Connected locating for safer excavation
Fluke Corporation introduces SmartTrace for underground asset visibility. Providing precise information on the location of underground cables and pipes, enabling workers to identify unknown assets and avoid potential damage during excavation.
Accurately locating buried utilities remains one of the most critical and error-prone tasks in industrial maintenance, construction and infrastructure projects. Missed or misidentified assets can lead to costly delays, service interruptions, and serious safety incidents. With the introduction of its SmartTrace 2082 Series of underground locators, Fluke Corporation is targeting these long-standing challenges with a connected, data-driven approach to asset tracking and management.
Addressing a persistent industry risk
Across the UK, accidental utility strikes during excavation remain a significant issue. Industry estimates suggest tens of thousands of “utility hits” occur each year, often due to incomplete records, inaccurate mapping, or limitations in conventional locating tools. The implications extend beyond immediate repair costs to include downtime, regulatory exposure and safety risks.
SmartTrace is designed to mitigate these issues by combining precise locating capability with digital mapping and documentation. The system enables users to identify the position, depth, and route of underground assets – such as cables and pipelines – before excavation begins, reducing uncertainty at the point of work.
Precision locating with fault detection
At the core of the SmartTrace 2082 Series is its ability to inject signals into buried metallic assets and trace them at depths of up to six metres. This allows operators not only to locate known infrastructure but also to detect previously unrecorded or “unknown” utilities.
Crucially for industrial applications, the system also supports advanced fault detection. It can identify ground faults, sheath faults, and coating defects – common issues in ageing or heavily utilised infrastructure. By detecting leakage currents or points where conductors come into contact with earth, engineers gain a clearer picture of asset condition as well as location.
This dual capability aligns with broader trends in instrumentation, where condition monitoring and diagnostic insight are increasingly integrated into routine inspection workflows rather than treated as separate processes.
Digital integration and real-time mapping
A key differentiator for SmartTrace is its integration with the PointMan app. Using Bluetooth connectivity, the locator transmits data directly to a smartphone, where assets can be mapped, recorded, and geolocated in real time.
This represents a shift from manual marking and paper-based records towards digital asset management. Engineers can document utility positions with greater accuracy, create persistent records for future projects, and share data across teams.
The geolocation functionality also supports repeatability – an essential requirement in industrial environments where assets may need to be revisited for maintenance, inspection, or expansion. By creating a digital trail of underground infrastructure, SmartTrace helps reduce reliance on institutional knowledge and improves continuity across project lifecycles.
Safety and usability in the field
Field usability remains a critical factor in the adoption of any instrumentation tool. SmartTrace addresses this with an intuitive transmitter that automatically selects appropriate locating modes based on connected accessories. This reduces setup complexity and helps ensure consistent results, even for less experienced operators.
From a safety perspective, the system incorporates a CAT IV 600 V-rated transmitter, enabling safer operation in high-energy environments. This is particularly relevant in industrial settings where electrical infrastructure may present additional hazards during tracing activities.
The inclusion of a comprehensive accessory kit further enhances field performance. Tools such as signal clamps allow detection without direct electrical contact, while an A-frame accessory supports accurate fault location. Combined with marking tools and mapping aids, the system is designed to streamline the entire locating workflow – from detection through to documentation.
Implications for instrumentation and asset management
The launch of SmartTrace reflects a broader evolution in the instrumentation sector, where connectivity, data integration, and safety are becoming central to tool design. Rather than functioning as standalone devices, modern instruments are increasingly part of a wider ecosystem that supports decision-making and operational efficiency.
For engineers responsible for asset integrity and site safety, this shift offers tangible benefits. Improved visibility of underground infrastructure reduces the likelihood of accidental damage, while integrated fault detection supports more proactive maintenance strategies.
In addition, the ability to capture and manage data digitally aligns with the growing emphasis on traceability and compliance in industrial operations. Accurate records of asset location and condition can support audits, planning, and long-term infrastructure management.
A step towards smarter infrastructure management
By combining precise locating technology with real-time digital mapping, SmartTrace positions itself as more than just a utility locator. It represents a move towards smarter, more connected infrastructure management – where data captured in the field feeds directly into broader operational workflows.
The future of asset tracking lies not only in improved measurement accuracy, but in the ability to integrate, share, and act on that data effectively.