Cable Detection Enhanced EZiCAT XF Range

Cable Detection has launched an enhanced EZiSYSTEM xf series range of cable location equipped, which provides greater detection capabilities at longer distances.

The EZiSYSTEM XF series comprises of intelligent cable locators and transmitters, which offer users the ability to detect and trace utilities faster and more accurately than ever before.

Cable Detection has introduced two lower transmitter frequencies providing greater tracing ranges as well as the ability to locate camera inspection systems. The EZiCAT XF range working in conjunction with the EZiTEX XF signal generators provide four transmitter frequencies:
512 Hz & 640 Hz - Enables long distance tracing
8 kHz - Mid range distance tracing
33 kHz - Standard tracing frequency on avoidance locators, used for everyday site use

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.

"The new xf range of locators and transmitters bring a new functionality to Cable Detections product basket." comments Cable Detection Sales Manager, Steve Scales. "Our Research team have worked hard to ensure the simple, easy to use design of our existing products remain a feature, whilst also delivering a solution for many different applications."

Cable Detection’s EZiSYSTEM xf series comprises of four cable locators (CAT) and two signal generators (Genny):

Cable Detection EZiCAT i500XF
The Cable Detection EZiCAT i500xf is the entry level instrument providing the latest state-of-the-art digital signal processing (DSP), intelligent software, high specification features and a greater tracing range than standard cable locators.

Cable Detection EZiCAT i550XF
The Cable Detection EZiCAT i550xf builds upon the functions and features of the EZiCAT i500XF cable locator with the added advantage of depth indication up to 9.9 metres.

Cable Detection EZiCAT i600XF
The Cable Detection EZiCAT i600XF provides a data logging facility for recording the instruments activity when in use to allow a fleet manager to assess the instruments and users performance during a project.

These records are stored in the locator’s memory and can be retrieved and transferred via Bluetooth to a PC or other electronic device for analysis. Storage time is approximately 80 hours use.

Combined with the added benefit of Bluetooth wireless connectivity, the EZiCAT i600XF can integrate seamlessly with mobile mapping technology to log survey data, in addition to enabling wireless Bluetooth data transfer.

Cable Detection EZiCAT i650XF
The Cable Detection EZiCAT i650XF builds upon the advanced detection features and data logging capabilities of the EZiCAT i600XF, with the added advantage of depth indication up to 9.9 metres.

Cable Detection EZiTEX t100XF
The CableDetection EZiTEX t100XF provides four transmitter frequencies within a compact design that fully protects against the harshest of conditions and has been rated to IP65.

The EZiTEX t100XF signal transmitters are the latest in cable location design, delivering a higher power 1 watt output than previous models with the addition of extra low tracing frequencies. When utilised with Cable Detection's EZiCAT XF range of cable locators, the user will trace services over a greater distance, in areas of high signal interference and at greater depths.

Cable Detection EZiTEX t300XF
The Cable Detection EZiTEX t300XF builds upon the advanced signal generating capabilities of the EZiTEX t100XF with a greater 3 watt power output. This allows the operator to trace services and utilities with greater pin-point precision.

Protimeter Surveymaster – How To Measure Moisture

The GE Protimeter Surveymaster has been designed for measuring moisture in buildings. With its ergonomic design, dual-measuring modes and digital display, this instrument has become the essential tool for building surveyors around the world.

Excessive moisture in buildings will lead to decay and deterioration of components and decorative finishes. Professionals involved with the identification, management and remedy of dampness need tools that help them to:
• Identify the extent of the moisture penetration
• Diagnose the cause of the problem
• Monitor change in the moisture level

Two Operational Modes
The Protimeter Surveymaster features two modes of operation search and measure. Search and measure help the user to distinguish sub-surface from surface moisture, essential information when trying to establish the extent and cause of a dampness problem.


