User Manual: Kharkovenergopribor LTD

KharkovEnergoPribor Ltd.
RIF-9
USER MANUAL
Ver. 2.0
KharkovenergoPribor Ltd.
(+380) 57 393 1069
www.kep.ua | info@kep.ua
CONTENTS
GENERAL SAFETY SUMMARY ................................................................................................ 3

SAFETY TERMS AND SYMBOLS ............................................................................................ 3
1 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATING PRINCIPLE ............................................................................ 4
1.1 Purpose ............................................................................................................................. 4
1.2 Operating conditions .......................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Technical data ................................................................................................................... 5
1.4 Design and operating principle ........................................................................................... 6
1.4.1 Operating principle ................................................................................................. 6
1.4.2 Exterior and placement of controls and sockets ..................................................... 7
1.5 Marking .............................................................................................................................. 9
1.6 Packaging ........................................................................................................................ 10
2 PROPER USE ............................................................................................................................. 10
2.1 Operating device in "TDR" mode (pulse mode) ................................................................ 10
2.1.1 Connecting device to line under analysis ............................................................. 10
2.1.2 Switching on device ............................................................................................. 11
2.1.16 Measuring distance in mode "TDR".................................................................... 21
2.2 Performing measurements in mode "ICE" (current wave method) .................................... 24
2.2.1 Device adjustment in mode "ICE" ........................................................................ 25
2.3 Performing measurements in mode "DECAY" (voltage wave method) ............................. 28
2.3.1 Device adjustment in mode "DECAY" .................................................................. 29
2.4 Performing measurements in mode "ARC" (pulse-arc method) ........................................ 32
2.4.2 Device adjustment in mode "ARC" ....................................................................... 33
2.5 Other functions of device ................................................................................................. 36
2.5.1 Copying saved reflectograms............................................................................... 38
2.5.2 Measuring cable shortening coefficient (or V/2) ................................................... 39
3 MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................................................... 40
3.1 Maintenance of the recharging battery (RB) ..................................................................... 40
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This is the User Manual for the digital impulse reflectometer

(hereinafter – device). It contains all of the information a new user will
need to operate the device effectively as well as safety conditions
while using the device.
Note that all illustrations at this document are just for user’s
consideration. The actual design of the device may be different.
The manufacturer can make changes into the device construction,
which will not affect its operation, without special announcement.
Used abbreviations
RB – rechargeable battery;
SC – shortening coefficient of a cable;
PC – personal computer;
SW – software;
UM – user manual;
ETL – cable test van;
V/2 – propagation speed in a cable.
GENERAL S AFETY SUMMARY

To avoid potential hazards, use this product only as specified. Only
qualified personnel should perform service procedures.
Before operating the device, ground it properly with a flexible copper
wire with the cross-section of at least 4 mm2 (not supplied in the
package contents).
The management of the entity operating the device should appoint a
person with relevant qualifications to be responsible for the safe
operation and technical condition of the device.
S AFETY TERMS AND SYMBOLS
These terms may appear on the device or in the User Manual:

WARNING. Warning statement identifies conditions or practices that
could result in injury or death
CAUTION. Caution statement identifies conditions or practices that
could result in damage to the Tester or equipment to which it is
connected
NOTE indicates important information and useful advices
Protective Ground
Earth, overall
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1 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATING PRINCIPLE
1.1 Purpose
The digital impulse reflectometer RIF-9 is designed to analyse the
discontinuities of cable lines and can be used to conduct the following
measurements for symmetrical and asymmetrical cables:
 determining the distance to characteristic impedance discontinuities
or faults;
 determining a cable length;
 determining the shortening coefficient of a line based on its given
length;
 determining types of faults.
The reflectometer provides access to measurement results on a
colour digital display; saved reflectograms can be sent to a computer
via USB or stored on a USB Flash drive for future display and
processing. The reflectometer can interchange data with other
equipment of a cable test van via the copper interface RS-485.
1.2 Operating conditions

The values of the environment climatic factors for operating the device
are specified in Table 1.
Table 1 – Operating conditions of device
Climatic factors Value
Ambient temperature, ˚С from - 20 to + 50
Relative humidity at temperature of + 25˚C, %, max up to 80%
Atmospheric pressure, mm Hg 630 to 800
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1.3 Technical data

The main technical data of the device are shown in Table 2.
Table 2 – Technical data of device
Name Value
60; 120; 250;
500; 1000;
Distance measurement range (for shortening
2000; 5000;
coefficient 1.50 or V/2 = 100 m/μs), m
10000; 20000;
50000; 120000
Resolution, m:
 for shortening coefficient 1.5 (V/2 = 100 m/μs) 0.5
 for shortening coefficient 1.87 (V/2 = 80.2 m/μs) 0.4
Relative voltage measurement error, %, max 0.2
Sampling rate, MHz 200
Time Domain Accuracy, %, max 0.01
Output impedance range (discreteness of 2 Ω), Ω 2 to 100
Probing pulse characteristics:
 amplitude, V 45
 duration, ns 10 to 100000
from minus 21
Variation range of input amplifier gain, dB
to 69
Number of reflectograms to identify average, pcs 1 to 64
Setting range of:
 shortening coefficient 0.750 to 3.000
 propagation speed V/2, m/μs 50.0 to 150.0
Setting discreteness of:
 shortening coefficient 0.001
 propagation speed V/2, m/μs 0.1
Nonvolatile memory capacity:
 reflectograms with characteristics 1000
 data on cable shortening coefficients 500
Maximum voltage on measuring inputs, V 50
800×600, TFT,
Indicator resolution, pixels
touch-sensitive
Power supply and charging:
 rechargeable battery voltage, V 12
 continuous running time of rechargeable battery,
h, minimum 8
 voltage of external power supply, V 24
 voltage range of external power supply, V 12 to 28
Maximum power consumption of device, W, max 36
Overall dimensions, mm 366×271×178
Weight, kg, max 8.0
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1.4 Design and operating principle
1.4.1 Operating principle

