BIDDLE IMPULSE GENERATORS

Impulse GeneratorsBIDDLE®

Impulse Generators

• Maintenance-freeoperation

• Engineered to assureoptimum operator safety

• Heavy-Duty modeldelivers up to 10,800Joules — the highestimpulse in the industry

• Simple to use, even forthe infrequent operator

DESCRIPTIONBiddle® impulse generators are de-signed to locate faults in power cableby the high voltage impulse method,in which a high-voltage impulse istransmitted down the cable to causethe fault to arc. The arcing fault is thenpinpointed using an appropriate im-pulse detector.

Biddle impulse generators may alsobe used to perform voltage versus timeacceptance tests, or to burn faults thatfail to break down under impulse toreduce their resistance. AVO offersfour models to meet every application:

15-kV Portable Model — This 75-lb(34 kg) portable unit delivers 536Joules for pinpointing faults on mostprimary distribution cable rated to 15kV.

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Dual-Voltage Model — This 80-lb(36kg) constant energy unit permitsup to 450 Joules to be discharged overboth the 7.5 and 15 kV ranges of theunit.

Standard Model — This unit stores upto 1250 Joules at 25 kV to meet therequirements of a majority of applica-tions.

Heavy-Duty Model — This powerfulunit, designed for van or substationuse, offers the highest impulse ratingin the industry. It delivers up to 5400Joules at 30 kV (12 µF). A 24 µF optionis available which delivers up to 10,800Joules at 30 kv.

APPLICATIONSBiddle impulse generators pinpointfaults on primary distribution cablerated from 3.3 to 35 kV, including di-rected buried cable and cable inconduit or duct.

For faults that do not break down inthe impulse mode, a burn mode is pro-vided to reduce the resistance so thatthose faults will break down under im-pulse voltage.

In addition to fault locating, these unitscan be used as proof testers to checkthe quality of insulation before andafter cable repair.

FEATURES AND BENEFITSBiddle impulse generators offer spe-cific benefits that ensure efficient,effective and safe fault locating.

Rugged Construction

• Housed in sturdy metal cabinets us-ing welded construction throughoutto withstand the rigors of field opera-tion.

• Impulse switches use tungstenohmic contacts for extended life.

Simple Operation

• Modular control panels with a mini-mum of controls and instrumentationreduce operation complexity.

• Single lever operation mode selec-tor eliminates the need to disconnectand manually interchange high volt-age output cables.

• High voltage and return leads arecombined in one coaxial cable elimi-nating the need to unravel the totallength of test cable during operation.

Heavy-duty Model,Cat. No. 653031

Dual-voltage Model,Cat. No. 651016

Standard Model,Cat. No. 651028

Advanced Test Equipment Rentalswww.atecorp.com 800-404-ATEC (2832)

®

Established 1981

BIDDLE IMPULSE GENERATORS

Dual-Voltage Model(Catalog #651016)For power without pounds, this light-weight constant energy unit featuresdual voltages to permit up to 450Joules to be discharged over both a7.5 and 15 kV range. On the 7.5 kVrange this unit utilizes a 16 µF capaci-tor which produces an extremely loud“thump” at the fault.

This model is designed primarily fordirect buried cable in applicationsthat require instrument transportwithout a truck or van.

Specific capabilities include:

• On the 7.5 kV range, it can be usedon 5 kV class cable without a reduc-tion in signal energy.

• On the 15 kV range, it is sufficientlypowerful to locate faults on 15 kVclass direct buried cable.

• The 25 kV proof mode permits main-tenance testing of 5 kV class cable.

• The 25 kV/30 mA burn mode per-mits simple breakdown testing andfault resistance reduction to locatefaults on 15 kV class cable.

Standard Model(Catalog #651028)For a broad range of application capa-bility in a portable instrument, thisunit delivers 1250 Joules at 25 kV. Al-though this unit is heavier than the15-kV and dual-voltage models, it isstill portable for convenient transportto remote sites. The energy outputmakes this unit effective on direct bur-ied cable and simple conduit circuits.

Standard Safety Features

• Isolated high voltage output cable

• Zero-start voltage interlock

• High voltage ON lamp

• Automatic grounding upon shut-down

• Redundant ground connections

• Manual grounding of capacitor andcable by Mode Selector for safety.

