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What Is a Leaky Feeder Cable And How Does It Work?

Leaky feeder cables have become a must-have item in the mining industry and for reliable communications in mining. These systems can be installed throughout mining sites with repeating antennae to maintain a continuous and reliable communication system. A leaky feeder cable is a cable that acts as an antenna, radiating the signals from one end to another. The technology works by creating a low-frequency radio field along the length of the cable. The radio waves are then carried through any material that the cable passes through, including rock or metal structures. By using this low-frequency technique, the signal can be transmitted and received through small openings, such as cracks in rocks or other hard materials.

The leaky feeder cable is placed underground along the path of tunnels between two points within a mine site. The emits radiowaves that travel along the length of the cable, allowing signals to be transmitted from one end of the mine to another. The radio waves also penetrate the material that the cable passes through, making it possible for signals in difficult environments.

In underground communications, these tools are vital to keeping workers safe and providing reliable communication and data transmission. The leaky feeder cable technology is highly reliable and efficient when installed correctly, making it a preferred option for mine sites with challenging environmental conditions. It can be easily integrated into existing networks to provide additional coverage and flexibility in communications. With the right equipment and regular maintenance, the leaky feeder system is easy to care for and easy to expand as the mine grows. This makes it a great choice for mining sites that need reliable communication systems. 

By using this low-frequency technique, the signal can be transmitted and received through small openings, such as cracks in rocks or other hard materials. This ensures uninterrupted communication between miners and supervisors, making it easy to coordinate activities quickly and safely. If you are interested in learning more about this system for your mining site, contact us today. 

This post was written by Justin Tidd, Director at Becker Mining Communications! For over 15 years, Becker Communications has been the industry’s leader in leaky feeder amplifier and electrical mining communication systems. As they expanded into surface mining, railroads, and tunneling they added wireless communication systems, handheld radios, tagging and tracking systems, as well as gas monitoring.

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