What is the purpose of using a line locator or potholing before excavation?

• A. To speed up digging by ignoring existing utilities.
• B. To accurately locate existing underground utilities and avoid strikes.
• C. To determine the color of the soil.
• D. To measure trench depth.

Answer: (B)

The purpose is to locate buried utilities accurately before digging so you don’t strike them. A line locator detects signals from underground pipes and cables (or their tracer wires) and helps you mark where they run. Potholing involves digging a small, controlled hole at the planned route to expose the exact location and depth of a utility, confirming the line’s position before larger excavation begins. This approach protects workers from gas leaks, electrical shocks, and service disruptions, and it complies with safety programs that require you to “call before you dig.” It’s not about speeding up digging, determining soil color, or measuring trench depth—the main goal is to avoid damaging existing underground facilities.