Cable Detection EZiCAT XF - Precision Location

Cable Detection recently launched an upgraded version of their successful EZiCAT cable location range with the XF version.

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.

Network Rail Approved
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

Cable Detection Network Rail Approval

In order for an instrument to be utilised in and around the United Kingdom’s rail infrastructure, Network Rail has to grant product acceptance.

The product acceptance process provides assurance to Network Rail that products when accepted for use on or about our infrastructure are:
a) Safe
b) Fit for purpose
c) Do not export unacceptable risks to Network Rail infrastructure

Only accepted products - except as allowed by NR/L2/RSE/100/05 - shall be used on the rail infrastructure


Cable avoidance tools are an essential safety instrument, especially in an environment where heavy duty power cables can lie just below the rail bed surface. Surprisingly, not all cable avoidance tools have been granted approval.


This is not the case for Cable Detection’s range of EZiCAT i-series and xf series cable avoidance tools. Both the cable locators and signal generators are approved through certificate PA05/04866.

This certificate covers all Ezicat (i500, i550, i600, i650, i500xf, i550xf, i600xf, i650xf) models, Ezitex (t100, t300, t100xf, t300xf) models, signal clamp, Digitex and Digitrace instruments.


Click for more information on Cable Detection Ezicat and Ezitex range

Chartwell Survey Books

Visit any construction and civil engineering site and you will notice a small but important little yellow book being utilised.

The Chartwell range of weather resistant note books provide a stable note book for all engineers when onsite. The pages are produced with high cotton content to provide a higher wet strength paper and excellent tear resistance when wet. Each of the sections is sewn with nylon thread to withstand even the most demanding environments.

Chartwell survey books retain their strength and writing surface after being subjected to adverse site or weather conditions.

Depending upon your requirements, Chartwell has a variety of survey books suitable for every civil engineering application.

Notes are often made, diagrams drafted and survey information collimated for later use when developing plans or writing reports. In most applications it is easier to collate information in a note book than digitally record through an instrument.

Chartwell 2026 Field Survey Book
Professional field survey book with 2 red centre lines

Chartwell 2142 Survey Dimension Book
Professional field survey book with blue lines

Chartwell 2242 Dimension Book
Professional field survey book with blue lines ruled / numbered

Chartwell 2416 Rise and Fall Survey Book
Professional field survey book to record rise and falls

Chartwell 2426 Collimation Book
Professional field collimation survey book


For more information on the range of Chartwell books, simply visit www.surveyexpress.co.uk

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