Cable Avoidance & Fault Location

All of the equipment you need for safe detection, tracing, and the unearthing of buried cable utilities and other hidden types of underground utility. Ensure excavation personnel are always working safely with this comprehensive range of equipment including CAT & Gennys, cable fault locators, and cable spiking equipment.

Although most of us don't realise it, so many things are hidden that power our daily lives. Underfoot we have everything from sewers to high-speed fibre optic broadband cables ensuring that modern life is more comfortable than ever before.

As is the case with anything, these systems are prone to breakage and - due to their underground nature - are much harder to locate and repair than systems that are out in the open. Excavation teams should always ensure that they use specialist cable tools and detectors to map out the underground before excavation takes place as it's easy to accidentally strike a buried utility and can cause damage to the system or the person carrying out the excavation.

CAT and Gennys are most suited to this application. Designed to be used together, these devices are purpose-built for identifying the location of buried utilities, effectively allowing a person carrying out excavation work to safely move around buried utilities.

A CAT (shortened version of cable avoidance tool) is used for tracing underground utilities that generate a signal. These include electrical cables that are giving off electromagnetic fields and by picking up on these the professional using the CAT can trace the path of the cable underground.

A genny is used when the buried utility does not generate its signal. The genny generates (hence the name) a signal that bounces off an underground utility and is then picked up by a CAT.

Popular Products

Radiodetection CAT4 Cable Avoidance Tool: A cutting-edge device that elevates safety and efficiency in excavation by accurately pinpointing underground utilities. With multiple detection modes—Power Mode for live cables, Radio Mode for long-range signals, and Genny Mode for enhanced tracking—the CAT4 excels in rapid surveying. Its innovative Avoidance Mode allows for simultaneous detection of Genny, power, and radio signals, while StrikeAlert warns of shallow buried utilities.
Radiodetection Genny4 Signal Generator: A powerhouse that dramatically enhances the detection of underground utilities lacking detectable signals. Working seamlessly with the CAT4 range, it provides pinpoint location data by generating a standard 33kHz signal for general utility detection and a higher frequency for smaller cables like telecoms and street lighting. With an adjustable Signal Boost function for locating deeper utilities, the Genny4 is portable and powered by four D-cell batteries.
C.Scope CXL3 Cable Avoidance Tool: This robust device is designed to detect buried pipes and cables, ensuring safety and preventing costly damage before excavation. It operates in three modes—Power Mode for live electricity cables, Radio Mode for re-radiated signals from metallic utilities, and Generator Mode for signals from a signal generator. With its large LCD, detachable loudspeaker, and user-friendly controls, the CXL3 is suitable for all skill levels.
Megger DigiPHONE+2 Shockwave Acoustic & Electromagnetic Receiver: State-of-the-art tool for precise underground cable fault location, combining acoustic and electromagnetic methods. Its advanced Background Noise Reduction filters out interference, while the Automatic Proximity Mute eliminates unwanted noise.
BAUR Protac® Cable Sheath Fault Locator: Ensures precise and efficient detection of cable sheath faults, combining acoustic and electromagnetic pinpointing in a single versatile system. With adaptive noise suppression technology for enhanced acoustic clarity and a two-level signal processing concept for high sensitivity, it also boasts Bluetooth® connectivity for wireless operation and intuitive 3D user guidance.
EA Technology CS2-DS CableSniffer: Enables rapid and precise fault detection in underground low voltage (LV) cables. By analyzing gases emitted from deteriorating cable insulation through 8mm boreholes, it can locate faults within an hour and with an accuracy of better than one metre. Lightweight and easy to use, requiring minimal training, the CableSniffer detects gas concentrations as low as 60 ppm, streamlining the fault location process while minimizing disruption and environmental impact.
Radiodetection LMX200 Display Unit: A vital part of the LMX200 Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) system, enhancing the detection and mapping of underground utilities. With its high-visibility 21 cm touchscreen that operates seamlessly even with gloves, it offers a user-friendly interface, supports multiple languages, and accommodates both metric and US standard units. Advanced features like Grid Scan mode and external GPS connectivity ensure precise geo-referencing, while built-in Wi-Fi enables real-time data export and on-site report generation, making it an indispensable tool for efficient and accurate utility location.
Suparule CHM600E Cable Height Meter: User-friendly device designed for accurate measurement of overhead cables, cable sag, and clearance. Utilizing ultrasonic technology, it can measure up to six cables simultaneously within a range of 23 meters (75 feet) and an accuracy of 0.5%. With its intuitive three-button interface and built-in temperature sensor for automatic compensation, the CHM600E provides quick, reliable readings, making it a superior alternative to traditional telescopic measuring poles.
Lee Vaughan Mk V High Voltage Cable Identifier: A sophisticated tool for accurately identifying high voltage power cables before maintenance. It features a transmitter that injects an interrupted signal into the cable and a receiver that provides clear audible and visual indicators. With selectable power output—four times that of the Mk IV—an additional roving coil for tightly bunched cables and enhanced noise suppression.
ACVOKE Cable Spiker: Safely de-energizes high voltage cables up to 275 kV and 110 mm in diameter. It operates by firing a steel spike to short-circuit the power using .44" calibre blank cartridges, requiring no external power. With a long lanyard and release pin, it allows operators to maintain a safe distance, ensuring safety in electrical distribution work.
CATU MO-331 Automatic Come-Along: A specialised tool for handling insulated cables, featuring an automatic gripping mechanism that ensures a secure hold. Ideal for high-voltage applications, it prioritizes safety and efficiency, making it a favourite among professionals in the utility and rail sectors.