Taking the readings
The Protimeter Surveymaster features a digital LCD display supported by the Protimeters revolutionary colour display which is a collection of 60 LEDs divided into color-coded zones signify moisture readings of the material under investigation. The green, yellow, and red color-coded zones indicate the following:
• Material in the green zone is in a safe air-dry condition.
• In the yellow zone, moisture levels are higher than normal but not critical;
further investigation is recommended.
• The red zone represents excessive moisture levels. If sustained, red zone moisture levels will lead to decay in organic materials.

Both the LCD display and coloured LEDs provide accurate readings for both modes of measuring. The LCD display will provide a digital reading of the moisture content to one decimal place whilst the LEDs provide a guide to the severity of the moisture reading.

What is WMC?
When reading the damp measurement using the two pin mode (measure), the scale runs from 7% to 99% WMC (wood moisture content). The WME value is the theoretical moisture level that would be attained by wood that is in moisture equilibrium with the material being tested.

The %WMC has become an industrial recognised reading for moisture whether its wood, brick or concrete.

Measure Mode - Surface Readings
This mode is used to measure the moisture level at the surface and at incremental depth, when used with the auxiliary deep wall probes. Measure mode readings are precise and specific to the immediate area of contact of the electrodes.

• Simply hold the instrument with the pins touching the material’s surface and read the moisture level from the LED scale.

• A low or no reading will occur if the pins are placed onto a painted or varnished surface. Similarly a covering like vinyl will not hold moisture and provide a low reading.

• Be careful not to push the pins into a surface which can be damaged or marked.


Measure Mode - Sub-Surface Readings
When determining the sub-surface moisture readings, the surveyors can utilise a set of deep wall probes which connect to the Protimeter Surveymaster through the external auxiliary port.
• To use the Deep Wall Probe, drill two clearance holes 1/4 in. (6 mm) in diameter and approximately 1 1/2 in. (40 mm) apart to the required depth.

• Connect the Deep Wall Probes to the instrument and push the two probe rods into the clearance holes. Hold the rods firmly against the base of the holes while taking the reading (see photograph at right).

Search Mode - Sub-Surface Readings
The biggest problem with taking moisture readings is finding any effected areas. The Protimeter Surveymaster introduced the first and only effective search mode for scanning walls and floors for damp.

The search mode is used to assess the moisture level beneath the surface of solid walls and floors independently of surface conditions. The nominal depth of the measurement is 3/4 in (19 mm) this depends on the density and other characteristics of the material.

When held against the surface, as shown below, the instrument transmits a signal into the material. The relative moisture level is shown on the digital display and its moisture condition is shown on the accompanying scale of color-coded lights.

This measurement presentation helps the user to:
• Look for moisture behind wall and floor coverings, such as tile and vinyl
• Assess, in relative terms, if the material is in a dry, borderline or damp condition
• Map the extent of the problem numerically
• Non-invasive pin less radio frequency finds moisture at depth where moisture is not always directly visible up to 3/4 in (25.4 mm) below the surface
• This mode of measurement is not adversely affected by the presence of surface moisture

Applications: Shower pans, behind ceramic tile, fine finishes, water stains, tile and vinyl floor coverings, joists, around toilets, drywall, below grade floors and walls, plaster, masonry, concrete and concrete block

If you would like to read the full operators instructions, please follow this link
If you would like to read more information on the Protimeter Mini, please follow this link

Protimeter Mini – How To Measure Moisture

The Protimeter Mini moisture meter has been the choice for thousands of users across the world for more than 30 years. The enduring popularity and success of these instruments is attributable to their versatility, simple design, robust construction and ease of use.

Commonly utilised by building surveyors for checking the building structures, the Protimeter Mini can measure both the surface and sub-surface moisture. Featuring two pins at the top of the instrument for reading surface damp readings, whilst deep wall probes can be utilised to measure the sub-surface readings.

Taking the readings
The display is a collection of 60 LEDs divided into color-coded zones signify moisture readings of the material under investigation. The green, yellow, and red color-coded zones indicate the following:
• Material in the green zone is in a safe air-dry condition.
• In the yellow zone, moisture levels are higher than normal but not critical; further investigation is recommended.
• The red zone represents excessive moisture levels. If sustained, red zone moisture levels will lead to decay in organic materials.

