Tracer Wire: Difference between revisions
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
(→About) |
|||
| (25 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
=About= | |||
*'''A type of wire used to mark the location of buried [[Underground Utilities]] ''' | |||
*Can be later traced with a proper [[Underground Wire Locator]] , or to an extent [https://maker.pro/forums/threads/use-metal-detector-as-cable-tracer.121975/ A [[Metal Decector]] or AM Transmitter/Receiver] | |||
*Video - [https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ALeKk026QG9BbsZl0rNsBS9KmerMgczY_w%3A1602863734253&source=hp&ei=dsKJX6q8DJDYsAXHkpG4Cw&q=is+tracer+wire+required+for+water+line&btnK=Google+Search&oq=how+to+configure+nvidia+geforce+gtx+1650+super+on+linux+mint&gs_lcp=CgZwc3ktYWIQAzIFCCEQoAEyBQghEKsCMgUIIRCrAjoOCAAQ6gIQtAIQmgEQ5QI6DgguELEDEMcBEKMCEJMCOggILhDHARCvAToLCC4QsQMQxwEQowI6CAgAELEDEIMBOggILhCxAxCDAToFCAAQsQM6AggAOgQIABAKOgYIABAWEB46CAghEBYQHRAeOgcIIRAKEKABUMsQWOmzAWD8tAFoBnAAeACAAeQGiAGhS5IBDTExLjQ3LjMuMi42LTGYAQCgAQGqAQdnd3Mtd2l6sAEG&sclient=psy-ab&ved=0ahUKEwiqz4DcvLnsAhUQLKwKHUdJBLcQ4dUDCAk&uact=5#btnK=Google%20Search&kpvalbx=_HT7HYtvhBvWtqtsP7riAiA016] | *Video - [https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ALeKk026QG9BbsZl0rNsBS9KmerMgczY_w%3A1602863734253&source=hp&ei=dsKJX6q8DJDYsAXHkpG4Cw&q=is+tracer+wire+required+for+water+line&btnK=Google+Search&oq=how+to+configure+nvidia+geforce+gtx+1650+super+on+linux+mint&gs_lcp=CgZwc3ktYWIQAzIFCCEQoAEyBQghEKsCMgUIIRCrAjoOCAAQ6gIQtAIQmgEQ5QI6DgguELEDEMcBEKMCEJMCOggILhDHARCvAToLCC4QsQMQxwEQowI6CAgAELEDEIMBOggILhCxAxCDAToFCAAQsQM6AggAOgQIABAKOgYIABAWEB46CAghEBYQHRAeOgcIIRAKEKABUMsQWOmzAWD8tAFoBnAAeACAAeQGiAGhS5IBDTExLjQ3LjMuMi42LTGYAQCgAQGqAQdnd3Mtd2l6sAEG&sclient=psy-ab&ved=0ahUKEwiqz4DcvLnsAhUQLKwKHUdJBLcQ4dUDCAk&uact=5#btnK=Google%20Search&kpvalbx=_HT7HYtvhBvWtqtsP7riAiA016] | ||
*Tracer wire (blue) is required for potable water, sewer (green), gas (yellow). | *Tracer wire ('''blue''') is required for potable water, sewer ('''green'''), gas ('''yellow'''). | ||
*Tracer wire is '''not required for electrical'''. Warning tape is a good idea. | |||
**Mike Holt 2008 - warning ribbon is required for direct burial cables, whether in conduit or nott? [https://forums.mikeholt.com/threads/300-5-d-3.50604/] | |||
**This one says warning tape is not needed if you use conduit [https://www.neca-neis.org/code-question-of-the-day/code-question/cqd-for-4-9-2010#:~:text=The%20National%20Electrical%20Code%20(NEC,placed%20in%20the%20trench%20at] | |||
**Practically speaking, warning tape is useful. Use 12" or more above the line. [https://forums.mikeholt.com/threads/warning-tape-for-underground-conduits.93131/]. Point is: someone WILL dig your lines in the future. Things are modified all the time. If I had warning tape here, I would know where the first grid extension is. Now, I have to rely on a metal detector or other means. | |||
*6 colors all together - [https://www.kristechwire.com/resources/tracer-wires/?gclid=CjwKCAjwiJqWBhBdEiwAtESPaNxo0LlQ7R4n6TjvW4RsfSVnAQWUa1NNbaNGWq7NnZS90ua1iN_DEBoCCCMQAvD_BwE] | *6 colors all together - [https://www.kristechwire.com/resources/tracer-wires/?gclid=CjwKCAjwiJqWBhBdEiwAtESPaNxo0LlQ7R4n6TjvW4RsfSVnAQWUa1NNbaNGWq7NnZS90ua1iN_DEBoCCCMQAvD_BwE] | ||