The device operating principle is based on the impulse reflectometry
method. At the core of this method is probing a cable (a double-wire
line) with voltage impulses and receiving impulses reflected from the
discontinuities of cable impedance.
The distance to a discontinuity can be determined based on the arrival
time delay of reflected impulses relative to the probing one
(see Figure 1).
Distance
Fault
reflection
Probe pulse Time
Distance
Figure 1 – Principle of pulse reflectometry
The device can perform measurements in the following modes:

 "TDR" (pulse method);
 "ICE" (current wave method, used as part of an ETL);
 "DECAY" (voltage wave method, used as part of an ETL);
 "ARC" (pulse-arc method, used as part of an ETL).
The speed of impulse signals propagation in air lines (insulation  air)
is very close to light propagation speed in a vacuum. Propagation
speed in cable lines (V/2), depending on what the insulation is made
of, can be much lower (up to several times as low) than light
propagation speed in a vacuum.
When pulse reflectometry is applied, the distance to a fault or a line
end is determined based on the time delay of reflected impulses
relative to probing ones according to the following formula:
L=(V×T)/2=(V/2)×T=(С/2×g)×T, (1)
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where:
L  the distance to a fault;
T  the time delay of reflected impulses relative to probing ones;
V  the propagation speed of a pulse signal along a line;
С  light speed in a vacuum (300 000 000 m/s);
g  shortening coefficient.
It is commonly accepted that the propagation speed of pulse signals is
measured using the non-dimensional quantity of the shortening
coefficient g. The shortening coefficient is the speed signals travels
along a line relative to the speed of light in a vacuum; it is determined
according to the following formula:
g=C/V. (2)
Traditionally, CIS countries use the shortening coefficient g, while
European countries apply its reciprocal, propagation speed in a cable
V/2, which is determined according to the following formula:
V/2 = 150/g, m/μs. (3)
In practice, it is believed that the shortening coefficient (or V/2) also
depends on a cable structure. For instance, the "electrical length"
impulses go through when travelling along the cable conductors with a
large lay is bigger than the cable geometrical length measured along
its surface. The easiest way to factor in this variation is to adjust the
shortening coefficient (or V/2) so that the cable length measured with
the device ("electrical length") matches its surface measurement
(the cable actual length). It is exactly how it is done in practice.
Therefore, cables with a similar conductor diameter as well as
insulation type and thickness, but different in terms of the number of
conductors and their lay (pitch strand) can have different shortening
coefficients.
The value of the shortening coefficient (or V/2) depends on what a
cable sheath is made of and is unique for every cable. The value of
the shortening coefficient (or V/2) can be determined experimentally
based on a given cable length.
1.4.2 Exterior and placement of controls and sockets

The device is made in a shockproof opening plastic body with a handy
transportation strap. The exterior and placement of the device controls
and sockets are shown in Figure 2, their purpose and marking are
specified in Table 3.
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16
4
5
3 1
18 2
19
13
9 14
10 15
6 11
7 12
17
Figure 2 – Exterior and placement of device controls and sockets

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Table 3  List of controls

№ Name Marking Purpose
Switching on/off power with on/off and battery
1 Button
charge indicators
Increasing/decreasing values of
Encoder
2 characteristics, cursor control, switching
knob
between menu items, etc.
3 Display Presenting graphic information
4 Socket USB-A Connecting Flash drive
5 Socket USB-B Connecting PC
6 Terminal Connecting grounding
7 Socket RS-485 Connecting interface RS-485
Connecting adapter to supply power to device
8 Socket 24V
and recharge battery
Input for connecting to ETL matching current
9 Socket I
device
Input for connecting to ETL matching voltage
10 Socket U
device
Input for connecting synchronizing ETL cable
11 Socket TRIG
in mode "ARC"
Input for connecting to line in mode "ARC"
12 Socket ARC
(supplied with ETL)
13 Socket L1 Input for connecting to line L1
16 Lid Top lid of body
17 Leg Leg of device
18 Strap Transporting device
Plate with Gives name of device, serial number,
19
marking manufacturing year and manufacturer
1.5 Marking
On the device there is the following marking:
Marking reference
Description
designation
Protective grounding clamp (5019, IEC 60417-1)
Input (0351, ISO 7000)
Alternating current (5032, IEC 60417-1)
Direct current (5031, IEC 60417-1)
Stand-by mode (5009, IEC 60417-1)
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1.6 Packaging
The operation manual is wrapped with packaging film in a way
preventing dust and moisture from getting in and placed in a packing
crate.
Each component of the device is placed inside the crate in a way
ensuring that all empty space between it and the crate shell is densely
filled with shock absorbing material.
The crates are supplied with labels containing the device name as well
as shipping and storage instruction signs.
2 PROPER USE
ATTENTION:
ALL THE MEASUREMENTS ARE TO BE PERFORMED WHEN
THE LINE IS CUT OFF ON BOTH SIDES. TO PREVENT A
BREAKDOWN OF THE DEVICE, DISCHARGE THE LINE
BEFOREHAND BY CLOSING THE CONDUCTORS WITH EACH
OTHER AND THE GROUNDING DEVICE!
2.1 Operating device in "TDR" mode (pulse mode)