When reading off the damp measurement, the scale runs from 6% to 90% WMC (wood moisture content). Depending upon the moisture reading, one of the LEDs will light up allowing the surveyor to read of the moisture reading.

The WME value is the theoretical moisture level that would be attained by wood that is in moisture equilibrium with the material being tested.

Surface Readings
Simply hold the instrument with the pins touching the material’s surface and read the moisture level from the LED scale.

A low or no reading will occur if the pins are placed onto a painted or varnished surface. Similarly a covering like vinyl will not hold moisture and provide a low reading.

Be careful not to push the pins into a surface which can be damaged or marked.

Sub-Surface Readings
When determining the sub-surface moisture readings, the surveyors can utilise a set of deep wall probes which connect to the Protimeter Mini through the external auxiliary port.

To use the Deep Wall Probe, drill two clearance holes 1/4 in. (6 mm) in diameter and approximately 1 1/2 in. (40 mm) apart to the required depth.

Connect the Deep Wall Probes to the instrument and push the two probe rods into the clearance holes. Hold the rods firmly against the base of the holes while taking the reading (see photograph at right).



If you would like to read the full operators instructions, please follow this link

If you would like to read more information on the Protimeter Mini, please follow this link

Bosch GSL2 Floor Scanner

Be honest. Do you check floor surfaces every time you want to lay a floor covering?

It can be an impossible task, or at the very least it would require a lot of time.

What happens when you get it wrong? The customer complains about ridges or depressions, some not noticeable until after the floor has been layed. Not to mention the cost of correcting the problem.

Introducing the Bosch GSL 2 Professional Floor Scanner
Checking floors has become relatively simple with the introduction of the Bosch GSL 2 Professional enables you to check floors completely in no time. It is ideal for everyone who works with floor surfaces – for composite floor layers, tillers, parquet layers, dry wallers and surveyors.

Inspection is compulsory.
If a tradesman discovers surface irregularities that exceed the permitted tolerance when he inspects a floor, he must report them immediately after inspection. This is governed in many countries by standards and codes of practice. However, inspections are often only performed sporadically or not at all. This results in delays or even unnecessary compensation payments.

For the first time, the GSL 2 Professional enables professional tradespeople to check the flatness of floors completely and easily. The principle is ingeniously simple – and simply ingenious. The floor surface laser projects two lines onto the floor. If the surface is flat, the lines will be exactly on top of each other. The user will see them as only one line. Where the lines are apart, the floor is not flat.

Instantly visible - depressions or elevations?
Previous methods usually only checked floor surfaces point by point. No matter how big the room is, even the smallest surface irregularities will now not go unseen because wherever two laser lines are visible instead of one, users can be sure that a surface irregularity is to blame.

Result: depression
The right-hand line of the two V-shaped lines will deviate to the left of the corresponding reference line where there are indentations in the floor.

Result: elevation
If the surface irregularity is an elevation, the right-hand laser line will deviate to the right of the reference line.


Require more information on the Bosch GSL 2 Floor scanner information, click here

Protimeter MMS2 Moisture Meter

Protimeter MMS2

The Protimeter MMS (Moisture Measurement System) has been the main stay for professional surveyors for its ability to provide the widest range of moisture measurements from one instrument. Many professionals have invested in the Protimeter MMS as a tool for helping them assess moisture levels and to diagnose the cause of dampness problems in buildings.

Until now, the Protimeter MMS has been the only single-instrument package that enables a surveyor to measure and detect moisture levels in building materials, to measure environmental relative humidity, temperature and surface temperature levels, and to establish if condensation is occurring on surfaces. As part of the package, a comprehensive range of accessories is supplied to ensure a thorough inspection can be undertaken.

Introducing the Protimeter MMS2
Now, GE has launched the Protimeter MMS2, which replaces the original MMS instrument (BLD5800), see the comparison below. The new design is simpler and more intuitive to use. Whereas the original Protimeter MMS frequently required two handed operation, the majority of the measurements can be taken single-handed with the Protimeter MMS2.

