10
11
Locating pipes and cables
For more detailed descriptions of using the locator and transmitter, and for detailed
locate techniques, refer to the Operation Manual.
The RD5100H
2
O locator is designed to operate with the ‘blade’ of the locator
perpendicular to the path of the cable or pipe being located.
Locating with Active Frequencies
An active frequency (83kHz) is applied
to the target pipe or cable using the
transmitter, and provides the most
effective way of tracing buried pipes or
cables.
The transmitter can apply a signal using
three different methods:
Direct connection
In direct connection, you connect the
transmitter directly to the pipe or cable
you wish to survey using the red Direct
Connect lead supplied. The black lead is
generally connected to earth using the supplied ground stake.
The transmitter will then apply a discrete signal to the line, which you can trace using
the locator. This method provides the best signal on an individual line.
WARNING: Direct connection to live conductors is POTENTIALLY LETHAL. Direct
connections to live conductors should be attempted by fully qualified personnel only
using the relevant products that allow connections to energized lines.
Induction
The transmitter is placed on the ground over or near the survey area, aligned at an
angle of 90° in the horizontal plane with respect to the metal pipe under investigation.
Note. The correct transmitter orientation for induction is indicated on the
transmitter body label with a blue arrow.
Select Guidance mode (83kHz frequency). The transmitter will then induce the signal
indiscriminately to any nearby metallic conductor.
Transmitter Clamp
An optional signal clamp can be placed around an insulated live wire or pipe up to
215mm (8.5") in diameter to transfer the transmitter signal to the utility. This method
of applying the transmitter signal is particularly useful on insulated live wires and
removes the need to disconnect the supply to the cable.
WARNING: Do not clamp around uninsulated live conductors.
WARNING: Before applying or removing the clamp around a power cable ensure that
the clamp is connected to the transmitter at all times.
Locating with Passive Frequencies
Passive frequency detection takes advantage of signals that are already present on
buried metallic conductors. The RD5100H
2
O supports Power passive frequencies.
Power frequencies may be detected without the aid of the transmitter.
Locate Modes
The RD5100H
2
O can operate in Guidance (83kHz) or Peak (Power) modes.
GUIDANCE:
Proportional arrows and a ballistic ‘needle’ combine with audio left/right
indication for rapidly tracing the general path of a buried utility.
PEAK:
For accurate locating, the peak bargraph provides a visual readout of the
signal strength. The peak signal is found directly over the buried utility. Peak mode is
automatically selected in Power mode.
Depth, current and compass readouts
WARNING: Never use the depth measurement readout as a guide for mechanical or
other digging activity. Always follow safe digging guidelines.
The RD5100H
2
O locator can measure and display the utility depth, locate signal current
and the relative orientation of the cable or pipe to the locator. This helps you to make
sure that you are following the right cable or pipe, especially when other utilities are
present.
The RD5100H
2
O locator features TruDepth
™
, a feature that helps you to ensure
the accuracy of your locates or Survey Measurements. The depth and current are
automatically removed from the display when the locator is at an angle of more than
7.5° from the path of the cable or pipe being located, or when the locator determines
that signal conditions are too poor for reliable measurements.
