atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Wiring - Telecom Carriers - Trunks & Services Outside Plant OSP Construction Locating underground conduit

Have to locate 2- 4" underground conduit paths between 2 buildings, 1 is empty and other has 50 pr. cable{plant}. Have never used underground wire locating Eq. before and not sure if it will even work with phone wire. Most of 50 pr. is in use. I think conduit is crushed at some point as we can't fish past 75 ft. Do to driveway and stormwater grates I don't think conduits run as crow flies. Anybody have tips on this type of Eq.?If I can't use 50 pr. cable can I use metal fish tape and use the metal tape as conductor?

Yes you can use the fish tape, put your locator on one end and ground the other end. The one with the 50 pr put the locator on the sheath on one end (remove the ground) and leave ground on the other end. Any cable and pipe locator should work.

Thanks Bill, What depth on average will locator work to? Will try to rent or borrow one, Backhoe comes in next week.

4 ft easy, most will go 6-8 all depends on the signal strength of the locator, that's also why you isolate one end from ground, gives a stronger signal to the other ends ground. If you know any of the phone guys, buy um a beer or lunch they may locate it for you. I'm lucky enough to be in a rural area and can get a "loaner", small towns have their pluses.