Cable Identifier | Multifunctional Live De-energized Cable Identifier Power

The XHSB505DS Multifunctional Cable Identifier (also called a live cable identifier, multifunctional cable identifier or intelligent cable identifier) is designed for power cable engineers and cable workers to solve the technical problem of cable identification. From a group of cables, the user accurately identifies one target cable, avoiding the serious accidents that can be caused by mistakenly cutting a live cable. Cable identification starts from both ends of the cable, so the dual numbering at both ends must be accurate. The instrument adopts PSK technology combined with a precise algorithm; however reliable the field worker's memory may be, it cannot replace identification by a professional instrument. The product provides live cable identification, de-energized cable identification, AC current measurement and AC voltage measurement, and consists of a transmitter, a transmitter current clamp, a receiver and a receiving flexible current clamp.

• Accurately identifies one target cable out of many cables, helping to avoid mistakenly cutting a live cable
• Live (energized) cable identification by clamp coupling output
• De-energized cable identification by direct connection output
• Additional AC voltage, AC current and current-frequency measurement
• Transmitter with a built-in high-power rechargeable lithium battery, automatic impedance matching and fully automatic protection
• Integrated toolbox-style transmitter housing (polypropylene, one-shot injection moulding) that can withstand about 200 kg of pressure, with a large LCD, white backlight and dynamic transmit indication
• Transmitter current clamp with a Φ105 mm jaw and a clear direction arrow
• Handheld receiver with a 3.5-inch true-color LCD, high-speed microprocessor, signal-strength calibration, color scale bar, √ / × result icons and a beep tone
• Flexible (Rogowski) current clamp with an inner diameter of about 200 mm, non-contact measurement and no need to disconnect the line under test

Live identification adopts clamp coupling output of a pulse-width frequency signal. Four transmit frequencies are available — 625 Hz, 1562 Hz, 2500 Hz and 10000 Hz — coupled to the target cable (a three-core armored cable) through the transmitter clamp, injecting a composite pulse-width frequency signal into the cable core. This signal produces an electromagnetic field around the target cable for the receiver and the flexible current clamp to detect and identify. Because the signal is directional, the detection is also directional.

De-energized identification adopts direct connection output of a pulse-width frequency signal. Two transmit frequencies are available — 1562 Hz and 2500 Hz — injecting a pulse-coded current signal into the cable core. The current produces an electromagnetic field around the target cable for the receiver and the flexible current clamp to detect, decode and identify. Because the current is directional, the detection is also directional.

The receiver also measures AC voltage (0.00 V – 600 V, 50 Hz / 60 Hz), AC current (0.00 A – 5000 A, 50 Hz / 60 Hz) and current frequency (45 Hz – 70 Hz), and can be used like a general clamp meter / multimeter.

Transmitter: long-press POWER to switch on / off. Press MODE1 for clamp coupling output mode, and MODE2 for direct connection output mode. On power-on the transmitter defaults to clamp coupling output mode; the LCD shows the transmit frequency, the current battery level and pulse signal information. Press UP and DOWN to switch the transmit frequency. In direct connection mode the LCD shows the current battery level and pulse signal information. Press LAMP to switch the LCD backlight.

Receiver: short-press POWER to switch on; the LCD shows the function menu. If the LCD keeps flashing with a grey screen after power-on, the battery voltage may be insufficient — please charge. Press POWER to switch off. If left without any operation, the meter enters a pre-shutdown state after 30 minutes and switches off automatically after 30 seconds; pressing any key exits the pre-shutdown state and the meter continues to work.

After power-on the function selection interface appears: cable identification (coupling method, direct connection method) and voltage / current measurement. Use the left / right arrow keys to switch, and press ENTER to confirm the current selection and enter the corresponding interface. Press ESC to exit the current interface and return to the previous level. Use the up / down arrow keys to adjust the LCD brightness.

In the cable identification interface, the upper box shows the signal amplitude; the left box shows the detected current (numerator), the calibrated current (denominator), the current ratio and the current direction; the right box shows the current identification status; the lower box shows the frequency, gain level and battery level. Use the left / right arrow keys to adjust the gain level 1–3 (level 3 gives the strongest amplification); use the up / down arrow keys to adjust the frequency among 625 Hz, 1562 Hz, 2500 Hz and 10000 Hz.

In the voltage / current measurement interface, the screen shows the AC voltage, AC current, AC current frequency and battery level.

For de-energized identification, the transmitter's red output is connected directly to the metal cable and the black output to ground, injecting the transmit signal directly into the metal cable. The far end (receiving end) of the metal cable must be grounded; the near end of the metal cable must not be grounded. The direct connection method can obtain the largest transmit current, so it should be used whenever conditions allow.

• Core-to-earth connection (strong interference immunity, recommended): the effective current on the target cable is the largest and is least affected by adjacent cables; in particularly complex environments this method should be preferred.
• Sheath-to-earth connection (potential problems, not recommended): the current flows through the shield layer into the earth at the far end and returns via the earth; if the outer insulation of the sheath (armor and copper shield) is damaged, part of the current leaks into the earth at the damage point and the current after the damage point suddenly decreases, affecting reception.
• Core-to-sheath connection (simple wiring, but difficult to eliminate adjacent-line interference): for a single laid cable, the signal flows from the transmitter through the core and returns through the sheath and earth loops; because of mutual inductance, the effective current is greatly reduced and the signal is weak, and adjacent-cable interference may make it impossible to eliminate interference based on the current direction.

