What tool can be used to trace electrical faults in underground cables?

• A. A voltage meter
• B. A cable locator
• C. An oscilloscope
• D. A circuit breaker tester

Answer: (B)

A cable locator is specifically designed to identify the path of underground cables and to trace faults within those cables. These devices utilize electromagnetic fields to detect buried conduits, allowing technicians to pinpoint the location of electrical issues like shorts or breaks without the need for excavation. This capability is essential in managing underground infrastructure efficiently and reducing potential risks during repairs.

In contrast, while a voltage meter can measure the voltage in a live circuit, it does not provide the specific information needed to trace faults within underground cables. An oscilloscope is more suited for analyzing waveforms in electrical signals rather than locating faults. Similarly, a circuit breaker tester is designed to evaluate the efficiency of circuit breakers, not for tracing problems in underground cabling systems. Thus, among these choices, the cable locator is the most appropriate tool for this purpose.