Copper HMWPE Tracer Wire

Copper HMWPE Tracer Wire

Tracer Wire

Also known as locator wire, this direct-burial rated single-conductor wire helps trace underground utilities and other assets, including pipes, wiring, nonconductive tubing, fiber optic cables, and other products. It is designed to carry an electrical signal for locating purposes.

Get a Quote
PDF
Email Spec

Feature Quick View:

Direct
Burial Rated Direct
Burial Rated
Corrosion Resistance Corrosion Resistance
600 V Maximum Voltage

KrisTech’s copper tracer wire can be used for locating underground assets, including cables or pipes. It’s a low-cost method of finding utilities while preventing expensive and potentially dangerous digging accidents.

Typically, a frequency generator is connected directly to the tracer wire, then a high or low frequency signal is applied. In the passive method, power voltages are sometimes applied at a frequency of 50-60 Hz.

Size #14 AWG is most appropriate for installation in an open trench and #12 AWG is usually used in conjunction with a trenching machine. For directional boring applications, where higher strength is required, #10 AWG soft or hard copper is used.

Our tracer wire is available in both 30 V and 600 V versions and can safely operate at temperatures up to 75°C in wet and dry locations.

Standard Products

  • Sizes #18 through #4 AWG
  • Solid in sizes up to #4 AWG, stranded configuration available in all sizes
  • Hard-drawn copper available
  • Available in all colors as standardized by the American Public Works Association (APWA) Uniform Color Code for Underground Utility Lines

KrisTech’s copper HMWPE tracer wire meets the following standards and tests, including:

  • ASTM B-1, B-3, and B-8
  • UL 2989
  • ICEA S-70-547 and S-95-658/NEMA WC70

  • Conductors – Single conductors are available in solid or stranded and annealed or hardened uncoated copper configurations.
  • Insulation – Conductors are insulated with a concentrically applied HMWPE (high molecular weight polyethylene). HMWPE provides excellent abrasion, crush, chemical, and moisture resistance. LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene) is standard, and HDPE (high-density polyethylene) is available on request.

Print legends on the wire include the manufacturer, conductor size, voltage rating, UL symbol (if applicable) and type designation. Standard length spools are 500 or 2,500 feet.

Print Legend

  • KRISTECH WIRE CO. #XX AWG PE TRACER WIRE – DIRECT BURIAL USE ONLY
  • KRISTECH WIRE CO. #XX AWG HDPE TRACER WIRE – DIRECT BURIAL USE ONLY
  • KRISTECH WIRE CO. #XX AWG PE-XX TRACER WIRE XXV (UL) E488608

Wire Paralleling and Cabling

Multiple wire runs on one reel

Colors

Choose from 12 insulation colors

Wire Dyeing

Change the color of your conductor’s PVC insulation

Wire Striping

Add a parallel or twist stripe to any single-conductor insulated wire

Custom Print Legend

Both standard and custom print legends available

Custom Lengths

Cut and ship any length coils or reels

Packaging

Custom product labeling, shipment identification markers, and optional knock-out boxes

Labeling

Custom product identifiers available

Specifications

Solid Tracer Wire
AWG Breaking Pounds Soft / Hard Insulation Thickness (Mils) 30/600V Nominal Overall Diameter (Inches) Bending Radius (Inches) Approx. Shipping Weight (Lbs/1000') Ampacity @ 75°C*
18 47 / 85 30 / 45 0.10 / 0.13 0.40 / 0.52 8 / 10 -
16 74 / 135 30 / 45 0.11 / 0.14 0.44 / 0.56 11 / 13 -
14 124 / 210 30 / 45 0.12 / 0.15 0.50 / 0.62 16 / 19 20
12 198 / 340 30 / 45 0.14 / 0.17 0.56 / 0.68 24 / 27 25
10 310 / 530 30 / 45 0.16 / 0.19 0.65 / 0.77 37 / 40 35
8 480 / 820 30 / 45 0.19 / 0.22 0.75 / 0.87 57 / 61 50
6 760 / 1280 30 / 45 0.22 / 0.25 0.89 / 1.01 88 / 93 65
4 1180 / 1300 30 / 45 0.26 / 0.29 1.06 / 1.18 138 / 143 85
*Ampacity is from NEC Article 310. Check with local codes authority for guidance with your application.
Stranded Tracer Wire
AWG Number of Strands Insulation Thickness 30V/600V (Mils) Nominal Overall Diameter 30V/600V (Inches) Bending Radius 30V/600V (Inches) Approx. Shipping Weight 30V/600V (Lbs./1000') Ampacity @ 75°C*
14 7 30 / 45 0.13 / 0.16 0.52 / 0.64 16 / 19 20
12 7 30 / 45 0.15 / 0.18 0.60 / 0.72 25 / 28 25
10 7 30 / 45 0.18 / 0.21 0.72 / 0.84 37 / 40 35
8 7 30 / 45 0.21 / 0.24 0.84 / 0.96 57 / 62 50
6 7 30 / 45 0.24 / 0.27 0.96 / 1.08 89 / 94 65
4 7 30 / 45 0.29 / 0.32 1.16 / 1.28 138 / 144 85
2 7 30 / 45 0.35 / 0.38 1.41 / 1.53 224 / 230 115
*Ampacity is from NEC Article 310. Check with local codes authority for guidance with your application.

Don’t Let Delays Sideline Your Next Project

Stay on track and on budget with KrisTech. Our team is ready to help you find the wire you need without the long wait times.



Alt test text

Industry Insights

View All Resources

EXPLORE OUR NEWSLETTERS