Power Probe ECT 2000 - Manual (Page 9)

9
Characteristics of the Open Circuit Signal are:
1. Transmits through NON Conductive Materials
The signal that the ECT transmits when tracing open
circuits, radiates what is called an E-fi eld. For the sake of
simplicity we will refer to an E-fi eld in this manual as an
“Open Circuit Signal”.
The open circuit signal radiates from wires and passes
through non conductive material such as dry carpet, plastic
panels or plastic molding. The SMART receiver is used to
detect these signals so you can trace and locate the open or
break in the circuit.
(See “Locking the Sensitivity” pg. 14)
2. Easily Shielded by Conductive Materials
The open circuit signal is however easily shielded by
conductive materials such as metal, wet carpet, neighboring
wires in a harness and even your hand. This means that if
conductive materials are between the transmitting wire and
the SMART receiver, the open circuit signal will not pen-
etrate through and therefore not be detected by the receiver.
So it is necessary to be aware of possible shielding issues
and try to avoid them as much as possible.
A great alternative to the SMART receiver in detecting open
circuit signals is to use the Power Probe III by direct contact.
(see “Verify an Open Circuit” pg. 23)
Dry Carpet / Plastic Panels & Molding
Open signal passes
through dry non-
conductive material
Wet Carpet / Metal/ Shielding Wire Harness
Holding the receiver by this corner,
prevents your hand from sheilding the
open circuit signal.
(continued on next page)
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