Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT) & Signal Generator Calibration
Cable avoidance tools (CATs) and signal generators (Gennys) are used to locate buried cables and services before excavation begins – preventing costly and dangerous utility strikes.
Over time, frequency accuracy and depth response can drift, leading to unreliable readings. Regular calibration keeps your detection equipment accurate, compliant, and ready for site use.
Velocity Safety calibrates all major brands, including C.Scope, Radiodetection, Leica and Metrotech Vivax, using manufacturer-approved procedures. Each unit is issued with a traceable calibration certificate to meet HSG47 Safe Digging and Street Works requirements.
Examples of cable location manufacturer’s equipment we calibrate:
- C Scope
- SPX Radiodetection
- Leica
- Metrotech Vivax
What You Need to Know
You rely on your CAT and Genny to find what’s hidden underground. If they’re even slightly out of tune, the results can be costly. Regular calibration keeps readings accurate and your paperwork watertight under HSG47 and Street Works requirements.
How Often Should CAT & Genny Units Be Calibrated?
Most manufacturers recommend a 12-month calibration interval for cable avoidance tools and signal generators – or sooner if the unit has been dropped, exposed to moisture, or starts giving inconsistent readings. Regular calibration proves your equipment is still detecting signals correctly and prevents costly service strikes.
Some contractors, local authorities and utilities now specify calibration every 6 months as part of their internal safety systems or Street Works accreditation. Always follow the interval set out in your company’s safe digging procedure or by the equipment manufacturer.
What’s Included in a Velocity Safety Calibration
- Full functional and signal-response check against manufacturer parameters
- Calibration traceable to national standards using certified equipment
- Digital calibration certificate showing test date, due date and unique ID
- Optional recall reminders to help plan future servicing
Certificate Validity & Traceability
Each calibration includes a traceable digital certificate accepted by auditors, insurers and principal contractors. Certificates list equipment serial numbers, calibration results and expiry dates – giving you the evidence needed for compliance records or insurance investigations.
Need to check when your equipment was last calibrated? We offer fast turnarounds, national collection and return, and reminders to keep your tools in date.
CAT & Genny Calibration Options
Whether you have one CAT scanner or a large fleet of cable avoidance equipment, we can arrange calibration around your location, equipment volume and turnaround requirements.
| Calibration Option | Best For | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Workshop Calibration | Individual CAT scanners, Gennys and smaller batches. | Drop your equipment off at our workshop for calibration, adjustment where required and traceable certification. |
| Courier Calibration | Businesses searching for CAT & Genny calibration without a local calibration centre. | Send your units to us for calibration and certification before they are returned ready for use. |
| On-Site Calibration | Larger fleets, active projects, utilities, councils and hire companies. | Our mobile calibration service comes to your site, helping reduce equipment downtime and transport requirements. |
| Multi-Site Calibration | Contractors and organisations managing CAT & Genny equipment across several locations. | Calibration can be coordinated across your equipment fleet with traceable records and future calibration dates kept organised. |
Not sure which option is most cost-effective? Tell us how many CAT and Genny units you have, where they are located and when they are due, and we’ll recommend the simplest approach.
Our CAT & Genny Calibration Process – Accurate, Compliant, Efficient
We make sure your cable avoidance tools are working as intended – reducing risk and proving diligence. Here’s how we handle the calibration:
1. Equipment Check & Visual Inspection
We inspect the CAT and Genny for signs of damage, battery issues, or casing wear that may affect performance.
2. Functional Test
Each unit is tested to ensure it powers up, emits/receives signals correctly, and responds to known signal sources.
3. Signal Calibration
Using manufacturer-approved procedures and signal sources, we check and adjust the unit’s accuracy and depth indication if applicable.
4. Certification
We issue a traceable certificate confirming the calibration status, date, and due date – ideal for compliance logs and site audits.
5. Optional Repairs or Advice
If faults are found, we’ll recommend trusted service partners or advise on cost-effective replacements. No upselling, just honest help.
If a unit fails calibration, we’ll tell you why – and help you arrange a trusted repair or suitable replacement.
Why choose Velocity Safety Ltd
Why choose Velocity Safety Ltd for your Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT) calibration requirements.
