Benefits of Tracer Wire

Which type of tracer wire is perfect for your next job?

Tracer Wire

GAS | WATER | FIBER | SEWER

Tracer Wire is a single conductor wire laid alongside pipes during installation.  The insulations are high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE) that provides excellent abrasion, crush, chemical, oil, and moisture resistance. The wire carries a radio signal to help find the line later or to detect before digging.   The wire is copper coated with insulation that provides excellent resistance to abrasion, crush, chemical, oil, and moisture resistance. Tracer wire lasts longer and is less dangerous than its counterpart, THHN wire.

Underground tracer wire is a type of tracer wire used for direct burial applications. Another popular type is pipeline tracer wire, a single conductor wire that is intended to carry a radio signal to aid in the location of buried pipelines.

Construction

Conductor: The conductor is a solid or stranded copper per spec ASTM B-1, B-3, or B-8

Insulation: Insulation is yellow, high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE), conforms to ASTM D-1248

Insulation Types

  • low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
  • linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)
  • medium density polyethylene (MDPE)
  • high-density polyethylene (HDPE)

Features

Size: 14 – 6 AWG (American Wire Gauge)

Temperature: Operating temperature 70° C dry and wet

Voltage Rating:
20 mil – 30 through 300 volts
30 mil – 30 through 300 volts
45 mil – 600 volts

Industry Applications

  • Contractors
  • Gas and oil distributors
  • Water and sewage departments
  • Telecommunications companies
  • Government agencies

Printing

  • Standard – surface printing indicates manufacturer, conductor size, insulation type
  • Custom – available upon request

Packaging

  • Standard – 500 foot / 1,000 foot / 2,500 ft reels
  • Custom – available upon request

Uniform Color Code for Marking Underground FacilitiesTracer Wire Uniform Color Code for Marking Underground Facilities: White - Proposed Excavation, Pink - Temporary Survey, Red - Electrical Power, Yellow - Gas, Oil, Dangerous Materials, Product Lines, Orange - Communication, Cable Television, Fiber Optics, Blue - Water Systems, Purple - Reclaimed Water, Green - Sanitary Sewer Systems

White = Proposed Excavation
Pink
= Temporary Survey
Red = Electrical Power
Yellow = Gas, Oil, Dangerous Materials, Product Lines
Orange = Communication, Cable Television, Fiber Optics
Blue = Water Systems
Purple = Reclaimed Water
Green = Sanitary Sewer Systems

TW/THW Tracer Wire

Underground Tracer Wire is also referred to as either TW Wire or THW Wire. TW Wire is a thermoplastic, water-resistant, wire. THW wire is similar, but with heat resistance. This wire, when combined with its polymerizing vinyl chloride (PVC) insulation, can function properly in temperatures up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Performance offers this tracer wire from 8 AWG to 14 AWG (American Wire Gauge). TW/THW Wire is used in residential and industrial machine wiring circuits such as refrigeration equipment, washing machines, and HVAC units.

Benefits of Tracer Wire Vs. THHN

These two wires are NOT interchangeable! Tracer wire, when used as an underground locating wire, possesses many favorable characteristics that THHN wire does not. Tracer wire is much more resistant to liquids, harmful chemicals, corrosion, and more thanks to its PVC insulation. As a result, tracer wire lasts much longer than THHN wire and can prevent potentially dangerous accidents from occurring.

Tracer Wire Specifications

This specification describes a single solid or stranded copper conductor tracer wire. It is intended to carry a radio signal to aid in the location of buried plastic pipes. The electric wire tracer may be identified by surface printing, indicating manufacturer and/or conductor size. Custom legends are available.

Solid/Stranded Copper ConductorInsulationFinished Product
AWGStrDiameter (in.)HDPE (in.)Diameter (in.)Lbs/MftStandard Put-up (ft.)Ship Package (ft.)
16SOL0.05080.0200.0919.65002000
16SOL0.05080.03o0.11110.15002000
16SOL0.05080.0450.14113.35002000
14SOL0.06410.0200.10415.35002000
14SOL0.06410.0300.12416.85002000
14SOL0.06410.0450.15419.55002000
1470.07260.0200.11315.65002000
1470.07260.0300.13317.15002000
1470.07260.0450.16315.95002000
12SOL0.08080.0200.12123.75002000
12SOL0.08080.0300.14124.55002000
12SOL0.08080.0450.17127.45002000
1270.09150.0200.13224500200
1270.09150.0300.15224.85002000
1270.09150.0450.18227.75002000
10SOL0.10190.0300.16239.35002000
10SOL0.10190.0450.192435002000
1070.1160.0300.17639.95001000
1070.1160.0450.20643.65001000
10190.1170.0450.20743.65001000
8SOL0.12850.0300.189565001000
8SOL0.12850.0450.220605001000
870.1460.0300.206575001000
870.1460.0450.236615001000
6SOL0.1620.0300.22292.4500500
6SOL0.1620.0450.25297500500
670.1840.0300.24494500500
670.1840.0450.27498.6500500
4SOL0.2040.0300.264135.5500500
4SOL0.2040.0450.294140.8500500
470.2320.0300.292139.1500500
470.2320.0450.322145.1500500

Tracer Wire Resources

Different Types of Tracer Wire – This article will help you decide which type of tracer wire is perfect for your next job.

Tracer Wire Vs. THHN Wire – Learn the differences between these two wires.

Benefits of Tracer Wire – Why use tracer wire? Find out here!

Our tracer wire is Made in America in our NY facility. Contact us for more information, pricing, and turnaround time.

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