Frequency locators are a powerful tool that can be used to find utility lines.
It’s important that you know what’s underground before you begin digging. If you damage a utility line, for example, the potential issues it could cause may be a big deal. There are many different ways to find utility lines before beginning a dig, including ground penetrating radar, electromagnetic conductivity, and frequency locators. Frequency locators are a powerful tool, so let’s take a look at exactly what they are.
Essentials
Frequency locators are tools capable of perceiving the energy emitted by buried electrical, phone, and fiber optic lines. They can transmit a signal or give off a charge, but there are differences in the signals that are given off. This lets a frequency locator find the exact location of the underground utility. Bear in mind that not all utilities give off a signal for a frequency locator to find, and in these cases, they’re using in addition to other means of finding utilities.
Defining Frequency
Frequency is a measurement that can be expressed in units of hertz. Those hertz represent the number of times a magnetic field builds and collapses around a conduct in one second. Magnetic fields occur when alternating current passes through a metallic conductor, which a frequency locator is able to detect. Whenever you tune your radio to pick up a specific station, a frequency locator is tuned to pick up specific frequencies.
Why is Finding Utilities Important?
Looking for utilities may be necessary when doing any kind of construction. This can include outdoor additions, building a pool, or adding a fence to your yard. It’s critical that you know what utilities may lie underneath the ground so you don’t cause any damage to your lines.
Frequency Locators With Concrete Visions
Concrete Visions has over 12 years of experience and expertise in concrete scanning and we know how to detect any problems lurking beneath the surface. We use ground penetrating radar accurately and expertly and are familiar with many other methods that can be used when appropriate like concrete x-ray and electromagnetic conductivity. We are also very familiar with the latest construction safety techniques and train all of our workers to do their work quickly, accurately, and safely. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you, give us a call at (410) 766-2210 or visit us online. For more articles and tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.