Cable Avoidance Tool & Signal Generators are a vital addition to the Trace and Access leak detection contractor.
Most CAT tools have three modes
- Power – The Power mode provides the most efficient way of locating buried electricity cables. When set to this mode, the Cable Avoidance Tool will detect the signal emitted by the electrical current.
- Radio – In Radio mode, the Cable Avoidance Tool can be used by itself. It will detect the re-radiated radio-type signals that are often present on buried metal pipes and cables. By detecting these signals the Cable Avoidance Tool can determine the position of buried services.
- Generator – The Generator mode requires the CAT to be used with the signal Generator. In this mode the Cable Avoidance Tool will detect the signal applied to a metal pipe or cable by the Genny, allowing it to identify and trace buried utilities. In addition to this, when set to the Generator mode the Cable Avoidance Tool can also detect the signal being transmitted by a Sonde, allowing it to trace non-metallic pipes.
Radiodetection gCAT4+ Cable Avoidance Tool
This model is equipped with an automatic recording system which stores up to 2 years’ worth of usage data in its internal memory.
Data can be later retrieved and
analysed using a USB lead
and a PC
C-Scope CXL3 Standard CAT – Depth
The C.Scope CXL3 Cable Avoidance Tool is a robust and affordable industry standard locator used to detect buried pipes and cables prior to excavation.Hitting and damaging buried services when excavating is costly and potentially very dangerous. The C.Scope Cable Avoidance Tool is the ideal ‘pick-up-and-go tool to locate buried pipes and cables, quickly and reliably, time after time.
SAFE, SIMPLE, QUICK AND RELIABLE
The C.Scope Cable Avoidance Tool has three familiar detection modes (POWER, RADIO AND GENERATOR) to select from. Each mode provides its own specific advantages. Many operators will be familiar with these operating modes.The POWER mode is the quickest way to detect most buried electricity cables by detecting the signal created by the electrical current itself.The RADIO mode detects re-radiated Radio type signals that are often present on metal pipes and cables allowing their position to be determined using just the Cable Avoidance Tool alone.The GENERATOR mode is used to detect the signal applied to a metal pipe or cable by a C.Scope SGA3 Signal Generator. In addition the Generator mode can be used to detect the signal being transmitted by a C.Scope Sonde for non-metallic pipe tracing.
C.Scope MXL4-D–S Datalogging Multi Frequency Cable Locator
Key Features
- Radio, power, transmitter and AllScan modes
- Picks up signals at 131kHz, 33kHz, 8kHz, 640Hz and 512Hz
- Depth measurement between 0.1m and 9.99m
- Depth measurement accuracy: ±5%
- Depth measurement resolution: 0.1m
- Peak Hold
- AlarmZone™ for shallow obstacles
- Swing indicator prevents incorrect use
- Internal memory for datalogging
- Data transfer via USB cable
- Automatic daily self test
- IP65 rated
- Three-year warranty
The C.Scope MXL4-D Datalogging Multi Frequency Locator is a useful cable locator and tracer which stands out because of its large detection range for signal frequencies. Multiple detectable frequencies allow the locator to find and trace all sorts of underground pipes and cables, right the way from thin streetlight wiring to large utility pipes. The highly sensitive locator is also optimised for negating interference.
In addition to an all purpose 33kHz signal, the C.Scope MXL4-D can also pick up a 131kHz signal which is suitable for locating or tracing short, thin or unearthed wires. The two frequencies can be simultaneously detected for utility avoidance. For tracing longer cables, the locator can pick up an 8kHz signal, whilst two ultra low frequency signals – 512Hz and 640Hz – are available for specialist applications such as locating blockages in metal pipes. This is all performed in conjunction with the C.Scope MXT4-D Transmitter.
Other operating modes on the C.Scope MXL4-D offer excellent flexibility. As a standalone instrument, the locator works in power and radio mode which can detect signals from live electric current and radio-type signals from subterranean metal surfaces. AllScan mode is also available which detects signal frequencies which may lie outside the capabilities of other modes.
Further to its multiple frequencies and operating modes, the C.Scope MXL4-D provides accurate depth indications from 0.1 to 9.99m with a resolution of just 0.1m. The locator’s peak hold function helps pinpoint pipe/cable location and trace the line of the utility by remembering where the signal is strongest. AlarmZone™ gives the user warning if obstacles are particularly close to the surface. The Swing Indicator sounds when the locator is swinging too much to take accurate readings.
The data logging functionality of the C.Scope MXL4-D means that it can store roughly 12-months’ worth of data on its 2GB internal memory. This information can be transferred by a USB cable to a PC for further analysis and storage with free C.Scope PC Toolkit software. Readings are displayed on the locator’s clear LCD screen.
An automatic daily self test helps ensure accuracy and the C.Scope MXL4-D had weatherproof, IP65-rated casing for use in challenging environments.
Leica – Utilifinder 8242347 Cable Avoidance Tool
The UTILIFINDER+ is easy to use and intuitive in design, with a large LCD screen indicating signal strength and other parameters. No calibration is required to ensure accuracy in detection and the rugged IP54 rated casing makes it shower proof and suitable for harsh on-site environments. These characteristics make the UTILIFINDER+ the ideal tool for building sites and excavation crews, requiring no training to use and possessing adequate robustness to survive drops and moisture ingress.
The Leica UTILIFINDER+ Cable Avoidance Tool is a simple to use instrument intended to support those who are at risk of striking buried infrastructure during digging or excavating. The potential for accidental damage to underground services is significant within many building and contracting industries, with personal injury, service disruption and additional cost being major concerns. This device is intended to be used without specialist knowledge, enabling located of buried cables and pipes up to 3m below ground.
The UTILIFINDER+ can be enhanced with the addition of the UTILIGEN or UTILIDRAIN.
The UTILIGEN can be plugged into any household socket to apply a signal onto power cables. Use the UTILIFINDER+ to locate this signal and obtain depth readings for unseen cable networks with the press of a button.
As a submersible IP68 rated device, the UTILIDRAIN can be inserted deep into pipe and sewer networks. Used alongside the UTILIFINDER+, this can enable pipe system mapping and help locate troublesome blockages.
