help of a loop detector with an integrated measuring function
(e.g. ProLoop) or by means of an appropriate measuring device. Before sealing the loop groove, it is recommended to pro-
visionally install the loop lineas and to measure the inductivity. With the help of the formula below, a rough estimation of
the inductivity may be determined in advance:
P = perimeter of the loop in m L (in µH) ≈ P * (N*N + N)
N = number of turns in the loop
An inductivity of approx. 1 - 1.5 H per m of feed line must be added to the calculated value.
The optimum values of the inductivity of a loop lie between 80 – 300 µH.

5 Loop installation

Loop
(all windings together in one
loope groove)

Feed Line Loop groove

(twisted)
Road

5.1 Influence of local conditions, dimensioning of the loop groove and advice for the loop groove
Local conditions Recommendations
Concrete reinforcement minimum 5 cm space (as large as possible)
Other electrical lines shielded feed line towards the loop
Movable metal objects keep a distance of minimum 1m
Non-movable metal objects keep a distance of minimum 0.5 m
High-voltage lines and power lines shielded electrical feed line towards the loop seperated channel
Large distances to the loop detector shielded electrical feed line towards the loop

Loop groove dimensioning and installation advice:

Grouting material Grouting material: Cold-type and hot-type bitumen as well as artificial resin is suitable as
5 - 8 mm grouting material.
Nylon cord
Loop strand: With the use of hot-type bitumen the temperature resistance of the
30 - 55 mm insulation of the loop strand (temperature resistance according to
specifications of the loop strand manufacturer) must be considered.
Loop strand Nylon cord: A nylon cord is only required, if hot-type bitumen is used as grouting
1.5mm2 material. The cord serves for temperature decoupling towards the loop
wire.
2
5.2 Laying loops under composite stone pavers
The loops are laid in the sand layer between the bottom layer of gravel and the composite stone pavers.

Prefabricated loops must be used for this laying system. They must be installed in an electric-cable channel (15 x 15 mm).

Loop fixation Loop

Composite stone

Grit
Gravel (ideally a concrete layer in the cable-channel fixation)

• Insert and fix loop

• Measure electrical resistance and insulation resistance
• Measure inductance, test with loop detector
• Fill with permanently elastic sealing compound
• Fill and seal sand bed
• Lay composite stone pavers and tamp to secure
• Check function

Channeling cobblestones is not recommended. Cobbles may shift under the weight of vehicles, which can cause tractive or
shearing forces and damage the loop wires -> malfunctions.

Important
The loop must be laid in such a way that the individual windings cannot shift and touch one another
➝ Shifts can lead to changes in inductance ➝ malfunctions.

The loop must be laid in such a way that the overall loop geometry cannot change
➝ Geometry changes can lead to changes in inductance ➝ malfunctions.

5.3 Feed Line

It is recommended that the feed line of the loop is constructed as a shielded line. The shielding must always
be earthed one-sided. Howerver, the loop itself must not be shielded!

The feed line must be twisted at least 20x per meter

Twist wires of the feed line and laid in a twisted condition up to the connection of
the loop detector in the switching cabinet. Min.
min.2020times
mal per
prometer
Meter
min.
min.distance of 10 cm
10 cm Abstand Loop
Schleife
Laying of the feed line Laying the feedline in the same cable trunking with ofder
theZuleitungen
feed line
parallel to other circuits other circuits is not allowed.
other circuits
anderer WS-Kreis
If two 1-loop detectors are applied, keep appropriate Loop
Schleife Loop
Schleife
Loop feed line of other
distances when laying the feed lines.
loop detectors Feed line distance
Use shielded feed lines. Abstand der Zuleitungen

Avoid mechanical damage The feed lines must be well protected against
to the feed line mechanical damage.

Laying the feed line towards Do not lay the feed line through the loop groove Loop
Schleife Loop
Schleife Loop
Schleife Loop
Schleife
the loop detector of another loop. Use shielded feed lines.
falsch
incorrect correct
richtig

feed line asso

Zuleitung short
kurzaswie
possible
möglich
Keep the length of the feed line as short as possible
Length of the feed line
(recommended maximum length 50 m)

3
 5.4 Introduction of the Loop Groove, Procedure

1. The groove is cut into the road surface in accordance to the intended dimension of the loop
2. At each corner a mitred groove (angle of 45°) or a drilled hole must be incorporated 45° Angle
Winkel
3. The groove must then be cleaned (avoid humidity)
4. Insert the loop wire
5. Verify the inductivity/test with loop detector Loop groove routing
around corners
6. Then the groove must be closed accurately with hot-type or cold-type grouting material
(The temperature resistance of the cable sheathing must be considered if hot-type grouting
material is used, use adequate temperature-resistant cable). The following aspects must Bohrung
Drilling
be considered for installation:

