What Does
Direct Induction Mean?
Direct induction is a type of pipe locating technology that entails transferring a signal to an underground metal utility without direct metal-to-metal contact. Direct induction is used as an alternative to direct connection methods when contact with the utility is not possible or safe. Once energized, the metal utility emits a signal which is received by a locator on the surface.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Direct Induction
In direct induction, signal transfer is achieved by placing a ring clamp around the utility under consideration. The other end of the ring clamp is connected to the transmitter. When the metal utility is energized, it emits a signal which is picked up by a receiver above ground.
Direct induction is preferred in situations where direct connections are not possible due to high-risk electrical lines, utilities housed in plastic conduits, or heavily insulated lines.
However, since there is no metal-to-metal contact, a smaller portion of the transmitter’s signal is transferred to the metal utility, making the system less effective than direct connection methods. This, therefore, limits the distance that the line can be traced. Induction methods are also known to be less effective on copper pipes.