FAQs

Any buried or concealed line that can carry an electrical locating signal. A conductor may be a pipe, cable, conduit, tracer wire, fiber optic cable with tracer, sewer snake, or fish tape. Conductors are essential for underground utility locating because they provide a path for the signal from a Pipe Locator or Cable Locator to travel. Without a conductor, utilities like plastic or clay pipes may require supplemental tracer wire for detection.

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A locating method where the transmitter applies a tracing signal through the air onto a buried conductor without making direct contact. This method is valuable when direct connection is not possible, such as with short service lines or inaccessible cables. Inductive locating is fast, convenient, and widely used with high-frequency locators, but can produce signal bleed-over to nearby utilities if not properly balanced.

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A precise method of applying a signal directly to the target conductor using a physical electrical connection (often referred to as a “direct hookup”). Conductive locating provides stronger, cleaner signals and is less prone to interference than inductive locating. This technique is often preferred in congested areas with multiple utilities, since it minimizes the chance of tracing the wrong line.

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A locating technique that uses a specialized clamp to induce a signal directly onto a single conductor without making a metallic connection. The clamp encircles the conductor, coupling the signal more efficiently than induction through the air. This method is particularly useful when working around energized power cables or when direct hookup is unsafe. Signal Clamp Mode is often paired with Pipe Locators and Cable Locators for safe, targeted tracing. 

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In underground utility locating, high frequency typically refers to signals like 480 kHz (used in the Pipehorn 800-H and 800-HL). High frequency excels at locating short, poorly grounded, or corroded conductors — conditions where low frequency signals may fail. HF signals can “jump” gaps (like ungrounded tracer wires or non-conductive gaskets in cast iron pipes) and energize smaller, isolated conductors. The trade-off is a higher chance of signal bleed in crowded corridors.

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Low frequency signals (such as 9 kHz on the Pipehorn 800-HL) are ideal for long-distance tracing and isolating a single conductor in congested underground environments. Because LF signals do not readily jump onto adjacent utilities, they reduce cross-talk and provide cleaner, more reliable locates in utility corridors. However, they may not energize short or poorly grounded lines as effectively as high frequency.

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A receiver setting that controls how much signal is detected during locating. Increasing sensitivity (gain) allows detection of weak or distant signals, while decreasing it prevents overload or “saturation” near strong signals. Proper sensitivity adjustment is critical for pinpointing, balancing signals, and avoiding false positives in crowded areas. Many Pipehorn locators use an audible pitch-change system for intuitive sensitivity control.

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A condition where the receiver is set too sensitive, resulting in a constant tone that doesn’t change with position. A saturated tone prevents accurate pinpointing because the signal is maxed out. To correct this, reduce the sensitivity (gain) until the signal response rises and falls evenly on both sides of the conductor. 

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A proactive method of scanning an area to detect all buried conductors before excavation. Using high-frequency locating, the operator performs broad sweeps to energize and detect both obvious and hidden lines. This is a best practice before any digging project, complementing 811 call-before-you-dig services, to prevent damage and ensure safety.

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An indicator of accurate positioning during pinpointing. A balanced signal occurs when the receiver tone peaks at the center of the conductor and drops evenly as the receiver is moved left and right. Achieving a symmetrical field ensures the line has been located correctly, reducing the risk of mismarking. This concept is essential for both novice and expert users of underground utility locators.

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The standard system of marking underground utilities with color-coded paint or flags to identify utility type. Examples include: red (electric power), orange (communication), blue (water), green (sewer), yellow (gas), purple (reclaimed water), white (proposed excavation). Utility locators use these markings to ensure safe digging practices and compliance with 811 regulations.

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A handheld device used to detect and pinpoint natural gas leaks by sensing escaping gas in the air or soil. Often used alongside an Underground Utility Locator or a Pipe Locator to provide a complete picture of underground conditions. (Also known as a Natural Gas Detector)

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A general term for equipment that detects and traces buried infrastructure such as pipes, cables, and conduits. Utility locators help prevent accidental strikes during excavation and are essential for safe digging. Related tools include Pipe Locators, Cable Locators, and Gas Sniffers.

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A type of underground utility locator specifically designed to detect and trace metallic pipes, tracer wires, and conductive pipelines. Pipe locators are critical for water, sewer, and gas service providers to identify lines quickly and accurately. Often used in conjunction with a Cable Locator to ensure all underground utilities are accounted for.

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A specialized locator used to identify and trace buried electrical power lines, communication cables, and other conductive wiring underground. Frequently paired with a Pipe Locator and Gas Sniffer during pre-excavation safety checks.

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The process of locating hidden leaks in underground water, sewer, or gas pipelines using specialized equipment. Pipe leak detection helps prevent costly water loss, property damage, and safety hazards by pinpointing leaks quickly and accurately. Tools like Pipe Locators and Listening Devices are often used by utility contractors and municipal service providers.

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A type of utility locating equipment that uses radio frequency signals to detect and trace underground utilities. By transmitting a signal through conductive pipes or cables, a radio detection locator helps operators identify the precise path and depth of buried infrastructure. Commonly used alongside Pipe Locators and Cable Locators for pre-digging safety and mapping.

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A specialized spray paint used to mark the location of underground utilities once they are detected. Utility marking paint follows the APWA color code system (e.g., red for electric, blue for water, yellow for gas) to ensure safe excavation. It is an essential tool for contractors, surveyors, and utility companies when preparing job sites.

A broad category of devices designed to find, trace, and identify underground utilities such as pipes, cables, and conduits. Utility locating equipment includes Pipe Locators, Cable Locators, Radio Detection Locators, and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). Using this equipment reduces the risk of accidental utility strikes during digging and construction projects.

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