*Energized electrical is dangerous becuase it has no telltale signs, unlike gas or water [https://www.today.com/news/stray-voltage-hidden-danger-can-strike-everyday-objects-1D80279142] | |||
*'''non-contact voltage tester''' - [https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-non-contact-voltage-tester/] | |||
=Water= | |||
*About tracer - warning tape may also be required in some jurisdictions [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jKJ5HS6VWQ] | |||
*UPC 604.10.1 [https://epubs.iapmo.org/2018/UPC/] - | |||
=Detection= | |||
*'''Only works 1-2 feet''' [https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/tracing-underground-electrical-wiring-metal-detector-or-other-means/] otherwise you need a pro tool at $1k and up. Tracer wire tool - [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GDZLZOU/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_image]. It emits a sound over the wire - video - [https://youtu.be/7F6_EgxA4-c?t=152]. | |||
*{{check}} in 2019 - [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F5WA6QQ/ref=pe_2640190_232586610_TE_dp_i1] | |||
*Metal detector - senses only up to 1.5 the diameter of the pickup coil. [https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/tracing-underground-electrical-wiring-metal-detector-or-other-means/] | |||
=Sourcing= | =Sourcing= | ||
*$64 for 500' of 14 ga - [https://www.usabluebook.com/p-315862-duratracetrade-14-awg-tracer-wire-blue-500-dt-b3014-500.aspx] | *Gas - 15 cents/ft for 300' [https://www.menards.com/main/plumbing/pipe-fittings/flexible-gas-pipe-fittings-accessories/pro-poly-trade-300-14-ga-coated-tracer-wire/pfsfty-14ga300i/p-1534141688661-c-9529.htm?exp=false] or 25 cents for 100' [$22/100ft - [https://www.menards.com/main/plumbing/pipe-fittings/flexible-gas-pipe-fittings-accessories/pro-poly-trade-100-14-ga-coated-tracer-wire/pfsfty-14ga100i/p-1534141688481.htm]] | ||
*Water - $64 for 500' of 14 ga - [https://www.usabluebook.com/p-315862-duratracetrade-14-awg-tracer-wire-blue-500-dt-b3014-500.aspx] | |||
*$140 of 1000' of dog fence wire 14 ga [https://www.radiofence.com/heavy-duty-pet-fence-wire-and-flag-kit-1000-feet?gclid=CjwKCAjwiJqWBhBdEiwAtESPaEafbdYsWAJxg99AVlJeI8oudKHSoDSlcY-EcXSMXV72UgQ1S6XGZBoCmrMQAvD_BwE] | *$140 of 1000' of dog fence wire 14 ga [https://www.radiofence.com/heavy-duty-pet-fence-wire-and-flag-kit-1000-feet?gclid=CjwKCAjwiJqWBhBdEiwAtESPaEafbdYsWAJxg99AVlJeI8oudKHSoDSlcY-EcXSMXV72UgQ1S6XGZBoCmrMQAvD_BwE] | ||
=About= | =About= | ||
| Line 15: | Line 33: | ||
*It's the jacket: dog fence, which claims most reliability for burial - is 14AWG XHD [https://www.petstuffwarehouse.com/dogfencewireinfo.aspx]. They say that THHN (thermoplastic high heat nylon) is inferior to XHD - ot doesn't last underground | *It's the jacket: dog fence, which claims most reliability for burial - is 14AWG XHD [https://www.petstuffwarehouse.com/dogfencewireinfo.aspx]. They say that THHN (thermoplastic high heat nylon) is inferior to XHD - ot doesn't last underground | ||
*The above indicates no difference between dog fence and tracer wire. | *The above indicates no difference between dog fence and tracer wire. | ||
*Main thing to look for is to double check it is [[Rated for Direct Burial]] | |||
=Tracer Kit= | =Tracer Kit= | ||
| Line 22: | Line 41: | ||
