If you are in the market for a Cable Avoidance Tool, you need to be aware of certain differences in the various models – and there are quite a lot of them. The CAT should always be used in conjunction with a Genny – signal generator – and not in isolation.
Why? Because a CAT on its’ own in power mode can only detect live electricity cables – i.e. with power flowing through them. So, if you are working in the high street in the dark when the streetlights are on you shouldn’t have too much trouble locating the cables that are feeding them. If you are working in the same street in daylight, when the lights are off, you probably won’t find them at all.
Theoretically, if you can be certain that you will only ever be searching for cables with power running through them, then you could use the CAT on its’ own. But, of course, you can’t, so you always need a Genny. Used in combination you can detect metal water pipes, gas pipes, telecoms, and so on, which is what you need to do when carrying out an underground survey.
Another question to ask is over what distances you need to trace. Nearly all CATs work on the industry detection standard of 8khz and 33khz. However, some of the more advanced tools, such as the RadioDetection RD8100, also emit two further detection frequencies meaning that you can detect signals over much greater distances. This means that you can save an enormous amount of time when working over long distances, such as carrying out a highway survey, because you won’t have to keep repositioning the Genny as you work along the site.
You need to use the CAT and Genny in the right combination. Some of these tools are marked “XF” which stands for “Extra Frequencies”.
In the past, the CAT and Genny would only provide you with the location of the underground services on a site, but today the more advanced models will also provide you with the depth. This can be extremely useful because if you only have to dig down a couple of feet using hand tools and you have ascertained that any services are at least four feet down, then it gives you more confidence. You still need to proceed with care, of course.
No matter which models of CAT and Genny you choose, you still need CAT training in order to fully understand how they operate, and also their limitations. These tools do have certain limitations and it is vital that you take our CAT course at Sygma Solutions in order to fully understand them.
Our CAT training is conducted both in class and out on site. Today, the classroom part of the CAT Course can be taken either in a physical classroom or a virtual one online. The online course is live and interactive, so that operatives can still ask questions of the instructor and get the answers they need.
If the course you are looking for has no dates or you would like a course built for your company please contact
enquiries@sygma-solutions.com for current availability and booking form
Open Days
Please contact us about open days
PAS128 Utility Mapping Training Modules mapped to CICES competencies
– 2 days
Module 1 – Pas 128 Level D &C training to include level 3 assessment – CICES GEUS01 A-D
– 3 Days
Module 2 – PAS128 Level B Training – can include Level 4 assessment – CICES GUES01 E-I
Please contact enquires@sygma-solutions.com for future dates and a booking form
2 Day Advanced EM Course (RD8100/8200 & VIVAX)
In depth course covering electromagnetic locators, theory and intensive practical on our real world training site.
Cost: £295 per person
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
30th – 31st May 2024
23rd – 24th July 2024
5th – 6th September 2024
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
1 Day Mala GPR Module 1 – Theory & Practical
Cost: FOC
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
Dates: Contact Us
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
1 Day Mala GPR Module 2 – Post processing
Cost: FOC
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
Dates: Contact Us
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
2 Day GPR – All Manufacturers
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
Dates: Contact Us
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
5 Day TSA & ICES Approved 5 Day Utility Mapping Course
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
Dates: Contact Us
Location: Worcester
Dates: Contact Us
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
1 Day Public Genny & CAT Course – Can include ProQual Level 2 Qualification as an option
Cost: £175 plus VAT
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
Dates:
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
Level 3 Utility Mapping Qualification – All Online
Cost: £275 PLUS REG FEE
Location: Online
Dates: To suit
Level 5 Diploma Utility Mapping Qualification – Online Workbooks – followed by assessment
Cost £1100 PLUS REG FEE
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre or your site
Dates: To suit
Open level 5 assessment dates at Sygma Solutions, Wigan
Level 5 Diploma Utility Mapping Qualification – in 5 days
Cost – contact us
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
Dates:
3rd – 7th June 2024
1st – 5th July 2024
Sygma PAS 128 Utility Surveyor Training Including Proqual Level 3 Utility Mapping and Surveying
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
15th – 19th April 2024 Limited spaces available
20th – 24th May 2024
10th – 14th June 2024
8th – 12th July 2024
Level 3 Utility Mapping and Surveying Public Course
24th – 25th June 2024
1st – 2nd July 2024
24th – 25th September 2024
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
GPS Course & Total Station Introduction
This is a 2 day dedicated GPS course with an introduction to Total Station
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
Please contact enquires@sygma-solutions.com for future dates and a booking form
Please contact:
enquiries@sygma-solutions.com for current availability and booking form