Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-06-02 Origin: Site
CCS tracer wire, also called copper-clad steel tracer wire, is a conductive wire installed with non-metallic underground pipelines or conduits so buried utility routes can be located from the surface.
It is widely used in gas, water, sewer, telecom, irrigation, and municipal infrastructure projects where underground utilities need to be traced after installation and backfilling.
CCS tracer wire is made with a copper-clad steel conductor. The copper layer provides a conductive path for locating signals, while the steel core provides mechanical strength for underground utility installation.
In a typical project, the tracer wire is installed alongside a non-metallic pipe or conduit. After the utility line is buried, locating crews can connect to the wire and trace the route from the surface using locating equipment.
A solid CCS conductor combines copper conductivity with steel strength. This structure helps provide signal continuity while improving mechanical durability compared with softer conductor options.
The insulation protects the conductor in underground environments and helps resist moisture, chemicals, oil, impact, crush, and abrasion.
Non-metallic underground utilities, such as PE or PVC pipelines, cannot be detected as easily as metallic pipes. Tracer wire provides a conductive path that helps locating crews identify the underground route before excavation, maintenance, or repair.
| Application | Typical Use |
|---|---|
| Gas Pipelines | Installed with non-metallic gas lines for future locating and route identification. |
| Water Systems | Used with potable water lines, service lines, and municipal water infrastructure. |
| Sewer and Drain Lines | Used for sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and drainage utility locating. |
| Telecom and Fiber Ducts | Installed with non-metallic communication ducts or conduit systems. |
| Irrigation and Reclaimed Water | Used in irrigation, reclaimed water, and utility infrastructure projects. |
Different installation methods require different tracer wire constructions. Open trench projects often focus on handling, flexibility, and standard burial durability. HDD and trenchless installation require higher break load because the wire may be exposed to pulling force.
| Installation Method | Recommended Series | Main Requirement | Related AITE Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Trench / Open Cut | High-Flex or High-Strength CCS Tracer Wire | Field handling, flexibility, direct burial insulation, or higher break load for demanding backfill. | Open Trench CCS Tracer Wire |
| HDD / Directional Drilling | Extra High-Strength CCS Tracer Wire | Higher pulling force, longer runs, trenchless installation, and rugged soil conditions. | HDD CCS Tracer Wire |
| Series | Main Purpose | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| High-Flex CCS Tracer Wire | Easier handling, better flexibility, and lower recoil. | Open trench, open cut, plow-in, blow-in, conduit, and frequent bending. |
| High-Strength CCS Tracer Wire | Higher break load and stronger installation durability. | Longer open trench runs, trenching, plowing, and demanding backfill conditions. |
| Extra High-Strength CCS Tracer Wire | Maximum strength for pulling and trenchless installation. | HDD, directional drilling, boring, and trenchless utility projects. |
Before selecting CCS tracer wire, buyers should confirm the installation method, wire gauge, insulation thickness, voltage rating if required, color, marking, spool length, packing, and estimated quantity.
| Specification Item | Common Options |
|---|---|
| Conductor | Solid copper-clad steel conductor |
| Conductivity | 21% IACS |
| Insulation | HMWPE/HDPE direct burial insulation |
| Insulation Thickness | 30 mil or 45 mil |
| Voltage Rating | 30V or 600V depending on insulation construction and project specification |
| Spool Length | 500 ft, 1000 ft, 2500 ft, or custom length |
| Customization | Color, wire marking, spool length, packing, and project-specific requirements |
Tracer wire insulation color is commonly selected according to utility type, project specification, or APWA color code practice. Color helps contractors and locating crews identify the type of buried utility associated with the wire.
| Color | Typical Utility Application |
|---|---|
| Yellow | Natural gas, oil, steam, petroleum, or hazardous material lines |
| Blue | Water systems and potable water lines |
| Green | Sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and drain lines |
| Orange | Communication, cable television, fiber optic, alarm, or signal lines |
| Red | Electrical power lines, cables, conduit, and lighting cables |
| Purple | Reclaimed water, irrigation, or slurry lines |
| Black / White / Custom | Project-specific or engineer-specified applications |
AITE Cable supports custom insulation colors, wire marking, spool lengths, and packaging for OEM and private-label buyers.
Both copper-clad steel and solid copper tracer wire can be used for underground utility locating. The right choice depends on project specification, installation method, mechanical strength requirement, budget, and buyer preference.
| Factor | CCS Tracer Wire | Solid Copper Tracer Wire |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Strength | Often selected when higher break load or installation durability is required. | Generally softer and may be selected where the specification requires solid copper. |
| Signal Locating | Provides a conductive path for locating equipment. | Provides high copper conductivity for locating signal transmission. |
| Cost Consideration | Can be cost-effective depending on copper price, specification, and order quantity. | May have higher material cost due to copper content. |
| Application Fit | Commonly used for open trench, plow-in, and HDD options when properly selected. | Used where project specifications require solid copper conductor. |
Always follow the project specification. If a project requires solid copper, do not substitute CCS without approval from the project owner, engineer, or utility authority.
A complete RFQ helps the manufacturer recommend the correct CCS tracer wire construction and provide a more accurate quotation.
Download the AITE Cable CCS Tracer Wire datasheet for open trench, open cut, and HDD underground utility locating applications. The datasheet includes product series, wire gauge, break load, insulation, standards, packing, and RFQ information.
Download CCS Tracer Wire DatasheetFor open trench, open cut, plow-in, conduit, and general underground utility locating applications.
For horizontal directional drilling, boring, trenchless installation, and higher pulling force applications.
CCS tracer wire means copper-clad steel tracer wire. It uses a steel core with a copper layer to provide mechanical strength and a conductive path for locating signals.
Yes. AITE Cable CCS tracer wire uses HMWPE/HDPE insulation designed for direct burial underground utility locating applications.
Open trench tracer wire is used where the ground is excavated during installation. HDD tracer wire is used for directional drilling or trenchless installation and typically requires higher break load.
Yes. AITE Cable supports OEM customization for insulation color, wire marking, spool length, packaging, and project-specific requirements.
AITE Cable manufactures solid copper-clad steel tracer wire for open trench, HDD, and underground utility locating applications. OEM customization is available for color, marking, spool length, and packaging.