• No operation on the cable under test is needed; directly clamp the transmitter current clamp onto the cable for testing.
• Both ends of the cable sheath must be well grounded, otherwise the coupling current decreases as the grounding resistance increases.
• If the sheath is not grounded at both ends or is broken in the middle, the clamp coupling method cannot be used.
• When clamping the transmitter clamp onto the cable, the arrow on the clamp points toward the far end of the cable.
• During calibration, keep the receiver clamp about 2 m away from the transmitter clamp.

Because a live cable carries a certain induced-current signal that interferes with the received signal, different transmit frequencies are selected to achieve the best reception. 2500 Hz is generally used by default and completes most tests; 1562 Hz is the next choice; 625 Hz is suitable for long-distance pipe / cable identification because low-frequency signals travel further, but 625 Hz has weaker interference immunity; the current at 10000 Hz has no directionality and cannot eliminate adjacent-line interference. Therefore 625 Hz and 10000 Hz are not recommended unless conditions allow. After the transmitter frequency is selected, the receiver frequency must be consistent — calibration must be carried out at the same frequency.

Live cable identification requires the receiver to first measure the current magnitude and direction at a known position on the target cable as a reference, and then compare the measurement at an unknown point with this reference to judge whether the identification is correct. The process of measuring and recording the detected current and current direction is called calibration. Calibrate at a position close to the transmitter but not affected by it; for clamp coupling, keep about 2 m away from the transmitter clamp and clamp the flexible current clamp onto the target cable. Calibrate when both the arrow on the transmitter clamp and the arrow on the flexible current clamp point to the cable end, so that the received signal is at its maximum. After calibration, do not change the output frequency or the receiving amplification, otherwise recalibration is required.

After successful calibration, do not switch off the receiver; after leaving the calibration point, do not change the calibration, frequency or gain. At the far-end position to be identified, clamp the flexible clamp onto the cable and identify one by one, keeping the direction arrow pointing to the cable end.

• Detected current greater than 0.2 mA
• Detected current between 75% and 135% of the calibrated current
• Current direction showing a green arrow pointing to the right

When these conditions are met, it is the target cable: the result shows a green check icon (√) with a "beep-beep" tone. If the criteria are not met, it is an adjacent cable: the result shows a red-orange cross icon (×) (or a black "?" icon) with no tone, meaning a non-target cable.

Enter the voltage / current measurement mode. Connect the red alligator-clip line to the red U terminal of the receiver and the black line to the black COM terminal. Connect the red line to the cable core and the black line to system ground. If the cable is live, the LCD shows the current AC voltage; if there is no AC voltage, it shows 0 V. This voltage measurement can be used like a general multimeter AC voltage measurement.

Enter the voltage / current measurement mode and connect the flexible current clamp. Clamp the flexible current clamp around the cable under test: if there is no AC current it shows 0.00 A; if there is AC current it shows the corresponding current value and frequency. This current measurement can be used like a general clamp meter measurement, and the cable under test should be kept near the center of the flexible clamp.

• Charge the battery in good time; if the meter is not used for a long time, charge it once every 3 months.
• Warning: testing is forbidden when the battery cover is not properly closed, otherwise there is danger.
• When replacing the battery, pay attention to the polarity, otherwise the meter may be damaged.
• Charge the receiver when its battery voltage is below about 6.5 V (charging time about 6 hours); charge the transmitter when below about 9.5 V (charging time about 10 hours).
• To replace a battery, first confirm the meter is switched off, loosen the battery cover screws, open the cover, fit the new battery with the correct specification and polarity, close the cover and tighten the screws. Press POWER to check whether it powers on normally; if not, repeat the steps. If you cannot replace the battery yourself, contact the manufacturer.

• Live! Danger! Operators must be strictly trained and hold the relevant national electrical-operation certification before using this meter for on-site testing. Note the labels and icons on the front and rear panels of the meter.
• The operator must fully understand the manual and be proficient in operating the meter before carrying out on-site testing.
• Before use, confirm that the meter and accessories are intact; use only when the meter and test-line insulation are free from damage, exposed parts and broken wires.
• Observe the specified measurement range and operating environment of the meter.
• A howling sound from the coupling clamp while transmitting is normal.
• The coupling clamp produces a strong magnetic attraction while transmitting; do not open the jaws at this time — switch off the transmitter before opening the jaws.
• In direct connection output mode, never connect the red and black test lines to a power cable that is in operation.
• For personal safety, spike (puncture) the confirmed cable before maintenance or sawing.
• Do not use the meter with the rear cover or battery cover not properly closed.
• Make sure the conductor connection plugs are firmly inserted into the interfaces.
• Do not use the meter in a damp state; replace the battery instead.
• Do not test in flammable or hazardous locations.
• Withdraw the test lines from the conductor under test before unplugging them from the meter; do not touch the output sockets.
• Do not use the meter in a strong electromagnetic environment, to avoid affecting normal operation.
• If the housing or test line breaks during use and metal is exposed, stop using the meter.
• Do not place or store the meter for a long time in hot or humid places, condensing places or under direct sunlight.
• The meter must be maintained regularly and kept clean; do not wipe it with corrosive agents or rough materials.
• If the meter will not be used for a long time, charge or remove the battery periodically.
• When replacing the battery, note the polarity; if it cannot be replaced, contact the manufacturer.
• Use, disassembly, calibration and repair of this meter must be carried out by authorised personnel.
• If continued use would be dangerous due to a fault in the meter, stop using it immediately and seal it for handling by an authorised organisation.
• The "danger" mark on the meter and in the manual must be followed for safe operation.