Precise location of underground valves and fittings
The ST 102 Magnetometer is a professional instrument for accurately locating concealed ferromagnetic objects made of iron, steel and cast iron.
In water distribution and other utility networks, valves and fittings can gradually become covered by soil, asphalt, grass, snow or ice. Their actual position may also differ from existing network drawings, making them difficult and time-consuming to find.
The ST 102 helps locate these objects quickly and precisely, reducing unnecessary excavation and allowing the operator to determine where the underground fitting is actually located.
Ideal for valve boxes with plastic covers
One of the most valuable applications of the ST 102 for water utilities is locating valves installed in valve boxes with plastic covers.
A plastic cover itself cannot be detected as a ferromagnetic object. The ST 102 solves this problem by locating the iron or steel valve operating rod underneath the cover.
This makes the instrument particularly useful when:
- the valve box has a plastic cover;
- the cover is buried under soil or grass;
- the valve box is covered by snow or ice;
- the exact valve position is unknown;
- network drawings are inaccurate or outdated;
- the operator needs to locate the actual valve rod rather than the cover.
This ability makes the ST 102 particularly well suited to modern water distribution networks where plastic valve box covers are increasingly common.
SMART+ mode for locating valve rods
The SMART+ mode is designed specifically for locating ferromagnetic objects positioned vertically in relation to the ground surface.
Typical applications include:
- valve operating rods;
- vertically installed steel components;
- iron survey markers or pipes;
- other vertically positioned ferromagnetic objects.
SMART+ helps suppress the influence of other magnetic objects, making it easier to identify the specific vertical object being searched for.
For water utilities, this is particularly valuable when the objective is to find a valve operating rod beneath a plastic valve box cover.
Detects ferromagnetic metals – not every metal
The ST 102 is designed to detect ferromagnetic materials, primarily:
Iron | Steel | Cast iron
This provides an important advantage compared with general-purpose metal detectors: aluminium, copper and other non-ferromagnetic metals do not interfere with the locating process.
This is particularly useful in urban environments where many different metallic materials may be present in or around the ground.
ERASE function for difficult environments
Underground valves are often located close to metal fences, structures, poles or other large metallic objects.
The ERASE function allows the operator to reduce the influence of a nearby metallic object and continue locating the target.
This is a practical advantage for utility work where ideal locating conditions are rarely available.
Audible and visual indication
The ST 102 provides clear feedback through both an audible signal and a visual display.
As the instrument approaches the target, changes in magnetic field strength help the operator determine the object's position. The display also provides field strength information and polarity indication.
A power cable warning symbol provides additional information when an electrical field associated with a power cable is detected.
Designed for professional field use
The ST 102 is designed for regular outdoor use by utility and maintenance professionals.
Its robust construction, waterproof search rod and low weight of approximately 1.1 kg make it comfortable to operate during field work and in demanding weather conditions.
Typical Applications
- Underground valve location
- Valve operating rod location
- Valve boxes with plastic covers
- Hydrant location
- Cast-iron manhole cover location
- Ferromagnetic survey marker location
- Underground iron and steel object location
- Locating fittings before excavation
- Water distribution network maintenance
Technical Data
| Specification | ST 102 |
|---|---|
| Operating principle | Magnetometer |
| Detectable materials | Ferromagnetic metals |
| Typical materials | Iron, steel, cast iron |
| Operating modes | Standard, ERASE, SMART+ |
| Indication | Audible signal + display |
| Polarity indication | + / – |
| Power cable warning | Yes |
| Power supply | 6 × 1.5 V AA batteries |
| Operating temperature | –20 °C to +60 °C |
| Weight | Approx. 1.1 kg |
Key Benefits
- Precise location of underground valves and valve rods
- Particularly suitable for valve boxes with plastic covers
- Locates the ferromagnetic valve rod beneath the cover
- Detects iron, steel and cast iron
- No interference from aluminium or copper
- SMART+ mode for vertically positioned objects
- ERASE function for work near large metallic objects
- Audible and visual indication
- Power cable warning function
- Robust design for professional field use
- Lightweight and easy to operate
ST 102 – a professional solution for locating the underground valve rod itself, even when the valve box is fitted with a plastic cover.
