A Cable Locator (CAT) is used for cable avoidance before any excavation work is carried out and is essential to avoid injury or even death. Cat & Geny devices are used by most because many people are killed or injured every year so using the equipment properly is essential. For an enhanced performance the use of th Signal Generator (Genny) which applies a signal to a cable or metal pipe so that harder to reach services can be traced.
A Signal Clamp is an easy and safe way to connect the Genny to a cable or a pipe in order to get an accurate tracing. It may also be useful to have a clamp in difficult or unsafe conditions where there is a live power cable or telecoms. It is recommended because precision is key when looking for cables and pipes that are underground. The cost and risks involved with striking a gas pipe are not worth thinking about so correct use of the equipment is essential.
How to take a reading
- Select mode
- Set the sensitivity to maximum
- Hold on/off trigger in the on position
- Search in grid pattern show
- When the signal is detected, move the CAT forward and back and turn the sensitivity down until only the peak response can be heard and seen.
Cable Locators come as either standard or depth model which indicates how deep the buried pipes and services are, and detectors likes the C-Scope CAT33XD are used by most surveyors. Here’s a rundown of the functions of the equipment:
Generator Mode: in this mode a Genny to trace the Genny’s signal can be worked out. Power Mode: will discover buried cables by looking for the flow of electricity along a loaded cable. Radio Mode: discovers the radio signals which are commonly associated with metal pipes and cables such as water, phone lines, and gas.
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