Underground Cable Detection System

Lee, Wei Kiat (2018) Underground Cable Detection System. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

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Abstract

Before the invention of cable locator, people need to dig the soil to make sure it does not have any underground cable lying beneath it. Without the cable locator, they will not be able to locate the exact location of the cables. In addition, they may accidentally damage other cables and it will affect the progress. Underground cable detection ensures safety protection for the public and work during construction work and avoiding damage to the existing underground cable. Process of underground cable detection need to perform before excavation of new project. This project aims to build an underground cable locator. The circuit is built from some electronic components. Two experiments are done to investigate the accuracy, sensitivity and maximum distance between antenna and target cable in vertical axis by developed circuit. From the experiment 1, maximum sensitivity of 5.5 cm is obtained through the ‘rabbit ear’ indoor antenna but the accuracy is 60%. Meanwhile, maximum sensitivity of 3.2 cm and accuracy is 100% are obtained by using 1.2 cm copper coil with large number of turns (7 turns) as receiver. For experiment 2, 3 types of antennas is used for detection in two different surface (sand and soil). The distance between antenna and target cable is recorded down as 2.5 cm through the 1.2 cm copper coil with large number of turns (7 turns) in sand surface. Besides, the distance between antenna and target cable is recorded down as 3 cm and 100% accuracy through the 0.5 cm copper coil with large number of turns (7 turns) and recorded down as 4 cm and 100% accuracy through the 1.2 cm copper coil with larger number of turns (7 turns) in soil surface. Better result obtained in soil surface compare to sand surface. In addition, the large number of turns of copper coil, the longer distance of sensitivity and longer distance between antenna and target cable in vertical axis. The relationship between number of turns of copper coil and sensitivity is directly proportional. In addition, the relationship between number of turns of copper coil and distance between antenna and target cable in vertical axis is directly proportional. The objectives of this project are achieved.