System and method for detecting leaks with a leak detection cable

A method of detecting leaks, comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a leak detection cable having first and second conductive elements, wherein each of the first and second conductive elements has opposed first and second ends, and wherein a diode electrically connects the first ends of the first and second conductive elements;
• b) providing testing circuitry comprising a first capacitor in electrical communication with the second end of the first conductive element, and a second capacitor in electrical communication with the second end of the second conductive element;
• c) electrically charging the second capacitor;
• d) measuring a first voltage from the first conductive element;
• e) determining that the diode has a first polarity and that the leak detection cable is connected when the measured first voltage from the first conductive element is greater than a first threshold voltage;
• f) charging the first capacitor and subsequently measuring a second voltage from the second conductive element when the diode is determined not to have the first polarity;
• g) determining that the diode has a second polarity and that the leak detection cable is connected when the measured second voltage from the second conductive element is greater than the first threshold voltage when the diode is determined not to have the first polarity;
• h) determining that the leak detection cable is disconnected when the measured first and second voltages from the first and second conductive elements, respectively, are each less than the first threshold voltage;
• i) electrically charging the first capacitor when the diode is determined to have the first polarity and the leak detection cable is determined to be connected;
• j) measuring a third voltage from the first conductive element when the diode is determined to have the first polarity and the leak detection cable is determined to be connected;
• k) determining that a leak exists when the measured third voltage from the first conductive element indicates that the first capacitor has discharged when the diode is determined to have the first polarity and the leak detection cable is determined to be connected;
• l) electrically charging the second capacitor when the diode is determined to have the second polarity and the leak detection cable is determined to be connected;
• m) measuring a fourth voltage from the second conductive element when the diode is determined to have the second polarity and the leak detection cable is determined to be connected;
• n) determining that a leak exists when the measured fourth voltage from the second conductive element indicates that the second capacitor has discharged when the diode is determined to have the second polarity and the leak detection cable is determined to be connected;
• and
• o) returning to step c).