In power system maintenance, the rapid location and repair of cable faults are crucial to ensuring power supply reliability. An efficient and accurate cable fault tester can significantly reduce troubleshooting time and lower maintenance costs. The FB18 Comprobador de averías en cables from TFN, with its systematic design, advanced technology integration, and stable performance, has become a preferred configuration in the industry. This article will delve into the four core components of this instrument from a technical engineer’s perspective, explaining their working principles, functional characteristics, and practical application effectiveness, providing valuable reference for professionals engaged in cable maintenance.
1. Distance Measurement Unit: Cable Fault Distance Measurement Host
The cable fault distance measurement host is the “brain” of the entire testing system, responsible for initially determining the approximate location of the fault point. The host used in the TFN FB18 employs two testing methods: Low Voltage Pulse Method and High Voltage Surge Flashover Method, covering various types of high-impedance, low-impedance, open-circuit, and short-circuit faults in cables rated up to 35kV.
Its core technology lies in high-speed data acquisition and intelligent waveform analysis. The host supports a sampling rate of up to 100MHz, a testing range exceeding 64 kilometers, and system accuracy controlled within 50 centimeters. An 8-inch color touchscreen paired with a full Chinese menu makes operation intuitive and straightforward. The instrument has a built-in rechargeable battery, supporting continuous operation for over 3 hours without an external power source, and features a high-voltage surge protection mechanism to ensure equipment stability in complex electric field environments.
In practical applications, this host can automatically calculate and display the fault distance, supports waveform storage and comparison functions, and can display fault waveforms and healthy cable waveforms side-by-side, greatly improving interpretation efficiency and accuracy. Whether for underground cables, overhead lines, or hybrid installation methods, this unit operates reliably with no significant testing blind spots.
2. Tracing and Identification Unit: Cable Route Detector
In complex underground pipeline environments, accurately identifying the target cable and determining its route and depth is a prerequisite for fault location. The Cable Route Detector included with the FB18 consists of a transmitter and a receiver, utilizing all-digital electromagnetic induction technology with multi-frequency transmission and reception capabilities ranging from 577Hz to 133kHz.
The transmitter supports three signal application modes: direct connection, induction, and clamp connection, suitable for route tracing on both energized and de-energized cables. The receiver offers three positioning modes: peak, wide peak, and null, enabling real-time measurement of cable depth, current magnitude, and path direction, with positioning accuracy within 5% of depth. Its intelligent gain control and high-brightness display interface make field operations more manageable.
This unit excels particularly in solving challenges difficult for traditional instruments, such as metallic dead short-circuit faults and route tracing of live cables, significantly improving the success rate of cable identification in complex environments and laying the foundation for subsequent precise pinpointing.
3. Fault Pinpointing Unit: Cable Fault Pinpointer
After distance measurement and route determination, the final goal is precise fault point location. The Cable Fault Pinpointer of the FB18 integrates both acoustic-magnetic synchronization and step voltage modes, featuring strong anti-interference capability and high sensitivity.
The instrument uses a 4.3-inch high-brightness color screen to display acoustic waveforms and electromagnetic signal strength in real time, and supports fault distance indication (up to 25 meters). Its combined technology of digital filtering and passive analog filtering effectively highlights the discharge sound at the fault point while suppressing environmental noise. The unique bass enhancement and intelligent electromagnetic noise reduction functions can automatically filter out high-frequency noise and quickly restore the volume when an electromagnetic signal is detected, reducing auditory fatigue.
In step voltage mode, the instrument displays signal changes through continuously refreshed waveforms, combined with multi-range gain adjustment, facilitating the capture of weak fault signals. This pinpointer is suitable for the final precise location of various cable faults, performing exceptionally well especially in noisy urban or industrial sites.
4. High-Voltage Signal Unit: Ultra-Lightweight High-Frequency High-Voltage Signal Generator
The high-voltage signal generator provides the necessary energy for pre-location of faults and is key equipment for surge flashover method testing. The Ultra-Lightweight High-Frequency High-Voltage Signal Generator included with the FB18 uses switching power supply electronic step-up technology, featuring a compact size and a weight of only 11 kg, making it easy to transport and connect on-site.
This device can output up to 32kV of negative DC voltage, features automatic voltage regulation, and open/short-circuit protection. A color LCD screen displays the output voltage in a dynamic compass-style format, providing intuitive and safe operation. Its discharge energy can reach 1200 joules/5 seconds, with a minimum discharge cycle of 3 seconds, providing sufficient energy excitation for high-impedance and flashover faults to ensure adequate breakdown at the fault point and generate detectable signals.
Conclusion
The TFN FB18 Cable Fault Tester forms a complete solution covering the entire fault troubleshooting process through the organic combination of four units: fault distance measurement, route tracing, precise pinpointing, and high-voltage excitation. The units complement each other technically and cooperate operationally, capable of performing specialized tasks independently as well as working together systematically, significantly improving fault-finding efficiency and accuracy.
This system is particularly suitable for the maintenance and emergency repair of power cables rated 35kV and below. Its intelligent design reduces reliance on operator experience and enhances adaptability and reliability in different environments. For technical personnel engaged in cable operation and maintenance, understanding the principles of its core components and how to use them in coordination will powerfully improve emergency fault-handling capabilities, ensuring the safe and stable operation of the power grid.
If you need to know more details of TFN FB18 Cable Fault Tester System, please contact TFN support TEAM:
Correo electrónico: info@tfngj.com
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