Demystifying Utility Locating Systems

Don’t be daunted by high-tech utility locators. With a little know-how, this tool can be a technician's best friend.

Dec 09, 2015 | by Ken Wysocky |

Subsite Electronics Utility Locating Systems Cropped — Understanding how a utility locating system works — and knowing how to use it — isn't as complicated as you might think, but proper training is still an essential component.

A technician using a utility locating system appears to be a magician of sorts. By slowly waving a wand through the air, he quickly detects the precise location and depth of a buried utility line — and at the same time, greatly enhances job site safety and productivity. Pretty neat trick, right?Of course, technicians are not magicians; they’re wielding some impressive technology. But to the uninitiated, understanding and using these high-tech instruments can seem daunting. Transmitters, receivers, grounding stakes, milliamps, and hertz (Hz) and kilohertz (kHz) frequencies — how does it all work?Understanding the basics As confusing as it may appear, it all boils

Please login or register to view MSW articles. It's free, fast and easy!