EN 50249:2002

Electromagnetic locators for buried pipes and cables - Performance and safety

This notification gives guidance for the choice of metallic pipe and cable locators

Elektromagnetische Ortungsgeräte für unter Erde verlegte Rohre und Kabel - Leistungsmerkmale und Sicherheit

Localisateurs électromagnétiques pour câbles et canalisations enterrés - Performances et sécurité

Electromagnetic locators for buried pipes and cables - Performance and safety

General Information

• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 08-Oct-2002
• ICS: 17.220.20 - Measurement of electrical and magnetic quantities
• Technical Committee: CLC/TC 13 - Equipment for electrical energy measurement and load control
• Drafting Committee: IEC/TC 13 - IEC_TC_13
• Parallel Committee: IEC/TC 13 - IEC_TC_13
• Current Stage: 6060 - Document made available
• Due Date: 09-Oct-2002
• Completion Date: 09-Oct-2002
• Ref Project: SIST EN 50249:2004 - Electromagnetic locators for buried pipes and cables - Performance and safety

Standards Content (sample)

SLOVENSKI SIST EN 50249:2004
STANDARD
januar 2004
(istoveten EN 50249:2002)
Electromagnetic locators for buried pipes and cables - Performance and safety
ICS 17.220.20 Referenčna številka
SIST EN 50249:2004(en)

© Standard je založil in izdal Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje ali kopiranje celote ali delov tega dokumenta ni dovoljeno

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EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 50249
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM October 2002
ICS 17.220.20
English version
Electromagnetic locators for buried pipes and cables -
Performance and safety
Localisateurs électromagnétiques Elektromagnetische Ortungsgeräte für
pour câbles et canalisations enterrés - unter Erde verlegte Rohre und Kabel -
Performances et sécurité Leistungsmerkmale und Sicherheit

This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2002-07-01. CENELEC members are bound to

comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European

Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on

application to the Central Secretariat or to any CENELEC member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other

language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and

notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.

CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic,

Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta,

Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 35, B - 1050 Brussels

© 2002 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.

Ref. No. EN 50249:2002 E
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EN 50249:2002 – 2 –
Foreword

This European Standard was prepared by CENELEC BTWG 72-2, Metallic pipe and cable

locators.

The text of the draft was submitted to the formal vote and was approved by CENELEC as

EN 50249 on 2002-07-01.
The following dates were fixed:
- latest date by which the EN has to be implemented
at national level by publication of an identical
national standard or by endorsement (dop) 2003-07-01
- latest date by which the national standards conflicting
with the EN have to be withdrawn (dow) 2005-07-01
Annexes designated "normative" are part of the body of the standard.
Annexes designated "informative" are given for information only.
In this standard, Annexes A, C and D are normative and Annex B is informative.

Of all pipe and cable locators, those employing electromagnetic principles are the most

commonly used for locating buried metallic plant.
Pipe and cable locators are used for the following purposes:
– to determine the position of a buried target line at a particular location;
– to trace the route of a buried target line;
– to determine the position of lines buried adjacent to target lines.

Such locators make a major contribution towards minimizing the risk of damaging buried plant,

and injury to operatives, during subsequent excavation.

This European Standard specifies the minimum performance requirements to which all pipe and

cable locators should conform, in order to ensure that locators have an acceptable performance

consistent with the user's needs.
__________
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– 3 – EN 50249:2002
Contents

1 Scope................................................................................................................................... 5

2 Normative references............................................................................................................ 5

3 Definitions............................................................................................................................. 6

4 Principles of operation........................................................................................................... 7

5 General requirements............................................................................................................ 8

5.1 Enclosure.................................................................................................................... 8

5.2 Robustness................................................................................................................. 8

5.3 UV protection...............................................................................................................8

5.4 Controls....................................................................................................................... 8

5.4.1 Operation........................................................................................................8

5.4.2 Control size.....................................................................................................8

5.5 Temperature range...................................................................................................... 8

5.6 Relative humidity ......................................................................................................... 8

5.7 Battery housing access................................................................................................ 9

5.8 Power supply polarity protection................................................................................... 9

5.9 Power supply cell type ................................................................................................. 9

5.10 Battery operating life.................................................................................................... 9

5.11 Low battery warning..................................................................................................... 9

5.11.1 General...........................................................................................................9

