There are quite a number of manufacturers that produce cable avoidance tools, some of which are great, some of which are “OK”, and some you wouldn’t give to your worst enemy. If you are working in the sector of location of underground services, it is essential to be able to distinguish between a top quality and reliable cable avoidance tool and a budget model with limited functionality.
When considering purchasing a CAT the most important thing is to ensure that you buy the right model for your needs. The first thing to consider is whether you will be using the CAT on it’ own or in combination with a signal generator (Genny). This might seem like a trick question, because best practice requires that you always use a CAT and Genny in combination.
When used on its’ own, a CAT in power mode can only locate cables that are live, that is, have power running through them. So, if you know that you will always be looking for live cables then you can use a CAT on its’ own. However, if you cannot confidently state that electricity cables will always be live when you are searching, and that there will be no other services that you need to locate, then you have to invest in a Genny as well.
Furthermore, only when you have a Genny operating will the CAT be able to detect things like water and gas pipes, telecoms, and so on. In addition, you may need to invest in other tools such as a sonde, flexible drain rods, and so on. A sonde is used to detect plastic and other pipes and is a self-contained transmitter. This is attached to a Flexrod which is pushed along the pipe and the position of the sonde detected from the surface.
Another important consideration is what distance you need to be able to trace. Many CATs come with two industry standard detection frequencies of 8khz and 33khz. There is a limit to how far you can reach with these. However, there are also some models with two additional frequencies, and these will let you detect signals over much greater distances. They are a bit more expensive but can be extremely useful out in the field because you don’t have to keep repositioning the Genny as you go, so they will save a considerable amount of time.
Some models can only provide you with a lateral position of a service, so in most cases you want one that can detect the depth as well.
Some other considerations are the type of site that you will work on. For instance, Network Rail will only allow you to use certain specific models on their sites.
At Sygma Solutions we can help you with some of these issues with our CAT and Genny training courses. Our CAT and Genny training courses cover classroom work where we start from scratch and assume you know nothing, and this is followed by practical work out on site so that you understand how to use the CAT and Genny in all their modes, together with the imitations that they have.
If the course you are looking for has no dates or you would like a course built for your company please contact
enquiries@sygma-solutions.com for current availability and booking form
Open Days
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PAS128 Utility Mapping Training Modules mapped to CICES competencies
– 2 days
Module 1 – Pas 128 Level D &C training to include level 3 assessment – CICES GEUS01 A-D
– 3 Days
Module 2 – PAS128 Level B Training – can include Level 4 assessment – CICES GUES01 E-I
Please contact enquires@sygma-solutions.com for future dates and a booking form
2 Day Advanced EM Course (RD8100/8200 & VIVAX)
In depth course covering electromagnetic locators, theory and intensive practical on our real world training site.
Cost: £295 per person
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
5th – 6th September 2024
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
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1 Day Mala GPR Module 1 – Theory & Practical
Cost: Contact us for price (2 spaces F.O.C. with Mala GPR Purchase)
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
Dates: Contact Us
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1 Day Mala GPR Module 2 – Post processing
Cost: Contact us for price (2 spaces F.O.C. with Mala GPR Purchase)
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
Dates: Contact Us
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2 Day GPR – All Manufacturers
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
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5 Day TSA & ICES Approved 5 Day Utility Mapping Course
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
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Location: Worcester
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1 Day Public Genny & CAT Course
Cost: £175 plus VAT
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
Dates:
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Level 3 Utility Mapping Qualification – All Online
Cost: £275 PLUS REG FEE
Location: Online
Dates: To suit
Level 5 Diploma Utility Mapping Qualification – Online Workbooks – followed by assessment
Cost £1100 PLUS REG FEE
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre or your site
Dates: To suit
Open level 5 assessment dates at Sygma Solutions, Wigan
Level 5 Diploma Utility Mapping Qualification – in 5 days
Cost – contact us
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
2nd – 6th September 2024
Sygma PAS 128 Utility Surveyor Training Including Proqual Level 3 Utility Mapping and Surveying
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
12th – 16th August 2024 Limited Availability
14th – 18th October 2024
25th – 29th November 2024
16th – 20th December 2024
Level 3 Utility Mapping and Surveying Public Course
12th – 13th August Limited Availability
14th – 15th October 2024
25th – 26th November 2024
16th – 17th December 2024
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
GPS Course & Total Station Introduction
This is a 2 day dedicated GPS course with an introduction to Total Station
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Please contact enquires@sygma-solutions.com for future dates and a booking form
Please contact:
enquiries@sygma-solutions.com for current availability and booking form