The difference between Pipe and Cable Locators and Magnetic Locators

Most people think that the Pipe and Cable Locator is the same thing as a Magnetic Locator. They are wrong. There is a big difference and you have to be careful that you buy the one that suits your needs best! Each of these locating systems detects different objects underground.

The Pipe and Cable Locators detect power signals and charges. It can locate power signals radiated by energized cables or it can trace signals originating from distant radio transmitters. These radio signals penetrate the ground and are reradiated by buried metallic cables and pipes. Basically it can detect anything that has a signal or charge such as electrical power cables, cable lines, telephone lines, power lines, water lines, tracer lines and anything that had a metallic conductor.

Health and Safety authorities all over the world advise that before undertaking any kind of excavation operators should firstly scan an area with a Cable Avoidance Tool. Even with this advice, site workers are still injured and killed due to inadvertently striking buried cables. Leica makes a fantastic Pipe and Cable Locator that can avoid these injuries called the Leica DIGICAT 100 Buried Service Locator. With the DIGISYSTEM operators can locate, trace and mark underground services quickly, precisely and reliably prior to excavation.

The Leica DIGICAT 100 Buried Service Locator uses the latest in location technology. By introducing an automatic pinpointing facility to accurately locate the cable, always starting up in power mode and at maximum sensitivity the DIGI SYSTEM takes away the need for awkward manual tuning, keeps you safer and locates faster. The DIGICAT 100 unit is designed to help avoid damage to underground services during excavation and is an easy to operate, fully automatic location system with the ability to manually tune if preferred. The Leica DIGI System has an audio and visual display of signal reception; it is waterproof, and designed for tough working conditions.

Now if you are looking for any object that is ferric, iron, lead or steel, you will need a Magnetic Locator. It will detect these objects underground, underwater, or in snow. If you are looking for PK Nails, Iron Pipes, Valve Covers, Masonry Nails, Manhole Covers, Cast Iron Water and Gas Lines, Surveyors Markers, Iron Tanks and any other item that will stick to a magnet you will need a Magnetic Locator.

CST/Berger makes great Magnetic Locators. They have the Magna-Trak MT200 Series Magnetic Locator and the Magna-Trak 100 Series Magnetic Locator. Both these series take technology one step into the future by including a multitude of convenience features you won't find anywhere else, like an LCD visual display and audio tone, a lightweight, easy-grip design, and water resistant cases. Magna-Trak locators also feature easy battery access and outstanding battery life, and they're backed by a 5-7 year warranty! Plus, a patented electronic balancing procedure allows balancing to be done quickly and efficiently.

The Magna-Trak magnetic Locators are also ergonomically designed for complete one-handed operation; so your other hand is free to use other equipment. It also lets you block out interference from a magnetic disturbance (such as a nearby fence).

Before you purchase a Magnetic Locator or a Pipe and Cable Locator remember the difference. A Magnetic Locator is used to detect iron, lead and steel, while a Pipe and Cable Locator is used to detect anything with a charge or signal.