*Another - [https://www.menards.com/main/electrical/electrical-tools-accessories/electrical-testers/sperry-reg-instruments-lan-wire-tone-tracker-and-probe-wire-tracer/et64220/p-1444430992439-c-6452.htm] | *Another - [https://www.menards.com/main/electrical/electrical-tools-accessories/electrical-testers/sperry-reg-instruments-lan-wire-tone-tracker-and-probe-wire-tracer/et64220/p-1444430992439-c-6452.htm] | ||
=Links= | =Internal Links= | ||
*[[OSE Internet]] | *[[OSE Internet]] | ||
*[[Electronic Underground Utility Marker]] (Essentially a Environmentally Hardened and potentially also Easy to Attatch / Bury En-masse [[RFID Tag]] ) | |||
**Need a term for it, but non electronic versions exist, essentially easily detectable metal plates/rings | |||
[[Category: Earthworks]] [[Category: Electronics]] [[Category: Utilities]] | |||
Latest revision as of 00:46, 29 September 2023
About
- A type of wire used to mark the location of buried Underground Utilities
- Can be later traced with a proper Underground Wire Locator , or to an extent A Metal Decector or AM Transmitter/Receiver
- Video - [1]
- Tracer wire (blue) is required for potable water, sewer (green), gas (yellow).
- Tracer wire is not required for electrical. Warning tape is a good idea.
- Mike Holt 2008 - warning ribbon is required for direct burial cables, whether in conduit or nott? [2]
- This one says warning tape is not needed if you use conduit [3]
- Practically speaking, warning tape is useful. Use 12" or more above the line. [4]. Point is: someone WILL dig your lines in the future. Things are modified all the time. If I had warning tape here, I would know where the first grid extension is. Now, I have to rely on a metal detector or other means.
- 6 colors all together - [5]
- Energized electrical is dangerous becuase it has no telltale signs, unlike gas or water [6]
- non-contact voltage tester - [7]
Water
Detection
- Only works 1-2 feet [10] otherwise you need a pro tool at $1k and up. Tracer wire tool - [11]. It emits a sound over the wire - video - [12].
in 2019 - [13]- Metal detector - senses only up to 1.5 the diameter of the pickup coil. [14]
Sourcing
- Gas - 15 cents/ft for 300' [15] or 25 cents for 100' [$22/100ft - [16]]
- Water - $64 for 500' of 14 ga - [17]
- $140 of 1000' of dog fence wire 14 ga [18]
About
- Different techniques are used. Radar can find pipe, or induction-based emitter/sensor. Or the tracer wirewhere you connect to a wire. [19]
- There is jetting-vaccuum to dig in sensitive areas. Could do pressure washer as needed.
About Wire Quality
- It's the jacket: dog fence, which claims most reliability for burial - is 14AWG XHD [20]. They say that THHN (thermoplastic high heat nylon) is inferior to XHD - ot doesn't last underground
- The above indicates no difference between dog fence and tracer wire.
- Main thing to look for is to double check it is Rated for Direct Burial
Tracer Kit
- Useful Amazon reviews - clip to ground and wire you want to trace. Then use the sensor. [21]
- Harbor Freight [22] - manual []
- You energize a wire and use a detector - [23]
- Another - [24]
Internal Links
- OSE Internet
- Electronic Underground Utility Marker (Essentially a Environmentally Hardened and potentially also Easy to Attatch / Bury En-masse RFID Tag )
- Need a term for it, but non electronic versions exist, essentially easily detectable metal plates/rings