• no cracks must be present in the road, the road surface must be continuously solid
• avoid damaging the insulation of the loop wire when laying the loop
• special care must be taken when laying the loop over edges
• the loop wire must not protrude from the groove at any point
• before grouting, place a nylon cord onto the wire package and grout subsequently
The grouting must be water-tight - no humidity must enter the loop groove
• after grouting and before complete hardening of the grouting material, the loop wire must not be moved
• after hardening, measure insulation resistance against earth (>10MOhm @ 250V testing voltage)

5.5 Loop geometries

As a basic criterion for loop dimensioning the safe functioning of the system as a whole must be considered. Therefore,
the loop must always be constructed for the largest vehicle to be detected. Loop systems are only triggered by metal.
The geometry of a loop (dimension of a loop) should be adapted to individual requirements. To this end, a differentiation
must be made for the geometry of the loop between detection of passenger cars, LGV/HGVs, two-wheeled vehicles,
mixed application (for passenger cars and utility vehicles) and directional logic. As a result, the dimension of the loop is
determined by the vehicles to be detected and by local conditions.
Table of the most commonly used loop geometries:
VW = vehicle width, LW = Loop width. In this context «LW < ≈ VW» means that loop width is smaller or equal to
vehicle width VW, LD = Loop distance
For optimum detection the loop width should be se-
Loop geometry LW
SB Passenger
PKW car VW
FB lected to be equal to or smaller than the widest
for passenger cars passenger car that is to pass the loop. For this pur-
pose the loop width must be LW < ≈ VW.
For an optimum detection the loop width should be
Loop geometry for LGV/HGV
LW
SB LKW
FB VW
FB selected to be equal to or smaller than the
LGV/HGVs widest LGV/HGV that is to pass the loop.
SB To assure an optimal detection of two-wheeled
Loop geometry for
vehicles, the loop should be positioned as trape-
two-wheeled vehi-
45° zium or parallelogram. She must not be instal-
cles led to low.
Loop geometry for For this purpose the loop width must be constructed
passenger cars and such that LGV/HGVs can also be detected safely
LW
SB LGV/HGV
LKW
FB VW
FB CarPKW and correctly. Therefore, the loop must be installed
utility vehicles / such that the widest lorry to be detected is captu-
lorries red (LW < ≈ VW).
Loop geometry for With the help of a 2-channel-loop detector the
direction detection function can be activated.
detection of the di-
Both loops must be constructed according to the
rection of travel from Passenger
PKW car Loop
Schleife1 1 Loop 22
Schleife Passenger
PKW car VW
FB
LD
SA LW
SB rule LW < ≈ VW. In addition, the distance LD
loop 1 to loop 2 or must be maintained: LD = max. 0.5 * length of
Vehicle length
Fahrzeuglänge
from loop 2 to loop 1. vehicle.

Loop geometry for With restricted space conditions (in proximity of

restricted space LW
SB Passenger
PKW car VW
FB a metal object, e.g. a gate) it is recommended to
conditions install the loop in the shape of an 8. LW ≈ 1m

4
6 Problematic Issues in Loop Installation
6.1 Attenuation
For a correct functioning of a loop system, the attenuation of the loop through the vehicle to be detected is the decisive
factor. Attenuation from other sources, such as metal objects, adjacent loop systems, etc. may influence this function.
Therefore, such adverse influences must already be considered during the planning phase and be reduced to a minimum.

Undesired attenuation: Remidial action / relief:

Iron reinforcement in concrete road pavement A sufficient distance to the loop must be maintained (see 5.1 of these instructions).
Fluctuations in temperature No influence with the application of the ProLoop detector.
Electrical lines in the proximity A sufficient distance to the loop must be maintained (see 5.1 of these instructions).
Electrical systems A sufficient distance to the loop must be maintained (see 5.1 of these instructions).
Application of different oscillating frequencies for the individual loop detectors (see
Other loop systems 6.2 Cross-talk), maintain sufficient distance to other loops(see 5.1 of these
instructions), use 2-channel-loop-detector for 2 different loop systems.
Metal gates, barriers, poles A sufficient distance to the loop must be maintained (see 5.1 of these instructions).

6.2 Cross-Talk (mutual influencing of individual loop systems)

It is often the case, that several loop systems are installed next to one another. This causes the issue of cross-talk being
generated from one loop system to the next. However, this problem can be prevented through the selection of different
oscillating frequencies of the individual loop systems. This may be obtained by setting different oscillating frequencies
with the help of a suitable loop detector or by installing loops with different numbers of turns.

(Key: = influence = no influence)

Loop detector Loop Loop arrangement Problem Remedial action / relief Effect

1-channel- – leave the frequency of loop

1 The oscillating frequency detector 1 on the frequency Due to the different oscilla-
loop-detector
1 2 is set for the same fre- setand change the fre- ting frequencies of the two
quency for both loop de- quency of loop detector 2 to 1-channel loop detectors
tectors. another frequency. cross-talk is no longer
1-channel- An influence is possible. – install the two loops with possible.
2
loop-detector different numbers of turns.

1 Through the application

2-channel- 1 2 of a suitable 2-channel-
–
loop-detector loop-detector cross-talk is
2 prevented.

