Earth Fault Indicator Circuit

This circuit indicates the integrity of wiring connections. It shows all the mains connections –
Phase, Neutral and Earth connections – are intact or not. The circuit is too small and can be
housed in a three pin plug case.

Earth Fault Indication Circuit Diagram

NON CONTACT AC LINE TESTER

The proposed circuit is actually a very sensitive radio frequency detector and is able to pick even the slightest of
electrical disturbance that may be present in the area surrounding it. It is also able to detect the presence of the
mains AC voltage from quite a fair distance. Therefore, to find a break inside electrical wiring, the unit’s antenna
may be just dragged across the whole length of the suspected wiring. The circuit will just stop, indicating the
presence of an AC phase exactly at the point where the break may have occurred, and thus is able to pinpoint
the exact place of the cut in the wiring.

How does the Circuit Function?

By referring to the circuit schematic we can see that the whole circuit is wired around the IC 324, which is a
package of 4 op-amps or quad op-amps.

It forms the heart of the circuit. One of its op amps, A1, is configured as a high gain current to the voltage
converter and the second one, A2, is used as a buffer to produce a stabilized output on detection of an AC signal.

(Click Image to Enlarge)

The circuit is directly connected to mains to monitor the status of the connections. Earth
connection is a must in domestic wiring to bleed current to the earth if the metal body of a
device is accidentally touched with the phase line. This circuit indicates
1. Red and Green LEDs ON Phase, Neutral and Earth OK
2. Red and Green LEDs OFF Phase or Neutral Break / Power failure
3. Red LED ON Phase and Neutral OK
3. Green LED OFF Earth line break
The circuit gets power supply through C1 and R3. AC Capacitor C1 reduces the high volt AC
to a safer level through capacitive rectance. Resistor R3 limits the inrush current and R4 gives
discharge path for the stored current in C1 when the circuit is unplugged. Zener diode ZD
regulates the voltage to a safer level to protect T1 when it is off. Voltage across ZD will be a
square wave by the working of C1 and the voltage level depends on the breakdown value of
zener (9 volts). When a potential of 230 volt is present between the phase and neutral lines,
T1 turns on during the negative half cycle of AC and Green LED lights indicating that Earth
connection is intact. This is because the base of T1 will be biased by the potential difference
between the phase line and earth. If the earth connection is not intact, T1 will not get base
bias and it remains off. Red LED lights during the positive half cycle of AC due to the
potential difference between the phase and neutral lines.
Enclose the circuit in a 3 pin plug and connect points A, B and C to the phase, neutral and
earth pins respectively. Plug it into th

e 3 pin socket to test the wiring.

Warning The circuit is kept at mains lethal potential. Do not touch any parts to avoid
lethal shock. Do not construct this circuit unless you are experienced in handling High volt
AC.

NON CONTACT AC LINE TESTER

The proposed circuit is actually a very sensitive radio frequency detector and is able to pick even the slightest of
electrical disturbance that may be present in the area surrounding it. It is also able to detect the presence of the
mains AC voltage from quite a fair distance. Therefore, to find a break inside electrical wiring, the unit’s antenna
may be just dragged across the whole length of the suspected wiring. The circuit will just stop, indicating the
presence of an AC phase exactly at the point where the break may have occurred, and thus is able to pinpoint
the exact place of the cut in the wiring.

How does the Circuit Function?

By referring to the circuit schematic we can see that the whole circuit is wired around the IC 324, which is a
package of 4 op-amps or quad op-amps.

It forms the heart of the circuit. One of its op amps, A1, is configured as a high gain current to the voltage
converter and the second one, A2, is used as a buffer to produce a stabilized output on detection of an AC signal.

(Click Image to Enlarge)

Cable Tester Uses Quad Latch

This circuit was designed to allow microphone cables or other cables to be easily tested for intermittent

breaks that can often be difficult to find using a multimeter. The circuit can test cables with up to four

cores. Both switches used in the circuit are momentary contact push-buttons and it can run from a 9V

battery, in which case the 7805 regulator can be omitted. To test a cable, connect it between the two

sockets and press switch S2 which resets all four latches in IC1, setting them low. This turns on all four

LEDs.