Selecting the operational mode is now menu driven and simple to follow. Interpretation of the measurements is also simpler, as a colour coded display is used to identify dry, borderline and damp conditions.


Left: Protimeter MMS (old version)
Right: Protimeter MMS2 (new version)

Clearer Presentation of Readings
The display provides a clearer presentation of the readings and additional information of the status of the instrument. Where required, the moisture readings will be supported with a colour (Green, Yellow, Red) indicator to tell the user if the readings are good, borderline or too damp.



Enhanced Button Configuration
The button configuration allows the operator to scroll through the instruments functions. The onboard software is concise and easy to navigate.

Laser Thermometer
But the biggest development is the inclusion of the laser thermometer. In the first Protimeter MMS, a separate surface thermometer sensor is required. On occasions the surveyor would require more than two hands to undertake the operation whilst holding the instrument.

With the integrated laser thermometer, the operator simply points the laser dot onto the surface to take the reading. The Protimeter MMS2 takes the reading and if required, automatically incorporates it into the moisture calculation.


Smaller Humidity Sensor
A small humidity sensor is housed at the rear of the instrument based on the Hygrostick. This reduces the overall dimension of the instrument. However, if the user requires the digital Quickstick, this can be attached.



Direct Moisture Measurements
The Protimeter MMS2 incorporates two metal pins housed at the top of the instrument to undertake direct moisture measurements. Similarly measurements using the radio mode can be undertaken as normal through a sensor housed on the reverse of the instrument.


Condensation Assessment
When undertaking a condensation assessment, the Protimeter MMS2 can perform the measurement through a single operation. The Protimeter MMS2 unit body incorporates a hygrostick for air and humidity readings and a laser thermometer for surface readings.

The temperature sensor allows the user to measure the surface temperature from a distance, ideal in a kitchen or bathroom where step ladders would normally be required.

By combining all essential accessories into the unit as standard, field operatives benefit from a simpler, easier to use instrument, undertaking the condensation assessments quicker than before.



Click for more information visit www.damp-meter-direct.co.uk

How To Detect Moisture In A Building

Detecting moisture in buildings is relatively simple with the right instrument and following the correct procedure.

There are multiple reasons why moisture can enter a building structure, but for the purpose of this article we will look at how to detect moisture using electronic equipment.

But what is moisture?
Moisture can be found throughout the building structure in differing levels and can fluctuate throughout the year. For most of the time, this will be minor atmospheric moisture absorbed by the building material or covering (wall paper and flooring).

However, moisture is a hazard long before you see it and will not become visibly damp until it is too late. Degradation of the material will start before it can be detected with human senses like touch.

Building materials are like sponges, featuring a porous structure which absorbs water. If water enters a property, it can travel for the primary source to a secondary material. This ‘diffusion’ drives the mositure to dry areas and eventually the surface where you would normally encounter a problem.

Surface moisture can dry through evaporation caused by air movement. But in most cases the surface has a covering (wall paper, paint or wood flooring) which acts as a barrier stopping evaporation. Initially you will not encounter a problem until the moisture level reaches a point that causes the covering to lift, peel or crack.
When undertaking an inspection of a property, a good surveyor should check both the surface and sub-surface moisture levels. This will ensure that any potential problems are spotted before it’s too late.

How to detect moisture
When undertaking a moisture reading of a building structure, there are three test that can be performed; surface moisture reading, sub-surface moisture reading and humidity.

Protimeter Mini taking a reading with pins

1. Surface Moisture Readings
Measuring the surface moisture is a relatively simple process utilising a pin type electronic moisture reading device.

Both the Protimeter Mini and Protimeter Surveymaster incorporate two metal pins at the top of the instrument. By placing these pins on the surface, the instrument reads the moisture levels between the pins. Higher the water level will generate a higher moisture reading.

