Homemade buried line tracer

[bcarwell]

I seem to recall hearing once that you can find buried power lines (220VAC about 12 inches deep) by using an FM radio, tuning it off the radio stations, cranking up the volume and listening for hum ? Could somebody tell me if they know anything about this and how to do it if true ? I am wondering if you can make some sort of direction narrow beam antenna by just winding some wire in a coil like the metal detectors. I suppose I could fiddle with it but don't want to waste the time if futile. And I don't need to be real accurate, just get in the ballpark to save hand digging. (Please, no suggestions that I "witch" it, I've read the thread).

Tnx all you Marconis out there...

Bob

 

[Redneck in training]

It could possibly work but the line would have to be under load to generate magnetic field the radio could pick up. Also some light dimmers generate signal tha buzzes radios in AM band. I am just guessing that cheap radios possibly in AM band would work better. Ferrite antenas in AM radios are directional. If it works then move the radio over the line and listen for the loudest signal.

 

[jimmyj]

AM would work better for sure. As an example, tune in your AM radio in the car and drive past a flashing traffic light. It will "pulse" on and off as the light flashes.

 

[Jeepnford]

Are these lines owned by you? If they're the local utilities call for a locate. I've called for locates a few times and they actually marked the lines I buried to my shop which surprised me.

 

[Kays Supply]

In this area, they have went to a subcontractor to locate much of the power lines. If it is that way in your area, call for a locate, and see if you can talk "$" the locator into finding your private line. It will be on the money and even how deep it is.

 

[Scotty370]

No question that the "60-Cycle-Hum" can be heard by radios, but as was said by RIT, you must have a draw on the circuit. ~S

 

[kennyd]

Might want to check local rental yards as well-mine rents a utility tracer/locater.

 

[bcarwell]

Thanks all. I checke w/ on rental place and they didn't have any buried line locaters but I'll try some others. They are expensive ! And I'll try AM. It is a private line from the service drop at the pole to the house, so I guess the utility company doesn't find those, right ? Since I'm trying to find the line to the house, I suppose it should have some "load" on it, right ?

And I assume a metal detector wouldn't work, right ? It's about 12 inches down and is in pvc.

Bob

 

[captaincrab55]

If it's in PVC, you can use some coat hanger wire bent @ a right angle.. Try !2" X 6", one will work, but I like using 2 rods... Squeeze your fingers lightly and let the short end float in the light grip ( one rod in each hand ).. Pratice over some known burried pipes..

BTW, Call the utility Co. before you dig...

Good Luck...

 

[CurlyDave]

If you can shut the power off at the source, one of these might find it at a reasonable cost: - Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices