We stock a wide range of cable avoidance tools from the likes of C-Scope and Radiodetection that are ideal for detecting and then tracing subterranean obstacles such as power cables, water pipes and gas pipes. Cable strikes in particular pose a great risk to workers and carry massive financial penalties. Such risks are heightened in modern cities where there is a patchwork of underground utilities so it is very important that all potential obstacles are correctly detected and traced before starting the excavation phase of construction work.
Our cable avoidance tools work by detecting signals at a range of different frequencies to locate metallic obstacles of differing sizes. They can work with signal generators or as a standalone instruments in certain modes (typically only for live electricity cables) and allow a non-invasive inspection of the ground before the user starts digging. Higher-spec models have features such as depth measurement, bluetooth communication and internal memories.
Although cable avoidance tools work as standalone instruments, they are most effective when used in combination with a signal generator. Signal generators emit radio signals at various frequencies that are capable of energising metallic objects of varying sizes and lengths. This signal can then be detected by cable avoidance tool for tracing. The main advantage of signal generators is that they can energise objects such as water and gas pipes that normally produce no radio signal of their own. They can also be used in conjunction with pipe tracers to allow cable avoidance tools to trace non-metallic obstacles.