Esders Locating Probe Rod is a professional solution for the electronic location and tracing of underground plastic and other non-conductive pipes.
Conventional electromagnetic locating methods work primarily with conductive metallic utilities. Non-conductive plastic pipes cannot be located directly in the same way. The Esders Locating Probe Rod solves this problem by introducing a flexible rod with integrated copper conductors into the pipe.
This allows the operator to determine the actual route of an underground plastic pipe before excavation, reducing unnecessary digging and helping to minimise the risk of damage to existing underground infrastructure.
How does the locating probe rod work?
The flexible probe rod is inserted into the plastic pipe and connected to a locating system transmitter.
The transmitter applies a signal to the probe rod, which can then be detected from the surface using a compatible utility locator such as the vScan.
The system can be used in two important ways:
1. Tracing the complete pipe route
The transmitter is connected so that the signal travels along the probe rod. The operator can then follow the signal from the surface to determine the route and direction of the underground pipe.
The connection principle for tracing the complete probe rod and therefore the pipe route is illustrated in the lower diagram on page 2 of the manufacturer's documentation.
2. Pinpointing the probe tip
The transmitter head at the end of the probe can be energised separately. This creates a particularly strong magnetic field at the tip, allowing its exact position to be clearly identified from the surface.
This function is especially useful for pinpointing:
- T-junctions
- Pipe branches
- Pipe ends
- Blockages
- Specific excavation points
Trace the route – not just one point
One of the main advantages of the Esders Locating Probe Rod is the ability to determine both the complete route of the pipe and the precise position of the probe tip.
This is particularly valuable when accurate as-built drawings are unavailable or when existing utility plans do not correspond with the actual pipe position.
Depending on the locating system used and local structural conditions, the signal can be detected at a depth of several metres.
Typical Applications
- Locating underground plastic water pipes
- Tracing sewer and technical pipelines
- Locating underground utilities before excavation
- Determining unknown pipe routes
- Locating branches and T-junctions
- Pinpointing pipe ends
- Locating blockages
- Preparing for construction and repair work
Flexible and robust construction
The probe rod is designed to be highly flexible while maintaining the mechanical strength required for insertion into pipelines.
Both models have a rod diameter of only 4.5 mm and a permissible bending diameter of 150 mm.
Two copper conductors are integrated into the rod. The system is supplied on a galvanised tubular steel frame with an aluminium reel.
No additional battery required
The probe rod itself requires no additional battery. The locating signal is generated using an external transmitter.
Thanks to the small, permanently mounted transmitter head, the 5045i can in principle be used with locating systems from other manufacturers, providing additional flexibility for companies already using utility locating equipment.
Technical Data
| Specification | 5045i | 6045e |
|---|---|---|
| Probe rod length | 50 m | 60 m |
| Probe rod diameter | 4.5 mm | 4.5 mm |
| Integrated copper conductors | 2 | 2 |
| Permissible bending diameter | 150 mm | 150 mm |
| Reel diameter | approx. 400 mm | approx. 400 mm |
| Weight | approx. 6 kg | approx. 6 kg |
| Transmitter head | approx. 72 × 12 mm | – |
Key Benefits
- For plastic and other non-conductive underground pipes
- Locates the complete pipe route
- Precise probe tip location
- Helps locate branches, T-junctions and blockages
- Ideal for locating utilities before excavation
- Detection possible at depths of several metres depending on conditions
- Flexible and shear-resistant probe rod
- Only 4.5 mm rod diameter
- Available in 50 m and 60 m versions
- No additional battery required
- 5045i compatible with locating systems from other manufacturers
