CAT and Genny: How they Work and What they Can Detect?

In the UK, accidental damage to underground utility lines is a frequent occurrence. This highlights the critical need for tools like Cat and Genny to prevent such incidents. 

Using a cable avoidance tool to locate buried utilities such as pipes and underground cables accurately, can help to minimise this damage. Therefore, construction workers and contractors can avoid costly damages and ensure work site safety.

Understanding CAT and Genny: Essential Tools For Safe Excavation

CAT and Genny are indispensable cable avoidance tools in the construction industry. They help locate underground utilities like cables and pipes, preventing accidental damage during excavation and ensuring worksite safety. CAT and Genny help construction teams avoid hitting buried utilities, preventing costly delays and service disruptions.

How Do CAT and Genny Work?

CAT and Genny work as a team to pinpoint the exact locations of buried utilities.

Here’s how the process works:

1. Genny Sends Signals: The Genny (signal generator) sends signals into the ground.
2. Signals Interact with Utilities: These signals interact with buried utility lines, causing a detectable response.
3. CAT Detects Signals: The CAT (a cable avoidance tool) detects these signals and interprets the data.
4. Precise Location Identified: CAT displays the information, allowing users to pinpoint the exact location and depth of the underground utility.

Together, C.A.T and Genny accurately pinpoint buried utilities, making excavation safety a priority and more efficient.

Buy Radiodetection C.A.T and Genny from TocDem Utilities

• Refurbished Radiodetection eCat4+ Cable Locator
• Refurbished Radiodetection Genny4 Signal Generator
• Refurbished Radiodetection gCat4+ Cable Locator

Benefits, and the Importance of CAT and Genny

CAT & Genny play a critical role in modern construction and utility work. Their importance stems from several key benefits, these include:

Protecting Lives and Livelihoods

• Site & Utility Safety First: The main reason for using CAT and Genny is safety, as striking an underground utility can be catastrophic. Electrocution, gas explosions, and other hazards pose a severe risk of injury or even death to workers and the public.  
• Minimising Disruption: Damaging a utility line can disrupt essential services for entire communities or businesses. Power outages, water shortages, and telecommunication interruptions can have far-reaching consequences.  

Economic Impact

• Costly Repairs: Repairing damaged utilities is extremely expensive and cost can include not only fixing the utility itself but also compensating for any losses caused by service disruptions.  
• Project Delays: Utility strikes can cause significant delays in construction projects, leading to additional costs for labour, equipment, and lost time.
• Liability and Fines: Companies can face hefty fines and legal action for causing utility strikes due to negligence.

Environmental Responsibility

• Preventing Leaks and Spills: Damaging pipelines carrying hazardous materials can lead to environmental contamination, affecting soil, water, and wildlife. CAT and Genny help prevent these disasters.

Regulatory Compliance

• Legal Requirements: In many regions, the use of cable avoidance tools like CAT and Genny is mandated by law for excavation projects. Compliance is essential to avoid penalties and ensure worker safety.  

Efficiency and Productivity

• Avoiding Delays: By precisely locating utilities, CAT and Genny prevent costly and time-consuming rework caused by accidental strikes.
• Streamlining Workflows: These tools make excavation projects more efficient, allowing workers to focus on their tasks without the fear of hitting hidden obstacles.

Technology Advancements

• Accuracy and Reliability: Modern CAT and Genny devices incorporate advanced features like GPS tracking, depth readings, and enhanced signal processing, increasing their accuracy and reliability.

CAT and Genny are not just a cable avoidance tool; they are essential safeguards that protect lives, the environment, and economic interests. Moreover, their proper use is crucial for the success and safety of any project involving underground work.

Enhanced Safety Through Technology

Recent advancements in gCAT4 and eCAT4 technology have further improved their safety benefits. Features like GPS tracking, data logging, and improved signal processing enhance accuracy and reliability, making utility location even safer and more efficient.

By investing in proper training and using a reliable cable avoidance tool like gCAT4 or eCAT4, as a construction professional you can significantly reduce the risk of utility strikes, protecting lives, infrastructure, and the environment. Ensuring your projects stay on time and within budget.

