C11 Acoustic-Magnetic Cable Fault Pinpointer

The C11 Acoustic-Magnetic Pinpointer pinpoints the exact cable fault dig location to under 0.5 m using combined acoustic and magnetic detection — factory direct at $2,600.

What Is the C11 Acoustic-Magnetic Pinpointer?

The C11 is a field instrument that locates the exact surface position of a cable fault after TDR pre-location. It detects two signals simultaneously: the acoustic thump of the fault discharging and the magnetic pulse that travels instantly to the fault. Where the two signals align on the ground is the precise excavation point.

Why Is Pinpointing Needed After TDR Pre-Location?

A TDR measures distance along the cable — "meter 780" — but cables curve and loop underground, so the surface location differs. The C11 converts that distance into an exact dig point within 30–60 minutes. Skipping pinpointing risks excavating at the wrong surface location and extending outage time.

How Accurate Is the C11 Pinpointer?

The C11 achieves pinpointing accuracy of 10% of cable depth, with a sensor dynamic range above 104 dB acoustic and 110 dB magnetic. Its intelligent background noise reduction (BNR) filters interference in three frequency bands (100 Hz–1,500 Hz). Faults at depths up to 5 m can be located reliably in field conditions.

How Does the C11 Work with Other Fault Location Tools?

The C11 completes the standard three-step workflow: TDR pre-location, HV conditioning when needed, then acoustic-magnetic pinpointing. It pairs with the A10 TDR and A30D impulse generator as an integrated kit. Multiple operators can pin point simultaneously via Bluetooth headphones and the companion app.

What Is Included with the C11?

Each C11 ships with a rechargeable battery (10+ hours), high-isolation headphones, carrying case, and a signed factory test certificate. It is CE certified and covered by a 1-year warranty with lifetime maintenance support.

Key Features

• Intelligent background noise reduction (BNR) with three-band filtering
• Acoustic-magnetic time-difference method for precise fault point location
• Complete cable path auxiliary testing with real-time monitoring
• Automatic drop-type sensor; Bluetooth APP and headphone connection
• Supports multi-person simultaneous pinpointing

Technical Specifications

Applicable Scenarios

• Fault pinpointing after TDR pre-location — find the exact dig point
• Deep underground cable faults — locate faults buried beyond visual inspection
• Pavement and roadway fault location — avoid unnecessary excavation
• Urban cable networks — pinpoint among congested underground infrastructure
• Contractor field service — on-site fault location across multiple client networks

Testing Method

1. Pre-condition — confirm the fault is pre-located by TDR and conditioned if high-resistance
2. Apply impulse — stress the fault with the impulse generator (A30D)
3. Walk the zone — walk along the cable route near the TDR distance
4. Align signals — mark where the acoustic peak and magnetic pulse align
5. Narrow the point — tighten sensitivity to find the signal peak
6. Mark & verify — spray-mark the dig point and confirm with a second cycle

Quality & Delivery

• 100% factory tested — calibration and test certificate included
• CE certified — EU EMC and LVD compliance
• Export packaging — foam-lined transit case
• Lead time — 10–15 days Qingdao/Tianjin/Shenzhen
• After-sales — 1-year warranty, lifetime maintenance, free training

FAQ

What is an acoustic-magnetic pinpointer?

A pinpointer that detects both the acoustic thump and magnetic pulse of a fault discharge to find the exact surface location.

How deep can the C11 detect cable faults?

The C11 reliably locates faults at depths up to approximately 5 m, depending on soil and fault energy.

Do I need a TDR to use the C11?

Yes — the C11 is the final step after TDR pre-location. It converts a fault distance into an exact dig point.

How is the C11 priced compared to Megger?

The C11 at $2,600 is 60–75% below the equivalent Megger PDL-22 ($5,000–$8,000).

Is the C11 CE certified?

Yes, the C11 complies with EU directives and ships with compliance documentation.