General Technologies FF310 Fault Finder for Electrical Wiring Open / Short Circuit - Manual (Page 5)

Fig.2 - Set up for tracing short or
open circuits, or location of
wiring
Fig.3 - Set up for tracing short
and open circuits, or
tracing wiring
Fig.4 - Set up for tracing open
circuits or identification of
wires
Fig.5 - Set up for upstream
tracing of open circuits or
location of wires
11- Hook up reference chart
Page 7 Page 6
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For identifying wires without load connected: Connect transmitter as
described in section ‘ 9- Locating Open Circuits’ to the circuit to be identified, then
proceed to scan all suspected wiring with the FF310R’s probe, until the flashing and
beeping is at its maximum. In the case of tightly packed wires ( bundles, conduits, etc.),
it may be necessary to spread these apart to facilitate the identification process of
a particular wire.
12 - General Procedures
Short and Open Circuit operation – Differences:
The FF310 FaultFinder uses two different types of signals to trace either short or open
circuits. Understanding its differences, as explained in the following paragraphs will allow
you to make the most effective use of this versatile tool.
12.1 Working with open circuits
On detection of an open circuit, the FF310T injects a special radio signal into the
circuit, which can be picked up by the FF310R (tracer) probe.
When tracing an open circuit, keep in mind that RF (radio frequency) signals injected
in the faulty wire being traced, will be easily absorbed by any other conductor nearby.
(e.g.: other wires, metal frames).
Fig. 6 - Detection field when tracing open circuit with the FF300
The effect of this absorption may vary from a reduction in the tracer’s range, to a
total shielding of the signal with no detection being possible at all (See Fig. 6).
In order to avoid confusing a shielded portion of the faulty wire with the actual fault
on it, the circuit should be checked on all possible sections to confirm that no signal
is picked up on one side of the suspected faulty section.
Hint: In some cases when tracing open circuits, connecting the FF310 transmitter’s
clip with the slotted wire to the faulty wire, and the clip with the flat wire to
ground or positive supply will improve the tracer’s range.
12.2 Working with short circuits (and tracing circuits)
When the FF310T detects a short circuit (or closed circuit), it injects pulses of electrical
current in the wires, which generate magnetic fields. Unlike radio signals, magnetic
fields are not easily absorbed by nearby conductors and therefore can be picked up
by the FF310R (tracer) probe in a wider range of situations (See Fig. 7).