Underground Cable Locators?

[dduffee260]

What in your opinion is the best locator for locating underground cables? I used to have a Tracker 501 but was never very happy with it. I have heard of the 3M Dynatel 2273 and 573. I think one is a locator/fault finder and the other a fault finder. Does anyone know anything about these? Also I see sometimes a Radiodetection, Subsite and a Metrotech brand. Does anyone here ever hear of these also? Thanks for all the input.

[mdshunk]

I use the Dynatel 573. I've seen a Metrotech, and it looks itentical to my Dynatel. I'm not sure you need the fault locating ability, unless you do HV. It seems lately that most guys are buying something from Amprobe. There was a thread on this a few months ago. I'm sure someone will chime in with that. I think the utilities are still mostly using Dynatel.

[ November 20, 2005, 04:02 PM: Message edited by: mdshunk ]

[jeff43222]

I just used my Amprobe AT-2005 to locate a broken neutral underground between a house and a detached garage. It cost me $909.00 + tax at the supply house (it took them six weeks to get it via special order), but it works great. You can use it on energized lines or de-energized lines.

Yeah, it was expensive, but I've used it a fair amount in the short time I've had it, and I think it was money well spent.

[kthbrwn]

mdshunk,
Just started working for a utility. Have tried to use a Dynatel 573AP Sheath Fault/ Cable Locator for secondaries. It seems at times to possibly work and other occasions to get readings who knows where.

Fellows I work with say the same thing, i.e. "sometimes it works and sometimes it does'nt." I'm not even sure if I'm applying it correctly, or if it needs re-calibrated. Comes right down to it, I'd like to see it demonstrated by someone knowledgeable.

Went to 3M website and found no mention of this particular unit. Is this model relevent anymore or is it a dinosaur. Would it be worthwhile ($$) to get looked at in your opinion?

[mdshunk]

I'm not sure that the Dynatel 573 is still being made. It is an antique by now. I've had mine since the late 80's. I think that the amprobe unit is being used by most guys. I know that's what they sell at my supply house now. Truthfully, I don't repair much underground stuff. It's a more permanent repair to pull new conductors or dig a new trench, bury conduit and pull new in my opinion.

[jeff43222]

I don't do underground repairs, either. I only used the tool to determine conclusively that the neutral wire was broken at that location. In that case, the homeowner was looking to sell, and I explained to him that trenching and running new wire to the garage would be expensive. So the solution was to kill power to the garage and renegotiate the selling price.

[busman]

I have the Amprobe AT-4003. It is the newer version of the 2000 series. I love it. It has a bit of a learning curve though. About $550 and it protects itself on live circuits automatically.

Mark

[ November 21, 2005, 06:46 PM: Message edited by: busman ]