The pulse operating mode "TDR" (Time Domain Reflectometer) can
be used both for autonomous operation and as a part of an ETL. This
mode is most effective in case of the following cable line faults:
 line break;
 line short circuit.
The mode "TDR" is used when the impedance value of a fault in a cable is not more
than 200 Ω. If the fault impedance is over 200 Ω, other (high-voltage) line analysis
modes are to be used ("ICE", "DECAY", "ARC").
2.1.1 Connecting device to line under analysis
ATTENTION:
BEFORE CONNECTING TO A CABLE LINE, MAKE SURE THERE
IS NO VOLTAGE ON IT AND DISCHARGE THE LINE WITH THE
GROUNDING ROD BY CLOSING THE CONDUCTORS WITH
EACH OTHER AND THE GROUNDING DEVICE. ALL
MEASUREMENTS ARE TO BE PERFORMED WHEN THE LINE IS
CUT OFF ON BOTH SIDES.
THE FOLLOWING IS PROHIBITED:
PERFORMING MEASUREMENTS ON CABLE LINES THAT ARE
UNDER VOLTAGE!
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The diagram showing the connection of the device to an object under

test is given in Figure 3
To connect the device to a line under analysis, do the following:
 connect the grounding wire to the device grounding terminal " ";
 connect the line under analysis to socket "L1" ("L2", "L3"), if
required, use a connecting cable supplied in the package contents;
 connect the adapter power cable the device socket " 24V".
Protective grounding wire
Ground bus
Mains
~230 V
Cable line under analysis
Cable fault
Figure 3 – Diagram showing connection of device to cable
2.1.2 Switching on device

To switch on the device, press and hold the button " " for one
second. Following this, the screen will light up, and in 30 to 40
seconds the device will boot up and enter the mode "Main Menu",
after which it is ready to perform measurements.
2.1.3 Select the operating mode "TDR" (see Figure 4). Operating modes
can be selected either by touching the display or by rotating, and then
pressing, the encoder knob.
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Figure 4 – Device operating modes selection screen
2.1.4 The screen of the mode "TDR" allows setting the required
characteristic and observing reflectograms on the screen
(see Figure 5).
Figure 5 – Screen of mode "TDR"
The description of the mode "TDR" buttons is as follows:

"Main Menu" – escaping the mode "TDR" to open the screen of the
mode selection;
"Measure" – determining of the distance to the faulty of cable;
"Input" – selecting the device inputs to be connected to a cable line;
"Range" – selecting a measurement range based on a distance;
"Pulse" – setting the duration of the probing impulse;
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"Gain" – setting the gain of the reception path;

"V/2" – setting propagation speed for the cable under test;
"Impedance" – setting cable matching;
"Y Scroll" – scrolling through reflectograms vertically;
"File" – saving reflectograms in the device memory;
"Start Сursor" – selecting the start cursor;
"End Сursor" – selecting the end cursor;
"Zoom In" – selecting the scale of reflectogram magnification;
"Zoom Out" – selecting the scale of reflectogram reduction.
2.1.5 To select the device inputs, press the button "Input" by either touching
the screen or rotating and then pressing the encoder knob. You will
see the screen "Select Inputs" (see Figure 6).
Figure 6 – Screen of input selection "Select Inputs"
2.1.6 This menu allows the user to select the device input to be connected
to a cable line. The device allows displaying reflectograms of one, two
or three cable lines, a reflectogram saved previously and stored in the
device memory as well as select the analysis mode of a cable line
(comparative or differential) (see Table 4).
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Table 4 – Description of device inputs setting options

Input Memory
№ Input 1 Input 2 Description
3 File
Differential (residual) analysis mode
1 L1-L2 none none none between cables L1-N and L2-N, one
reflectogram
Differential analysis mode between cables
2 L1-L2 L2-L3 none none L1-N and L2-N, L2-N and L3-N, two
reflectograms
Analysis mode of line L1 with neutral point
3 L1-N none none none
N, one reflectogram
Comparative analysis mode of line L2-N
4 none L2-N none ICE.rif with reflectogram stored in device memory,
two reflectograms on screen
Comparative analysis mode with two
5 L1-N L2-N none none
reflectograms on screen
Comparative analysis mode with three
6 L1-N L2-N L3-N none
Comparative analysis mode with four
7 L1-N L2-N L3-N ICE.rif
ATTENTION:
TO PROLONG THE SERVICE LIFE OF THE
IN-BUILT RELAYS OF THE DEVICE, DO NOT SWITCH ON
MODES NO. 2, 5 – 7 (WITH FREQUENT RELAY SWITCHING)
FOR A LONG TIME (OVER 10 MINUTES)!
2.1.7 The selected inputs of the device are displayed in the top left corner of
the screen, they are highlighted with the colour corresponding to
reflectograms.
Figure 7 – Screen for selecting distance measurement range
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2.1.8 Then, select the required distance measurement range (see Figure 7).
2.1.9 Then, set the required duration of a probing impulse (see Figure 8).
Figure 8 – Screen for setting duration of probing impulse
A probing impulse is a positive polarity impulse with the amplitude of

