Superstition like that amazes me, and not in the way you wish. Maybe instead, you could explain to me why that method is not in widespread use by most power companies and underground locators?
Superstition? I've tried it. You apparently have not. Who is basing their claim more on actual, repeatable observations: you or me?
Maybe instead, you could explain to me why that method is not in widespread use by most power companies and underground locators?
Maybe because modern equipment is more accurate and reliable? (I already told you that an underground locator showed me the technique.)
I suggest you try it. I'm talking about the metal rods. I was dubious, too, until I tried it, and found that it worked reliably.
It is used in the field a whole lot more often than most people know. I was a line locator for a major oil and gas company for ten years. My tool was this:
On the rare occasion that I would get stumped, invariably an old pipeliner would go get his rods out of the truck, walk up and say, "Your pipeline is right here." What I never saw in those ten years was for the pipeliner to miss.
They have a lot better methods than my 2 pieces of wire is why!
When I did it; I could afford to be off a bit; they can't!