5.11.2 Receiver test requirements............................................................................ 10

5.11.3 Transmitter test requirements........................................................................ 10

5.12 Transmitter case buoyancy........................................................................................ 10

5.13 External electrical connector protection ..................................................................... 10

5.14 Hazardous electrical contact...................................................................................... 10

5.15 Surface temperature..................................................................................................10

5.16 Electromagnetic compatibility..................................................................................... 10

5.17 Safety........................................................................................................................ 10

6 Transmitter construction...................................................................................................... 11

6.1 Transmitter case........................................................................................................11

6.2 Weight....................................................................................................................... 11

7 Electrical characteristics of the transmitter .......................................................................... 11

7.1 General..................................................................................................................... 11

7.2 On/off indication ........................................................................................................ 11

7.3 Frequency band.........................................................................................................11

7.4 Output level............................................................................................................... 11

7.5 Output current...........................................................................................................12

7.6 Monitoring.................................................................................................................. 12

7.7 Operation across live conductors – Safety ................................................................. 12

7.8 Operation across live conductors – Protection ........................................................... 12

8 Construction of the receiver ................................................................................................ 12

9 Electrical characteristics of the receiver .............................................................................. 13

9.1 General..................................................................................................................... 13

9.2 Visual/audio indication ............................................................................................... 13

9.3 Sensitivity .................................................................................................................. 13

9.4 Selectivity .................................................................................................................. 14

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EN 50249:2002 – 4 –

9.5 Single target line performance ................................................................................... 15

9.5.1 Response Width............................................................................................15

9.5.2 Location Accuracy.........................................................................................15

9.5.3 Depth Measurement Accuracy (if provided) ................................................... 15

9.6 Multiple target line performance................................................................................. 15

9.6.1 Response width.............................................................................................15

9.6.2 Location accuracy.........................................................................................15

9.6.3 Depth measurement accuracy (if provided).................................................... 18

10 Labels................................................................................................................................. 18

11 Documentation.................................................................................................................... 18

12 Cross references................................................................................................................. 18

Annex A (normative) Test methods........................................................................................... 21

Annex B (informative) General information for the user............................................................. 33

Annex C (normative) Documentation provided by the manufacturer .......................................... 36

Annex D (normative) Special national conditions....................................................................... 38

Figure 1 – Single target line – Response width ........................................................................16

Figure 2 – Single target line – Location accuracy.....................................................................16

Figure 3 – Multiple target lines – Response width ....................................................................17

Figure 4 – Multiple target lines – Location accuracy.................................................................17

Figure A.1.a – Test rig – Plan view .........................................................................................23

Figure A.1.b – Receiver test position x-x .................................................................................23

Figure A.2 – Receiver audible output test apparatus ................................................................27

Figure A.3 – Test method and test equipment for impact test ...................................................31

Table 1 – Cross-references ....................................................................................................19

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– 5 – EN 50249:2002
1 Scope

This European Standard specifies the performance and safety requirements for outdoor portable

electromagnetic locators for the location of buried conductive pipes, cables and wires (including

allied components) by means of detecting the electromagnetic field caused by a flow of a.c.

current.

An electromagnetic locator is not designed for use for specific cable identification purposes.

This European Standard excludes the following locators and locating systems:
a) radar systems;
b) fix point marker systems;
c) vibrating probes;

d) apparatus which detect such items as internal wiring, structural supports, and conduit in

buildings;

e) apparatus and built-in facility designed for the detection of metallic objects;

f) sondes and accessories for use for pipe location and guidance of drilling systems;

g) non-portable locators;
h) cable identifiers;
i) cable/insulation fault locators.

This standard is only applicable to locators, any accessible part of which is at less than

hazardous live, as defined in EN 61010-1.
2 Normative references

This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other

publications. These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the

publications are listed hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of

any of these publications apply to this European Standard only when incorporated in it by

amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of the publication referred to

applies (including amendments).

