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The concept of using
electric field detection as a
means of locating Contact Voltage
is new. In fact, any application
of electric field detection is
largely new to the utility
industry. Traditional methods
rely on direct measurement of
physical system “end points”
such as service box covers,
manholes, and street lamps.
Contact Voltage, as manifested in
the publicly accessible
landscape, can appear on a
variety of surfaces, including
not just the system end points,
but all points between.
Frequently, sections of
sidewalk, fences, and earth are
found to be energized. The
variety of possible surfaces is
infinite, and not suitable for
contact measurement methods.
Electric field detection allows
for localization of hot spots
based on the fields emanating
from the energized surface. This
allows pinpoint localization. In
effect, it points a system
operator (utility) to the
location of the fault, so
repairs may be made. This
application can be likened to
gas leak detection, where a
sensitive detector is carried
around to sniff out gas leaks.
Central to Power Survey
Company's technology is the
SVD2000 mobile Contact Voltage
detector. This patented system
is a sophisticated device which
uses sensitive electronics and
advanced digital signal
processing to find Contact Voltage
sources by looking for their
electric field signatures.
What is the SVD2000?
The SVD2000 is a remote 50/60 Hz
system intended to assist in the
detection of dangerous stray
voltages that are hazardous to
humans or pets. It operates from
a vehicle moving at up to 20 mph
and has a detection range of up
to 30+ feet. The system consists
of a sensor unit, an electronic
processing unit, dual
side-looking video cameras, an
operator's console unit and a
GPS unit.
How does the
SVD2000 work?
- Sophisticated signal processing continuously monitors electric field strength from
a moving SVD2000 vehicle
- Signals are detected by the sensor unit
An audio signal is emitted with its pitch proportional to the strength of the voltage detected
- A "moving chart" graphical display of the electric field strength is produced using video imagery from the side-looking cameras
- Video imagery and digital data (longitude, latitude and street address of detected Contact Voltage) is logged for recall and replay at any time
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SVD2000 - The World's only
mobile, stand off, Contact Voltage
detection unit
In addition to the SVD 2000
detector, Power Survey Company has developed work
methods and test protocols
needed to operate the detector
and perform the necessary follow
up investigation needed to
pinpoint Contact Voltage sites. A
training program was developed
for Power Survey Company technicians. The
training component is a key
factor in the deployment of
highly effective field crews. |
