14
Locating pipes and cables
The ACCUPOINT 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
Active frequencies are applied to the
target pipe or cable using the transmitter,
and provide the most effective way of
tracing buried pipes or cables.
Generally speaking, it is better to use a
low frequency on larger, low impedance
utilities, and move to a higher frequency on smaller, high impedance utilities.
The lowest power setting required to trace the target utility should always be used to
minimize the risk of false trails.
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 and enables the
use of lower frequencies, which can be traced for longer distances.
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. You select the
appropriate frequency. The transmitter will then induce the signal indiscriminately
to any nearby metallic conductor. In induction mode, using higher frequencies is
generally recommended as they are induced more easily onto nearby conductors.
