SD-3000

Surge Detector

SD-3000
Surge Detector

■ Determines distance and direction

to the cable fault
■ Operates in all weather conditions
■ Senses faults ahead up to 50 ft
(15 m approx)
■ Alerts operator to surge period
by pulse indicator
■ Selectable acoustic frequency band
eliminates problems of background
interference
■ Over 200 hours of battery life
■ Single or dual detector configurations

DESCRIPTION m) or more of earth or pavement, this acoustic emission

The SD-3000 Surge Detector has been designed to may not always be heard without the aid of an acoustic
pinpoint faults in shielded, direct buried primary cables by amplification device. Simple acoustic amplification in
detecting both the electromagnetic and acoustic pulses many situations is not enough. Acoustic emission from an
emitted from an arcing fault when it is surged. The SD- arcing fault occurs at a single point along the cable path.
3000 can be used with any of the PFL Power Cable Fault Therefore, information such as distance and direction to
Locating systems or surge generators manufactured by the fault becomes critical for fast, efficient pinpointing.
Megger or other manufacturers. Depending only on the acoustic emission to pinpoint the
fault can be misleading.
The SD-3000’s receiver is contained in a lightweight,
If the fault is in a duct or conduit, the loudest sound will
compact housing that can easily be carried by an
be detected at the ends or at a break in the conduit.
adjustable strap around the neck, leaving hands free.
When pinpointing over paving, the loudest sound may be
The detector’s durable weatherproof enclosure allows
at a crack or seam in the paving. Tree roots also tend to
operation in all weather conditions.
carry the sound in all directions.
Either single or dual detector configurations are available.
The SD-3000 measures both the electromagnetic surge
As a single detector, the set provides detection of the
created from the surge generator and the acoustic emission
acoustic “thump” and measurement of time delay between
caused by the arcing fault. The receiver’s display shows
acoustic and electromagnetic signals. If a second detector
the operator the acoustic signal strength and the time
is added, the set will also display the direction to the fault.
delay between the electromagnetic surge and acoustic
An adjustment knob controls the volume of the sound in event. As the detector is placed closer to the fault, the
the headphones and can be adjusted for operator comfort. acoustic signal strength increases while the time difference
Mute buttons are provided to turn off the sound from between surge and acoustic emission decreases. When
either the left or right detectors. The SD-3000 automatically directly over the fault, the time difference is at a minimum
mutes the headphones when the detectors are moved. and the acoustic level is at a maximum. The same
procedure can be used when placing the detector at a
right angle to the cable path. Faults can be located more
APPLICATIONS quickly by using a second detector. When using two
The SD-3000 is used to pinpoint faults in shielded, direct detectors, the receiver’s display will show a direction
buried primary cables, while the cable is being surged by arrow that points to the detector closest to the fault. The
a surge generator (thumper). When the high energy surge length of the arrow’s shaft also indicates a relative distance
delivered from the surge generator breaks the cable fault to the fault. As the fault is approached, the shaft of the
down (arc occurs), a loud acoustic emission is created. arrow becomes shorter. When directly over the fault, two
Since buried power cables are typically under 3 feet (0.9 arrowheads will appear pointing toward each other.
 SD-3000
Surge Detector

The receiver’s display provides level of the electromagnetic SPECIFICATIONS

surge, a measurement of the volume of the acoustic
Operating Modes: ..........................Pulse Mode Single Pickup Mode
emission, and the time difference between the two events. Dual Pickup Mode (with optional
A save function is provided which will store and display second acoustic pickup)
the two previous measurements of time and acoustic Range: ..............................................0 to 29.9 ms
amplitude which the operator can compare to the present Resolution: ......................................0.1 ms
readings. Inputs: ..............................................Two (left and right) for acoustic
pickups
Outputs: ............................................One jack for stereo headphones,
FEATURES AND BENEFITS 300 Ω per side
■ Determines distance and direction to the cable fault by
Volume: ............................................Headphone volume adjustable
measuring electromagnetic surge and acoustic emission for comfort
provides fast and efficient fault pinpointing. Automatic headphone muting
■ Lightweight, rainproof enclosure allows operation in all while acoustic pickup is moved.
Acoustic Level: ................................Manual
weather conditions.
Electromagnetic Gain: ..................Automatic
■ Provided in a sturdy carrying case which holds all of the
Acoustic Bands: ..............................125 to 1000 Hz
components. 500 to 1000 Hz
■ Sensitive detectors sense faults ahead up to 50 ft Acoustic Pickup: ............................6-ft (1.82 m) cord with color-
(15 m approx). coded label
■ Pulse mode alerts operator to surge period providing Display: ............................................LCD with automatic backlight
Power: ..............................................Ten 3.6 V, AA cell, lithium
cable path and trigger information.
batteries.
■ Selectable acoustic frequency band eliminates problems
Automatic shutdown after 1
of background interference. hour.
Battery Life: ....................................> 200 hours (depends how often
backlight illuminates)
Operating temperature range: ......-4 to 122° F (-20 to +50° C)
Storage temperature range: ........-40 to 158° F (-40 to +70° C)
Humidity: ........................................<95 percent noncondensing
Dimensions: ....................................Instrument in case:
20 x 13.5 x 7.5 in.
(508 342.9 x 190.5 mm)
Detector:
Single detection set measures Dual detection set measures 9 x 3.75 x 4 in.
electromagnetic surge and electromagnetic surge and (228.6 x 95.25 x 101.6 mm)
acoustic emission, providing acoustic emission at each
Weight: ..............................................Instrument in case: 22 lb (10 kg)
distance to the fault. detector, providing distance
and direction to the fault. Detector: 21 lb 8 oz (1.136 kg)

ORDERING INFORMATION
Item (Qty) Cat. No. Item (Qty) Cat. No.
SD-3000 Single Surge Detector System 653000
Lithium AA batteries (ten required) 34274
SD-3000 Dual Surge Detector System 653002
Stereo headphones 34303
5-in. threaded spike attachment for acoustic pickup
Included Accessories: (2 required for C/N 653002) 34302
Acoustic pickup with 6-ft cord labeled with a red band 34292 Instruction manual AVTM653000J
Acoustic pickup with 6-ft cord labeled
with blue band (used on Dual Surge Detector System Optional Accessories:
C/N 653002 only) 34292-1 Upgrade for Single Surge Detector only (C/N 653000) 653110
Two-piece handle (top) for acoustic pickup
Includes:
(2 required for C/N 653002) 34298-1
Acoustic pickup with 6-ft cord labeled with a blue band
Two-piece handle (bottom) for acoustic pickup
(2 required for C/N 653002) 34298-2 Two-piece handle for acoustic pickup with blue band
Carrying case 35310 5-in. threaded spike attachment for acoustic pickup

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