Underground cable locators find the precise location of buried utility cables. A cable locator works by sending an electrical signal into the ground with a transmitting component and tracking that signal with a receiving component. The transmitter’s electromagnetic field is programmed to a frequency matching the cable conductor type, generally ranging anywhere from 1 kHz to 480 kHz. Operators begin testing at the lowest possible frequency and only adjust the frequency if necessary. A variety of cable location methods can be performed with an underground cable locator: direct connect, in which the transmitter is connected to a surfaced portion of the cable; induction, by which the cable locator sends the signal into the ground itself; and induction coupling, a technique in which a ring-shaped coupling device encompasses the cable and sends a signal into the cabling system. These products are also known as underground wire, pipe or line locators.
ATEC offers affordable underground cable locator rental equipment from leading manufacturers like 3M Dynatel and Megger.