Utility Locating

Why is Utility Locating so important?

  • A Utility Locator is an instrument used for finding the location of underground utilities.
  • A utility locator consists of a receiver and transmitter. The transmitter sends an electromagnetic frequency on to the utility by one of three methods. The three methods are direct connection, clamp or inductive. The receiver is capable of receiving that signal along with passive signals that the utility radiates or reradiates. The receiver will indicate where the utility is located and an estimated depth.
  • A utility locator is used by facility owners, contract locating companies for marking utility for the one call industry, and contractors installing or repairing underground facility.
  • Utility owners will use the instrument to find their facilities for new construction, repairs and marking the facility for one call.
  • One call subcontractors use this instrument for marking the location of underground facilities.
  • Contractors will use the instrument for locating the existing utilities. They use the instrument for help in the excavation of other facilities marked by the one call subcontractor.
A Technician uses a hand held receiver to locate any existing utilities prior construction.

Do you know exactly where the utilities are in your work zone?

Photo taken September 2008 in Boston, Mass.
Here a technician uses the inductive method to locate a cast iron sewer force main in an amusement park.
Utility locator