Radiodetection CAT4+ Explained: Why Every Civil Contractor Should Start with This Entry-Level Locator

When it comes to safe excavation, accurate underground service locating is not optional—it’s essential. For civil contractors across Australia, especially those working in construction, plumbing, and trenching, one tool consistently stands out as the perfect starting point: the Radiodetection CAT4+.

This in-depth guide explains why the CAT4+ is the go-to cable avoidance tool for contractors, what makes it reliable and compliant, and how it fits into BYDA (Before You Dig Australia) workflows. Whether you're locating power cables, telecom lines, or water mains, the CAT4+ offers a cost-effective solution without compromising on safety or performance.

1. Why Every Civil Contractor Needs a Cable Locator

Contractors on excavation sites face one of the industry’s greatest risks—accidentally striking underground services. Consequences include:

• Injury or death
• Project delays
• Expensive utility damage
• Fines and regulatory breaches

Cable locating is not just best practice—it’s a legal requirement when digging around utilities in Australia. The CAT4+ is designed to meet this need affordably and effectively.

2. What is the CAT4+ Cable Locator?

The Radiodetection CAT4+ is a compact, rugged, and user-friendly cable avoidance tool designed to detect buried power cables and utility lines. It supports both passive detection (detecting naturally radiating signals like mains power) and active detection (using a signal transmitter for enhanced location accuracy).

Key Specs:

• Frequencies: Power, Radio, Avoidance, and Transmitter (33kHz + 131kHz)
• StrikeAlert™ safety feature
• Avoidance Mode for multi-signal scanning
• Depth estimation (when used with Genny4)
• eCert calibration system
• IP54 weather resistance

3. CAT4+ vs CAT4+ Genny Kit: What’s the Difference?

On its own, the CAT4+ can detect passive signals. However, when paired with the Genny4 signal generator, its locating capabilities are significantly enhanced. The Genny4 allows for:

• Active 33kHz (and 131kHz) signal injection into buried metallic lines
• Induction mode (no direct connection needed)
• Accessory support (clamps, sondes, and connectors)
• Improved depth estimation and detection range

Recommendation: Contractors should always use the CAT4+ and Genny4 together for full functionality.

4. StrikeAlert™: Preventing Dangerous Shallow Cable Strikes

One of the standout safety features in the CAT4+ is StrikeAlert™. This function alerts the operator to the presence of shallow-buried utilities, reducing the likelihood of strikes during digging. It’s especially useful on urban sites where services are often located just below the surface.

StrikeAlert is always active in Avoidance Mode, adding a critical layer of safety during scans.

5. Avoidance Mode: Scan for All Utilities Simultaneously

Avoidance Mode allows the CAT4+ to scan all detectable signals at once:

• Power (50Hz/60Hz)
• Radio frequency emissions

This mode saves time and ensures no detectable signal is missed, helping operators gain a complete picture of what lies beneath.

6. eCert: Hassle-Free Compliance and Calibration

In many industries, regular calibration of electronic locating equipment is required for safety and compliance. Radiodetection's eCert system allows operators to:

• Remotely verify calibration status
• Perform self-certification
• Receive compliance reports

This reduces downtime and eliminates the need to send equipment away for re-certification, making it ideal for large crews or companies with high equipment turnover.

7. BYDA Compliance and CAT4+: What You Need to Know

Dial Before You Dig (BYDA) is Australia’s national referral service for utility location plans. Contractors are expected to use a locator on-site before breaking ground. The CAT4+:

• Won’t meet the practical assessment equipment requirements (for that you need the MRX. MRXG, or MRXSG)

But can:

• Can be used as evidence of reasonable duty of care
• Helps satisfy insurance requirements for asset strike prevention (check with your insurance company)

Pairing the CAT4+ with proper training ensures your team is competent, compliant, and protected.

8. Who Should Use the CAT4+?

The CAT4+ is tailored for:

• Civil contractors
• Electricians
• Builders
• Landscapers
• Plumbers
• Concreters

It’s especially useful for teams working around NBN installations, power networks, water mains, and street works. The simple interface and fast scan modes make it ideal for busy construction crews with limited time.

9. CAT4+ in Action: Real-World Use Cases

Case 1: Subdivision Trenching
A contractor was preparing to trench in a new residential estate. Using the CAT4+ and Genny4, they detected an unmarked power line just 300mm below surface—directly in the trench path. Strike avoided, project saved.

Case 2: Council Footpath Upgrade
During a council renewal project, the CAT4+ helped workers identify telecom and water lines beneath a footpath without causing disruption to residents or services.

Case 3: Commercial Building Footing Prep
In preparation for foundation pouring, a construction team used the CAT4+ to map power and comms lines entering the building slab. The visual feedback allowed safe saw cutting and excavation.

10. Accessory Compatibility: Expand Your Capabilities

The CAT4+ is compatible with:

• Genny4 Transmitter
• Direct Connection Leads
• Induction Clamp (Signal Clamp)
• Live Cable Connector (LCC)
• Sondes (to trace non-metallic pipes)

These accessories allow contractors to trace:

• Live low-voltage circuits
• Telecom cables
• Water pipes
• Plastic conduits with inserted sondes

11. CAT4+ vs RD7200 vs RD8200: Where Does It Fit?

12. Training & Certification Options

Testrix Systems, as a top-tier Radiodetection dealer often offers:

• CAT4+ competency training
• Genny4 signal tracing technique instruction
• BYDA compliance awareness sessions
• Product selection from an industry expert

A small investment in training can significantly reduce the risk of injury, fines, and operational disruption.

13. ROI: How the CAT4+ Pays for Itself

The CAT4+ typically retails at a fraction of the cost of more advanced locators but delivers excellent value:

• Avoids strikes and costly repairs
• Improves team safety and productivity
• Reduces downtime on site
• Enhances regulatory compliance

When paired with the Genny4, the ROI is typically realized within a few avoided service strikes.

14. Final Thoughts: Why the CAT4+ is the Contractor’s Best Friend

If you're starting out or expanding a civil contracting team, the Radiodetection CAT4+ is the smart place to begin. It’s cost-effective, intuitive, compliant, and reliable under field conditions. With the Genny4, you get powerful detection at a fraction of the cost of premium models.

Whether you're avoiding power lines, tracing water mains, or scanning NBN conduits, the CAT4+ helps you dig safely and responsibly.

Explore the CAT4+ and Full Radiodetection Range

Browse our full selection of Radiodetection cable locators including the CAT4+, RD7200, and RD8200 series — all available now from Testrix. Need help choosing the right tool or arranging training? Contact our team today for expert support. If you are ready to purchase from our website, then you can also do that here.