45 V. The duration of the probing impulse is changed from 10 ns to
100 μs automatically depending on the measurement range change.
The duration can also be changed manually.
The probing impulse duration selection should be primarily based on
the following principle: the longer the distance under analysis is, the
longer the probing impulse duration should be. Also, the bigger the
probing impulse duration is, the bigger the value of the response on
the received reflectogram will be. However, it is to be noted that
excessive impulse duration can cause cable faults near the probing
impulse to not show in the initial zone of a reflectogram.
2.1.10 Following this, the user should set the required signal gain on the
reflectogram. The selected gain should enable the user to clearly see
the existing cable faults on a reflectogram. In addition, the gain
increase can help to set the measuring cursor more accurately.
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Figure 9 – Gain setting screen

2.1.11 The next step is to set the value V/2 (propagation speed) of the cable
under analysis (see Figure 8). You can set this value using the
buttons on the display or using the encoder knob. The encoder
enables measuring tenth of the V/2 value.
Figure 10 – Screen for setting V/2 value
Additionally, the V/2 value can be set using the cable table of the
device. To do it, escape from the "Main Menu", press the button
"Setup" and then select "Cable Type Selection" in the screen
"System Configuration" (see Figure 11).
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Figure 11 – Screen "System Configuration". Cable table selection
Figure 12 – Cable table selection screen
In the screen "Cable List" you can select a cable from the table
(see Figure 12). The value V/2 of the selected cable will be applied to
the set device operating mode.
Also, this screen allows entering new cables into the table (button
"Add New Cable") or removing them (button "Delete Cable").
2.1.12 The next adjustment step is matching the device with cable line
impedance. To do it, press the button "Impedance" and, using the
buttons on the display or the encoder knob, set the value of the device
output impedance (see Figure 13).
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If the device output impedance does not match the cable line impedance,
there will be extra over-reflection, which can be seen on the
reflectogram. Over-reflected signals are always located at equal
distances behind a cable end. When matching, you must bring the level
of spurious over-reflected signals to the possible minimum
(see Figures 13 − 14). If matching has been performed perfectly, the
reflectogram should not show any over-reflected signals.
The impedance of power cables usually falls within the range (20 – 30) Ω.
Figure 13 – Screen "Select impedance".

Extremely poor matching with the cable – several reflected signals are seen

Poor matching with the cable – the reflected signal is seen
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Good matching with the cable – no reflected signals
At this stage, the initial device adjustment in the mode "TDR" is over.
2.1.13 The button "Y Scroll" enables vertically scrolling reflectograms up and
down using the encoder knob. Sometimes it is necessary to move
apart the reflectograms on the screen to see the differences more
clearly (see Figure 16).
Figure 16 – Screen "Y Scroll". Vertical scroll of reflectogram
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2.1.14 The button "File" allows saving a reflectogram on the screen in the
device memory (see Figure 17). For saving, the device offers a file name
with the current date and time. If necessary, the user can change the
name of the file to be saved using the keyboard.
Figure 17 – Screen for saving reflectogram in device memory
2.1.15 Some types of reflectogram with examples of cable faults are shown in
Figure 18.
Figure 18 – Some types of reflectograms of various cable faults
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2.1.16 Measuring distance in mode "TDR"

2.1.16.1 To measure the distance from the device to a cable fault, do the
following:
 set "Start Сursor" to the position 0.0 m, which corresponds to the
probing impulse start. To select the cursor, press the button "Start
Сursor": to move it, rotate the encoder knob. Also, you can manually
move the cursor by pressing it with your finger on the screen in the
field of a reflectogram and moving it in the required direction.
However, you can accurately set the cursor only by rotating the
encoder;
 set "End Cursor" at the beginning of the reflected impulse by
pressing the button "End Cursor", or move it by pressing it on the
screen as shown in Figure 19.
ATTENTION:
DO NOT SET THE CURSOR AT THE TOP OF THE REFLECTED
IMPULSE – IT IS INCORRECT!
Figure 19 – Correct setting of cursors for measurement in mode "TDR",

at impulse start, measured distance equals 1018.7m
2.1.16.2 The measured distance between the cursors is shown in the screen
"Distance".
2.1.16.3 To place the cursor more accurately, use scaling and gain.
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2.1.16.4 To place the cursor most accurately, use scaling (see Figure 20) by
pressing the buttons «Zoom In» (scale magnification) and «Zoom
Out» (scale reduction). It can help you achieve a higher resolution for
placing the cursor.
Figure 20 – Using scaling
In this case the white background of the zooming scale corresponds

to the visible image in the main field of the reflectogram.
2.1.16.5 By pressing the zooming scale on the screen (or selecting it with the
encoder), you can move the visible field along the reflectogram using
the encoder (see Figure 21). In addition, the visible field can be
moved along by moving your finger horizontally in the field of the
reflectogram.
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Figure 21 – Zooming scale selection
2.1.16.6 The distance between faults can be measured using two cursors as
shown in Figure 22.
Figure 22 – Measuring distance between faults; distance 1030.0 m
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2.1.16.7 To reduce the interference on a reflectogram, you should apply

reflectogram averaging. With this purpose, press the button "Input"
and, using the option "Reflectogram Average", set the number of
reflectograms required for averaging (see Figure 6).
Higher averaging allows removing asynchronous interference, but
increases the time of receiving a stable reflectogram.
2.2 Performing measurements in mode "ICE" (current wave method)

The mode "ICE" (current wave method) is applied if impedance at a
place o fault is within the range from zero Ω to hundreds kΩ. In this
method, an ETL high-voltage pulse generator is used to locate a fault.
The method "ICE" ("current wave") is applied if high-resistance faults
(insulation impedance decrease or a high-resistance ground fault of a
conductor, or a short distance between conductors in cable boxes)
cannot be transformed into low-resistance faults through a burn.
These can be caused by water soaking inside a cable or intermittent
faults.
Unlike for the method "DECAY" ("voltage wave"), for the method "ICE"
output impedance of the high-voltage pulse generator should be much
lower than the cable line impedance. A high-voltage pulse generator is
a high-voltage source, on the output of which a high-voltage capacitor
is on along with a special discharger; high-voltage impulses go from it
to a cable. A block diagram showing the device switching on with the
purpose of applying the "current wave" method is given in Figure 23.
HIGH VOLTAGE UR
PULSE W
GENERATOR ROUT << W
RIF-9
INPUT "I"
CURRENT
CONNECTING
DEVICE
Figure 23 – Implementation of "ICE" method
A shock wave is sent along a damaged cable and reaches a fault.

The shock wave causes a breakdown of the damaged cable line
section, which generates reflection. The reflected signal returns to the
beginning of the cable and is reflected from the beginning of the cable
(input impedance of the pulse generator is equivalent to short circuit)
in the direction of a fault, reaches the beginning of the cable again and
so on.
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The breakdown (electric arc duration) remains in the same condition

until there is enough energy for arcing. To cause a breakdown in the
place of a fault, the faulty section needs to be affected for a certain
time (ionization time). This time depends on the amplitude of the high-
voltage impulse and transient resistance at the place of a fault.
To prevent ionization delay from influencing the measurement results
of the distance to a fault, the time between the first and second
reflected waves is measured.
The connection of a wave process meter with the cable line is
achieved with a special current connecting device. A current pulse
converter differentiates pulse current on the input of the line into
impulses coming to the input of the wave process meter.
In the operating mode "ICE", the input socket "I" is used to feed an
incoming signal; a cable from the ETL current sensor (a current
connecting device) should be connected to the socket. The device
automatically enables this input in the mode "ICE".
Unlike in the mode "TDR", in the mode "ICE" the device does not send
a probing impulse along the line. The device only generates a
waveform in the cable line similarly to a conventional oscillograph.
2.2.1 Device adjustment in mode "ICE"

2.2.1.1 To enter the mode "ICE", press the button "ICE" in "Main Menu"
(see Figure 24).
Figure 24 – Screen of mode "ICE"
2.2.1.2 To adjust the device, firstly set the required measurement range by
selecting the button "Range".
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Figure 25 – Setting cursors in the mode "ICE"
2.2.1.3 Set the value of "V/2" relevant to the cable under test.
2.2.1.4 Set the device synchronization level minus 40% by pressing the
button "Sync".
2.2.1.5 Select the synchronization mode "Normal" by pressing the button
"Sync Mode".
2.2.1.6 Switch on the ETL pulse current generator.
2.2.1.7 In case of a breakdown in the cable, the device display will show a
reflectogram of a recurrent damped wave process.
2.2.1.8 Set the device characteristics (the measurement range "Range", the
gain of the path "Gain") so that the reflectogram shows 3 to 4
waveform cycles.
2.2.1.9 Press the button "Sync" to set the synchronization level equal to
approximately half the signal level in the reflectogram (minus 50 %).
2.2.1.10 Switch of the ETL pulse current generator and set the mode of a
single synchronization "Single" by pressing the buttons "Sync Mode".
2.2.1.11 Then, after a single activation of the ETL current pulse generator, the
device display will show a waveform reflectogram for a thorough
analysis.
2.2.1.12 Using two cursors, measure the distance on the reflectogram
(see Figures 25 and 26).
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Figure 26 – Proper cursor setting in mode "ICE"

at positive signal peaks in second cycle
ATTENTION:
IN THE MODE "ICE", THE DISTANCE IS MEASURED BETWEEN
TWO NEARBY POSITIVE SIGNAL PEAKS IN THE SECOND OR
THIRD CYCLE OF THE REFLECTOGRAM. IT IS WRONG TO SET
THE CURSORS IN THE FIRST CYCLE!
Note. In the right bottom corner of the reflectogram field there is a picture showing
proper cursor setting in the mode "ICE".
2.2.1.13 To receive measurements of a higher accuracy, when setting the

cursors, use the scaling mode (buttons "Zoom In" and "Zoom Out").
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2.3 Performing measurements in mode "DECAY" (voltage wave method)

The method "DECAY" (waveform method) is used to determine the
distance to places of fault with high transient resistance ("intermittent
breakdown"), i.e. when testing a cable line with high voltage.
Occasionally, power cable insulation has faults that can only be found
through applying testing voltage. In such cases, when voltage is
applied to insulation, there will be one breakdown after another with a
few seconds' or, in some cases, a few minutes' interval. Voltage
decrease puts an end to breakdowns. Frequently, cable line insulation
that had breakdowns at a certain voltage can sustain not only that
voltage, but even a higher one; the fault seems to have disappeared.
This type of breakdowns is called "intermittent". Intermittent
breakdowns most commonly happen in cable boxes when some
cavities, acting as something of a discharge gap, appear there. A
cable with an intermittent breakdown usually has high insulation
impedance. If the damaged cable conductor is charged with a high-
voltage rectifying unit to the level of breakdown voltage in a fault, the
charge will conform to damped vibration.
When the method "DECAY" is applied, slowly increased voltage is fed
from a high-voltage source to the cable line. A block diagram showing
the implementation of a travelling voltage wave method is given in
Figure 27.
HIGH VOLTAGE UTST.

GENERATOR W
OF DIRECT
VOLTAGE ROUT >> W
RIF-9
INPUT "U"
VOLTAGE
CONNECTING
DEVICE
Figure 27 – Implementation of "DECAY" method
As a result of negative test voltage, a breakdown (short circuit) and

discharge occur at the distance L. At the place of the fault positive
polarity electromagnetic waves are generated; because test voltage
was of negative polarity, the reflection coefficient at the place of the
breakdown (short circuit) will also be negative K = -1.
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One of the waves travels from the place of the breakdown to the
beginning of the cable, and the other one travels to  the end of the
cable. Having reached the beginning of the cable, the first wave is
reflected from a high-resistance source and, without changing its
polarity, travels to the place of the fault. Then, everything is repeated:
a breakdown occurs at the place of the fault, which is followed with a
reflection with the opposite sign, and so on. While damping, the wave
process lasts until the wave energy is enough to cause a breakdown
at the place of the fault.
2.3.1 Device adjustment in mode "DECAY"

2.3.1.1 In the operating mode "DECAY", the input socket "I" is used to feed
an incoming signal; a cable from the ETL voltage sensor should be
connected to the socket. The device automatically enables this input
in the mode "DECAY".
2.3.1.2 Unlike in the mode "TDR", in the mode "DECAY" (similarly to the
mode "ICE") the device does not send a probing impulse along the
line. The device only registers an input waveform on the screen
similarly to a conventional oscillograph.
2.3.1.3 To enter the mode "DECAY", press the button "DECAY" in "Main
Menu" (see Figure 28).
Figure 28 – Screen of mode "DECAY"
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2.3.1.4 To adjust the device, firstly set the required measurement range by
selecting the button "Range" (see Figure 29).
Figure 29 – Mode "DECAY"
2.3.1.5 Set the value of "V/2" relevant to the cable under test. by pressing the
button V/2 and then rotating the encoder knob.
2.3.1.6 Set the device synchronization level minus 40% by pressing the
button "SYNC" and rotating the encoder knob.
2.3.1.7 Using the button "Sync Mode" select the synchronization mode
"Normal" (this mode corresponds the single shot mode in a
conventional oscillograph).
2.3.1.8 Switch on the ETL high-voltage unit and slowly increase high voltage
until a breakdown occurs. In case of a breakdown in the cable, the
device display will show a reflectogram of a recurrent wave process.
2.3.1.9 Decrease high voltage to 0 V.
2.3.1.10 Repeat steps 2.3.1.8 − 2.3.1.9 several times to adjust the values of
the device characteristics "Range", "Gain" so that the reflectogram
shows 3 to 4 waveform cycles. By increasing the synchronization level
(with the button "SYNC" and by rotating the encoder knob) make the
device show a sharp image of the reflectogram on the screen after a
breakdown in a cable line.
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2.3.1.11 Using the button "Sync Mode" change the synchronization mode to
"Single" (this mode corresponds the single shot mode in a
conventional oscillograph).
2.3.1.12 After steps 2.3.1.8 − 2.3.1.9, the device display will show a waveform
reflectogram for a thorough analysis.
2.3.1.13 By setting two cursors on the screen, measure the distance to a fault.
The reflectogram corresponds to a recurrent wave process. The delay
between a positive half-wave and a negative one depends on the
cable length from the generator to the place of a breakdown.
Measurements should be performed with the use of two cursors as
shown in Figure 30.
Figure 30 – Setting cursors in mode "DECAY"
ATTENTION:
IN THE MODE "DECAY", THE DISTANCE IS MEASURED
BETWEEN TWO NEARBY POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE SIGNAL
PEAKS IN THE SECOND OR THIRD CYCLE OF THE
REFLECTOGRAM. IT IS WRONG TO SET THE CURSORS IN THE
FIRST CYCLE!
In the right bottom corner of the reflectogram field there is a picture showing proper
cursor setting in the mode "DECAY".
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2.3.1.14 To receive measurements of a higher accuracy, when setting the

cursors use the scaling mode (buttons "Zoom In" and "Zoom Out")
(see Figure 31).
Figure 31 – Using scaling, mode "DECAY"
2.4 Performing measurements in mode "ARC" (pulse-arc method)

The pulse-arc method "ARC" is one of the modern methods applied
for high-resistance or transient faults; it allows preventing a
preliminary burn of a cable line and has a minimal detrimental effect
on a cable. At the core of this method is exposure to a high-voltage
impulse followed with arc ignition at the place of a cable fault and
simultaneously performing measurements using the pulse
reflectometry method during arcing.
A high-voltage pulse generator (a high-voltage source), on the output
of which a high-voltage capacitor is on along with a special
discharger, is connected to a cable line through an arc maintenance
unit (see Figure 32).
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Arc W
maintenance
unit
RIF-9
High Matching
voltage divider
source
Figure 32 – Implementation of "ARC" method
When an impulse is sent form a high-voltage source, at the place of a

high-resistance fault of a cable a breakdown occurs, current begins
leaking and the breakdown "closes" as an arc discharge forms. Using
the arc maintenance unit, arc current is maintained for some time
(several milliseconds). The electric resistance of the arc is close to
zero, which is equivalent to a short circuit.
According to this method, the reflectometer is connected through the
ETL matching divider. Probing impulses travel from the reflectometer
through the matching divider to the cable line, and the reflected
impulses return to the reflectometer.
2.4.2 Device adjustment in mode "ARC"

2.4.2.1 In the operating mode "ARC", the input socket "ARC" is used to feed
an incoming measuring signal. The input "TRIG" is used to send a
synchronization impulse to the device. The inputs are connected with
ETL cables. The device automatically enables these inputs in the
mode "ARC".
2.4.2.2 The functionality of the mode "ARC" is almost identical to that of the
mode "TDR".
2.4.2.3 To enter the mode "ARC", press the button "ARC" in "Main Menu"
(see Figure 33).
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Figure 33 – Selecting mode "ARC"
2.4.2.4 The initial device adjustment in the mode "ARC" corresponds to the
adjustment in the mode "TDR" (see 2.1.8 – 2.1.12 and Figure 34).
Figure 34 – Mode "ARC"
2.4.2.5 After the initial adjustment, before switching on the ETL high-voltage
generator, press the button "STOP" (this mode is set by default).
Following this, the button will change its inscription to "START" and
become green. It means that the device mode has been changed to
the mode of waiting for an initiating impulse on the input "TRIG" from
the ETL. Also, the screen will display the reflectogram of the cable line
without high voltage feed.
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Figure 35 – Mode "ARC", usual measurement without high voltage feed, cable end (break)
is at distance of 1022.3 m
2.4.2.6 After a single switching on of the high-voltage generator, a discharge

occurs in the cable and so does arc ignition at the place of a fault.
Following this, on the input "TRIG" an initiating impulse will occur,
which will trigger the reflectogram recording mode during arcing in the
cable. The second reflectogram received (the green one) will be
shown on the device display (see Figure 35).
Figure 36 – Mode "ARC"; during high voltage feed short circuit occurred in cable
at distance of 316.9 m
2.4.2.7 The cursor for measuring the distance to a cable fault is set at the
place of the visible discrepancy between the two reflectograms
(see Figure 36).
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2.5 Other functions of device

2.5.1 During measurement, the device enables not to take into account the
length of additional measuring ETL cables. To do it, enter the menu
"Lab Cable Length" (see Figure 36).
Figure 37 – Additional ETL cables measurement menu "Lab Cable Length"
2.5.2 Then, measure the length of these cables using a reflectogram. With
this purpose, set the cursor "End Cursor" at the end (break) of the
cable, which corresponds to the beginning of a positive impulse
(see Figure 38). The cursor "End Cursor" should be set in the position
0.0 m.
Figure 38 – Cursor is set at end of ETL cable at distance of 53.2 м
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2.5.3 When the button "Save L1 end" is pressed, the value in the screen
"Distance", corresponding to the length of the measured additional
ETL cable connected to the device input «L1», will be saved in the
device memory.
2.5.4 The length of other additional ETL cables connected to the inputs
«L2» and «L3» is measured in the same way.
2.5.5 If, after that, in the menu "System Configuration" the option "Hide
lab cable" is selected (see Figure 39), the value of an additional ETL
cable will be automatically subtracted from the measured distance.
Following this, the reflectogram will be displayed beginning with the
end of the additional cable.
Figure 39 – Selecting ETL cable subtraction option "Hide lab cable"
2.5.6 Language setting

The device interface has several languages. Set by default is the
English language.
To change the interface language, in the screen "System
configuration" select the required language (see Figure 40).
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Figure 40 – Language selection menu "English"
2.5.1 Copying saved reflectograms

2.5.1.1 You can copy or delete the saved reflectograms. With this purpose,
when the device is off, connect an external USB Flash drive to the
socket "USB A", then switch on the device, enter the menu "System
Configuration" and press the button "USB Flash" (see Figure 41).
When the device detects the USB Flash drive, it will open the screen
"FLASH OPERATION" (see Figure 42).
Figure 41 – Selecting USB Flash reflectogram copying mode
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2.5.1.2 Having touched the required files in the menu "FLASH OPERATION",
to select them, you can do one of the following:
 copy reflectograms from the device memory to an external USB
Flash drive by pressing the button "Copy to Flash";
 remove reflectograms from the device memory to an external USB
Flash drive by pressing the button "Move to Flash";
 copy reflectograms from an external USB Flash drive to the device
memory by pressing the button "Copy to Device" (see Figure 42).
Figure 42 – Device menu "FLASH OPERATION"
2.5.2 Measuring cable shortening coefficient (or V/2)