The readings are displayed through a simple coloured LEDs. Green for good, yellow for borderline and red for bad. So simply, if the reading is in the green the moisture level is at a 'no risk' level.

If the reading displays a yellow LED, the surveyor should determine if further inspection of the building structure should be undertaken. If the reading is in the red, the moisture level is too high and the surveyor should undertake a further assessment.

With the Protimeter Surveymaster, the readings are supported with a LCD display providing a digital reading of the moisture level.


2. Sub-surface Moisture Readings
Sub surface readings are an important indication of the moisture condition of the building structure. More moisture will be locked inside the building material than on the surface.

Protmeter Surveymaster using the search mode

Non-invasive
Protimeter has developed a non-invasive search mode which penetrates to a depth of 20mm. The return signal will be displayed digitally through a simple LCD display between 0 to 1000 REL. The REL stands for relative reading and is an indication of the moisture level.

Again a simple LED display employed to provide a quick determination of the reading. If the moisture level is too high, a further invasive test should be undertaken.

Both the Protimeter Aquant and Protimeter Surveymaster are equipment with this method of moisture detection.

Protimeter Mini using deep wall probes for electrical conductivity test

Electrical Conductivity
One further method for measuring sub-surface moisture is to drill two holes and pass a deep wall probe into the wall. The moisture readings are measured by the electrical conductivity through the material. Higher the reading the larger amount of water is present. This provides an important additional check to determine the extent of moisture in a material like a wall or concrete structure.

This can be undertaken with the Protimeter Mini, Protimeter Surveymaster and Protimeter MMS2 models.

Protimeter MMS undertaking a humidity and condensation test

3. Humidity Test
Commonly within a property a high level of humidity will be generated through general living conditions. Either through cooking, taking a shower or even breathing, moisture will be released into the environment.

Without proper air circulation, the first thing you may see is condensation on windows or tiles. In server conditions, wall paper will start to peel off and mould will grow.

By utilising a Protimeter Hygromaster, Protimeter Pysclone or Protmeter MMS2, the surveyor will be able to take a digital reading of the humidity levels.

All readings are displayed as a %RH (Relative Humidity) supported with either a temperature reading or dew point reading.

If the reading is above 70%RH, the moisture levels within the environment are high enough for bacteria to grow. It’s the bacteria that breaks down the building materials and causes damage.

With the Protimeter MMS2, a condensation test can be performed. This runs through the relevant moisture and temperature readings to determine if there is a condensation issue.


Further Reading

If you would like more information on moisture
Dampness Measurement in Concrete Floors
How to Measure Moisture in Buildings


If you would like more information on the Protimeter range, please visit www.damp-meter-direct.co.uk
Protimeter Mini
Protimeter Aquant
Protimeter Surveymaster
Protimeter Hygomaster
Protimeter Pysclone
Protimeter MMS2

Radiodetection CAT4, eCAT4 and Genny4

Radiodetection has launched a new range of cable avoidance tools, the CAT4 and Genny4. Evolving from the previous market leading CAT3 range, the new Radiodetection CAT4 incorporates a new range of ground breaking safety features which enhance cable detection searching.

In an ever more safety-focused industry, operators require precision instruments to find buried utilities, faster and safer than before.

Detect more, detect faster
With the Radiodetection CAT4 is a true digital cable avoidance tool, delivering highly refined location capabilities, specifically designed to help the operator find more buried utilities.

The enhanced Avoidance Mode allows the operator to check an intended excavation area for Power, Radio and Genny signals simultaneously, pinpointing buried utilities in a single scan. Once identified, the separate scanning modes should be utilised to re-enforce their locations especially undertaking a search with a signal generator.

All readings are supported by the bargraph ‘tidemark’ enable an operator to quickly spot a peak response and zero-in on a buried conductor with ‘Real Sound’ providing audio feedback derived directly from the utility located.

