Fluke 2042 cable locator for underground cable?

[Mike007]

I need to locate a PVC conduit carrying electrical cables and a gas line with a tracer. Both should be buried about 24" underground. I have an idea of the general area they are located, but I really don't want to spend a lot of time digging to locate them. I don't want to probe for them either. I've seen the probes punch hole in plastic pipe. I called a few private pipe locating services. It's a $600 fee for them to come out, which doesn't seem too bad. I was considering just buying a basic cable locator like the Fluke I linked to. If it did the job, the bonus would be I would have the tool for future use. Fluke claims it will locate cables underground, but I'm skeptical. I'd like to know if anyone has actually used this or another tool for this job successfully.


http://www.amazon.com/dp/979242847X/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[bmh]

Does New Jersey have the "811" service that comes out and marks utilities? It's a free service in Kentucky.

 

[ovrrdrive]

Got any #6 copper?

Divining works. I would still advise spotting it but I guarantee you can spot both of them with a few pieces of bent wire.

In FL the utility companies pay the locating company to locate their facilities. They won't locate services but they will locate the main lines. It's worth checking out.

edit. To add I've never used a fluke version like that one but I have used a 3M version quite a few times. A good unit will not only give you the location but also a reasonably accurate depth too. I also used it to verify the claim I made above about divining too. First time I saw someone do it I laughed but then I tried ti myself. No matter how hard I tried I couldn't keep the wires from crossing over the lines. As a benefit too you can find stuff with rods you can't locate with a locator too like water and sprinkler lines. Search youtube for a few good video's on it.

 

[finn]

Our power, gas, and telephone companies provide this service through the Miss Dig program, as long as it is the service from their pole or line to your meter.

You're on your own if you are looking for lines run from the house (past the meter) to the shop or barn.

 

[pcmeiners]

To find the wire your going to lay out approx 600, you will in all likelihood never use it again, good possibility in 15 years on a shelf it will not work. I would spend 600 on more critical tools.

You can rent this equipment by the week, if it costs $200, you save 400, google electronic equipment rental

Ebay has many used wire/pipe locators.

Will probably work, for the price take a gamble...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JWQNHRG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Mike007]

Both utilities are after the meter, so 811 does not apply here. I'm an HVAC contractor, so there is a good chance I will use the tool again for wire tracing.

 

[Davefr]

When a gopher ate thru my underground dog fence wire I was able to pinpoint the break by using a common AM signal generator and transistor radio. (however dog wire is only a few inches deep). Google it!!