As new technologies have emerged and systems have advanced, the tools we use have also evolved and can offer operatives a range of useful features and solutions such as more accurate depth measurement.

Today, many professionals in the cable avoidance sector use the RD8100 to protect utilities from damage and make excavations easier and safer.

We explore a few important aspects of this tool and offer some advice to operatives considering purchasing one or changing their current unit.

The Basics

The Radiodetection brand has launched several pieces of equipment and tools used widely in the cable location industry.

RD8100 contains an arrangement of 5 antennas allowing you to choose the optimum level of precision for the job at hand. It also comes with integrated GPS and usage-logging options like many other models do. This lets you automatically generate data for customer reports or internal review processes.

• Five customizable frequencies
• Survey Measurements with Bluetooth® Connectivity
• 90V signal output and automatic impedance matching
• Li-Ion Battery Pack
• GPS and Usage-Logging
• iLOC transmitter for up to 1400 feet / 450 meters.

Benefits of RD8100

Cable locators need reliable tools to make sure they aren’t missing anything or putting themselves and others in harm’s way. Today, there are several great options on the market that provide value to workers and the projects they’re supporting.

A few standout benefits of the RD8100 include automatic usage-logging with GPS positioning. When this feature is equipped, it allows you to automatically capture key location parameters, which create a more comprehensive picture of individual locations.

As cross-verification and checking with records are an important part of this industry, the data generated by this can be incredibly effective. This also helps to ensure adherence to industry best practices and helps to support the Radiodetection RD8100 training process for new operatives.

Usage data can also be exported in multiple file formats such as KML for Google Maps, making it easier to confirm where and when work was performed.

Guidance Mode is another strong feature that allows you to rapidly find and follow the path of a buried utility. This offers the user a range of directional information displayed alongside proportional distance arrows to help you.

The Importance of Good Tools in the Cable Avoidance Sector

The most important pieces of equipment you will need to locate underground utilities are a Cable Avoidance Tool, also known as a CAT or a Utility Locator, and a Genny. They are useful tools but they also have their limitations depending on which models you use and your overall approach to detection.

The most advanced models offer great accuracy in detection as well as seamless integration with software. This can support the post-detection process as you map or record the location of cables and use this information internally or share it with clients or other operatives who are working on-site.

Even with the best tools on hand, it is always recommended that cable locating equipment is serviced and calibrated regularly. This will ensure they are fit for purpose and are helping you do what you need to. There are many different versions of CATs as well as the Radiodetection RD8100 and each one performs the same basic action in a slightly different way, with different operating systems and interfaces.

Before you make a choice, it’s well worth asking a professional in the sector, who already has a good amount of experience with these devices, about which models are the best.

The importance of having the right tool that you can use easily can’t be stressed enough. There are so many consequences of not having the right CAT for the job in the utility locator industry, including massive financial impacts for companies and huge service disruptions to businesses and homes in the surrounding area.

For information about tools or training courses for the cable avoidance sector, get in touch with us at Sygma Solutions.