• Viewing window to confirm internalgrounding system

• Circuit breakers for overload pro-tection

• External interlock provision

• Meters remain active even whenpower is off

Continuous Voltage Control

• Allows full adjustment of outputvoltage over the impulse and proof/burn range

• Limits the output voltage to theminimum necessary for breakdown

Maintenance-Free Operation

• Quality components and construc-tion assure ongoing reliable operation

15-kV PortableModel(Catalog #651017)For lightweight economy, this 75-lb(34-kg) instrument discharges 563Joules at 15 kV.

Specific capabilities include:

• It will locate all faults on 15-kV classdirect buried cable.

• Its 25-kV/30mA burn mode is handyfor simple breakdown testing and faultresistance reduction on cables up to15 kV.

Specific capabilities include:

• With a 25-kV impulse voltage out-put, it finds faults on 15, 25 and 35 kVclass direct buried or “in conduit”cable.

• The 30 kV proof mode permits ac-ceptance testing of 5 kV class cableand maintenance testing of 8 kV classcable.

• The 30 kV/50 mA burn mode per-mits simple breakdown testing andfault resistance reduction to locatefaults on 25 kV class cable.

15-kV Portable Model, Cat. No. 651017

Dual-voltage Model, Cat. No. 651016

Standard model, cat. no. 651028

Heavy-Duty Model(Catalog #653031)This model offers the highest impulserating in the industry. When using theoptional 12 µF reserve capacitor, it candeliver a discharge of 10,800 Joules at30 kV intermittently. This option pro-duces a louder “thump” at the faultsite resulting in locating success atlower voltages.

This model features skids for standardmounting in a van, trailer or truck, andcan be optionally caster-mounted forstation use.This unit is designed for heavy-dutyapplications such as complex networkcircuits and faults located in pocketsof water and oil. It will find virtually allthe faults in primary distributioncable.

Specific capabilities include:

• With its 3750 or 7500 Joule at 25 kVimpulse voltage output, it can findfaults on 35 kV class direct buriedcable or in conduit or duct.

BIDDLE IMPULSE GENERATORS

SPECIFICATIONS

Max. Stored Storage Impulse Output RangesModel Cat. No. Energy Capacitance Interval Impulse Proof Test Burn Current Weight

15-kV 651017 563 Joules 5 µF Variable 0 to 15 kV 0 to 25 kV 0 to 30 mA 75 lbPortable 1 to 5 s (34 kg)

Dual-Voltage 651016 450 Joules 16 µF 8 s 0 to 7.5 kV 0 to 25 kV 0 to 30 mA 80 lb4 µF (36 kg)

Standard 651028 1250 Joules 4 µF 6 s @ 60 Hz 0 to 25 kV 0 to 30 kV 0 to 50 mA 195 lb7.2 s @ 50 Hz (88 kg)

653031 3750 Joules 12 µF 5 s @ 60 Hz 0 to 25 kV 0 to 65 kV 0 to 100 mA 750 lbHeavy-Duty 5400 Joules* 12 µF 6 s @ 50 Hz 0 to 30 kV (340 kg)

653031-32 7500 Joules 24 µF 10 s @ 60 Hz 0 to 25 kV 0 to 65 kV 0 to 100 mA 770 lb10,800 Joules* 24 µF 12 s @ 50 Hz 0 to 30 kV (349 kg)

*Intermittent

• The 65 kV proof mode permits ac-ceptance testing of 15 kV class cableand maintenance testing of 25 kV classcable.

• The 65 kV/100 mA burn mode per-mits simple breakdown testing andfault resistance reduction to locatefaults on 35 kV class cable.

This unit offers the following poweroutput capabilities:

• It delivers 3750 Joules with 12 µF at25 kV every 5 seconds, with anoverrange that permits a maximumdischarge of 5400 Joules at 30 kV inter-mittently.

• Optionally, it delivers 7500 Jouleswith 24 µF at 25 kV every 10 seconds,with an overrange that permits a maxi-mum discharge of 10,800 Joules at 30kV intermittently.

Heavy-duty model, cat. no. 653031

SPECIFICATIONS

Input Power15-kV Portable and Dual-Voltage

Models: Nominal 120 Vac, 4.5 A, 1-φ,50/60 Hz

Standard Model: Nominal 120 Vac, 9 A,1-φ, 60 Hz

Heavy-Duty Model: Nominal 120 Vac,25 A, 3 kVA, 60 Hz.

To order instrument with input otherthan noted above, add one of the follow-ing to Catalog No.:

-43 Nominal 120 Vac, 50 Hz

-44 Nominal 220 Vac, 60 Hz

-45 Nominal 220 Vac, 50 Hz

-46 Nominal 240 Vac, 60 Hz

-47 Nominal 240 Vac, 50 Hz

Cables SuppliedOne permanently connected shieldedoutput cable for coaxial high voltageand return leads; one ground cable,and one permanently connected inputcord. Lengths shown below.

