What Is a Cable Locator?
A cable locator is a device used to detect the position and depth of buried electric and communication cables, both underground and within walls.
Cable locators are designed to accommodate various depths. Some models are capable of detecting cables in challenging areas such as roads or locations with obstacles. In addition to identifying the position and depth of cables, they can also detect damaged areas. By applying the means of cable position detection, cable locators can also detect other objects such as rebar, water pipes, and bracing.
Uses of Cable Locator
Cable locators are primarily used for the following purposes:
1. Detection of Power Cables and Communication Cables
Cable locators are used to examine the position, depth, and breakage points of high and low-voltage power cables. The detection of power cables is crucial for the maintenance, development, and troubleshooting of power transmission networks.
They are also used to investigate the position, depth, and connection status of communication cables such as telephone lines, coaxial cables, and LAN cables. Detecting communication cables is essential for the maintenance, development, and troubleshooting of communication networks.
2. Detection of Gas Pipes and Water Pipes
Cable locators are employed not only for cable detection but also for detecting other objects. For example, they are useful for examining the position, depth, and leakage points of metal gas pipes and water pipes. Detecting gas pipes and water pipes is crucial for the maintenance, development, and response to leaks in piping networks.
Principle of Cable Locator
Cable locators primarily comprise a transmitter, a receiver, and a display unit. The transmitter sends an electrical signal to the target cable, while the receiver picks up this signal to obtain information about the cable. If the target cable is exposed, the transmitter can be directly connected to it for signal transmission. If the cable is buried underground or within a wall, the transmitter is placed on the ground or the wall surface to transmit the electrical signal indirectly.
The electrical signal sent from the transmitter flows through the cable. During this process, weak electromagnetic waves are generated around the cable. By detecting these waves as probing signals, the receiver can determine the position and depth of the cable. It’s important to note that the transmitter emits an alternating current signal with specific frequency and intensity.
The receiver is equipped with an antenna and detects the weak electromagnetic waves around the cable. By moving the receiver, it is possible to detect the position and depth of the target cable. The results are displayed on the display unit.
Other Information about Cable Locators
1. Reasons Why Cable Locators Can Detect Pipes
Cable locators can detect metal gas pipes and water pipes. Since metals are conductive, applying an electric current to each pipe generates weak electromagnetic waves around them, similar to cables.
By detecting these electromagnetic waves as probing signals, it is possible to determine the position and depth of each pipe. Furthermore, if there is a leak, the probing signal in that area changes, allowing the identification of the leak location.
2. Functions of Cable Locators
Cable locators are equipped with various functions, including two fundamental ones as follows:
Continuous Depth Measurement Function
This function continuously measures depth in real time. The depth is displayed on the screen in real-time, providing insight into the depth variation. Sudden changes in depth can be easily identified.
Peak Hold Function
When using a cable locator to search for pipes, for example, the probing signal is maximum (peak value) directly above the targeted pipe. Therefore, cable locators have a peak hold function that memorizes this peak value.
By storing the peak value, the cable locator can notify the operator if they pass the target pipe, making it user-friendly even for inexperienced users.
3. Rental of Cable Locators
Cable locators are specialized measuring instruments and expensive devices. Additionally, the required type and performance vary depending on usage frequency and purpose. Therefore, cable locator rental services are available, offering various types and performance levels at a lower cost. Users can rent cable locators and receive instructions on usage and precautions, making these rental services widely utilized.