A significant challenge for utility companies worldwide can be tracing pipes and cables in and around areas of electrical interference such as substations, overhead high-voltage cables and electrified railways. The resulting electrical noise can swamp the sensitive electronics of many devices used to locate underground cables and pipes, which often makes it difficult or even impossible to conduct reliable searches.

To meet this challenge, SPX’s Radiodetection developed Dynamic Overload Protection, a powerful signal processingtechnology that automatically filters out the large stray signals caused by electrical interference. This technology allows location tasks to be carried out with precision even in unfavourable conditions. 

“We’ve had a great response from our customers to this innovative feature because it solves the real world challenges they face when working in locations with significant levels of electrical noise,” said John Owsley, product manager for Radiodetection, which is based in Bristol, United Kingdom. Radiodetection develops and supplies test equipment used by utility companies globally to help install, protect and maintain their infrastructure networks. 

Dynamic Overload Protection requires no input from the operator, enabling continued tracing operations even in complex environments. With its introduction on the utility-specific RD7000® + Cable and Pipe Locator range, Dynamic Overload Protection is now a standard feature across Radiodetection’s entire range of Precision Cable and Pipe Locators. 

For more information on precision locators visit: www.radiodetection.com/precisionlocate