Key Features of CAT & Genny

CAT and Genny devices offer several key features that ensure accuracy and efficiency in excavation projects, these include:

1. Versatile Detection Modes:

• Power Mode: This mode detects live electrical cables and helps to avoid potentially dangerous strikes.
• Radio Mode: Utilising radio frequencies, this mode pinpoints metallic pipes and cables that may not carry a current.
• Genny Mode: Ideal for non-metallic utilities like plastic pipes, this mode uses a signal generator to trace the path of the buried utility.

2. Signal Strength: The Key to Reliable Detection:

• Stronger Signals for Accuracy: In essence, signal strength directly impacts the accuracy and reliability of detecting buried utilities. Put simply, strong signals provide clearer indications, thereby reducing the risk of missing utilities or misinterpreting their location.
• Factors Affecting Signal Strength: However, several factors can influence signal strength during operation. These include the depth of the utility, the type of soil, and the proximity to other utilities or sources of electromagnetic interference. Therefore, understanding these factors and optimizing signal strength is crucial for successful detection.

3. Battery Life: Maximising Operational Efficiency:

• Long Battery Life for Continuous Work: These devices are typically designed with extended battery life, ranging from 8 to 40 hours, depending on the model and usage. 
• Battery Management Tips: To extend battery life on a CAT or Genny, turn off the device when not in use, utilise power-saving settings, and ensure the batteries are fully charged before use.

By understanding and leveraging these key features, as a construction professional, you can maximise the effectiveness of CAT and Genny devices, ensuring safer and more efficient excavation processes while minimising the risk of costly utility strikes.

Additional Specifications (applicable to all models):

• Operating Temperature Range: -20°C to +50°C (-4°F to 122°F)
• Environmental Protection: IP54
• Depth Accuracy:
• Line: ± 5% tolerance from 0.1m (4″) to 3m (10ft)
• Sonde: ± 5% tolerance from 0.1m (4″) to 7m (23ft)
• Horizontal GPS Position Accuracy (gC.A.T4+ only): 3m CEP (Circular Error Probable)

Batteries:

• C.A.T4: 2 x Alkaline (LR20) or NiMH (HR20) D-Cells
• Genny4: 4 × Alkaline (LR20) or NiMH (HR20) D-cells

Unit Weight:

• C.A.T4: 2.3 kg (including batteries)

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Detection Capabilities

What CAT Detects?

CAT can detect various types of utilities, including electrical and water lines. The CAT cable avoidance tool can easily utilise electromagnetic technology to differentiate between different utility types. This helps in preventing damage during excavation by accurately locating underground services.

CAT operates by emitting signals that interact with utilities found underground. Through this interaction, it can identify the presence of metallic objects like pipes and cables. Therefore, this technology is crucial for ensuring safety and efficiency in construction and maintenance projects.

What Genny Detects?

Genny detects and transmits specific signals that enhance the detection process. It is particularly useful for non-metallic utilities, which may not be easily identified by CAT alone. By sending signals into the ground, Genny assists in pinpointing the exact location of these utilities.

The limitations of Genny lie in its ability to detect certain types of utilities, especially those that are non-metallic. This can pose challenges in scenarios where a more comprehensive detection approach is required. Despite this, Genny remains a valuable tool for enhancing the accuracy of utility detection.

Limitations

Radiodetection CAT and Genny tools may face limitations in environments with complex soil conditions or high levels of interference. Moisture in the soil can affect how well CAT and Genny work. External sources of electromagnetic signals can also interfere with the detection process.

In situations where CAT and Genny encounter limitations, supplementary tools may be needed to ensure thorough utility detection. For example, a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) can provide additional insights into subsurface structures that may not be easily identified using CAT and Genny alone.

How to Use?

Setup:

• Find a clear area away from large metal objects or power lines.
• Connect the CAT and Genny using the cable.
• Turn on both devices and follow the calibration instructions (usually a simple button press).

