Nowadays, service reliability is improved for using underground cable locating by moving cables from overhead to underground. While moving underground helped to ensure continuity, it also ushered in extra layers of challenges. However, landscapers and construction companies no longer have a line of sight on these critical lines. For that reason, one unlucky nudge of a shovel will result in interrupted service and a severed line.
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Truly, the only way to safely begin with a project that involves digging is to locate all underground utilities. It will be in the area before breaking any ground. Here are the best reasons underscoring the importance of locating utilities before digging.
The Importance of Underground Cable Locating
In certain cases, some regions have inappropriate or prohibited overhead electric lines. So, the best solution is to use an underground cable to send electricity from the source to a community or building. Furthermore, this type of transmission wiring offers several benefits, including the following:
- Finding Utilities Faster Is A Good Customer Service
State laws dictate how long utilities can locate their underground lines for customers. But it's one of the best practices to complete that process as soon as possible. If for no other reason, speeding this process can serve as a good customer service gesture. No utility wants to be the firm that is the last to find its lines. That delay could cause anxious project owners to begin without markings and severing lines. Their projects can't start until all underground utilities are located.
In most cases, accidents concerning electrical wiring are caused by overhead cables. That means the underground transmission option is safer where it's inaccessible to people and other entities. Moreover, it reduces the danger of electric shock and other hazards.
- Locating Utilities Can Avoid Disruption and Outages
While human safety is vital, there is a high risk of causing a service outage when digging without locating utilities. Yet, cutting a line could cause a home, neighborhood, or even an entire city section to lose water, power, or functionality. But other disruptions beyond service outages can occur if digging occurs before locating utilities. As a result, striking a gas line in a building's evacuation while hitting a water main can need a boil-water advisory.
- Life Expectancy is Increased
Underground PVC wires have a longer lifespan than overhead cables since they are not damaged by external factors that are safely buried. Yet, the number of outages is minimized.
- A Trained Expert in Underground Cable Locating Can Prevent Injuries
Before any project breaks, the standard operating procedure is to call 811. It is the national "call-before-you-dig" number. From there, the service will prompt a request for utility companies to indicate the location of underground lines. But what if someone is unaware of what's hidden under the ground? People digging with a spade, shovel, or another tool with metal components could risk themselves and others around them. It will cause them electrocution if they strike a high-voltage electric line.
- Improved Aesthetic of Areas
Certainly, the overhead wires tend to ruin a place's clean ambiance when not installed appropriately. Yet, the underground cables will make the area look better aesthetically. In addition, tangled and overcrowding wires will not overwhelm the community or building.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right type of underground cable locating is essential to achieve the best outcome and prevent issues afterward. It will be helpful to consider the voltage capacity of the duct, wires, and location you'll use to protect the cables.
Our Quinn Equipment Construction Solutions team helps you do what's best for the business. One of our services is underground cable locating, which offers many advantages over alternatives.
If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at 319-320- and we'll be happy to assist you!
In today’s security landscape, protecting sensitive areas like military bases, airports, data centers, and industrial facilities demands more than just traditional surveillance. Modern perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDS) offer early, accurate detection of potential threats, using sophisticated technologies adapted to various site conditions and security needs.
Among these, four leading types of systems stand out: Buried Cable Intrusion Detection Systems, Fiber Optic Intrusion Detection Systems, Fence Intrusion Detection Systems, and Laser Beam Security Systems.
This article explores their design, working principles, advantages, disadvantages, and best use cases to help you make an informed choice.
What is a buried cable intrusion detection system?
A buried cable intrusion detection system involves two or more sensor cables installed underground in a specific pattern. These cables create an invisible electromagnetic field. When an intruder moves over or near the field, the system detects changes in the field’s characteristics, triggering an alert.
Key Characteristics:
- Cables are hidden beneath the ground
- Detects movement, pressure, or field disturbance
- Difficult for intruders to spot or tamper with
How it Works: The system continuously monitors the electromagnetic field created between paired cables. Any disturbance (walking, crawling, or digging) changes the field, and algorithms assess the type and severity of the movement.
What is a fiber optic intrusion detection system?
Fiber optic cables that are buried underground, installed along fences, or even built into buildings are used by fiber optic intrusion detection systems. It detects disturbances by sensing changes in light patterns (like phase, intensity, or polarization) traveling through the fiber.
Key Characteristics:
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- Uses light transmission inside fiber optic cables
- Sensitive to vibration, movement, and pressure
- Immune to electromagnetic interference
How it Works: When someone climbs a fence, walks nearby, or cuts the fiber, the tiny deformations cause changes in the light signal. The technology locates the disturbance precisely, frequently to within a few meters.
What is a fence intrusion detection system?
A fence intrusion detection system (FIDS) involves sensors mounted directly onto existing or newly installed fences. These sensors detect mechanical disturbances caused by cutting, climbing, lifting, or shaking the fence structure.
Key Characteristics:
- Installed on perimeter fences or walls
- Detects physical attacks on barriers
- Often integrated with CCTV and alarms
How it Works: Vibration sensors, accelerometers, or fiber optics are attached to the fence. The system continuously monitors these inputs for unusual patterns associated with intrusion attempts.
