Fault Indicators
Service Information
S.T.A.R. Pathfinder Variable Trip ER Faulted Circuit
Indicator Installation Instructions
S320-62-1
Contents
Product Information �������������������������������������������������� 1
Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Installation Procedures���������������������������������������������� 3
Operation���������������������������������������������������������������������� 3
Resetting the Fault Indicator������������������������������������ 4
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CAUTION:
The Cooper Power Systems S.TA.R. Type ER
Faulted Circuit Indicator is designed to be operated
in accordance with normal safe operating
procedures. These instructions are not intended to
supersede or replace existing safety and operating
procedures. Read all the instructions before
installing the faulted circuit indicator.
Faulted circuit indicators should be installed and
serviced only by personnel familiar with good safety
practice and the handling of high-voltage electrical
equipment. Improper operation, handling, or
maintenance can result in death, severe personal
injury, and equipment damage.
Product Information
Introduction
The Cooper Power Systems S.T.A.R. PATHFINDER
Electrostatic Reset (ER) Faulted Circuit Indicators are used
on overhead conductors and indicate the passage of fault
current by showing a “fault” flag in the Fisheye display
window or by flashing the optional LED lights located on
the sides of the indicator housing. When the fault is cleared
from the system and the line is re-energized, the fault
indicator will automatically reset after the factoryprogrammed period of time. A minimum of 2.4 kV line-toground is needed in order to reset the fault indicator.
The Cooper Power Systems S.T.A.R. Faulted Circuit Indicator
(FCI) is weatherproof, submersible and meets or exceeds
IEEE Std 495™-1986 standard, IEEE “Guide for Testing
Faulted Circuit Indicators”. The Fisheye target display will
not change status due to mechanical shock or vibration.
The S.T.A.R. Pathfinder ER Faulted Circuit Indicator
clamps easily to the overhead conductor by using a
standard clamp (shotgun) stick. It is primarily for use on
uninsulated, unshielded cable, but may also be used on
insulated unshielded cable such as tree wire. The fault
indicator clamping mechanism will allow the indicator to be
used on cable sizes from 0.25" (6.4 mm) up to 2.0" (51 mm)
in diameter.
The FCI uses a variable trip design, which senses rate of
change in line current and trips based on a rise in current.
A minimum of 200 A (load current plus fault current) is
required to trip the FCI.
April 2009 • Supersedes 09/05
R
Figure 1.
S.T.A.R. Pathfinder Type ER faulted circuit indicator.
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Read This Manual First
Read and understand the contents of this manual and
follow all locally approved procedures and safety practices
before installing or operating this equipment.
Additional Information
These instructions cannot cover all details or variations
in the equipment, procedures, or process described nor
provide directions for meeting every possible contingency
during installation, operation, or maintenance. For
additional information, contact your representative.
Acceptance and Initial Inspection
Each S.T.A.R. PATHFINDER Faulted Circuit Indicator is in
good condition when accepted by the carrier for shipment.
Upon receipt, inspect the shipping container for signs
of damage. Unpack the S.T.A.R. PATHFINDER Faulted
Circuit Indicator and inspect it thoroughly for damage
incurred during shipment. If damaged is discovered, file a
claim with the carrier immediately.
Handling and Storage
Be careful during handling and storage of the S.T.A.R.
PATHFINDER Faulted Circuit Indicator to minimize the
possibility of damage. If the S.T.A.R. PATHFINDER Faulted
Circuit Indicators are to be stored for any length of time
prior to installation, provide a clean, dry storage area.
Standards
ISO 9001:2000 Certified Quality Management System
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S.T.A.R. PATHFINDER Variable Trip ER Faulted Circuit Indicator Installation Instructions
!
SAFETY
FOR LIFE
SAFETY FOR LIFE
!
SAFETY
FOR LIFE
Cooper Power Systems products meet or exceed all applicable industry standards relating to product safety. We actively
promote safe practices in the use and maintenance of our products through our service literature, instructional training
programs, and the continuous efforts of all Cooper Power Systems employees involved in product design, manufacture,
marketing and service.
We strongly urge that you always follow all locally approved safety procedures and safety instructions when working around
high-voltage lines and equipment and support our “Safety For Life” mission.
SAFETY Information
The instructions in this manual are not intended as a sub­
stitute for proper training or adequate experience in the
safe operation of the equipment described. Only
competent technicians, who are familiar with this
equipment should install, operate and service it.
A competent technician has these qualifications:
nIs thoroughly familiar with these instructions.
nIs trained in industry-accepted high- and low-voltage
safe operating practices and procedures.
nIs trained and authorized to energize, de-energize, clear,
and ground power distribution equipment.
nIs trained in the care and use of protective equipment
such as flash clothing, safety glasses, face shield, hard
hat, rubber gloves, hotstick, etc.
Following is important safety information. For safe
installation and operation of this equipment, be sure to
read and understand all cautions and warnings.
Hazard Statement Definitions
This manual may contain four types of hazard
statements:
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DANGER:
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
!
WARNING:
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result In death or serious injury.
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CAUTION:
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
Caution: Indicates a hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in equipment damage
only.
2
Safety Instructions
Following are general caution and warning statements that
apply to this equipment. Additional statements, related to
specific tasks and procedures, are located throughout the
manual.
!
DANGER:
!
WARNING:
Hazardous voltage. Contact with high voltage will
cause death or severe personal injury. Follow all
locally approved safety procedures when working
around high- and low-voltage lines and equipment.
Before installing, operating, maintaining, or testing
this equipment, carefully read and understand the
contents of this manual. Improper operation,
handling or maintenance can result in death, severe
personal injury, and equipment damage.
!
WARNING:
This equipment is not intended to protect human
life. Follow all locally approved procedures and
safety practices when installing or operating this
equipment. Failure to comply may result in death,
severe personal injury and equipment damage.
!
WARNING:
Power distribution and transmission equipment
must be properly selected for the intended
application. It must be installed and serviced by
competent personnel who have been trained and
understand proper safety procedures. These
instructions are written for such personnel and are
not a substitute for adequate training and
experience in safety procedures. Failure to properly
select, install or maintain power distribution and
transmission equipment can result in death, severe
personal injury, and equipment damage.
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S320-62-1
SAFETY
FOR LIFE
Installation Procedures
CLAMP
ARMS
1.Arm the FCI clamp mechanism by grasping each
clamping arm (Figure 2), pulling them apart until the
trigger arm latches into place. Stops have been built
into the clamping arms such that they will only open to
the point where the trigger arm will latch (Figure 3).
2.Attach the FCI to a clamp (shotgun) stick using the
pulling eye on the front of the faulted circuit indicator.
3.Push the FCI clamping mechanism against the
conductor until the trigger mechanism releases from
the latched position. Remove the clamp stick.
For cable diameters from 0.25" (6.4 mm) to 1.0"
(25 mm), the clamp arm pads are required to properly
clamp onto the conductor. For cable diameters from 1.0"
up to 2.0" (51 mm), the clamp arm pads are not needed
and should be removed. (Figure 4).
The S.T.A.R. PATHFINDER Variable Trip ER Type Faulted
Circuit Indicator is shipped to the customer in the reset
position. It is recommended that the unit be manually
tested prior to installation. Refer to page 4, “Resetting the
Fault Indicator.”
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5.06"
(128.5 mm)
TRIGGER
ARM
Figure 2.
Type ER faulted circuit indicator with clamp in unarmed
position.
WARNING:
3.66"
(93.0 mm)
Care should be used when installing the FCI on a
de-energized system without the use of a shotgun
stick. When the clamping mechanism closes, the
trigger arm swiftly swings toward the pulling eye
and injury could occur if fingers or hands are in the
trigger arm’s path.
OPERATION
LATCH
MECHANISM
5.7"
(144 mm)
Cooper Power Systems S.T.A.R. PATHFINDER Variable
Trip Electrostatic Reset Faulted Circuit Indicators are ready
to indicate a fault when installed on an energized system.
The FCI can also be tested manually prior to installation.
When a fault occurs, the FISHEYE target display will turn
from the normal position (black) to the tripped position
(orange).
After a fault, the FCI remains in the tripped position until
the system is re-energized. Following restoration of normal
system voltage, the FCI will remain in the tripped position
for 4-minutes, 4-hours, or 24-hours, depending on the
model chosen. This allows the operators time to
interrogate the units after system voltage has been
restored.
Figure 3.
Type ER faulted circuit indicator with clamp in armed
position.
The unit can also be installed on a de-energized circuit,
and can sense fault current that may occur on restoration
of system power. Simply reset the FCI using the method
described below, before installing the FCI on the overhead
cable, or using a hotstick after the unit has been installed.
The FCI will then be ready to indicate a fault, if one exists
on the system when re-energization is attempted.
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3
S.T.A.R. PATHFINDER Variable Trip ER Faulted Circuit Indicator Installation Instructions
RESETTING THE FAULT
INDICATOR
The S.T.A.R. PATHFINDER Type ER Fault Circuit Indicator
is shipped in the reset position. After a fault with the
indicator in the orange position, the FCI will reset
automatically on system voltage (above 2.4 kV line-toground), following the factory programmed reset delay.
Reset times of 4-minutes, 4-hours (standard) and 24-hours
are available. The unit can be reset manually with the
SMRT reset tool. This will turn the display to the un-faulted
or black position and verify battery operations. This can be
done prior to installing the FCI on the conductor, or by
using the SMRT on a clamp stick after the FCI has been
installed on a live circuit.
Figure 4.
Remove clamp pads attached to each clamping arm on a
mechanism where cable diameter exceeds 1".
1. In order to reset the PATHFINDER ER Type Faulted
Circuit Indicator, a manual reset/interrogation tool
(SMRT) is required (Figure 5).
2. Reset the FISHEYE display by swiping the reset
tool past the FCI housing near the clamp arm lever
on the side of the FCI, as indicated by a stamped
“R”. (Figure 6). Do not hold the SMRT tool against
the housing, this will not initiate the test sequence.
Swipe the unit across the stamped "R" on the
housing.
Figure 5.
Manual Reset Tool.
R
Reset Area
Location
Figure 6.
Reset location on the PATHFINDER Type ER faulted circuit
indicator.
4
4
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SAFETY
FOR LIFE
S320-62-1
For the standard Electrostatic Reset PATHFINDER (SEVT)
and the 4-minute reset unit, the following sequence can
be used to test the FCI for positive battery operation:
If the Variable Trip ER fault indicator is in the tripped
(orange) position, prior to being reset with the SMRT tool,
the FISHEYE display will rotate to the normal position
(black) within 10-seconds after swiping the reset tool
across the FCI housing. If the FCI is in the normal (black)
position prior to testing for battery operation using the
SMRT tool, the display will rotate to the orange position,
remain in that position for approximately 10 seconds, then
rotate back to the black position.
If the unit is equipped with the optional LED light indication,
the above sequence remains the same except the timing
delays will be closer to 20-seconds and the LED lights will
blink when the ball is in the orange (tripped) position.
For the 24-reset Electrostatic PATHFINDER (SEVT24),
the following sequence can be used to test for positive
battery operation:
After swiping the SMRT tool across the stamped "R" on
the housing, the unit will initially verify that it is in the
orange (tripped) position. After a 5-10 second delay, the
FISHEYE target display will rotate to the black (normal)
position. After another 5-10 second delay, the ball will
rotate to the orange position again, then rotate back to the
black position a second time after a 5-10 second delay.
This will indicate that the battery is operating correctly and
that the unit is a 24-hour reset unit.
If the unit is equipped with the optional LED light indication,
the above sequence remains the same except the timing
delays will be closer to 20-seconds and the LED lights will
blink when the ball is in the orange (tripped) position.
Removing the FCI
1.Insert the hook end from the shotgun stick into the
pulling eye of the FCI and lock the shotgun stick
tight against the FCI body.
2.Pull straight back on the hotstick. For quicker/
simpler removal of the FCI, it can be removed with
hot-line gloves.
3.If the clamp pads are to be used with the FCI upon
re-installation, ensure that the pads are properly
attached to the clamp arms.
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S.T.A.R. PATHFINDER Variable Trip ER Faulted Circuit Indicator Installation Instructions
TABLE 1
S.T.A.R. Variable Trip Faulted Circuit Indicator Ordering Information
Catalog Number
Standard
Digits: 1 2 3
SE V
Options
4
T
5
6
7
Options
Digits
5678
S.T.A.R. FCI Line
FCI Type
Digit
2
E
Type
Electrostatic
Reset
Catalog No.
S M R T Manual Reset Tool
S R P B Replaceable Battery
24
24-hour reset
ND
4-minute reset
Trip Rating
L
LED Light Indication (4-hour reset)
Digits
3 4
LB
Trip Rating
LED Light Indication with Replaceable Battery
(std. 4-hour reset)
V T
Variable Trip
24L
24-hour reset, LED Light Indication
24LB
24-hour reset, LED Light Indication with
Replaceable Battery
NDL
4-minute reset, LED Light Indication
NDLB
4-minute reset, LED Light Indication with
Replaceable Battery
Notes:
1. The S.T.A.R. FCI catalog number may vary in length from 4 digits to 7 digits.
2. The standard S.T.A.R. FCI catalog number may be truncated after entering digits 1-4.
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S320-62-1
SAFETY
FOR LIFE
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S.T.A.R. PATHFINDER Variable Trip ER Faulted Circuit Indicator Installation Instructions
© 2009 Cooper US, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
All Cooper logos, Cooper Power Systems, S.T.A.R, FISHEYE, and Pathfinder are
valuable trademarks of Cooper US, Inc. in the U.S. and in other countries. You are not
permitted to use the Cooper Trademarks without the prior written permission of Cooper
US, Inc.
IEEE Std 495™-1986 standard is a trademark of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers, Inc., (IEEE). This publication/product is not endorsed or approved by the IEEE.
S320621 Rev 0 (Replaces 5000050848 Rev. 2)
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