Ezidig puts obstacle detection on board excavators

Ezidig, the world's first excavator-mounted buried service avoidance tool, cuts the amount of damage caused to buried services by excavators, reduces risk to excavator operators, decreases project downtime and enhances productivity.

Developed by UK-based Cable Detection, it sets a standard for avoiding buried services during excavation.

Aimed at construction and utility contractors, it detects buried services while the excavator is being used. The sensor unit is attached to the excavator dipper arm and communicates in real time with the excavator driver when it locates electromagnetic signals emitted by buried metallic services, thus avoiding costly and dangerous cable strikes.

This is made possible by the special setup. The sensor, attached to the excavator with a high-strength magnet assembly, is connected to the power supply box and the display screen in the driver's cab.

Ezidig aims to add an additional level of safety to the excavation process. Traditionally, hand-held locators are used to scan an area before excavation begins. Best practice recommends repeat scanning frequently as the trench is dug. Errors due to human failure result in damaged services, machinery and injured site workers.

A huge benefit to any excavation project is introduced as it scans the area continuously during excavation, significantly reducing the risk to excavator operators and leaving them in control of their own environment.

As the underground becomes more congested, the risk of encountering buried services is increasing. Cable Detection has become known for producing cable avoidance tools tailored specifically for the needs of the end user – tools that are easy to use, reduce training times and, most importantly, accurately pinpoint cables prior to excavation.

Ezidig is a sister product to Cable Detection's Ezisystem. It takes location technology a step further into an area where no other products exist.

More information: Yvonne Conway, +441 782 654 454, sales@cabledetection.co.uk, www.cabledetection.co.uk.