How to Find a Break in Buried Wire
Underground or invisible fences, such as dog fences, use electrical wires to transmit a signal. Your dog's collar detects the signal and your dog receives a minor shock if he attempts to cross the perimeter of the invisible fence. Because the wires emit an electrical signal, finding a break in buried wire requires finding the point where the signal breaks. This can be done by using a radio frequency interference choke (RF choke) --- an inductor that blocks higher frequencies in an electrical current and passes the signal to a lower frequency. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Walk around and visually inspect the yard. Breaks in underground wires are typically the result of a digging project. Pay attention to recently upturned ground and holes.
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2
Purchase an AM radio and an RF choke at an electronic store. Electric fences emit a radio signal that can be picked up by an AM radio.
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3
Disconnect the two lead wires connected to the transmitter. Connect the RF choke leads to the transmitter where the two lead wires were connected.
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Connect the transmitter wires to the leads of the RF choke.
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5
Turn on the AM radio and tune it between 60 and 600. The radio will pick up the signal from the fence and emit a tapping or pulsating sound.
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Walk around the perimeter of the buried wire. The radio will continue to emit a pulsating sound until you are few feet from the break in the underground wire. When you are close to the break the pulsating sound will stop.
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