2.5.2.1 Connect the device to the cable of the given length the shortening
coefficient (or V/2 value) of which is to be determined.
2.5.2.2 Switch on the device and select the mode "TDR".
2.5.2.3 Perform the required initial adjustment of the device (see 2.1.3 –
2.1.10).
2.5.3 Set the cursor "End Cursor" at the end (break) of the cable, which
corresponds to the beginning of a positive impulse (see Figure 38).
The cursor "End Cursor" should be set in the position 0.0 m.
2.5.4 Then, press the button V/2 and change the value of this characteristic.
You should make the value "End Cursor" correspond to the given
length of this cable.
2.5.5 Memorize the obtained V/2 value of the cable and fill it into the device
cable table (see 2.1.11 and Figure 12).
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3 MAINTENANCE
3.1 Maintenance of the recharging battery (RB)

3.1.1 The device has an in-built recharging battery, which allows it to work
autonomously, without an external power source.
3.1.1 The battery charge level is displayed in the top right corner of the
screen and is indicated only when the device is battery-operated.
3.1.2 To charge the battery, connect a network adapter to the power socket
" 24V". The red light of the on/off button indicates that RB is being
charged. The complete cycle of recharging the battery lasts 11 hours.
A slow blinking of the red light-emitting diode (3 seconds on, 3
seconds off) means that the battery is being charged with low current
as part of the final recharging stage (1-hour long). When recharging is
complete, the red light-emitting diode will go out.
ATTENTION:
TO PREVENT A PROBABLE DANGER OF THE BATTERY
SPONTANEOUS IGNITION, DO NOT LEAVE THE DEVICE
UNATTENDED DURING RECHARGING!
3.1.3 If RB or charging circuits are faulty, the button will be blinking with red
light:
 infrequent blinking for 30 seconds means that the battery voltage is
lower than allowed and it can be faulty;
 infrequent blinking for 50 seconds means that the battery voltage is
higher than allowed or there is a break in the charging circuits;
 frequent blinking for 3 minutes means that during battery recharging
there was an emergency escape from the recharging mode.
The recharging mode will be on again in 25 minutes.
RIF - 9
USER MANUAL 40

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KharkovEnergoPribor Ltd.

GENERAL SAFETY SUMMARY ................................................................................................ 3

This is the User Manual for the digital impulse reflectometer

GENERAL S AFETY SUMMARY

S AFETY TERMS AND SYMBOLS

These terms may appear on the device or in the User Manual:

1 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATING PRINCIPLE

1.2 Operating conditions

1.3 Technical data

1.4 Design and operating principle

1.4.1 Operating principle

Figure 1 – Principle of pulse reflectometry

The device can perform measurements in the following modes:

1.4.2 Exterior and placement of controls and sockets

Figure 2 – Exterior and placement of device controls and sockets

Table 3  List of controls

2.1 Operating device in "TDR" mode (pulse mode)

2.1.1 Connecting device to line under analysis

The diagram showing the connection of the device to an object under

Protective grounding wire

Cable line under analysis

Figure 3 – Diagram showing connection of device to cable

2.1.2 Switching on device

Figure 4 – Device operating modes selection screen

Figure 5 – Screen of mode "TDR"

The description of the mode "TDR" buttons is as follows:

"Gain" – setting the gain of the reception path;

Figure 6 – Screen of input selection "Select Inputs"

Table 4 – Description of device inputs setting options

Figure 7 – Screen for selecting distance measurement range

Figure 8 – Screen for setting duration of probing impulse

A probing impulse is a positive polarity impulse with the amplitude of

Figure 9 – Gain setting screen

Figure 10 – Screen for setting V/2 value

Figure 11 – Screen "System Configuration". Cable table selection

Figure 12 – Cable table selection screen

Figure 13 – Screen "Select impedance".

Figure 14 – Screen "Select impedance".

Figure 15 – Screen "Select impedance".

Figure 16 – Screen "Y Scroll". Vertical scroll of reflectogram

Figure 17 – Screen for saving reflectogram in device memory

Figure 18 – Some types of reflectograms of various cable faults

2.1.16 Measuring distance in mode "TDR"

Figure 19 – Correct setting of cursors for measurement in mode "TDR",

Figure 20 – Using scaling

In this case the white background of the zooming scale corresponds

Figure 21 – Zooming scale selection

Figure 22 – Measuring distance between faults; distance 1030.0 m

2.1.16.7 To reduce the interference on a reflectogram, you should apply

2.2 Performing measurements in mode "ICE" (current wave method)

Figure 23 – Implementation of "ICE" method

A shock wave is sent along a damaged cable and reaches a fault.

The breakdown (electric arc duration) remains in the same condition

2.2.1 Device adjustment in mode "ICE"

Figure 24 – Screen of mode "ICE"

Figure 25 – Setting cursors in the mode "ICE"

Figure 26 – Proper cursor setting in mode "ICE"

2.2.1.13 To receive measurements of a higher accuracy, when setting the

2.3 Performing measurements in mode "DECAY" (voltage wave method)

HIGH VOLTAGE UTST.

Figure 27 – Implementation of "DECAY" method

As a result of negative test voltage, a breakdown (short circuit) and

2.3.1 Device adjustment in mode "DECAY"