As part of a proficient cable avoidance strategy, whether you’re operating as part of a firm handling utilities contracts, or within the utilities sector itself, you’ll know that finding the right tools is crucial.

You’ll probably have come across a range of companies offering a wide range of cable avoidance tools, as well as many merchants that offer reconditioned CAT and Genny cable avoidance tools.

It’s important to note that many products are extremely effective, while some are less than perfect. And to provide the necessary level of diligence for any excavation or underground infrastructure project, you’ll need products from the first category! In this blog, we explore how you can choose the best tools for cable avoidance.

Why Are Cable Avoidance Tools Important

Even though you probably don’t need reminding, improper cable avoidance measures pose a huge risk to human life and project progress. Unfortunately, many operatives are injured each year due to improper equipment, usage or practices.

Obviously, having the right equipment can only go so far in safeguarding the health and safety of workers, but it’s an important step in ensuring you have all your bases covered when handing contract work for utilities, or other similar projects, where you handle existing pipework and underground infrastructure.

If you’re new to the trade, it’s important to make sure you’re clued up on all the essentials before you start operating. You can achieve this through effective mentoring and on-site training, as well as online CAT and Genny training, to teach you the complete theory behind cable avoidance.

New vs. Reconditioned

If you are in a position to buy a new cable avoidance tool, that’s great. As long as you do your research, you’ll be able to secure the best tools for the job. However, if you’re looking for used or reconditioned models, this is also a viable option, but you’ll need to apply an extra round of diligence to make sure your tools are 100% operational and reliable. At Sygma Solutions, we guarantee all our reconditioned models are fully up to scratch.

Usually, you’ll be able to find some great value deals on reconditioned units that will function just as well as brand new models. However, make sure that you are still choosing the best brands and products recommended for the industry, rather than simply choosing your cable avoidance tools based on price alone.

Do I Need a Signal Generator?

To ensure safety and proficiency in your cable avoidance activities, it’s best to use a cable avoidance tool in conjunction with a signal generator. These are ideal for detecting and then tracing subterranean obstacles such as power cables, water pipes and gas pipes.

You might be able to get away without a signal generator, but only in isolated circumstances where you know you are dealing with recorded and live cables, making it unlikely that you will encounter any additional pipes or underground cables. This is because some CAT tools will only be able to tell you if there are cables below if there is a live current flowing through them.

Research has suggested that your chance of detecting buried services by using a signal generator vastly improves, compared with when you don’t. When used in combination with a Genny, your CAT will be able to pick up on many services, such as telecoms, plastic and clay pipes, water pipes and more. As such, we recommend factoring in signal generators into your purchasing process to make sure you have all the tools you need.

When used in conjunction with a signal generator, most cable avoidance tools will offer depth enough to cover almost all underground services. However, for larger sites, you may still need to move the position of your signal generator in order to survey greater distances. If you think this will be an issue, inquire about the specific distance capacities of specific products.

Storing Data for Analysis

Depending on the role of your firm and your remit, you may simply be monitoring cable existence on the ground rather than comprehensively logging the information for analysis. If you’re not carrying out any of this kind of work, you may be able to buy more modestly priced cable avoidance tools on the market.

However, if it’s your job to track the exact location of various underground services and infrastructure as you operate, then you’ll probably need to invest in equipment that comes with mapping and GPS abilities. This will allow you to judge the lateral position and depth of objects.

Reconditioned Cat and Genny 4 Cable Avoidance Tools

At Sygma Solutions, we offer a full range of CAT & Genny 4 cable avoidance tools from industry renowned manufactures. Get in touch with us and we’ll help you decide on the best tools for your specific application.