Amperis has been a worldwide recognised and trusted company in the field of instrumentation for years, and for that reason it has become a benchmark for the companies that need to carry out testing, transformation and distribution diagnostics and thermographic inspection.
We have the technology, the resources and the workforce needed to tackle any problem in the fields of testing and instrumentation.
On this occasion, we are adding to our catalogue of test equipment this innovative AXF Series Portable Cable Fault Locator, which we proudly present. Amperis customers all over the world are a guarantee of our innovative and safe technologies, of the reliable after-sales service we offer and of our global dedication to providing the best solutions to our users.
More information about the AXF Series Portable Cable Fault Locator:
Locating and repairing faults in underground or in-wall cables can sometimes be a complicated task. Most of the problems faced in these cases are related to the fact that this type of cable is not as sensitive to the various techniques as technicians often expect.
As a result, the operation can be tedious, time-consuming, energy-intensive and sometimes unproductive.
Bearing these needs in mind, the Amperis Research and Development Department has gone on to create the AXF Series Portable Cable Fault Locator.
The technology used at the core of the instruments in this AXF series is called Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) and it resembles the technology used in RADARs.
The instruments can generate pulses at regular intervals. The frequency of these pulses depends on the application in question and the time period can vary from a few nanoseconds to a few microseconds.
The typical amplitude used during the test rarely exceeds the safety limits and therefore poses no damage at all either to the cables under test or to the operators. These pulses are reflected back to the instrument once they encounter a fault, and the time delay between the transmission and the reception of these pulses is used to calculate the distance between the fault and the operator, using a complex arrangement of RLC circuits.
The results are clearly shown on a digital display provided on the instrument.
The TDR technology used is very robust and effective, and the results are obtained within a minute of switching on the instrument.
Thus, the instruments used for cable fault location in the AXF series are extremely useful and compact for detecting faults of any kind, including high-impedance faults.
We currently have four models in operation in the AXF series:
- AXF16- 1280v.2
- b) AXF25- 1563v.2
- c) AXF28- 1960v.4
- d) AXF25- 3126v.4
A comparison of the differences in the specifications of the models mentioned above is set out below:
Voltage (adjustable with the knob) | 0-8kV; 0-16kV | 0-12.5kV; 0-25kV | 0-14kV; 0-28kV | 0-12.5kV; 0-25kV |
Thump rate | Approximately every 10-15 seconds | |||
Energy | 1280 Joules @ 8kV and 16kV | 1563 Joules @ 12.5kV and 25kV | 1960 Joules @ 14kV and 28kV | 3126 Joules @ 12.5kV and 25kV |
Burner | Optional | 150mA | ||
Weather | Operation from -25º F (-31º C) up to 110º F (43º C). The units and the controls are sealed to operate under any weather condition. | |||
Controls | Operated with toggle switches. | |||
12V internal battery | ||||
120V AC | Standard | |||
External 12V DC | ||||
240V AC | Optional | |||
Dimensions | 48” (1.2m) Height, 29.5” (75cm) Width | |||
Weight | 230 Pounds (105kg) | 250 Pounds (114kg) | 250 Pounds (114kg) | 340 Pounds (154kg) |
HV Coupler/Filter | An inductive filter is used to minimise distortion and energy loss. | |||
TDR specifications | v.2 Monochrome | v.4 Colour | ||
Auto Analyzer | Automatically marks the end of the cable and the fault location, and provides the distance. | |||
Display | 3.5” (8.9cm) x 4.5” (11.4cm) LCD (320x240) – Backlighting visible under bright light. | 10.5" diagonal (243mm x 185.1mm) colour TFT LCD – Backlighting visible under sunlight. | ||
Environmental | The radar is contained within the sealed cabinet of the thumper, allowing it to be operated under any weather condition. Operable from -25ºF (-31ºC) up to 110ºF (43ºC). | The radar is contained within the sealed cabinet of the thumper, allowing it to be operated from 20ºF (-7ºC) up to 120ºF (49ºC) under any weather condition. | ||
Accuracy | 0.5% of the selected range | |||
Memory | 9 memories available. Software is also available for downloading the traces to a Laptop. | 15 memories available. Software is also available for downloading the traces to a Laptop. | ||
Additional features | 3-phase display, Current Impulse Method (CIM) available as an option. | |||
Applications:
The following types of faults in cables or networks can be effectively detected by the instruments of the AXF Series Portable Cable Fault Locator:
a) Splice:
Splices that occur due to improper handling, accidents or prolonged operation can be detected.
b) Cable transition:
Changes in the types or in the arrangement of the cables along the length of a network can be detected and remedied.
c) Short circuits or open circuits:
The AXF series equipment is expert at accurately discovering accidental short circuits or open circuits.
d) Transformers:
Transformers can be tested effectively using the instruments without causing any damage to the coils or to the magnetic core.
e) Others:
Along with the faults mentioned above, the AXF series instruments are able to detect kinks, breaks, temperature faults, necking in the cables and other similar faults.
Prominent advantages of using the AXF series portable cable fault locator instruments:
a) The AFX Series cable fault locator instruments usually weigh between 100 and 155 kg. Hence they are easy to carry to the required place and can be conveniently moved with the help of an optional cart provided by Amperis. These carts can be hitched for transport by vehicles or even by cars and be safely transported to the test sites with ease.
b) The AXF series provided the highest Joule rating for the portable class of test devices worldwide. Efficient and easy three-step operation is also essential for the rapid detection of faults.
c) The AXF series mechanisms can be operated for a period of time with the standby battery provided by Amperis. This makes on-site operation more convenient.
d) These instruments can withstand a variety of weather conditions and can therefore be used efficiently all over the world. They are available both in monochrome and in colour, so that they add value to your repertoire. In addition, the detection and the pulse responses can be exported to a computer/laptop via flash drives.