If you or someone you know is trying to locate underground wires or cables, you’ll need an underground wire locator tool. An underground cable locator tool helps you detect and locate buried wires. Using this tool can help you pinpoint both the location and depth of the utilities before you even start digging.
At Wood Inspection Services, we understand the importance of using these tools correctly, and we’ve seen the consequences of making mistakes when using them. The potential outcomes can be severe, from damaging the utility line, causing service disruptions, or even risking injury or death if there are live electrical wires in the area.
Underground wire detection is crucial to ensuring a safe and effective excavation. In this article, we’ll highlight five rookie mistakes to avoid when using an underground wire locator.
Mistake #1: Skipping Device Calibration
Improper device calibration is one of the most common mistakes that people make when using an underground wire locator tool. Calibrating these tools is so important because it ensures the accurate detection of underground wires. Without calibration, you’ll get inaccurate readings, and this can later lead to damaged utility lines and disruptions in service.
Fortunately, calibrating a subsurface wire locator tool isn’t complicated. To start, all you have to do is select a known wire and then adjust the settings until you’re getting an accurate reading. After that, start adjusting the sensitivity based on the specific environment you’re in to get the best performance. For example, if the soil is dry, you’ll most likely have to increase the sensitivity for more accurate readings.
Mistake #2: Not Testing the Wire Locator Before Use
Testing the device before use is critical to ensure that it’s functioning correctly and will accurately detect the underground utilities you’re looking for. To properly test the device, you’ll need to find a known underground utility, such as a live wire, and ensure that the device can accurately locate and identify it.
Failure to test your wire locator before use can result in:
- Inaccurate readings
- Misidentifying locations
- Not knowing the depth of utilities
There are costly mistakes that can happen by not testing the wire locator before use. For example, assuming that the locator is functioning normally because it’s detecting a signal when the signal is coming from a completely different source than the one you’re looking for could lead to costly issues during repair work.
To test out your wire locator:
Set up the device: Find a live wire that you know the location of and switch your device to the correct mode.
Scan: Scan the area and make sure the readings are accurate.
Interference: Check to see if nearby power lines or other utilities are causing interference.
Mistake #3: Overlooking Underground Wire Detection Interference
Overlooking underground wire detection interference can affect the accuracy of your device. This can cause incorrect readings and improperly identifying buried utilities. Some of the more common sources of interference include nearby electronic devices, power lines, or other buried wires. To avoid interference, turn off nearby electronic devices and avoid scanning near other buried wires or power lines.
By taking the necessary precautions and not overlooking underground wire detection interference, you can avoid mistakes from occurring. Interference is another mistake that can lead to the misidentification of buried utilities that can cause issues during the excavation process.
Mistake #4: Failing to Mark Detected Wires
Failing to mark the location of detected wires can result in accidental damage and disruption during repair work. To mark the location of detected wires, it’s recommended to use bright spray paint or a brightly colored flag. Additionally, mark the location at intervals throughout the entire stretch of the wire so it’s all marked.
You’ll also want to place a mark where the wire is at the surface level and keep note of the depth at which the wire is buried. Something as easy as failing to mark detected wires can cause repair work and excavation to be done in the wrong areas. It’ll cause miscommunication among team members and lead to safety hazards.
Mistake #5: Not Double-Checking the Accuracy of Wire Locator Results
To guarantee that the detected wires are correctly identified and labeled, it is important to double-check the accuracy of the buried wire locator results. Failure to verify the accuracy of the results might result in costly repairs and serious safety issues during excavation or repair operations.
Some common mistakes that can occur due to not checking the accuracy of wire locator results are:
- Misidentifying the type of wire or utility, leading to damage during excavation
- Conducting excavation in the wrong area
- Safety hazards
- Confusion
FAQ
Q: How do I find a buried wire?
A: To find a buried wire, use an underground wire locator tool by connecting a transmitter and receiver to each end of the wire, then scanning the area with the receiver to detect the magnetic field and locate the wire. Follow safety guidelines to avoid hazards and damage.
Q: Can a metal detector find underground wires?
A: A regular metal detector won’t be able to detect underground wires because the wires don’t emit a strong enough magnetic field for the metal detector to detect it.
Q: How do you use an underground wire locator?
A: To use an underground wire locator, connect the transmitter to one end of the wire and a receiver to the opposite end. Turn the transmitter on and calibrate the device, adjusting frequency and sensitivity as necessary. Scan the area and locate your wire.
Q: How do I find hidden electrical cables?
A: If you need to find hidden electrical cables, an underground wire locator tool can be of great help.
Still Not Feeling Confident? We Got Your Back
Avoiding these common mistakes listed above when using an underground wire locator is crucial for a safe and successful excavation or repair work job. However, if you’re not confident in your ability to use an underground wire locator or want to save time and effort, consider using the services of an expert like us at Wood Inspection Services.
Our experienced team of professionals can provide private utility locating and ensure that your project is completed safely and efficiently. Don’t hesitate to contact us for your underground wire detection needs!