Why is it unnecessary to disconnect a cable when using a cable locator?

The correct answer highlights the principle that the locating signal used by cable locators operates effectively even when connections are present on the cable. This is primarily due to the fact that the locating signal can be carried on the cable shield, which allows the locator to pick up and interpret the signal without needing to disconnect the cable.

Using the shield of the cable as a pathway for the signal is a common practice in cable locating technology. It means that the integrity of the signal transmission is maintained regardless of how many connections or terminations exist along the cable's path. Therefore, it isn't necessary to disconnect the cable to obtain accurate readings or to locate it efficiently.

The other options, while they might seem plausible, do not capture the actual technical reasoning behind why disconnection is unnecessary in this context. For instance, built-in monitoring capabilities or interference concerns do not specifically relate to the effectiveness of the locating signal over the cable shield. Thus, the correct answer directly addresses the functionality of the locating signal in relation to the physical properties of the cable itself.