- Manufacturer trained.
- Over 12 years experience in the health and safety industry.
- Fully Insured
- Supplier and service centre for SPX Radiodetection
- Supplier and service centre for C Scope
- Calibration and/or Validations to manufacturers specification.
- Calibrated instrumentation used that has been calibrations to national standards within the last 12 months.
- Stockist of general spares
- Fast turnarounds available
- Mobile service available nationwide
- Used and refurbished equipment available
- Advice and guidance available
Who Our CAT & Genny Calibration Services Are For
Every organisation with a duty to dig safely depends on accurate cable avoidance tools. We support contractors, councils and utilities with fast, traceable CAT & Genny calibration that keeps teams compliant with HSG47 and Street Works requirements.
Civil & Groundworks Contractors
Keep every dig compliant and strike-free with up-to-date calibration certificates for your CATs and Gennys.
Utilities & Street Works Teams
Meet HSG47 and Street Works requirements with traceable calibration records for audit and client sign-off.
Construction & Refurbishment Firms
Prove due diligence before breaking ground and maintain safety across multiple sites.
Survey & Mapping Companies
Guarantee reliable signal detection for underground service tracing and digital mapping.
Facilities & Estate Managers
Ensure on-site maintenance teams have accurate, compliant detection tools across all managed assets.
Local Authorities & Councils
Support highways and maintenance crews with certified equipment ready for inspection or insurance verification.
Training Providers & Colleges
Deliver hands-on training using correctly calibrated CAT and Genny units that meet manufacturer standards.
Hire & Plant Companies
Protect your reputation and customer safety with regularly validated CAT and Genny units in your hire fleet.
Utilities Subcontractors
Show principal contractors you’re compliant and site-ready with up-to-date calibration evidence for every unit.
No matter your sector or site setup, we’ll keep your CAT & Genny units accurate, certified, and ready for use.
What Others Say About Us…
Contractors and utilities tell us our calibrations keep their teams safe on the ground – and on the right side of compliance.
“After many issues with the inspectors from our insurer I contacted Ross to quote. He saved us just over £3000 in the first year. He also does weekends for us to reduce downtime.”
Joe, Civils Company Midlands
“After spending £20k purchasing the wrong powered air units for our factory on our previous PPE supplier/H&S advisors recommendations, Ross came in and told us what we needed, why we needed it and what cost savings could be had over the life of the equipment. I just wish we found him sooner.”
David, Engineering Company North West
“Great Service, Great guy nothing is too much trouble.”
John, Groundworks Company North West
CAT & Genny Calibration Near You
Velocity Safety provides CAT & Genny calibration for contractors, utilities, councils, hire companies and construction teams across the UK.
Based in Blackburn, we regularly support customers across Lancashire and the North West, with workshop, courier and on-site calibration options available depending on your location and number of units.
CAT & Genny Calibration Across the North West
We regularly provide cable avoidance tool and signal generator calibration for customers across:
- Blackburn & Darwen
- Preston
- Chorley & Leyland
- Burnley & Pendle
- Accrington & Hyndburn
- Manchester & Greater Manchester
- Bolton & Bury
- Warrington
- Liverpool & Merseyside
- Blackpool & the Fylde Coast
- Lancaster & Morecambe
Nationwide Cable Avoidance Tool Calibration
Our calibration service is not limited to the North West. We support businesses and equipment fleets throughout the UK, including customers in major construction and utilities hubs such as:
- Leeds & West Yorkshire
- Sheffield & South Yorkshire
- Birmingham & the Midlands
- Nottingham & the East Midlands
- Bristol & the South West
- London & the South East
- Newcastle & the North East
You do not need a calibration centre in your immediate area. Individual CAT scanners and Gennys can be sent to our workshop for calibration and return, while on-site calibration can be arranged for larger equipment fleets and project requirements.
We calibrate equipment from leading manufacturers including Radiodetection, C.Scope, Leica and Vivax-Metrotech, with traceable certification supplied for each unit.
Looking for CAT & Genny calibration near you? Tell us your location, equipment make and model, and number of units and we’ll recommend the quickest calibration option.