What is a Laser Beam Security System?
Between the transmitter and receiver components, a laser beam security system produces undetectable laser beams. If an intruder crosses the beam, it interrupts the laser, immediately triggering an alarm.
Key Characteristics:
- Form invisible light walls or zones
- Immediate detection upon beam interruption
- Flexible installation over open areas
How it Works: Laser transmitters send coherent beams of light to receivers. If something blocks the beam’s path, even briefly, the system identifies the location of the breach.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature
Buried Cable System
Fiber Optic System
Fence Intrusion System
Laser Beam System
Detection Method
Electromagnetic field disturbance
Light pattern disturbance
Vibration and movement
Beam interruption
Visibility
Completely hidden
Partially hidden or visible
Visible on fences
Visible devices, invisible beams
Ideal Deployment
Open fields, sensitive areas
Long perimeters, sensitive data
Fenced boundaries
Open areas, narrow corridors
Intruder Awareness
Very low
Low to medium
Medium (visible sensors)
High (transmitter/receiver units)
Installation Difficulty
Moderate (excavation needed)
High (special handling for fiber)
Moderate (sensor installation)
Low to moderate
Maintenance
Moderate
Low (passive fiber)
Moderate
Moderate
Cost
High
High
Medium
Medium to High
Weather Resistance
Excellent
Excellent
Good (depends on sensor type)
Good (weatherproof models needed)
Detection Accuracy
High
Very High
High
High (if properly aligned)
False Alarm Risk
Medium
Low to Medium
Medium to High
Medium to High
Pro and Con
Intrusion Detection System for Buried Cables
Pro
Con
Invisible to intruders
Expensive initial installation
High reliability in detecting footsteps, crawling, and digging
Requires significant groundwork (trenching, burial)
Works in all weather conditions
Sensitive to large animals if not properly calibrated
Minimal maintenance once installed
Fiber Optic Intrusion Detection System
Pro
Con
Highly accurate location detection (often within 5 meters)
Expensive equipment and installation
Immune to EMI and lightning
Requires careful handling during installation (fragile cables)
Suitable for very long perimeters (several kilometers)
Some expertise is needed for calibration and operation
Supports integration with existing fences, pipelines, or walls
Fence Intrusion Detection System
Pro
Con
Cost-effective for existing fenced facilities
Visible to intruders, possible avoidance attempts
Easy to retrofit onto old or new fences
More prone to false alarms (wind, heavy rain, animals)
Good deterrent due to visible presence
Regular maintenance is needed to ensure sensor and fence integrity
Supports event-triggered video surveillance integration
Laser Beam Security System
Pro
Con
Creates an invisible “wall” without physical barriers
Beams can be blocked by fog, rain, or snow
Ideal for open spaces where fences are impractical
Alignment must be perfect for reliable operation
Immediate detection with minimal delay
Intruders may detect and attempt to step over or crawl under beams
Adjustable detection zones and heights
Best Use Cases
Scenario
Recommended System
Protecting open fields, airport perimeters
Buried Cable or Fiber Optic System
Securing military bases or critical facilities
Fiber Optic System
Enhancing the warehouse or industrial perimeter
Fence Intrusion Detection System
Guarding museum gardens or hotel grounds
Laser Beam Security System
Sensitive data center protection
Fiber Optic Intrusion Detection System
Temporary event security (concerts, sports)
Laser Beam or Fence Intrusion System
Residential estate boundary monitoring
Fence Intrusion or Fiber Optic System
Each technology has its strengths depending on terrain, visibility concerns, intrusion sophistication, and budget constraints.
Future Trends in Perimeter Intrusion Detection
Artificial Intelligence Integration:
AI algorithms are increasingly being paired with PIDS to reduce false alarms and improve threat classification (e.g., distinguishing between a rabbit and a human intruder).
Multi-Layered Security:
Facilities now combine two or more systems (e.g., fiber optic + laser beams) for layered protection, enhancing detection reliability.
Wireless Fence Sensors:
The development of self-powered, wireless fence intrusion sensors simplifies installation and maintenance.
Enhanced Fiber Technologies:
Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology advances are making fiber optic systems even more sensitive and cost-effective.
Environmental Adaptability:
Newer systems automatically adjust to environmental conditions like rain, wind, or heavy vehicle movement nearby to minimize false alarms.
Conclusion
Choosing the right perimeter security system requires balancing security goals, environmental conditions, and budget.
- Buried Cable Intrusion Detection Systems offer stealthy protection that is ideal for open fields or sensitive zones.
- Fiber Optic Intrusion Detection Systems provide highly precise, resilient detection over long perimeters.
- Fence Intrusion Detection Systems are cost-effective solutions for sites already equipped with physical barriers.
- Laser Beam Security Systems work best for open areas needing unobtrusive and immediate breach detection.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. By understanding how each system operates and what it offers, you can tailor your security plan to ensure comprehensive, dependable protection.
In an era where rapid response to threats is critical, investing in the right perimeter detection system can make all the difference.
Are you interested in learning more about RF970 fiber optic fence sensor system? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
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