– leave the frequency of the 2-

2-channel- channel loop detector 1 on
1 and 2 The oscillating frequency Due to the different oscilla-
loop-detector 1 2 the frequency set and
is set for the same fre- ting frequencies of the two
quency for both 2-channel change the frequency of the 2-channel-loop-detectors
2-channel loop detector 2 to
3 4 loop detectors. Cross-talk cross-talk is no longer
2-channel- another frequency.
3 and 4 is possible. possible.
loop-detector – install the two loops with
different numbers of turns.

– leave the frequency of the 1-

1-channel- The oscillating frequency channel-loop-detector 1 on
1 Due to the different oscilla-
loop-detector is set to the same fre- the frequency set and set ting frequencies of the 1-
1 2 3 quency the frequency of the 2-chan- channel loop-detector and
values for the 2-channel- nel-loop- detector 2 to anot- the 2-channel loop-detector
loop-detector and the her frequency
2-channel- cross-talk is no longer possi-
2 and 3 1-channel-loop-detector. – install the two loops with
loop-detector ble.
Cross-talk is possible. different numbers of turns.

5
 7 Detection of functional disorders and trouble-shooting

Defect / malfunction possible cause Trouble / remedial action

– the sensitivity of the loop detector has been set

too low.
– increase the reactive sensitivity at the loop detector
– loop geometry selected incorrectly (e.g. too few
1: – check the lay-out of the loop
loop turns)
Some vehicles are – shorten the loop feed line to an appropriate length and
– existing cross-talk from another loop system
not detected (e.g. passenger consider correct twisting
– the feed line of the loop has been rolled up instead of
cars - yes; LGV/HGVs - no) – set the loop frequencies of adjacent loop systems to
shortening it to the appropriate length
different frequency values
– other metal objects cause a permanent
attenuation

2: – automatic increase of detection sensitivity is not – switch on the automatic detection sensitivity at a suitable
Trailer drawbar is not detected switched on at a suitable loop detector loop detector

– measure the inductivity by means of a suitable loop detector

and dimension the number of turns of the loop according to
– loop dimension is too large the value (ideally 80–300 µH) stated of the loop detector.
3:
– loop dimension is too small – Verify the auxiliary energy and set to the required value
Detection is not taking place,
– the loop detector is not fed with enough energy of the loop detector.
although the loop detector is
– the loop has a short-circuit – measure the loop resistance with the help of an ohm-meter
fed with supply woltage.
– the loop has an interruption and with the occurrence of a short-circuit newly lay the loop.
– with any occurrence of an interruption, inspect the connection
of the feed line, re-lay the loop.

– test the functionality of the system by means of various

4: vehicles. To this end, also use vehicles that are not
– detection sensitivity of the loop system
System reacts to vehicles that intended to be detected. Subsequently set
set too high
are not intended to be detected. the detection sensitivity such that vehicles intended for
detection are actually detected, but not other vehicles.

– all loop systems in the proximity must be set

to different oscillating frequencies.
– cross-talk from another loop system is taking place
5: – Inspect the lay-out of the loop wire and prevent any
– the loop has not been installed correctly (feed line has
The loop detector signals movement through appropriate measures
not been twisted, the used feed line is not shielded,
(e.g. through sand filling)
a detection, other metal objects are positioned too close, the loop
– inspect twisting of the feed line
although no vehicle wire can move within the loop groove, other electrical
– Install the loop in an adequate (large) distance to
has passed/is standing on the sources of disturbance are in the proximity)
other metal objects.
loop. – the isolation of the loop is damaged or the loop
– also maintain appropriata (large) distance to electrical
restistance is to high. See item 7
sources of disturbance, eg. radio-entrance-systems
– use shielded feed lines.

6:
The loop detector permanently
– the loop or its feed line is damaged (short-circuit or in-
detects an occupation of – see item 3
terruption).
the loop but no vehicles are
present on the loop.

– measure the insulation resistance, if it is not larger than

7: – the insulation of the loop wire is damaged 1 M Ohm the insulation is damaged, the loop wire or the
In rainy weather there are – the connection between loop and feed line has not feed line must be replaced.
occasional malfunctions. been carried out water-tight. – lay the loop and its feed line and install the connection
water-tight.

– the distance of two loops to each other must be

8:
– the distance of the two loops to each other is too large. selected such that for a short time both loops are occu-
Detection of the direction of
– incorrect function set at the loop detector. pied, therefore
travel does not function.
– set the correct function at the loop detector

– the loop has an incorrect loop inductivity (value does

– Adapt the number of turns of the loop according to the
9: not lie within the permissible operational range for
loop geometry (see 4.1)
The loop system cannot be the loop detector)
– inspect the loop for damages
adjusted. – the loop has a damage
– replace the loop detector
– the loop detector is defective

8 Contact
BBC Bircher Smart Access, BBC Bircher AG, Wiesengasse 20, CH-8222 Beringen, www.bircher.com