Cutting the wrong cable in a multi-cable trench is costly and dangerous. The XHSB505B cable identifier lets field teams verify live and de-energized cables quickly and accurately before cutting, during cable fault repair, re-location and maintenance work.
The XHSB505B is a dual-mode cable identifier designed for power cable engineers and electric power industry workers. Its transmitter outputs a regular 800Hz pulse signal onto the target cable, generating an induced signal along the cable. The receiving clamp and receiver convert, detect and identify the signal: by comparing the amplitude, pulse number and polarity shown on the 3.2-inch LCD, operators can positively identify the target cable among many identical cables in one trench. The instrument supports both live (energized) and de-energized cable identification, and consists of a transmitter, a transmitter clamp, a receiver and a flexible receiver clamp.
The transmitter applies its regular pulse signal directly to one core of the de-energized cable. The far end of that core is grounded so the current returns through the earth loop. The flexible receiver clamp is placed around each cable at the working end: the target cable carries the strongest signal in the same direction as the injected current, while other cables show weaker or opposite signals. Other unused cores and the armor should not be grounded during this test, so that return current cannot cancel the injected signal.
Without any operation on the cable itself, the transmitter clamp couples the pulse signal onto the armor/sheath layer of the three-core armored target cable, which must be reliably grounded at both ends. Because the coupled current is much smaller than direct injection, raise the receiver gain when working in live mode. The arrows on the transmitter clamp and the receiver clamp must both point toward the cable far end. The coupling method is not suitable for live single-core high-voltage cables.
| Emission Frequency | 800Hz pulse signal |
|---|---|
| Pulse Period | 2.75s per pulse group |
| Output Voltage | Level I: 145V (direct connection); Level II: 240V (clamp coupling); error ±10% |
| Output Current | 0–10A (instantaneous average) |
| Output Mode | Direct output for de-energized identification; clamp coupling for live identification |
| Protection | Short-circuit protection (output short-circuit test allowed); overheat protection with auto fan cooling |
| Output Indication | Ammeter needle swings regularly and power lamp flashes while transmitting |
| Transmitter Power | 12.6V 5200mAh rechargeable lithium battery, 4+ hours continuous work |
| Transmitter Charger | 12.6V 1A DC charger |
| Transmitter Dimensions / Weight | 268×193×100mm / 1.5kg |
| Transmitter Clamp Jaw | φ105mm; clamp size 320×180×35mm, 3m cable, 1.3kg |
| Display | 3.2-inch color LCD |
|---|---|
| Functions | Live cable identification & de-energized cable identification |
| Detection Range | De-energized: 0Ω∼2.5kΩ; Live: 0Ω∼20Ω (mainly determined by grounding resistance and cable impedance) |
| Signal Indication | Signal amplitude, pulse number and polarity shown in real time; “√” under all three with “Target Cable” status = target; “×” = non-target cable |
| Gain Adjustment | 1–8 levels, adjustable by keys |
| Signal Calibration | One-key calibration on the target cable; do not change gain after calibration; re-calibrate for each different cable |
| Receiver Power | 7.4V 2200mAh rechargeable lithium battery, about 5 hours continuous work |
| Receiver Charger | 8.4V 1A charger |
| Receiver Dimensions / Weight | 240×100×36mm / 360g |
| Flexible Receiver Clamp | Rogowski coil, inner diameter about φ200mm, cable diameter 11mm, lead about 2m; non-contact measurement |
| Working Temperature | -20°C∼+55°C (80% RH or below) |
|---|---|
| Storage Condition | -20°C∼+40°C, ≤95% RH, no condensation |
| Total Weight | About 7kg (complete kit with receiver) |
| Housing | Portable ABS housing, withstands about 10kg pressure |
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| Transmitter | 1 |
| Receiver (3.2-inch LCD) | 1 |
| Transmitter clamp (φ105mm) | 1 |
| Flexible receiver clamp (φ200mm) | 1 |
| Crocodile-clip test leads (red / black, 1.5m) | 1 each |
| 12.6V 1A charger (for transmitter) | 1 |
| 8.4V 1A charger (for receiver) | 1 |
| Export wooden case with shock-proof foam | 1 |
Q1. Can the XHSB505B identify a cable without switching off the circuit?
A: Yes. In live identification mode the transmitter clamp couples the pulse signal onto the armor/sheath of the target cable without stripping or disconnecting it, so identification can be performed while the circuit stays in service. The target cable must be a three-core armored cable with both ends of its sheath reliably grounded. Direct connection mode must never be used on energized cables.
Q2. Which wiring method should I use for de-energized identification?
A: The manual provides two direct connection methods. Method 1 (recommended in complex sites): connect the red lead to one cable core, the black lead to an earth mesh or a ground pin driven deep into moist soil, and ground the far end of that same core; keep other unused cores and the armor ungrounded so return current cannot cancel the signal. Method 2 is simpler (red to core, black to the copper screen or armor) but is more easily disturbed by neighboring cables. Choose Method 1 when the environment is complex and the cable insulation is good.
Q3. The receiver shows a “×” under polarity or “Non-target Cable” on the cable I believe is correct. What should I check?
A: Check in this order: (1) the arrows on the transmitter clamp and the flexible receiver clamp must point to the cable far end and stay consistent with the signal direction; (2) the red and black leads must be plugged into the correct output ports; (3) the receiver clamp must encircle only the target cable, not neighboring cables; (4) the red lead must be connected to the core or sheath, not to ground; (5) the correct output level and wiring method are selected; (6) the gain is set to a suitable level (1–8); (7) the target cable is not damaged or broken. Re-calibrate after checking, or switch to another identification method.
Q4. How long do the batteries last and how should they be maintained?
A: The transmitter uses a 12.6V 5200mAh lithium battery supporting 4+ hours of continuous work, and the receiver uses a 7.4V 2200mAh battery supporting about 5 hours. Charge the transmitter when the battery indicator drops to one bar (below about 10.5V). The charger LED is red while charging and turns green when full. If the instrument is stored for a long time, recharge it about every 3 months. Never test with the battery cover open.
Q5. Can the coupling (live) mode be used on single-core high-voltage cables?
A: No. The live coupling method is designed for ordinary three-core sheathed cables, whose three-phase currents cancel each other externally. On a live single-core high-voltage cable the strong power-frequency current can saturate the clamp and make correct signal reception impossible. For such cables, carry out identification after de-energizing and use the direct connection method.
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