Sweep the Area:

• Choose the right mode:
  • Power mode for live electrical cables
  • Radio mode for metallic pipes
  • Genny mode for non-metallic pipes and cables
• Hold the CAT upright and sweep it across the ground in a grid pattern.
• Listen for a beeping sound or watch for a visual indicator on the CAT display.

Pinpoint the Utility:

• When you hear a signal, slowly move the CAT back and forth to find the strongest signal.
• Reduce the sensitivity to narrow the signal and pinpoint the exact location.
• Mark the spot clearly with paint or chalk.

Advanced Techniques:

• If you can’t locate a utility, try using the Genny to induce a signal (see this user guide for instructions).

Troubleshooting Tips:

Adjust the sensitivity if the signal is too weak or too strong.

If you don’t detect a signal, check battery connections and ensure the devices are calibrated.

Applications in Industry

Construction Sites

CAT and Genny play a crucial role in ensuring safety at construction sites. These tools help detect underground utilities, preventing accidental damage during excavation.

Construction sites often encounter utilities like underground electricity cables, water pipes, and gas lines, making it essential to accurately locate them before digging. CAT and Genny aid in planning excavation work by identifying the precise location of these utilities.

• Detect underground utilities
• Prevent accidental damage
• Accurately locate water pipes, gas lines, and electrical cables

Utility Maintenance

In utility maintenance tasks CAT and Genny are indispensable tools. They assist in identifying underground services, ensuring that maintenance work does not disrupt essential utilities.

These tools help detect issues early on, allowing for timely repairs before they escalate into major problems. Regular utility inspections using CAT and Genny ensure the efficient functioning of essential services.

• Identify underground services
• Prevent disruption of essential utilities
• Detect issues early for timely repairs

Network Rail Usage

CAT and Genny find extensive application in network rail projects, where accurate utility detection is critical for safety. Rail environments pose unique challenges due to the presence of multiple buried services along the tracks. CAT & Genny can accurately locate buried utilities near railways, preventing accidents and disruptions.

• Critical for safety in rail projects
• Unique challenges in rail environments
• Prevent accidents and disruptions in rail operations

CAT and Genny Buying Guide

What to Look For

When choosing CAT and Genny, whether hiring or buying one of these underground utility mapping tools, it is important to focus on essential features like frequency range and depth capability.

Consider devices with high accuracy for precise locating. User reviews and recommendations offer valuable insights into product performance.

Ensure the CAT and Genny have a wide frequency range for versatile applications.

• Look for models with deep-depth capability to detect utilities buried at varying depths.
• Prioritise devices with high accuracy to pinpoint the exact locations of underground services.

Price Considerations

Factors influencing Radiodetection Genny & Cat prices include brand reputation, such as a high-quality Radiodetection cat, features, and technical specifications. Balancing cost with functionality is crucial. Remember to budget for training and accessories to get the most out of your cable safety tools.

1. Pros:
   • High-quality devices ensure accurate utility detection.
   • Advanced features enhance efficiency in locating underground services.
2. Cons:
   • Premium brands may come with a higher price tag.
   • Additional accessories can increase overall costs.

Where to Buy

When purchasing CAT and Genny devices, consider reputable retailers like construction supply stores and specialised equipment vendors. Online platforms such as Amazon and eBay also offer a wide selection. However, buying from trusted sources like TocDem Utilities ensures product authenticity and you’ll receive reliable customer and after-sales support.

Final Remarks

After delving into the intricacies of Radiodetection C.A.T and Genny, you now have a solid grasp of their significance in ensuring site safety and efficiency. Also, understanding their features, detection capabilities, and operational modes empowers you to utilise these essential tools.

Ready to take the next step in safe and efficient excavation? 

If you’re looking to purchase or hire top-quality CAT and Genny equipment, or if you simply have more questions, then don’t hesitate to contact us at TocDem. Our team of experts is ready to assist you in finding the perfect solution for your needs.

Related Content:

• CAT and Genny Guide: Mastering Underground Utility Detection – TocDem
• Difference Between CAT and Genny and GPR?