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Fault Finding in Indiana
Fault finding services provide accurate detection and pinpointing of electrical faults in underground or concealed cables, such as damaged power lines, street lighting circuits, and private electrical services. Unlike standard visual inspections or basic testing, which may only confirm that a fault exists, professional fault finding uses advanced diagnostic technology to locate the exact position of the problem without unnecessary excavation.
Using specialised electromagnetic (EM) tracing tools, technicians can accurately locate and follow underground metallic cables and utilities. EM tracing allows them to detect issues such as short circuits, open circuits, insulation faults, or damage caused by corrosion, ground movement, or accidental excavation—pinpointing the problem without unnecessary digging.
These services help homeowners, contractors, electricians, and utility providers quickly locate and repair electrical faults while minimising disruption. By accurately identifying the fault location, fault finding reduces repair time, lowers reinstatement costs, improves safety, prevents further infrastructure damage, and ensures compliance with electrical and safety regulations.
How Fault Finding Works
How Fault Finding Works Using an A-Frame
A fault finding system using an A-frame works by sending a controlled electrical signal into a damaged underground cable. A technician connects a signal generator to the cable—typically at a panel or isolation point—introducing a pulsed current that travels through the ground at the fault location.
When the signal reaches a break or insulation failure, it escapes into the surrounding soil, creating a measurable voltage difference on the surface. The technician then uses an A-frame—two ground probes mounted on a frame—to detect these small voltage differences in the soil.
By walking the A-frame along the cable route and following the changing signal readings, the technician can trace the path of the fault current. The signal strength increases as they approach the fault and drops off once they pass it, allowing them to pinpoint the exact location.
This method provides precise underground fault location with minimal excavation, reducing repair time, cost, and surface disruption.
What Util-Locators Can Locate
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Power Cables – Underground low-voltage and high-voltage electrical service cables supplying homes, commercial buildings, and equipment
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Lighting Circuits – Parking lot lights, street lighting, and landscape lighting cables experiencing shorts or open circuits
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Control & Communication Cables – Damaged underground electrical feeds serving gates, pumps, signage, and site systems
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Private Electrical Laterals – Buried service lines connecting properties to main power supplies
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Abandoned or Undocumented Cables – Unmarked or aging underground electrical lines not shown on existing plans
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Cable Joints & Terminations – Faults occurring at splices, joints, and connection points where insulation breakdown is common
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Moisture or Ground-Damaged Cables – Underground wiring affected by water intrusion, soil movement, corrosion, or accidental excavation
Benefits for Homeowners
For residential customers, fault finding provides clarity and cost control when underground electrical problems occur. Instead of digging up large sections of yard, driveway, or landscaping to search for a damaged cable, professional fault finding pinpoints the exact location of the issue before repairs begin.
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Avoid unnecessary excavation and landscape damage
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Reduce repair costs by digging only where needed
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Restore power more quickly and safely
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Prevent further damage to electrical systems
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Minimize disruption to your home and property
Benefits for Contractors & Small Businesses
For contractors and electricians, fault finding delivers efficiency, precision, and risk reduction. Rather than relying on trial-and-error excavation, accurate fault location allows crews to plan repairs strategically and complete work with minimal surface disruption.
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Decrease labor time and diagnostic guesswork
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Limit asphalt, concrete, or hardscape removal
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Keep projects on schedule
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Improve jobsite safety
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Provide clients with accurate, professional solutions
IMAGINE - Our Services in Action
Pinpointing the Problem Below the Surface
When Mark Reynolds, a homeowner in Carmel, Indiana, suddenly lost power to his detached garage, he assumed it was a simple breaker issue. But after resetting the panel several times, the problem kept returning. An electrician confirmed the issue: a fault somewhere along the underground electrical cable running from the house to the garage.
The challenge? No one knew exactly where the cable was buried—or where along its path the damage had occurred.
“Are we going to have to dig up the whole yard?” Mark asked.
Rather than risk unnecessary excavation, Mark’s electrician contacted a professional fault finding specialist. Within hours, technicians arrived with advanced diagnostic equipment designed to locate underground electrical faults with precision.
Using cable tracing technology and time domain reflectometry (TDR), the team identified the exact route of the buried power cable. Then, with specialized fault location equipment, they pinpointed the damaged section—caused by insulation breakdown from years of ground moisture and freeze-thaw cycles.
Instead of trenching across the entire lawn, excavation was limited to a single, precise location just a few feet wide.
The result?
Minimal digging, lower repair costs, and power safely restored within the day. No unnecessary landscape damage. No guesswork.
