The Cable Detection EZiCAT range of cable locators provide outstanding location performance, but like all standard cable avoidance tools, they are restricted to standard location activities.
This is partly due to their outstanding cost. You would not expect them to have the same features and capabilities of higher performance instruments, like the RD4000, which has been specifically designed for precision location activities in the telecommunication, utility or power industries. These environments demand cable location equipment which can precisely detect and trace a service through very congested surroundings.
Well, the new EZiCAT XF series helps to bridge the gap between the performance of higher end models and the familiarity of the standard cable location models.
Equipment with precision, digital trace technology, the Cable Detection EZiCAT XF range delivers a greater range of location frequencies, deeper depth detection and a longer trace distance. These enhanced features firmly place the EZiCAT XF range between Radiodetection’s RD4000 and RD8000 models!
Greater Depth Detection
A common problem is the maximum depth that a standard instrument can detect a sonde. Applications greater than 3m can cause the cable avoidance tool to miss the signal from the sonde. The EZiCAT XF features an enhanced depth detection allowing a sonde to be located up to 10m.
Signal Strength Indication (SSI)
Congested utilities provide another issue, ghost or shadow signals. A ghost signal can be created when a utility is inducted with a signal from a signal generator. It is a common problem, causing the operator to trace the wrong utility. This can be overcome with the Signal Strength Indicator (SSI) which displays the strength of the signal allowing the operator to trace the right service and not chase shadows!
A common misinterpretation is where a locator displays the gain (dB) to indicate the amount of signal detected. The amount of signal is also a factor of depth, i.e. if the service carries the same signal but deeper then more gain is needed. The SSI reading on the EZiCAT is depth compensated so gives a better "true indication" of signal strength independent of the service depth and so will more reliable than just using dB reading.
Wider Frequencies
The Cable Detection EZiCAT XF features a wider range of frequencies when searching in transmitter mode. When operated with the new EZiTEX XF signal generators, the operator can select 8kHz, 33khz, 512kHz or 640kHz to provide a crisper tracing signal when working in a congested environment. 33kHz can jump onto multiple signals whilst 512kHz remains on the original service.
Higher Watts
A longer trace distance is activated by utilising the EZITEX i300XF signal generator which provides a stronger 3 watt signal. This is transmitted through the utility and in turn picked up by the EZiCAT XF cable locators.
A stronger signal will improve the quality of locating electrical services where the presence of electrical interference can hamper the location survey.
The extra power of the EZiTEX i300XF signal generator results in a greater tracing range and a better outcome where there are high impedance lines, like telecom cables where the additional power delivers a better locate signal.
Easier Tracing
The finial point which needs to be made is the way the Cable Detection range locates signals. Other manufacturers’ instruments detects the signal when traveling across (90 degrees) to the utility, forcing the operator to walk back and forth across the service. Whilst with the Cable Detection EZiCAT, the operator walks in line with the service, reducing distance travelled and time spent locating.
All Cable Detection EZiCAT cable avoidance instruments have been approved to work in and around the UK’s rail infrastructure. This provides a complete paired kit of EZiCAT, EZiTEX and accessories, so an operator can ensure that their surveying and construction teams are equipped with correctly approved cable avoidance tools.
Demonstration
If you would like a demonstration of the new Cable Detection EZiCAT XF range, Survey Express Services are approved distributors for the complete range. Simply contact your nearest store and our dedicated sales team will be happy to demonstration the instruments at a location suitable to you.
Cable Detection EZiCAT XF and EZiTEX system