EN 50065-1 Signalling on low-voltage electrical installations in the frequency range

3 kHz to 148,5 kHz – Part 1: General requirements, frequency bands and
electromagnetic disturbances

EN 60068-2-5 Environmental testing – Part 2 : Tests – Test Sa: Simulated solar radiation

at ground level (IEC 60068-2-5)

EN 60068-2-6 Environmental testing – Part 2 : Tests – Test Fc: Vibration (sinusoidal)

(IEC 60068-2-6)

EN 60068-2-29 Basic environmental testing procedures – Part 2: Tests – Test Eb and

guidance: Bump (IEC 60068-2-29)

EN 60068-2-32 Basic environmental testing procedures – Part 2: Tests – Test Ed: Free fall

(IEC 60068-2-32)

EN 60068-2-64 Environmental testing – Part 2: Test methods – Test Fh: Vibration, broad-

band random (digital control) and guidance (IEC 60068-2-64)
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EN 50249:2002 – 6 –
EN 60086-2 Primary batteries – Part 2: Physical and electrical specifications
(IEC 60086-2)

EN 60315 Series Methods of measurement on radio receivers for various classes of emission

(IEC 60315 series)

EN 60318 Series Electroacoustics – Simulators of human head and ear (IEC 60318 series)

EN 60529 Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code) (IEC 60529)
EN 61000-6-2 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-2: Generic standards –
Immunity for industrial environments (IEC 61000-6-2)
EN 61000-6-3 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-3: Generic standards –
Emission standard for residential, commercial and light-industrial
environments (IEC 61000-6-3)

EN 61010-1 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and

laboratory use – Part 1: General requirements (IEC 61010-1)

EN 61010-2-031 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and

laboratory use – Part 2-031: Particular requirements for hand-held probe
assemblies for electrical measurement and test (IEC 61010-2-031)

EN 61010-2-032 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and

laboratory use – Part 2-032: Particular requirements for hand-held current
clamps for electrical measurement and test (IEC 61010-2-032)
3 Definitions
For the purposes of this standard the following definitions apply.
3.1
line
any metallic (conductive) pipe, wire or cable
3.2
locator
any device or system for determining the position of buried lines
3.3
target line
particular line that the user is trying to locate
3.4
signal

alternating magnetic field resulting from the flow of alternating electric current

3.5
passive signal

signal originating from a source other than a transmitter which emanates from lines, e.g. 50 Hz

power energy, re-radiated VLF energy and emission from lines carrying data
3.6
receiver
part of a locator which detects a signal and responds to changes in the signal
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– 7 – EN 50249:2002
3.7
active locator
locator comprising a transmitter and a receiver
3.8
transmitter
part of an active locator which causes a current to flow in a line or lines
3.9
passive locator
receiver that locates lines by detecting passive signals
3.10
active mode
mode in which the receiver responds to a signal generated by a transmitter
3.11
passive mode
mode in which the receiver responds to passive signals
3.12
induction mode

active mode in which a transmitter causes a signal by the use of an induction coil, which does not

require direct access to the line
3.13
clamp mode

active mode in which a transmitter causes a signal by the use of a toroidal magnetic core placed

around the line
3.14
direct connection mode

active mode in which a transmitter causes a signal by direct electrical connection of the

transmitter to the line
3.15
power mode

mode in which the passive signal is caused by the electric power distribution system

3.16
radio mode

mode in which the passive signal is caused other than by the electric power distribution system

3.17
response
change in receiver output as it reacts to a signal
3.18
detectable current range
range of current over which the receiver conforms to its specification
4 Principles of operation
Principles of operation and operating modes are outlined in Annex B.
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EN 50249:2002 – 8 –
5 General requirements
5.1 Enclosure
All enclosures shall be IP54, tested as specified in A.3.14.
5.2 Robustness

Receivers and transmitters shall suffer no detrimental effects as specified in A.3.12, when

subjected to the following robustness requirements:
a) vibration as specified in A.3.12.1;
b) free fall as specified in A.3.12.2;
c) bump as specified in A.3.12.3;
d) impact as specified in A.3.12.4.
5.3 UV protection
Locators shall be ultraviolet (UV) protected.
When tested in accordance with A.3.12.5, no cracking or distortion shall occur.
5.4 Controls

The controls shall be robust and shall be the minimum necessary, when subjected to the following

requirements:
5.4.1 Operation

The receiver shall be capable of being operated by the hand used to carry the instrument for a

given mode of operation. The controls shall be robust and shall be the minimum necessary.

Conformity shall be checked by inspection.
5.4.2 Control size

Receivers and transmitters shall have controls of a size permitting easy and positive operation

while the operator is wearing a pair of heavy-duty gloves.

