Buried Services
SAFETY INFORMATION - Cable Avoidance Tool Trials
Date December 2008
Location All worksites in OLE / high 50Hz interference areas.
Event Use of Cable Avoidance Tools
Details Network Rail has sponsored independent comparison testing of Cable Avoidance Tools. The following was noted: - The C.Scope ZSCAT-33 does not perform well in areas where high levels of 50Hz are present. The report recommends that the ZSCAT-33 & ZSCATXD-33 are not used where energised OLE is present.
- The Leica Digicat 100 does not perform well in areas where high levels of 50Hz are present. The report recommends that this unit is not used where energised OLE is present.
- The Radiodetection RD4000 (all variants) may fail to operate in certain areas where energised OLE is present. Also, this equipment experiences antenna saturation (fails to operate) in areas with high levels of 50Hz interference, for example adjacent to HV feeder substations.
- Lower frequency, active units like the Radiodetection RD400SL8 & RD4000SL8 do not work well in active mode in areas with high levels of 50Hz.
- The Radiodetection C.A.T Mk1 has two variants, the “CD” series & the “AB” series (the serial number prefix). These variants are essentially identical but the prefix and serial number signify the age of the unit. CD series units are approximately 20 – 25 years old and the AB series are approximately 9 – 20 years old. Whilst the C.A.T unit tested was a CD series and performed adequately, calibration & component age can greatly affect the performance. The performance of electrolytic capacitors of the type used in these units can and will vary with age, affecting the performance of these units.
RD400SL33 & RD400PXL models were overall the best performing approved equipment in 50Hz areas.
CABLE LOCATORS ACCEPTED FOR USE ON NETWORK RAIL’S INFRASTRUCTURE
A list of the above (locator 10) is attached to this bulletin. Please note this list is subject to modification as additional equipment passes through the approvals process. In addition to the equipment listed (in locator 10) the following devices are approved for use:
Radiodetection, Western Drive, Bristol. BS14 0AZ
Acceptance Certificate PA05/02695, Issue 1, dated 05.07.07
Product PADS No.
- Cat 3, 33kHz Cable Locator, Autoscan. 094/012014
- Cat 3, 33kHz Cable Locator, Autoscan,. 094/012015 meter/backlight
- Cat 3+, 33kHz Cable Locator, Autoscan, 094/012016 depth, strike alert, meter/backlight.
- Cat 3+, 33kHz Cable Locator, 094/012017 Autoscan, depth meter/backlight.
- Genny 3, Transmitter (drawing no GG2115A,. 094/012018 Issue b, Mod 1
Cable Detection Ltd, 19 Mayer Street, Hanley, Stoke-On-Trent. Staffs. ST1 2JB
The Digicat system is also branded and sold as:
- EziCat 100 (DIGICAT 100 Locator)
- EziROD (DIGITRACE 50 Flexible rod)
- EziTRACE (DIGITEX 8-33 Transmitter)
- EziCat 200 (DIGICAT 200 Locator)
For further information contact Mark Tingay: mark.tingay@networkrail.co.uk
Locator 12 (PDF 58 KB)