Our standard tracer wire is a solid copper conductor insulated with high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE). This product is manufactured according to Underwriters Laboratory (UL) constructions in both 30 V and 600 V versions suitable for use at a maximum continuous operating temperature of 75°C in wet and dry locations.
Our tracer/locator wire can be used for locating a buried cable or pipe.
Most typically, a frequency generator is connected directly to the cable you want to trace, and a high or low frequency signal is applied. In the passive method, power voltages are sometimes applied at a frequency of 50-60 Hz.
Size #14 AWG is most appropriate for installation in an open trench and #12 is usually used in conjunction with a trenching machine. For directional boring applications, where higher strength is required, # 10 soft or hard is used. If the galvanic value and dissimilar metals are not of concern, the #10 stainless steel tracer wire offers higher breaking strengths.
HMWPE provides excellent abrasion, crush, chemical, and moisture resistance.
Using tracer wire is a low cost method of finding what you’re looking for, and prevents expensive (and sometimes dangerous) digging mistakes!
