Underground cable locators find the precise location of buried utility cables. Locating underground cables is important in job fields as it prevents potentially dangerous situations from arising.
How to use an underground cable locator
Using a cable fault locator takes a high volume of skill as the process of locating underground cable faults can be crucial. 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.
how to find The underground cable fault location
A variety of cable location methods can be performed with an underground cable locator: directly 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 an underground wire, pipe, or line locators.
Locating a cable fault is required in any instance where the fault cannot be seen. Multiple steps must safely occur to properly locate the underground cable fault. The first step in making the cable safe is to isolate and then ground either one or both of the cable fault ends. The cables must then be identified and eventually traced. Cable tracing is important as it determines that the route of the cable is following the desired path. The next step in finding an underground cable fault location is identifying the fault. An impulse generator is usually necessary to diagnose the fault and that is why the proper test equipment is needed for this crucial step in underground cable fault location. In addition to underground cable fault locators, Advanced Test Equipment Corporation has an extensive line of cable fault locators for rent.
Choosing the Right underground cable locator rental
There are many choices when it comes to choosing a sufficient underground cable locator rental. Key factors that come into play when choosing to rent an underground cable locator include weight, design, software, display, and frequency. A reliable underground cable locator is essential, and ATEC offers affordable underground cable locator rental equipment from leading manufacturers like 3M/Dynatel, Amprobe, Leica Geosystems, and Megger.