Other Services Available:
- Sales, service, repair and refurbishment.
- Gas monitor calibrations
- LEV Testing
- Respirator face fit testing
- LOLER Examinations
- PSSR Examinations
- RPE & RPD Examination and servicing
- Fire Extinguisher Servicing
- PFPE Examinations
- Fall Arrest Block and winch servicing
- Eyebolt testing
- Slip Testing
- Consultancy
FAQs – CAT & Genny Calibration
Cable location errors can be dangerous and costly. These FAQs help you stay compliant and confident in your equipment:
Why is CAT calibration important?
A miscalibrated CAT can miss buried cables – risking strikes, injury, or major service disruptions.
How often should I calibrate a CAT or Genny?
At least once every 12 months – or more often depending on site conditions, frequency of use, and manufacturer guidance.
How much does CAT & Genny calibration cost?
Calibration costs vary depending on the make, model, and condition of your equipment. We’ll provide a clear quote before starting any work – no hidden fees or unexpected extras.
How long does calibration take?
Most CAT & Genny calibrations are completed within 24–48 hours of arrival. Same-day or while-you-wait service can often be arranged by appointment.
Do you calibrate CAT4, CAT5 and CAT & Genny kits used on live sites?
Yes. We calibrate CAT4, CAT5 and combined CAT & Genny kits used on live construction, utilities and street works sites.
Calibration confirms the unit is detecting and transmitting signals accurately across all operating modes, helping you meet HSG47 expectations and site safety requirements.
If you’re unsure which model you’re using or whether it needs calibration, just tell us the make and model and we’ll advise.
Is calibration a legal requirement?
Calibration is not named explicitly in legislation, but PUWER requires that work equipment is suitable, maintained, and operating correctly.
In practice, calibration is the recognised way to demonstrate that a CAT or Genny is functioning accurately and has been properly maintained.
Most principal contractors, utilities and local authorities require in-date calibration certificates to meet HSG47 Safe Digging expectations and internal safety procedures.
What if my unit fails calibration?
We’ll advise on repair vs. replacement based on the model and nature of the issue. You’ll never be left guessing.
Can I send my units to you?
Yes. We offer fast workshop calibrations – just post your units to us and we’ll return them fully certified.
Do you offer on-site calibration?
We can arrange group calibrations on-site for larger teams or ongoing projects – ideal for contractors or utility contractors.
What’s included in the certificate?
Make/model, serial number, test results, date calibrated, next due date, and technician details – fully traceable.
Do I need to calibrate the signal generator too?
Yes. The Genny must emit a consistent signal at the correct frequency to be effective.
Can I use a CAT without a Genny?
Yes, but accuracy is limited. The Genny helps locate cables that don’t carry a detectable signal on their own – using both tools together gives the most reliable results.
What brands do you calibrate?
We support most major brands including Radiodetection, C.Scope, Leica, and more – just ask for confirmation.
Do CAT scanners need calibration after repair?
Yes. Any repair, impact, or moisture exposure can affect accuracy. Always recalibrate before the unit goes back into service.
What happens if my certificate expires?
Once your certificate expires, the instrument is classed as unverified and may not meet site or insurer requirements. Book re-calibration as soon as possible – we can send reminders before expiry to keep your tools compliant.
Do you calibrate CAT & Genny units near me?
Absolutely – we provide calibration services for C.Scope, Radiodetection, and other CAT & Genny devices nationwide. In the North West, we regularly support groundworks and civils teams in areas like Chorley, Preston and Greater Manchester.
We offer workshop calibration via courier as well as on-site calibration for multiple units or larger projects.
Whatever your Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT) and Signal Generator Calibrations requirements are you can be sure you’re in honest, reliable and safe hands.
Contact Velocity Safety today 01254 933 486 or Contact Us
Book CAT & Genny Calibration
Keep your ground avoidance tools sharp and accurate. We calibrate CAT and signal generators using traceable equipment – reducing strike risk and supporting audit requirements.
01254 933 486
info@velocitysafety.co.uk
Velocity Safety
Unit 7 Whitebirk Enterprise Centre,
Lower Phillips Road
Blackburn,
Lancashire
BB1 5UD
