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The Elcometer P500 Imp Box Locator (part number W500157F) is a buried-metal locator originally built to find valve boxes and manhole covers, and it can also be used as a general metal detector. Utilities and maintenance teams need to locate buried fittings quickly and accurately before excavation; missing the target wastes time, and false readings from surface litter lead to digging in the wrong place.
The P500 detects metal objects to a maximum depth of 1m. A strong, focused search field locates objects accurately even close to metal fencing and vehicles, and the instrument ignores ghost signals from cigarette packets, drinks cans and other metallic waste. An audio signal with a headphone socket and an ultra-bright LED visual indicator both confirm when metal has been detected. A single control button keeps operation simple, and the Elcometer P500 Imp Box Locator is balanced and lightweight.
Typical detection depths give a guide to performance: a stop tap box is found to around 50cm, a fire hydrant cover to 87cm and an inspection cover to 95cm. The locator measures 96cm overall with a 21cm search head diameter and weighs 1.1kg. It is powered by four 1.5V AA alkaline cells or four 1.5V NiMH rechargeable cells. Manufactured from a single moulded design in high-impact ABS plastic, it stands up to tough field conditions. The Elcometer P500 is supplied by BAMR, South Africa's authorised Elcometer distributor.
Elcometer P500 Imp Box Locator
Although originally designed to accurately locate valve boxes and manhole covers, the Elcometer P500 can also be used as a general metal detector. The Elcometer P500 is straight forward to use and very rugged making it a popular choice in the market.
When to use the Elcometer P500 Imp
The P500 is a long-reach locator for finding buried valve boxes and manhole covers, and it works as a general metal detector too. Use it on site when you need to pinpoint underground fittings quickly with a rugged, simple tool.
- 1Finds buried covers and boxesIt locates valve boxes, stop top boxes, fire hydrant covers and inspection covers down to depths from 50cm to 95cm depending on the target.
- 2Doubles as a metal detectorBeyond covers it works as a general metal detector, so one tool covers several site search tasks.
- 3Rugged and simple to useA straightforward, rugged build makes it a practical choice for repeated field use without a steep learning curve.
Lower-budget alternatives
Ten minutes on a call with one of our specialists usually saves you from buying the wrong instrument.
Book a 10-minute callOr , our product assistant, for an instant answer.
When to use this
When to use the Elcometer P500 Imp
The P500 is a long-reach locator for finding buried valve boxes and manhole covers, and it works as a general metal detector too. Use it on site when you need to pinpoint underground fittings quickly with a rugged, simple tool.
- 1Finds buried covers and boxesIt locates valve boxes, stop top boxes, fire hydrant covers and inspection covers down to depths from 50cm to 95cm depending on the target.
- 2Doubles as a metal detectorBeyond covers it works as a general metal detector, so one tool covers several site search tasks.
- 3Rugged and simple to useA straightforward, rugged build makes it a practical choice for repeated field use without a steep learning curve.
Lower-budget alternatives
Ten minutes on a call with one of our specialists usually saves you from buying the wrong instrument.
Book a 10-minute callOr , our product assistant, for an instant answer.
Specifications
Dimensions
- Overall Length
- 96cm
- Search Head Diameter
- 21cm
- Weight
- 1.1kg
- Power Supply
- 4 x 1.5V AA Cells (Alkaline) or 4 x 1.5V NiMH Rechargeable Cells
Approximate Detection Ranges
- Stop Top Box
- 50cm
- Fire Hydrant Cover
- 87cm
- Inspection Cover
- 95cm
Part Numbers
Part Numbers
| Description | Part Numbers |
|---|---|
| Elcometer P500 Imp Box Locator | W500157F |
Frequently asked questions
How deep can the P500 detect buried boxes and covers?
Detection range varies by target type. Expect to locate stop boxes at 50cm depth, fire hydrant covers at 87cm, and inspection covers at 95cm.
Does the P500 work with rechargeable batteries?
Yes. The P500 uses four AA cells and accepts both alkaline cells and NiMH rechargeable cells, giving you flexibility in power options.
Can I use the P500 for applications beyond infrastructure location?
Although designed for valve boxes and manhole covers, the P500 functions as a general metal detector for other buried metal targets.
What is the weight and overall length of the P500?
The P500 weighs 1.1kg and measures 96cm long with a 21cm search head diameter, making it portable for daily fieldwork.
Is the P500 built for tough field conditions?
Yes. The P500 is very rugged and straightforward to use, which is why it is popular for demanding fieldwork.
Quote on the Elcometer P500 Imp Box Locator by close of business.
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Tell us about your application and we will send a quote with lead time and accessories.