The traditional underground utility location methods were primarily based on the principle of electromagnetism where the target facilities were metallic or were placed with a metallic “tracer” wire. The equipment used for utility location consisted of two instruments- a transmitter and a receiver.
A signal was applied to the target conductor with the transmitter and then the receiver was used to locate the electromagnetic field that traveled along the cables or pipes. Time changed and for items which were deemed “not locatable”, there was a desperate need to deploy more specialized equipment to locate potentially hazardous items beneath the ground. This was because the items’ location could not be determined using conventional methods.
Private utility locating service is more affordable now and service providers have the latest and more advanced equipment, to locate facilities in virtually all areas. They make use of ground penetrating radars, acoustic locators, sondes (inserted in pipes) and conduits. Wherever necessary, physical potholing is also done to locate utilities. Adding this extra layer of protection allows operators to ensure safe operation at working sites and uninterrupted underground utility locating services.
Whether it’s a cutting, coring, drilling, excavation, or construction project, only choose from the best utility location service providers to make sure your project goes off without a hitch.
