what size tracer wire?

[gear junkie]

What size and kind of tracer wire is needed for future detection of underground non metallic piping? I can't find anything in the international and we don't use UPC.

[mff]

I do not know if there are any specific regulations or codes for your area or for the particular project you are working on, however I have personnaly traced very fine guage wire that was installed for tracer wire. so fine that just attaching the clamp caused the end of it to break.

If you are looking to trace out a non-metalic pipe, I have also used standard fish tape to trace 4 inch plastic laterals. If you are planning on burying a wire, 12 guage insulated copper wire (open to ground at the far end) appears to be very common.

The trick to using fish tape to trace the line is to push it as far into the line as possible and make sure you have a good ground for the transmitter. A moiste pipe with moist soil conditions works best.

Remember, you are trying to locate a field that is generated from current flow. Basically put, the easier it is to flow electricity down the line into the soil and back into the transmitter, the more current that can flow and the better the locate.

[apf]

IPC/IPG ,not less than 18 awg insulated wire.I usually run 12 awg.

[apf]

I meant IPC/IGC

[gear junkie]

where's it at in the ipc, I couldn't find it.

[PLUMBER RICK]

i too run #12 since i have a 2500' spool. i never come up with cut offs.

i use this for gas hdpe pipe.

rick.

[ToUtahNow]

where's it at in the ipc, I couldn't find it.


IFGC 404.14.3 - Direct burial yellow 18 AWG

Mark :cool:

[apf]

IT's not in the IPC,just a part of the international codes,didn't mean to mislead you.

[toolaholic]

What's the Gas Co. use??