March 2011, Vol. 66 No. 3
New Products
New Trace-Safe Water Blocking Tracer Wire Ideal For Directional Boring, Trenching Applications
Trace-Safe, a new water blocking tracer wire that lasts longer, costs less than traditional solid copper tracer wire, and provides enhanced protection to both workers and pipelines, is now available from NEPTCO Inc.
Ideal for the gas, sewer, water, reclamation and telecom markets, Trace-Safe is the only water blocking tracer wire on the market today. It features a 19-gauge solid copper conductor at its core, polyolefin insulation material, specially designed water blocking yarns, and a HDPE outer jacket. This unique construction gives Trace-Safe its unparalleled tensile and break strength and ultimately extends the life of the tracer wire.
According to Larry Shelton, Neptco Business Unit Manager, “Our research indicates that corrosion with traditional solid copper and copper copper-clad steel is a significant problem in the utility industry. If a tracer wire’s conductor is susceptible to corrosion, it will inevitably break down and interfere with signal strength. But Trace-Safe has unique water-blocking characteristics, so its conductor will not corrode. Combine that with its inherently higher signal strength, and you get easier and more precise location, which is especially important when locating gas and sewer lines. In addition, its higher break strength and lower cost is very attractive to those who specify tracer wire.”
Trace-Safe has undergone rigorous testing to determine both signal strength and the effects of lightning on a metallic conductor. In terms of signal strength and locating ability, Trace-Safe was field tested by Mike Parilac at Staking University at Monteno, IL. When compared to traditional solid copper and CCS, Trace-Safe delivered higher signal strength and achieved superior locating results versus 12-gauge copper. During a lightning strike simulation conducted at Lightning Technologies Inc., Pittsfield, MA, Trace-Safe did not conduct an electrical current when struck by lightning. This enhances worker safety and can help prevent damage to the pipeline.
Trace-Safe is available in lightweight, recyclable plastic reels in 1,800-pound strength. Reels are color-coded by market for easy identification. 800.354.5445, www.NeptcoTracerWire.com
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