RIDGID SeekTech ST-510 - Manual (Page 10)

Ridge Tool Company 8
SeekTech ® ST-510 Line Transmitter
• Inductive Mode – The transmitter generates a field,
which in turn induces a current in the target con-
ductor. There is no direct connection between the
transmitter and the target conductor. The trans-
mitter is placed over and inline with the target con-
ductor. The transmitter’s internal antenna induces
a signal onto the target conductor. This method is
most commonly used when the target utility is not
accessible. (See page 9).
Direct Connect Method
1. Confirm that the target conductor is NOT energized
(live). The transmitter is not designed to be con-
nected to energized (live) conductors.
2. Choose ground spike and target conductor connec-
tion locations. The cable leads extend up to 48 feet to
give flexibility in choosing connection points. The
cords of the transmitter can act as antennas, and the
further they are extended, the more incidental signal
they can send out. The further the leads are ex-
tended, the further the receiver should be used from
the transmitter to avoid misleading signals from the
cords. If locating close to the transmitter, keep the
leads as short as possible with the excess in the
transmitter’s side pockets.
Figure 7 – Attaching Lead To Ground Stake
3. Remove the ground spike from the bottom of the
transmitter and insert it into the earth. A good ground
results in a stronger tracing signal. To get a good
ground, insert the ground spike as far as possible into
the earth. Moist earth will give a better ground than
dry earth. Wetting the earth around the ground spike
can improve grounding. This lowers the resistance of
the circuit. Connect either cable lead to the ground
stake. Always connect to the ground first. If the tar-
get conductor has an unknown voltage on it, this
may allow the current to be directed away from the
user. (See Figure 7).
Grounding can also be accomplished by attaching the
cable lead to things like shovel blades or larger rods
sunk into the earth. These can improve grounding by
increasing area/depth in contact with the Earth.
4. Scrape away any dirt, paint, corrosion or other coat-
ings on the target conductor to insure good contact
with the cable lead. Again, this lowers the resistance
of the circuit and results in a stronger tracing signal.
Connect the other cable lead to the target conductor.
(See Figure 8).
Figure 8 – Connecting Cable Lead To Target Conductor.
5. Press the POWER ON/OFF button on the keypad to
turn the transmitter on. As the power comes on, the
transmitter will emit ascending beeps. The transmitter
will pause to measure how much current is flowing
onto the target conductor. The faster the beeping, the
higher the detected current. To turn the beeping off,
press the sound key. (See Figure 4).
The line transmitter is designed to with-
stand up to 240V AC between the two leads. The pro-
tection is NOT intended to be used continuously. If the
transmitter encounters a target conductor voltage higher
than approximately 42 volts (RMS), a red LED next to the
High Voltage Present Indicator will flash and the LCD
screen will display the safety alert symbol and “HV MODE”
(See Figure 9). If this happens, DO NOT TOUCH THE
TRANSMITTER, CORDS OR CONNECTIONS. The tar-
get conductor is energized and there is the risk of electrical
shock. Use high voltage precautions to disconnect.
Figure 9 – High Voltage Indicator
WARNING