Triplett Mitigator Loop Coil – 3232 - Manual (Page 3)

SECTION 6: POSITIONING THE LOOP COIL
The purpose of the Loop Coil is to measure the strength of magnetic fields emanating from power lines in
the vicinity of the Loop Coil. Single phase, two phase, or three phase lines may be measured. The power
configuration may be delta or wye.
The coil must be “pointed” at the power line that is to be measured. Figure 1 illustrates the proper method of
pointing the coil. With the coil oriented as shown, maximum signal pickup should occur. This is the typical
orientation used when the coil is being hand held for a close up survey of a power line. Be aware, however,
that metal objects near the Loop Coil will affect the strength and orientation of the measured magnetic field.
Figure 1
Pointing the Loop Coil at Power Lines
What we are attempting to do by proper positioning of the coil is achieve the best (strongest) signal
pickup. This is done for two reasons. First, it is necessary that the MITIGATOR has a strong enough signal
to display on its screen. And second, a more accurate measurement of magnetic field strength is achieved
when the Loop Coil is oriented for the strongest pickup.
Some experimentation and experience will allow the user to judge the positioning of the coil in order to get
the strongest signal.
Since it is common for the user to temporarily mount his Loop Coil to the metal body of a vehicle, in order
to perform a moving survey, it is likely that the vehicle’s body will distort the magnetic field around the
vehicle and may necessitate a re-orientation of the coil in order to achieve the best signal strength.
What does this mean? It means that although the best signal pickup should occur when the coil is
positioned as in Figure 1, the user should experiment with the orientation of the coil for the best pickup,
particularly when attaching it to a vehicle. If the signal strength is fairly high, it may not be necessary to
orient the coil for the strongest signal, and a fixed position mounting may be used. It is common for the
coil to be mounted vertically on the top of the vehicle cab (see Figure 2). If the coil is mounted on the
hood, it may pick up some engine noise. Some users have fabricated mounting brackets using magnetic
mounts or suction cups. A few suggestions are shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4. In some instances,
several Loop Coils are mounted to the vehicle and then individually selected via a switch.
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