NON CONTACT AC LINE TESTER

The proposed circuit is actually a very sensitive radio frequency detector and is able to pick even the slightest of
electrical disturbance that may be present in the area surrounding it. It is also able to detect the presence of the
mains AC voltage from quite a fair distance. Therefore, to find a break inside electrical wiring, the unit’s antenna
may be just dragged across the whole length of the suspected wiring. The circuit will just stop, indicating the
presence of an AC phase exactly at the point where the break may have occurred, and thus is able to pinpoint
the exact place of the cut in the wiring.

How does the Circuit Function?

By referring to the circuit schematic we can see that the whole circuit is wired around the IC 324, which is a
package of 4 op-amps or quad op-amps.

It forms the heart of the circuit. One of its op amps, A1, is configured as a high gain current to the voltage
converter and the second one, A2, is used as a buffer to produce a stabilized output on detection of an AC signal.

(Click Image to Enlarge)

NON CONTACT AC LINE TESTER

The proposed circuit is actually a very sensitive radio frequency detector and is able to pick even the slightest of
electrical disturbance that may be present in the area surrounding it. It is also able to detect the presence of the
mains AC voltage from quite a fair distance. Therefore, to find a break inside electrical wiring, the unit’s antenna
may be just dragged across the whole length of the suspected wiring. The circuit will just stop, indicating the
presence of an AC phase exactly at the point where the break may have occurred, and thus is able to pinpoint
the exact place of the cut in the wiring.

How does the Circuit Function?

By referring to the circuit schematic we can see that the whole circuit is wired around the IC 324, which is a
package of 4 op-amps or quad op-amps.

It forms the heart of the circuit. One of its op amps, A1, is configured as a high gain current to the voltage
converter and the second one, A2, is used as a buffer to produce a stabilized output on detection of an AC signal.

(Click Image to Enlarge)

A good connection for each core of the cable will mean that the relevant Set inputs of the latches (pins 3, 7,

11 & 15) will be pulled high and the appropriate LED will remain on. A broken connection in the cable

will result in the relevant Set input being pulled low by the associated 10kΩ resistor and the so the LED

will be off. Because the circuit latches, it is easy to pinpoint even the smallest breaks by simply flexing and

twisting the cable up and down its length until one of the LEDs turns off. To test different types of cables,

simply connect appropriate sockets in parallel with or in place of the XLR sockets.

How can I detect AC 'reverse polarity' (single phase) (without the use of
ground/earth) and drive a led when the polarity is reversed?

It should at least detect 230 VAC but it would be cool/informative for future
readers if the solution could work in US and EU (approximately 120 VAC to
250 VAC).

I did find this (non-isolated!) circuit, but I can not get it to simulate (the
simulator complains that it needs ground or the LED blinks on both halves of
the wave).

NON CONTACT AC LINE TESTER

The proposed circuit is actually a very sensitive radio frequency detector and is able to pick even the slightest of
electrical disturbance that may be present in the area surrounding it. It is also able to detect the presence of the
mains AC voltage from quite a fair distance. Therefore, to find a break inside electrical wiring, the unit’s antenna
may be just dragged across the whole length of the suspected wiring. The circuit will just stop, indicating the
presence of an AC phase exactly at the point where the break may have occurred, and thus is able to pinpoint
the exact place of the cut in the wiring.

How does the Circuit Function?

By referring to the circuit schematic we can see that the whole circuit is wired around the IC 324, which is a
package of 4 op-amps or quad op-amps.

It forms the heart of the circuit. One of its op amps, A1, is configured as a high gain current to the voltage
converter and the second one, A2, is used as a buffer to produce a stabilized output on detection of an AC signal.