FAQs

What is cable avoidance?
Cable avoidance is the process of detecting and avoiding underground utilities during excavation to prevent damage and hazards. Tools like Cable Avoidance Tools (CAT) and Signal Generators (Genny) are used to locate cables and pipes using different modes.
What are the basic steps in cable avoidance?
Cable avoidance ensures safe excavation and protects underground utilities through a systematic approach. It starts with planning and reviewing utility maps, followed by scanning with tools like CAT and Genny to detect buried services. Hand digging around marked areas minimizes damage, and if utilities are encountered, excavation stops and the utility company is contacted.
How do cable locators work?
Cable locators detect electromagnetic fields from underground utilities in two modes: active and passive. Active mode uses a transmitter to create a detectable field for precise tracing, while passive mode picks up natural signals from live cables or reradiated radio signals, offering quicker but less precise detection. Signal frequency impacts performance, with lower frequencies travelling further and higher frequencies providing greater accuracy. Many modern locators use multiple frequencies for balance and can estimate utility depth by measuring the field strength at different heights.
Why is cable avoidance training important?
Cable avoidance training is vital for teaching workers to safely detect and avoid underground utilities during excavation. It helps prevent accidental strikes on buried cables and pipes, avoiding service disruptions, costly repairs, and safety hazards. By using detection tools like CAT and Genny, workers can accurately locate utilities and adhere to safe practices. This training ensures regulatory compliance and promotes a culture of safety, ultimately protecting workers and the public while improving construction efficiency.
What equipment is used for cable avoidance?
Cable avoidance utilizes specialized equipment to detect and avoid underground utilities during excavation. Key tools include Cable Avoidance Tools (CAT) that detect electromagnetic signals from live cables and Signal Generators (Genny) that apply signals to non-live utilities. Ground Penetrating Radars (GPR) locate non-conductive pipes. Modern CATs often feature depth estimation, data logging, and GPS for accurate utility mapping, ensuring safety and preventing damage.
How does a CAT and Genny work?
A Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT) and Signal Generator (Genny) work together to detect underground utilities for safe excavation. The Genny emits a signal that creates an electromagnetic field around buried utilities, while the CAT detects this field to pinpoint their location and depth. Operating in Power Mode for live cables, Radio Mode for metallic utilities, and Genny Mode for Genny signals, this combination ensures accurate detection and minimizes the risk of accidental damage during excavation.
What are the common causes of cable faults?
Common causes of cable faults include ageing and wear, mechanical damage from construction, moisture ingress leading to short circuits, and electrical overloading that deteriorates insulation. Improper installation practices, chemical exposure, and rodent attacks can also compromise cables. Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure reliable operation.
How can I locate a cable fault?
Locating a cable fault involves a systematic approach using specialized equipment. It starts with pre-location methods like Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) or Bridge Methods to estimate the fault's distance. Once the area is identified, techniques such as Acoustic Detection and Electromagnetic Fault Locators pinpoint the fault accurately. Visual inspection and manual digging may also confirm its exact position, minimizing excavation and repair time.
What safety measures should be taken during cable fault location?
During cable fault location, key safety measures include conducting a site survey to identify hazards and ensuring accurate utility maps. Workers should wear appropriate PPE like insulated gloves and safety boots. Detection tools like CAT and Genny must be calibrated and operated by trained personnel. Mark detected utilities to avoid accidental strikes and use safe digging practices, such as hand digging. Maintain clear communication among team members and utility companies, and adhere to local regulations to minimize risks and ensure safety.