10 Things About Cable Detection Ezicat
Cable Detection’s range of cable avoidance tools have been the main stay for the detection of buried services. Their digital technology incorporates the latest functions and features to ensure pin-point accuracy.
Since the launch of the Cable Detection EZiCAT system, leading civil engineering and utility companies have converted over to the world of digital buried cable detection.
So what are some of the best features to lookout for?
1 Digital Technology
Cable Detection developed the EZiCAT system to benefit from state-of-the-art full digital signal processing technology (DSP). This ensures that users obtains the highest accuracy, receiving detailed information about the location of buried utilities, essential to protect employees and equipment during any excavation project.
Non digital cable avoidance tools are designed with numerous internal boards, controlled by variable resistors, which need constant adjustment by trained service technicians. These older devices cannot self-monitor their internal settings, nor indicate to the user if there is a problem with the device. Equipment which functions incorrectly will return incorrect signals without the user knowing.
Cable Detection has incorporated a built-in test function, verifying the hardware and software. This ensures that before the instrument is utilised onsite, the device is checked and if a problem has been found, replaced with a workable instrument.
2 Depth indication
The Cable Detection EZiCAT models feature utility depth indication, when used in conjunction with a signal generator (EZiTEX) or Sonde. Operators can determine the depth of the buried utility, providing an advantage when conducting ground surveys.
Available on models Cable Detection EZiCAT i550, i550xf, i650, i650xf and i750
3 Current measurement
The Cable Detection EZiCAT Current Measurement indicates the amount current flowing through a service applied by a transmitter.
The transmitter is used to apply a signal (current) to the required service. The signal can also couple to additional services making it hard to distinguish by conventional locating techniques.
The highest current reading (mA) will be obtained when the locator is positioned over the service which has the transmitter attached to it.
Available on models Cable Detection EZiCAT i550xf, i650xf and i750xf
4 Wireless data communication
Cable Detection has incorporated Bluetooth wireless connectivity into their range of EZiCAT cable locators. Wireless connectivity allows the EZiCAT to integrate seamlessly with mobile mapping technology to log survey data, in addition to enabling wireless Bluetooth data transfer.
Available on models Cable Detection EZiCAT i550, i550xf, i650, i650xf and i750xf
5 Datalogging
Cable Detection EZiCAT system a fully digital datalogging system, which stores the instrument’s activity and function usage.
Information is recorded every second and held within the locator’s internal memory. This data can be retrieved and transferred via Bluetooth to a PC or other electronic device for analysis. Storage time is approximately 80 hours use.
Available on models Cable Detection EZiCAT i550, i550xf, i650, i650xf and i750xf
6 Hazard zone
Buried utilities close to the surface pose a safety risk to site works. The Cable Detection Hazard Zone function provides an additional warning of the close proximity of buried services, alerting users to the immediate danger.
7 Peak Hold
When activated, the Peak Hold function shows the highest peak reading obtained during the pinpoint process.
To find the direction of the service, first find the highest peak reading, and then rotate the EZiCAT locator on its axis. When the blade of the Locator is in line with the service, the signal strength indicator is at its minimum.
8 Tilt sensor
A common problem when searching for buried services, is the way an operator utilises the cable avoidance tool. Swinging the locator is common whilst undertaking a sweep search.
The correct way is to hold all cable avoidance tools in a vertical / upright position and close to the ground.
The tilt sensor indicates if the user has ‘tilted’ or ‘swung’ the instrument during use. The datalogging system will record the tilt sensor activity alongside function data. This shows the equipment / office manager if the readings could be affected by misuse.
8 Internal GPS
A new addition to the advanced settings of Cable Detection’s EZiCAT range, an internal GPS module tracks the geographical position (Latitude and Longitude). The geographical GPS data is stored in the log file and provides information on where the locator was utilised.
The internal GPS system allows equipment managers the ability to verify that the correct area of land has been surveyed for buried cables and if a problem occurs, can pin point the exact location.
9 Xf version
The Cable Detection EZiSYTEM xf range has been specifically designed with long distance tracing in mind. The ability to trace low transmitter frequencies provides a greater tracing range as well as the ability to locate camera inspection systems.
The EZiSYSTEM xf range makes locating underground utilities including power cables, street lighting, telecoms, conductive pipework and camera inspection systems easier than ever before, increasing your on-site safety and ultimately saving you time and money.
10 Dual frequency sonde
Cable Detection has developed a dual frequency sonde allowing the surveyor or engineer to carry a single unit instead of a range of sondes.
Both 33kHz and 8kHz frequencies can be emitted by the Sonde, extending the operational capabilities to include the tracing of drains, sewers and other non-conductive services.
