Cable Locating Wollongong
Locate underground cables across Wollongong safely and accurately with certified EMI and GPR detection services.
Smartscan Locators provides cable locating services in Wollongong to protect underground infrastructure before excavation. Our team uses electromagnetic induction (EMI) and ground penetrating radar (GPR) to detect electrical, fibre optic, communication, gas, water, and sewer lines. We operate under AS5488-22 utility locating standards and follow the BYDA (Before You Dig Australia) process for compliance and safety.
Our technicians hold DBYD, NULCA, and Telstra accreditations and deliver clear on-ground markings, photos, and detailed utility maps in PDF or CAD format. We support residential, commercial, and civil projects, ensuring accurate results and reduced risk of service strikes or costly delays.
Why Wollongong Projects Need Certified Cable Locating
Underground cable strikes are costly, dangerous, and avoidable with professional locating. Wollongong’s coastal soil types and older infrastructure increase the need for precise subsurface detection. Smartscan Locators helps reduce utility damage by combining compliant processes with local knowledge.
We support everything from small backyard digs to large infrastructure projects across the Illawarra. Our service identifies assets that BYDA plans don’t cover, including private lines, fibre optics, and inactive systems.
- Compliant with AS5488 utility locating standards
- Uses GPR and EMI for accurate detection
- Experienced across Wollongong’s urban and industrial zones
- Certified for NBN, Telstra, and local utility asset locating
How We Find and Mark Underground Cables in Wollongong
GPR and EMI Cable Detection
Smartscan Locators uses both ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic induction (EMI) to detect underground utilities across Wollongong. EMI locators are ideal for identifying metallic assets such as electrical and copper communication cables, while GPR scans are used to locate non-metallic utilities like plastic water pipes or fibre optic lines. This dual-technology approach ensures thorough asset coverage, particularly where utility plans are incomplete or outdated. Whether working on residential sites or high-density commercial zones, we adapt the method to the ground conditions to ensure detection is accurate and safe. Every locate is performed by certified technicians using calibrated, industry-grade equipment.
AS5488 Utility Locating Standards
Our locating services meet the AS5488-22 standard, which defines four quality levels of subsurface utility information. We operate across all tiers, from QL-D (desktop records) to QL-A (verified by vacuum excavation). Each location includes clear on-ground markings, photographs, and a PDF summary that notes the QL class achieved. These reports meet requirements for council applications, project designs, and contractor risk assessments. When requested, CAD or 12D utility maps can be included for digital design workflows. This ensures consistent documentation for all stakeholders, reducing liability and making your project fully compliant with industry and local authority standards.
Marking and Reporting
Located cables are marked using high-visibility paint and flags. Each job includes a photo log and a PDF summary report with asset types and depth references.
Optional CAD Mapping
For commercial or infrastructure works, CAD and DWG utility maps are available to support design, submission, and compliance requirements.
QL-A Depth Verification
We offer vacuum excavation (non-destructive) when physical exposure is required to confirm depth and position to QL-A standard accuracy.
What Type of Cable Locating Services Can I Book in Wollongong?
Non-destructive cable locating is available for residential, commercial, and civil projects across the Illawarra region.
Residential Locating
We detect backyard electricity, NBN, water, and gas lines before fencing, landscaping, or pool excavation. This prevents damage and ensures your project meets compliance and safety regulations.
Commercial Projects
Our team locates underground assets in commercial zones, including multi-utility detection for retail builds, car parks, and large industrial facilities with CAD-reporting options.
Civil and Council Works
We support government, council, and Tier 1 contractors with certified locating for road, rail, drainage, and utility infrastructure, complete with AS5488 classification and digital mapping.
Why Contractors and Councils Choose Smartscan Locators
AS5488-certified locating
EMI and GPR equipment
NULCA & DBYD accredited
CAD-ready deliverables
Illawarra-wide response
Where We Offer Cable Locating in Wollongong
Smartscan Locators services the entire Wollongong and Illawarra corridor with same-day options.
Port Kembla & Industrial Areas
Complex, high-risk environments with congested underground networks.
Dapto & Southern Suburbs
Supports residential developments and utility upgrades in growing suburbs.
Shellharbour & Thirroul
Ideal for infill sites and mixed terrain detection using both GPR and EMI.
Common Questions About Cable Locating in Wollongong
Do I still need cable locating if I already have BYDA plans?
Yes. BYDA provides plans only. On-site detection is required to find actual cable positions.
How long does cable locating take?
Most residential jobs are completed within 1–3 hours, depending on property size and site complexity.
What cables can you detect?
We locate power, NBN/fibre, gas, water, stormwater, and even private service lines on request.
Can you find non-metallic pipes or fibre lines?
Yes. GPR and tracer rods help detect non-metallic assets including plastic and fibre.
Do you provide CAD utility maps for council or designers?
Yes. PDF reports are standard, and CAD or DWG files are available for project submissions.
What does a standard job cost?
Residential pricing starts from $350–$550. Civil and commercial scopes are quoted per site.
Is vacuum excavation part of the locate?
Only when QL-A accuracy is required. We offer vacuum potholing as an add-on service.
Looking for Certified Cable
Locating in Wollongong? Book Today
Book certified cable locating with Smartscan Locators for fast response, compliant detection, and clear reporting
that protects your project before excavation begins.
