You may have heard that you should only use induction as a last resort. In most cases that’s a good rule to live by but when you do need to use it, knowing how is extremely important. There are times when only induction will help you reduce interference and other times when using induction is your only option.

In this article we will look at inducing a signal onto an underground line without a metal to metal connection.We want to expain what it is, when you might want to use it, and how to use it to help you get the results you want.

Introduction to Induction
Induction is the transfer of energy from one circuit (in this case the transmitter's antenna) to another (utility) without metal-to-metal contact. It is another way to make current flow in a circuit when you cannot make a metal to metal direct connection to the utility.

There are two ways to induce a current onto a target utility. The first method is with a clamp, or coupler. A clamp’s jaws are placed around the conductor you want to energize, and the other end of the clamp is plugged into the transmitter. The jaws put out a signal field which induces a current onto the onto the target conductor. If you cannot connect directly to the line this is the next preferred method as you can place it directly around the target conductor which helps isolate the line.

The second type of induction uses a coil built into the transmitter. When positioned over the target utility, some of the energy emitted from these coils transfers some of its energy to the utility, causing it to be energized with the transmitter’s signal.