How Do You Locate Streetlighting Cables Using Radiodetection CAT4, Genny4 and Associated Accessories
A large number of cable strikes are low voltage electricity cables, and many of these are street lighting cables.
These types of cables are mainly:
- Located in footpaths
- May not follow the path shown on plans
- May be buried at a shallow depth
- Will not radiate a signal during daylight hours because there's no current flowing i.e. not energised
How to detect and locate street lighting cables safely and accurately
Before going to site, do your desk research - obtain plans from your utility company via www.linesearchbeforeudig.co.uk
Many companies will supply plans for a nominal fee or free of charge!
As standard your Genny Tool Tray contains Direct Connection Leads.
Direct Connection Leads are used as a way of applying a Genny signal to help you identify and locate a specific target line or utility such as a street light cable.
The Direct Connection Plug is inserted into the accessory socket on the Genny, for your own safety do not turn on the Genny until you're ready to apply the signal.
The Direct Connection Leads red clip can be attached to a metal conductor such as a street light. If you cannot use the Direct Connection Lead to clip directly to the street light use the Magnet accessory in an area where metal is visible - this will help the Genny signal couple to the street light.
If no metal is visible to connect the Magnet to the street light, you can then use the wrap method using the red Direct Connection Lead, use as much of the cable as possible to wrap around the structure.
Once you have made the connection to the street light you must earth the signal using the Black Lead, this is most commonly done using the Earth Stake provided.
Remember for your safety you must use the CAT to scan the ground before inserting the Earth Stake into the ground to avoid hitting any shallow cables.
Once the Earth Stake has been positioned at 90° from the streetlight and the suspected line of travel of the cable, push the Earth Stake into the ground at a 45° angle and attach the Direct Connection Lead black clip. Moist or wet ground for the Earth Stake will improve the Genny signal on the cable.
An Earth Extension Lead accessory can be used to earth the stake further away from the Genny if there's no suitable ground nearby. If no suitable ground is available for your Earth Stake you can earth a signal by clipping the black lead onto a nearby drain cover.
To power on the unit momentarily press the on/off button - the unit will power on in standard output level and maximum volume. If you wish to reduce the volume level use a sustained press on the on/off button when powering on the unit.
The boost button can be used to apply a stronger signal to the streetlight. In boost mode the LED will be permanently lit to indicate that the Genny is in maximum output mode. If the LED is flashing this indicates that the Genny's batteries are low, and this may affect the signal output.
You can now trace the Genny signal on the street light cable. Remember to make a methodical sweep of the area while keeping the locator vertical, adjusting the sensitivity dial to then pinpoint the service.
Remember: Always refer to the user manual, and if you require training reach out to Acutest. We are a trusted training provider covering product and application training which is tailored to your needs. Training at a time and location to suit you! ( Cable Avoidance / Avoidance Of Underground Services Training Courses)
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