Useful Guide for Utility Locating Terminology & Equipment

1. Useful Guide for Utility Locating Terminology & Equipment Today, we have advanced utility locating equipment and radars, including GPR or Ground Penetration Radar that can scan the multiple slices of depth within seconds and transport the data wirelessly to computer terminals and other devices. Finding hidden utilities, including those with or without tracer wires and non-metallic pipes, is also possible with the help of GPRs. Some of the essential terminologies relating to utility location are given below. Toning/Scoping –Scoping or tone-out/toning are terms refers to the EM/RF (Electromagnetic Radio Frequency) locating equipment. The utility locating equipment with this functionality and feature will be able to find the utilities that are made of metal (for example, the telephone wires, electric cables, and steel water pipes). There will be a “toning” sound or an alert when the equipment detects such utilities, hence the name toning. The term is commonly used in the public utility services industry. Scanning –The term Scanning, in the context of utility location, describes a situation where business owner, asset owner or client fully understands that a professional and thorough utility location service is required. It often refer to GPR scanning, however, a comprehensive scanning procedure will use both EM/RF locator as well as GPR and will be accomplished by trained professionals and technicians. The EM/RF locators work in 2 different ways given below. Conduction – the radio signal may be transferred through a direct connection with an access point in the cable or pipe. Inductive – the radio signal is transmitted in the open environment, as there are no access points available. X-ray the Ground– GPR and its use may come closest to x-raying the ground. While the GPR can look into the ground to a certain extent, it has its limitations. Even when such a manoeuvre would be possible, the radiations and their immense strength will turn the working area to be too hazardous for human health. Also, while many clients and people may believe that a GPR may be the only equipment capable to carry out underground utility locating tasks and operations, this is often not the case. Other equipment is also needed. Hence the term “GPR Survey” may be misstated term. It is essential to know more about the terminologies as it helps in interactions and deciphering information. You can reach out to leading suppliers when procuring the latest GPR for your construction projects and get to know more about the instruments.