Underground Power Cable Locator

Locating underground power lines, or electricity cables, are generally pretty easy to locate, provided you have the right equipment and experience. If you don’t then it’s best to call an underground service locator.

The best first course of action is for you to request Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) plans for the area you’re interested in. Always keep in mind that with Dial Before You Dig you aren’t likely to get any information on private services, though they are very useful for working in public areas.

Once you’ve determined it’s possible that underground power exists in your  work area, you need to find a point on the circuit that you can safely induct your signal onto. The best way to do so is with an induction clamp connected to your signal transmitter and using your cable locator to receive the signal.

Though it is possible to detect underground power passively with a line locator, it is not a reliable method. This is caused by congestion and passive frequencies that neighbouring services can naturally emit inside the passive power frequency range. Always remember, just because an underground power cable doesn’t get detected by passive power scanning, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t there. Targeted induction is the most reliable method.

Obviously working around live underground wires is very risky business. So if you aren’t an experienced underground cable locator, you need to acquire the assistance of a professional underground locating service.

We are an experienced underground power cable locators and can assist you to find underground wires and cables. Call us for advice on your project.