Tracer Wire Guide for Underground Utility Locating

Tracer wire is installed with non-metallic underground utilities so the buried route can be located later from the surface.

It is commonly used with gas, water, sewer, irrigation, communication conduit and other underground infrastructure where the pipe or conduit itself cannot be located electrically.

This guide covers how tracer wire works, conductor construction, utility-identification colors, insulation, Open Trench versus HDD installation, and the main technical details used when comparing tracer wire products.

What Is Tracer Wire?

Tracer wire, sometimes called locator wire or locating wire, is an insulated conductor installed along a buried non-metallic utility. A locating transmitter can apply a signal to the wire, allowing a receiver above ground to follow the route.

Its function is to provide a continuous electrical path for underground utility locating.

How Tracer Wire Works

The locating system needs access to the tracer wire at a test station, valve box or another termination point. A transmitter places a signal on the conductor, and the receiver follows that signal from the surface.

Continuity is important. Splices, connectors, terminations and damaged insulation can affect the locating circuit.

Where Tracer Wire Is Used

Tracer wire is commonly installed with non-metallic underground utilities including:

• Natural gas distribution and service lines
• Potable water and municipal water systems
• Sewer, drainage and wastewater lines
• Irrigation and reclaimed-water systems
• Telecom and fiber conduit
• Other non-metallic underground utility routes

Gas-Line Tracer Wire   ·   Water-Line Tracer Wire

Tracer Wire Colors and Utility Identification

In North American utility work, tracer wire insulation is commonly selected to match the utility color convention. The APWA Uniform Color Code provides the following facility-identification references.

Color	Utility Identification
Yellow	Gas, oil, steam, petroleum or gaseous materials
Blue	Potable water
Green	Sewers and drain lines
Orange	Communication, alarm or signal lines, cables or conduit
Red	Electric power lines, cables, conduit and lighting cables
Purple	Reclaimed water, irrigation and slurry lines

Reference: APWA Uniform Color Code

CCS Tracer Wire vs Solid Copper Tracer Wire

Copper-clad steel and solid copper can both provide a conductive locating path, but the conductor constructions have different mechanical and commercial characteristics.

Learn more about CCS tracer wire construction

30 Mil / 30V and 45 Mil / 600V Tracer Wire

AITE Cable's current CCS tracer wire range uses HMWPE/HDPE direct-burial insulation in the following constructions:

Open Trench vs HDD Tracer Wire

Open Trench and HDD are different installation methods, and AITE separates its CCS tracer wire range accordingly.

Open Trench / Open Cut

AITE's Open Trench range includes High-Flex and High-Strength solid CCS tracer wire. High-Flex uses copper-clad soft steel for easier routing and handling, while High-Strength uses copper-clad hard steel for higher product break load.

Both series are available in 30 mil / 30V and 45 mil / 600V constructions. View Open Trench specifications .

HDD / Horizontal Directional Drilling

AITE's current HDD range uses Extra High-Strength solid CCS tracer wire in 12, 10 and 8 AWG with 45 mil / 600V HMWPE/HDPE insulation.

View HDD specifications   ·   Read the detailed Open Trench vs HDD comparison

Tracer Wire Installation Basics

• Maintain a continuous locating path along the utility route.
• Use suitable connectors and protect underground splices from moisture.
• Provide accessible connection or test points where required.
• Avoid cuts, damaged insulation and unnecessary sharp bends.
• Confirm the required conductor construction for the installation method.
• Use the utility-identification color specified for the project.

What to Check When Sourcing Tracer Wire

When comparing tracer wire products, check the complete construction and purchasing requirements.

• Conductor material and strength series
• AWG and required break load
• Insulation material, thickness and voltage rating
• Utility color and surface marking
• Reel or drum length and packaging
• Technical documents required for project or supplier review

AITE supplies solid CCS tracer wire on a specification basis with OEM options for insulation color, marking, reel or drum length, labeling and packaging. Common reel lengths are 500 ft, 1,000 ft and 2,500 ft; other lengths are available upon request.

Technical References

Utility identification: APWA Uniform Color Code

AITE product data: AITE CCS Tracer Wire Datasheet

Tracer Wire FAQs

What is tracer wire used for?

Tracer wire provides a conductive locating path alongside non-metallic underground utilities so the buried route can later be detected from the surface.

What does CCS tracer wire mean?

CCS means copper-clad steel. The conductor has a steel core with copper cladding and is different from CCA, solid copper and stainless-steel wire.

Can AITE Cable customize tracer wire?

Yes. OEM options include insulation color, surface marking, reel or drum length, labeling, packaging and private-label requirements.

Need CCS Tracer Wire for a Project or OEM Order?

Have a project specification, current supplier datasheet, drawing or RFQ? Send it directly to AITE with the estimated quantity.

If a complete specification is not available, send the AWG, insulation thickness, color and estimated quantity.

Jack · International Sales | Cable & Wire Projects

Jack works with AITE Cable customers on cable and wire specifications, OEM and private-label requirements, packaging, project RFQs and production coordination.

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