Locator Learning Center
Locator Learning Center
Accurate utility locating depends on understanding how locating signals behave underground — not just the equipment being used.
The Pipehorn Locator Learning Center provides practical field knowledge about signal paths, grounding, frequency selection, congested corridors, and real-world locating conditions. These guides are written to help both new and experienced locators improve consistency, confidence, and pinpoint accuracy in the field.
What Pinpoint Accuracy Really Means in Utility Locating (and How to Achieve It) In utility locating, accuracy is everything. Crews depend on clear, reliable marks to dig safely, avoid damage, and keep[...]
A single mistake in the field can bring an entire project to a halt, as striking an unmarked or mislocated utility does more than damage equipment. It risks injuries, costly repairs, and[...]
It only takes one avoidable mistake to turn a good job into a loss. Last spring, a small plumbing crew working in a quiet suburban neighborhood struck an unmarked electrical line while[...]
Underground utilities are the crucial support systems of our communities that supply water, electricity, gas, telecom, and more. But when those lines are struck during excavation, the consequences can be serious. Property[...]
Under the surface of every city lies a complicated web of utilities: gas lines, electric cables, telecom conduits, water mains, and more, all packed tightly into limited underground space. These areas, often[...]
When it comes to utility locating, short side services, inserted lines, and unenergized power lines present some of the toughest challenges in the field. These utilities can be difficult to detect using[...]
Every construction project, every landscaping job, every municipal repair carries with it an invisible threat that some can underestimate. Beneath the ground’s surface lies a complex network of utilities – a labyrinth[...]
As an excavator or utility locator, you understand the importance of accurately identifying underground infrastructure to prevent costly and dangerous strikes. However, some utilities can be notoriously difficult to locate, putting your[...]
PERFORMING THE PIPEHORN SAFETY SWEEP Performing a sweep of an area with a Pipehorn is helpful when you need to quickly find all conductors in the area. It is useful to do[...]
ISOLATING LINES AND NULLING OUT ADJACENT CONDUCTORS The trick is to maximize the signal on the target while minimizing the signal applied to any adjacent conductors. Below are a few of many[...]
Updated training resource: We’ve created a more detailed field guide explaining pinpointing and signal centering in utility locating.You can view the full training page here → https://pipehorn.com/pinpointing-utility-locating/ PROPER PINPOINTING To properly pinpoint[...]
USING THE TRANSMITTER TO AVOID “BLEED-OVER” (INDUCTIVE) There are a number of things you can do to avoid bleed-over when using a Pipehorn pipe and cable locator; however, some techniques work better[...]
SETTING UP THE TRANSMITTER FOR CONDUCTIVE LOCATING Conductive Locating is when there is a direct connection or hookup made to a conductor. This can be done with any Pipehorn transmitter. You[...]
THE PIPEHORN STEPS TO AN ACCURATE LOCATE Following these steps in order will provide good information about the reliability of your locate: Pinpoint – Adjust receiver gain to a steady tone (No[...]
SETTING UP THE PIPEHORN TRANSMITTER FOR INDUCTIVE LOCATING Inductive Locating is when you apply the tracer signal on the conductor without making a direct electrical contact (without hooking up). It can speed[...]