A new development incorporated from the higher specification Radiodetection RD7000 and RD8000 models, is the 131kHz frequency which provides a strong trace signal for small bore cables and pipes. When a signal is inducted by the Genny4, the operator using a CAT4 can trace the signal at longer distances.

eCAT4
Developed as part of the CAT4 design is the revolutionary eCAT4 option, which incorporates a range of digital enhancements that support both the operator and fleet mangers alike.

For the first time, onboard systems will record the instruments usage to help establish if the instrument is performing correctly and more importantly if the operative is performing a utility search correctly.


Detect safer
Radiodetection has over 30 year’s expertise in the development of high specification cable avoidance tools. Every product development enhances the safe search of utility services, so it would be no surprise that the new range of Radiodetection CAT4 is packed with improved safety features.

The Radiodetection CAT4 guides users towards better and safer working practices through its StrikeAlert, SWING detector and Service Due date warning.

Dynamic Overload Protection
Radiodetection‘s unique digital signal processing capabilities equips the Radiodetection CAT4 with the ability to reject electrical interference. The cutting edge Dynamic Overload Protection feature provides the CAT4 cable avoidance tool the ability to continue operating in electrically challenging areas, such as near substations and under power cables, where other locators’ detection circuitry may be overloaded and no longer function.

StrikeAlert
Minimise the risk of hitting a shallow cable with the optional StrikeAlert which has been enhanced and optimised to reduce the instances of false warnings.

SWING Warning
A new improvement incorporated into the Radiodetection eCAT4, is the introduction of a swing warning device which warns the operator if the cable avoidance tool is not correctly point to the ground.

Why is this important?
In order for any cable avoidance tool to detect the precise location of buried utilities, the base of the instrument should be pointed to the ground. If pointed away from the ground, the instrument will not detect correctly and the operator can miss vital utilities.

Radiodetection’s research into underground signal detection has shown that the ability of an operator to identify these buried utilities is directly affected by careless working practices such as excessive or rapid swinging.

To further reduce utility strike risks, eCAT4 units are equipped with sensors to detect such incorrect usage and warn the operator with an alert that is also stored in the data log.

Data Acquisition
The Radiodetection eCAT4 series products are equipment with enough onboard memory to store over a year’s worth of the key measurements and modes of operation. When hooked up to a computer running the CAT Manager, fleet managers can access the data and export the instruments log files. Multiple benefits are provided through identifying training and development needs, whilst independent historical records of the instrument’s usage can be maintained.

To match individual preferences or intended use, CAT Manager can disable or enable CAT4 features such as depth estimation and warnings. User-editable fields enable plant/fleet codes and other details to be stored on the unit, simplifying records and traceability.


Signal Generators
When undertaking a utility search, it is vital to conduct the search with a signal generator. The main purpose of a signal generator is to induce a signal in utilities if they are not carrying a power signal i.e. street lamps, BT lines and pipes. For more information, read our article on – Simply Way To Improve Utility Detection.

Radiodetection Genny4
To complement the enhanced digital features of the Radiodetection CAT4, the Radiodetection has developed the Genny4 to provide a new integrated logic design, a class-first simultaneous dual-frequency signal output design.

Alongside the familiar 33kHz locate signal for general purpose locates, the Genny4 transmits a second frequency (131kHz) designed to facilitate location of small diameter cables such as telecoms and street lighting, including spurs. For tricky locates, the new power boost function enables the locate signal to travel further and deeper, and couple onto utilities more easily.

Genny4 Signal Boost
The Radiodetection Genny4 offers, alongside its standard power mode, a Signal Boost feature which increases the output signal by up to 10 times allowing you to locate over extra distance and depth. Additionally, the simultaneous Small Diameter Locate frequency design aids detection of smaller cables including spurs.

Click to view Radiodetection Range

Click to view Radiodetection CAT4 Range

Click to view Radiodetection eCAT4 Range

Click to view Radiodetection Genny4


This article has been developed by Survey Express Services Copyright 2012 Survey Express Services. All rights reserved.


All images supplied by Radiodetection Ltd. Copyright 2012 Radiodetection Ltd. - SPX Corporation. All rights reserved.