(Click Image to Enlarge)

Source: 1 & 2

NON CONTACT AC LINE TESTER

The proposed circuit is actually a very sensitive radio frequency detector and is able to pick even the slightest of
electrical disturbance that may be present in the area surrounding it. It is also able to detect the presence of the
mains AC voltage from quite a fair distance. Therefore, to find a break inside electrical wiring, the unit’s antenna
may be just dragged across the whole length of the suspected wiring. The circuit will just stop, indicating the
presence of an AC phase exactly at the point where the break may have occurred, and thus is able to pinpoint
the exact place of the cut in the wiring.

How does the Circuit Function?

By referring to the circuit schematic we can see that the whole circuit is wired around the IC 324, which is a
package of 4 op-amps or quad op-amps.

It forms the heart of the circuit. One of its op amps, A1, is configured as a high gain current to the voltage
converter and the second one, A2, is used as a buffer to produce a stabilized output on detection of an AC signal.

(Click Image to Enlarge)

My questions are then:

 Is the above schematic really functional and how does it work?

 Is there a better or alternative way (MCU or perhaps even an IC) that does this?
Update:
Most current answers are leading me to believe one needs a reference. Now
I'm thinking, why not create one? Something like a 'virtual ground' or
somewhere along that line?
Update 2:
Today I read that older single-phase watt/hour-meters will run backwards if
neutral and hot are reversed.. Why is this and couldn't the reason for this
behavior be used in a 'equivalent circuit' that detects 'reverse polarity'?
Also, I wonder: could a hall-effect sensor be used to recognize a unloaded
'hot' wire, since a hot wire clearly emits a diversity of electromagnetic

My questions are then:

 Is the above schematic really functional and how does it work?

 Is there a better or alternative way (MCU or perhaps even an IC) that does this?
Update:
Most current answers are leading me to believe one needs a reference. Now
I'm thinking, why not create one? Something like a 'virtual ground' or
somewhere along that line?
Update 2:
Today I read that older single-phase watt/hour-meters will run backwards if
neutral and hot are reversed.. Why is this and couldn't the reason for this
behavior be used in a 'equivalent circuit' that detects 'reverse polarity'?
Also, I wonder: could a hall-effect sensor be used to recognize a unloaded

NON CONTACT AC LINE TESTER

The proposed circuit is actually a very sensitive radio frequency detector and is able to pick even the slightest of
electrical disturbance that may be present in the area surrounding it. It is also able to detect the presence of the
mains AC voltage from quite a fair distance. Therefore, to find a break inside electrical wiring, the unit’s antenna
may be just dragged across the whole length of the suspected wiring. The circuit will just stop, indicating the
presence of an AC phase exactly at the point where the break may have occurred, and thus is able to pinpoint
the exact place of the cut in the wiring.

How does the Circuit Function?

By referring to the circuit schematic we can see that the whole circuit is wired around the IC 324, which is a
package of 4 op-amps or quad op-amps.

It forms the heart of the circuit. One of its op amps, A1, is configured as a high gain current to the voltage
converter and the second one, A2, is used as a buffer to produce a stabilized output on detection of an AC signal.

(Click Image to Enlarge)

 'hot' wire, since a hot wire clearly emits a diversity of electromagnetic fields
and elf radiation?

The moment the antenna of the circuit is taken near a conductor carrying AC, the vibrations around the conductor
are immediately picked up. These tiny alternating vibrations induce a corresponding current ripple into the circuit,
disturbing the overall stability of the circuit.

 These input disturbances are instantly amplified by A1 and converted into an output voltage equal to the peak supply voltage
of the circuit. The out put is fed to the next amplifier stage via capacitor C1.

On receiving the pulse, A2 further amplifies the signal to produce a visual indication, showing the presence of an AC phase,
and vice versa.

The value of R2 may be increased or decreased to correspondingly increase or decrease the sensitivity of the circuit.

