Having a clear picture about underground utilities before committing to excavation, construction or other groundwork is paramount. Safety has to be of primary concern – this can’t be overstated. Failing to take this matter seriously results in damage to property, disruption of operations and ultimately injury to personnel. Accidents are rare, but when they do happen, the toll is always too high (and can include fatal outcome), especially since most of them could be prevented.

If professionals do their due diligence and follow safety protocols such incidents can be avoided. Provided, of course, they also have appropriate tools and proper guidance.

It’s how safety professionals call it. If you are hearing these words for the first time you are probably asking what is a cat and genny scan? For starters, you would benefit to know that cat is actually an acronym and it stands for Cable Avoidance Tool. Genny, as most of you already know stands for a generator, in this case signal generator. In essence, these two contraptions are used to scan the underground for utility lines by detecting signals that radiate from metallic objects.

The scan is not as random as it may seem at first glance. There are usually different modes of operation on the CA tool and they correspond to the type of piping you would find below. For example low frequency signals are used to locate cables and pipes typical for water and gas lines (even telephone lines). So called ‘power’ signals are employed to detect electricity cables and the genny is used to find water valves or plug sockets.

"It’s too expensive," - that’s one of the most reiterated excuses for not doing a safety scan to find buried utilities. While this may ring true for some models available on the market, you can certainly find affordable cat and genny set with many useful features. Radiodetection C.A.T4 + is one such underground locator. Upon close inspection you will find that the low price is not made possible because of major compromises in terms of functionality. This kit is actually built from excellent materials and provides all modalities used to detect buried utilities.

Cable avoidance tool kit can include signal clamps, flexible conductive rod or carry bag. However if you are looking for a cheap set the cat and genny would suffice. They are enclosed in a sturdy ABS case and it’s protective properties are rated IP54. This translates into a dustproof case that can withstand splashes of water. The locator and transmitter are of high quality.

These contraptions are designed to sit naturally in the hand even during prolonged use. The central piece in terms of interface is the rotary dial which is located at the bottom of the handle. You can easily switch between modes using only one hand and this is very convenient especially since you can also adjust the sensitivity through the dial. All the other controls are designed to be operated with ease. Depth reading is activated via a small yellow button. Do note that you will need a strong signal to do a reliable assessment on depth, but after you get the hang of it, you would be able to judge the integrity of the findings with ease.

When compared to high performers like RD7100 and RD8100, the transmitter is able to provide correct read outs even though is less powerful. And you can use either active or passive modes of detecting. If you don’t emit signal to locate underground utility you are using the passive mode on your locator. This applies to power mode and radio mode. Both are able to read the signals traveling in live cable or the radio signals through the ground.

To locate a pipe you need an active mode and the genny has to be put to use. You can use wireless induction to locate signals by placing the genny above target. If this doesn’t work you can go for the induction clamp and connect it over the target line. And finally you can go into direct connection mode and attach your clamp leads to the target pipe or cable. Once you gather some experience you will be able to make the right decision as to the right method for the task at hand. Obviously each approach has its strengths and weaknesses. For example, you need to be careful when you do direct connection with a cable – the cable has to be grounded. Wireless induction is very convenient, but it requires strong signal to be reliable, otherwise you need to resort to the other two modes.

If you are looking to buy CAT and signal generator double check the options regarding calibration. You need to keep your gear well calibrated, so take this into consideration when you are choosing a kit. Recalibration can be time consuming, it can cost a lot and it will stop you from operating at full capacity. Nowadays there is a software that takes care of this issue and you can obtain access easily. These long distance calibration certificates can save you from a lot of trouble, though they cost a little extra. It’s definitely less then what you’d lose when you hand over the tool for servicing.