To mitigate bleed-over, which practice is recommended?

• A. Always use high frequency
• B. Apply signal in congested areas
• C. Avoid using induction; use direct connection or signal clamp
• D. Use maximum power

Answer: (C)

Bleed-over happens when the locate signal leaks from the target utility into nearby conductors through inductive or capacitive coupling. Inductive methods spread energy into the surrounding environment, especially in crowded utility corridors, which increases interference and makes it harder to keep the signal confined to the intended line. The best practice is to avoid induction and instead apply the signal with a direct connection to the line or with a signal clamp around the conductor. Direct connection provides a low-impedance, tightly defined path for the signal, while a clamp encircles the conductor and injects the signal with minimal stray fields. This focus on a contained signal path reduces energy radiating to other utilities. Higher frequencies, applying the signal in congested areas, or using maximum power would worsen bleed-over by increasing how much energy can couple into adjacent cables.