Who Can Use This Equipment
•This equipment must only be used by people suitably trained in the use of pipe and
cable locators.
Work-site Safety
•Use your company’s, or other applicable safety codes and rules when using this
equipment.
•Unless having the required authorization, license and appropriate training – do not
make connections to any pipe, cable or conductor.
•The equipment should not come in contact with corrosive or hazardous chemicals,
or gases or dust.
•Do not directly connect this equipment to cables or pipes that have a potential
difference to ground of greater than 25V AC.
Equipment Safety
•Do not open the enclosures (housings) of either the transmitter or receiver.
•Place the ground stake firmly in the ground before connecting the cable from the
transmitter.
•Do not hold any uninsulated portion of the connection leads & clips when the
transmitter is switched on.
Batteries and Environmental Safety
Vivax-Metrotech products use four types of batteries:
• Alkaline batteries
• Ni-MH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) batteries – rechargeable
• Lithium-Ion batteries – rechargeable
•Lithium-Metal batteries – (small non-rechargeable button cells for “clock”
applications)
1. Alkaline Batteries (Non-Rechargeable)
•When replacing the alkaline batteries – use only the size and type specified – do
not mix battery types (rechargeable and alkaline).
•Do not mix partially discharged and fully charged cells in the same battery pack –
do not mix old with new.
• Never attempt to charge alkaline batteries.
2. Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries (Rechargeable)
•When using rechargeable batteries, use only the correct charging device supplied
or specified by the manufacturer. The battery pack or the battery charger will contain
circuitry to manage the charging process – other chargers (even if they have the
same connector, polarity, voltage & current rating will not have the same control
circuitry and can cause damage to the product, overheating, and in extreme cases
fire or harm to the individual.
•Do not assume that if the plug fits, it is the correct charger – a charger with the
correct part number must be used – just because it is a Vivax-Metrotech charger,
and the plug fits does not mean it is the correct charger.
•Before using for the first time, charge rechargeable batteries for six hours. If at any
time the rechargeable batteries do not last as long as anticipated – discharge fully
and then charge for six hours.
•Care should be taken when charging batteries – Never repeatedly recharge batteries
(or turn power off & on) without using the instrument. If used with an inverter in a
vehicle – charge the product then unplug the charger and do not charge again until
the rechargeable batteries have been used for at least ten minutes. Failure to do
this could result in the overcharging of the battery which will shorten the life of the
battery and could in some circumstances cause overheating or fire.
•If ever the product becomes hot during the charging process, immediately unplug
the charger and use the rechargeable batteries for at least ten minutes before
recharging. If this reoccurs the next time the unit is charged – return immediately to
Vivax-Metrotech for repair.
•Do not charge batteries for prolonged periods of time without using the locator for
at least ten minutes. Charging for prolonged period of time could overcharge the
battery, reduce the battery life and in extreme circumstances cause damage to the
locator and fire.
3. Lithium-Ion Batteries (Rechargeable)
•Lithium-Ion Batteries – some products use Lithium-Ion batteries – the requirements
for marking and transportation are still developing. Please contact Vivax-Metrotech
before shipping products containing Lithium-Ion batteries or Lithium-Ion battery
packs on their own for any “special instructions”.
4. Lithium-Metal Batteries (Non-Rechargeable)
•Commonly known as “button cells” these are small – non-rechargeable batteries
used to power internal “clocks” within some units (similar to computers). Generally,
they have a life of three to five years.
• Under no circumstances should any attempt be made to charge these batteries.
•Dispose of to your company’s work practice/environmental standards, the prevailing
laws, or recognized best practice. Always dispose of batteries responsibly.
5. General Rules regarding Disposal of Batteries
•Never disassemble a battery, or battery pack.
•Never dispose of in a fire or water.
•Dispose of batteries in accordance with your company’s work practice/environmental
standards, the prevailing laws, or recognized best practice. Always dispose of
batteries responsibly.
6. Transportation of Lithium-Ion and Lithium-Metal Batteries
•The Lithium-Ion and Lithium-Metal batteries used in Vivax-Metrotech products meet
the required safety standards and include the designated protection circuitry.
•Recent regulation changes require that when batteries with Lithium-Ion and Lithium-
Metal batteries are transported, the packaging must include specified warning
labels.
•Please contact Vivax-Metrotech Customer Service (USA 1-800-446-3392,
International +1-408-734-1400 (USA Pacific Time Zone)) for more details.
•Regulations have also changed regarding the shipping of spare battery packs
(battery packs that are not inside a product). There are limitations on the weight of the
package, and the packaging must be marked with the appropriate warning labels.
•Please contact Vivax-Metrotech Customer Service (USA 1-800-446-3392,
International +1-408-734-1400 (USA Pacific Time Zone)) for more details.
•Vivax-Metrotech vLoc Series 3 products using Lithium-Ion battery are classified as
“not restricted” they can be shipped normally by road/rail/sea & air (passenger &
freight aircraft) without restrictions.
IMPORTANT
Remember – Batteries contain dangerous chemicals –
They can be aected by many things such as water ingress
or heat – In some circumstances they can explode. They
also can cause electric shocks!
Care of Equipment
• Use equipment only as directed in this User Handbook.
•Do not immerse any part of this equipment in water.
• Store in a dry place.
• Keep equipment in the case provided when not in use.
• If left for prolonged period of time – remove alkaline batteries.
• Keep unit clean and free of dust and dirt.
• Protect against excessive heat.
Care when Interpreting the Information provided by the Locator
•Like all locators – this instrument is locating and providing depth and current
readings based on electromagnetic signals that radiate from the buried cable or
pipe. In most cases these signals will enable the locator to pinpoint both position
depth and current correctly.
•Beware – in some cases other factors will distort electromagnetic fields radiating
from cable or pipe being located, resulting in incorrect information.
•Always locate responsibly and use information learned during your training to
interpret the information provided by the locator.
•Do not provide information regarding depth of cable or pipe to anyone unless
authorized to do so by your company.
•Remember that depth measurements are to the center of the electromagnetic field or
pipe – In the case of pipes this may be significantly deeper than the top of the pipe.
American & Canadian Safety Notices
USA
•This transmitter and receiver comply with the general conditions of operation,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
οCFR 47 Part 2
οCFR 47 Part 15
•Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void
the user’s authority to operate the products.
CANADA
•Equipment is for use by trained operators only, and not for general household or
consumer use.
•Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
EUROPE
•Vivax-Metrotech confirms that the location system is compliant with relevant
provision of European directive 1999/5/EC.
οEN 55011
οEN 61000-4-2: A1 & A2
οEN 61000-4-3
οEN 61000-4-8: A1
οETSI EN 300 330-2
οETSI EN 301 489-1
οETSI EN 301 489-3
General Safety & Care Information
