Radiodetection Pipe and Cable Locators: Models, Features and Factors to Consider

Detection devices are used across dozens of fields, from residential and commercial security systems to gold prospecting or locating underground cabling and pipes in construction and utilities. They’re especially efficient in home renovations or large-scale development projects involving extensive excavation work (think inground pools or updating old plumbing) where the risk of hitting gas pipes or live lines poses significant hazards.

While age-old practices like divining have their pseudo-scientific charm in finding water and underground objects, professionals in the construction, water, power and gas industries turn to the range of Radiodetection underground locators to rule out surprises. Radiodetection is the industry leader in detection technology, with a wide selection of patented precision locators, cable avoidance tools, magnetic locators, ground penetrating radar (GPR), dehydrators and cable test technology. With best-in-class equipment used worldwide, choose Radiodetection for solutions designed to prevent property and infrastructure damage, manage residential and commercial assets and ensure maximum operator safety.

Radiodetection Cable and Pipe Locator Range

The company’s latest range of cable and pipe locators are built with advanced digital processing and an array of advanced antennas for precision detection. The range starts with the affordable Cable Avoid Tool (C.A.T4 and C.A.T4+) lines and expands to different versions of industry-leading RD8200 locators. Let’s take a closer look.

C.A.T4 and C.A.T4+

Electromagnetic locators in the CAT4 series are designed to swiftly and accurately detect electrical frequencies emitted by buried cable, wire, and pipeline infrastructure. The locator can be used independently or in conjunction with the dual-frequency Genny4 signal booster. Standout detection features include:

• Avoidance mode – for swift simultaneous scanning and detection of power, radio and Genny signal.
• Power mode – to locate electromagnetic signals emitted by live cables
• Radio mode – to detect long-range radio signals in buried cables and pipes
• Genny mode – to detect signals transmitted by the Genny4, with additional on-demand depth estimation of buried services.

The locators also utilize Radiodetection’s unique Dynamic Overload Protection processing to reject electrical interference in challenging areas; StrikeAlert™ to prevent hitting shallow cables and reduce false warnings; SWING™ to avoid operator errors and eCert™ for precision calibration. A comprehensive feature list of two dozen selectable frequencies, active and passive location, integrated Bluetooth connectivity and data logging with GPS/GNSS for location survey reporting provide professionals with a fully loaded, connected and easy-to-use utility locator.

RD8200 Locator

If you’re after a no-compromise precision locator used across multiple industries and applications, then nothing comes close to the RD8200. This is designed for all-day heavy-duty use in challenging and complex environments. Lightweight, fast, precise and easy to use, the RD8200 comes jam-packed with proprietary tech and features.

Legible, industry-grade displays for outdoor use, precise depth and current readouts with Radiodetection’s TruDepth™ and high-performance audio and vibration alerts provide unmatched detection speed, accuracy and reliability with consistent and repeatable results.

To detect utilities in congested, near substations or high-voltage lines, the RD8200 series goes above the competition with the company’s proprietary Power Filters™ technology and establishes a signal source or a current direction signal from a compatible transmitter. Precision is further enhanced with the Dynamic Overload Protection seen in the CAT locators. For a full-on connected experience with easy data transfer, choose the PD8200G with built-in GPS and data logging capability.

Other Products in the Radiodetection Locator Range

The PD8200 and PD8200 are Radiodetection’s most advanced cable and pipe locators. But if you don’t need the standout features or want to save some cash consider other detection devices in the company lineup. The more affordable yet still powerful D7200 features much of the detection capabilities of the higher range (though with fewer active and no custom frequencies), while still retaining the crisp display, rugged build and goodies like Vibration Handle for noisy settings.

Choose the Tx range of transmitters to boost signal acquisition, accessories like Current Direction transmitter clamps, extension rods, battery chargers and locator clamps for improved precision and all-day use; and pair these Radiodetection underground locators with the company’s full array of mapping tools, GPR, pipe inspection kits, sondes, Time Domain Reflectors (TDRs) and more for your detection and surveying needs.

What Radiodetection Brings to the Table

With the latest tech, ergonomic and lightweight designs and the full scope of accessories, Radiodetection devices reduce risks by enhancing the safety of site personnel by reducing the number of pipes and cables they hit. Strikes endanger health and there have been serious injuries and fatalities.

Speedy detection saves downtime in excavation work, and precision lowers costs with fewer disruptions due to property damage or required repairs. This extends to multiple areas, including construction, telecommunications, utilities, councils, power supply and more. Lastly, Radiodetection helps build your business and reputation with lower exposure to compensation claims or fines for non-compliance from regulatory bodies.