Precision for Commercial and Municipal Systems
At a commercial property in Indianapolis, a parking lot lighting circuit began tripping repeatedly, leaving sections of the lot in darkness. The underground cable network serving the lights spanned hundreds of feet beneath asphalt and landscaped areas. Random excavation would have meant major disruption to business operations.
The property management company partnered with a professional fault finding team to diagnose the issue.
Technicians first confirmed the presence of a cable fault through electrical testing. Then, using advanced surge generation and acoustic detection methods, they traced the underground cable path and pinpointed the exact fault location beneath the pavement—without tearing up large sections of the lot.
A small, targeted core drill was all that was needed to access and repair the damaged cable.
For the property manager, fault finding wasn’t just a repair service—it was a cost-control strategy that reduced downtime, protected infrastructure, and restored safe lighting quickly.
Our Passion is Your Damage Prevention
From residential service lines to large-scale commercial and municipal electrical systems, professional fault finding services eliminate uncertainty. By accurately locating underground cable faults, we reduce excavation, minimize disruption, improve safety, and ensure repairs are completed efficiently and correctly.
Because when it comes to hidden electrical problems, precision isn’t a luxury—it’s the difference between disruption and resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fault Finding
What is Fault Finding?
Fault finding uses specialized tools and techniques, including sonic, acoustic, and electromagnetic methods, to detect and locate problems in underground utilities. Common issues include leaks, blockages, damaged pipes, or pipe misalignments. Technicians can pinpoint faults without extensive digging, saving time and money.
What types of faults can Fault Finding detect?
Fault finding can detect:
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Leaks in water lines, irrigation pipes, and service connections
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Blockages in sewer lines, stormwater drains, or retention systems
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Cracks, breaks, or collapsed non-metallic pipes
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Misaligned or sagging pipe sections
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Faulty junctions, valves, or cleanouts
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Abandoned or undocumented non-metallic pipes
How deep can Fault Finding detect problems?
Fault finding is typically effective up to 10–15 feet deep for non-metallic pipes, depending on:
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Soil type and moisture
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Pipe material
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Fault severity
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Equipment sensitivity
Metallic pipes may require electromagnetic methods for accurate fault detection.
Who uses Fault Finding services?
Fault finding is used by:
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Homeowners detecting leaks, drainage issues, or irrigation problems
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Small businesses and commercial property managers
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Septic system installers and repair companies
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Municipal crews and public works departments
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Construction companies preparing for excavation or utility maintenance
Why is Fault Finding important?
Fault finding helps:
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Prevent property damage from leaks or blockages
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Reduce water loss and repair costs
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Ensure the safety of workers and the public
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Keep projects and maintenance schedules on track
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Avoid unnecessary excavation
How are faults marked after detection?
Detected faults are typically marked with color-coded paint or flags:
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Blue = Water leaks or problem areas
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Green = Sewer or drainage issues
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Red = Urgent repairs or hazardous faults
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White = Planned excavation areas
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Other colors may be used for irrigation or project-specific markings
How long does a Fault Finding survey take?
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Residential sites: 1–2 hours
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Commercial or multi-acre projects: several days
Time depends on the size, complexity, and number of utilities being checked.
Can Fault Finding detect metallic pipes?
Yes. Fault finding can combine sonic, acoustic, and EM (electromagnetic) technologies to detect faults in both non-metallic and metallic pipes.
How do I schedule Fault Finding services?
Contact Util-Locators online or by phone to schedule a professional fault finding survey.
We serve: Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, Carmel, Bloomington, Fishers, Hammond, Gary, Lafayette, Muncie, and all areas across Indiana.
Call Util-Locators Today
Before you dig, drill, or build, trust a top-rated private utility locating company to protect your investment.
📞 Contact Util-Locators today to schedule your GPR survey or request a quote.
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Util-Locators — Our Passion is Your Damage Prevention.
What Clients Are Saying About Util‑Locators
Util‑Locators LLC consistently earns 5‑star reviews from homeowners, contractors, and business owners for quality service, professionalism, and responsiveness. Customers appreciate the way our team communicates clearly, shows up promptly, and delivers dependable results that help protect projects from costly mistakes.
Here’s what reviewers emphasize:
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Fast, responsive service: Clients frequently mention that Util‑Locators locates utilities quickly—often the same day they request service—and keeps them informed throughout the process.
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Professional and personable technicians: Reviewers highlight our team’s professionalism, friendly attitude, and ease of working with on site.
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Clear, accurate utility marks: Customers note that utilities are clearly marked and well documented, giving them confidence to dig, build, or renovate safely.
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Value and reliability: Many clients say they would use Util‑Locators again or recommend us to friends, family, and other contractors—testament to our dependable results and customer care.