 Parts List
The following parts may be procured from your local electronic spare part retailer. Just hand over this list to him and he will
know exactly what requirements you have and provide you with the items on the list:

All resistors are 1/4 watt, 5%, CFR, unless otherwise specified.
R1 = 100 K,

NON CONTACT AC LINE TESTER

The proposed circuit is actually a very sensitive radio frequency detector and is able to pick even the slightest of
electrical disturbance that may be present in the area surrounding it. It is also able to detect the presence of the
mains AC voltage from quite a fair distance. Therefore, to find a break inside electrical wiring, the unit’s antenna
may be just dragged across the whole length of the suspected wiring. The circuit will just stop, indicating the
presence of an AC phase exactly at the point where the break may have occurred, and thus is able to pinpoint
the exact place of the cut in the wiring.

How does the Circuit Function?

By referring to the circuit schematic we can see that the whole circuit is wired around the IC 324, which is a
package of 4 op-amps or quad op-amps.

It forms the heart of the circuit. One of its op amps, A1, is configured as a high gain current to the voltage
converter and the second one, A2, is used as a buffer to produce a stabilized output on detection of an AC signal.

(Click Image to Enlarge)

 R2 = 10M (means 10 Mega Ohms - 1Mega Ohms is equal to 1000Kilo Ohms and 1Kilo Ohms is equal to 1000 Ohms. Ohm
is the basic unit of measurement for resistors.

R3 = 470 Ω,

C1 = 0.01microFarad, CERAMIC, DISC

A1, A2 = IC 324,

BATTERY 9V PP3,

GENERAL PCB,

PLASTIC ENCLOSURE

 Construction Clues
The circuit of this non-contact AC voltage detector can be easily built within a small piece of general PCB with the help of
the given circuit schematic. Just insert all the procured components into the PCB, bend their leads to interconnect, and solder
the relevant points. The whole assembly, along with a 9 Volt battery, may then be enclosed inside a small plastic container
with only its antenna protruding out of the box. The antenna may be any conductor 3 inches in length, fixed externally to the
box and connected internally to the circuit.

(Click Image to Enlarge)

NON CONTACT AC LINE TESTER

The proposed circuit is actually a very sensitive radio frequency detector and is able to pick even the slightest of
electrical disturbance that may be present in the area surrounding it. It is also able to detect the presence of the
mains AC voltage from quite a fair distance. Therefore, to find a break inside electrical wiring, the unit’s antenna
may be just dragged across the whole length of the suspected wiring. The circuit will just stop, indicating the
presence of an AC phase exactly at the point where the break may have occurred, and thus is able to pinpoint
the exact place of the cut in the wiring.

How does the Circuit Function?

By referring to the circuit schematic we can see that the whole circuit is wired around the IC 324, which is a
package of 4 op-amps or quad op-amps.

It forms the heart of the circuit. One of its op amps, A1, is configured as a high gain current to the voltage
converter and the second one, A2, is used as a buffer to produce a stabilized output on detection of an AC signal.

(Click Image to Enlarge)

While testing, do not let any of your body part touch the antenna of the unit, as that will produce a false indication.

The unit is now ready and may be used to trace out the AC voltage interruptions within the wiring in question.

NON CONTACT AC LINE TESTER

The proposed circuit is actually a very sensitive radio frequency detector and is able to pick even the slightest of
electrical disturbance that may be present in the area surrounding it. It is also able to detect the presence of the
mains AC voltage from quite a fair distance. Therefore, to find a break inside electrical wiring, the unit’s antenna
may be just dragged across the whole length of the suspected wiring. The circuit will just stop, indicating the
presence of an AC phase exactly at the point where the break may have occurred, and thus is able to pinpoint
the exact place of the cut in the wiring.

How does the Circuit Function?

By referring to the circuit schematic we can see that the whole circuit is wired around the IC 324, which is a
package of 4 op-amps or quad op-amps.

It forms the heart of the circuit. One of its op amps, A1, is configured as a high gain current to the voltage
converter and the second one, A2, is used as a buffer to produce a stabilized output on detection of an AC signal.

(Click Image to Enlarge)