Conformity shall be checked by satisfactory operation of the receiver and transmitter, including

adjustment of all controls, while wearing a pair of heavy-duty gloves.
5.5 Temperature range

The receiver and transmitter shall operate satisfactorily within at least the temperature range of

–10 °C to +50 °C.
Conformity shall be checked by the tests of A.3.8.
5.6 Relative humidity
The receiver and transmitter shall operate satisfactorily at 80 % RH.
Conformity shall be checked by the test of A.3.15.
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– 9 – EN 50249:2002
5.7 Battery housing access

Receiver and transmitter battery housings containing cells which require regular access shall

allow access without the use of tools. The battery housing shall be constructed so that if cell

decomposition occurs, the components of the locator are not affected. Indication of cell polarity

and type(s) shall be provided in or adjacent to the battery housing.
Conformity shall be checked by inspection.
5.8 Power supply polarity protection

The power supply of receivers and transmitters shall be reverse polarity protected.

Conformity shall be checked by either

a) it being physically not possible to install/connect the batteries and, where appropriate, the

battery assembly, such that the locator conforms to the tests specified at A.3.9,

b) be protected from incorrect installation/connection of batteries and, where applicable the

battery assembly, such that the locator conforms to the tests specified at A.3.9.

5.9 Power supply cell type

Receivers and transmitters shall use integral cell types conforming to EN 60086-2, or their

secondary cell equivalent.
Conformity shall be checked by inspection.
5.10 Battery operating life

A new set of primary cells or a set of fully charged secondary cells shall as specified by the

manufacturer permit continuous operation of locator units in the highest consumption mode

associated with the standard internal battery for a minimum period of 8 h at a temperature of

20 °C ± 5 °C without replacement or low battery warning operation.
Conformity shall be checked by the test of A.3.7.
5.11 Low battery warning
5.11.1 General

Receiver and transmitter units shall incorporate a means to warn the user to change the battery

when in use.
Conformity shall be checked by inspection.

The unit shall continue to operate for at least 15 min at 20 °C ± 5 °C after activation of the

warning.
Conformity shall be checked by measurement.

The unit shall operate within the performance specified in 5.11.2 for receivers and 5.11.3 for

transmitters when applying the minimum voltage declared by the manufacturer + 0,5 % - 0 %.

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EN 50249:2002 – 10 –
5.11.2 Receiver test requirements

Depending on the mode of operation of the locator, conformity shall be tested in accordance with

A.3.4.2.
5.11.3 Transmitter test requirements

Conformity shall be checked by carrying out the transmitter output level check specified in A.3.5.3

for an output load of 100 Ω.
5.12 Transmitter case buoyancy
The transmitter case shall not float when immersed in 25 mm depth of water.
Conformity shall be checked by carrying out the test specified in A.3.11.
5.13 External electrical connector protection

Transmitters and receivers shall have all external electrical connections protected against the

ingress of mud and debris (which prevent a connection being made) when not in use.

Compliance shall be checked by inspection.
5.14 Hazardous electrical contact

All parts of receivers and transmitters which can be contacted by the jointed test finger of

EN 60529 shall operate at less than hazardous live voltage as specified in EN 61010-1.

Conformity shall be checked by inspection.
5.15 Surface temperature

The surface temperatures of any parts of the locator shall not exceed those specified in

EN 61010-1 under normal or abnormal operation.
Conformity shall be checked by measurement.
5.16 Electromagnetic compatibility

The receiver and transmitter shall conform to generic requirements for electromagnetic

compatibility (EMC).
Conformity shall be checked in accordance with EN 61000-6-2 and EN 61000-6-3.
5.17 Safety

The receiver and transmitter shall conform to the safety requirements for electrical equipment for

measurement, control and laboratory use.

Conformity shall be checked in accordance with the general requirements specified in

EN 61010-1 and, where appropriate, with the particular requirements specified in EN 61010-2-031

and EN 61010-2-032.
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6 Transmitter construction
6.1 Transmitter case

The transmitter case shall be stable when it is standing on a surface which is inclined at 30° to

the horizontal.
Conformity shall be checked by testing (see A.3.10).
6.2 Weight

Transmitters, excluding accessories, should weigh no more than 4,0 kg, including batteries.

7 Electrical characteristics of the transmitter
7.1 General

Unless otherwise specified, all electrical tests shall be carried out with a new set of primary cells

or a set of fully charged secondary cells.
7.2 On/off indication

Transmitters shall have a clear indication of whether the unit is switched on or off. The indication

shall be either audio or visual or both.
Conformity shall be checked by inspection.
7.3 Frequency band

Transmitters shall operate only within approved frequency bands for each country of use, and

shall conform to EN 50065-1.

Conformity shall be checked by inspection of the manufacturer’s stated operating frequency and

evidence of the approved frequency band(s).

Data on transmitter signal characteristics shall be provided by the manufacturer in the technical

data sheet, as specified in Annex C.
Conformity shall be checked by inspection.

The manufacturer shall include in the technical data sheet and operating instructions that it is the

operator’s responsibility to apply for a licence, if necessary, from the appropriate national

regulatory authority for the intended country(ies) of operation.
Conformity shall be checked by inspection of manufacturer’s data sheet.
7.4 Output level

The - 3 dB points of the transmitter output level, including any modulations which, for example,

may be caused by low battery condition, shall be quoted by the manufacturer. They shall be

quoted in the technical data sheet for all modes of operation and for all output levels.

Conformity with regard to the - 3 dB points shall be checked by measurement of the frequency of

the output of the transmitter in each mode of operation. A 300 Ω ± 1 % resistive load shall be

connected when checking compliance in the direct connection mode.
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EN 50249:2002 – 12 –
7.5 Output current

For each frequency, the manufacturer shall quote the following in the technical data sheet.

a) For a set of new primary cells, or a fully charged set of secondary cells:

1) for the direct connection mode, a graph of output current against load resistance,

measured in accordance with A.3.5.3, shall be provided. If the output is user variable, the

graph shall contain maximum and minimum current levels;

2) for the induction mode, the current induced into the target line at a point 1 m below the

transmitter, measured in accordance with A.3.5.2 shall be stated;

3) for the clamp mode, for each clamp supplied by the manufacturer, the current in the

conductor passing through the clamp, shall be stated for each frequency of operation.

The current shall be determined by the method in A.3.5.1.

b) For a set of cells discharged until the low-battery indicator operates, the data specified in

7.5 a) 1), 2) and 3) shall be quoted.

c) If the output is user-variable, the maximum and minimum output levels shall be stated.

Conformity shall be checked by inspection of the technical data sheet.
7.6 Monitoring

Any communication between a transmitter and receiver used for monitoring and/or controlling the

status of the transmitter, e.g. battery condition, shall not adversely affect the location

performance accuracy.

Conformity shall be checked by the tests of A.3.4.2, with the communicator in operation.

7.7 Operation across live conductors – Safety

Transmitters shall continue to operate when the output is directly connected across a potential

difference of 50 V d.c. or 50 V a.c., 50 Hz.

Conformity shall be checked in accordance with the requirement of A.3.5.3, whilst the potential

difference is applied.
7.8 Operation across live conductors – Protection

The integrity of the transmitter shall not be degraded when the output is directly connected across

a pair of live conductors with a voltage of 250 V d.c. or 250 V a.c., 50 Hz.

NOTE 1 It is permissible for a protection device to operate, subject to the protective device being able to be reset by the

operator.

Conformity shall be checked by connecting the transmitter output leads to a 250 V a.c., 50 Hz

supply, then switching the transmitter on. The transmitter shall then, after resetting any protective

device, be tested in accordance with the requirements of A.3.5.2 and A.3.5.3.

NOTE 2 The test is not applicable if the transmitter incorporates an induction coil as aerial.

8 Construction of the receiver

Receivers, excluding accessories, should weigh no more than 3,5 kg, including batteries.

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– 13 – EN 50249:2002
9 Electrical characteristics of the receiver
9.1 General

All electrical tests shall be carried out with a new set of primary cells or a set of fully charged

secondary cells, unless otherwise stated.
9.2 Visual/audio indication

Receivers shall give either visual and audio or visual or audio indication of the location of buried

lines as follows.

a) Audio indication (fixed speaker). The output sound level measured at the loudest point under

the conditions of test of A.3.6 shall be 85 dB(A) ± 10 dB(A).
If an adjustable volume control is
...