Dimensions15-kV Portable Model

27 L x 13.5 W x 13.5 H in.(690 L x 343 W x 343 W mm)

Dual-Voltage Model13.5 L x 13.5 W x 24 H in.(243 L x 343 W x 610 W mm)

Standard Model16 L x 16 W x 34 H in.(406 L x 406 W x 364 H mm)

Heavy-Duty Model36 L x 24 W x 40 H in.(914 L x 610 W x 1016 H mm)

EnvironmentalTemperature

Operating: 14 to 113oF (-10 to +45oC)

Storage: -22 to +131oF (-30 to +55oC)

Elevation7500 ft (2286 m) maximum. Deratevoltage at higher altitudes.

Humidity5 to 95% RH noncondensing.

ClimateOperation in direct rain or snow isprohibited.

Cable Length

Model Output Ground Input

15-kV Portable and 25 ft (7.6 m) 15 ft (4.5 m) 15 ft (4.5 m)Dual-Voltage

Standard 50 ft (15.2 m) 25 ft (7.6 m) 25 ft (7.6 m)

Heavy-Duty 150 ft (45.6 m) 50 ft (15.2 m) 25 ft (7.6 m)

BIDDLE IMPULSE GENERATORS

ORDERING INFORMATION

15-kV Portable Impulse Generator ......................... 651017Dual-Voltage Impulse Generator ............................ 651016Standard Impulse Generator .................................. 651028Heavy-Duty Impulse Generator .............................. 653031

Optional AccessoriesCat. No. 651016 and 651028Folding two-wheel hand truck ................................ 650402Kit of four casters (651028 only) ............................ 650403Kit of two 10 in. (254 mm) wheels with leveling

foot and pneumatic tires (651028 only) ............ 650404

UNITED STATES4271 BRONZE WAYDALLAS, TX 75237-1017 USAPHONE: (800) 723-AVO-1 (723-2861)FAX: (214) 333-3533

EXPORTAVO INTERNATIONAL4651 S. WESTMORELAND ROADDALLAS, TX 75237-1017 USAPHONE: (214) 331-7363FAX: (214) 337-3038

CANADA110 MILNER AVENUE, UNIT 1SCARBOROUGH, ON M1S 3R2CANADAPHONE: (800) 567-0-AVO (567-0286)FAX: (416) 298-7214

© 2001 AVO INTERNATIONAL PRINTED IN USA

Cat. No. 653031Caster-mounted with handle ............................. 653031-04Vertical control panel ......................................... 653031-08Adjustable pulse rate timer for

repetitions from 2 to 10 seconds .................. 653031-16Additional 12 µF capacitor with adjustable

timer for obtaining 25 kV output with24 µF of capacitance ....................................... 653031-32

Digital voltmeter and ammeter ......................... 653031-48

Item Cat. No. Item Cat. No.

If an integrated fault locating system is required which will provide the pre-location capabilities of arcreflection or surge pulse reflection methods, consider one of the BIDDLE® Power Cable Fault LocatingSystems. Any of the PFL series can be supplied complete with a DART® Cable Analysis System integrating atotal fault locating system into one package.

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT FOR CABLE FAULT LOCATING

Acoustic/Electromagnetic Surge DetectorThe Biddle® SD-3000 has been designed to pinpoint faultsin shielded, direct buried cables by detecting both theelectromagnetic and acoustic pulses emitted from an arc-ing fault when it is surged. Either single or dual detectorconfigurations are available. As a single detector, the setprovides detection of acousticemission, measurement of timedelay between acoustic andelectromagnetic signals, anddistance to the fault. If a sec-ond detector is added, the setwill also display the directionto the fault.

The SD-3000 can be used withBiddle® PFL Systems or withsurge generators of othermanufacturers.

Electromagnetic Impulse DetectorThe Biddle® Electromagnetic Impulse Detector has beendesigned to localize faults on buried cable by detectingthe magnitude and polarity of current established on acable during surging with a surge generator.

The instrument is composed of an amplifier module,sheath coil, and carrying case. It is typically used onnetwork systems to isolate a fault between manholes. Anoptional earth frame and surface coil are available.

The Electromagnetic Impulse Detector can be used withBiddle PFL Systems or with surge generators of othermanufacturers.