US 2001/0010460 A1 · Method for locating energized electric conductor

Abstract

A single-sensor measurement system for detection and location of an AC signal emanating from a concealed energized electric conductor. A calibration routine of a measurement process carried out by the instrument first determines the background signal level of the AC signal at an initial position of the instrument. A second AC signal level is measured at a second location. The second signal level is compared with the background signal level. A signal indicating the presence of the energized electric conductor is generated by the instrument when the comparison result is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. The instrument initially positioned directly over a concealed energized electric conductor is automatically re-calibrated when a decrease in the AC signal level of a predetermined amount is detected. The electric field sensor is directly printed on the inside bottom panel of the instrument case and over the raised portions formed on the inside bottom panel. Electrical contact is made between the electric field sensor and the associated circuitry on a PCB in the case when the instrument is assembled.

Claims33

Dependent claims

A method for locating an energized electric conductor, comprising the acts of:

calibrating at an initial position relative to the conductor by:
measuring a first signal level at said initial position;
and
setting a background signal level to said first signal level;
measuring a second signal level at a second position relative to said conductor;
comparing said second signal level with said background signal level;
and
generating a signal indicating a presence of said conductor in response to a result of said comparing.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method for locating energized electric conductor

Life of this patent

Method for locating energized electric conductor

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims33